Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 07/18/2016

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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. City Planner Anderson stated then the next step would be to consider a recommendation as to whether the City should attempt to directly negotiate with its current hauler for a new contract or develop an RFP for competitive bids. Chairperson Stodola stated Ace Solid Waste has done a good job so he would suggest staff start negotiations with them including whether they would offer a residential organics program. Board Member Hiatt supported accepting the goals drafted by City Planner Anderson, using them as a guideline, and to authorize staff to start negotiation with the present provider as they have done a good job. Motion by Board Member Hiatt and seconded by Board Member Bernard to accept the goals as drafted by City Planner Anderson and detailed in the case report. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Stodola, Board Members Hiatt, Bernard, Anderson, and Trossen. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Members Covart and Valentine. Board Member Trossen also supported negotiating with Ace Solid Waste as they have been a good service provider. Motion by Chairperson Stodola and seconded by Board Member Trossen to recommend the City Council direct staff to negotiate a recycling contracted service with the current hauler. Environmental Policy Board / July 18, 2016 Page 5 of 6