09092002 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular Meeting September 9, 2002 42. Page 9 Technology, stated she has found most customers have indicated they would like to pay for their bill over the Internet. Mr. O'Leary stated Staff would write the RFP soon, and he will then bring some more information back to the Council. Mayor Habingreither introduced a discussion regarding Request for Proposals for Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Collection and Disposal. Kyle Hahn, owner of Green Guy, stated he has been in business since 1995. He stated he previously worked for Southwest Texas State University, and when they closed their recycling, he opened his business. He stated the City recycles over 27 million tons of materials and feels recycling is very important to citizens in the community. He encouraged the Council to consider the quality of recycling services and household hazardous waste, composting and blowing trash. Mr. Mihalkanin stated if the curbside service changes, then there would be a need to educate as to the new schedule. Mr. Mayhew stated he encourages staying with recycling once a week or citizens might chose to not recycle. Richard Mendoza, Director of Public Works, stated for big items the City encourages a phone call for pickup of bulky items, although the contract does not require it. He also stated presently the City uses semi-load trucks, and if the City switches to rear load trucks, then all items could be picked up at one time. Ross Raven, owner of IESI, suggested the Council specify what type of truck to use. He stated in a fully automatic truck, the driver never has to get out of the truck. A semi-automatic truck is manpowered, which means the trash is side-loaded and the driver sees the trash. He also stated the new semi- automatic trucks can load and compress a sofa. Mayor Habingreither stated he feels a semi-automatic is cleaner and more cost effective. Mr. Mayhew stated he feels the vendors should show what type of truck to use instead of specifying. Council agreed staff should decide some of these issues. Mr. Taylor inquired whether the City wanted to require all of San Marcos to use one vendor for both residential and commercial. Ms. Hughson suggested the Council consider how they want to handle the drop-off center and whether to take composting to the landfill or put it to use. Mr. Mark Taylor stated he would have to research to see if commercial businesses can be required to use an exclusive vendor. One of the vendors stated some cities have a franchise, and this is generally cheaper. Another vendor stated state law in Texas does not require an RFP for solid waste. Mayor Habingreither stated the City should look at an exclusive contract. Mr. Montoya stated he would like the contract to allow citizens quarterly to go to the landfill free of charge. Mr. O'Leary advised the Council the process of composting organic recyclable garden materials with sludge was an expensive process. Mr. Taggart advised composting could be used on non- food crops, such as turf. To compost is labor and time intensive, would cause odor and new equipment would be required for the process. For example, Dillo Dirt in Austin is subsidized. Mr. Taggart stated it could be done but would be more costly. Ms. Hughson stated at least one vendor has such a facility that we might be able to consider selling to them. Mr. Mendoza stated annually the City composts materials with a leased tub grinder and uses the compost in parks and on softball fields. Mr. O'Leary inquired whether the Council wanted a recycling center as a separate