Title
Solid Waste Management System (B)
This item involves a request for the Commission to hear a presentation on the status of the City and County discussions regarding the need to capture control of the commercial waste stream.
Explanation
On January 25, 2010 Emerald Waste Services, Inc. (EWS) began diverting approximately 1,000 tons of commercial waste per week (29% of the total waste stream formerly taken to the Leveda Brown Transfer Facility (LBTF)). The waste is now taken to a transfer station owned by EWS where they are sorting out recyclables and then transporting the remaining waste to a privately owned landfill located in southern Georgia. This diversion of waste is creating a substantial revenue loss for Alachua County because the tipping fees at the New River Landfill increase as volume of waste decreases. In addition, the fixed costs of operation at the LBTF are spread over a lower tonnage. This will most likely result in an increased cost to the residential customers.
In October 2006, the City Commission adopted Resolution 060535 authorizing one or more exclusive franchises for the provision of solid waste services to commercial property or provide such services itself or through another local government. On March 18, 2008 during a joint meeting of the City and County Commissions a motion passed for the County and City to develop and implement flow-control ordinances within their respective jurisdictions, while continuing to pursue one or more exclusive commercial franchises as a back up.
As a follow-up to that meeting City and County staff began meeting with the local commercial haulers to alert them of the direction given. The haulers requested the opportunity to enter into non-exclusive franchise agreements with the City and County that provided a commitment to bring the waste to the LBTF. Two of the three haulers did follow through with this commitment and signed agreements with Alachua County. However, EWS did not.
Based on legal opinions provided to Alachua County and the City of Gainesville, staff believes it is necessary to now proceed with the exclusive franchise to commercial property.
Fiscal Note
There is no fiscal impact at this time.
Recommendation
Recommended Motion: The City Commission: 1) hear a presentation on the status of the City and County discussions regarding the need to capture control of the commercial waste stream; and 2) authorize the City Manager to begin the process to implement exclusive franchise to commercial property jointly with Alachua County.