HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05-22-2007 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
May 22, 2007
Mayor Slavik called a special meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:32 p.m.
in the Medicine Lake Room of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on May 22, 2007.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Willis, Murdock, Black, Stein,
and Bildsoe.
ABSENT: Councilmember Hewitt
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Administrative Services Director McGann,
City Engineer Moberg, Administrative Services Intern Paye, and Deputy City Clerk
Olson.
Discuss Organized Garbage Collection
Administrative Services Director McGann introduced Leila Paye, an intern in the
Administrative Services department. She reported that Ms. Paye has worked with many
other communities to gather information on organized garbage collection and has
prepared the materials for discussion.
City Manager Ahrens distributed a handout and article on what some other cities are
currently doing with garbage collection.
Councilmember Stein wanted to know how much would be saved in street repairs if
garbage hauling became organized. City Engineer Moberg stated that roads considered
for repair depend on the percent of trucks, population growth, anticipated loads and many
other factors. He stated that garbage trucks make up six to seven percent of traffic on the
roads.
Council discussed the cost savings to residents between organized and non -organized
programs.
Councilmember Bildsoe discussed the agreement between the City of Falcon Heights and
licensed garbage haulers in their city. The conditions in the agreement are in the best
interest of the garbage haulers and the city. He suggested that they publish the rates of
the current garbage haulers so that residents could make informed decisions.
Councilmember Stein said he understood that there could be cost savings but to organize
garbage collection for 70,000 people is not practical.
Adopted Minutes
1 Special Council Meeting of May 22, 2007
Page 2 of 2
Councilmember Black stated that she supports organized garbage collection and
suggested that it be organized similar to the recycling program and then phase it in over
several months. She added they would have some control over pricing structures.
Mayor Slavik stated she did not want to pursue the issue but felt they could follow up on
some of the issues raised such as the wear and tear on the streets. Mayor Slavik felt that
homeowner associations and neighborhoods could organize themselves if they have
strong feelings. Councilmember Willis did not want to pursue the issue either but did
agree with Councilmember Bildsoe about publishing rates for each hauler.
Councilmember Murdock was not ready to pursue the issue but felt that if the rates were
published, haulers would be more likely to keep those rates.
City Engineer Moberg stated that the most damage to the streets is in cul-de-sacs and
described a new product that is available. Mayor Slavik directed staff to review that
option in the next sealcoating process.
Councilmember Bildsoe would like to establish communication with the haulers and
communicate the Council's concerns about roads, etc.
Councilmember Black would like to see organics collection. She also suggested that
agreements with garbage haulers are needed. Councilmember Murdock would like to see
an article featured in the Environmental Extra.
Council directed staff to come up with some suggestions based on the issues outlined in
the meeting.
Councilmember Black asked if the Environmental Quality Committee should be
involved. Councilmemb6r Bildsoe suggested receiving the staff report and then involve
the Environmental Quality Committee.
The meet was adjourned at 6:13 p.m.
Deputy City Clerk