2009-11-24_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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Roseville PWE"I' Commission Meeting Minutes Page 10 ~- October 27, 2009 Chair DeBenedet noted a recent editorial in the Star Tribune newspaper referencing the MPCA Organized Collection Report study and findings, providing interesting information similar to that being discussed by the PWET Commission to-date. Chair DeBenedet invited public comments at this time. Public Comment Mike Beraopce, Ace Waste Management Chair DeBenedet advised Mr. Beraopce of ongoing discussions related to various community-wide issues related to solid waste collection for residents, in an effort to reduce wear and tear on local streets from multiple and repeated garbage trucks on those streets, given current budget constraints for repair or replacement of those streets. Chair DeBenedet recognized the need for any action to preserve market shares for each hauler, and asked Mr. Beraopce to comment from his perspective on how the City could do so, while allowing competition to continue. Chair DeBenedet advised that, following additional research, the PWET Commission would invite all haulers to the table to hear their individual and collective perspectives before making any recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Beraopce opined that, from his perspective, it came dawn to a belief system: whether you believe in the competitive market and how it works in specific communities. Mr. Beraopce advised that in Roseville, as well as most communities in the metropolitan area, the open market system was in place, with haulers earning their customers one at a time, and developing serving relationships one on one with them. Mr. Beraopce advised that this was how his company had based their reputation over the last 55 years; and that the type of discussion being held at the PWET Commission level threatened that competitive market system. Mr. Beraopce addressed the freedom of choice and reluctance to involve government in the relationship bf service provider and customer; impacts to pricing structures; political considerations; choices currently available for residents in "shopping" for a refuse hauler competitively and service-wise; and considerations ofresidents in their choice. Mr. Beraopce also addressed road wear and tear, noting that over the years, those vehicles had evolved, with more axles spreading the weight; and other issues with road maintenance based on normal frost/thaw cycles, not just vehicle weight and type. Mr. Beraopce specifically addressed the MPCA report, noting that it was very controversial within the refuse industry, with the report originally commissioned to look at greenhouse gas emissions, and costing $90,000; while making numerous erroneous or poorly-researched assumptions. Mr. Beraopce briefly reviewed the report, and provided a summary of the industry's trade association comments for member review, which had been submitted to the MPCA in response to various assumptions in the report. Mr. Beraopce also provided information on his eoinpany, showing alternatives to organized collection that are being followed for residents in the community of Roseville.