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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCitizen CommentsPage 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 11:10 AM To: Andrea Pogue; Jaycee Holman; Bill Nary; Charlie Rountree; Karie Glenn; Nancy Mann; Steve Cory ;Steve Sedlacek ;Steve Siddoway; Tom Barry Subject: FW: renting containers.... From: M&M Allen [mailto:allenhaus@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 1:05 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: renting containers.... Hello Committee! I hope we're not too late to address a concern we have re: the new automated system and bin rental. Like everyone else, we have tried to trim the fat out of our budget and have made an effort to save in all sorts of little ways. A few dollars a month does add up, especially year after year. We do not currently rent a garbage bin. Our bags are neatly by the curb every pick-up day. We don't mind the prospect of using a bin, but we would really prefer not to be forced to rent one -- and are guessing that we are not alone in this. Have you any solutions for folks like us? Thanks so much, The Allens "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:02 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Customer request From: D Aragon [mailto:deejargon@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 9:51 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Custome request To Whom It May Concern: Many seniors and single-resident households have less than 32 gallons per week waste. Especially when we recycle and/or have yard services. Shouldn't we receive a price break or discount on waste collection? Personally, I sometimes only put my 32-gallon can out every other week. With high unemployment and sinking retirement funds every extra expense becomes a burden. Please consider this request at your committe meeting in March. Thank you for your consideration. Dolores Aragon Meridian, Idaho dee~argon[7a~yahoo.com 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:04 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Curbside Recycling Benefits From: TODD LINDA ARENDS [mailto:arendstoddlinda@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:10 AM To: swat@sscwaste.com; supervisor@sscwaste.com Subject: Curbside Recycling Benefits Thank you so very much for providing the co-mingled recycle program! We used a similar program when we -lived in Mesa, AZ. and it was very successful. Our issue/concern is that we have more co-mingled recycled items than residential trash on a weekly basis. Our suggestions would be: 1. Provide weekly co-mingled recycle (95-gallon wheeled cart), as opposed to the current bi- weekly service. 2. Provide additional carts (95-gallon wheeled cart) if necessary for the bi-weekly service. 3. Reduce the residential trash to bi-weekly and increase the co-mingled recycle to weekly. 4. Provide incentives to encouraged participation in the co-mingle recycle program. Thank you for your consideration in this matter! Kind Regards, Todd and Linda Arends 641 E Silver Torch St Meridian, ID. 83646 208-884-5438 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:03 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Recycling/Garbage Question From: summer ash [mailto:855.summer@gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2010 10:06 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Recycling/Garbage Question Hi, I have a question regarding the Automated Collection that is upcoming in the Meridian area. In the newsletter you mentioned that we would soon be able to choose between two sizes for our garbage containers. I am wondering if you will be providing a separate container for yard waste. In Seattle and Sacramento they provide residents with two recycling containers...one for regular recycling and one for yard recycling. They would be picked up alternate weeks so they would have time to fill up. This also allows for people to use a much smaller garbage container, since the yard waste is going to compost and not going to the landfill with the trash. I do not know if this is in the works or has already been decided on, but thought I should mention it. Many of us could use a small container for trash, as long as our grass clippings were not added each week in the summer months. Thank you, Summer Ash Meridian 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:07 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Renting containers From: babcockk@cableone.net [mailto:babcockk@cableone.net] Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 1:09 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Renting containers We are very disappointed with the thought that we will have to pay every month for waste container rental. Is there a purchase option? Forcing people to rent a container for their garbage when they already have their own containers seems very dictatorial and eventually a huge financial burden. We do understand that the automated pick up might need a particular type of container but a perpetual rental fee seems to be an unnecessary burden. Sincerely, Dale and Karen Babcock Msg sent via Cab1eONE.net MyMail - http://www.cableone.net 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:00 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated Collection From: bob black [mailto:bobbylocal1821@cableone.net] Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 12:49 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated Collection With this new automated collection process shall I assume that Meridian residents will have to rent an SSC wheeled cart instead of store bought waste containers? 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:00 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FVV: automated waste collection comment From: CRAIG ]ANELL BROWN [mailto:candjbrown@q.com] Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 1:50 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: automated waste collection comment I am writing concerning the automated waste collection that is supposed to start thi We currently use our own trash cans, because of the rent fee charged to use the cart Sincerely, Janell Brown 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:03 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: garbage carts From: DAVID & KERRY BUTLER [mailto:butlerdk3@msn.com] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 10:59 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: garbage carts when we all go to the wheeled cart later on, will we be paying $2.88 additional? Thanks, Kerry Butler 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:07 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: My input: Automated Collection Update /'?alkin Trash" newsletter From: ]. Cain [mailto:jcain2l@hotmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 5:26 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: RE: My input: Automated Collection Update / 'Talkin Trash" newsletter Hello Symantha, I don't mean free service. What I mean is, getting the new 35-gal. cart should not cost us anything, extra, beyond what we are already paying, in order to get and establish it's use. In other words, since it is required by SSC and not me, a "no fee" original issue of these small carts is entirely appropriate. They of course remain the property of SSC. Thank you again, for many years of excellent SSC service -- the best in the nation! Best wishes, )im From: swac@sscwaste.com To: jcain2l@hotmail.com Subject: RE: My input: Automated Collection Update / "Talkin Trash" newsletter Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:17:28 -0500 Hello, Thank you for taking the time to contact the SWAC regarding your suggestions and concerns with the automated collection conversion. I have shared your email with the Committee. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer free service to Meridian residents. A lot of folks are worried about their rates increasing because of the new system. I think most Meridian residents will be pleased that their trash rates will stay the same or even go down, depending on what size trash cart they choose. The proposed rate right now is a 95-gallon cart will cost the same as what people renting a cart pay now. The other cart sizes are less. (This is of course dependent on Council approving the proposed rates that SSC has drawn up.) Since you don't generate a lot of trash, you may be able to save a couple more dollars per month on your trash bill. SSC is actually going to have a smaller 35-gallon cart available to residents who generate little or no trash. The cart is not being advertised but will be recommended by the trash haulers themselves. (The haulers will tell SSC, SSC will contact the customers and offer them the smaller cart size.) Again, thank you for your input, 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company From: J. Cain [mailto:jcain2l@hotmail.com] Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 5:01 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: My input: Automated Collection Update / 'Talkin Trash" newsletter Dear Friends: We already compost and recycle, so have a very, very small trash load for pick-up, or even NONE on some weeks. It is important to us long-time, poor, low-income users of this service to have the option of a NO- FEE CART, when and if the change is made to automated. That is, at minimum, a 64-gallon cart (or the smallest size that will be used) should be offered at NO CHARGE to existing customers. As a decade-long customer of Sanitary Services in Meridian, we do not feel that any additional charge for the change would be appropriate. Thank you, as a Committee, for the opportunity to provide these comments and input. Best regards, ]. Cain 241 W. Broadway Meridian Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powertul SPAM protection. Sign up now. Hotmail: Trusted email with powertul SPAM protection. Sign up now. 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:04 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Trash cans From: Ken & Nicole Cecil [mailto:kncecil@cableone.net] Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:50 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Trash cans I would like to voice a complaint against charging for the trash cans. I'm all for the automated system in that it does take a physical burden off of the trash collectors. Their bodies go through abuse with lifting cans and other junk all day. However, I feel that the charging us rent to use the cans is just plain absurd! Our trash rates are already high and this will just add to it. As an example, the city of Idaho Falls only charges 9.00 for their trash collection rates. I started using the recycle bins a couple of years ago because they were given free of charge. They went co- mingled and gave us this huge can, which I can say we fill up, and it is free of charge. Come on Meridian........stop trying to nickel and dime us for everything. Ken Cecil 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:04 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FVV: Concerns regarding automated trash pickup From: Comsa, Matt [mailto:matt.comsa@Simplot.com] Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 10:38 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Concerns regarding automated trash pickup I received "Talkin Trash" with my bill yesterday with the notification regarding the automated trash pickup coming in late Spring. My concerns center around the pickup of one trash can and one recycle can. During Winter this is not an issue but once Spring comes I have a lot of garden trimmings and at times grass clippings that will in noway fit into a trash can along with my household trash, even with recyclable material in another can. How am I and others supposed to address this? Having a once in a while overflow sticker is not enough and I don't have the means to haul it to the dump. Other issues revolve around large boxes when a purchase is made. Normally I can set those out with the trash and they are picked up. Now, I am unsure what to do when this need arises. This whole change appears to be terribly inconvenient and disruptive. Thank you, Matt Comsa Meridian 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:05 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Carts From: M M DAMS [mailto:mdavis2192@q.