HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/06/2014 Work SessionCity of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2014
The City of Springfield Council met in a work session in the Jesse Maine Meeting Room, 225 Fifth
Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday October 6, 2014 at 6:00 p.m., with Mayor Lundberg presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Lundberg and Councilors VanGordon (6:15pm), Wylie, Moore, and Woodrow.
Also present were City Manager Gino Grimaldi, Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery, City Attorney
Mary Bridget Smith, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff.
Councilor Ralston was absent (excused).
1. Sanipac Rate Increase Request
Rhonda Rice, Management Analyst, and Bob Duey, Finance Director, presented the staff report on this
topic.
Sanipac, the City's franchise hauler for solid waste, has requested an increase of 4.3 percent for
residential and commercial hauling rates. This request is due in addition to Lane County
implementing an increase in the charges imposed for disposal of solid waste at the Short Mountain
Landfill (tipping fee) and also due to the increase in Sanipac's cost of doing business.
The Board of County Commissioners has determined, as part of the County budget process, that the
rate imposed on solid waste haulers for disposal of waste at the Short Mountain landfill should be
increased, effective September 1, 2014, from $67 per ton to $75.55 per ton, an $8.55/ton increase. This
increase will, according to the Board, fund continued operations at current levels.
The user rate collected by Sanipac has two components: an amount designed to allow Sanipac a
reasonable rate of return on its costs; and a separate component for the cost of disposal of the waste.
Sanipac requests an overall 4.3% increase in residential and commercial rates. This rate increase is
based on the Consumer Price Index average for the past 2 years and will allow for the continued
established rate of return. The proposed increase will represent an increase of approximately $1.10 per
month increase on the 35 gallon weekly, the most common residential size used. Mr. Duey noted that
after comparing this rate to other industry standards, it was still within the range.
Sanipac last increased its rates in January, 2012. Under the current franchise, Sanipac is permitted to
request increases annually, but is also permitted to seek supplemental increases when costs increase as
a result of governmental action. The franchise expressly allows for the pass through of rates for
disposal. Sanipac has requested that the increase be effective November 1, 2014. If Council directs,
this item will be placed on the October 20 agenda for formal action.
Staff believes that the request by Sanipac is reasonable and appropriate, and recommends approval.
Ms. Rice referred to the new fee schedule. This schedule includes the customer count for each service
and comparables from other surrounding cities. She explained the figures on the schedule for both
residential and commercial. In looking at the comparables with other cities of similar size, and also
Eugene, Springfield would remain below average on residential and above average on commercial
with the proposed increase.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
October 6, 2014
Page 2
Councilor Moore asked about a figure in the per month chart. It was explained that it was for a second
can. She said she appreciates that they added the smaller can and feels it is very helpful. She also
appreciates that they added recycling for everyone.
Mayor Lundberg asked if they had plans for a smaller recycle bin to match the small garbage for those
living alone or with a small household.
Mr. Johnson said they could look into something like that.
Mayor Lundberg asked if they tracked how often rates were increased.
Ms. Rice said they had an increase in 2009 for a tipping fee adjustment, then another increase in 2012.
Mayor Lundberg said she hadn't heard complaints about the fees.
Councilor Woodrow said she was fine with how things were planned out. It was done not only to take
care of business, but also with the customer in mind.
Councilor Wylie said she was concerned with those living on a fixed income. Not everyone got a cost
of living increase; however, she understood the increase.
Ms. Rice said they would bring this back on October 20.
2. Other Items
Discussion was held regarding the break between work sessions and regular meetings. Fifteen minutes
was a good break.
Mayor Lundberg said she and Mr. Grimaldi had decided to adjust work session items to allow that
extra time for thorough discussion and wrap-up before going into the regular meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
Minutes Recorder — Amy Sowa
Christine L. Lundberg
Mayor
Attest:
Amy SowdJ
City Recorder