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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/18/1993 SWC MinutesMOUNT PROSPECT SOLID WASTE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MARCH 18, 1993 PRESENT: Bill Donovan, Elizabeth Herbert, George Luteri, Holly Tabbert-Johnson, Rodney Mobus, Harold Rentsch�er, Ken Westlake and Mary Winkler Jerry Siderow - resident Lisa Angell - Public Works staff ABSENT: Dick Bachhuber CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by Chairman Westlake. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the February 18 meeting were approved as writ- ten. CITIZEN FORUM: Mr. Jerry Siderow stated he came to the meeting to increase his awareness of the Village's solid waste program particularly recycling. Mr. Siderow had sent the Solid Waste Coordinator an article that focused on the negative aspects of municipal recy- cling programs as well as the recycling industry. As Mr. Siderow indicated, it was not his intent to present the article as fact but it did lead him to wonder whether what we were doing was economically feasible. Several of the Commissioners responded to the article and provid- ed Mr. Siderow a perspective that included, government mandates, future landfill costs, resource conservation, etc. It was noted that the Commissions charge and the goal of the Village is to provide services that will reduce the volume of waste being generated and landfilled. And, while recycling is not a money making venture it does represent an effective means for reducing waste and recovering resources. Recycling now will prove benefi- cial in the long-term particularly when tipping fees for landfilling exceed the cost of recycling collection and sorting. Mr. Siderow thanked the Commission for their insight on this sub- ject and stated he felt the program was being run in capable hands! The Commission also expressed their thanks to Mr. Siderow for taking the time to find out more about the Village's program and how it responds to the external issues affecting municipal service. SOLID WASTE PROGRAMS: The Solid Waste Coordinator reported on the following: . In an effort to enhance solid waste services at multifamily sites a change in the service schedule has occurred at some of the properties. The changes were implemented to: 1) Discourage and minimize the use of refuse containers by unauthorized individuals. (Where possible 4 and 6 yard contain- ers were removed and replaced with smaller containers.) 2) Allow for placement of recycling toters on properties that as a result of space limitations could not participate in central- ized recycling. (Large containers were replaced with smaller containers and recycling toters were sited.) 3) More closely match refuse capacity needs according to occupan- cy and waste generation. . Centralized recycling was implemented at Alpine Apartments; approximately 240 units. . A number of multifamily sites currently receiving curbside service will convert to centralized collection in an effort to increase resource recovery. . Aerosol spray cans, excluding paint, will be added to the recycling program June 1, 1993. However, she suggested that community education not begin until closer to the start date. The Commission agreed that the first public awareness effort occur at the May 15 Public Works Open House. In addition, the Commission requested the next edition of the Newsletter have information about the inclusion of aerosol cans, information be on display at the library and available through the schools. . Yard material collection begins April 1, 1993. An overview of the program was published in the Spring Newsletter. The Commission suggested a news release be made to the local media about the program. SOLID WASTE AGENCY OF NORTHERN COOK COUNTY: Vice Chair Luteri provided an overview of the Committee's March meeting including: 1) The Feehanville Drainage District is still being researched as a revenue source for the residents of River Forest. However, as the last action taken by the taxing body was in 1939 the question remains as to whether it can be reactivated. Patrick Engineering presented a perspectus as to what would need to be done in order to "clean-up" the area. The civil engineer- ing survey, alone, would be $57,000. The River Forest Civic Association has given the go ahead to begin water testing on the two wells selected in this area. 2) The Committee completed work on the Good Neighbor Agreement. The Committee will meet again in June. 3) The Committee wrote a letter of disavowal in response to a recent letter that was signed Solid Waste Agency Citizen's Advi- sory Committee and published in a local newspaper. In their response to the letter the "real" Committee has demanded a re- traction of the previous letter which presented the project in a negative light. 4) The Agency is optimistic about the Des Plaines litigation; no definite date has been given as to when a decision will be rendered. OPEN HOUSE: The Solid Waste Coordinator reported that Public Works Adminis- tration has made the training room available to the Commission during the Open House to conduct mini -seminars. Specifics of the brief presentations will be discussed at the April Commis- sion meeting. The Open House Display will include information on aerosol cans and self-management of yard material. The Solid Waste Coordina- tor will ask about having a home-made compost bin available for display. It was also suggested that materials made from recycled materi- als be on display, such as a plastic bench. And with the approv- al of Village administration the Commission would like the owner of Enviromint contacted to see about displaying his products. MONTHLY DATA: There were no comments regarding the monthly data. OTHER BUSINESS: Chairman Westlake reported on the Village Board's discussion and vote regarding the procurement policy which was 5 to 1 in favor of the resolution. However, Trustee Hoefert had suggested the policy include language regarding the procurement of products that can be recycled in the Village's program as well as the practice of waste minimization. The Commission readily agreed an amendment to the resolution would enhance the Village's waste reduction goals. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to amend the procurement policy by adding the following: That when economically feasible, the Village government purchase and use products that can be recycled through the existing waste reduction program and, be encouraged to practice waste minimiza- tion wherever possible. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, April 15, 7:30 PM in the Public Works Facility, 1700 West Central Road. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the motion to adjourn was made, seconded and unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, M. Lisa Angell Solid Waste Coordinator