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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – MAY 15, 2017 3 monitor there to inquire if a particular item is acceptable. Although there has been a demand for 24/7 drop off, which at times could be non-monitored. Councilmember Fran Holmes asked if they could address what if any problems they are having at other sites. Ramsey County Environmental Health Supervisor John Springman responded that since they began operating in 2014 there has only been one occurrence of illegal dumping. Participants seem to be engaged and responsible by using the compostable bags and bringing in non-contaminated material. Odors are confined to within 10-15 feet of the container. Along with items being put in bags, the containers are serviced weekly so there is not a lot of odor. The vendor is also required to clean the container as needed. The only rodents that they have seen are squirrels on occasion. Mayor Grant inquired about the costs of running the program. Director Hanson responded that the costs include paying the monitor, and the contract with Waste Management to collect the materials and bring it to the composting facility. Costs are going down from a dollar per visit per resident to .81. Last year all facilities operated for under $50,000. The state has mandated that the County hits a 75% recycling rate by 2030. Twenty six percent of what is currently in the garbage is food waste, and 40% of that is organics. So to hit recycling rates it will have to come from organics. Drop off is the first step, curbside will be coming. Councilmember Steve Scott noted that he would be willing to have the program run as a year round pilot program to see if usage justifies continuing. Councilmember Holmes stated that she’s been for it all along and doesn’t understand why some of the Council hasn’t been agreeable. Councilmember McClung is not actively supporting or rejecting the issue, but would agree to a year round program as it is mandated by the State. Councilmember Holden is willing to try the program due to history showing there have not been issues at other sites. Mayor Grant commented that he thinks they can try the program but he is cautious about being open in the winter. Director Hanson stated that they would be happy to come back with an annual report. Senior Planner Bachler informed the Council that once the application is received from the County they would be required to hold a public hearing with the Planning Commission for a Conditional Use Permit. The Planning Commission would then make a recommendation and it would be brought forward to the Council for consideration.