Thrown Out With The Trash
Last night was the initial meeting of the all volunteer committee that is to make recommendations to the Gwinnett County Commissioners on how to best address the issue of Solid Waste Disposal in Gwinnett County. This committee has been referred to as “Commissioner Beaudrea’s Blue Ribbon Committee” or the “Gwinnett Sanitation Committee” or perhaps several other names that may not be able to be repeated. With there being a court injunction against the previous ordinance, the committee is going to be looking at the entire Solid Waste Disposal issue in Gwinnett County with a clean slate. I guess you could say the previous ordinance was thrown out with the trash.
5 Public Meetings
In order to accommodate residents there will be five (5) public meetings for citizens to voice their concerns and make recommendations they feel will be beneficial to both the citizens and the county. The meetings will be spread geographically throughout the county. As stated earlier the initial meeting was last night and the remaining four (4) meeting times and locations will be published here as well as other media so that every resident who wishes to be heard may do so.
What’s it all About?
As a member of the committee I think I should tell you that this is not just a committee of a bunch of “Yes Men and Women” who are giving lip service to the commissioners. It is safe to say that the main reason we are each involved is because we hope to be able to combine our collective years of experience in many different fields to come up, along with the citizens of Gwinnett County, a workable solution for the Solid Waste Disposal in Gwinnett County. I think we should define what this is really all about. It’s about “RECYCLING”. It’s about what is mandated by the state and it’s about the goals set forth by the state for reducing the amount of tonnage going into the landfills. It’s about how to obtain the best possible terms for the citizens of Gwinnett while meeting the mandates and goals set forth by the state. I think it is safe to say that there is no way possible to please every citizen of the county on this issue. There were even differing opinions expressed last night by citizens sitting in the same room face to face.
What to Expect
What you can expect here is total transparency. As the minutes from the previous meeting are approved by the committee they will be published here. As soon as the times and locations of each meeting are available they will be published here. As the committee settles on a recommended solution to any aspect of this issue it will be published here.
What Not To Expect
This is not going to be an avenue for “TRASHING” comments. Constructive comments or possible solutions are always welcome. Many Gwinnett residents posted questions and concerns regarding this issue in another post and did it in a very professional manner. Others elected to email me and did so with the same level of professionalism. I am requesting that we keep the comments in this post to the same high standards and use it as a constructive avenue as we all strive to achieve a common goal.
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Katrina:
The ordinance that was thrown out by Judge Clark only addressed residential home owners, it did not deal with apartments, businesses, schools, government offices. The easiest way of explaining this is if there was a dumpster that garbage was placed in it did not fall under the “plan.”
I have waited long enough for the minutes of the first meeting to be posted on the county web site. Since we are not an official Gwinnett County committee I doubt seriously that they will ever be posted on the county site so I am publishing them here.
Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting Number 1
Shorty Howell Park Activity Building
January 20, 2009
Present: Mike Beaudreau, Committee Members, Citizens
The committee elected Mike Royal Chairman and Rich Edinger Secretary by acclamation. Mike Royal gave an opening statement and said that he hoped that everyone could keep an open mind as the committee worked in a fair and open process, and that he hoped we could recommend good public policy. He then opened the floor to questions from the citizens present.
Q. from Ed Sullivan – (former County employee) Mr. Sullivan hoped the committee would consider solutions to reduce the number of garbage trucks in the community. He was concerned about the potential problem of disposing of recyclable materials when the
market for such materials tanks. Several committee members stated that the solid waste management plan calls for using recycling to reduce the waste stream.
Jack Perko1 (Robertson Sanitation) stated that the state does not mandate recycling, but that they have set a goal to recycle.
Mike Royal stated that the solid waste management plan calls for recycling.
Luann Chambers President of the Georgia Recycling Coalition, discussed the market for recycling and stated that it is strong for paper products.
Dan Bieler had questions about what could be recycled. Luann Chambers answered that when recycling began in the county, residents had to separate the different types of recyclables, but that today residents can mix all recyclables together and the waste haulers will separate them. She said that the facility that her organization runs can handle
all 35 types of recyclables.
Hal Risher with Republic Services of Georgia said that waste haulers currently have the capability to recycle all 35 types of recyclable materials, and said that Republic had in the past chosen to partner with Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and that their transfer station only had the capability to handle 7 types of recyclables. He said that a new transfer
station was being planned that could handle all 35 types of recyclables.
Ron Baker questioned whether the private facility could handle all 35 types of recyclables. Luann Chambers answered in the affirmative. Ron then asked what would happen to Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful’s funding source if the private market received all recyclables. Hal Risher explained that all trash haulers pay a franchise fee to Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and that they should use that fee to fund their operations.
1 Revision 1 – Corrected spelling – January 24, 2009 – RJE
2 Revision 2 per comments received during second trash committee meeting January 29, 2009 – RJE
3 Revision 1 per comments from Dan Bieler on January 24, 2009 – RJE
4 Revision 1 – Corrected spelling – January 24, 2009 – RJE
Karen Pope – Pope Consulting – consultant to Allied/Robertson Sanitation (Republic) wanted to clarify that the mandate from the Department of Community Affairs is to have a solid waste management plan. They do not require recycling and in fact backed away from the term “goal” in speaking about recycling. Said that she thinks that the group
ought to work on ways for the County to implement the solid waste plan.
Mike Beaudreau gave some of the history behind the current effort – Rental property problems – often landlords don’t include trash service in rent and tenants assume the County provides the service and call Gwinnett C&B expecting them to pick up heir trash. This sometimes results in illegal dumping.
A Citizen whose name I was unable to record suggested that it was not fair to mandate service because some rental properties are vacant, thus mandating service to properties that are not using it.
Mike Royal suggested that we answer the questionabout whether recycling is mandated or simply a goal for next time.
Dan Crawford (Robertson Customer living in the Suwanee area) suggested that it was a good idea to split the County up into zones and bid each zone. Participation should be mandatory and a process set up to record complaints about the service.
Dan Bieler suggested a way around the issue of paying for a service that is not used would be to add the service onto the water bill instead of the tax bill. That way if a person cancels their water account, it is a good indication that the property is unoccupied
and can therefore cancel their trash service.
Tom Cordelle suggested that that might be unlawful, as it was tried in DeKalb. Further discussion revealed that it was Dan Bieler said that in his opinion it was2 “shutting off water service” that was found to be unlawful and that placing the trash service on a water bill still might be a good way to determine if that residence has a need for trash service.3
Lois Allen suggested that some consideration needed to be paid to the people of Gwinnett County that had to put up with the trash problem and want all the trash to be collected.
A Citizen whose name I was not able to record told the committee that she doesn’t want someone to tell her who can collect her trash. She wants the option to change if she receives poor service from her provider. Tom Cordelle agreed that elimination of
competition is never a good thing.
Echoing that same theme, Jack Perko4 from Robertson does not like the fact that customers can be taken without compensation to the companies.
Dave Iowa, a contractor said that he has had people dump in his commercial dumpster before and he has not had much action on the part of Clean and Beautiful after he has reported it. A discussion ensued about the requirements for a code enforcement case. All
agreed that it was difficult to make a case on this issue.
Francis Neeley said that putting the fee on the tax bill is a huge problem. The IRS will not allow that to be taken as a deduction and people will have a problem is they get audited.
Johnny Wright from Duluth commented on Duluth’s bag program and how residents on his street were able to share a smaller receptacle, making trash collection more economical for them.
Luann Chambers discussed Recycle Bank, a program affiliated with Robertson Sanitation that gives incentives to recycle. http://www.recyclebank.com
Chris Robertson of Dacula said that Citizens should pressure the board to keep free market free, mandate participation. Gwinnett is not a progressive county, it is conservative. Respect the right of individuals to make the right choices and punish the ones that don’t.
