HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment Period - BOCCOpen Public Meeting
Drop Box Closure — Public Comment
February 23,, 2021
3:00 p.m.
In Attendance via WebEx
Cindy Carter., Chair
Danny E. Stone, Vice -Chair
Rob Jones, Member
Barbara J. Vasquez, Clerk of the Board
Public: See attached
The Commissioners held an Open Public Meeting to take comment on the recommendation of the Solid
Waste Advisory Committee (SWAG) to close the Mattawa and Coulee City drop boxes.
Sam Castro, Public Works Director, began by stating the Board and Public Works have received
numerous comments requesting to keep the drop boxes open, primarily the Mattawa drop box. He
stated this is a fee-based service and not provided from taxes that people pay.
Commissioner Stone presented a PowerPoint Presentation and also stated that he has received many
calls on this topic and wants to do what is best for the residents of Grant County.
There were 18 participants on the WebEx virtual meeting. Most participants wanted to request that the
Mattawa drop box remain open. The drive time from Mattawa/Desert Aire to the Ephrata Landfill is
approximately 2 hours round trip. That's too long. It was understood that the drop box needed to
support itself. If closed, there would be more trash along the sides of the road, especially during events
in the area.
Lars Leland, Port of Moses Lake stated if it were to be kept open, the Port is willing to be a participant
and possibly sign a lease with Waste Management.
Mark Wash,, Consolidated Disposal stated that Douglas County has a Collection District where they
contract with a private organization. Maybe this could be looked in to for Grant County? Reach out to
Waste Management.
The Commissioners thanked everyone and will take all of the comments under consideration.