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 4:00 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Carts After the automated collection starts, will the bagged yard clipping still be collected? If we are using two or more wheeled carts, can the yard clipping be mixed with the other garbage? The newsletter "Talkin Trash!" says that both sizes will cost $2.88 per month, and then says that the larger cart will cost more than the smaller cart. What will be their respective costs? Also, I have noticed that the automated collection of the recycle carts are picked up from the street (not sidewalk), will all the automated collection be from the street? If that is correct, then customers should be reminded to place them in such a way as to not block newspaper a/o mailboxes. Martin Davis 2192 N. O'Conner Ave. Meridian, ID 83646-5392 e-mail: mdavis2192Ca~q.com 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:06 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated Collection Wheeled Carts. From: Brent DeSpain [mailto:bldespain@gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2010 10:41 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated Collection Wheeled Carts. Your latest Talkin Trash! newsletter states that either size wheeled cart size can be rented for $2.88 per months, but the second article states that there will be a differential in price when full automated collection takes affect in the spring of 2010. So my question is will the rental price change or will the garbage collection fees change based on cart size? If the latter what is the typical differential? ~$5? ~$10? I am glad that you are taking these steps. We are avid recyclers and would love to reduce our garbage collection fees. Thanks for your time. Brent DeSpain bldespain ,~~nail.com 208-991-2212 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:01 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Suggestions, Complaints, & Concerns From: Robert Duff [mailto:duff752@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:39 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Suggestions, Complaints, & Concerns Hello, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, I have a couple of complaints and suggestions, so I will get the ugly over first. It is a disappointment to drive through unfinished subdivisions where the undeveloped properties have trash on vacant lots. A big part of this trash problem is from the developer not requiring the subcontractors to clean up after their portion of a home is built, i.e. plumber, hvac, finish trim worker and/or painter. Then because the weeds are not being kept under control, these same vacant lots collect what garbage blows around from collection day. (Our Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts cannot even keep up with the trash that blows onto the vacant lots next to Venable St. which is just north of Fast Eddy's on Ustick and next to Settler's Park. What an ugly scene.) Suggestion: in and around Seattle, Washington since the early 1990s, there is an ordinance that all garbage set out for collections is to be tied shut in some sort of trash bag so that the garbage does not blow away into someone else's yard. Even the garbage that is placed in the collection containers is to be tied shut in some sort of trash bag. This practice helps greatly in keeping the surrounding areas much cleaner and garbage free. Should a complaint arise about a neighbor, the waste company looks into it, and if the complaint is valid, the neighbor causing the trash mess is then fined. The waste company may even collect the fine on the next month's city bill. (It could be a $5.00 - $10.00 fine for each incident.) Another suggestion is that all garbage needs to be placed in collection containers. If garbage is being set to the side of the container, then the home owner needs to rent or buy a scond container. I am so disappointed in the inability of developers and some neighbors to keep their trashy mess under control; I hope these suggetions can help clean up Meridian and keep our city looking beautiful. Karen Duff 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:00 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Trash Pickup From: DAVE DURFEE [mailto:ddurF3@msn.com] Sent: Sunday, .March 14, 2010 9:52 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Trash Pickup Hello- I have some concerns regarding the proposed automated pickup. During the winter months we usually have one garbage bag to dispose of which hardly justifies the large wheeled can that we have, but during the summer and fall between the grass from our yard and then the leaves, there is no way I can fit it into the wheeled cart each week. I don't know what you are expecting us to do with the excess that won't ~t into the cart. Are you expecting us to rent more carts to dispose of our clippings and leaves, and if so will we have to rent them year around? Or are you wanting all of us to pay someone to mow our lawns and haul away our clippings so you don't have to? I would appreciate hearing from you concerning these issues. Thanks. Dave Durfee 3330 Sugar Creek Meridian The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and a-mail from your inbox. Get started. 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:10 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: February SSC At-A-Glance From: John Emery [mailto:john@johnremery.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 1:31 PM To: 'Symantha Zeimet' Subject: RE: February SSC At-A-Glance know you don't get enough praise -mostly complaints so count me as a happy customer! O John From: Symantha Zeimet [mailto:syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 9:31 AM To: John@JohnREmery.com Subject: RE: February SSC At-A-Glance Thanks for letting us know! It's nice to hear that some people like the new service! ;o) Symantha __ From: John R Emery [mailto:jremery@cableone.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 9:48 AM To: 'Symantha Zeimet' Subject: RE: February SSC At-A-Glance I rarely get so thrilled about city services but I LOVE the new recycling system! Just dumping it all in and wheeling it out to the curb every iwo weeks is hugely convenient. Way to go! John John R Emery John@JohnREmery.com From: Symantha Zeimet [mailto:listserve@sscwaste.com] Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 10:13 AM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: February SSC At-A-Glance SSC At-A-Glance Update for February 2010 ***************************************************************************** Upcoming Dates to Remember: 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 Presidents' Day - Monday, February 15. No interruption of trash and recycling collection services. Household Hazardous Waste Collection - Every Monday except major holidays from 12 Noon to 7:00 P.M. in the parking lot of Sanitary Services Company, 2130 W. Franklin Road (between Linder and Ten Mile). For more information, please call SSC at 888- 3999. 64-Gallon Wheeled Trash Carts Are Now Available Have you wanted the convenience of renting a 95-gallon wheeled cart but thought they were too large, or do you currently rent a 95-gallon cart but would like a smaller size? SSC now has 64-gallon carts available for rent to Meridian residents. To help prepare for the possible conversion to automated collection later this spring, SSC is letting residents who currently rent a 95-gallon wheeled cart trade it for a smaller 64-gallon wheeled cart. The cost to rent either size cart is $2.88 per month at this time. Call SSC at 888-3999 to order a cart. ***************************************************************************** The Meridian Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAG) Takes On a New Role The SWAG will now serve primarily as a forum for citizen input. If you would like to contact the SWAG with suggestions, complaints, or concerns regarding solid waste collection and recycling in Meridian, please send an email to swac@sscwaste.com and the Committee will address your comments at their meetings. If you would like to attend a SWAG meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433. ***************************************************************************** You are receiving these updates because you requested to be on our mailing list. If you choose not to receive future mailings, please respond to this e-mail and let us know you would like to be removed from our list. Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:03 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Thank you From: Steve Sedlacek [mailto:ssedlacek@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 4:33 PM To: 'Symantha Zeimet' Subject: FW: Thank you Please forward to members of the SWAG. Steve From: Randy Amidon [mailto:supervisor@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 10:43 AM To: ssedlacek@sscwaste.com Subject: FW: Thank you From: Thomas Fisher [mailto:winepep@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 12:18 PM To: supervisor@sscwaste.com Subject: Thank you I would just like to take a minute of your time, if possible, to thank you not only for the service SSC provides my house but also your'Talkin Trash!' newsletter. Without this publication I would have no way of knowing how to safely dispose of items such as hazardous waste, auto fluids, etc. As a matter of fact I have had 2non-working television sets sitting in my garage for several months not knowing how to get rid of them. Your Spring issue cleared that up, informing me that I can take them to the Meridian lot on Monday. Please relay my appreciation to all of the workers at SSC. The ones I have dealt with have all been top- notchboth at home and at the SSC lot. Thank you again, Robert Fisher No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 /Virus Database: 271.1.1/2711 -Release Date: 02/26/10 00:34:00 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:01 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: trash collection From: Corey and Tavia [mailto:tcflager@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 6:55 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: trash collection Symantha, Thank you for your quick response to my query. I thought I was only paying 2.71$ per month for my rented wheeled trash cart....which is what my bill shows? Unless your 16.32 is the garbage rate plus the rental rate...? Corey From: Symantha Zeimet Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 3:16 PM To: 'Corey and Tavia' Subject: RE: trash collection Hi Corey, Thank you for taking the time to contact the SWAC regarding the automated collection conversion. I have shared your email with the Committee. Currently, renting a wheeled trash cart is voluntary, and that's why there is a rental fee attached to it. When the conversion to automated collection occurs, the cart is included in the new trash rate because it is needed in order for SSC's trucks to collect the trash. Therefore, it will be included as part of your trash service, but will remain the property of SSC. If damage occurs to the cart, SSC is responsible for providing you with a new cart at no cost to you. Curbside recycling is included as part of your trash service, so there is no charge for the recycling cart. A lot of folks are worried about their rates increasing because of the new system. The rates should not increase. The proposed rate right now is a 95-gallon cart will cost nearly the same as what people renting a cart pay now. The other cart sizes will be less. Council has to approve this of course, but what SSC has proposed to the SWAC is not an increase in trash service rates. The fee structure recommendation was also discussed at the SWAC meeting, and the following rates were decided upon for recommendation to Council: $16.32 per month fora 95-gallon cart, $14.32 per month fora 65-gallon cart, and $12.32 per month fora 35-gallon cart. Please bear in mind that Council has the final decision on the rates, and can change them if they don't like them. hope this information helps alleviate some of your concerns. 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 Again, thank you for your input, Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company From: Corey and Tavia [mailto:tcflager@msn.