2011-11-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Schwartz advised that cities with organized collection contracts typically include such reporting requirements; however, he noted that it was easier to get the information with organized collection haulers versus private haulers. Mr. Hansen opined that this depended on the language of the contract, since state law required public entities to ensure that those contracts were managed in accordance with the Ramsey County Solid Waste Policy and preferences that materials are hauled to the waste-to-energy recovery center rather than land filled. Mr. Hansen further opined that haulers under organized contract provisions should be required to take material to Newport, while not as easy to ensure or extend to residential waste in an open collection system when it was subject to available market conditions for specific materials. In conclusion, Mr. Hansen addressed the extensive communication/education program for Ramsey County residents (e.g. Green Guide); periodic mailings to residents; availability of household hazardous waste and need for continual reminders of those facilities; targeting of businesses; regional and county online sources and other advertising options. Mr. Hansen advised that the initial expansion of organic collections would first focus on high volume commercial waste generators, such as large institutional cafeteria, schools, and hospitals before moving down to smaller groups and residential users. Additional discussion the competitive nature of the landfill business versus the Newport facility's neutrality; MPCA offers to measure volumes in landfill; how to regulate commercial waste haulers as well as picking up from commercial sites and the destination of those materials; Supreme Court ruling that handling garbage was subject to an ICC clause in constitutional requirements; woody waste sites and impacts of Emerald Ash Borer(EAB) contaminated brush; and the majority of but greatest need for recycling coming from the commercial sector. Member Gjerdingen suggested that the Policy (page 3)recommend government events be "zero waste" events; with Mr. Hansen expressing appreciation for this idea. Member Gjerdingen also encouraged Ramsey County to make recycling receptacles easier to access or more visible in government facilities. Recess Chair DeBenedet recessed the meeting at approximately 7:28 p.m. and reconvened at approximately 7:3 5 p.m. 6. Neighborhood Traffic Management Policy Review Mr. Schwartz presented the latest draft of the neighborhood Traffic Management Program (TMP), based on previous Commission feedback since the October meeting. Member Gjerdingen opined that the title was misleading, since it implied that the TMP implied that the policy was a comprehensive strategy throughout the City, but he was it as more of a targeted traffic management policy, and preferred the Page 4 of 16