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City Council
Meeting
Minutes
February 9, 2009
City Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Action: Councilor McClure moved approval of the January 12, 2009 meeting minutes. The motion was duly seconded. Councilor McClure moved to amend page 15 of the minutes by adding “Councilor McClure offered to meet with staff to explain her concerns to assist with the referral” after the first paragraph. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes. The minutes, as amended, passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a detailed overview of the Fiscal Monitoring Report that was distributed to Council as item 52 within the agenda.
- Consent Agenda Items –
Note: Items
listed as pulled from the consent agenda will be discussed at the end of the
meeting following unfinished business.
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval the consent agenda, as amended, with items 12, 22 and 27 removed for discussion at the end of the agenda. The motion was duly seconded. Mayor Bouley asked that item 10 also be referred to the Parking Committee. Councilor Bennett moved to refer item 10 to the Parking Committee. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes. The consent agenda, as amended, passed with no dissenting votes.
Referral to Community Development
8. Communication from Central NH Regional Planning Commission regarding their fiscal year 2009-2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Referral to the Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee
Referral to Main Street Concord, Inc
Referral to Community Development - Engineering
Referral to the Parking Committee
Action: This item removed for discussion at the end of the agenda.
Items Tabled for a March 9, 2009 Public Hearing
From the City Manager
Consent Reports
Action: This item removed for discussion at the end of the agenda.
Action: This item removed for discussion at the end of the agenda.
Consent Resolutions
33. Resolution authorizing the City Manager by way of the Police Department to submit an application to the New Hampshire Department of Justice as outlined in its current grant program for the purpose of participating in the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws program; together with report from the Police Department.
34. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept a New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Household Hazardous Waste Collection Grant; together with report from General Services.
35. Resolution requesting that an equitable portion of federal economic stimulus aid to cities and towns of New Hampshire for highway and transportation infrastructure be allocated directly to municipalities to assist in addressing substantial needs of citizens at the local level; together with report from the City Manager.
36. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding through the President’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (the act) or any similarly purposed program available to the City of Concord that becomes available for purposes consistent with the operating and capital budgets of the City; and appropriating funds awarded for this purpose.
37. Resolution adopting a cash management policy; together with report from the City Treasurer.
Appointments
**End of Consent Agenda**
A. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title I, General Code; Chapter 5, Public Works; Article 5-8, Solid Waste Flow Control; together with report from the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. (1Sus1) (communication from Stephen Lewis in support of curbside recycling for those residents that reside in apartments and well as in support of increased recycling efforts within the City of Concord. (1-9) (Supplemental report submitted; written testimony received) (Additional written testimony submitted)
Action: General Services Director Chip Chesley provided a detailed presentation on the handout presented to Council this evening. This handout is on file for review within the City Clerk’s Office.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearings opened for both items A and B.
Five Minute Public Testimony
Bill Varnell, Oakmont Drive, noted that his main concern is that this is still a cost to the taxpayers and is not tax deductible. He indicated that he feels that the cost goes up even more than the purchasing of the bags because it is not part of the tax base. He noted that if there was a way that this could be a part of the tax base, paying the city would be a poor way to do it but would probably work.
Bill Norton, on behalf of EDAC, noted that they support increased recycling and the restoration of the fall leaf pick up and saw no adverse impacts from this proposal on the city’s general business climate. He added that the committee was unanimous in endorsing this policy as amended.
Carol Hargrove, Conant Drive, indicated that she had several questions including whether it is possible to postpone this program to give people the chance to be financially prepared; whether the bags are biodegradable; and whether there will be a senior citizen discount. Referencing Human Services providing bags for individuals who need them, she asked what the plans are for people who can’t afford the bags long term.
Mark Ciborowski, Chamber of Commerce Chair, indicated that at the January Chamber of Commerce Board meeting the board voted unanimously in support of the proposal. He read a letter of support from Tim Sink, Chamber of Commerce President. This letter is on file within the City Clerk’s Office.