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 8:21 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: trash collection If the city of Meridian is converting to an automated system for trash pickup, does this mean that I can no longer put out trash outside of a rented container? If this is the case then why do I have to pay to rent the container when you are not allowing me to use my own trash cans? Currently Meridian users have the choice to use a rented container or their own, and if this choice is taken away, why would you assume that you could still charge for rent on a container? Thank you, Corey 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:07 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Trash and recycle From: George,Helena FORTIER [mailto:fordergh@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 2:47 AM To: syzeimet@sscwaste.com Subject: RE: Trash and recycle Thank you!!! From: syzeimet@sscwaste.com To: fortiergh@msn.com Subject: RE: Trash and recycle Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:13:43 -0500 Hello, Thank you for taking the time to contact the SWAC regarding your suggestions and concerns with the automated collection conversion. I have shared your email with the Committee, and I'm sure they will be discussed at next Tuesday's meeting. Thank you for your suggestion about lengthening leaf collection in the fall. I have been hinting to Steve that we need to increase the collection time, so hopefully your comments will help convince him! (I'll also be sure to mention it at the SWAC meeting!) Thank you for being such a concerned citizen. 1 always value your suggestions and appreciate your efforts to help make Meridian a better place for everyone. Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company From: George,Helena FORTIER [mailto:fortiergh@msn.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 9:09 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Trash and recycle H i, Thanks for your hard work!!! You really need to have fees for trash that will discourage so much trash and stimulate recycling. Then people will be shocked at how little trash they have and it will reinforce recycling. If you are wishy washy and overly apologetic people will do the same as always. Be forceful. Also, please consider a longer leaf pickup time. Two weeks is not long enough. I did as many leaves as I could in the two week period and then had two more weeks I had to put with trash as leaves had not fallen yet. Not all vehicles can hold leaf bags to transport elsewhere. For individuals to have to transport to Hidden hollow is a large waste of gasoline Thanks again. 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 3 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:02 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Grass clippings removal From: Mark Halley [mailto:markhalley7@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 6:06 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Grass clippings removal Thank you. Mark Halley On Mar 4, 2010, at 3:31 PM, "Symantha Zeimet" <syzeimet~a,sscwaste.com> wrote: Hi Mark, We're honestly not trying to soak the customers for money with this new program, and I'm sorry I don't have a better answer for you at this time. You can actually pack quite a bit of grass clippings into one cart, so you may be all right.... Symantha From: Mark Halley [mailto:markhalley7@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 1:42 PM To: 'Symantha Zeimet' Subject: RE: Grass clippings removal Thank you, that helps! Because we don't rent a cart now, that will be a new expense for us. And because of the volume of grass clippings, we'll need 1-2 additional carts. All that will be new expense to us. Will there be any offset from what we're currently paying for trash services since we'll be forced to pay for the carts & automated collection? Mark Halley (208)695-545] From: Symantha Zeimet [mailto:swac@sscwaste.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 10:16 AM To: MarkHallek7@gmail.com Subject: RE: Grass clippings removal 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 3 Hi Mark, Thank you for taking the time to contact the SWAC regarding the automated collection conversion. I have shared your email with the Committee. A lot of folks are worried about their rates increasing because of the new system. The rates should not increase. The proposed rate right now is a 95-gallon cart will cost the same as what people renting a cart pay now. The other cart sizes will be less. Council has to approve this of course, but what SSC has proposed to the SWAC is not an increase in trash service rates. The fee structure recommendation is going to be discussed at the next SWAC meeting, which will be Tuesday, March 2 at 11:00. Once the SWAC has a recommendation to Council, I will publish the rates in the minutes. The rates that SSC is proposing are $16.33 per month fora 95-gallon cart, $14.32 per month fora 64-gallon cart, and $12.32 per month fora 35-gallon cart.. The SWAC will most likely accept these amounts and recommend them to Council. However, Council has the final decision on the rates, and can change them if they don't like them. Yard waste has been discussed at great length during the Advisory Committee meetings. For now, the Committee is recommending that yard waste can be placed in the wheeled carts along with your trash each week for collection. Residents will be given the option to rent additional 95-gallon carts at a cost of $2.00 per month, and yard waste could be placed in the additional container as well as trash. There has also been discussion of allowing extra containers with a tag placed on them for collection. There are plans to build a compost facility in Meridian in the future, but that is at least two years down the road. SSC will continue to have two weeks of free leaf collection in the fall as usual, so long as the leaves (branches, yard trimmings, garden trimmings, etc.) are in the paper lawn bags. The SSC Transfer Station also accepts yard waste at a reduced fee, so residents have that option if they are able to get it to the transfer station. Thank you for letting me know that the email link didn't work on the website! I went in and fixed it so hopefully it is working now. I hope this information helps alleviate some of your concerns. Again, thank you for your input, Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company 3/22/2010 Page 3 of 3 From: Mark Halley [mailto:markhalley7@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March O1, 2010 11:37 PM To: swacCa~sscwaste.com Subject: Grass clippings removal We live on a'/2-acre, & thrown-out our grass clippings along with our trash. At typical week is about 61awn bags of grass. With the pending change to acan-limited automated collection system, what options are being provided, other than paying for additional removal services? Also, FYI, the email link from your website incorrectly has the email as: swac(a~sscwate.com Thank you. Mark Halley (208)695-5451 I am using the Free version of SPAMfighter. We are a community of 6 million users fighting spam. SPAMfighter has removed 17058 of my spam emails to date. The Professional version does not have this message. I am using the Free version of SPAMfi hter. We are a community of 6 million users fighting spam. SPAMfighter has removed 17058 of my spam emails to date. The Professional version does not have this message. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 /Virus Database: 271.1.1 /2717 -Release Date: 03/02/10 00:34:00 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:05 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Solid Waste Advisory Committee From: Robin Harris [mailto:rdhorchid@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 9:45 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Solid Waste Advisory Committee I was very pleased when the SSC went to the one recycle container for all the recycled trash. However, I see that it now has taken away all the money earned from recycling trash for the Curbside Recycling Program. This was a useful program for funding projects for the city. Hopefully, you can find another way to fund the program. Can you start a program that uses a different cart for yard waste? The trash dump makes money from making compost from yard and tree waste. This would cut down on a very large item in the trash waste going to the land fill. I do not understand why we cannot have a yard waste recycle program. A note about the conversion to the automated trash collection system to be implemented this spring. I do not like paying a fee for a container that will reduce expenses for SSC. We already pay for garbage collection. We should not have to pay for something that reduces expenses for the trash collection company. The expense of the wheeled carts should pay for themselves over the long haul. When the electric company changed out the electric meters we were not charged. Why should we pay for the wheeled carts? I have to purchase a larger cart because I have to put all of my summer yard waste in it. If I could put out my yard waste in bags or my trash cans I could use the 64 gallon cart instead of the 95 gallon cart. Thank You, Robin Harris 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:06 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Recycling should be collected weekly From: Jared Heiner [mailto:jaredheiner@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 9:07 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Recycling should be collected weekly Thanks for the tip. Maybe we'll get another bin. Our big recycling cart is full again as are our old rectangular recycling bins and our trash is only half full. Good thing recycling comes tomorrow. Our family of five (two adults and three children under 7) generates more recyclables than trash. If trash collection were only once every two weeks more people might be inclined to recycle instead of filling up their trash bins with things that could be recycled and kept out or our landfills. Jared Heiner From: Symantha Zeimet <syzeimet@sscwaste.com> To: Jared Heiner <jaredheiner@yahoo.com> Sent: Mon, February 22, 2010 7:54:18 AM Subject: RE: Recycling should be collected weekly Hi Jared, Thank you for taking the time to contact the SWAC with your suggestion for collecting recycling on a weekly basis and trash on a bi-weekly basis. I have shared your email with the Committee. The SWAC is meeting tomorrow so I'm sure your idea will be discussed as it is an option that hasn't been presented yet. It's wonderful to hear that you recycle so much! Meridian residents can get a second recycling cart (64-gallon or 95-gallon) for $2.00 per month. I'm sorry we have to charge a rental fee for the second cart, but we have to do so in order to cover our costs. If you are interested in a second cart, please call SSC at 888-3999 and we will have one delivered to you right away. Thanks again for sharing your ideas, Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 From: Jared Heiner [mailto:jaredheiner@yahoo.com] Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2010 2:11 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Recycling should be collected weekly Since comingled recycling started my 95-gallon recylcing bin fills up much faster than my trash one does. The vast majority of our household waste qualifies to be recycled. Therefore the comingled recycling should be collected weekly and the trash biweekly. Or perhaps both should be collected weekly. My recycling bin is full at the end of a week and because it is not collected weekly I have to throw a lot of recycleables into the trash because I don't have anywhere else to put them. Jared Heiner 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:08 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: solid waste collection From: SANDRA HJERMSTAD [mailto:mhjermstad@msn.com] Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 5:53 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: solid waste collection Dear sirs; We have taken advantage of your curbside recycling program. Because of its success, we only generate about 65 gallons per month of trash for the landfill. I see you are talking about renting 65 gallon containers for trash. This would be fine, but this is still more than I need or other people in the city. I think you need to have some provisions in your trash collection for people who do not generate trash. As a suggestion, maybe we could have color coded trash cans for weekly and biweekly collection. Then the people who generate trash can be picked each week. People who do not generate trash can be picked up biweekly, the same week as recycle trash. By having them color coded, your employees would know if the roll out is weekly or biweekly. Thank you Milton Hjermstad 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:05 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: New Automated Collection From: ]im Hon [mailto:jhon@honsolutions.