Charlene Walsh – 30 year resident – complained that the cost of the new program is more than here former hauler.
Deborah Oscarson – objected to paying for service up front before service was rendered. This is under the voided contract.
Mike Beaudreau indicated his preference that yard waste be recycled where it is generated, not collected for transport.
Ray Rodden asked if the plan will be voted on in a referendum, implored the committee to ensure that the plan will allow residents some recourse to complain about poor service and stated that adding he bill to the tax bill was a poor customer service practice, since it would not be possible to refuse payment for poor service.
Art Sheldon tried to address Ray’s issues and stated that the county could review performance under such agreements by setting up a service level agreement.
Dan Crawford suggested the County consider generating power from incinerating waste.
Mike Royal thanked everyone for attending and stated that there will be four more meetings around the County and that the next location and time were to be announced in the near future.
Cynthia:
This was set by yourself when you signed up. I believe you can change it if you go to the section below that states ” manage your subscriptions.”
Mack does not do this.
I am very saddened by the decision taken by BOC regarding the was garbage disposal station next to a church.It is shame for the county commissioner not to hear people’s voice once they get sat on their power chair.We the people should stand together and tell the County government enough is enough.
I was at one of the meetings with the BOC concerning the new waste disposal station and the new waste pickup plan. It seems that all this complication with garbage pickup service is orchestrated by Mike Beaudreau plus few people who have business interest. I thought the Commissioner will straiten this issue after hearing the opposition to the new garbage pickup plan.rather the commissioner gave the responsibility to Mike Beaudreau who created the problem at first place.I don’t think the Blue ribbon committee will honestly represent the people.
endale~I’m sorry you feel the way you do. First off let me say that I do not agree with some of what Commissioner Beaudreau says and does, however I think you may need to examine how he voted on the new transfer station. If I read the article correctly he voted against it.
Secondly, I’m sorry that you don’t think the committee will honestly represent the people. I can only speak for myself, but I can tell you that I have learned a whole lot more about trash than I thought I ever would. I would like to personally invite you to the committee meeting tomorrow evening at Snellville City Hall. The meeting will start at 6:30 and go until about 8:00. As a citizen and resident of Gwinnett County you are welcome voice your opinions at the meeting. if you are unable to attend tomorrows meeting please come to one of the following ones.
Thanks for your comment and I hope the committee proves your feelings wrong.
Mack, I so hope you are right but in checking the names the committee appears to be stacked. 2nd point it is only to advise Beaudreau.
I am sure that he was smart enough to put a few “ordinary” citizens on the committee but even you have to admit something “fishy” is going on.
Yes I am aware that he voted against it however lots of questions remain??????? to which the BOC is remaining silent.
People you have to start with you local government and work your way up to get rid of the corruption.
With all the voter attention and (participation?) this waste plan has attracted, it is hard to believe that something good will not eventually come out of it. Recycling is good, illegal dumping is bad, and making Gwinnett an example for others to follow will make the county grow assuredly. I don’t want to consider that I, a conservative voter, may have made a mistake last November 4th regarding my county commissioner, but I for one am totally prepared to correct that if it turns out to be true.
“comment #37, The state mandates that the county has a Solid Waste Disposal Plan.”
Does it mandate recycling? No.
Does it mandate government assigned carriers? No.
Does it mandate each address participate? No.
Does it mandate elimination of free market? No.
Does it mandate the county profit from it? No.
Does it endorse government collection of private enterprise funds? No.
The BOC seems determined to use this State mandated Solid Waste Disposal Plan requirement as an excuse to create a government contolled garbage empire. It just doesn’t seem necessary for the Gwinnett Government to be involved at a level right down to each mailbox address…
WHY… Why can’t Gwinnett County simply declare that, “Hey, we recycle here and it is required so get used to it”. The haulers are the experts and could/should be fined when the wrong materials end up in the landfill. If I want to take my garbage to my business, that’s not their business, but when I get there I will still have to sort it into a few different dumpsters/bins/receptacles because it’s still Gwinnett County. If I have a vacant rental property, then I should not have to pay for a service I do not need.
The GCBS call center was staffed by people with no apparent power or information to help with vacant properties or to give someone an opportunity to decline the service entirely (because they take their garbage to work or somewhere else).
Illegal dumping of construction waste, which is the most prevalent that I see would not be affected one bit by the new waste plan.
Illegal dumping of HOUSEHOLD waste is not a difficult crime to solve… Read the address on some of the junkmail and pay them a visit to inquire how their garbage got in that ditch.
Tom in Buford~Thank you for your comment. You have obviously put some thought into it. I would like your thoughts, as well as those from others, regarding RecycleBank. You can find them at http://www.recyclebank.com.
The articles that appeared by Jamie Ward in the Gwinnett Daily Post was read with great interest, The article talks about the County asking for a $25 M bond. Their contract is with GCB not the county, if this is what we understand. Why should we as taxpayers pay the 2 haulers that were selected by GCB when we did not have a contract with them? The county would have collected the money for trash services took their cut and given a private company,GCB, the ramainder for their contract services.
The BOC seems to be sitting back and not listening to the citizens or the planning board.This may be a smoke screen by some members of the BOC who will eventually pass this into law after all the court cases are resolved. Leave the trash collection to the experts and let the BOC make recomendations about recycling.
The next question is why apartment complexes do not have to comply to any of the mandates only the home owner? Once again the home owner may be left paying for the majority of this program.
Mack I have to say that I would love to attend one of these meetings because I care, but at 6:30 I can not. And thank you for suggesting a later meeting. I do feel however my friend that you are fighting a losing battle the more I read. The BOC does not care one bit about what the people want and are going to do what they want. Heck it even apppears the GCB is still in the mix.
The recycle bank is a great idea! If the current haulers would offer this program, I feel we would more than meet the reduction of waste to landfill quota. But my understanding is that they have backed away from that mandate. No longer is recycling the issue.
If I understand correctly the only thing required is that we have a solid waste management plan. Well by jinkies we already do! Write what we have up, add recycling and we have a plan!
I’m with Tom it would not be hard to figure out who is dumping trash on the road ect. I would add that once caught, part of the fine ect should be they get to spend some of their time picking up you guessed it illegally dumped trash. Even better is that if a persons trash is on the side of the road and they have trash service their hauler gets to clean the neighborhood. I can not tell you how many times I’ve seen haulers “lose” bags of trash off the truck and just leave it there.
I really appreciate your efforts Mack as I’m sure we all do. If you have any ideas of what we can say to our commissioner to get their attention I’m listening. My commissioner Bert N. does not respond at all to me. And I’m nice in my e-mails! Charles B. has responded. So I’m all ears if you have any suggestions.
Thanks again
I was at the meeting last night. I work for a sanitation company that runs in Gwinnett County. I wanted you to know that IT ALREADY IS a mandatory requirement for any hauler running in the county to OFFER Recycling. It is OPTIONAL for the customer to recycle but it is offered by all the current trash haulers running in the county.
Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting Number 2
Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center
January 29, 2009
Present: Mike Beaudreau, Committee Members, Citizens
Mike Royal opened the meeting and reserved the first 45 minutes for citizen input and the remaining time for committee deliberation. Commented that originally, this meeting was to be closed to the public so the committee could deliberate, but he wanted to honor peoples desire to be heard. He left it up to the committee whether the meeting would be
closed after hearing public comments. One committee member said that at the last meeting, input from the haulers took up considerable time and asked if the committee could reserve a separate meeting for their
comments. He also asked people to identify themselves and if they have a vested interest in the outcome of the process, they should disclose that interest. Thirdly, he was concerned that those previously responsible for creating a plan did not listen to the public and feared that that may be happening again. Accordingly, he suggested that the committee listen, not debate people and only ask for clarification.