Peter Fernandes, Grove Street, spoke in opposition to this proposed program noting that the apartment complexes will be passing along the additional costs to the individuals renting the apartments but there is no where for the homeowners to pass the cost along. He indicated that fifty one percent of the trash that is sent to the incinerator in the Town of Henniker comes from commercial accounts and feels that the city needs to first control the commercial accounts.
Mary West, Monroe Street, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Diana Talbot, Clinton Street, urged Council to consider taking a leadership role in recycling and to create a comprehensive program to aim higher than the state average for recycling.
George Barksdale, Board of Directors member for Island Shores Estates, indicated that this proposed program would mean a $10 to $15 increase in condo fees for the residents of Island Shores Estates. He noted that if a person is in “need” within the complex, they do not have the option of receiving bags from Human Services, they will have to pay the additional fee to the association. He added that he feels that the complex should be given the opportunity to use bags and the bins so that the people in need can receive help from the city for the bags.
Catherine Cullity, Heights resident, noted that she has a few concerns about the pay as you throw program and that she is 100 percent for recycling and feels that the city would have a better recycle rate if there were better recycling bins available.
Melanie Doiron, Stone Street, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Alexander Lee, Holly Street, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Melissa Bernardon, Fayette Street, spoke in support of the pay as you throw program noting that she feels that it is a sensible way to provide an economic incentive to encourage the residents of the city to reduce the waste set out at the curb and strongly urged Council to vote in support of this program.
Rick Watrous, Wilson Avenue, noted that he is glad to see Council moving towards weekly recycling and feels that if weekly recycling had started years ago, residents would be recycling more. He urged Council to consider the financial hardship that many residents are facing at this time. He added that he feels that one free bag per household would motivate people to reduce their trash to one bag a week and at the same time, recycle more.
Roger Hawk, Liberty Street, noted that he feels that this is a unique opportunity to do it and do it right. He indicated that the real overview issue is the amount of energy literally being thrown away and that it is more efficient and environmentally sound to recycle it.
John Hattan, Stone Street Ext, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Thomas Sinotte, Heights resident, spoke in opposition of the proposed program. He inquired as to why Wheelabrator is setting their fees as high as they are and questioned whether the city could raise their taxes or charge them a fee for taking the city’s trash. He noted his concerns for households that will not be able to pay for the bags and that the taxpayers will be paying for these needed bags. Referring to yard waste, he asked if it was possible that it could be free to drop the yard waste off at the facility.
Virginia Cannon, Redwing Road, spoke in support of the proposed program noting that she feels that it will be a great way to get residents to recycle more. She asked that Council be cognizance of the people who are not making a lot of money because the economy is already brutal and this would basically be a five percent increase.
Meredith Hatfield, Perkins Street, spoke in support of the pay as you throw program. She indicated that she is disappointed that Concord’s recycling rate is nine percent and feels that this could be higher. She noted her concern with individuals on fixed incomes and urged Council to find a way to phase it in or to find a way they can creatively help people who are struggling and to call on the committees to help think of creative solutions to help people to be able to do this.
Bo Szanto, Iron Works Road, noted his concerns with the elderly having to wait a few weeks to fill their bags and then having to carry the bags outside. He further noted his concerns with the cost of bags increasing over time.
Mary Beth Robinson, Franklin Street, spoke in support of the proposed program. She noted that this is one area where the residents can control a portion of the city budget with their help. She indicated that she would rather use the savings by instituting this program for important items such as fire and police protection. She added that she would prefer to see some kind of a sticker program and feels that it would be helpful to have two sizes of bags.
Evan Mulholland, White Street, spoke in support of the proposed program and encouraged Council to adopt it. He suggested that the city consider composting because it reduces the volume and weight of trash. He asked that the city to encourage and educate residents to compost to reduce the tonnage that is going to the incinerator.
Mark Anderson, Susan Lane, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Ann Walls, Brookside Drive, spoke in support of the proposed program. She noted that she feels that more people will be recycling and believes that people will either pay now or later in regards to some of the negative environmental factors impacting health if it is continued to dispose of trash in the traditional way. She submitted a petition in support of the proposed program of individuals who were not able to make it to this evening’s meeting.
Robert Wolfgram, Association President of Island Shores Estates, indicated that this does not give individuals within Island Shores Estates the incentive to recycle and feels that this should be looked at on a case by case basis for apartments and associations.