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 5:53 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: New Automated Collection Samantha Thank you very much for your kind and informative response. It clarifies quite a bit and I can now be very supportive of your changes. Jim On Wed, Feb 24, 2010 at 3:22 PM, Symantha Zeimet <swac o sscwaste.com> wrote: Hi Jim, Thank you for taking the time to contact the SWAG regarding your suggestions and concerns with the automated collection conversion. I have shared your email with the Committee. Currently, renting a wheeled trash cart is voluntary, and that's why there is a rental fee attached to it. When the conversion to automated collection occurs, the cart is included in the new trash rate because it is needed in order for SSC's trucks to collect the trash. Therefore, it will be included as part of your trash service, but will remain the property of SSC. Curbside recycling is included as part of your trash service, so there is no charge for the recycling cart. A lot of folks are worried about their rates increasing because of the new system. The rates should not be increased. The proposed rate right now is a 95-gallon cart will cost the same as what people renting a cart pay now. The other cart sizes are less. Council has to approve this of course, but what SSC has proposed to the SWAC is not an increase in trash service rates. Since your household doesn't generate a lot of trash, you maybe able to save a couple more dollars per month on your trash bill. SSC is actually going to have a smaller 35-gallon cart available to residents who generate little or no trash. The cart is not being advertised but will be recommended by the trash haulers themselves. (The haulers will tell SSC, SSC will contact the customers and offer them the smaller cart size.) The fee structure recommendation is going to be discussed at the next SWAC meeting, which will be Tuesday, March 2 at 11:00. Once they SWAC has a recommendation to Council, I will publish the rates in the minutes. The rates that SSC is proposing is $16.33 per month fora 95-gallon cart, $14.32 per month fora 64-gallon cart, and $12.32 per month fora 35-gallon cart. The SWAC will most likely accept these amounts and recommend them to Council. However, Council has the final decision on the rates, and can change them if they don't like them. I hape this information helps alleviate same of your concerns. 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 Again, thank you for your input, Symantha Syinantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company From: Jim Hon [mailto:jhon~a~,honsolutions.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 3:29 PM To: swac~a,sscwaste.com Subject: New Automated Collection I have read through your meeting minutes for the last 3 meetings (Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 16). Can I ask that you publish in your minutes the proposed new base monthly charges as I have only seen some proposed reductions if a user gets a smaller cart. I currently do not have a wheeled cart and generally only set out one 32 gal can. I am thus very concerned that the 'new' rates could severely impact my costs. Naively, I would expect my monthly costs to be reduced for three reasons: -I output very little trash -Truck labor is cut in half, only one person is required. -I lose the "unlimited" pickup that I use maybe 6 times a year which generally consists of an extra 32 gal can. (I do note that the meeting minutes cover various methods and costs for handling 'extra' waste) I, however; doubt that my monthly costs will be reduced and I am sure it is heavily justified maybe even to the point of stating that my bill will not go up as much as it would have should we keep the present system. Some cities handle 'extra' trash by having several unlimited pickups per year at no added charge. I note that you have proposed only one day. Jim Jim Hon HonSolutions Electronic Hardware Engineering. Consultation and Design jhon~a honsolutions.com www.honsolutions. com/resume.html Jim Hon HonSolutions Electronic Hardware Engineering. Consultation and Design jhon~a honsolutions.com www.honsolutions. com/resume.html 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:05 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Questions From: lindajl5@q.com [mailto:lindajl5@q.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 8:03 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Questions In the new Residential trash collection wheeled cart (95 or 64), do we put all of the trash that does not go in the recycling carts in the trash cart? Like grass clippings, cut up branches and yard work stuff. Is all this kind of trash just dumped into the cart or do we put the grass chippings and yard work stuff in a separate bag and then into the trash cart? Will there be something in the "Talking Trash" telling us what and how to get all the trash in one cart? All so when do we let SSC know what size of the wheeled cart that we want. We do not have a trash cart at this time. We do have the Recycling cart. Thank-You Linda Johnson 3/22/2010 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:07 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Board minutes -----Original Message----- From: Catherine Jones [mailto:kid8hart@me.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:26 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Board minutes My goodness, you are being so accommodating to residents. I always thought that if I generated more than I could reasonably expect the collectors to pick up, that I had the responsibility to haul it to the dump myself and pay a fee at the dump. I recycle and compost as much as I can and only generate only one grocery bag of garbage each week. But, I realize families probably could not manage that. I really like the idea of composting and would support anything you do to encourage that. I recently saw a small "back door composter" that might be nice to offer at a reduced fee for those interested. An issue that I did not see addressed was electronic waste. Some education is probably needed to inform people about options for disposing of electronics. I think you do a wonderful job and I commend you for your service. I am truly impressed. Thank you Samantha for your information. Cathy Jones 1 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:04 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Talkin Trash! From: Cindy Kaylor [mailto:cindy@steversk.homeip.net] Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:28 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Talkin Trash! You must have an option to buy the wheeled carts instead of renting them. Obviously, you are just trying to raise our bills permanently. Thank you. Cindy Kaylor 3564 N. Summercrest Way Meridian, ID 83646 208-846-8684 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:04 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Talkin Trash! From: Cindy Kaylor [mailto:cndy@steversk.homeip.net] Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 1:27 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Talkin Trash! Thank you for your response. I get it, but why can't we buy the carts for what they cost SSC instead of paying an increased rate forever to rent them? Thank you. Cindy Kaylor On Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 9:45 AM, Symantha Zeimet <swac~a sscwaste.com> wrote: Hi Cindy, Thank you for taking the time to contact the SWAC regarding the automated collection conversion. have shared your email with the Committee. If you would like to read the Committee discussions, I have posted them online at www.sscwaste.com - I will continue to post approved minutes after each meeting. There are several reasons for the conversion. The Ada County Landfill is filling up at a very fast rate, automated collection will encourage recycling and thus reduce the amount of trash being sent to the landfill, and the EPA is going to require all collection to be automated sometime in the near future (to reduced injuries to trash haulers) so we will be forced to go automated when that regulation goes into effect. Currently, renting a wheeled trash cart is voluntary, and that's why there is a rental fee attached to it. When the conversion to automated collection occurs, the cart is included in the new trash rate because it is needed in order for SSC's trucks to collect the trash. Therefore, it will be included as part of your trash service, but will remain the property of SSC. Curbside recycling is included as part of your trash service, so there is no charge for the recycling cart. A lot of folks are worried about their rates increasing because of the new system. The rates should not increase. The proposed rate right now is a 95-gallon cart will cost the same as what people renting a cart pay now. The other cart sizes will be less. Council has to approve this of course, but what SSC has proposed to the SWAG is not an increase in trash service rates. I hope this information helps alleviate some of your concerns. Again, thank you for your input, Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 From: Cindy Kaylor [mailto:cindyCasteversk.homeip.net] Sent: Thursday, February Z5, 2010 12:28 AM To: swac~,sscwaste.com Subject: Talkin Trash! You must have an option to buy the wheeled carts instead of renting them. Obviously, you are just trying to raise our bills permanently. Thank you. Cindy Kaylor 3564 N. Summercrest Way Meridian, ID 83646 208-846-8684 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:02 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated Collection Update From: Cindy Kaylor [mailto:cndy@steversk.homeip.net] Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 6:50 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Automated Collection Update Thanks Symantha, I appreciate it. Cindy Kaylor On Thu, Mar 4, 2010 at 3:09 PM, Symantha Zeimet <swac(a~sscwaste.com> wrote: Hi Cindy, The SWAC met on Tuesday of this week, and allowing residents to purchase their wheeled carts was a specific topic of discussion. After a lengthy discussion, it was determined that residents would not be able to purchase wheeled carts for the following reasons: Purchasing a cart from SSC for $50.00 would only save a customer 50 cents per month, thus making it take more than 8 years for the container to pay for itself, and in that timeframe, the container would most likely break and the customer would need to purchase a new one. The fee structure recommendation was also discussed at the SWAC meeting, and the following rates were decided upon for recommendation to Council: $16.32 per month fora 95-gallon cart, $14.32 per month fora 65-gallon cart, and $12.32 per month fora 35-gallon cart. Please bear in mind that Council has the final decision on the rates, and can change them if they don't like them. I just thought I'd pass that along to you, Symantha 3/22/2010 Page 1 of Z • • • Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:10 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Extra Expense From: P A KERN [mailto:pask@q.com] Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 5:50 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Extra Expense I can't make the meeting as I have a prior commitment, otherwise I would be there, but thanks for the information and your response. Patsy -Original Message --- From: Symantha Zeimet To: 'P A KERN' Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 3:47 PM Subject: RE: Extra Expense Hello, It still isn't set in stone that Meridian is going to change to automated collection. The costs have not been determined yet, but those who opt for the larger carts will pay more than those who choose the smaller carts. SSC will provide a smaller 35-gallon cart to residents who do not generate much trash - it is not being advertised as yet because it is mostly for seniors. The price will be lower than the larger sized carts. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAG) is taking comments from the public, and they happen to be meeting tomorrow, so I'll pass your concerns along to them for consideration. The meetings are open to the public, so if you would like to attend it is at 11:30 tomorrow at the Meridian City Hall, Meeting Room A. (Go in the main doors and look to your right -you'll see the meeting room.) Lunch is provided. 