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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Hearing - Solid WasteOpen Record Public Hearing Solid Waste Management Fund Disposal Fee Rate Increase September 29, 2020 1:30 p.m. In Attendance: all via WEBEX conference call Cindy Carter, Chair Tom Taylor, Vice -Chair Richard Stevens, Member Barbara J. Vasquez, Clerk of the Board Sam Castro, Public Works Director Sam Dart, Assistant Public Works Director Keith Elefson, County Engineer Ruth Mina, Public Works Public: See sign in sheet 1:39 p.m. The Commissioners held an Open Record Public Hearing to take public comment regarding the proposed Solid Waste Management Fund Disposal Fee Rate Increase. A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Stevens, to allow 3 minutes per individual for public comment. The motion passed unanimously. 1:43 p.m. Sam Castro, Public Works Director, discussed the waste management fund increase that he is proposing. He is needing to establish a reserve fund for the closure of the current landfill. They must finance $27 million dollars for this project by 2034. The proposed increase for that reserve is $6.00/ton. The annual operating costs .15 health district, .85 abatement fund. $1.00/ton. Annual operating costs are $4,371,927.00 proposed rate per ton to fund this is $38.10. Grant County currently has the lowest rates in the state. Final proposed amount for landfill tipping fees is $47.62/ton which is 71 %. 2:00 p.m. Lars Leland, Port of Mattawa, recommends keeping their drop box open, illegal dumping in the area has doubled and would be worse without the drop box. 2:02 p.m. Joe Harris, City of Mattawa, appreciates being involved in the discussions and is willing to assist in any way. 2:04 p.m. Sam Castro mentioned that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee voted to recommend the closure of the Coulee City drop box. The SWAC also voted to have Sam Castro review the Mattawa drop box and present that information to the County Commissioners. 2:06 p.m. Pam Thorsen of the Desert Aire - Safety and Security Committee, has been working with the Port and City of Mattawa to find a good solution for waste in South Grant County. 2:08 p.m. Cindy Jensen, Finance Director for the City of Moses Lake, stated she understands the need for a rate increase but does not understand how there needs to be an increase of 71 %. She would like to see the details of the landfill budget. She understands there is a need for an increase but why 71 %. Commissioner Carter stated that quite a few letters/emails have been received and will be added to the file. A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Stevens to close the public comment portion of the hearing. The motion passed unanimously. Another public hearing will be forthcoming to make the final decisions on the rate increase.