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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-10 Utilities MinutesUTILITIES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes March 10, 2009 5:00 p.m. Conference Room #1 PRESENT Councilmembers: Kathy Hougardy, Chair; Pam Linder, and Dennis Robertson Staff: Frank Iriarte, Bob Giberson, Pat Brodin, Sandra Whiting and Kimberly Matej CALL TO ORDER: Committee Chair Hougardy called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. I. PRESENTATIONS No Presentations. City of Tukwila Utilities Committee II. BUSINESS AGENDA A. Tukwila Pond Alum Injection Aeration Proiect Staff is seeking full council approval of a consultant agreement in the amount of $27,998 with Tetra Tech, Inc, for final design services for the Tukwila Pond Alum Injection Aeration System. The alum injection and aeration system will remove phosphorus, increase oxygen and reduce algae blooms in the Pond. The services provided through this consultant agreement will include final plans, technical specifications, permits and bidding support. Staff provided Committee members with a brief background and update of the Tukwila Pond project, explaining that Tetra Tech has previously performed a feasibility study, lake management evaluation and preliminary design services. This work resulted in the design of an alum injection and aeration system for the Pond which will be finalized as stated above through this consultant agreement. Committee members spent some time discussing this project and the cost of this agreement relative to the economic distress being experienced throughout the nation and possible implications on local budgeting. The Committee acknowledged concerns of future budget constraints, but also recognized that moving forward with this consultant agreement for final design would not imply a commitment to proceed with construction if budget reductions become necessary. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO MARCH 23 COW FOR DISCUSSION. B. 2009 Solid Waste Rate Increase Staff reported on solid waste and recycling rate increases that will go into effect April 1, 2009. The City's current agreement with Allied Waste of Kent /Republic Services, Inc. which is valid through March 30, 2012, allows for rate adjustments on an annual basis by an amount equal to an 80% change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For 2009, the service only portion of the rates will increase by 3.08 Committee members requested that the Solid Waste and Recycling Rates memo included in the Committee agenda packet be distributed to all Councilmembers. INFORMATION ONLY. III. MISCELLANEOUS After a brief discussion about the potential of assessing a utility tax on solid waste, the Committee requested that staff prepare a memo with the following information: The amount (if any) neighboring jurisdictions are charging for a solid waste utility tax Utilities Committee Minutes March 10, 2009 Paae 2 A representative sample of what customers would pay and what the City would receive from such a tax Basic information on assessing a solid waste utility tax to residential customers, commercial customers or both The Committee requested this memo be provided prior to the Council budget workshop being scheduled for late May. Frank announced that the Bow Lake Transfer Station will be closed to recycling self haulers beginning March 16. The area will be used for staging during the transfer station renovation, and is anticipated to be closed for two years. In the meantime, recycling self haulers are encouraged to use the Renton or South Recycling facilities. Committee member Linder inquired about the possibility of having recycling bins for purchase at upcoming City events. Staff will research this inquiry. Meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m. Next meeting: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 5:00 p.m. Conference Room No. 1. /I Committee Chair Approval Minutes by KAM.