1've attached an agenda for you if you want to attend. The February utility bills will have the latest edition of Talkin Trash! in them. The newsletter gives more information about the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the possible conversion to automated collection. I hope my answers helped a little. Unfortunately I don't have many answers at this time because the SWAG needs to discuss the program and make recommendations to the Council before the program will be approved. Thank you for letting me know about the email address problem, Symantha From: P A KERN [mailto:pask@q.com] Sent: Monday, February O1, Z010 5:29 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Extra Expense 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 I do not have a need fora 64 or a 95 gallon wheeled cart & most certainly DO NO need the extra expense. I only put out a small garbage sack 2-3 times a month. What would be my cost to take my garbage to the collection spot on Franklin Road & would you ALLOW me to do this? I noticed you say "possible conversion to automated collection later this spring". Does this mean it might not happen? Since I am a senior citizen, living alone on a fixed income, another $3.00 a month may not seem like a lot to you but for me it's another $36.00/year that needs to come from somewhere. For your information, when I clicked on this email address given in the February 2010 update, it left out the s in swac@sscwa s te.com & returned the 1st message as a delivery failure. You might want to fix that. Please respond to my email address. Thank you. • • 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:10 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Extra Expense From: P A KERN [mailto:pask@q.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 5:17 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Extra Expense Thanks, you're very patient....I guess I can't get used to people being so dishonest as to put their trash out after the collection & then say they were missed. Good idea to have the trucks recording this. So people on vacation can be excluded for nothing if it's 30 days or less. That seems fair as long as they let you know before hand. Thanks again. I'll try to stop bugging you. -- Original Message -- From: Symantha Zeimet To: 'P A KERN' Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 3:11 PM Subject: RE: Extra Expense Your questions are very good ones! Bulky waste refers to items such as furniture, refrigerators, mattresses, etc. Yard waste is still a topic of discussion - we kept dancing it around it yesterday, but decided we needed much more time to hash that out. Missed collection means someone calling and saying their trash wasn't picked up. Unfortunately, we have to charge that or we'll have some (hopefully not many) people that will put out their trash, have SSC collect it, and put out more trash and then call and say we missed them . Our trucks have the capability of recording which houses had trash out, so we'll know the dishonest folks versus the ones we actually may miss. When (if) we miss your trash and you had it set out in time, we will collect for free. The "no collection" is for people who leave for extended periods of time and want to turn off their service. (A lot of people go south for the winter and shut off their utilities.) There will be a minimum of 30 days to request SSC to "shut off' your trash collection service. I hope this helps clear up your questions, Symantha From: P A KERN [mailto:pask@q.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 4:55 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Extra Expense Thanks for sending. Looks like no decision has been made however, I do have a couple of questions. Under "other potential changes" does the bulky waste 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 material changed mean that people can't put their grass clippings in the containers free of charge and what does a "missed collection" mean? #1 The customer will be charged if they don't put out their can or #2 there will be a $10 credit on our bill if they miss picking it up? Sorry to be so dense. With the "reduced 'No collection' monthly fee for people on vacation", it sounds like the 1st, which makes no sense. If they don't have to spend their time stopping to collect a can...automated or otherwise..it's unreasonaable to charge a fee, reduced or otherwise! ----- Original Message ----- From: ~mantha Zeimet To: 'P A KERN' Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 2:37 PM Subject: RE: Extra Expense H i, I'm attaching the draft minutes from yesterday's SWAC meeting. They haven't been approved by the Committee yet, but it will give you an idea of what was discussed. Symantha From: P A KERN [mailto:pask@q.com] Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:05 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Extra Expense Hi, Thanks. I would appreciate the email update on the discussion. ---- Original Message --- From: Svmantha Zeimet To: 'P A KERN' Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 4:03 PM Subject: RE: Extra Expense Hi Patsy, Sorry you can't make it to the meeting. I forwarded your email to all of the members (with your name and email removed) so your concerns will be addressed. If you like, I can email you after the meeting to let you know what was discussed, and to let you know when the next meeting will be. Symantha 3/22/2010 Re: Small Trash Container Jaycee Holman Page 1 of 2 From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:08 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Small Trash Container From: Thomas Kopke [mailto:tbkopke@msn.com] Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 3:05 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Small Trash Container Symantha, First of all thanks for your prompt reply! Since my thrash needs aze rather minor compared to other households, I would prefer to convert to the smaller 65-Gallon container if in fact I' ll save a couple dollars per month when you convert to the automated system. When do you anticipate the conversation for us folks in Meridian? In closing, please put me on the list for the smaller container when the conversion takes place. Thanks, Tom Kopke From: Symantha Zeimet <swact7a,sscwaste.com> Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:20:34 -0500 To: Thomas Kopke <tbkopke(c~,msn.com> Subject: RE: Small Trash Container Hi Tom, Right now it is the same cost to rent as the 95-gallon, which is $2.88 per month. The costs between the two containers will be different by a couple of dollars after the conversion to automated collection. I hope that helps, Symantha From: Thomas Kopke [mailto:tbkopke@msn.com] Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 1:13 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Small Trash Container To Whom It May Concern, In yesterdays Statesman it was indicated that there would be a smaller 65# trash container available to those of us that would prefer this size. As soon as you determine the cost for this small unit I'd appreciate your sending me this information so that 3/22/2010 Re: Small Trash Container I can make a determination of the "value" of this unit compared to the large unit. Thanks, Tom Kopke Meridian, Idaho Home: +1208.888.9630 Page 2 of 2 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: James/Dianna Krosschell [jimdikrosschell@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 10:39 AM To: clerk Subject: automatic collection system Good Morning It is my understanding that the system to be put into place will mean that all customers will have to choose between a 65 gal or 95 gal container. I will choose the 95 gal container, but I am wondering if there will be a discount for customer such as my wife and I. We only put out a 40 gal container now and it is hardly ever full, it would be nice to only have to put out the container on the days they pick up recycleables and for us to receive a small discount - 20% even though they will be picking up the trash only 50% of the time. Thank You James W Krosschell 208-884-8701 3/22/2010 Jaycee Holman From: Kml [kmlandjal@clearwire.net] ~5ent: Friday, March 05, 2010 7:16 PM To: clerk Subject: AUTOMATIC COLLECTION SYSTEM I am not going to pay $2.88 per month to rent a cart, if I have to pay that forever. I would rather use my garbage cans and save $34.66 a year. Now if the rent fee was charged until the cart was paid off. That would be fine. But $2.88 per month forever is way to much. I can not afford $2.88 every month forever. That is $172.80 after five years. At that price I could buy a new garbage can ever year and save money. I refuse to pay it. That is my input on the subject. Thank you, Kevin LaMothe 208-914-4308 • 1 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:03 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: City of Meridian Automated Collection System Attachments: SWAC MEMO.doc From: KENNETH GEORGETTE MARSHALL [mailto:KENMARSHALL2005@MSN.COM] Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 9:27 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com; mayortammy@meridiancity.org; supervisor@sscwaste.com Subject: City of Meridian Automated Collection System All Concerned, I have included the following letter as a Word attachment. Thank you. To: Meridian Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Meridian City Council From: Ken Marshall 1947 W Windchime Dr. Meridian, ID. 83646 208 855-4802 Date: 02/27/2010 Subject: Comments, feedback and suggestions in regards to the upcoming changeover to the Automated Collection System (ACS). Members of SWAC, Meridian City Council and fellow concerned citizens and neighbors of Meridian Idaho. First, I would like to commend the City of Meridian and SSC for taking a proactive approach in moving towards a more efficient ACS in regards to solid waste collection. I must ask how, in any resemblance to common sense and regards for the residents of this city and the customers of SSC, you can expect us to pay $34.56 a year for the "privilege" of renting a trash collection cart. In five years, this would amount to an expenditure of $172.80. That has to be one well- built piece of hardware to command that price. They are telling us that Gold is a wise investment; it would seem that these carts might also fit into that category. Instead, why not make the carts available for purchase by the residents of the city at your cost? Reveal to the residents of the city what the actual cost per cart is and make available the option of purchasing the cart outright. Another option is to reduce the monthly collection rate by the cost of the cart rental. I am sure we can bank on that reduction happening. 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 Finally, why not provide the carts free to the residents and customers that pay your salaries? In case you may not have read a paper or listened to a news broadcast in the past year, we are currently in the worse economic downturn since the great depression. Many economists believe that in fact it is much worse if adjusted to today's dollar value. Times are tough and are more than likely to get tougher. The last thing that we, the residents of this great city need is another cost hike in basic services. I challenge you to name one thing that has come down in price in the past year, sans gasoline, which is a controlled rip-off anyway. I have seen only increases in everything, and just one more increase is not going to help. Another question in regards to the changeover to the ACS has to do with yard waste. What will be the acceptable collection methods and more importantly, how much more will the residents be squeezed in the pocketbook? You know as well as I, that when there will be additional cost to have yard waste removed, there will be a significant increase in illegal dumping of this waste. Do not take actions that move this great city towards becoming just another suburban ghetto. Finally, you may say, it is only $2.88 a month. True, but consider the total cost listed above. It may not seem like much, but that could be another gallon of milk on the table or loaf of bread in the pantry. SSC, step up and show true leadership in reining in costs. This new system should save you money. Are any of those savings slated to be passed on to your customers? SSC, show some empathy for the residents of this city and the customers that keep you in business. Do the right thing. Consider one of the options listed above. Move forward with the ACS changeover BUT do not pass the cost of the carts that must be used to us. Meridian City Council, do likewise and negotiate with SSC to assist the residents of this great city. Sincerely, Ken Marshall 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:07 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Comments about automated collection From: Stephanie Martin [mailto:stephanie_n_martin@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 10:14 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Comments about automated collection I've seen the latest meeting notes discussing automated trash collection and because those notes aze not complete I'm sure I do not have all the details but wanted to make a couple comments. My husband and I currently put out our own trash bin due to the fact that we have very little trash and do not want