Comments from the Citizens present:
Wayne Aldering, Lilburn – disagreed that members of the committee not respond to citizen comments. He thinks the committee should respond and be accountable. He commented that former elected officials would make decisions behind closed doors and thought that we did not need more of that.
Dr. Don Reinhardt commented that this is the biggest problem he has ever seen. Communicating about the process was bad. Suggested that volunteers are needed to help the committee. Trash is a problem out there. We need to address mandatory trash collection. The County should not collect trash fees. The trash haulers should do it. He likes the 8 district plan and it deserves a chance to work.
Ralph Sterling, Lilburn – Questioned why county residents are not allowed to vote on this issue. The county is taking away their freedom of choice. He is satisfied with his waste hauler.
Bill Holcomb – plan was ill conceived. He has the answer 1. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Private enterprise is working fine. 2. The franchise fee should be dedicated to the police quality of life unit. They should enforce the existing county code. One problem is that unoccupied households and occupied households are not treated the same.
Marie Gerard, Loganville – she lives in a 63 house subdivision. There are 8 haulers with 2 trucks each. She thinks that’s ridiculous. There should only be one hauler. We should incorporate it into property taxes and then everyone would pay. The County should
charge for garbage service.
William Edwards, Loganville – 47 year resident – Does not have garbage pick-up. The dump is near his house. He should not have to pay in a mandatory program. He takes his trash directly to the dump and it is less expensive than hiring a hauler.
Toby Johnson, Loganville – County government should not be involved. Empty houses that cannot be sold may belong to the banks. Is this a loss of revenue if the charge is placed on the tax bill? Mike Royal said that different rules applied.
Shirley Connell – owns 4 homes in Gwinnett County. She would have to explain mandatory trash collection to her tenants. The “No Littering” law didn’t stop littering. Mandated collection would mean the landlord must collect the fee from their tenants.
She is single and shares her trash collection with her single neighbor. She also recycles.
Many retirees share trash collection. She was also concerned about taking jobs away from other haulers.
Phyllis Nye – Asked if this will happen “no matter what”. Mike Royal answered no. We will make a recommendation to the County Commission. However, the courts are involved. The Committee is having an open discussion about the problem and will make
a recommendation.
Leslie Powell, Lawrenceville – She has a middle opinion. She is pro-environment, and believes the current system can be improved. Thinks there are too many haulers, and that consolidation is needed. The methods of the past are not the way. A property tax is no good. Believes that a Pay-as-you-throw system will give people incentive to recycle.
Tom Wattinger – Villages of Flowers Crossing – Does not like multiple companies – thinks we need compulsory sanitation. Mike Royal asked him if the HOA had tried to consolidate trash service in Flowers Crossing. Mr. Wattinger said no.
Jim Furcheck – long time resident – Air Force veteran – believes in choice. Government should not impose a solution and take away peoples freedom of choice.
Ed Sullivan – Thousand Oaks s/d. We should not add to the property tax. Private industry does a better job than government. Likes idea of 8 districts and 3 areas [max for each hauler selected]. Said there is no common understanding of recycling. There has
been bad communication. 21,000 homes without trash service is not believable.
Ron Sterling – has recommendation – if we stay with the existing system, each home must have a recycling bin.
Dave Luka – Knollwood Lakes – When the HOA developed a program, the price went down.
Verlin Mills – She has a lot of leaves. She fired one hauler when they did not perform, then signed up with another. She thinks people should be able to hire and fire who they want. A consolidated system is bad. She was upset that 8 trucks could go through her
neighborhood.
Marcia Brumbalow – doesn’t like the idea that the meetings would not be public at all times.
Dwight Williams, Hwy 29 Dacula – Believed that new residents do not know that they are not supposed to litter or put trash in cans. Education is needed. Add signs to the highway.
Tom New – retired insurance executive – see attached handout about townhome owners
– Tom Cordell said this was not the first time he had heard from townhome residents about the issue. He asked if a smaller 25 to 40 gallon can would fit in the garages. Mr. New said yes, for the townhomes that had garages. For those that don’t, they must store
them in the back of the building, making it difficult to put the can out at the curb without trespassing on neighbor’s property.
Luann Chambers – Espy Recycling – Gwinnett resident – Since there seemed to be confusion about recycling, could she bring literature to the next meeting? Mike Royal said he would contact her separately about this. Clean and Beautiful does a lot of education work.
Unidentified resident – Felt that any plan should be statewide.
Unidentified resident – asked what Clean and Beautiful was, and if it gets taxpayer money. Yes, was the answer.
Pat Fox, reporter with the AJC – asked if the balance of the meeting would be open or closed. Mike Royal answered that it was up to the committee. Mike Beaudreau said that the this was not a public hearing and that the committee was not subject to the open
records act.
Bill Holcomb said that the County and C&B had servered ties, and that the County needed to fund the police quality of life unit and that the Courts need to enforce the law. Education was also needed.
Bob Henrys, Lilburn – Efficiencies were not recognized from the previous proposal. He would have seen an increase in his bill. Efficiencies should be realized because the haulers do not need a collections dept. County should maintain a list of approved vendors.
Marcia Brumbalow – said Clean & Beautiful should put inserts into the next waste bill to discuss recycling.
Mike Royal – Mike asked the committee if they wanted the second half of the meeting to be an open or closed session. Someone on the committee said that the committee needs to know one another, and that the members on it have not had that opportunity yet.
Ron Baker said that we have not had an opportunity to hear from Mike Beaudreau what we need to know about the history of the process to this point. He said that we need to figure out our mission.
Mike Royal said he didn’t want the perception that the committee was doing things in secret.
A committee member asked Pat Fox how he became aware of this meeting. Mr. Fox said he learned of it through the County’s public information office.
Tom Cordell moved that all meetings of the committee be open to the public, including the rest of this one. The motion was seconded and passed.
Dan Bieler asked the citizens present how many of them wanted free choice of haulers. A majority raised their hands. He then asked how many wanted one hauler, and approximately 20% of the citizens present raised their hands. He then asked if the citizens could choose their hauler, how many felt it would be a good idea to have mandatory trash service. A majority raised their hands.
Committee Discussions:
Mike Royal asked if everyone liked the format of the meetings where the first 45 minutes are reserved for citizen comment and the remaining 45 are for committee deliberation.
Most on the committee liked the format.
The Gwinnett C&B plan was discussed. In order for the committee to do a good job, we need to know the goals for the waste disposal plan. The C&B report outlines the vision and goals for the process, and notes that there is limited space for waste disposal.
Emission reductions were discussed.
Tom Cordell noted that recycling needs to be easy, and needs to be single stream.
Mike Beaudreau noted that 35 item single stream recycling was part of the RFP.
Terri Jondahl asked if the committee could get a copy of Clean And Beautiful’s solid waste collection study.
Mike Beaudreau gave a short history of how we got here. Former Commissioner Green set solid waste as a goal during the BOC’s 2005 retreat. Clean & Beautiful was tasked with putting together a plan, conduct meetings, etc. He said Gwinnett County has always
had a tradition of solving problems through public-private partnerships and that is the case with Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful running the County’s trash program.
Tom Cordell initiated a discussion about a special election on the issue. Some on the committee wondered how a ballot question could be fashioned considering all the differing issues being discussed to date. Many said it seemed impractical to put the issue
to a vote.
