Solid Waste Committee

SOLID WASTE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE ROWINSKI, POWERS, MCCARTY, KOSMER November 13, 2012

SOLID WASTE/ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

GAT: Otsego County’s actual deliveries were below by 3,956 tons for the month of October. The three counties’ cumulative deliveries were below by 15,845 tons. Karen Sullivan noted that out-of-county waste deliveries are up from last month. She asked Dennis Heaton, MOSA Executive Director, if out-of-county waste would be used toward a GAT shortfall at year-end. Mr. Heaton replied that MOSA is meeting its budget at present and the out-of-county waste discussion could take place at the December 20 MOSA Board meeting. Representative Rowinski asked about the possibility of Otsego County taking in waste that was generated by hurricane Sandy in the New York City area. Dennis Heaton pointed out that there is little likelihood in collecting that waste because of competition with the haulers in that region. Recycling: Cost per ton for October was $100.07. Collection was up by 100 tons over last October. Recycling data continues to be documented in order to offset a GAT shortfall at year-end, if needed. Karen Sullivan requested approval for a resolution setting the Solid Waste User Fee billing rate for 2013 at $28 per billing unit. Representative Powers moved for approval. Seconded, Kosmer. Total: 4; Ayes: 3; Noes: 1 – McCarty. Motion carried. Karen Sullivan requested approval for a resolution setting the 2013 Solid Waste Tipping Fee Subsidy Rate at $0.00 (zero) per ton. Representative Powers moved for approval. Seconded, McCarty. Total: 4; Ayes: 4. Motion carried. The BAGS Solid Waste Management District 2013 Budget for post closure costs was presented for approval. There are no County funds involved. The Towns of Unadilla and Otego continue to pay post closure costs as part of the original participants in a Chenango, Delaware, Otsego landfill. Representative Powers moved for approval. Seconded, McCarty. Total: 4; Ayes: 4. Motion carried. Karen Sullivan reported on an October 22 meeting with Tom Fransico, of Putnam Pest Control, and Dennis Heaton relating to the rodent problem at the southern transfer station. Ms. Sullivan stated that at this time there is closure to the issue. She said the compactor is operational and there are no rodents. Karen Sullivan informed the Committee of a November 1 meeting with Mr. Heaton and Joe Spohn regarding damages to the overhead door at the southern transfer station recycling building. The door was damaged during a time when there is no attendant scheduled to be on-site, between the hours of 7-9:00 a.m. It is not known who caused the damage. Discussion included the options of notifying haulers to be cautious, closing the building when an attendant is not on-site, closing on Saturdays, and/or installing a camera. The Committee agreed that a camera, along with a sign indicating the presence of a camera, should be posted. Mr. Heaton is getting estimates for repair. Karen Sullivan requested approval for the MOSA Post Closure payment option for 2013. The options to pay the approximate $240,000 cost are by lump sum or tipping fee. Representative McCarty moved for approval of the tipping fee method. Seconded, Powers. Total: 4; Ayes: 4. Motion carried. Representative McCarty asked for an update on the MOSA appraisal. Karen SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE Page 2 November 13, 2012

Sullivan stated that it is on schedule to be complete by the end of this month. Representative Rowinski asked Dennis Heaton if it is possible to have a draft now so Otsego County can begin reviewing. Representative Kosmer asked if MOSA could schedule a special meeting to act on the appraisal so as not to wait until the next regular board meeting on December 20. Mr. Heaton replied that he would take the requests to the MOSA board.

NATURAL GAS

A date has not been scheduled for the next NGAC meeting.

SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Scott Fickbohm was unable to attend. Karen Sullivan distributed his District Report for November 2012. Ms. Sullivan noted that all existing Ag plastic bales have been collected by RAPP and are being temporarily held on private property in Cherry Valley for consolidation and transport with other RAPP bales produced around the State.

OCCA – Martha Clarvoe

Martha Clarvoe has been assisting Karen Sullivan with collecting recyclable data to be used, if needed, toward a GAT shortfall. She reported that she does not have firm numbers yet but continues to follow up in contacting large retailers in Oneonta and Cooperstown for figures on their recyclable cardboard. Mrs. Clarvoe stated that a County resident contacted her regarding having difficulty with disposing of motor oil and anti-freeze even though repair stations are to accept it. The individual would like Otsego County to have disposal service for these items on a regular basis. Mrs. Clarvoe further said that the person objects to MOSA charging for disposal of florescent bulbs. In addition, the individual is concerned about having to drive over an area at the Northern Transfer Station where garbage has been dropped.

DELTA ENGINEERS

Karen Sullivan distributed DELTA’s fall 2012 program summary update that included a list and map of municipalities enrolled in the road protection program. Ms. Sullivan read a draft letter which will accompany the $1,333 being returned to towns that paid for shared SEQRA services that were not necessary because a different option/path was followed.

Representative Rowinski stated that she would like someone, who is familiar with the EPA Draft Guidance to the Clean Water Act, come speak with the Committee. Representative Kosmer suggested that Karen Sullivan invite an EPA representative as well as the Otsego County Farm Bureau president. SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE Page 3 November 13, 2012

It was stated that Casella has purchased the Otsego County portion of Wheelock Disposal.

There being no further business to discuss, the committee adjourned until Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 9:15 a.m. in the EMS Training Room at the Meadows Building.