Government : Benton County Supervisor Minutes 1/10/13

January 10, 2013

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in special session with Supervisors Sanders, Frese and Hertle present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Vinton City Hall.

The city had requested that the supervisors attend the council meeting to explain why there was a large increase in landfill per-capita fees for fiscal year 2014. The board of supervisors had previously increased the per capita from $25.00 to $32.00. Supervisor Sanders stated that the board reviewed the per capita fee when a feasibility study was presented to the board in the fall of 2012. According to the consultant who prepared the study, it was apparent that the per capita had to be increased substantially to maintain cash flow at the landfill. Sanders stated that the consultant recommended that the county stay with a per capita fee instead of a tonnage fee due the fluctuation in tonnage. Sanders stated that new 28E Agreements should be developed between the county and the cities to address the long term for solid waste disposal in Benton County.

County Engineer Myron Parizek explained that the county had hired a consultant to do a feasibility study on the disposal of solid waste in the county and the long term future of the current landfill. Three options were considered: continue to operate the landfill as currently done; have a transfer and recycling station only; or have communities contract on their own to dispose of their waste with other facilities. Parizek also stated that DNR regulations have changed and that a clay base is no longer acceptable in the landfill cells and that a plastic liner is now required. Parizek stated that the surface also has to have a plastic cover. Additionally, some closure/post closure costs have not been included in past estimates, which has resulted in the amount needed for closure/post closure to be almost doubled.

Sanders added that some closure post closure activities will have to begin in approximately five to seven years regardless of when the new landfill cell is closed.

Councilmember Redlinger questioned if the increase was just to address the existing situation and not for new activity. Sander responded that it was to address the current situation only.

Supervisor Frese stated that currently $85,000 annually is going to the closure post closure fund and that it will need to increase to $185,000.

Supervisor Hertle stated that the prior board set the new rate, but had they known years ago what they know now that the rate would have been increased more over the years. Hertle stated that the landfill should not operate in the red.

Councilmember Bud Maynard stated that he read the feasibility study and that the study stated that the first step should have been to meet with the communities. Maynard further questioned why all of a sudden the situation was so critical – that the board didn’t just wake up this morning and say “we have to close the landfill”. Supervisor Sanders responded that in a way the county did just wake up this morning in that the board was operating under the reports of the engineering firm doing the closure post closure studies. Parizek stated that the DNR has a formula as to how much funding must annually go into the closure post closure fund. Parizek also stated that while looking at the FY14 budget it was apparent the landfill has a cash flow problem and that additional monies are needed to operate. Maynard questioned if other options had been considered such as reducing expenses instead of just increasing revenue. Maynard questioned if a tonnage fee could be increased instead and added that the cities have tight budgets as well.

Councilmember Redlinger echoed that when he last used the landfill he was not charged. Sanders responded that there was not a cost to Redlinger due to the per capita fee being paid.

Mayor Watson echoed that there should be consistency in charging for disposal. Watson stated that he is asked if his load is construction and demolition, which there is a tonnage fee, instead of the staff at the landfill making that determination it is left up to the individual. Watson stated that if the waste cannot be put on the curb for pick up then it should be charged for at the landfill.

Parizek responded that there is a definition of construction and demolition waste and that it has been modified over the years. Parizek stated that carpet, drywall, lumber, furniture, etc. should have a tonnage fee charged but that the issue arises with mixed loads. Parizek stated that staff cannot arbitrarily decide that the construction and demolition waste is 40% - 80% - 90%, etc. of the load. Watson reiterated that he was amazed at the inconsistency and that the issue needed to be tightened down.

Hertle commented that the surprise was due to the DNR.

Discussion included other disposal options such as plasma arc. Councilmember Redlinger stated that perhaps the landfill should be relocated to a more central location with less water issues.

Mayor Watson stated that there were a lot of options and that the issues need to be looked at now not later. Jennifer Fencl of East Central Iowa Council of Governments ended the discussion stating that it was up to the communities to get a commission together and offered her assistance as a facilitator.

Moved by Hertle, seconded by Frese, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

_______________________________

Jason Sanders, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Jill Marlow, Auditor