SAC MIN 1996-01-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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revenue as stated in their agreement with the City. Ms. Holmquist stated the City is recommending an increase of 8 1/2% on all garbage collection fees in order to recover the revenue shortfall. Mr. Gasparini stated BEI will continue to have the Spring and Fall Clean-up but will discontinue the free end of the month collection. Mr. Gasparini explained that by the year 2000, the State has mandated that each County has to divert 50% out of their landfill. Debbie Sargent of BFI said San Mateo County is now at 28% and that people could continue to decrease their garbage output using the recycling program. Ms. Sargent spoke about the proposed green waste program and how it would work. The recommended garbage rate increase will be discussed by City Council at their February 5 meeting. The green waste proposal will be discussed by the Council at a different time, and if accepted, would go into operation nine months later. Commissioner Walsh was alarmed at the 8 1/2% increase being requested and felt it was very high and much higher than what any other businesses are receiving, and that seniors certainly were not receiving 8.5% increases to their Social Security checks. He explained that many seniors are on a fixed income and cannot afford the increase. Mr. Gasparini and Ms. Holmquist explained the rate increase is primarily due to the revenue shortfall. Redwood City's agreement is for BFI to receive 9% but this did not occur and the shortfall has to be recovered. BFI's operating costs have increased at a rate of 2%. It was pointed out that the rate of a 20 gallon can was reduced last year from $7.91 to $5.41 (58.7% decrease) and that seniors and those who chose to use the smaller containers were effected by this change. Ms. Holmquist said that all residents would be notified when the free end of the month pick-up would be eliminated. Chairperson Lloyd encouraged the Commissioners to attend the February 5 meeting when the subject will be discussed by the City Council. Mr. Gasparini said that residential collection can be picked up at the curb or in a person's backyard. He said that BFI still provides the service to have extra items picked up on your assigned collection day but there is a charge. ITEM 2-WORK WITH NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS Jerry Schnell and Karen Chew of the City's Building Department announced that Code Enforcement is beginning their 11th year. As code inspectors, they receive an overwhelming number of requests concerning possible violations on Redwood City properties. Since Code Enforcement will not be receiving any additional staff, the City Manager has asked them to work with Boards and Commissions to look for volunteers to help with the problem. Mr. Schnell spoke about the City of Garden Grove who has developed a volunteer program where people visit neighborhoods, take pictures of possible code