CC Min 2007-03-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

recycling and award those people who are successful with the task. She suggested that two new smaller container sizes, a 5- gallon and a 10- gallon option, be offered with proportionately lower rates. John Ummel stated that he is favor of the rate increase and that services for garbage, water, and sewer are under priced not only in California but worldwide. He expressed frustration with trying to find a site for three huge bags of Styrofoam that he has had since November. He stated that Styrofoam can be taken to the landfill. He stated that Styrofoam is made of petroleum and in categories of energy consumption, greenhouse gases, and total environmental effect is second highest only to aluminum. It is not biodegradable and when returned to landfill takes decades or centuries to deteriorate. It is often mistaken by birds and marine life for food. His recommendation was to have the waste management authority determine whether the Palo Alto model can be duplicated here, include the cost and rate impact, or collaborate with Palo Alto to allow nonresidents to take Styrofoam to their city. Gordon Glasson stated his confusion about the rate increase stating that the fees and monies have been paid and should be returned to the ratepayers to reduce the cost of the service even more. Lillian Clark, 18 -year Redwood City resident and homeowner stated that she works in solid waste and recycling and while she does not have a problem with the rate increase, she does have an issue with the structure of the rates. Her analysis indicates that there is only a 3 -cent difference between the 95- gallon and the 60- gallon cans. She stated that this is not a clear progressive rate structure. She further stated that residents are recycling 47% and that they should not be impacted with the rate increase, but that the commercial sector recycling in the low 20's should be. She stated that the City should focus on the wood and other materials coming out of the construction sites. She stated that the City must address global warming and wants to see the steps taken toward carbon dioxide reduction with transportation, recycling, and energy issues. She commended the water saving toilet program. Andrew Komornicki, longtime resident, protested the increase and asked how the increase of 11 % can be sustainable. Merrily Robinson stated that the Styrofoam vendor, FP International, received an enforcement citation because the wind was blowing the material into the storm drains. She suggested that maybe the City could support a better storage system. M/S Bain /Ira to close the public hearing. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote. JOINT CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ MARCH 26, 2007 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 11 MINUTE BOOK NO. 61 Page No. 362