The regular meeting of the Solid Waste Management Planning Committee of the County of Calhoun was held on Monday, July 11, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. at the Calhoun County Road Commission, 13300 Fifteen Mile Road, Marshall, Michigan 49068.

Committee Members Present: Arnold Arquette Steve Essling

Lewis Cooper John Bomba

Ken Kohs Marilyn Hennon

Gene Klisiak Walt Obrinske

Mike Myszka Mary Thurston

Also Present: David Veramay, Calhoun County Board of Public Works

Joe Bramble, Convis Township

Bob Overley, Calhoun County Environmental Health Department

Greg Moore, Calhoun County Board of Commissioners

Christine Kosmowski, City of Battle Creek

Michael Dawson, Pennfield Optimist Club

Tiffany Eichorst, Calhoun County Solid Waste Director

Mary Jo Crumpton, Calhoun County Community Development

Chairman John Bomba called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m.

Chairman Bomba led the committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion made by Arnold Arquette to accept the meeting agenda as presented.

Supported by Steve Essling. Voice vote: motion carried.

Motion made by Mike Myszka to accept the regular meeting minutes of May 9,

2005 as presented. Supported by Ken Kohs. Voice vote: motion carried.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FUND

Calhoun County Environmental Health Department: Bob Overley reported that to date, they have expended $13,537.40 and have collected 11,980 pounds of material at their household hazardous waste collections. The last collection will be held in Battle Creek on September 17 th . Bob noted that $20,000 was budgeted in 2005 for the collections.

Challenge Grants: Chairman Bomba reminded committee members that the Challenge Grant applications were reviewed at the last meeting. Applicants were present to review their application and answer any questions the committee members may have.

•  Pennfield Optimist Club: Mike Dawson from the Pennfield Optimist Club thanked the Solid Waste Committee for the opportunity to explain their Challenge Grant idea.

Mr. Dawson stated that the Pennfield Optimist Club is asking for a grant amount of $1,200 to provide 400 reusable grocery bags for shoppers to eliminate the use of paper and plastic grocery bags. The bags are $4.00 each and the Pennfield Optimist Club and solicited sponsors are proving $400 in matching funds. The Pennfield Felpausch Store has agreed to be used as a pilot project site. Students in the Pennfield Middle School Environmental class will distribute reusable grocery bags to shoppers.

Committee members asked the following questions:

•  Is Felpausch providing match dollars? Mr. Dawson replied that they are not at this time.

•  Are other area Felpausch stores participating? Mr. Dawson replied that only the

Pennfield store is participating as the Pennfield Optimist Club only has jurisdiction in

Pennfield. It is his hope that other service organizations and Optimist Clubs would get

involved and the project could be expanded to other Felpausch stores and other

grocery stores.

•  Who will receive a bag and how will the use of the bag be tracked? Mr. Dawson

replied that the bags will be distributed on a first come, first served basis and will limit

one bag per family. As far as tracking how many bags are being reused, Mr. Dawson

will talk to Felpausch about tracking mechanisms.

•  Will information on the benefit of using the bags be provided when distributed?

Committee members suggested that fact sheets on recycling/reusing be distributed as

a flyer or laminated card. Also, the students could put together the information to put

on a “sandwich” board.

•  Will Felpausch use the bags as a financial benefit to customers (i.e., are there monetary

rewards from Felpausch to customers who use the bags? Mr. Dawson replied that he

was not aware of any plans to provide financial benefits to customers using the bags.

Committee members made the following comments regarding this Challenge Grant:

•  While the perception may be that the grant funds are being used in specific, limited

areas of the County, as a pilot program this is okay – it is always hoped that the

program will expand to serve other areas of the county.

•  Articles in local publications could help provide information on the benefit of the

reusable bags.

•  The committee would like to see some results such as number of bags distributed,

number of bags reused, etc. It was suggested that the Pennfield Middle School

students could follow-up with customers at a later date. Tiffany reminded committee

members that all challenge grant recipients are required to provide a status report in October.

