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. FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -15- March 24, 2004 Refuse Collection -Public Hearing on Resolution of Intent (continued) Sue Majerus, 1381 Iowa Avenue West, said she is opposed to the resolution. Within the last year the City has lost local government aid. The City was very good in forecasting and did a lot of planning to continue to support the services that are needed. She works for the County. The City needs to decide what's best for the citizens. There is a six month planning process. Stop the process and do not use any more time and resources. With the population Falcon Heights has, the City doesn't have any additional money coming in to take on additional services. Tom Kough, 2931 Asbury, Roseville, and a Council member for the City of Roseville, described what occurred in Austin, Minnesota, his former community, when they went to single hauler refuse collection. Small haulers were put out of business. The first few years were o.k. and then equipment had to be replaced. He respects the City for looking at all the options. Jim Kielsmeier, 1892 Tatum, said he has been a resident of Falcon Heights for 19 years, and is a member of the Solid Waste Commission. He did research on the impact of solid waste. Refuse collection is a $43 billion industry, with Waste Management being #1. The national truck fleet is 91 % diesel and 9% natural gas (90% cleaner). The average diesel truck gets 3 miles per gallon. 1 billion gallons of oil are consumed each year, with 61% of it imported, 30% from the Middle East. One truck trip is the equivalent of 1,125 cars in Chanhassen, 1,000 cars in Roseville, 1,500 cars according to the Metropolitan Council, and 857 cars in Falcon Heights. According to 2003 information from the Oregon Department of Transportation, 70% of their road reconstruction costs are caused by trucks. Vehicle weight and axel distribution are the key factors in wear on roads. Diesel fuel exhaust is a source of gases, particulates, and over three dozen toxic contaminants. There is 12% greater lung cancer in high pollution communities, suggesting a correlation. Children are the most vulnerable, with the #1 hospitalization cause being asthma. Talking about costs: Pay now or pay later. Short term versus long term consideration: Environment. Health of our children. This is an opportunity for us to step up and take on a very important step for our children. Clem Kurhajetz, 1733 Hamline, said that he has been a resident of the City for 25 years. Diesel problems: Block off Snelling and Larpenteur so they can't go through the City. The City Engineer should be here. Until then, he is against the proposal. Ramsey County Commissioner Janice Rettman, said that Ramsey County has been talking about trash for about two years. One of the outgrowths is an area she is familiar with. What do you do with your wood waste that is going to landfills? We have compost sites in Ramsey County. Why don't we have a way to take care of wood waste? Anew co-generation plant is being built which will burn wood waste. She brought forward a plan that will go into effect Apri13 that will allow residents to dispose of tree and brush wood waste at four compost sites in Ramsey County. Pierce Butler is the closest site for Falcon Heights residents. !~