2002-10-23 Enviromental Management Commission Minutes

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soon thereafter as possible, that would increase the landfill tipping fee, as proposed by the Environmental Management Department Director, by $5 a ton per year for 5 years. Witcher seconded the motion. Witcher made a motion After additional fee data was reviewed (attached to original minutes), to amend the motion as follows: That this Commission recommend that a bill go before the County Council in December, or as soon thereafter as possible, that would increase the landfill tipping fee, as proposed by the Environmental Management Department Director, by $5 a ton per year, or higher, for 5 years.Frankel seconded the amendment motion. Motion to amend carried unanimously. Commissioners voted on motion as amended. Motion was passed una RETIREMENT: Capellas will retire December 30, 2002 and has offered his services on a part time contractual basis to coordinate development of the SORT station and landfill closure. Waimea Supervisor I will also retire December 2002 and the island-wide Operations Superintendent will retire in February 2003. Capellas recommended that supervisory positions be ÐOpenÑ recruitment. Smith thanked Capellas for his years of service. Aggressive recruitment has already begun for his replacement. A member of the commission will be included in the selection committee. ANTICIPATED BUDGET 2003-2004: SWD is proposing a heavy increase of approximately $1 million in the operating budget for next fiscal year which includes replacement equipment as well as long haul equipment. WEST HAWAIÒI LANDFILL: Capellas recommended the commission support the Director in an effort to turn the West HawaiÒi Landfill operation back to Waste Management Inc. The four county employees can be transferred to Waimea and Kona, closer to their homes. Money will be saved in fuel and equipment costs. Smith requested Capellas to consult with the unions and to report to the commission the additional costs or savings to the county as a result of this turn- back. Commissioner Jones questioned why not build a new landfill in Hilo. Bell will provide analysis on a landfill vs. SORT station at the next meeting. Wastewater Division ChiefÓs Report (attached to original minutes) SEWER CONNECTION EXEMPTIONS: (1) DOH will take no action to enforce Chapter 62, HawaiÒi Administrative Rules on the county. It is the individual homeowners who are in violation. (2) Some EPA grant conditions and State Revolving Fund loan agreement terms are being violated, which could technically require a portion, or all of the funds, be returned. (3) Because of the right-of-entry previously given through Keaukaha Hawaiian Homes to build the treatment plant, virtually all Hawaiian Homes along the sewer line are indefinitely exempt from connection. There are approximately 100 exemptions island-wide. (4) Corporation Counsel was requested to offer comments clarifying the potential implication at the next meeting, to assist in moving this ordinance forward to Council. -3-