Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee s2

SOLID WASTE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE McCARTY, KENNEDY, POWERS, KOUTNIK, MARIETTA August 14, 2017

CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM- DAN SULLIVAN, MVEDD

Dan Sullivan from MVEDD distributed and discussed a Fact Sheet regarding Clean Energy Communities Program, noting the 10 High Impact Actions. Several actions are in progress, though outcome is uncertain. Dan Sullivan stated the City of Utica and Fulton County are also competing for grant funding of up to $250,000 to support additional clean energy projects. Dan Sullivan discussed PACE financing, distributed a list of projects undertaken through PACE financing and stated more information will be presented by a PACE representative at the September Board meeting.

Representative Powers entered the meeting during the above discussion.

AG FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN

Karen Sullivan requested approval to adopt the 2017 Ag Farmland Protection Plan for the September Board meeting. Representative Marietta moved for approval. Seconded, Koutnik. Total: 2,243; Ayes: 2,243. Motion carried.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT- JORDAN CLEMENTS

Jordan Clements, District Manager presented his budget for 2018 including his request for a County appropriation in the amount of $150,000. Mr. Clements explained the need for more technically sound staff to address stream bank issues and presented a separate budget for a proposed Forest Technician, noting this position will also be presented to the Public Works committee. Representative Powers moved to approve allocating $111,000 to the Soil and Water Conservation District for 2018. Seconded, McCarty. Total: 2,243; Ayes: 1,505; Noes: 738 –Koutnik, Marietta. Motion carried. Representative Koutnik stated he would like to see more given to Soil and Water. Representative Kennedy asked to see numbers reflecting a projected increase in revenue and therefore a decreased appropriation from the County.

PLANNING/SOLID WASTE –KAREN SULLVAN

Karen Sullivan presented and discussed the following reports:

- Recycling Costs for Otsego County 2017, noting 429.89 tons were collected at a cost of $55.23 per ton compared to 428.28 tons collected in 2016. There will be no recycling rebate in the month of August due to the instability of the market.

- Solid Waste Totals 2014-2017 noting in July 3,648.76 tons were collected, resulting in a credit of $741.29 - Mattress Recycling Stats, noting many single mattresses were collected from the colleges and funds were spent to repair a trailer reimbursable by Casella

- Solid Waste Fiscal Cost Sheet

- Solid Waste Budget 2017

Karen Sullivan reviewed her 2018 budget taking into account Casella’s increased costs and newer expenses including electronic waste recycling costs and Ag plastic collection. Ms. Sullivan explained how the user fee is an integral part of the budget. Representative Powers moved to approve the budget as presented including adding funds for maintenance and repairs. Seconded, Koutnik. Total: 2,243; Ayes: 2,243. Motion carried. Karen Sullivan gave an update regarding the closing of the Northern Transfer Station for construction improvements and the efforts made to notify affected parties, noting the Exeter Highway Garage will keep the same hours as the NTS. Commercial haulers are being directed to the Southern Transfer Station or Schoharie. Ms. Sullivan also addressed the misinformation circulating on social media, noting the closure will remain as originally stated. Representative Marietta distributed a statement to be on file with the Clerk of the Board’s office. Karen Sullivan requested approval to purchase a shed for the scale house from Empire Shed in the amount of $1800. Representative Kennedy moved for approval. Seconded, Koutnik. Total: 2,243; Ayes: 2,243. Motion carried. Karen Sullivan gave an update on the Solar project noting that units are corrected but still not commercially operated. Karen Sullivan displayed pictures from Richfield Springs of contaminated recycling bins. Ms. Sullivan stated she has sent notice and discussed the options with Richfield Springs and they are working to improve the situation.

Representative Marietta left the meeting.

Karen Sullivan stated the site at Cherry Valley has been cleaned up. Karen Sullivan wished to make the committee aware of a letter received from a resident in the town of Laurens concerning junkyard and hobby farm operation. The committee agreed the issue should be handled under Town of Laurens local law. Karen Sullivan relayed concerns out of Pittsfield regarding disposal of Freon and mattresses. Karen Sullivan gave an update regarding her meeting with Pat Knuth of the RESTORE program, stating she would like to present at the September SWEC meeting and that a soft opening is planned for the near future.

There being no further business to discuss, Representative Kennedy moved to adjourn until Monday, September 18th at 9:30 a.m. at the Meadows Building. Seconded, McCarty. Total: 2,243; Ayes: 1,853; Absent: 390 –Marietta. Motion carried.