HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/21/1989 SWC MinutesMOUNT PROSPECT RECYCLING COMMISSION
September 21, 1989 Meeting Minutes
PRESENT: Ken Westlake, doe Kubik, Brian Robertson, Elizabeth Herbert,
Steve:Polit, George Luteri, Glen Andler and Lisa Angell.
Several residents from the community were also present.
ABSENT: Mary Winkler, Paul Hoefert and Dick Bachhuber.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM, at which time Chairperson
Ken Westlake called for approval of the August Meeting Minutes. George
Luteri, Secretary cited the reference to a compost site (page 2,
paragraph 1, line 4) should read, landfill site. The correction was
duly noted and minutes were approved.
The following were updated under Old Business:
I. Citizens Utilities (CU)
In addition to identifying new homeowners in this area, the
question was raised whether we had a means of reminding the
vacating resident that the recycling bin is Village property and
is to be left for the new resident. Glen Andler suggested Village
staff contact CU and ask that the individual doing the final water
meter reading remind the resident to leave the bin.
II. Park District
A. Vice Chair Steve Polit reported the Park District would be
willing to have recycling bins but questioned related costs
and revenue from the sale of materials. Glen Andler stated
he would contact Browning Ferris Industries (BFI) and Wally
Cook of the Park District.
B. Steve Polit also gave a presentation of the Park Districts
plan to pursue "Parks on Plastic". The program is similar to
the recent efforts by the city of Chicago. The Mount Prospect
Park District is proposing the collection of PET containers so
the plastic can be made into equipment, benches, etc. for the
parks. The Park District is suggesting there be drop-off
centers throughout the Village for the collection of the
bottles. Steve Polit suggested drop-offs be located at
grocery stores, however, George Luteri stated stores are
generally opposed to this. Steve Polit will contact local
retailers to assess their interest. (Once the material is
collected and baled it would be shipped to Hammer Plastics in
Iowa Falls, Iowa for manufacturing.)
As the Park District would like Village support in the project
the focus of discussion turned to when the Village intends to
include plastics in the curbside program. Mr. Andler informed
the Commission that BFI is unable to provide curbside
collection of plastics at this time but within the next 9 to
12 should have the capability to do so. The two factors
preventing collection at this time are, 1) a densifier needs
to be developed and 2) a processing center purchased.
Based on this information Brian Robertson suggested the
Village not wait for curbside pick-up for collection of
plastics. Mr. Robertson indicated there is a great deal of
enthusiasm in this community for the collection of plastics.
Chairman Westlake concurred saying we should tell the Park
District full speed ahead. Dr. Luteri suggested a buy back
system as a means of motivating residents to collect plastics.
Mr. Polit will continue to communicate with the Park District
on this project.
III. Education (School Video)
Mr. Glen Andler asked that Steve Polit and Brian Robertson,
volunteers for video project, meet with Karen Giet, Cable
Administrator to develop two (2) concepts to be brought back to
the Commission. The video should be generic for long-term use
and there should be a written supplement students can take home.
Mr. Robertson shared a coloring book produced by Waste
Management for educating the "young" consumer.
Both Mr. Andler and Mr. Polit have contacted the schools on
recycling education. Mr. Andler stated the schools are willing
to cooperate but we must give consideration to their busy
curriculum. It is possible to place recycling bins in the
school, which BFI has already agreed to pick-up.
IV. Letter to Daily Herald
Chairman Westlake has started to draft the letter to the
newspaper urging them to at least give recycled paper a trial
run. He continued to update the Commission as to what legislative
action other states are taking to encourage the use of recycled
paper. Florida offers a deferential tax subsidy to publishers
buying recycled paper. Conneticut is more forceful, by mandating
the ratio of recycled paper be made according to circulation.
Steve Polit shared his recent discovery that the plastic bag the
Daily Herald is delivered in has a recycling notice on it! In
Mary Winkler's absence, Lisa Angell expressed the interest of the
Arlington Height's recycling representative in writing a joint
letter to the Daily Herald encouraging their use of recycled
paper.
In response to the discussion on recycled paper, Harold
Rentschler, resident shared an article about the Governor of
Iowa mandating state agencies to use recycled paper as well as
source separation in the office.
