2014-05-28 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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Review and discussion of Cost of Government Commission's request for feedback (attached to original minutes) - Some SWD contracts have been rebid to reduce expenditures. - The department is looking at revenue enhancement such as sewer rate increases and continued collection of past due accounts to reduce budget needs. - The Chair will prepare the Commission's response and submit for review by the Corporation Counsel shortly. Review and discussion of FY 2014-2015 Budget (attached to original minutes) - The amended budget was distributed. - Commissioner Randle requested that the department provide the commission with their capital improvement priority list for communication of the department needs to their communities and council candidates. - The commission supports having cameras at the transfer stations as a way to reduce illegal dumping at the gate. Referral of Bill 194, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 21, Article 4, Section 21-32 of the Hawai i County Code relating to Billing of Charges; Payment; Late penalty, from Council Committee on Finance for Review and Comment - This bill authorizes the Department of Water Supply to shut off water to customers that are delinquent in paying their sewer fees. Referral of Bill 195, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 21, Article 4, Section 21-32 of the Hawaii County Code relating to Billing of Charges; Payment; Late Penalty, from Council Committee on Finance for Review and comment, amending interest rate of late payment fees - This bill reduces the interest rate from 1 '/2% to I% bringing it in line with the other county departments. Commissioner Randle made a motion for the commission to provide a positive endorsement of Bills 194 and 195. Commissioner Lim seconded the motion and it passed unanimously with members present: Lee, Fear, Lim, Nahm-Mijo, Randle voting yes. 7. NEW BUSINESS Sewer Connection Waiver/Exemption Policy Update to include expected date of implementation - This item was deferred to the June 25h meeting. 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - Wastewater treatment plant site visits: Hilo, Kula`imano, Papa`ikou - Solid Waste site visits: South Hilo Sanitary Landfill, West Hawai' i Sanitary Landfill, transfer stations 9. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS June 25 Aupuni Center Conf Room, Hilo, HI July 23 WHCC Community Meeting Hale (Bldg G) Kailua-Kona, HI August 27 Aupuni Center Conf Room, Hilo, HI September 24 WHCC Community Meeting Hale (Bldg G) Kailua-Kona, HI October 22 Aupuni Center Conf Room, Hilo, HI November 26 WHCC Community Meeting Hale (Bldg G) Kailua-Kona, HI December No meeting The Chair recessed the meeting at 11:06 a.m. to travel to the Kealakehe WWTP. The meeting was reconvened at 11:30 a.m. with a tour of the plant provided by Toni Nakatani, Acting Supervisor. 10. ADJOURNMENT County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.