HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013/02/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session ,f/ St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 19, 2013
The meeting convened at 6:50 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity, Julia Ross, Susan
Sanger, Sue Santa, and Jake Spano.
Councilmembers absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin), Public
Works Coordinator (Mr. Merkley), Communications Specialist (Mr. Rose), and Recording
Secretary(Ms. Hughes).
1. 2013 - 2018 Solid Waste Collection Proposals
Mr. Rardin presented the staff report and four proposals for providing residential garbage,
recycling, yard waste, and organic waste collection services. He noted that all organic waste
collection would be the same from the resident's perspective except the color of bag and cart or
cart lid might be a different color. He added the City would provide the compostable bags for
organic recycling. He then presented the proposal options summary and indicated Options 1, 2,
and 3 include organic waste recycling. He advised that Option 1 consists of co-collection with
organic waste dropped into the yard waste cart and this option would consist of three carts and
two haulers. He stated Option 2 would consist of one hauler and this hauler indicated the
contract would be"all or nothing" and residents would have two carts under Option 2. He stated
that Option 3 consists of one hauler and residents would have a cart for trash, a cart for recycling,
and a designated cart for organic waste only; the yard waste would be handled separately, as it is
currently being done. He indicated Option 3 would have the most carts and would require the
most trucks. He stated the City would like to have organic waste collection offered on a
subscription basis where residents sign up for this service at no additional cost. He added the
City might want to charge for the compostable bags.
Councilmember Santa stated there will be a significant educational component with the organic
recycling to make sure residents are recycling their organic waste appropriately.
Councilmember Ross asked if there is a way to put a lock on the containers to keep vermin out.
Mr. Merkley stated that Option 3 has containers with locking lids that are not the typical cart
used for garbage or yard waste.
Councilmember Sanger requested further information regarding the various haulers and their
experience with organic waste collection. She also requested further information about the
hauler's right to add a fuel surcharge during the term of the contract with the City. She also
asked if the haulers have provided information regarding contamination rates.
Mr. Merkley replied that all of the,haulers have had some experience with organic waste
recycling and stated most organic waste recycling programs are pilot programs being conducted
on a small scale. He stated that the Option 2 hauler has more experience in this area and the
Option 1 and 3 haulers are doing organic waste recycling in other areas around the Twin Cities.
He stated that the overall success of the organic waste recycling program among the haulers is
comparable and the City has not heard any negatives regarding their programs. He advised that
Special Study Session Minutes -2- February 19, 2013
the Option 1 hauler is proposing a fuel surcharge and their proposal has surcharges built in every
year. He stated the Option 3 hauler has included a fuel surcharge for yard waste and no fuel
surcharge is proposed under Option 2. He noted that the City has factored in a fuel surcharge in
all cases into the staff cost analysis. He advised the City has been provided with information
regarding contamination residuals from all haulers and agreed to provide that information to
Council, adding that the contamination residuals are at acceptable levels and meet MPCA
requirements.
Councilmember Santa requested confirmation that organic waste recycling is going to increase
the City's cost by approximately$270,000.
Mr. Rardin stated this was correct adding this figure is based on 50% household participation in
the organic waste recycling program.
Councilmember Mavity asked if the City has any way to measure whether organic waste
recycling will result in a reduction of the City's carbon footprint and stated she would like to see
the environmental benefits factored into the cost of the program.
Mr. Merkley agreed to follow-up on this.
Councilmember Sanger stated it is possible that residents will not sign up for organic waste
recycling and asked if there was some way to include an early out in the contract to end organic
waste recycling if participation levels are unacceptable to the City. She also expressed concern
about the significant cost difference between Options 1, 2, and 3 and potential service issues.
Mr. Rardin advised that all of the haulers have different capabilities and different business
models and the haulers have bid whatever fits their situation. He stated the summary provided to
Council includes total program costs for an entire year.
Councilmember Mavity thanked Mr. Rardin and Mr. Merkley for all their work on this, and
Council expressed support for proceeding with Option 1.
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
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