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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-23-2017 Special Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL Date of Meeting: October 23, 2017 Time of Meeting: 6:00 PM Location of Meeting: Conference Room #1 Purpose of Meeting: WORKSESSION CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr., Buesgens and Novitsky Councilmember Williams arrived at 6:02 PM Also Present: Joe Kloiber; Acting City Manager, Kevin Hansen; Public Works Director, Jesse Davies; Office Assistant and Katie Bruno; City Clerk Discussion of Refuse Proposals Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director reported Request for Proposals were sent out to eight contractors, five proposals were received back. The two lowest bids came from Advanced Disposal Services and Waste Management, Jesse Davies, Public Works Office Assistant indicated the main goal of the city's solid waste management program is to reduce trash disposal, especially since the cost will increase to $75 /ton for trash disposal; while there is no cost for recycling. Davies gave an overview on the trends since 2009, and outlined the MPCA's recycling Best Management practices. City staff recommends that Waste Management be awarded the next contract and further recommends adding services for curbside bulk recycling and organics collection for the following reasons: 1. Waste Management scored better on the reference surveys and staff evaluation. 2. Waste Management has the better price with bulk and organics recycling included, $1,700,000 average /year - -bulk costs $9,000 and organics $53,000. 3. Because of the excellent bids we received, the City can offer bulk and organics recycling to the suite of refuse services and still pay 1% less in total than 2017 hauling and disposal costs. a. 2017 total cost at current contract price for base services is $1,688,000. b. 2018 Waste Management proposed price with bulk and organics is $1,672,000. 4. Trash disposal is projected to be at a rate of at least $75 /ton in 2018. With the City disposing of 7,000 tons last year equating to over $500,000 annually just for disposal, the City saves money by recycling because it is still $0 /ton for recycling material disposition. The MPCA states that 30 -40% of trash is organic, so if one -third of 7,000 tons was recycled through organics, the City would save at least $175,000 /year. 5. Currently bulk is disposed of in the trash at $75 /ton. If we recycle it, we can use SCORE (recycling grant) to help pay for handling and receive tonnage credit for reporting. Plus some of the items can be donated which is free disposal. 6. The City receives $95,000 /year from SCORE which helps to subsidize recycling operations. Staff has requested Anoka County provide an additional $30,000 /year for our Full Service Curbside Recycling operations, plus an additional $20,000 to subsidize 2018 organic startup costs. Waste Management also proposes an 80% rebate for curbside recyclables which could mean a financial return for the city when the commodity markets go up. City Council Worksession October 23, 2017 Page 2 of 2 Councilmember Buesgens stated she would be interested in offering education for zero waste opportunities in the future. Davies agreed that would be a good idea. Mayor Schmitt questioned how the costs are affected now that the city owns the carts. Davies indicated that close to $1,000,000 was saved on each of the bids without including the carts. Hansen reported that Waste Management will be relabeling the carts with county approved templates. Buesgens requested materials be made available in multiple languages. A resident indicated that he has had over 20 missed recycling pickups this year. Hansen indicated that there have been multiple concerns with the current contractor. Adjournment Meeting Adjourned at 6:36 PM Resp ctively Sub pitted, Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk