MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING O
THE HAMILTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRIC
POLICY COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE HAMILTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
POLICY COMMITTEE
RESCHEDULED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2002

DATE: September 19, 2002

TIME: 2:00 pm

PLACE: Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services
250 William Howard Taft Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45219

PRESENT: Policy Committee Members
Keith Corman, Township Representative, Vice Chair
Tony DiPuccio, Generator Representative
Dr. Carl Evert, General Interest Member
Karl Graham, Representative of Largest Municipality
Tim Ingram, Hamilton County General Health District Representative
Dr. James O'Reilly, Public Member
Todd Portune, County Commissioner, Chair
Larry Riddle, Ex-Officio Member
 

DOES Staff
Jeffrey W. Aluotto, Solid Waste Manager
Lisa Blair, Solid Waste Intern
Sarah Brugger, Public Affairs Coordinator
Holly Christmann, Community Specialist
Ken Edgell, Environmental Administrative Coordinator
Christy Kellner, Business Specialist
Ali Khodadad, Operations Coordinator
Susan Schumacher, Secretary, Clerk
Tammy Wenhame, Public Affairs Specialist

Others In Attendance
Karen Ball, Commissioner Portune's Aid
Brian DePeel, Environmental Enterprises
Martha Gentry, City of Cincinnati
Heather Harlow, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful
Alice Kennedy, Citizen
Karen Luken, RW Beck
Dan McCabe, Environmental Enterprises
Dave Nutini, Hamilton County General Health District
Bob Orr, CSI

I. CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Portune called the meeting to order at 2:06 pm. Mr. Portune welcomed everyone to the meeting.

II. CLERK'S REPORT

A. Approval of Minutes - August 15, 2002

Mr. Graham moved to approve the August 15, 2002 minutes. Mr. Ingram seconded. All were in favor and the minutes were approved by acclamation.
 

B. Additions/Changes to the Agenda

Under Informational Items add the following:

-Update on a fee amendment proposal - Solid Waste Advisory Council of Ohio

-Green Building Program Update

• FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT

A. Finance SubCommittee Report - September 19, 2002

Mr. Graham stated that the Finance SubCommittee reviewed the tipping fee revenues through July, 2002 and that tonnages are holding steady. Revenues thus far are approximately $80,000 ahead of last year.

The Finance SubCommittee also reviewed and recommended approval of SWR 06/2002 which represents expenditures totaling approximately $60,000.

Mr. Graham stated that Mr. Albin Bauer of Eastman and Smith was present at the meeting and spoke of an alternative financing arrangement that might be available to the District in addition to disposal fees (Van Wert County/Maharg fee structure).

For a copy of the minutes, please contact Susan Schumacher at (513) 946-7734 or susan.schumacher@hamilton-co.org.

Mr. Graham asked Mr. Aluotto if he had any recommendations at this point regarding the presentation. Mr. Aluotto stated he would report back at the next Policy Committee meeting.

Dr. O'Reilly stated that in light of some of the discussion, he feels it would be important to obtain a Prosecutor's Opinion on the subject of whether a ratification process will be necessary prior to the adoption of any form of designation before the November 14, 2002 meeting.

Mr. Portune suggested to do the following: 1) Accept the Opinion Letter and make it part of the attachments for the November 14, 2002 meeting, 2) Have Mr. Aluotto consider the issues and make a formal request to the Prosecutor's Office.

• Approval of Disbursements - Resolution SWR 06/2002

The Finance SubCommittee reviewed the expenditures and recommended approval of SWR 06/2002 which covers expenditures from August 1-31, 2002. Mr. Graham motioned approval of SWR 06/2002. Dr. O'Reilly seconded and SWR 06/2002 was approved by acclamation.

Mr. Aluotto discussed background information regarding the District's Market Development Study for Hamilton County conducted by RW Beck. Ms. Luken will be discussing the results of Phase I and the potential for moving into Phase II.

A. Market Development Study for Hamilton County

Ms. Luken introduced herself stated that she was the Director with RW Beck which is a management facility firm that tries to find cost effective ways to manage solid waste, public utilities, water, power, and recycling markets.

Ms. Luken stated that RW Beck looked for what materials are available that could be recovered in greater quantity that there would be a market for and what the role of the District would be. After the presentation, Ms. Luken reiterated that RW Beck suggests as the focus of the remainder of this recycling market development study are old and new scrap tires, food waste, yardwaste (residential and commercial), and untreated C&D lumber and scrap pallets. A brief question and answer period followed. Attachment B of the Policy Packet is RW Beck's report submitted to the District.

Mr. Portune thanked and complimented Ms. Luken on her presentation.