to pay for cazt rental. In fact, we have just a small bin purchased at Home Depot that we stick out every other week, if that. The discussions seem to be leaning toward automated collection and although I can see the necessity for this to improve production, increased prices to hide cart rental fees aze not a direction we'd like to see. Obviously the needs of the community aze most important and I'm sure we are in the small minority of customers with limit trash volume but it would be unfortunate if other family's like ours were forced to make up for the cost of high trash volumes from other community members. And I do consider increased rates due to mandatory containers that we fmd unnecessary part of that. Thanks for making note. Stephanie Martin 2921 N. High Desert Way Meridian, ID 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:00 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated Collection From: Heidi Mikel [mailto:h.m.mikel@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 4:52 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated Collection Dear Committee, I am writing in response to the notice that you are considering a conversion to automated residential trash collection in Meridian. We are strongly opposed to this. This will just be another increase in fees and a decrease in service for homeowners. We resent being forced to rent a garbage can each month just so that we can have garbage service. We have already experienced significant price increases to the sewer portion of our utility bill with the City of Meridian in the past year or so. It is irresponsible in the current economic climate to betaking on a program that will cost additional money. We appreciate your careful consideration of this plan before you. We strongly oppose this conversion! Sincerely, Dean & Heidi Mikel 2652 W. Cedar Grove St. Meridian, ID 83646 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:08 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated trash collection in-put From: R. C. Moreland [mailto:rcandpmoreland@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 11:22 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated trash collection in-put Gentlemen: I quote a statement from the latest issuse Talkin Trash: "This new collection system will bring more options and more fairness to residents, as those who dispose of more trash will pay a higher fee"---how about more fairness to those who dispose of LESS trash? I am one of those residents who disposes of LESS TRASH rather than one who disposes of MORE TRASH. I currently use only one 30 gallon can and usually place it out for collection only every 2 weeks when the weather is cool. Of course, it can get a little stinky in hot weather, so in the summer time I do put it out every week. I would request one of the "unpublicized" 35 gallon size carts at one half the cost of the 65 gallon cart and be placed on an every-other-week collection schedule to correspond with my recycle pickup schedule. I could figure out a way to control the "stink" in hot weather if necessary. Thank you for this opportunity to provide my input and offer suggestions. R. C. Moreland 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:07 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Feb 16 SWAC meeting From: R. C. Moreland [mailto:rcandpmoreland@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 9:14 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Feb 16 SWAC meeting Hello Symantha: Thanks for your response. Re: the idea of a public meeting--I think this would be a great idea. There are probably a number of residents who do not have computers or have just not made the effort to email their concerns, questions, or suggestions. Possibly with proper advertisement and notice, many residents might attend and express their thoughts in a meeting where they could get up and speak in person. As is often the case, one person's question or idea may be on the minds of several in the group. R. C. -- Original Message ---- From: Symantha Zeimet To: 'R. C. Moreland' Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 5:03 PM Subject: RE: Feb 16 SWAC meeting Hello, I'm glad you were able to attend the meeting and were able to benefit from it. I'm sorry that you didn't get more of a chance to participate at the meeting. It wasn't intentional - I promise! The Committee has been meeting for years, and there are rarely guests present, so I honestly think it was an oversight on their part, and not intentional. (I've passed along your email to them so hopefully they'll be more attentive to the guests next meeting.) I have been forwarding emails to the SWAC as I receive them, and while I admit that we haven't specifically addressed individual emails (the Committee tends to get off track as you noticed!) we have addressed their concerns in our discussions. I do like your idea of a public meeting and will suggest it to the Committee. Thanks for the suggestions, Symantha 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 From: R. C. Moreland [mailto:rcandpmoreland@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 6:36 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Feb 16 SWAC meeting Hello Symantha: I attended the SWAC meeting this week and found it quite interesting. I was impressed with the thorough and detailed discussion of each of the items on the agenda by the committee and their attitude of "lets get this right". My eyes were opened to the fact that so many factors enter into the decisions for recommendations to the council. It was indicated that they had received "a ton" of emails from residents regarding all the coming changes, (I suspect mine were included) however because of time contraints, they did not get around to discussing them. Presumably this will be done at some future meeting? I was a little disappointed with the fact that we visitors were not given a specific opportunity to voice our input on the subjects under discussion, even though I did speak up a couple of times. Maybe this just want the proper time for that. Possibly we will have the opportunity at a future meeting when they get to the discussion of the emails you have received from residents? I am planning to attend and look forward to next week's meeting. R. C. Moreland 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:07 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: SWAC meetings From: N. Mann [mailto:nmann@cableone.net] Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 10:48 PM To: 'Symantha Zeimet' Subject: FW: SWAC meetings Hi Symantha, Thought I would share this email with you. Have we opened a can of worms??!! Wish you were in Boise so we could go out for a glass of wine! When are you heading back this way? Nancy nmannCa~cableone.net 34 W. Claire St. Merldlan, ID 83642 888-8560 (H) 368-9121 (P) From: R. C. Moreland [mailto:rcandpmoreland@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 8:04 PM To: nmann@cableone.net Subject: Re: SWAC meetings Hello Nancy: It is nice to hear from you. I can certainly understand that very much "visitor participation" could make it very difficult for the committee to accomplish the objective of getting through their planned agenda for the meeting within the available time: As Symantha mentioned in her reply to my email today, perhaps a public meeting would be a better forum for input from residents. I attended a meeting at SSC several months ago and there were probably over 100 residents there with questions and comments. With good advertisement and notice, and with more public awareness of the Automated Collection idea, I would bet there would be even more in attendance. The downside of a public meeting, however, might be too much input and put the committee into "overload" and make it much more difficult to arrive at recommendations to the council? Something to think about. I look forward to next week's meeting. Tuesday 2/23 at 3:00 pm, correct? R. C. 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 Original Message From: nmann a~cableone.net To: rcandpmoreland~msn.com Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 6:01 PM Subject: SWAC meetings Hello Mr. Moreland, Thank you for attending last weeks SWAC meeting at City Hall, I appreciate your comments and understanding of our challenges in converting to automated solid waste collection. This truly is a "work in progress" and is ten years in the making. For the first time in SWAC history we have visitors at our meetings! We will attempt to allow our visitors time to speak at future meetings. Of course, we have much to decide in a limited meeting time but will give our attention to you and others as time allows. Thank you, Nancy Mann SWAC Committee Chairperson Msg sent via CableONE.net MyMail - http://www.cableone.net 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:09 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Suggestion for upcoming meeting From: Cassandra Muehlberg [mailto:cmuehlberg@hotmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 4:08 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Suggestion for upcoming meeting Just a thought, I know my household go a month without trash pickup using the co-mingled recycling program, especially with the 95 gallon wheeled cart. Fewer pick-ups could mean less dollars spent, just dont' know how you would organize it. Thanks for letting me share. Cassie Muehlberg Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. Sign u now. 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:03 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: automated trash system From: grizmtbirdlady@aol.com [mailto:grizmtbirdlady@aol.com] Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 12:51 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: automated trash system Dear Committee members, I have a few concerns about the auto system. I have lived in Meridian for 27 years, and I have always been impressed with the fact that they had unlimited trash pickup. It keeps the trash out of neighborhoods and makes our city of cleaner environment. My concern is will there still be unlimited if you pay by the size of can. We have very little trash we put out each week, because we recycle, but occasionally we have yard waste, ie tree limbs, dead plants, etc that we put out. Will we have to pay extra for this? I can see making people who normally generate a lot of trash paying extra, but will it work? My other concern is, I am employed by a business in Meridian that has a dumpster. We already get dumped on by Meridian residents putting there stuff they don't want to put out for trash pickup in our dumpster. I can see a real problem if you are charged by the size of can. There will be a lot of people who will use the small can to save money and dump any extra on businesses. As a business we have had to pay for additional pickups because of the dumping now. What will happen when you start the new program? Why should businesses be stuck with this added cost? Please pass my concerned on to who it may concern, Thank you, Cindy Murphy 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:09 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: recycling __ _ __ From: Glen Musser [mailto:musser3693@cableone.net] Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 4:26 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: recycling When will we be able to include glass with our recycling? Also When our system for garbage goes to the automated service, will we be able to put out the large paper yard waste bags? If not a separate bin should be allowed just for this type of trash. Thank you. 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent; Friday, March 19, 2010 4:06 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Excellent Job! From: Lori Newkirk [mailto:Lori_Newkirk@myfam.com] Sent: Friday, February 19, 2010 2:10 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Excellent ]ob! Please don't worry about updating me on the coffee shop recycling idea. It's just something to throw into your arsenal of your waste reduction ideas. I'm fine disconnecting from the idea. If it works sometime in the future, great; if not, that's okay, too. Keep up the good workll Lori - Original Message -- From: ~mantha Zeimet To: 'Lori Newkirk' Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 9:07 PM Subject: RE: Excellent Job! Hello, Thank you so much for your kind words -you added a huge smile to my hectic day! I passed your information along to the SWAC so they could hear some good feedback for their efforts (they haven't been getting much of that!) as well as consider an area that hasn't been covered. Thank you for your suggestion about recycling at the coffee shops. It is a very interesting idea, and something very well worth considering. I'll keep you posted on the coffee shop recycling idea, Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company From: Lori Newkirk [mailto:Lori_Newkirk@myfam.