Dennis O’Connell, Fuller Street, spoke in support of the proposed program and understands the gain to be had by such a program. He indicated that larger housing units and single residences have been spoken about but have failed to address the multi-family type housing, one to four family units. He pointed out that from January 2000 to January 2009, the taxes at his Badger Street property have gone up 150 percent and rents have only gone up 71 percent.
Yvette Meunier filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Bernadette Pelczar, Middlebury Street, thanked the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for putting the leaf vacuuming back in and noted that she is a supporter of recycling. She noted that the city needs to educate residents on recycling and give them better bins to do so. She added that she feels composting is a good idea and feels that residents should be given the opportunity to learn more about this.
Jonathan Gregory, Washington Street, indicated that he recycles 80 to 90 percent of his trash and his only concern is how long the trash is going to be sitting in one of the ten gallon bags before it is filled up. He noted that he also feels that residents need to be educated on recycling and composting and that this may be done by producing monthly newsletters.
Roy Schweiker, Chapel Street, noted that he feels that Human Services should give low income individuals money instead of bags so that it can be used to purchase bags or to put towards a condo fee if increased due to this program. He indicated that he feels that people should buy the type of recycling bins that fit their needs instead of relying on the city to provide different sizes. He added that he feels that the city needs a twenty four hour recycling area.
Roland St. Germain, Board of Directors for Island Shore Estates, noted his concerns with the charges for dumpsters. Referencing comments made in terms of giving out a free bag to residents, he asked, if this is the case, how would the city compensate condo associations. He noted that he is in support of the proposal but not for associations having to pay per dumpster.
Carol Cushing, Fisherville Road, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
William Moody, Perley Street, noted that he is in favor of the proposed proposal as a concept but has some potential concerns regarding the implementation of the program. He indicated that the market for recyclable materials has lost a lot of its valuation and asked whether the committee has taken this into account in terms of its net revenue assumptions and what impact will is this going to have long term on the program. He indicated that he also has concerns in regards to illegal dumping.
John Aldrich, Glen Street, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Laura Magzis, Roger Avenue, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Gena Cohen Moses, Auburn Street, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Van McLeod, Kensington Road, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Mark Cave, Cricket Lane, filled out a public hearing form in support of this proposed program.
Three Minute Public Testimony
Roy Schweiker, Chapel Street, indicated that he has been told that leaves can also be placed in bins instead of bags which would save the cost of bags. He spoke in opposition to leaf vacuuming and feel that there should be a 24/7 leaf drop off. Referencing pay as you throw, he noted that he feels that the city should charge the actual price of the bags.
James McConaha, south end resident, noted that he feels that this conversation should have taken place ten years ago and is long overdue. He noted that one of his concerns is that if Council decides not to pass this proposal then what are they going to do. He indicated that he feels that the city should consider and address some of the issues that have been raised this evening. He added that he feels that the city should put in place a monthly mechanism to remind the residents of positive consequences which will save money, resources and energy.
Bo Szanto, Iron Works Road, indicated that he feels that the city should look into the cost of recycling noting his concerns with Wheelabrator making money from this.
Carol Hargrove, Conant Drive, noted that she feels that leaf vacuuming will narrow the streets similar to the way the streets are narrowed by snow banks in the winter. She further noted her concerns with children playing in the leaves on the side of the road. Referencing weekly recycling, she questioned whether this would be a cost increase in the budget.
Tom Sinotte, Heights resident, referencing leaf pick up he indicated that the city already owns the equipment to pick up the leaves. He inquired as to how the city is going to notify the residents of this proposal if passed this evening.
Barry Sanborn, Hodges Development, indicated that he estimates the new cost of this proposed program costing approximately $80,000 to $90,000 for them. He noted that he supports the idea but the intricacies of pulling it off to what is questionable in the policing of it.
Councilor Keach inquired as to what the estimated rent increase may be to cover those costs. Mr. Sanborn responded that he would divide that amount by 700 units which would be approximately $114 per unit per year. Councilor Keach questioned whether they anticipated passing 100 percent of this off on the tenants. Mr. Sanborn responded that he anticipates that they will try to but the problem is that this is a tough time to do it.
