Laserfiche WebLink
Chair DeBenedet suggested that, prior to proceeding with a focus group as <br />previously discussed by Members, more defined information was needed on how <br />that group would operate. <br />Member Vanderwall noted that the only people showing up at PWET <br />Commission meetings were haulers, and suggested a separate hauler focus group <br />from a user focus group; to ensure that the full story was heard from all parties, <br />not a vocal minority. <br />Chair DeBenedet reviewed topics for the March me�pg, including: <br />Traffic management policy <br />Undergrounding ordinance <br />Coal Tar Ban ordinance <br />Erosion Control (time- sensitive) <br />Organized Waste Update with Joel Hansen <br />Chair DeBenedet asked that when staff could arrange this meeting with Mr. <br />Hansen, that both he and Mr. Pratt attend to allow a m ore comprehensive <br />discussion on the same evening. Chair DeBenedet also suggested that staff <br />make specific outreach to a representative of the Roseville Concerned Citizens <br />(RCL) and the League of Women Voters (LWV). <br />Page 5 of 9 <br />Public Comment <br />Michael Bay (SP Ace Solid Waste <br />As a refuse hauler, Mr. Bay reviewed his perspective of some of the pros and cons <br />from his experience with other cities undertaking this same study for organized <br />collection. Mr. Bay suggested that this topic came forward whenever there was <br />an economic downturn or when City government budgets were tightened and <br />citizens were looking for someone to blame. Mr. Bay opined that garbage trucks <br />were not the cause of road wear and tear, but that other local truck traffic was also <br />to blame, with the main culprit in MN being that of the extreme temperature <br />variations. Mr. Bay further opined that as a vendor his company worked in a free <br />market society and the competition was good for residents and provided them <br />with a choice, rather than relying on involvement from local government. Mr. <br />Bay addressed how recycling participation grew based on the ease of that service; <br />how larger national vendors could outbid local companies; and how local haulers <br />made connections and provided special services to individual residents. From his <br />perspective, Mr. Bay suggested that the government stay out of the trash hauling <br />business. <br />Doug Carneval (SP St. Paul Attorney for National Solid Waste <br />Management Association <br />Mr. Carneval echoed comments of the previous speaker; opining that competition <br />was the best way to go; noting that in the 18 -20 communities where this issue had <br />come forward, citizens had clearly expressed their preference to choose their own <br />waste hauler, and that the choice should continue to be citizen driven versus city <br />