Sanitary District Wants To Hear More...

ANOTHER 40
More than forty people gathered to hear the deliberations of the current scheme to change the way we recycle so-called "Organics" - green waste and food scraps. There were two items on the subject on the agenda and, between the two, a half-dozen individuals rose to speak about them.
MANY NEW FACES
I saw many familiar faces in the crowd tonight, but some new ones, too. I've attended both of the workshops designed to provide information to the ratepayers and each one had a good turnout. More than 100 people have attended those meetings, plus the meeting last night. However, during her turn at the microphone, resident Beth Refakes reminded the Board that the turnout was still well short of their survey number last year, and suggested further outreach meetings to reach more ratepayers. Some would-be politicians attended, but stayed only long enough to be seen, then left.
MORELLO, AGAIN, TWICE
Resident Phil Morello, an owner of Westside rental units, spoke twice and continued to express concern that some of the details of the change had not yet been sufficiently fleshed out. He also expressed concern that the Costa Mesa Sanitary District was interested in being the first district to use this new technology/methodology.
FLO'S FOR THE CHANGE
Long-time resident Flo Martin addressed the Board, expressing support for this change. She told of using a 3-can system at another home she owns on the Central California Coast, indicating that not only was it NOT inconvenient, but that the community took great pride in their recycling efforts.
WAITING A MONTH

I've heard the presentation - twice. I've asked questions and heard others concerns and the responses to them. Yes, there are still some nagging details to be addressed, but none should be deal-breakers. This change, which puts the Sanitary District at the forefront of new waste handling technology, marked what certainly appears to be an inevitable step. The state is mandating severely greater percentages of recycling - from 50% to 75% - and no more landfills will be permitted. This change will cost just over $500,000 per year to the district - and, thus, to the ratepayers. The Board will have to decide how to cover those costs. Current surplus could be used to smooth the transition for a few years.
...AND THE RATE GUARANTEE

I UNDERSTAND THE TRUCK TRAFFIC...

...AND THE "MULTIPLE CARTS" ISSUE

COSTA MESA BRIEF ON THE JOB

MORE OUTREACH SCHEDULED

THE BOARD SHOULD GIVE THUMBS UP NEXT MONTH

Labels: Barry Frieland, Costa Mesa Brief, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Organic Recycling, Scott Carroll