Jonathan Gregory, Washington Street, reiterated that education is very important for the residents.
There being no further public testimony, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
B. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title I, General Code; Chapter 5, Public Works; Article 5-7, Solid Waste. (1Sus2)
Action: Public hearing for this item taken with item A.
C. Resolution authorizing the annual appraisal of real estate at market value per RSA 75:8-b; together with report from the Director of Real Estate Assessments. (1-13) (Public hearings on this item must be held in February and March)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell explained that this is the first of two public hearings.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor recessed the hearing until the March Council meeting.
D. Report from the Recreation Director recommending increased supplemental fees and charges for the Recreation Department. (1-20) (Supplemental report submitted)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open.
Five Minute Public Testimony
Averill Cate Sr, American Legion Post 21 Baseball, spoke in support of the proposal but noted his concerns with rates charged for two hour games. He explained that Legion Baseball requires the field for six hours at a time to play their games. He recommended that after passing out all the times and dates to baseball teams that need the field for game plays, if there are any left over that they should be allowed to use it as a practice field for the baseball team including the lights if Post 21 is willing to pay the fee for this.
Mayor Bouley questioned whether he was referring to Doane Field. Mr. Cate responded that he is referring to Memorial Field.
Mr. Cate added that Post 21 Baseball is working with the Recreation and Parks Department in supplying new dug outs for Rollins Park.
There being no further public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
E. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 13-5-3, Amendments to the 2001 U.S Public Health Service/FDA Food Code, to provide consistency with the requirements for bathroom facilities required by the 2006 Plumbing Code as amended; together with a report from Code Administrator. (1-16)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Councilor Lemieux asked why this applies only to assemblies that serve food. Mr. Aspell explained that the ones that do not serve food are not required to provide restroom facilities to the public.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
F. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title IV, Zoning Code, Chapter 28, Zoning Ordinance, Article 28-6, Sign Regulations, Section 28-6-9, Signs Permitted in Non-residential Districts; together with reports from the Planning Board and the Zoning Administrator. (10-13) (1-17)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
G. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title IV, Zoning Code, by establishing a new Chapter 29.3, Issuance of Building Permits on Certain Lots on Unaccepted Streets; together with report from the Planning Board in response to a request from Councilors Bouchard and Shurtleff requesting the Planning Board devise a method, pursuant to RSA 674:41, for the issuance of building permits on unaccepted streets. (9Sus3) (1-19)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
H. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title IV Zoning Code, Chapter 28, Zoning Ordinance, Article 28-2, Zoning Districts and Allowable Uses, Section 28-2-3, The Zoning Map, Kyle Road and Emily Way; together with report from the Planning Board in response to a communication from Ray D’Amante on behalf on the Vineyards Condominium requesting the rezoning of property north of the Vineyards on Bog Road in Concord, NH. (8-9) (1-24)
Action: Public hearing on this item tabled until March 9, 2009.
I. Report of the Planning Board requesting that Council hold a public hearing, pursuant to Section 16-3-6 of the Code of Ordinances, on a proposed mapped line of a future street between Bog Road and Kyle Road, and to authorize the Planning Board to certify the mapped lines of this future street. (1-47) (Resolution submitted)
Action: Public hearing on this item tabled until March 9, 2009.
J. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title V, Administrative Code, Chapter 34, Personnel Rules and Regulations, Sections 34-11-11, Waiver of Workmen’s Compensation Rights and 34-11-12 Leave Provisions prior to August 1, 1989; together with report from the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations. (1-14)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
K. Resolution accepting and appropriating the sum of $13,700 from the NH Charitable Foundation for research and establishment of endowments, foundations, or other similar opportunities to help finance city programs and facilities; together with a report from the Assistant for Special Projects. (1-15)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
February 9, 2009 Public Hearing Action
Action: Councilor Nyhan, Solid Waste Advisory Committee Chair, thanked the committee and staff for all the time and effort that went into the report and recommendations.