Rich Edinger discussed the process of writing a solid waste management plan and tried to clarify some confusion about recycling. He said that the state requires communities to write and adopt a solid waste management plan. One of the goals that the plan must
address is how to reduce the waste stream. There are several ways to do this, including recycling programs and a pay-as-you-throw system in which the only garbage bags that are authorized to be collected are sold to residents at an expensive price to fund the
collection program. This gives residents an incentive to reduce their waste because the bags are so expensive. Mike Beaudreau pointed out that many people believe the pay-asyou-throw system encourages littering, because people have an incentive to avoid using the authorized trash collection service. Rich said that the Department of Community Affairs reviews each community’s solid waste plan to see how they have addressed the waste reduction issue.
Terry Jondahl volunteered to create a spreadsheet matrix tool with all the issues, challenges, action items, etc. so that the committee could have a tool to help them clarify the issues at hand.
Meeting Dates: The committee set the following meeting dates: Feb 5 and Feb 12.
Locations will be announced later.
A motion was made to amend the minutes from meeting 1, was seconded and passed. A motion was made to accept the amended minutes, was seconded and passed.
LC said we should think about tweaking the existing C&B report. Discussion ensued and Mike Royal said the committee needed to discuss that document in detail.
Someone asked about the committee’s schedule, and when we should be finished. Mike Beaudreau said that the committee needed to finish its work by early March.
Mike Beaudreau said that he would look into getting the minutes of these meetings posted on the County’s website, but was not sure if that was possible.
DS~Are the haulers required to provide recycling for the 7 items or the 33-35 items discussed last night?
The next meeting of the committee will be on February 12, 2009 at George Pierce Community Center located at 55 Buford Highway in Suwanee. The meeting will start at 6:30 and conclude at around 8:00. We look forward to another large turn out.
Mack- As I read and with my understanding of the info I think recycling under the “plan” that is now under injunction recycling was mandatory. If my feable mind serves me correctly there could be a fine if any of the 35 items were in your regular household waste after warnings. The ordinance never mentioned the additional thirty-five items by name like the original seven items. I also believe that once your garbage and recycling was placed in the containers provided it became the property of GCB services or the county.
The word “mandatory” was never used but it is inplied by other words, the fine potential indicates this as well. I would cut and paste the verbage and place it up here ans see how the “normal Joe” reads it.
I would like to see the county or you put a link or the PDF file of the states solid waste ordinance and the counties ordinance that was passed last October by the BOC. It is my feeling by doing this this would allow the citizens to read the counties plan that is no under the TRO and then compare it to the states plan and what the couny must do to be in compliance.
These two plans should really be made easily assecible on http://www.gwinnettcounty.com site . People have the right to view the ordinance that Judge Clark has rule upon.
As stated on other blogs, I feel that the county needs to keep the trash collection as we are currently operating under and bring this up for public vote on the next general election in two years. Let the people make the decision for a “greener tomorrow” as the saying goes. We should really consider moving on the recylebank program with the curret operating haulers in the county.
So I see form an email that I received from Deborah Hale the committee is going to compile a report and present it to the entire BoC. With that said I think this committee needs the endorsement of the county. If this committee is going to present something to the entire BoC then al the BoC members need to be involved in the meetings and make up of the group.
Charles Bannister clearly stated in last weeks GDP tis was a Mike Beaudreau only committee. I am beginning to think that everyone is not on the same page and may not be reading the same book either!
Why will the county not have an official group of citizens working on this, are they afraid they may have to listen to the citizens?
Nothing I stated above means that this committee is not doing a great job, I just want them to have the credibility they deserve by being recognized by the county as official sanctioned. With this said the county does not have to even recognize the report presented, although they would be fools not to!
Solid Waste Committee Meeting minutes
Meeting Number 3
Snellville City Hall
February 5, 2009
Mike Royal opened the meeting, and thanked Snellville for offering the use of their City
Hall for the meeting. The first 45 minutes are reserved for public input and the last 45
minutes will be reserved for the committee to discuss the issues and comments it has
heard. Mike clarified the role of the committee. We are a group of concerned citizens
put together by Mike Beaudreau to hear citizen concerns and recommend solutions to the
solid waste problem. We will write a report that the rest of the BOC can use to help them
make decisions about the problem.
2 ground rules – constructive criticism, thoughts and concerns are welcome but it is not a
forum to trash anyone. Rule 2 – 2 minute time limit to discuss your concerns.
Willis Bennett – Loganville – thinks GCB should not be involved. County should not be
involved in collection of fee or do away with any trash haulers. Divide County up into
service areas and assign areas to trash haulers. County should use technology to
communicate with haulers. Should not do away with free enterprise. Don’t put fee on
tax bill. It’s a money making machine for County.
Mike Royal asked that he clarify one thing – what does he mean by break it into zip
codes? Trash haulers would get certain zip codes to service. They would correspond
with County on billing.
Tony Johnson – Loganville – protect my rights. Problems with recycling, emissions, etc.
Feds have same problem – Feds and state would not come to him and tell him what kind
of car to buy, County should not tell us what kind of trash hauler to use. County needs to
protect his rights.
Shirley Connell – Lawrenceville – Concerned about rental units – was at last meeting.
Attorney thinks it is not recoverable from tenants. People had trash out last week and she
noticed there were no recycling bins. Thinks education money has been wasted. Where
is the money on recycling (GCB).
Gaye Bruce – Snellville resident (unincorporated Gwinnett) since 85. Was all for trash
plan because it would reduce trash trucks. Didn’t understand why bill was going up but
decided to stick with Waste Pro. Has spent hours trying to get them to answer the phone.
Yard waste wasn’t picked up. Had problem previously. 1 week ago yard waste was not
picked up either. Since controversy, she remembers GCB was not involved with county
but it was changed. Doesn’t know when. Concerned that GCB has too much
involvement. Biggest complaint now is county is taking away right to choose hauler.
Mike B – email address for Mark Ware. Mark.ware@gwinnettcounty.com – She may
contact him to address service problems.
Carlos Laurenz – Dacula – trucks going through neighborhoods – not overly concerned
about it lots of trucks . Doesn’t see reason to privatize trash – pays for trash service
through businesses. County cop for 16 years – didn’t see a lot of trash in county. We
live in a large suburan county. County should not think it can do a better job. Hasn’t
seen evidence of this. People should vote for it. We are being forced to accept it. Not
right.
Mike B – how would you word ballot item?
ML – should the county be involved in trash pick up?
Nancy Faye – Grayson – agrees with ML. Snellville pays for trash hauler – citizens don’t
have that right. Not the county’s business to take over trash collection. Goes against
basic economic system. County will add to unemployment rate. People should vote on
it. Don’t give up right to pay for hauler. 2- 94 gallon cans are too big for elderly folks.
People with mobility problems cant use bins. County should not get into trash business.
Does previous person have 12 trash trucks? Four haulers – 1 yard waste, 1 trash, 1
recycling
Ed Sullivan – North of Lawrenceville – GCB task initially was to develop Solid Waste
Management Plan and educate. Did poor job on education. Paper said all ties were cut.
But they are doing business as usual. County should cut all ties with GCB. One of
problems is recycling list. 35 items since 2004. GCB does not accept but 6 items.
Mike R – Ms Chambers with SP recycling – gave recycling list – one item on short list
put paper/cardboard as one item. On 33 item list – paper types are broken out. Part of
the problem is there is no continuity on lists. GCB can take different things vs. private
haulers. We have heard loud and clear what is recyclable and what is not and what can
be handled by private sector now vs new GCB recycling bank.
Mike B – County has terminated contract, but they are still operating for 120 days.
Mike R – Committee is making recommendation, doesn’t want to have control over legal
aspects.
