Minutes 05/07/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1998 39 Council next took up discussion of the budget and operation of the City Landfill. Mr. Jeff Joyce, Landfill Operation Director, Mr. Leon Towarnicki, Public Works Director, and Ms. Nancy Marshall of the firm of Joyce Engineering were present for this discussion. The discussion was focused primarily on the issue of the f'~.rem'aming life of the current landfill, given current analysis of its operations. Key factors noted related to this subject were the ultimate height potential of the landfill, the mount of the waste stream, and the regulatory requirements concerning the landfdl's operation. Ms. Marshal indicated that the maximum height of the current landfill was probably limited to 65 feet, and, depending on the waste stream, the life of the facility was anywhere from 4 to 22 years of operation. Mayor Adams noted that the information showed a life of only three and one-half more years for the facility if the waste stream continued in ks current manner, and suggested that a decision would be needed very soon on what would be done to either extend this life or find alternatives. He also noted that the contract to accept waste from Hertry County was due to expire on June 30, 1999. Further discussion then took place on possible alternatives to landfilling waste, possible costs of such alternatives, the content of the current waste stream and its effect on costs and alternatives, and efforts that would be applied to help Council and staff in this decision process. Council Member Teague emphasized that the City needed to find the best answer at the lowest possible cost, and needed to examine all available options. Ms. Marshall offered the recommendation that Council should try to decide what options they would be willing to consider first, and focus on those for further examination, and might wish to study the current conditions and options first. Mayor Adams stated that he felt the options were limited to either the construction of a new landfill or the operation of a transfer station and the hauling of waste to another disposal site. Mr. Reynolds added that these options could also be either public or private operations. Ms. Marshall noted that, due to costs, the City was probably too small, even in conjunction with Hertry County to operate a contemporary landfill. Mr. Reynolds agreed, noting the unreliability of commercial customers in a competitive market. Mr. Joyce noted that the City was in a unique situation with its own waste, however, and that, due to the nature of the City's waste stream and the availability of prison farm labor, there might be