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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/22/2007 - Special August 22, 2007 733 Roanoke Valley Resource Authority 1020 Hollins Road, NE Roanoke, Virginia August 22, 2007 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority, 1020 Hollins Road, NE, Roanoke, VA, for the purpose of a joint meeting with the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority and the City of Roanoke. IN RE: WELCOME Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Chairman Bittle Porterfield welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced those present. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER (CITY OF ROANOKE) Mayor Nelson Harris called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor C. Nelson Harris, Vice Mayor David B. Trinkle, Council Member Beverly T. Fitzpatrick, Council Member Alfred T. Dowe, Jr. (arrived late) ABSENT: Council Members Sherman P. Lea, Gwendolyn W. Mason and Brian J. Wishneff STAFF PRESENT: Darlene L. Burcham, City Manager; William M. Hackworth, City Attorney, Jesse A. Hall; Director of Finance; Stephanie M. Moon, City Clerk; James Grigsby, Assistant City Manager for Operations; and Frank W. Decker, Manager, Solid Waste Management 734 August 22, 2007 INRE: CALL TO ORDER (COUNTY OF ROANOKE) Vice Chairman Richard Flora called the meeting to order at 12:31 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice-Chairman Richard C. Flora, Supervisors Michael W. Altizer and Michael A. Wray MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairman Joseph P. McNamara, Supervisor Joseph B. "Butch" Church STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Diane D. Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer; Anne Marie Green, Director of General Services; Wanda G. Riley, Clerk to the Board IN RE: ROANOKE VALLEY RESOURCE AUTHORITY (NO ROLL CALL TAKEN) MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Bittle Porterfield; Vice-Chairman Anne Marie Green; Treasurer Diane D. Hyatt; Board Members Robert K. Bengtson, Kevin Boggess, Susie Snyder, Keith Tensen STAFF PRESENT: Daniel D. Miles, P.E., Chief Executive Officer; Steve Barger, Operations Manager; Mark Williams, General Counsel; Deborah 1. Charles, Board Secretary INRE: BRIEFINGS Mr. Miles, the new Chief Executive Officer of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority, gave the group an overview of his past experience, education and background. Mr. Miles presented a powerpoint presentation on the facilities, finances and future of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority. He stated that the Authority was formed in 1991 under the Wastewater Authority's Act and is comprised of three member August 22, 2007 735 localities, which are the City of Roanoke, the County of Roanoke and the Town of Vinton. He stated that the Authority was first financed with a twenty year revenue bond of $33.8 million which is paid through the collection of disposal or tipping fees. He stated that these fees cover the debt service and the ongoing operation and capital expenditures. He noted that current tipping fees are $45.00 per ton for municipalities and $55.00 per ton for commercial and private waste disposal. He noted that this is the fifth year the Authority has not increased tipping fees for the localities. Mr. Miles stated that the Tinker Creek Transfer Station is the receiving station for refuse that is sent by rail to the Smith Gap Landfill and is also a recycling drop-off center. Mr. Miles noted that the Smith Gap Landfill is a 1,200 acre site with 700 acres dedicated for landfill purposes and 500 acres for a buffer area. He stated that 100 acres (Phases I-IX) of the 700 acres has been permitted for landfill use. He noted that currently, the Authority is constructing Phase V, which is scheduled for completion in August 2008. He commented that there is approximately 40 years of life remaining through Phase IX, and more than 100 years of life expectancy out of the remaining 600 acres. Mr. Miles noted that approximately 185,000 tons of municipal solid waste was received in fiscal year 2006-2007. He explained that from 1994 through fiscal year 2007, the Authority has received 2.1 million tons of solid waste, of which approximately 736 August 22, 2007 1.9 million tons have been landfill. He stated that approximately 200,000 tons have been recycled since 1994, which add at least one year of life on the landfill. Mr. Miles advised the Authority is working to ensure the Rutrough Road Landfill is properly managed in an effort to protect the environment and the residents in that area. He also advised that the Board approved a lease with Virginia Living Histories for a portion of the buffer zone area at the Rutrough Road Landfill. Mr. Miles explained that for the fiscal year 2007 budget, expenditures were budgeted at approximately $9 million, with approximately $9 million in expenditures at the end of fiscal year 2007. He further explained that revenues were budgeted at approximately $9 million and at the end of the year approximately $10.5 million has been received. He advised that additional revenues are placed in a surplus fund balance and those funds are used to stabilize the tipping fees for the member localities. He advised that the debt on the revenue bonds of $33.8 million will be retired in 2012. Mr. Miles stated that the infrastructure is aging and the Authority must continue to maintain the facilities for the customers. He stated that the Authority is exploring an Ethanol project (gas to energy), and reviewing other options for managing solid waste. He also advised that the Authority is working with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for widening of Hollins Road at the Transfer Station. He noted that the Authority is researching the possibility of expanding services such as August 22, 2007 737 increasing composing activities, recycling, and household hazardous waste collection days. Vice Mayor Trinkle inquired about the recycling of green glass. Mr. Miles noted that there is no market for the green glass. Mr. Decker stated that there is not enough green and brown glass generated to offer the service. Supervisor Wray commended Mr. Miles for researching the technology that can be used to save the life of the landfill. Chairman Porterfield challenged the member localities to inform the Authority Board when they have ideas on how the Authority can enhance its operations. IN RE: ADJOURNMENT Mayor Harris adjourned the Roanoke City Council meeting at 1:10 p.m. Vice Chairman Flora adjourned the meeting at 1: 1 0 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: ~~~':-1?~ Wanda G. Riley 0 Clerk to the Board ~,~""~ C ~ Richard C. Flora Vice Chairman 738 August 22, 2007 (This page left intentionally blank)