•  Committee members were disappointed that Felpausch did not provide a monetary

contribution to the project; however, in-kind contributions have been accepted in the past.

Motion made by Ken Kohs to recommend for approval the Challenge Grant request from the Pennfield Optimist Club in the amount of $1200. Supported by Mike Myszka with the condition that Felpausch does not provide a financial incentive to customers using the bags and that follow-up information on the number of users will be provided. Roll call vote: Cooper–yes; Essling–yes; Myszka–yes; Bomba–yes; Klisiak-yes; Arquette-yes; Hennon-yes; Kohs-yes; Thurston-yes; Obrinske-yes. Motion carried unanimously.

•  City of Battle Creek: Christine Kosmowski from the City of Battle Creek thanked the Solid

Waste Committee for the opportunity to explain their Challenge Grant idea.

Ms. Kosmowski stated that the City of Battle Creek is asking for a grant amount of $10,000 to promote and improve recycling in the City of Battle Creek. As curbside recycling is being underused, the intent is to promote and generate greater participation in the City's existing solid waste recycling program. The following components would be utilized to improve recycling participation: educational brochures for mailing and handouts, educational materials such as videos and booklets to students in the City of Battle Creek and a “Green Bin Instant Win” contest to encourage curbside recycling. Ms. Kosmowski reiterated that the City of Battle Creek is not requesting funding for the cash prize for the contest.

Committee members asked the following questions:

•  Is Waste Management providing match dollars? Ms. Kosmowski replied that while they

are not providing funding, Waste Management has provided time, suggestions and

creative ideas.

•  Will the program be self-sustaining after this initial investment? Ms. Kosmowski replied

that funding was set aside to rejuvenate the project.

•  What educational materials will be developed and who will receive them?

Ms. Kosmowski replied that educational brochures, flyers, door hangers, posters, etc. will be provided to City of Battle Creek residents and elementary students. Also, a classroom environmental curriculum and environmental and recycling videos will be provided to Battle Creek Public Schools and the Lakeview School District.

•  How does this project benefit all of Calhoun County? Ms. Kosmowski stated that the

City of Battle Creek is a large part of the county (approximately 54,000 residents) and the project could be expanded throughout the county. Educational information could be shared with other municipalities.

Committee members made the following comments regarding this Challenge Grant:

•  There is a concern that the project is only serving City of Battle Creek residents.

•  Most Challenge Grant applications come from individuals with targeted service areas,

not countywide projects.

•  Use the videotape that was produced for the Solid Waste Committee on recycling in

Calhoun County in conjunction with the other educational materials.

•  The Challenge Grant must be used for educational purposes, not as part of the contest

winners.

•  Rewrite the contest title to remove “green bin”, as it is misleading.

Motion made by Mike Myszka to recommend for approval the Challenge Grant request from the City of Battle Creek in the amount of $8800. Supported by Lewis Cooper with the request that the contest title be rewritten to remove “green bin”, that the Solid Waste Committee video on Calhoun County Recycling be included as part of the educational materials, if appropriate, and the environmental curriculum and materials be available to other communities, barring any registered trademarks. Roll call vote: Hennon-yes; Essling-abstain; Cooper-yes; Myszka-yes; Klisiak-yes; Bomba-yes; Arquette-no; Kohs-abstain; Thurston-yes; Obrinske-yes. Motion carried.

Draft 2006 Solid Waste Budget: Tiffany Eichorst reviewed the line items in the proposed 2006 Solid Waste Budget. All information provided was current and included the following:

•  2006 Solid Waste Budget

•  2004 BFI Pickups and Costs

•  Detailed Personnel Services and Fringe Benefits for two positions

•  2004 Budget Information

•  2005 Current Budget Information

It was noted that the line item amount for personnel salaries and fringe benefits is at 100% for the Solid Waste Director and 5% for clerical support, as a worse case scenario. Actual costs charged to the Solid Waste budget for these two positions are around 85% and 2% respectively.