Councilor Coen inquired as to the actual cost of the leaf pick up per year and further inquired what the city is paying currently for the recycling per year and whether it would double if it is done weekly. He lastly inquired as to the solid waste cost excluding the recycling and the leaf pick up costs per year. General Services Director Chip Chesley explained that the estimated cost for the leaf and yard waste collection program is approximately $200,000. He indicated that the current contract for curbside collection is between $450,000 and $500,000. He indicated that they expect curbside collection to be approximately $900,000. Councilor Coen inquired as to what the cost alone for trash is costing. Mr. Chesley responded that next year’s cost is going to be approximately $800,000 just for collection.
Referencing the fall leaf pick up, Councilor Bouchard questioned whether it will still be bags or is it just the vacuuming. Mr. Chesley responded that it will principally be vacuuming. Councilor Bouchard inquired whether neighborhoods that currently receive trash pick up that are on a private road or homeowners association will still receive curbside trash pick up. Mr. Chesley responded that the city anticipates continuing to provide solid waste collection.
Councilor St. Hilaire indicated that it is his understanding that there was currently a five bag limit for yard waste and asked whether there was a limitation with the new implementation, if it goes into effect. Mr. Chesley responded that there would not be a limit. Councilor St. Hilaire questioned whether they would need to go into paper bags. Mr. Chesley indicated that they would need to go into paper bags because there needs to be a biodegradable product to the compost.
Referencing weekly versus bi-weekly recycling, Councilor McClure asked why that economic incentive work every other week in the same way that it would work every week. Mr. Chesley indicated that it is less convenient to the homeowner as far as storage and holding on to materials. Councilor McClure asked whether the estimates provided are from communities that have pay as you throw. Mr. Chesley responded that those were based upon working with the consultants DSM. Councilor McClure noted that if those are true it would mean that there would be a potential savings of approximately $320,000 by going to bi-weekly recycling. Mr. Chesley indicated that there could be.
Councilor Nyhan indicated that during the course of soliciting public input, one of the reasons a lot of people sided with not recycling more was that they had no way of disposing of those recyclables on a more frequent basis.
Councilor Bouchard questioned whether the committee had looked at a composting program or initiating one in the future. Mr. Chesley responded not specifically as to municipal solid waste. He added that approximately seventeen percent of the solid waste stream is easily compostable.
Councilor Blanchard pointed out public testimony had indicated that the city has not set its sights high enough for recycling. She added that unless the city goes to weekly recycling the city is going to have a really hard time reaching that forty percent threshold.
Councilor Keach indicated that public testimony was given this evening from two different perspectives: the economics of the situation; and the ecology. He added that it is an accurate statement that until the city gets to a point of forty percent recycling, that the program will cost the community money.
Councilor Coen asked who owns the recyclables once they are in the truck. Mr. Chesley responded that the contractor does. Councilor Coen inquired whether there is an organization that gives out containers. Mr. Chesley indicated that there is an organization called New Hampshire the Beautiful that will underwrite approximately fifty percent of the capital costs of containers. Councilor Coen indicated that if he understands correctly, any recycling that is brought down to the commercial entity in Concord is not included in the recycling numbers. Mr. Chesley indicated that to be correct.
Councilor Lemieux asked whether it was a correct statement that the city will break even when the forty percent level is reached for recycling. He asked if this was because of what the city will be doing if they implement the pay as you throw program because they are taking trash out of the incinerator stream, saving money here, but it is going to the recycling stream which he understands to cost more per ton than the trash stream. Mr. Chesley responded that currently it does. Councilor Lemieux inquired whether this is so because the contractor has buried the fluctuating price that he gets for other recyclable material. Mr. Chesley responded that every contractor wants to be in a position that they don’t lose. Councilor Lemieux asked when the models predict that it will hit the forty percent level. Mr. Chesley responded that it conservatively says that it could take three years. He noted that he feels that there will be a quick change in behavior at the curbside level and the behavior that will change the slowest will be the apartments and condominiums. Councilor Lemieux asked if it would be fair to say, that until the forty percent level is reached, the budget is going to increase for a year or more until it stabilizes. Mr. Chesley indicated that from a budgetary standpoint, there would be no increase to the general fund. He added that the city would have to look at the total cost of the program and when looking at the total cost for the initial year, it could be higher because of the recycling numbers. Councilor Lemieux asked how the city would account for the doubling of the recycling contract when going from bi-weekly to weekly pick up. He indicated that it will incur an additional annual cost of $450,000 to $500,000. Mr. Chesley indicated that to be correct.
