Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes October 5, 2012

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in special session with Supervisors Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders present. Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

Brian Harthun of Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC (“Foth”) presented a study compiled by his company on various options for the Benton County solid waste disposal facility. It is estimated that the current facility will reach capacity within five years. The supervisors had requested that Foth prepare cost estimates on

1. Expand the current landfill.

2. Close the landfill and build a transfer station

3. Close the landfill and have cities contract for waste disposal at adjacent facilities

Harthun reviewed the study on each of the three options and the potential costs to Benton County residents, as well as Benton County. Harthun recommended that the county maintain some type of per-capita funding as that offered some guarantee of revenue should the waste stream diminish in the future. Harthun concluded that Option 1 provided the greatest control but at the highest risk and cost to the county and residents. Option 2 would allow the county to maintain control of the waste stream, but would be dependent or subject to other facility tipping fees. Option 3 would reduce risk and uncertainty due to new technologies but would place the burden on the cities. The county would still be responsible for unincorporated areas similar to the cities with any of the options. Harthun stated that the county should increase the per-capita rate to address short-term funding, make decisions within the next year regarding the direction to be taken, begin discussions with adjacent solid waste facilities, begin discussions with the cities, and if the county is strictly concerned about financial aspect then Option 3 is the best option. The board stated that they would review the information provided and schedule a meeting with the newly elected supervisors after November 6th to discuss the options and direction.

The time of 9:30 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date set for the second consideration of the proposed Social Host Ordinance, the board opened the matter for public hearing. There were five persons present and no comment was heard opposing said ordinance. Hearing no further comment, the chair declared the hearing closed. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, that the Second Consideration of a Social Host Ordinance is approved. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

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David H. Vermedahl, Chairman

ATTEST: _______________________________________________

Jill Marlow, Auditor