CC_Minutes_2003_0512 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Minutes - 5/12/03 Page 19 was referred directly to staff. XI. Consent Agenda A. Approving Purchase of Aeration Equipment for the Leaf Compost Site Councilmember Kough questioned the projected number of years the leaf pick up program would continue; contaminated compost caused by non-compliant leaf dumping; anticipated wear and tear, maintenance and upkeep of the machine; near-capacity at site; public awareness of optional compost sites (i.e., Ramsey County sites); and whether this major expense was appropriate at this time. Mayor Kysylyczyn concurred, commenting on the projected eight-year return; and pending litigation between Ramsey County and area residential claims of illness related to the nearness of the compost site to their homes. Public Works Director Schwartz responded to discussion items regarding the quality of the compost; unknown outcome of the pending litigation for Ramsey County; the quantity of compost shipped out (40 truckloads) and timing of processing the compost and effects on the capacity of the site; staff monitoring of the site to instruct the public on proper dumping (i.e., no plastic lawn bags); the purpose of purchasing the equipment to provide better control of the compost product and to reduce odors emitted by providing for better aeration; and the ineffectiveness of using a front-end loader. Further discussion included pending litigation and its legitimacy; the future of compost sites within the metropolitan area; life expectancy of the equipment (estimated at 20 years by staff); staff's intent to offer rental of the equipment to other entities and agencies when applicable and to recoup some of the purchase price; and the public's receptiveness to this valued service provided by the city. Consent Agenda Approving Purchase of Aeration Equipment for the Leaf Compost Site