1990-04-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes April 24, 1990 Page 3 Public Hearing - 7:37-9:55 p.m. Benke explained that Council has adopted the issue of recycling and solid waste as one of its major Future Focus priorities. A work session was held in March with the Council, haulers, Ramsey County staff, City staff, EQC members, and interested citizens. In this work session the members accomplished the task of forming a policy basis for the Council's solid waste policy framework. It was noted that the City of Arden Hills received credit for the volume of yard waste deposited by New Brighton and other communities at the composting site in Arden Hills. This finding confirms that Ramsey County has underestimated New Bri ghton I s efforts in yard waste composting. Brandt Rebelein feels the policy statement1s mandatory goals need to be rewri tten to emphasi ze envi ronmenta 1 concerns of reduci ng overa 11 waste and that portion of waste goi ng to 1 andfi 11 s. The goals and objectives should be re-evaluated and plastic recycling needs to be of major concern. The hauler's input is a valuable resource and should be of major consideration. Childs reviewed each mandatory and desirable goal of the pol icy statement. Williams noted that the large number of residents in attendance illustrates the public interest in this important issue. Larson found that in conversations with about 90 residents, not one favored organized collection. All residents disliked the daily appearance of trucks and garbage cans in their neighborhoods, and encouraged recycling and neighborhood clean up programs. Dave Fridgen, City Sanitarian, said the 1993 City goal is to reduce waste by 35%. Ramsey County feels an organized system enables cities to meet their goals. Fridgen noted that recycling tonnage has increased monthly and the twice-monthly pick-up is successful. Ramsey County places a tax" 1 evy of $21 per household to cover recycling costs and the garbage burning facility. Lanny Peissig, former EQC member and State of Minnesota employee, is i nvo 1 ved in the permitti ng of 1 andfi 11 s. He noted that the Pine Bend landfill, which receives a majority of Metro Area refuse, is projected to be full by 1996. The issue is not whether a city has an organized collection system, but where will the waste go after Pine Bend is closed. Peissig feels it is important to initiate a system which promotes a volume based fee for people who recycle. Public Hearing Solid Waste Plan Report 90-94 Resolution 90-30