Joan Livsey – Loganville – part owner of other land in Gwinnett – received 6 garbage
bills for some reason. Mother died last fall – haven’t rented the house – must pay
garbage bill regardless. Shouldn’t happen. One day she called waste pro, they didn’t
know anything. She called C&B, tax assessor, chairman’s office told her she would have
to pay regardless.
Mike B – service is being provided but no one is using it. Difficult to police who is in
house, etc. It’s a balancing act between hiring people to police it and keeping trash
picked up.
Cedric banks – Snellville – carried garbage to oak grove landfill – cant wrestle can to
road. Carries recyclables to Snellville recycling center. Threw away bill. Lived here
since 1941. Thought he lived in a democracy. Wonders now. If he receives a bill, will
throw it away. If he’s sued, will let his grandson handle it.
Margie McBryer – Rosebud Rd – had hauler earlier who provided poor service. Chose
another provider and has not had problem. People should work it out on a per street basis
Angela Vinya – Snellville – likes to have choice. Two carriers should be chosen per area.
Likes the ability to choose which day she can get service. Should go after those who do
not have service. If rental property is problem, should go after rental property owner.
Shelby Cole – Lawrenceville – had poor service, switched. If they are forced to have
service, they will lose ability to control quality. County should leave garbage alone.
The charge for the service should appear on tax bill under new ordinance. Will service
be paid in advance? You would be provided service sometimes in advance and
sometimes in arrears depending on when the tax bill comes out.
Carlos Laurenz – Why was C&B terminated?
Mike B – can’t speak for rest of board. Judge said C&B could not be county’s agent. He
voted to cancel contract because he believed it was in the best interests of the taxpayers,
not because judge ordered it, but we would not have been in that position if the judge had
not ordered it.
CL – did you make decision because judge told you to?
Mike – no. Judge clarified and said C&B could continue to provide everything they did
previously, BOC decided to terminate everything. BOC decided it was in best interests
of taxpayer to terminate everything.
Mike R – all money is severed from GCB.
Dave Iowa – Lawrenceville – is the board going to the judge to appeal decision?
MR – appeal is to the TRO. Point of Clarification – will play out probably before appeal
can be heard. Late summer or early fall before it can be heard. Case will be heard before
appeal on TRO. Many different things that can happen.
DI – what is BOC’s position
Mike B – There is a fine line between hearing public opinion, and just taking a poll to
determine which way to vote. At some point, the BOC must make decisions based on
what is best for the county, not simply evaluate which way wind blows.
Unidentified resident- If someone moves out of rental property, do I have to pay? Ans. –
Yes.
Do you discontinue water service – no. Can turn off when house is vacant.
Margie McBryer – Was a hearing can you tell us about it?
Mike R – Not a lot. Dan – Sausage being made – MR – moved forward to a resolution –
both parties trying to get bonds on potential liability. Judge said no bonds due to liability
for restraining order. Judge said no liability. Judge offered to hear case on 5/5/09.
Significant thing was there may be a resolution in May, unless a side decides to appeal.
Thanks for having meetings. How are you going back to the board to tell them the
citizens concerns. Has BOC discussed legal fees this will require?
Mike B – County is not getting rid of private haulers. Free bid process. Big distinction.
Everyone is not against plan. Has had many emails saying they like plan. Other emails
say they would like to tweak plan. Have to balance viewpoints. Appreciates everyone
coming to meetings. There are others that do not come that are for the plan. Can’t
discuss legal issues.
Shirley – Lawrenceville – long time resident – loves GA and Gwinnett – Wants to vote
on it. Didn’t have that opportunity with stadium.
Bob Lumpkin – Dacula resident – in favor of one trash hauler – short sighted to award
just 2 haulers. 11 trucks go down street – S/D tried to get bid. 98 homes. Reduced it $2.
pollution is also bad. Ridiculous to have all those trucks. County should have
established fee and told haulers to haul. Yard waste no good.
Tom Cordell – all we can do is recommend. In discussion with committee through email,
your wants will be recommended by the committee. But we are just recommending.
Trying to take suggestions and ideas and group them together. Many concerns conflict
with one another. Never seen lack of free enterprise work anywhere. There are pros and
cons – Of the opinion that we should allow homeowners to choose hauler.
Dan Bierley – survey questions:
How many are for free choice if there are 2-3 haulers as opposed to one hauler –
How many are in favor of status quo – majority
How many would be willing to have mandatory pick up to catch the residents that do not
have trash pick up? – zero
Committee Deliberations:
Motion and second to approve meeting 2 minutes – passed. LC – thanks to Terri for the
matrix and Rich for taking minutes.
No opposition to recycling –
Tom Cordell – doesn’t like mandatory recycling- thinks haulers should be mandated to
do 35 item single stream recycling.
Mike B – recycling not mandatory. Fine was for putting garbage in the recycling bin.
Additional discussion ensued regarding recycling and whether the old ordinance
mandated recycling.
94 gallon recycling bin is large.
People willing to pay for choice.
Some residents report that new fee is not smaller.
Tom – thanks for voting against golf course bailout.
Size of containers – 50 gallon container is available – 95 gallon too big.
Mike R – Ordinance says that if citizens want a smaller bin, they can have it.
Mike B and Rich E – impact on roads is big. Trucks are equal to 100 car equivalents.
Citizen solid waste advisory committee meetings held outside county. Extensive public
input but some poorly attended. Questions asked to elicit certain responses. Telephone
surveys asked different questions. Did they compare demographics.
LC – may be a misunderstanding about how input was solicited.
Mike R – GCB board members are represented on this committee. Tradeoffs- are they
worth it?
Mike B – Doesn’t think status quo is acceptable – need a plan that is workable.
Mike R – can we agree that we can do better? 2 not sure, the rest think yes.
Jimmy O – will keep quiet until committee finishes deliberation.
Rich E – discussed bidding process
Mack – Interpretation is that recycling in the latest Solid Waste
Management Plan Ordinance is mandatory.
Mike B – bond required to take care of contract in event of default.
Mike R, Mike B, Rich E – discussed bonds
MB – thanks for serving – don’t believe everything you read, please continue to be
objective. County staff is looking at timeline and what potential implementation
schedule looks like. Take the bull by the horns. Let’s hear folks opinions and take
recommendations to board.
macks last blog post..Good News For Atlanta Buyers
Mack-
I see that the minutes you have posted here are different than the minutes that Deborah Hale, Mike Beaudreau’s admin at the county sent out.
The pont of this is I am concerned that Mike is only going top look at hers and not objectively look at the committees. This goes back to my last post of the county and the Tash committee are not on the smae page in the book. One is playing soccer while the oteht is playing basketball.
The county wonders why people are concerned with their actions and we see examples like this.
I even question why a county employee sent out the minutes before the committee met to approve them. I guess a Roberts Rule book may be in order for the county.
I again go back to the point of the county needs to officailly sdanction this if they are going to use county employees and time to work on this.
Keep up the good work committee.
Mack I have a question that I have not heard addressed yet, it has been asked but not really answered. If and when we do go to single hauler pick up why does the county have to collect the money on our tax bills. I know we have all guessed it was to get a cut, but why is my question. If the haulers want a captive customer should they not collect. The new charges are more and I will have less service than with my current carrier. I have been assinged to Waste Pro. I am more than a little miffed that the BOC feel they can make a more informed choice than I can. I might could get behind a plan that does not include the county collecting my money.
I also really want to know how the bidding porcess is going to work. The fact that local carriers were left out before the porcess even started worried me. We already know that the local carriers were doing a good job why was the bidding bond so much higher that only out of town conglomerates could afford to bid. We see were that got us with Waste Pro gee what a waste!