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 9:52 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Excellent )ob! Hi, there! 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 I enjoyed hearing of the team behind the recycling improvements. Thanks for all your hard work! I thoroughly agree with your goal of residents paying according to the amount of their waste. It only makes sense, since you've made recycling so easy. Here's nn idea that's been on my mind the last few years... Is it possible to set up recycling in coffee shops for customers in their 'dining rooms'? When I sit in a coffee shop then throw away my thick-paper cup and plastic lid on the way out, I always feel like we should be recycling those. I often bring my cup home, so I CAN recycle it. It seems we'd need a container for pouring out fluids before recycling. (Something like a spittoon?) Citizens are probably ready. Just a thought. God bless your work! Lori Newkirk, Homemaker 1327 N. Rutledge Ave Meridian, ID 83642 888-7006 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:03 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Mandatory Bins From: D Oldham [mailto:dsoldham2000@yahoo.com] Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 7:25 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Mandatory Bins I will not be able to attend the meeting Tuesday as it is being held during working hours so I would like to voice my concerns via this a-mail. I believe each household in Meridian will be required to rent either a 65 or 95 gallon trash container starting later this spring. My wife and I do not fill the 35 gallon container we currently use. I don't believe we should be forced to rent a container we do not need. I have been told that we can't opt out of having our trash collected curbside and that we must pay to do so. Will we have an option to only have our collection every other week and be charged only for the days it is collected? We would appreciate if you would schedule meetings at a time that working couples can attend. Doug Oldham 4236 S Tindaris Ave Meridian, ID 3/22/2010 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:00 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Meeting Minutes -----Original Message----- From: Bill Nary [mailto:bnary@meridiancity.org] Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:05 PM To: Symantha Zeimet; Andrea Pogue; Charlie Rountree; Karie Glenn; Nancy Mann; Steve Cory ; Steve Sedlacek Steve Siddoway; Tom Barry Subject: RE: Meeting Minutes Just an FYI. I spoke to a gentleman today, David Oren that would like the committee to discuss that if personal trash cans are not allowed to be used that SSC compensate anyone who has recently purchased any. I explained to him the two recommendations that have been discussed as well. I told him I would share the request that he had. Bill Nary City Attorney/HR Director 33 E. Broadway Meridian, ID 83642 Legal - 208.898.5506 HR - 208.898.5503 Fax - 208.489.0480 Cell - 208.440.3881 -----Original Message----- From: Symantha Zeimet [mailto:syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 2:24 PM To: Andrea Pogue; Bill Nary; Charlie Rountree; Karie Glenn; Nancy Mann; Steve Cory Steve Sedlacek Steve Siddoway; Tom Barry Subject: Meeting Minutes Hi Everyone, Here are the minutes from today's meeting. I will post them on the website with a disclaimer that they haven't been approved yet so they are subject to change. Symantha 1 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Jacy Jones Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 1:06 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: F1N: Public Hearing: Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAG) Recommendations for Automatic Collection Just one more comment O Jacy Jones Deputy City Clerk City of Meridian ~jones @meridiancity.org 208-888-4433 ext. From: pappyscrapster scrap.[mailto:cannejamm@msn.com] Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 1:03 PM To: Jacy Jones Subject: RE: Public Hearing: Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAG) Recommendations for Automatic Collection Dear Jacy. Very well, and thank you. Please forward my input to the SWAG meeting. Hope it's not to long winded.. In this case I only use the trash service on avg, once in any 2 month cycle, simple sorting/ recycling has made it possible to reduce my need for that service, "wanting to know if there is some method for citizens to get a break on their trash bill", if they are not using it? My main proposal to the City, a monitoring program which at first, could be implemented in a few different ways, IE, Driver could simply track which resident did not receive service, (check mark for now) on a clip board, or if a GPS system is being utilized, then simply input that address, that information would then be forwarded, (electronically) daily, bi-weekly, or monthly to the billing Dept. Down the road a simple bar code reader/scanner, could do this automatically, plus responsible use of the gathered data would be useful for the City's recycling boasting rights, could open some funding avenues to offset or actually fund the program?". I'm hopeful the City is interested in either leading the way on this, or at the very least, wanting to be a huge part in helping to find a solution, 20$ may not seem like much, unless you haven't got it" Savings and benefits not limited to the following, would include the obvious, reducing the consumption/ use of all resources normally used, fuel, maintenance, trucks, roads & staff, In general I see it as a long term win win, and would help to keep the current recycling trend in a forward moving posture. Any chance the Leaders could look into a cooperative solution for those who rarely use the trash service? Thank you Mr Jon Owsley Subject: RE: Pubiic Hearing: Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAG) Recommendations for Automatic Collection Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:39:45 -0600 From: jjones@meridiancity.org 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 To: cannejamm@msn.com Good Morning, There is a public hearing tomorrow night at 7:00 pm here at City Hall. We have received almost 100 comments from other concerned citizens that the City Council will be provided so I highly recommend submitting a letter, attending the hearing, or both. You may submit any comments or questions to my a-mail address and I will forward it to the Council. Thank you sir and have a nice day. Jacy Jones Deputy City Clerk City of Meridian hones meridiancitu.orA 208-888-4433 ext. From: pappyscrapster scrap [mailto:cannejamm@msn.com] Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2010 7:28 PM To: Jacy ]ones Subject: Public Hearing: Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAG) Recommendations for Automatic Collection Dear Mrs. Jacy ]ones. I spoke to you on Fry 19,afternoon, I brought to your attention a question I had regarding the amount of refuse I have picked up, opposed to how much I'm billed, more to the point, I wanted to know if there was any relief for myself or others, as I only put out my refuse can once a month, you informed me about a meeting occurring the 23, and that if I wanted I could to add my question and that I could email in my that input, so it would be considered for said meeting, I need to be sure I'm emailing it to the right place/person, could you tell me where I'm to send that email. 861-8306 Thank you ]on Owsley The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and a-mail from your inbox. Get started. The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and a-mail from your inbox. Get started. 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:08 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated trash collection From: Erik [mailto:estim8r@cableone.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 7:12 AM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated trash collection To Whom It May Concern: With the change to automated trash collection, I have a question regarding lawn bags that may contain yard debris such as lawn clippings, pruned branches, etc. Will those still be picked up at the same time as the carts; or will they be required to fit within the carts that will replace the standard garbage cans. I believe that it will be difficult to fit one week's worth of household waste in the can along with the yard waste that is created, especially during the heavy growing period. Any feedback or information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Erik Pearson Estim8r@_cableone. net 3/22/2010 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 3:59 PM To: Andrea Pogue; Jaycee Holman; Bill Nary; Charlie Rountree; Karie Glenn; Nancy Mann; Steve Cory ;Steve Sedlacek ;Steve Siddoway; Tom Barry Subject: FW: Question for upcoming meeting about changes -----Original Message----- From: Erick & Liz Pew [mailto:thepews@mac.com] Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2010 10:35 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Question for upcoming meeting about changes Hi, I just want to know what they are planning to do about the extra waste that is generated when you have more than your garbage can can hold. I am not talking about every week(at least I hope) but just once in a while. This is my main concern because it has been wonderful to have a way to get rid of the excess when we need to without being charged extra. I didn't take advantage of this but I know others did and so I know that the future doesn't hold the same kind of wonderful service, but I need to know that there is still going to be a way to address the extra waste issues, so here are my 2 main questions that I need answers to: 1. At the meeting I attended last year they said they would provide a way to buy tags that you could buy inexpensively on the Internet that we could put on extra bags of garbage to have them picked up? Are they still planning to do this? The time when it is the biggest issue is when we have extra yard waste especially in the spring and the fall and when we get oversized items that won't fit in the cans. 2. Next, will they provide several days several weeks apart, NOT just 1 DAY or 1 WEEK, when they would pick up extra garbage in the spring and the fall for FREE? Maybe in the spring it could be 1 or 2 weeks, but in the fall when plants die off at different times we would need several weeks that were spaced out such as 1 in late Oct and 2 in Nov at the beginning and the latter part. It was a good idea by the way to implement recycling first so we could get a better idea of how much we do recycle. If these two above items are being taken care of satisfactorily, then I won't need to come to next week's meeting, but if not then I need to know so I can attend. Thanks, Liz 1 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:09 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: question on automated collection From: Sandra Pickens [mailto:sanpickens@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 9:49 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: question on automated collection I received the "Talkin Trash" flyer and just had a question on the Automated Collection for later this spring. Are we all going to be required to have one of the 2 sized trash carts? We do not have a lot of trash & only have the recycle cart and use a bag for our other trash. Thanks Sandra 3/22/2010 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:03 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated Trash Collection in Meridian -----Original Message----- From: Scott M. Pook [mailto:spookyrunner@cableone.net] Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 10:05 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated Trash Collection in Meridian SWAC members, Based off of the latest newsletter, it appears that Meridian will be going to an automated trash collection in the Spring of 2010. I have not seen too much mentioned about what is going to be done about grass clippings and yard debris collection. In a previous newsletter, it was mentioned that we should mulch to save room in the automated trash collection cans. I tried this one year and about killed my lawn. In the spring time, my lawn (and everybody else's in the area) produces large amounts of grass clippings. It is not uncommon for me to have 6 to 10 garbage bags of grass clippings per week for the months of April