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FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -4- January 28, 2004 Consideration of Solid Waste Goals (continued) Administrator Worthington read Resolution 2004-03 aloud for the benefit of the viewing audience and reminded everyone that it is not a resolution of intent; it is an adoption of goals. She introduced three members of the Solid Waste Commission who were in attendance to answer questions: Commission Chair Jeff Alexander, Susan Harding and Barb Leary. Council member Talbot asked if the City will be the place residents call if they have concerns. Administrator Worthington said not necessarily. That will be spelled out in the contract. Council member Lamb, Council liaison to the Solid Waste Commission, said that the experience of other cities is that the City needs to be in the center and aware of complaints and concerns. The City of North St. Paul was pretty firm that the City takes an active role. Since they have instituted this, they have had no complaints. Tonight the Council is being asked to buy into the goals. The City needs citizen involvement and participation to see how this will work. The City should be able to do something about price. In looking at the current haulers, they are at different levels of environmental friendliness. The City may find contradictions between low cost and environmental sensitivity. There will be at least two to three public meetings, as well as meetings with the haulers. This is a long process and a lot of input will be needed. Quality, cost, environmental friendliness and education: The City needs to be able to sell this to the community. If the City were to adopt a program like this, it could open up the question of multi- city bidding. Even though this will be about choice, there will be competition. He would like to add a goal regarding hazardous waste. Council member Lindstrom said the City did a survey a year ago that asked questions about willingness to pay for a service. This will be a tremendous benefit. He would like the Solid Waste Commission to look at solid waste trucks that use natural gas. Council member Kuettel asked about the justification for multi-year contracts. Council member Lamb said that other cities have found that three years is a standard. Council member Kuettel asked if the trucks can be rerouted every year so the street wear is spread out. Mayor Gehrz said that she really appreciates the hard work the Solid Waste Commission has been and will be doing. She has been on the City Council for fourteen years. One thing that she has heard consistently is: "When will the City get the trash trucks off the street?" The University Grove has organized collection with 103 homes and the same hauler. Trash pickup is two days/week with optional yard waste pickup. Council member Lamb said that once the goals are set and input from the citizenry and refuse haulers has been received, the Solid Waste Commission will prepare an RFP (Request for Proposal) that will list haulers along one side of a chart and ala carte items across the top. The • City will have to spend time, energy and money publicizing and selling this program. 4