Thanks again for doing this Mack as a citzen of Gwinnett I trust you with my proxy so to speak.
Hi Catherine~I will try to answer your questions to the best of my ability, just please understand that I don’t have all the answers. First off I think it is safe to say that the committee has heard the citizens speak regarding only having one hauler to service them. I don’t know for sure but I suspect there will be multiple providers available for everyone.
From what I can ascertain the reason for the trash billing on the tax bill was to insure that every home had trash pick-up which would help eliminate the illegal dumping. Many of the homes that are investor owned rental properties do not have trash pick-up. I think it is safe to say that the illegal dumping in the county does not come from homes that have trash pick-up. I don’t know what the committee will recommend for billing at this time.
As far as why the county cost was higher than the cost some associations were able to negotiate is a real problem for me. It appears as though Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful wrote standards that were so strict that they drove the cost up. As with any bid, the more restrictive the standards are the higher the cost. The entire ordinance needs to be written in layman’s terms with a very simple set of standards for performance along with realistic performance bonds that will make the competitive bid process more competitive. Like you I have tried to figure out some of the reasoning for the way things came to pass in the last go round. I don’t know this to be fact but it does add up a little bit. Based on the last ordinance why do you think the cost was higher for the first 6 months of the year? My thought was that with the haulers doing the billing they were collecting the cost of the new containers during that period along with the fact that they have a cost associated with billing.
One of the points that came up in last Thursday’s public meeting in Suwanee was that we should support local (Georgia) companies. Personally I would be in favor of favoritism to local companies, but that is just me.
I hope this answers some of your questions. As soon as the committee reaches a decision on our recommendations I will publish them here.
Mack, Why is the county involved at all?, I understand the need to meet the expectations of the state. Trash does need to be reduced. It is very wastful to throw things away that can be reused…but it needs to be incentive based. Robertsons had a good idea about points or cash back to recycle. The county should encourage this but not take over and force people to use some one they don’t want. I think we can meet and exceed the state’s expectations by letting the free market operate.
On a lighter” note…why wasn’t this whole trash detail included in the stimulas bill that “passed”..it would have fit right in with power grabbing big government.
Dave
David~I can’t speak for the county. I can tell you that as far as I am concerned, I am all for RecycleBank. I think that is a great way to promote recycling in the county. Rather than punish someone for not recycling I think we could achieve a high percentage of recycling with incentives.
As far as the stimulus package goes, I think it is primarily geared towards Bar B Que houses, pork…pork…pork…
Mack,
I take from your reply to Catherine ‘..investor owned housing unit..’ that you have finished your survey of occupied housing units could you please post all of your findings!
Mike N~The survey of occupied housing will not be complete until after the last public meeting. Here is the schedule of upcoming meetings:
2-23-2009 at Mountain Park 6:30-8:00
3-2-2009 at GJAC in the auditorium 6:00-9:00 the first 1-1/2 hours are for the committee to hear from the haulers with the public comments portion of the meeting to start around 7:30 to accommodate those citizens that had difficulty getting to a 6:30 meeting.
Just as a point of interest, I looked into active rental listings on First Multiple Listing Service this morning and there are 1,018 current rental properties listed in Gwinnett County. I can tell you from experience that this does not represent all properties that are for rent in the county.
I have also spoken with quite a few investors about how they handle trash pickup for their rental properties and so far they have all indicated that they leave that up to the renters. The statement that I was making to Catherine was that it would make sense that the illegal dumping would come from properties that did not have trash service. What do you think?
Mack,
Let’s be policitaly correct on the illegal dumping of properties that do not have trash service. There are “some” properties that just because they do not have trash service, they have other means of dumping their trash legally! I understand that we are a minority here, and by the way things are going those that are not paying for trash service at their home will have to start paying for service after all this is said and done. Which I have no problem with either. In my situation I had an option to haul off my trash/recycable through my work, just to save a few dollars. But being included in your phrase of “the illegal dumping would come from properties that did not have trash service” is not fair for the law abiding citizens that are dumping their trash legally.
I understand the need of fewer trucks, reduction of landfills, and adding more items to recycables. I do not agree with BOC involvement on the collection of the money. The billing should be kept for the haulers to manage. By putting that fee on our tax bill was a reduction in the haulers coasts for not having to handle billing. Which did not reflect in the old plans bidding. For the properties that are no occupied, how can it be fair for the home owner to make them pay for a service that they do not need? Again thanks for taking in our suggestions and concerns.
Michelle~Each of my recent comments have been directly addressing investment properties and the lack of trash service at them. The key words there are “Investment or Rental” properties.
What the committee will recommend regarding home owners that have other means by which to dispose of garbage, I don’t know. I can tell you that I do believe that there should be an opt out policy for residents that have a legitimate option for disposal.
Mack and all
Of course we should be able to opt-out and it shouldn’t be attached to tax bills. This should be a given. We even have that option with the county provided water service.
If a goal of the BOC is to target the illegal dumping, then do it by going after those breaking the law. Like stated earlier, there is plenty of identifying information in the trash dumped. The County and GCB currently split the franchise fees collected from the haulers; which is not publically disclosed how and what it is used for. If that is not enough to fund tracking down the offenders, then increase the fines and offer rewards to track these offenders down and turn them in. It could actually create a new niche for a small business.
Mike
Mikes last blog post..BOC Contract with Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful Terminated
Mack,
Thank you for clarifying your meaning of “Investment or Rental” properties to me. I thank you for your opinion on the opt-out option as well. Mike, you to for your (link) opinion in your blog as well. Not much has been said about the legitimate citizens on this issue.
Another concern that I have is that I do not trust our BOC in how they will view this committees concerns from the information you all have gathered from this web site or the public meetings. The reason that I say this is that when I first found out about this trash plan last may 2008, was through a gentleman that he and his wife volunteered at gwinnett clean and beautiful. When he first told me about all this going on, he said that the BOC made the GCB implement this and the BOC told them that this was how it was going to be done.
Now weather or not this happened, I am sure a 85 year old gentlemand would not pull my leg on this. I don’t know I was not there to hear what was going on when all of this came to a head. I do know that this old plan, if it was not for the 2 haulers to take it to court, that the BOC
sorry my fingers hit the wrong button
that the BOC would have continued with the old plan. All I’m saying is that I truly hope our goverment officials take this committee seriously as you guys are our voices.
I do not think that the property being a rental property auotmaticaly makes it a source for litter.
As a matter of fact GBC did not ever expect it to be stopped by the ‘Grand Plan’, as they had over $170,000 per year budgeted for continued clean up of illegal dump sites.
let’s double your figure to 2000 rental properties, for arguements sake say none of the renters have any sense of moral responsibilty. That is still only 5%-10% of our ‘missing’ households.
Mike N~I don’t think that being a rental property make it a source for litter either. I do think that being a rental property with no trash service gives it an excellent opportunity to be involved in illegal dumping.
As far as the number of rental properties in the county, the 1018 number that I referred to is the number of properties that are currently listed for rent in FMLS. This does not take into account the number of properties that are not listed for rent in FMLS or the number of properties that are currently rented.
I hope that clarifies the statements I made.
Mack- Just to clarify my current cost for trash service is lower than the $17 second half cost and I am NOT with a home association. Just a single household. I could understand home associations getting a lower rate but my rate is the every day rate from Roberts. Now it is not lower by much but it is lower. It really bothers me that when a company gets a captive audience that it will cost more. It is only because of the BOC and GCB involvement. I think we all agree that if county gov’t was not involved and we had 1 hauler it would be actually be less expensive.
