09091996 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

111 Regular Meeting September 9, 1996 Page 8 an overall solid waste plan for the City. He hopes food and yard wastes will also be utilized as compostables. Curbside recyclables account for approximately 180 of the landfill, and Green Guys comprises approximately 54% of the landfill composure. The recycling market has decreased dramatically and showed as example cardboard prices at $190.00 in 1995 being $10.00 in July,' 1996. Their business is exposed to market fluctuations and makes it impossible to stay in business and offer the drop-off center. They proposed options for the Council's consideration for funding assistance. Mr. Hahn is aware the City wants yard wastes to be composted and is aware of the materials and chipping Kaderli is involved in. Mr. Hahn noted apartment complexes are not involved in recycling because they are considered commercial businesses. Mr. Hahn advised the Council they had participated extensively in a neighborhood cleanup. Mayor Moore pointed out all the materials collected were not from the City and asked if this is also true at the drop-off center, and Mr. Hahn agreed and said they were also requesting assistance from the County. Mr. Hahn stated the School District is one of their commercial accounts and they were asking them for assistance as well. Mayor Moore advised Mr. Hahn of a letter the Council has received from a concerned taxpayer who disagreed the City should subsidize a privately owned business and that Green Guys should seek their own funding. Mr.'Hahn stated the funding request is very minimal to the cost to operate the drop-off center and their request will cover a small portion of the cost of operating the public drop-off center. The benefits are greater than the funding, have created jobs, and help the environment. They have discussed subcontracting possibilities with BFI for recyclables. They have talked with the County regarding the Wimberley landfill and with CAPCO to seek grant funding and it was not available to them. Mayor Moore suggested they speak with Terry Ewald regarding lot cleanups and Mr. Hahn stated they need to enter into a contract to assist the City. Ms. Hughson asked Mr. Gilley what the approximate cost would be if the City had a part-time employee to pick up the recyclables and take them to the drop-off center, and Mr. Gilley stated it could be calculated pretty easily and provide that information. In response to Ms. Hughson's question, Mr. Neighbors stated it is possible for a business owner to save money if they recycle and have less waste being picked up. Mr. Hahn provided examples where that is so. Mr. Gilley advised Ms. Hughson volumes of wastes and the number of times needed to pick up wastes varied so that commercial accounts were left to negotiate 'separately with waste haulers for their service. Mr. Boeker advised when the City collected wastes, commercial businesses chose to do their own negotiating with waste collectors. Dianne Wassenich stated the service Kyle Hahn provides is needed, and volunteers actually help him because they think it is important to try to keep his business going. Mr. Hernandez encouraged Mr. Hahn to try to work with our present contractor. Mr. Hernandez stated he is in favor of recycling but has a problem with the low percentage who are recycling and the fact all have to pay for the service. Mayor Moore was interested in the Staff negotiating services with Mr. Hahn and for the City Council to look at options for the next contract. Ms. Hughson stated the Council must begin soon if a comprehensive plan is to be planned. Mayor Moore wants Ms. Hughson and Mr. Hernandez and Staff to work on a plan to be used with the City's contract negotiations for recycling. Mr. Taylor stated this type service is exempt from bidding but we need to get services in return for the money we spend with a vendor and cannot just make a donation. Mr. Hart was interested in the City negotiating recycling with BFI and other services in the interim, as well as Mr. Hahn, and Mayor Moore agreed. Ms. Hughson was interested in our collection and curbside contracts having the same dates if possible. Mr. Gilley stated BFI might be agreeable to extend their recycling contract to make that possible. Mayor Moore introduced the City Manager's Report. Mr. Gilley had no report at this meeting. Mayor Moore introduced the City Attorney's Report. Mr. Taylor had no report at this meeting.