V. Other
A. Review of August Recycling Report
B. Mr. Andler mentioned the state continues to use educational
materials developed by Mt. Prospect as a model for other
communities. '
C. Lisa Angell reviewed the complaint system when residents call
regarding service delivery. It was also reported that theft
of recyclables is way down. The suggestion was made to
advise residents to place recycling bins in a visible spot
via the Village Newsletter.
D. Chairman Westlake related his interview with the League
of Women Voters on channel WCBR, September 4. He offered the
tape to anyone who was interested. The Chairman was also
recently involved in a 25 minute interview with the Daily
Herald in which he spent most of the time deflecting
questions on the yard materials issue and what Mt. Prospect
plans to do. TCI has requested a representative from the
Commission participate in an interview on the 28th of
September, Vice Chair Steve Polit will participate in the
interview.
E. Chairman Westlake spoke with Mayor Farley regarding
Commission members attending seminars at Village expense.
This is not a practice of any Commission members or elected
officials.
With the comment that the July 1990 ban on leaves and yard materials in
the landfill will probably not be postponed the Commission moved on to
New Business; Yard Materials.
Chairman Westlake suggested a feasibility study on alternatives. Mr.
Andler stated Public Works could provide cost factors and continued to
outline one alternative proposal.
1) Leaves The existing leaf program would need to expanded beyond
the current time frame, ie, last full week before Thanksgiving.
Extension of the program would have to be coordinated so equipment
could still be prepared for snow removal.
2) Grass clippings Residents be encouraged to leave grass on lawns
or compost. In lieu of pick-up an iterim or on-going drop-off
site for clippings could be developed at Melas Park. BFI would
then transfer to a composting site. A drop-off site would require
staff supervision during open hours. Mr. Andler also stated he
would obtain data from BFI outlining their costs for collection as
well as costs for bag system.
3) Brush Collection could be performed by BFI or Public Works.
October Public Works crews would service an area one (1) time per
month.
Mr. Andler informed the Commission it is not feasible for the Village
to develop its' own compost site.
Dr. Luteri presented his perception of what options the Village had
ranging from Full Service to No Service. His presentation suggested
there are several critical factors that must be addressed before policy
is set, including political and departmental ramifications. A concern
for an equitable solution was also voiced.
Several Commission members shared their personal preference and options
other communities are considering. Mr. Kubik strongly feels grass
clippings should be left on lawns. Apparently Skokie is proposing the
purchase of mulching lawnmowers for their residents. Another community
is considering compost containers.
At this point, residents were given the opportunity to share their
concerns or suggestions. The residents expressed a sincere concern for
the landfill crisis but would like to see the Village resolve disposal
of yard materials without risk to their lawns. One resident stated he
would be willing to collect his clippings and take them to a drop-off
site, another stated she might consider back yard composting with the
proper education available to her. The residents are willing to work
with the Village to reach an equitable and cost-effective method of
disposal however, they do not accept the fact that leaving grass
clippings on the lawn will not hurt the lawn. One gentleman feels over
a period of time the money he has invested into his lawn would be lost
and utimately the lawn condition would reduce the value of his
property.
Chairman Westlake thanked the residents for their input and stated it
was the charge of the Commission to look at the pros and cons of all
viable options. Mr. Andler stated he would develop the costs and
labor data associated with his proposal, to be available for the
October meeting. He will also contact BFI in regard to the collection
and disposal costs of yard material to a compost site. Mr. Andler
reminded the Commission of the time constraints they must work with;
the budgeting process for the Public Works Department begins in
November.
Additional aspects of the yard materials issue were:
1) Steve Polit stated all factors must be addressed in the long-term.
2) George Luteri alerted Commission members that the existing contract
with the scavenger would have to renogiated because of the
reduction in cubic yards going to the landfill.
Mr. Otto, resident, asked the members if the Commission had ever been
approached by a volunteer group wanting to do a one (1) day drive.
The Commission concurred that although they had not been approached in
the past they certainly would support such an event.
The next meeting was set for Thursday, October 19, and there being no
other business the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
M. Lisa Ang(M
Administrative Aide