Also the argument of 1 hauler means less traffic,horse hockey please then lets do something about all the school buses. I have more school buses on my street in two days than trash carriers. I currently have three carriers in my neighborhood. And at least the trash haulers do not use my drive way to turn around. Though I really do not care about the number of buses or trash haulers my point is some folks apparently do not have anything better to do than stir the pot so to speak.
So not much notice of last nights meeting in the newspapers this week ( zero). Once again I will say the BOC is not doing the citizens of this county any favors. Yes, I did get an email form Deborah Hale, Mike Beaudreau’s admin about the meeting, but is is with this caveat, You are receiveing this due to your correspondence with this office on the trash plan. What about the citizens that have not already voiced their opinions to the BOC office?
Once again: “Gwinnett County needs to sanction this as an official group and not a rogue Mike Beaudreau committee.”
There was no meeting last night. The next scheduled meeting is February 23 at Mountain Park and then on March 2 at GJAC as posted in #74. I believe that the Gwinnett Daily Post will have an article or at least an update this weekend.
Well that would explain nothing in then papers.
My bad, sorry! I was wrong and will admit it.
Still would like to see Gwinnett County give you guys the much deserved credit by blessing you as an oficial group.
Mike Beaudreau’s website speaks as if you are advising the entire BOC and this is in conflict with Bannisters statement.
Mack:
When you say the next meeting is at Mountain Park are you speaking about the Aquatic Center on Rockbridge Road?
Mike
Mike Gills last blog post..BOC Contract with Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful Terminated
Mack-
http://www.talkgwinnett.net has posted the next meeting night.
I question the statement that appears to be taken from Mike Beaudreau’s text of “…residents to serve on this committee with this goal in mind: to collect, discuss and recommend ideas for a new solid waste plan that complies with state and federal requirements.”
I am under the impression that the current plan which we are now using and used the entire 2008 year meets all federal and state mandates. I am curious as to what your read is?
@Mike Gill~Tonight’s meeting is at the Mountain Park Activity Building (next to the aquatic center) 1063 Rockbridge Rd. St. Mountain, 30087. 770-564-4650
Solid Waste Committee Meeting minutes
Meeting Number 4
George Pierce Park Community Center
February 12, 2009
Mike Royal opened the meeting, and introduced the committee and its purpose. The first 45 minutes are reserved for public input and the last 45 minutes will be reserved for the committee to discuss the issues and comments it has heard. We are a group of concerned citizens put together by Mike Beaudreau to hear citizen concerns and recommend solutions to the solid waste problem. We will write a report that the rest of the BOC can use to help them make decisions about the problem.
2 ground rules – constructive criticism, thoughts and concerns are welcome but it is not a forum to trash anyone.
Rule 2 – 2 minute time limit to discuss yourconcerns.
Citizen Input
David Holbrook – River Laurel off Moore Rd – have been working to narrow choice of haulers. Got to two. Trying to reduce traffic. Court upset apple cart. Probably 5 haulers now. We would like a plan that would preferably narrow down suppliers. That would
help roads and neighborhood.
Greg Story – Peachtree Club – off PIB – had 4 -5 haulers and board bid out subdivision. Just finished 2nd year with 1 hauler. Neighborhood loves it. Problem with current plan is that current rate is 20% less than rate for 180,000 homes. Have to pay more for new plan. S/D negotiated less than $14 per month.
Bob Pounds – has red oak. Wishes they had better recycling program. Don’t want this on tax bill. Will every property that has address get a bill regardless if the property is improved? Thanks to volunteers on the committee for their time.
Lisa Ramsey – Sugar Hill – 97 homes in S/D. Have 4 haulers currently. Supports idea behind 1 hauler and increased recycling is good. Family has adopted roads in past. Neighbors want choice in bin size. Tough for some to carry large carts. 2 bins is difficult
to store indoors. Perception is plan was forced on people. 1 truck per neighborhood has a lot of backing.
Jeff Sowers – settles br road – tried Homeowner association – people think it’s a good thing. Want to be able to opt in and out of yard waste during year. Should favor local businesses. Liked more recyclables. Grew up in Las Vegas – had one hauler – multiple haulers is new to him. Lots of trucks under this system. Remembers the education and input opportunities that GCB had. Surprised people where taken by surprise.
Kathy – lives in fee simple TH development – pays 11.95 /month. Some townhomes have garages, some do not. Would have to trespass if placing can around back of TH. Like recycling. Great idea. Thanks for what you’re doing. Currently has small can that
is in garage.
Debbie Meadlin? – Works for family owned business. Uses commercial account for her trash hauling.
Michael Pass – doesn’t want tax bill used for charging fee.
Gary Zeh? – Bolling View S/D – likes multiple trash haulers. Likes option of switching if he has problems. County should not be involved. Amount of trash will remain the same. This increases power of government. Current system works fine.
Mary Ann Van Dam – Lives off tab Roberts rd. Objects to tax bill being used for billing. Trash receptacles must be hidden from view. Doesn’t have room for 2 – 95 gallon containers. Likes covenants in community. In no way should billing be on tax bills. Find solution for trash pick up but keep it off tax bill. Mike B – how would you bill it.
Ans.-Just like companies do.
Mike B – no way to ensure payment. Pay bill once per
quarter.
Kat Fisher – Lakeview Heights – lives on Gwinnett Hall border – multiple trucks will still travel thorough neighborhood because of free for all in Hall County. Summer only houses will still have to pay even though they are unoccupied.
Gail Jones – Overlook Green – Lives in a joined TH unit. Have 1 contractor that is paid through association fees. Trespass issue is problem. Have strong covenants that restrict times to place cans at curb. Allow trash bags. Must roll trash can through unit to get to curb.
Marcia Brumbalow – Wants to see what haulers will pick up. Debris from storms should be picked up. Single stream 35 item recycling is right way to recycle.
Ken Sakmar – Duncan’s Lake – he has control over provider. Likes that. Loses that if County takes control. Must be a better way than tax bill to bill it. Recycling bin is too small. Need a larger bin. Would promote recycling
Elizabeth Lewis – Westheimer Estates S/D – Similar complaints. Don’t like tax bill idea for billing. S/D is small so not a lot of trucks. Don’t agree with tax dollars going out of state. Should be spent here.
Mike Moraz – Ashbury S/D – Accidently paid taxes to water department – took 4-6 weeks for refund. Need to synchronize computers. Don’t let Water Department bill this.
Anthony Gredario – Red Oak Sanitation – Recycling is based on County plan. Could pick up more. Can pick up recycling every other week – would reduce truck traffic 25%. Red Oaks rates are cheaper than county’s rates.
Mike R – Would like to have meeting for haulers to hear input and have exchange of
ideas.
Norcross Resident – Norcross has transfer station – how will truck traffic be reduced because transfer station is in Norcross. Owns rentals.- shouldn’t have to pay – tax billing will increase . No plan to replace bin – no reflectors on bin. Nothing to do with sustainability. Gang problem needs to be controlled.
Paul – River Gate s/d Lawrenceville – Neighbors are upset about loss of freedom of choice. Want dependability. Once you give monopoly we are at mercy of rate hikes. Concerned about choice. Bill used to be on water bill. Like Auto insurance, must have
regulator to prevent rate hikes without approval.
Greg Puckett – Buford – lack of competition is concern. We need to make choice about hauler. Long driveway of neighbor is problem. Has business where he carries his trash
Richard Fisher – Lanier Heights – in mid ‘70s compulsory collection was tried – used tax
rolls.
Mike B – clear up some things for record – Old plan is gone.. The old new plan is dead.
Bid was competition. Pricing is concern but agreement stated it had to remain same for 2 years then GCB would hear hike. There has been question about a Fine for not recycling – no fine – it was for placing garbage in recycling bin.