Arnold Arquette expressed concern with the budget and that expenditures have been higher than revenue for the past three years. He referred to the 2004 expenditures and revenue and noted we were approximately $10,000 over budget. Tiffany noted that the estimated budget for 2004 was $237,766.00; of that, $195,525.00 was actually expended. Also, as of the end of May, 2005, revenue was up due to receipts from the landfill. There has been a slow increase in revenue since 2003. Arnold emphasized the need to come up with a plan to balance the budget and not spend more that what is coming in.

David Veramay, Calhoun County Board of Public Works Chairman, commented that according to the budget, the Solid Waste Department is “living within its means”. Revenue will go up and down over time. The Solid Waste Department is not here to make a profit, but to provide services to the community in the form of recycling centers, various collections and right-of-way cleanup. The Solid Waste Department continuously strives to monitor expenditures while maintaining the same level of service to the community.

Ken Kohs asked if there are guidelines or procedures regarding the available cash on hand, which is substantial due to the certificate of deposits (in excess of $400,000). Chairman Bomba replied that there are no guidelines in the agreement; however, the intent is to enable the Solid Waste Department to continue operations for a couple of years should the landfill ever close. Ken noted that while everyone is concerned about balancing the budget, he feels it is commendable that we have been able to reduce the budget without cutting services to the community. Discussion continued.

Lewis Cooper asked what would happen to the Compost Center if the Solid Waste Committee did not help fund it. Tiffany replied that the Compost Center would probably move to the old site in the City of Marshall.

Arnold Arquette inquired about the funding status for the Community Compost Center. Mike Myszka referred to the November 8, 2004 Solid Waste meeting minutes and reminded him that the committee took action to “accept the Community Compost Center agreement as written, but that the City of Marshall reconsider the fee schedule to promote sustainability of the Center, equality for all county residents, and prepare for gradual phase out of funding from the Solid Waste Committee.” Arnold stated that he wants action taken to ensure that the Solid Waste Committee does not fund the Community Compost Center in two years. Discussion continued.

Motion made by Ken Kohs to recommend for approval to the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners the 2006 Solid Waste Committee budget in the amount of $233,579.00 as presented. Supported by Marilyn Hennon. Roll call vote: Essling-no; Cooper-yes; Klisiak-yes; Bomba-yes; Myszka-yes; Arquette-no; Hennon-yes; Kohs-yes; Thurston-yes; Obrinske-yes. Motion carried.

Discussion continued on balancing the budget. Arnold Arquette asked how we can justify the deficit and requested year-end numbers. Tiffany noted that year-end information is always provided to committee members as soon as it is available. Mike Myszka stated that based on information provided through the end of May, 2005, we are under budget at this time.

Arnold Arquette questioned why we support Challenge Grant programs that are not self-sustaining and believes the Challenge Grant program should be discontinued.

Motion made by Arnold Arquette to delete the Challenge Grant line item of $10,000 from the 2006 budget. Supported by Steve Essling.

Discussion continued on the Challenge Grant program. Mike Myszka stated that he does not have a clear sense of weighing the dollars spent to the benefit provided and asked for more information. Also, he asked if there are other grants available to the community, in the event the Challenge Grant program was cut. Tiffany replied that there are other grants and funding sources available.

Marilyn Hennon believes that if we cut the Challenge Grant program, we take a chance at missing a unique project – some are pilot projects.

Mike Myszka suggested that if at the end of the year we are under budget, those surplus funds could be put into next year's Challenge Grant program.

Chairman Bomba reminded committee members that the budget is proposing to spend $10,000 on Challenge Grants, but it does not have to be spent. We can make changes to the Challenge Grant program for next year.

Lewis Cooper emphasized that it costs money to provide environmental and recycling services to the community. These programs do not make money; therefore, it is difficult to balance a budget that deals with these types of services.

