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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/18/1999 SWC minutesMOUNT PROSPECT SOLID WASTE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 1999 PRESENT George Luteri, Rod Mobus, Pankaj Parikh, Mary Rosen, Ken Westlake and Mary Winkler. Lisa Angell ABSENT Lois Brothers and Judd Strickland CALL TO ORDER Chairman Westlake called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the January 21 meeting were unanimously approved with the following correction. Review of Solid Waste Services, second paragraph, third sentence; However, a new contract would not take effect until May 1. 1999, should read, However, a new contract would not take effect until May 1. 2000. SOLID WASTE PROGRAMS AND DATA The Solid Waste Coordinator reported on her meeting with the owners of Ashley Cove Apartments regarding the construction of refuse enclosures. It is believed the enclosures will decrease the amount of litter strewn over the property. She stated a follow-up meeting was scheduled for Saturday, February 20 at the property. She also stated letters had been sent to Lakeside Buildings C and D regarding centralized recycling services. A resident from one of the buildings had contacted the Village wanting to know why her building didn't recycle. The Coordinator explained that her Association had chosen not to recycle but she would send another letter to both buildings encouraging their participation. It was noted that the volume of recyclables collected was consistent with the amount typically collected during this time of the year. REVIEW OF SOLID WASTE SERVICES A summary of the Commission's discussion and recommendations are as follows: Basic Service • Refuse The Commission continues to support the modified volume based program that includes 2-32 gallon .bags/containers per week with 3 cleanup weeks per year. ■ Bulk Items The Commission recommended bulk items remain part of the basic service level. It was noted that residents still seem to hold their bulk items for cleanup weeks, and therefore additional information should be published promoting the disposal of bulk items on regular collection days. • Recycling The Commission supports the blue bin system. However, information will be gathered on the blue bag system. The Commission also requested information on the total number of trucks ARC has in the residential areas on a daily basis. The Commission also discussed the current requirements for the collection of cardboard. Although they recognize the requirements may cause some additional work for residents they agreed no other viable options were available. ■ Yard Material and Brush The Commission believes yard material collection should remain a user fee system. However, they. did recommend residents be given the option of a subscription service. The subscription service would allow residents to receive unlimited collection of containerized yard material on their regular collection day. Residents would be billed a flat monthly fee according to the terms of the contract. The Commission recommended the existing brush program remain in tact. There was discussion regarding the collection of unbundled large limbs at various times of the year. The Commission felt resident's needs were better served with the weekly collection of bundled brush at no additional cost. Refuse/yard material stickers The Commission also discussed the potential benefits of making the stickers available through the mail. Apparently this comment was made to one of the Commissioners as one way to improve the program. While the Commission acknowledged there might be some benefit, there was also the potential for a number of problems with such a system. In addition, the Commission felt that with the stickers available at the grocery stores everyone in need of stickers had, in most instances, a convenient opportunity to purchase them. The Commissions overall approach to this process was to determine whether the existing program could be further enhanced. The general consensus was that the program was very effective, and seemed to be well accepted by the community. However, the Commission did recommend that the bid specifications include other service options to allow for a cost analysis of the bids. For example, the cost-effectiveness of the modified volume -based program versus unlimited collection or a split in recycling revenue rather than lower rates and no split. Since the last bid there have been some changes in available services. Hence, the Commission did recommend several items be removed or revised, i.e., a required drop-off location for recyclables, collection by a charitable organization, etc. Co -Chair George Luted had already highlighted the outdated language or services and offered his copy to the Coordinator. The Solid Waste Coordinator informed Chairman Westlake that he should be prepared to present the Commission's recommendations to the Village Board at the April 13 meeting. NEXT MEETING The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Public Works Facility, 1700 West Central Road. Chairman Westlake noted that in addition to any updated discussion of the solid waste contract/bid specifications the Commission will need to focus on the May 15 Public Works Open House. ADJOURNMENT There being further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, M. Lisa Angell X:\USERS\LANGELL\WORD\SWMIN29.DOC