Mike R – These comments are similar to concerns of other meetings. Mike read the issues matrix to citizens (see attachment).
End of Public Input Session ************************
Mike R. introduced Randy Hartman from DCA to discuss Solid Waste Management Planning Standards and Procedures.
Randy Hartman – Georgia Dept of Community Affairs – Solid Waste Management is important quality of life indicator.
Highlights of Act – Comprehensive plan required by communities
- reduce waste going to landfills
- demonstrate landfill capacity
- Commodity reduction goals – SWM plan must address waste reduction
o Any benefit or consequence for not meeting goals – can lose grant/loan ability.
- Inventory of facilities
o Allows county to determine where facilities are cited
o Plan is even stronger than land use zoning
- No one-size fits all
Questions for Mr. Hartman
1. If County adopts SW plan and has lower goals than minimums – do you lose grants? This is statewide goal.
2. Did plan go through DCA for approval – state did not review plan that was thrown out. County has SWMP – we are talking about aspect of approved plan.
3. Waste to energy – went out of business – not cost effective.
Committee Discussion
Next meeting times – 2 more meetings – Monday 23rd Mountain Park Park 6:30 to 8:00
Final meeting – Monday March 2 GJAC – Haulers for first half, public comment for
second half. 6:00 to 9:00pm.
Chet related the concerns of Lisa Swift – husband works for Allied – concerned about losing job.
Committee discussed Issues Matrix, bond requirements. Mike R. reviewed bond forms – they need work.
Dan B – Bid process was screwed-up and he believes free choice is necessary to correct the situation. Since, to date, all ten haulers have made large investments and are currently franchised in Gwinnett County, it is only fair to give all of them an opportunity to bid directly to the consumers for their business.
Mike B – please put personal interests aside and think about county as a whole.
Dan B – noted belief that the issue of reducing haulers would/could likely evolve in the next year or two. Further stated to Mike that he is for mandatory trash pick-up and mandatory recycling of 33-35 items, along with some other changes, as noted in his responses to Terri’s Issue Planning Worksheet.
Mike B – responded that he had read Dan’s comments.
Rich E – current system socializes costs to County residents by causing problems
Jimmy – Will go through the issues matrix like castor oil through a goose.
Mr. Hartman – DCA offered to give support to committee.
Homework – go through matrix, rank choices in order of importance for discussion. 5 being most important for discussion.
Chet Hale – move to approve minutes from meeting 3. Seconded and approved unanimously.
This is a question for Mack or anyone else on the committee.
In the George Pierce Park meeting minutes,in the section called Questions for Mr. Hartman, #3 says: Waste to energy – went out of business – not cost effective.
Is he saying that waste to energy is not cost effective? I find that hard to believe. I recently read that the Winder Landfill owned by Republic is converting waste to energy. The following is part of an article in the GDP 2/20/2009.
“Barrow County and the city of Winder, which is part of the nonprofit Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia along with Buford, Lawrenceville and Sugar Hill, should soon realize the benefits of this new facility, Mayor Chip Thompson said.
“Every city in MGAG should see a little profit from this,” Thompson said. “And we’re going to have cleaner air. And I’m hoping that more landfills will be utilized this way because it really helps the environment tremendously.”"
Mr. Hartman wasn’t at the meeting I attended. I would have liked to have questioned him more on this matter.
We believe in having our choice but the only reason we were in favor of going to 1 company at FCATM was to stop all the trucks that cut thru on Downyshire from Sugarloaf to Old Snellville. Most of these trucks go at a high rate of speed which is far beyond the posted limits. It’s bad enough that Fedex is on the street 3-4 times a day along with UPS, we don’t need the garbage trucks using the street as a shortcut. We presently have Waste Pro but the items that can be recycled is very limited. It’s hard to understand why other companies can recycle more but Waste Pro can’t. There was a bit on TV several months ago about recycling and the company paid you back by the amount that you recycled which I think it what Robertson does. Why can’t this be done with all the garbage companies in the county?
Under questions for mr. Hartman,Dan B makes a very reasonable comment about all curent haulers have made large investments in the current system.Then Mike B who i can only assume is the commisioner makes the comment put personal interests (THOUGHTS)aside and think about the whole county.These inside the box remarks are made at every meeting.It has become clear to me that all of these citizen comments and suggestions are going no where.I think it is a shame that this board and the citizens have inversted all this time & effort into something that will never get a second look.
April,
You are so right. Dan B. has been listening to the people of Gwinnett. Mike B. seems to have a plan in mind, as he has stated that we can’t go back to the way it was. I think the system we are operating under now can be tweaked a bit and made better but it doesn’t need a complete overhaul, which is what I think Mike B wants.
One of the “talking” points that I have seen is the amount of heavy traffic that will be reduced with cutting back on providers. If we limit the amount of garbage trucks in the neighborhoods, what about the multiple deliveries and trucks like UPS and FedEx? Whats going to stop the county in the future using that excuse to tell those companies where, when, and how many times can they deliver in an area. Its going to be the same excuse in the future “we need to cut down the traffic”.
As for those who said the trucks speed. That is a law enforcement issue and needs to be corrected from that perspective. Having fewer trucks on the road will not slow them down. In fact they will actually go faster since they will have to cover more area in the same amount of time.
Shirley B.
We can understand that trucks use Downyshire as a short cut. This issue can be resolved by signage that prohibits thru traffic on each end of the street. Law enforcement can use this as a money maker as well as speeding. Try that and see what happens to thru traffic. Believe me it will only happen once, the first ticket should stop that.
Why is the county approving all of these trash transfer stations.I am told that for almost every garbage truck,we are now creating an 18 wheeler to haul it from the transfer station it makes no sense to me.I was told a garbage truck holds 14 to 15 ton of garbage,then it requires an 18 wheeler which only holds 20 ton of garbage to then take it to the landfill ? Can someone please explain to me why we would eliminate all the trash companys in gwinnett to eliminate truck traffic and then turn around and double the total amount of trash trucks thru-out the county !!!!!!!!!
I would encourage everyone to look at Spokane’s website and their forward thinking on this issue.
I will be honest a city half the size of Gwinnett seems to be light years ahead of us.
http://www.solidwaste.org
The website is much more user friendly and informative than anything GCB produced. Look at their solid waste plan and the entire package.
On a side note, why in the 2009 budget are we eliminating the intersection/curb sweeping program if our leasders want a cleaner county. Is mandatory trash service going to stop the smokers from throwing their butts out or anyone from tossing the coke/fast food bag out the window? I vote for walk the talk from the BOC.
How does the 2 garbage companies that were selected recoup the money that they have spent? In the Gwinnett Daily Post on Tuesday there was mention of property taxes being increased Is this how the county will pay for for the expenses of the 2 garbage companies? Didn’t the BOC approve the Clean and Beautiful plan?
April –
I think I heard at the meeting Tuesday night there is only 4-6 that exist in the county as of right now that are up and running.
There was also one approved for the Beaver Ruin area last month which was vigorously opposed yet still was voted for 3-2.
On Tuesday night a vote was tabled until next month for one that will be right behind the Briscoe Airport up 316.
I could be wrong on the number up and running right now but wanted to provide a little info. Not saying I disagree but wanted to add some context.
The two trash companies will have to file legal action to recoup their losses. This is being started by a lawsuit filed in the Fulton County last month.
Also there is not New, Old, or OldNew, current plan to approve for a new solid waste plan.
Also the property tax increase that WILL happen will be to pay for the $60+ million shortfall in the 2009 budget. There is a great article on TalkGwinnett.com about this written by Bob Griggs.
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