HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/19/1995 SWC MinutesMOUNT PROSPECT SOLID WASTE COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 19,1995
PRESENT:
Bill Donovan, George Luteri, Harold Rentschler, Ken Westlake and Mary Winkler.
Jim Walkowiak - resident
John Flink - Chicago Tribune
Lisa Angell - Public Works Department
ABSENT:
Dick Bachhuber, Holl_v Johnson, Rod Mobus and Mary Rosen
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Westlake called the meeting to order at 7:40 P. M.
MINUTES:
The minutes from the September 21, meeting were accepted as written.
CITIZENS FORUM:
Mr. Walkowiak was welcomed to the meeting by the Commission members and given an
opportunity to express his concerns. Mr. Walkowiak stated he has experienced difficulty in
properly disposing of used motor oil, including boat motor oil. He spoke of a program available in
Wisconsin for residents to drop-off used motor oil at a centralized location. Although he was
aware there are local businesses that will accept used motor oil he indicated not all residents were
aware of the service and may not feel comfortable utilizing these programs, i.e., they are not
regular customers.
The Commission members were appreciative of Mr. Walkowiak's desire to dispose of motor oil in
a safe manner and agreed the program available in Wisconsin provided residents with an excellent
means of disposing of the hazardous material. However, the Commission members did
emphasize there are services already in existence and do so to demonstrate their commitment to a
clean environment; the businesses do not restrict the service to regular customers.
Mr. Walkowiak suggested this information be published in the Newsletter. The Coordinator
explained why specific locations are not published but agreed a standard article in every
publication informing residents of the various services available is appropriate; residents would be
asked to call Public Works for the most current locations.
COMMERCIAL RECYCLING:
The Coordinator distributed the commercial recycling survey and accompanying article that were
included in the November Chamber of Commerce Newsletter, this issue was mailed to all Mount
Prospect businesses, approximately 1400. The survey results are intended to assist the
Commission in designing a pilot commercial recycling project.
Chairman Westlake took a few minutes to explain the objectives of the survey and proposed
project to John Flink, Chicago Tribune reporter. Ultimately an effective commercial recycling
program will reduce the amount of the municipal waste stream being landfilled.
In response to Mr. Flink's questions, Chairman Westlake stated
• start-up of the project is anticipated for spring of 1996; duration depend on available resources
• approximately 100 businesses maybe involved in the project
It was also stated that SWANCC had offered in-kind service for the project.
SOLID WASTE PROGRAMS:
• The Coordinator reported on the arrest and convictions of two individuals stealing recyclables
from the curbside program.
• Prospect Point Condominiums dropped out of the recycling program due to difficulty with
managing the toters; due to the weight of the toters the containers were hard to keep in place
and spillage would occur on windy days. No inside location is available.
• The IEPA would like to extend its "Partners for Paint Solutions" program to the Chicagoland
area. SWANCC is coordinating the program with the [EPA for this area; the Solid Waste
Coordinator stated she would be sending letters to local paint retailers explaining the
program. The program has been successfully implemented in Sangamon County and the
TEPA is optimistic the program will reduce the amount of paint conning to the IEPA's
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days.
There was a brief discussion by the Commissioners who are testing the "Keep a Lid in It"
recycling container covers. The comments were less than favorable as far as ease of use and it
was also suggested the recycling driver fords the lids to b a nuisance.
SWANCC:
Vice Chair George Luteri reported on the Citizens Advisory Committee decision to assume a
hiatus status for the time being. TI is decision was based on the fact that since the Committee has
been inspecting the facility there have been few and only minor infractions. He read the letter
drafted by the Committee and forwarded to SWANCC Chairman Sheila Schultz.
OTHER BUSINESS:
• Chairman Westlake shared the events of the October 17 launching of the Chicago Board of
Trade (CBOT) Recyclables Exchange. He related the CBOT Recyclables Exchange
represented a public/private effort to provide market-based solutions to environmental
concerns; the program provides a centralized marketplace linking buyers and sellers via
electronic bulletin board.
• Chairman Westlake also provided the Commission with details about the Chicago Blue Bag
system. It was agreed the Commission should schedule a tour of the Chicago processing
facility in a few months.
• "Make A Difference Day" - The Solid Waste Coordinator gave a final reminder about the
October 28 event and invited the Commission members to participate in the scheduled project.
NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 7:30 P. M. in the Public Works
Facility, 1700 West Central Road.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
M. Lisa Angell
Solid Waste Coordinator