Roll call vote: Essling-yes; Myszka-yes; Klisiak-yes; Bomba-no; Arquette-yes; Hennon-no; Cooper-no; Kohs-no; Thurston-no; Obrinske-no. Motion failed.

Dead Deer Removal: Tiffany reminded committee members that she received a suggestion to ask the Solid Waste Committee to fund dead deer removal for the Calhoun County Road Commission. At the last meeting, committee members asked Tiffany to provide more information on associated costs. Included in the agenda packet was a cost breakdown for dead deer removal on local and primary roads for 2003 and 2004.

Ken Kohs stated that this should not be considered as it applies to county roads only and not city roads; therefore, it is not serving the entire county.

Steve Essling informed everyone that some of the host fees from the landfill in Barry County pay for disposal.

Mike Myszka commented that dead deer removal and disposal seems to be more of a public health issue than a solid waste issue.

Bob Overley suggested that dead deer be composted on Road Commission property to cut the costs for disposal. Also, in some instances vehicle insurance companies may be responsible for accident site clean up.

The committee directed Tiffany to get more information on the stakeholders involved, other options and other counties' dead deer removal.

Installation of Camera – Cost: As requested by the committee, included in the agenda packet was information and costs on surveillance cameras. At the last meeting, Tiffany shared correspondence regarding trash and contamination in the recycling bins and it was suggested that the committee research the cost to install cameras at all three recycling locations to spot and potentially prosecute people who are not following the recycling guidelines.

The committee directed Tiffany to speak to the County Prosecutor to find out the legalities involved and how to enforce/prosecute recycling offenders. She will provide this information at the next meeting.

CALHOUN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Compost Bin Sale: Tiffany reported that we could buy compost bins in increments of 25 to have available for sale, without holding a truckload sale. A quote on the Earth Machine Compost Bins was provided in the agenda packet. Compost bins can be purchased for $30.50 each, which includes delivery. Discussion continued.

Motion made Mike Myszka to recommend that the Solid Waste Committee purchase 50 Earth Machine Compost Bins at a cost of $30.50 each, resell the bins for $35.00 each and put surplus funds back into the Solid Waste Management Fund. Supported by Ken Kohs. Roll call vote: Thurston-yes; Essling-yes; Arquette-yes; Hennon-yes; Cooper-yes; Bomba-yes; Klisiak-yes; Myszka-yes; Kohs-yes. Motion carried.

Computer Collection: Included in the packet were the results from the Computer and Television Collection that was held on Saturday, June 18, 2005. Tiffany noted that 10,000 flyers went out to county residents.

Albion Recycling Proposal: Tiffany referred to the information included in the agenda packet regarding the City of Albion and Northwest Refuse, Inc. who is proposing to jointly partner with the City of Albion to provide a self service recycle site. The City of Albion is being requested to provide the site, snow removal and occasional police patrol. They are asking the Solid Waste Committee to provide lighting, advertising and signage.

The committee members had the following questions:

•  Would it be necessary to retain our recycling center?

•  Was the bid process followed? Has this been offered to other refuse companies?

Tiffany noted that she would like to see their material recovery site. She will get more information on any costs associated with signage, etc. and the general expectations.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING COMMITTEE

Vacancies:

•  Township Representative: Walt Obrinske, Clarence Township Trustee, was appointed to

the Solid Waste Committee by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners on July 7, 2005.

•  County Board Representative: Commissioner Terris Todd was appointed to the Solid

Waste Committee by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners on May 19, 2005.

MEMBERS COMMENTS

Mike Myszka commented that between the Household Hazardous Waste Collection and other Special Collections, the costs make up about 15% of the budget. He suggested that the Solid Waste Committee explore a stewardship campaign whereby monetary contributions are solicited from area businesses. Tiffany was asked to draft a letter to area businesses to bring to the September Solid Waste Committee meeting.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m.