City of Dover
Delaware
Delaware
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee Meeting was held on April 11, 2005, at 5:30 p.m. with Chairman Carey presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. Cregar, and Mr. Snaman. Mr. Sadusky was absent. Members of Council present were Mr. Slavin (arrived at 5:37 p.m.), Mr. Ritter, and Council President Williams. Mayor Speed was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Snaman moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Cregar and unanimously carried.
Differential Disposal Fee Agreement - Delaware Solid Waste Authority
Members were advised that on August 31, 2001, the City of Dover entered into a formal agreement known as the Differential Disposal Fees Agreement, with the Delaware Solid Waste Authority. This agreement set the disposal rate for municipal solid waste at $58.50 per ton and bulk or dry waste rate at $40.00 per ton. The current agreement expires on June 30, 2005.
The proposed agreement covers the period from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2010 and sets the solid waste rate at $61.50 per ton and the bulk or dry waste rate at $42.00 per ton (maximum) for the duration of the agreement. Based on the current solid waste tonnage projections of 21,900 tons, it is anticipated to impact the sanitation budget in the amount of $62,666.50 (increase). This impact is the result of the $3.00 per ton increase on the municipal solid waste plus the $2.00 per ton increase on the dry waste component of the tonnage. The estimated increase assumes that the City would continue to receive a 1% discount for early payment, as has been traditionally applied to the City of Dover account. The increase in expenses does not change the projection of the Delaware Solid Waste Authority rebate which will remain at $10.00 per ton for municipal solid waste. The proposed agreement does not address any of the proposed recycling legislation with the exception of the continuance of the Recycle Delaware Program (drop off locations).
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima stated that discussions will continue with the Delaware Solid Waste Authority regarding the possibility of having a transfer station moved closer to Dover, which would benefit the City. The agreement presented to the City of Dover is the same as with all municipalities and is a non-negotiated contract. He also advised members that the law currently requires all solid waste to be disposed of at a Delaware Solid Waste Authority facility.
Mr. DePrima stated that the trash fee and rebates should cover the City’s landfill fees. He indicated that no other considerations have been given for off-setting the additional costs and that it is anticipated that a trash fee increase will be necessary.
In response to Mr. Ritter, Mr. DePrima stated that he could contact the Delaware Solid Waste Authority to determine what affect recycling would have on the agreement and if they would be agreeable to including a clause to allow for reconsideration of the agreement should recycling legislation be enacted. Mr. DePrima felt that this information could be obtained prior to the next Council meeting when the Agreement is scheduled to be presented to members for final approval.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend forwarding the Differential Disposal Fee Agreement with the Delaware Solid Waste Authority to Council for approval with the understanding that the City Manager will determine what, if any, affect the recycling legislation would have on the agreement and the possibility of the agreement including an “opener clause” to allow negotiations of costs should the recycling legislation be enacted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cregar and unanimously carried.
Mr. Snaman moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Cregar and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:52 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Carleton E. Carey, Sr.
Chairman
CEC/jg
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20054-11-2005 Utility.wpd