Mayor Bouley pointed out that if Council does nothing it will still be more expensive than doing something.
Councilor Stetson questioned whether there are any other communities that have a forty percent recycling rate that do not have the pay as you throw program. Mr. Chesley responded that he is not aware of any. Ted Siegler, DSM, explained that recycling rates are a difficult number to compare community to community because it depends upon what you count within the recycling rate, whether including metals or other heavy materials. He added that there are communities that have single stream collection weekly with 64 gallon carts for recycling who come very close to a 35 to 40 percent recycling rate without pay as you throw because they have large capacity carts. He indicated that, in general, pay as you throw programs do have a significant impact on the recycling rate.
Referencing individuals who live in mobile home parks and are not currently participating in any kind of a recycling program, Councilor Patten questioned as to what would happen if this proposal passes. Mr. Chesley explained that those that are outside of the city system would not be affected at all. Councilor Patten noted his concern with senior citizens and individuals on fixed incomes and the prices of the bags with the possibility of the prices increasing over time.
Referencing the models, Councilor Keach noted that as he understands initially there becomes a situation in which there is a surplus of funds because of the bag revenue generated and as the program unfolds tipping fees increase and it starts to level out. He inquired whether these funds are held in some kind of a reserve account that is specific to solid waste. Mr. Chesley indicated that to be correct.
Councilor St. Hilaire asked how many bags have to be purchased at a time. Mr. Chesley responded that they are typically in sleeves of five or ten with two sizes. Councilor St. Hilaire inquired as to what type of notice are going to be provided to the residents if this program is passed. Mr. Chesley responded that staff will try to get the notice out to as many venues as possible.
Mayor Bouley asked what the implementation date would be if this was adopted. Mr. Chesley indicated that staff would like this to be effective at the beginning of the new fiscal year.
In regards to the policing, Councilor St. Hilaire questioned what would happen if someone is using the wrong bag. Mr. Chesley indicated that the city has a good working relationship with the vendors and feels that they would let them know if there is inappropriate trash in the location in which the individual could be notified of the proper way to handle solid waste. Councilor St. Hilaire inquired whether the bag would be picked up. Mr. Chesley responded that with the curbside program the plan is to have staff travel the routes and if they find an inappropriate bag at a resident they will try to meet with the resident to explain the proper way to handle it. He added that staff will be informing the hauler not to pick up the bags so that staff can talk to these individuals and get them into the program. Despite the media release of the program, Councilor St. Hilaire noted that he suspects that there will be some residents that might miss this notice. He encouraged staff to figure out a way to notify these residents of the program.
Councilor Nyhan moved approval to adopt the ordinance as presented and acceptance of the January 12th and February 2nd reports. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor McClure asked for some clarification as to exactly what the ordinance would do in terms of how it changes things. Mr. Aspell explained that the report is built on the ordinance so everything that is contained within the report is referred to. Councilor McClure indicated that as she understands, the ordinance does what’s necessary to have a pay as you throw program but in addition, everything that Council has discussed will be part of the proposal in terms of the details of how it is implemented. Councilor Nyhan noted that this is his understanding and would also include the updates received this evening in regards to shifting to the continuance of the vacuuming program.
Referencing going from every two weeks to weekly pickup for recycling, Councilor Coen indicated that by doing this it will be a 1.5 percent cost that is going to the tax base and noted that he is not comfortable with this kind of increase within the budget.
Councilor Shurtleff noted that he hopes that the city continues to work with the condo associations, mobile home parks and apartment complexes to encourage people to recycle.
Councilor McClure thanked the committee and General Services staff for exploring this concept and explaining it thoroughly to the community and to Council. She indicated that she feels that the city needs the pay as you throw program but is very sensitive to many of the people testifying this evening and explaining that essentially the city is causing them to pay for a service that they have to pay for. She explained that she is looking for some sort of a balance between instituting this program but maybe at not so high a cost.
