2016-08-23_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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would continue, but stated staff expected a slight increase to their cost to provide recycling to parks compared to what was previously shown to the PWETC and City Council. Mr. Culver advised that those actual and final costs would be available to the City Council before they approved the final contract after negotiations. Mr. Culver noted staff would continue to strongly advocate for walk-up service to park buildings and parking lot service; and then continue to work with the Parks & Recreation staff and commission to determine how best to begin that experimental or pilot program with carts and their locations. Mr. Culver noted this may or may not involve modifying how they were initially planned with the contractor. Member Wozniak recalled when bids were first discussed by the PWETC, there appeared to be some apprehension from Parks & Recreation Department staff in gathering containers at a central collection point, asking if they were now more open to that process. Mr. Culver reported that wasn't necessarily the situation, but reiterated those were ongoing discussions given changes and cost differences realized at this point in the negotiations. Mr. Culver advised that ultimately it would be a recommendation by Parks & Recreation staff and advisory commission, and decision-making by the City Council as to the importance of recycling in parks. In response to Member Wozniak's review of the Ramsey County practice of co- locating trash and recycling containers, Mr. Culver advised that the city currently didn't have staff or resources to empty both types of containers due to the need to keep bags separated by whether garbage or recycling materials; but deferred more detailed comment to the Parks & Recreation Department. Member Wozniak opined that the difference between $3 and $10 per pull could purchase a truck or more staff for the city. Mr. Culver responded that this was all part of ongoing discussions with the Parks &Recreation Department as experiments were initiated to expand recycling in city parks. On another note, while he wasn't overly familiar with new city park buildings, Member Wozniak noted he understood they were very nice. However, referencing comments from Jean Buckley, Member Wozniak reported that at least one of the new buildings didn't have any recycling containers; and from the perspective of the PWETC, this caused him concern. Mr. Culver agreed that the parks buildings were absolutely beautiful; and offered to refer those environmental concerns of the PWETC to the Parks & Recreation Department and suggested the PWETC consider a formal recommendation to pass on to them regarding their feelings. Mr. Culver reported that he was at one park facility earlier this year, and it did not have a recycling container, but noted he was unsure if that was still the same situation today. Once the city began offering walk- Page 3 of 14