Agenda - Council Work Session - 09/27/2016

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Board Member Hiatt asked whether the waste hauling industry is set up to handle organics. City Planner Anderson stated that not all haulers are but the industry is evolving and he thinks for the City to meet State set goals, Ramsey will eventually need to have an organics program as it is recyclable and a large component of the waste stream. Chairperson Stodola asked why organics can't be disposed of with yard waste. City Planner Anderson stated he does not necessarily know but it may have to do with the proper mixing and ratios of browns and greens to create compost. Board Member Anderson asked if the topic of organics can be introduced through the City's newsletter to provide pre -education. Board Member Hiatt stated he talked with his neighbors who indicated they want to keep down the level of truck traffic on their street. Another issue is to provide quality service, which he thinks is being provided by Ace Solid Waste. He felt organics may be a long-term goal rather than a short-term goal. City Planner Anderson reviewed the past contract terms and recommended not going beyond a five-year term as this industry is evolving. He stated the Board also asked him how Ramsey's contract rates compared with other communities, which is included in the case report. He explained why this contract has proven to be beneficial over its term. Chairperson Stodola asked if other cities are offering organics collection. City Planner Anderson described Elk River' s organics program. Board Member Hiatt agreed a step in that direction is needed and suggested building the development of an organics program (education, pilot project) into an RFP. City Planner Anderson stated there is time to develop program specifics such as education. Board Member Anderson stated it would be interesting and helpful to get feedback from those already in an organics program relating to perceived benefit. City Planner Anderson stated that type of information would identify whether there are issues that need to be addressed to make the program more successful and give an idea on the level of participation. City Planner Anderson asked if there had been general Board consensus that a contracted service was supported over open hauling. The Environmental Policy Board confirmed that was its consensus.