Mr. Aluotto stated that a staff recommendation was not included in the Policy Packet due to the District conducting the wrap-up meeting with RW Beck yesterday. The District and RW Beck looked at some initial cost estimates on moving into Phase II. At this point, Staff will recommend that RW Beck move into Phase II which will be the most beneficial part of the study. This Phase will bring those stakeholders together and find a workable market base solution.

Mr. Portune requested that Phase II provide very specific recommendations.

Mr. Aluotto discussed the specifics of the original master services agreement between RW Beck and the District and reiterated the Staff Recommendation.

Dr. O'Reilly motioned to proceed with Phase II of the study subject to remain within budget constraints and subject to developing a appropriate scope of services contract between the District and RW Beck. Mr. Graham seconded and the motion was approved by acclamation.
 

• POLICY ITEMS

A. HHM Programming

Mr. Aluotto stated that at the last meeting, the Policy Committee received a thorough report from Dr. Carl Evert regarding the Alliance for Chemical Safety's work on identifying household hazardous materials management options for the District. The District commissioned this study in order to better understand various options available with regard to this issue. Several years ago, the District's temporary drop-off program was reduced in scope due to funding constraints. Since that time, the District has received anecdotal evidence that an increase in the level of HHM programming may be necessary.

Mr. Aluotto stated that he would like to personally thank Dr. Evert and Lisa Blair, the District's intern for all the time and effort that was put into that report. The report was done very well and was well received.

After analyzing the report submitted by Ms. Blair, along with the report from the ACS, staff has come to the determination that there may be significant merit in a permanent facility operated full-, or part-time throughout the year. There are, however, some questions which Staff would like to address before recommending that resources be committed to pilot such a facility. These questions (willingness of residents to utilize the facility, willingness for residents to travel to dispose of material, how often residents typically cycle these materials out of their homes, preferences for periodic, nearby events vs. a permanent, more distant facility) seek to determine residents' service preferences for this program and could be answered, to a statistically significant degree, in the District's next comprehensive surveying effort (this Fall). Assuming the results of this survey confirm the public's desire for a permanent drop-off location, the District could proceed with a pilot program in early 2004. Full implementation of this program will require an increase in outside partner funding or a reallocation of District resources.

Mr. Aluotto stated that Staff recommends that 1) The District immediately proceed with a comprehensive surveying effort using the Greater Cincinnati Survey through the University of Cincinnati to obtain data on Hamilton County residents' preferences and current practices with regard to HHM, 2) In 2003, proceed with the four scheduled HHM collection events, as these events have been advertised for several months, 3) In 2004, presuming earlier survey results justifies this course, conduct an eight to ten week pilot program using an existing private sector outlet as a permanent collection facility. Gather data on potential number of users, potential amount of collected materials, and potential overall annual cost for a full program, and 4) Depending upon information collected in (3), examine the possibility of proceeding with full implementation of a permanent collection program or adjusting the frequency of collection events. This would almost assuredly involve additional partnerships with outside agencies and minor funding adjustments for immediate implementation. If neither of these were possible, data will be provided to the Public Advisory Committee during the update of the Solid Waste Management Plan (to begin in 2004) for inclusion in their review and evaluation of District programming.

Mr. Portune asked Dr. Evert how he felt about the proposed recommendation. Dr. Evert stated that he was pleased that the program was moving forward and stated that the ACS could possibly help the District with #3.

Dr. O'Reilly asked why an 8-10 week period was chosen versus a 4 week period. Mr. Aluotto stated that this could be discussed but an 8-10 week period was chosen because after spending a large amount for advertising the pilot, the District wanted to make sure that residents had adequate time to participate.

A brief discussion ensued regarding the time period for the pilot and District budget limitations. After discussion, Mr. Portune recommended to move forward with the survey and table consideration of recommendations 2 through 4 until the November 14, 2002 meeting to obtain additional budget information.

Mr. Ingram motioned to approve recommendation #1. Dr. O'Reilly seconded; all were in favor and the motion was approved.

Mr. Aluotto stated that on the table in front of the Policy Committee was a letter of support for a partnership with INFORM. In order to facilitate efforts in the area of Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, the District seeks to develop a partnership with INFORM. INFORM is a national non profit research organization that examines business practices, technologies and products that threaten the environment, waste natural resources, or put human health at risk. Their mission is to identify and promote innovative strategies that are environmentally sustainable. INFORM works with government, industry, and environmental leaders worldwide to promote sustainable solutions.

Mr. Aluotto stated that since the District is scheduled to serve as Hamilton County's "consultant" regarding EPP, it would be helpful to use INFORM's technical guidance concerning matters of chemical safety, mercury, etc. while reviewing contracts.

Mr. Aluotto stated that the partnership only requires that the District submit a letter of support and agree to, in good faith, attempt to review and act on any recommendations INFORM gives the District. There is no requirement that the District act on their recommendations but they would expect that the District would give them their du diligence.

