2011-01-26 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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Solid Waste Division Report (attached to original minutes) The division will be purchasing a new D8 dozer. Solutions to better maintain the equipment: Have a department maintenance facility separate from the County Automotive Division facility that has responsibility to maintain all county vehicles; or Contracted maintenance agreements; or Find a way to expedite the purchasing process. Negotiations are ongoing with owners to purchase a property for a new Ocean View Transfer and Recycling Station. In the meantime, temporary Saturday collections continue. With decreases in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, transfer station hours may need to be decreased. The department has the appropriation and funds to build the Hilo base yard facility. There will be a pilot program beginning in April to utilize the Sort Station to divert recyclables. A feasibility study is being prepared relating to expansion of the South Hilo Landfill. Wastewater Division Report (attached to original minutes) The Division Director’s Report (attached to original minutes) –There were no additional questions. Commission Member District Update Reports DISTRICT 1: Commissioner Enright met with Councilmember Yagong and updated him on the construction costs of the wastewater project in the district. DISTRICT 9: Commissioner Warner spoke with Councilmember Hoffmann and reported that the plastic bag reduction ordinance will be on a February Council agenda. He is also working on an impact fees bill. Sub-Committee Reports - None UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.- None NEW BUSINESS 7. (continued) Discussion on Public Outreach relating to implementation of the green waste tipping fee (HCC 20-49(a)(2) and banning of green waste (Resolution 826-08) from the county solid waste facilities (Resolutions attached to original minutes.) The Director asked the commission members to engage and educate their communities on the green waste tipping fee and ban. He asked that they provide input to the department from these engagements. Discussion on reformatting Commission Meeting Agenda It was the consensus of the members to: -Reduce the reports being submitted to the Commission to the Director’s Report only which would include legislation and a summary of the divisions’ activities; -Invite Council members to do presentations to the commission relating to council items that impact the department; -Invite department staff to do presentations at the meetings relating to agenda items; and -Continue to include site visits.