2012-09-26 Minutes Environmental Management Commission

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FOLLOW-UP FROM LAST MEETING UPDATE ON DEPARTMENT'S MEETING WITH DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY (DWS)TO FURTHER DISCUSS JOINT BILLING EFFORTS: • The latest meeting with DWS staff was Tuesday, September 25`h. The previous meeting was on August 9, 2012 which touched on the workflow process for water shut-off and receipt of status of relevant water account information so that anticipated water shut-off accounts can be prioritized. • DWS is reviewing logistical issues and more discussion will be needed to move forward. • Commissioner Randle wants to attend the next DEM/DWS meeting and also requested that the DWS Manager be invited to a future commission meeting. • A sewer rate increase is contingent upon having a solid plan in place with DWS for joint billing and sewer shut-off due to nonpayment of sewer accounts. UPDATE ON STATUS OF DELINQUENCIES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE EFFORTS: • Wastewater accounts receivable balance: $1,657,245 of which 61% is over 90 days • Solid Waste accounts receivable balance: $2,415,824 of which 64% is over 90 days • Out of the 33 lawsuits filed, 11 judgments have been received. Out of the 11 judgments; 4 payment programs have been set up and regular payments are being received. • Commissioner Randle requested statistics on the Sort Station in the next report. Commissioner District Update Reports: - DISTRICT 2: Councilmember Ikeda is supportive of monthly commission meetings, allowing the commission to be more proactive and provide input to the council. - DISTRICT 4: Councilmember Onishi supports a waste-to-energy facility. - DISTRICT 5: Commissioner Ruderman attended an Awards Ceremony at the new Pahoia Transfer Station. - DISTRICT 6: Some Na'Alehu residents have shared concerns about the new WWTP and farmers in the area are discussing ways to possibly reuse the wastewater for agriculture purposes. - DISTRICT 9: The reopening of the Waimea reuse facility was welcomed by the residents. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Commissioner Anne Lee's Report on Available Grants for the Department and changeiof research scope to include other funding sources • Lee is researching available WWTP federal grants and how to proceed in applying for federal money. • Lee will discuss further details with the Director and bring a report back to the commission. Sub-committee report on Meeting Schedule and procedures for changing the Commission Rules to accommodate monthly meetings, to include the requirements of Bill 236 which amends Hawai'i County Code Ch. 2, Art. 40, Section 2-207 to specify that the commission forward comments/recommendations on solid waste and wastewater matters to the council, and submit comments and recommendations on all legislation relating to the Department of Environmental Management. - Chair Warner distributed a draft revision of the Commission Rules and Regulations for discussion as follows: (attached to original minutes) 1-5 Meetings (a) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held on a monthly basis on the fourth Wednesday and shall alternate between Hilo and Kona ( , • • • • ' , • • •, ' , - • • • • • , . • 1, unless otherwise specified by the Commission.