Mr. Aluotto stated that Staff recommends that the District move forward with that partnership and that Amy Hoh, who is the County's purchasing director, is in favor of the partnership.

After the Policy Committee had a question and answer session about the possibility of forming a partnership with INFORM, Mr. Portune suggested to table this item until Staff could obtain additional background information. Mr. Aluotto concurred and stated that the Policy Committee would receive additional information before the November 14, 2002 meeting.

• INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
• City of Cincinnati - Automated Collection Pilot Project

Mr. Graham gave a presentation regarding the implementation of a 6 month pilot project for automated and semi-automated waste collection at the curb in the City of Cincinnati. After the presentation, a question and answer session ensued.

• Business Waste Reduction Projects

Mr. Aluotto stated that Ms. Kellner would be giving an update on what the District has been doing in regard to the business community and that a brief fact sheet has been provided to them.

Ms. Kellner stated the following:

• The Interchange staff has recorded over 640,000 pounds of materials exchanged from January, 2002 - July, 2002.
• The District is working on closing the $125,000 grant with On-Spec Composites. All of their machinery is now in place.
• The District has received three pre-proposals for the 2003 Market Development Grant. The District tied with the Columbus Solid Waste Authority for number of pre-proposals received. The three pre-proposal received are Bio Lumber, Recycling Express, and Omaha Paper Stock.
• The District conducted four waste assessments in the last six months and are as follows: The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Consolidated Metal Products, Amtips, and Loveland Elementary School. Ms. Kellner gave a brief description of what was done for each assessment.

Environmental Court

Mr. Aluotto stated that at the last Policy Committee meeting, follow-up was requested on a few issues; the primary one being Mayor's Court cases that were appealed to Municipal Court, the types of cases that were consistent in those appeals, and the results. Mr. Aluotto stated that Ms. Blair analyzed 577 of the Mayor's Court appeals and documented where the cases were from and the final disposition of the cases which is included in the summary the Policy Committee received. Of the 577 cases, the majority were traffic violations, and 10 cases involved community offenses consistent with an environmental court. Of the ten cases, 3 were paid out and 4 were acquitted or dismissed by the court.

Mr. Aluotto stated the District also followed up with several Mayor's Courts that was requested by the Policy Committee (Harrison, Blue Ash, Norwood). Harrison specifically submitted a letter of support on behalf of the environmental court. The other municipalities stated that their Mayor's Courts take very little of these types of cases.

Mr. Portune stated that the County Commissioners received a resolution of support from the City of Norwood and reiterated what was reported at the last meeting of responses were received.

Mr. Portune stated he was disappointed that a Prosecutor's Opinion was not received prior to the meeting. Mr. Aluotto stated that it would be mailed to the Policy Committee as soon as the District received it.

Mr. Portune stated that the Policy Committee would vote on the Environmental Court issue at the November 14, 2002 meeting so that it can be taken to the Board of County Commissioners.

Mr. Riddle suggested that the Policy Committee be provided a fact sheet that outlines each community's opinion regarding Environmental Court.

Mr. Aluotto passed out a copy of the original resolution (03-2002) as a refresher so the Policy Committee could have it for the next meeting.

Fee Amendment Proposal - SWAC

Mr. Aluotto stated that at the last Solid Waste Advisory Council meeting of Ohio, the Division of Solid and Infectious Waste stated that they were looking at trying to put into the next budget bill an increase to the State Solid Waste Management fee. Currently, there is a State fee of $1.75 that is levied on waste that is disposed of in Ohio landfills. One dollar of that goes to hazardous waste management and .75 goes to fund the Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management for solid waste regulation. The Division is looking at increasing that fee by .25. The fee increase has not occurred as of yet but Mr. Aluotto stated that he wanted to make the Policy Committee aware of the possibility.

Green Building Program Update

Mr. Aluotto stated that there was an attachment in front of the Policy Committee regarding a green design seminar and that Ms. Chrismann would be speaking about it.

Ms. Christmann stated that she was a member of the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment and each year, they have an annual AIA meeting of architects from around the State of Ohio and attached to that is an environmental symposium. This year, they have partnered with the Interior Design Association and on October 16, 2002, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, they will be meeting at the Cincinnati Design and Architectural School to showcase green building products followed by speakers. The main speaker this year will be David Orr who is an international renowned expert on green building.

Ms. Christmann stated that she would be attending the meeting and would love to see some County and Policy Members support on this issue.
 

INFORM, Environmental Court, HHM
 

Mr. Ingram stated that the Miamiview CD&D permit will most likely be approved by the Board of Health at the October meeting.

There were no public comments at this time.

X. UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETINGS

The next Policy Committee meeting is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 14, 2002 at Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services located at 250 William Howard Taft Road.

• ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned by acclamation at 3:58 pm.