09/16/1992 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e G. Mayor's Washington. DC. TriD Mayor Miller said a written report on his recent Washington, DC, trip is forthcoming. II. WORK SESSION: PROPOSAL FOR METRO YARD DEBRIS PROGRAM Keli Osborn, Building and Permit Services, recalled that in July 1991, the Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) asked staff to examine the feaSibility of expanding local yard debris recovery and to provide options for the MPC's consideration. A team of staff from Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield studied the matter and developed recommendations. The review included a survey of programs elsewhere in the country and discussion with interested members of the private sector. At its August meeting, the MPC asked staff to take the item back to their respective jurisdictions to receive comments to help MPC members. There was also concern about how individual jurisdictions might feel about the issue. Ms. Osborn asked the council to provide direction to staff and to its representatives on the MPC on issues regarding implementation of a yard debris recovery program in the metropolitan area. She said the following are three key questions the council may wish to use to direct comments to the MPC: I) Does the council support implementing an expanded program for depot collection of yard debris and recyclables, and yard debris processing; 2) Does the council view such a program as an exten- sion of the County's existing waste management efforts, and endorse County funding and administration of the program; and 3) Should the City take the e lead in permit activities for siting Eugene depots? Ms. Osborn said that the County Board of Commissioners discussed the item September 2 and basically supports the proposal. She said commissioners want to fold it into a discussion the County is having right now about its tipping rate structure, recognizing that fees may need to be raised to finance waste management programs. Implementation date for a potential rate increase is July 1993. Ms. Osborn explained that tipping fees are paid by all residents within Lane County. Mr. MacDonald said he supports removing yard debris from the waste stream. He also expressed concern with the expense involved in having attended depots. Mr. MacDonald asked for more information on by-product options. Ms. Osborn explained that staff recommends drop-off depots over curbside collection for several reasons. Curbside collection is costly and more material may be collected than can initially be used. She also explained that unattended drop-off sites have been a problem in the past, as many people will not sort yard debris from other wastes. Mr. Boles suggested the council flag these issues for staff to respond to, and also forward the proposal to the Solid Waste and Recycling Board for its input. Mr. Nicholson noted that, within the city limits, the council may decide to do e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 16, 1992 Page 3 11 :30 a.m.