Councilor McClure moved to amend the motion to pass the ordinance as proposed with the exception of first trying the program with bi-weekly recycling instead of weekly recycling. The motion was duly seconded.
Mayor Bouley explained that he is looking at this that if Council doesn’t do something about the 47 percent increase in the cost of solid waste, then they are automatically making the decision, going into the budget, to increase the taxes by three percent. If Council goes forth with a proposal like this, he indicated that it does shift the burden but it places it on the person as to whether it is an increase because if someone recycles and only puts one bag out, then that person actually saves money.
Councilor McClure indicated that if Council adopts this program and recycling is every week, it’s going to cost the city $320,000 more than if they go to this program and recycle every other week.
Councilor Keach explained that the burden to the homeowner will still be the same.
Councilor Blanchard indicated that she would not be voting for the amendment.
Councilor Lemieux spoke in favor of the amendment noting that a three percent tax increase would have been levied to both commercial and residential property whereas the bag charge will be spreading the same total amount of money over just residents which is approximately sixty percent of the total tax revenue. He noted that he would like to know how staff thinks it will affect the program going forward if Council passes pay as you throw with this amendment.
Councilor St. Hilaire explained that one thing is clear this evening in that Council would not be talking about this if it wasn’t for the fact that tipping fees are going up. He indicated that if the city pays the additional tipping fee that would mean a three percent tax increase across the board and what the committee has been looking at is a way for people to take charge of their own bill. He noted that he likes the idea of weekly recycling because it puts people in control of their own costs and gives them control to save money.
Councilor Keach cautioned Council to look at this short term, this fiscal year, because he feels that it is a proposal in which the benefits are 3 to 4 years out.
Councilor McClure noted that she agrees with Councilor St. Hilaire’s statement but is trying to give the city $320,000 to $450,000 more to work with to save other services that will be dealt with in the budget cycle.
Councilor St. Hilaire noted that he feels that they need to give the people the control and not the city.
Councilor Werner indicated that he feels that it is important at this as a market based way of incenting change. He noted that he does not support the current bi-weekly recycling.
Councilor Lemieux indicated that there are two items that will encourage people to recycle: the monetary incentive and the convenience of going from bi-weekly to weekly pick up. If one incentive, such as the weekly pick up, is taken away does staff feel that this will affect the model. Mr. Chesley responded that there is an old rule of thumb in solid waste and recycling which is: to effect recycling, one wants to get as furthest upstream as possible in the decision making process. Mr. Chesley explained that the basic premise of the pay as you throw as it was put forth was that there would be no further increase in general fund expenditures to support solid waste. He noted that he feels that there is value to provide weekly recycling.
Councilor St. Hilaire moved to continue the meeting beyond 11:00 p.m. The motion was duly seconded and passed on a voice vote.
Councilor Lemieux noted that staff had indicated that the model is based upon a prediction that recycling would increase by 15 percent the first year, 15 percent the second year and 10 percent the third year. He asked how these numbers would be changed from the presumption of weekly to biweekly recycling. Mr. Chesley responded that they will see the most significant change on the curbside population which is 75 percent of the houses when you go to pay as you throw which is the population which currently recycles every other week. He indicated that he believes there will be some lag here from this population. He explained that he would go back to the model and take a look at taking some of those recycling credits off the front of the model and stretch it out that way.
Councilor McClure’s amendment failed on a voice vote.
Councilor Nyhan’s motion to adopt the ordinance as presented and accept the January 12th and February 2nd reports. The motion was duly seconded and pass 12 to 3 on a roll call vote with Councilors Bennett, Black, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, Keach, McClure, Nyhan, St. Hilaire, Shurtleff, and Werner voting yes. Councilors Lemieux, Patten and Stetson voted no.
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed on a voice vote.
Adjournment
The time being 11:16 p.m., Councilor Shurtleff moved to recess the meeting until next Tuesday, February 17th. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
A true copy; I attest:
Michelle Tiffany
Deputy City Clerk
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