and May. Once it starts heating up, it usually goes down to about 2 to 3 bags which I could probably fit into one of the large trash receptacles with my regular trash but I am concerned with the first couple of months of Spring. Before moving to Meridian in 2000, I lived in Emmett and during the lawn mowing months they had a separate day for grass clipping collection. They would empty the plastic trash bags into the back end of a truck and leave the bags. Then they would take the grass clippings to a location for composting. Sincerely, Scott M. Pook 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:04 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: feedback on recycling/trash -----Original Message----- From: Eric Rawlings [mailto:ericraw2001@yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 10:01 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: feedback on recycling/trash Hi I really like the co-mingled recycling bin vs. the old separation method. We recycle most of our disposed items and this makes it much easier and convenient to do so. However, we find that our bin fills up after only one week, whereas our trash bin, which now only gets a one or two white household-size trash bags in it, is mostly empty. Now, we will switch to the 64 gallon can when you switch to the automated collection process, but would you please consider collecting the recycleables once a week? thanks. Eric Rawlings 1 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: RICK Reichert [ret187rick@msn.com] Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 9:57 PM To: clerk Subject: Automated Waist Pickup My name is Rick Reichert and I live at 1864 N. W. 11th Ave., Meridian. I read through the minutes and saw one recommendation to charge $10 for a missed pick up. I am a widower and don't generate much waist for pick up. I could get along very well with a once a month pick up. That should become a discount. Other than yard waist for which there has, as yet, been no decision on how to manage it, would mean I would have to put out an empty container so the truck would stop and pick up that container and empty the nothing within it and take up that stop time so that I would not have to pay $10 for a missed pick up that I didn't need in the first place. Someone needs to give lesser use a very concerned thought. Thank You Rick Reichert • C, 3/8/2010 Page 1 of 1 • • Jaycee Holman From: DON ANNE REX [aderex@msn.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 11:25 AM To: clerk Subject: Automated garbage collection system public hearing Thanks for the notice. I will be out of town on March 23rd, but would like to let you know that I have attended earlier meetings about the change to automation. In my opinion, it would be a good move and I am in favor of making the change. It appears to be more efficient, safer, and would make the collectors job easier. Don Rex 1401 N Deep Creek Way Meridian, Id 208 887 5385. 3/9/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Doug Rhinehart [lilrhino@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 10:19 AM To: clerk Subject: Automatic Trash I am writing to inform you of my position with regard to the automatic trash collection currently being considered. It is my experience that Boise residents are very unhappy with the type of service that automatic collection brings to the table. In reading the mayor's hotline, letters to the editor and other such public publications it is evident that hundreds of bins are passed up daily due to various reasons. I believe it is a benefit to our commuity to have manned trucks in order to ensure that ALL trash is removed. Skipped bins lead to trash in the streets and overflowing bins. I see no benefit to automation to anyone except the refuse hauler. I am also against any additional charges for removing overflow or larger bulk items. This is a valuable service that helps to keep our city clean. In Boise you see abandoned couches, mattresses, washers/dryers sitting next to or in front of garages. It is an eyesore brought about because of the policies of these refuse handling contracts. I urge you to keep Meridian above average in the way that it treats its patrons. We have a clean community and I think this new policy would do nothing to assist in keeping it that way, rather it would be detrimental. Thank you, Doug Rhinehart 2553 N Richter Ave Meridian, ID 83646 208 890 5476 3/9/2010 Page 1 of 1 • Jaycee Holman From: Ben & Heather Rice [rites@itrevolution.com] Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 6:56 PM To: 'Ben & Heather Rice'; clerk Subject: RE: Comments on automatic collection of waste Second copy to include phone number From: Ben & Heather Rice [mailto:rices@itrevolution.com] Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 6:55 PM To: 'clerk@meridiancity.org' Subject: Comments on automatic collection of waste We currently enjoy the service we get from SSC. The kids watch for the trucks a chat with our guys many weeks. We like their emails and when we've had to call in for something it has been a very good experience. We like that we can leave out one can one week, and three if we have a heavy trash week. My wife and I want to strenuously voice our vote against the proposed plan of "automated" trash pickup. We have always been frustrated by companies and municipal agencies that attempt to charge us for improvement that are better for the company/agency. The wheeled trash bins are an example of this. Since it is so much better for the company, why is there a additional charge to us? It seems greedy, to have us pay for an service that SSC wants to provide for their ease and reduction of expense. I suppose the driving force of this effort is so ultimately they can reduce headcount, reduce liability insurance and other such expenses. Valid goals to be sure for a business, but we are not in favor of the change. If you go to automated, we'll lose the ability to throw away all our trash some weeks, our costs will go up, and we lose the personal contact with the guys. Next step will be along the lines of what they are trying in Britain right now, chips in peoples trash to measure how much they throw away, yet another invasion of privacy. If we are forced into accepting these bins, please make sure it is at no extra expense. In this environment, or any for that matter, we shouldn't have to pay for their cost reductions. • Thanks, Ben & Heather Rice 208-888-6938 3/8/2010 Page 1 of 3 Jaycee Holman -- - __ From: Ben ~ Heather Rice [rites@itrevolution.com] Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 10:28 PM To: 'Symantha Zeimet ; clerk Cc: 'Ben & Heather Rice' Subject: RE: SWAC Meeting Minutes Symantha, while I have always appreciated your helpfulness and the service provided by SSC at our curb, I don't see how the rates below would be considered particularly good news. We currently pay $13.45 for all the trash we need to put out, and this new process that it appears we are going to be forced to accept, is going to jack the rate up, yet again to $16.32 a month. Let's take a look at the cost increases that have been assessed over the last 10 years: In February 2000, we paid $7.20 a month In February 2010 we are paying $13.45 a month for garbage collection on the same curb This represents an 87% increase in 10 years It works out to 6.45% increase on average every year -more than double that of inflation across the same period. While this change will ultimately lower costs for SSC, and limit our service, we are being told to pay and additional 21.3% -and that we should consider that good news? This would bring the overall increase in trash rates to an annualized rate increase of 8.5% over our 10 years here. In this time or any, rates of increase greatly in excess of inflation are hard to bear, and almost always tied to industries that have extensive government involvement. As always, my angst is directed at the process, the continued appropriations of our funds, and the proposed limitations of service, not at you. Have a great weekend. Ben and Heather Rice 888-6938 From: Symantha Zeimet [mailto:syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 2:25 PM To: rites@itrevolution.com Subject: RE: SWAC Meeting Minutes Hi Ben, I think I might have some good news for you. The fee structure recommendation was discussed at great length at several SWAC meetings, and the following rates were decided upon for recommendation to Council: $16.32 per month fora 95-gallon cart, $14.32 per month fora 65-gallon 3/15/2010 Page 2 of 3 cart, and $12.32 per month fora 35-gallon cart. Please bear in mind that Council has the final decision on the rates, and can change them if they don't like them. Have a nice weekend, Symantha From: Ben & Heather Rice [mailto:rices@itrevolution.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:41 PM To: 'Symantha Zeimet' Subject: RE: SWAC Meeting Minutes Thanks Symantha. Looks like yet more rate hikes are in being asked for when this goes into place, so it seems we're just being forced to pay for the labor and insurance cost reductions that SSC is implementing. Sigh... Ben From: Symantha Zeimet [mailto:syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 1:41 PM To: rices@itrevolution.com Subject: RE: SWAC Meeting Minutes Hi Ben, That's a great question. There are a couple of reasons for the price difference. Right now the cart program is voluntary, so the price is based in part on what people will pay, whereas when the cart is mandatory for collection, the cost is embedded in the rate structure for SSC to break even on the cost. Another reason they cost more now is that SSC had to purchase lifting mechanisms for the back of their trucks in order to dump the carts, and part of the current cart rental goes to pay for that expense, whereas the new automated trucks do not require the special lifting mechanism. I hope that helps answer your question, Symantha From: Ben & Heather Rice [mailto:rices@itrevolution.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 10:57 PM To: 'Symantha Zeimet' Subject: RE: SWAC Meeting Minutes Samantha, how come having the option to buy the cart only saves 50 cents a month when it cost $2.88 to rent them monthly? "Allowing residents to purchase their wheeled carts was a specific topic of discussion. After a lengthy discussion, it was determined that residents would not be able to purchase wheeled carts for the following reasons: Purchasing a cart from SSC for $50.00 would only save a customer 50 cents per month, thus making it take more than 8 years for the container to pay for itself, and in that timeframe, the container would most likely break and the customer would need to purchase a 3/15/2010 Page 3 of 3 new one." Thanks! Ben From: Symantha Zeimet [mailto:listserve@sscwaste.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 2:48 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: SWAC Meeting Minutes The minutes from today's SWAC meeting have been posted at www.sscwaste.com in the "What's New" section, listed under March 9, 2010. The Committee discussed the pros and cons of fully automated collection, tag allowance collection, and general similarities between the two collection systems. Please note that minutes have not been officially approved by the Committee yet, and are therefore subject to change. You are receiving these updates because you requested to be on our mailing list. If you choose not to receive future mailings, please respond to this a-mail and let us know you would like to be removed from our list. Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company • • 3/15/2010 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:02 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: question about automated system -----Original Message----- From: Keith Ricketts [mailto:rickettsk@mindspring.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 11:14 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: question about automated system To Whom It May Concern: Is there going to be a provision for people to purchase their own can under this system? It hardly seems fair that we are going to probably pay for that can you give us several times over if we stay in the community very long. Keith Ricketts 1 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:08 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Green Waste Recycling and Disposal From: Schultz, Sandra [mailto:schulizs@uidaho.edu] Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 3:35 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Green Waste Recycling and Disposal Dear Committee members: I am interested to know if there has been any discussion between SSC and the City of Meridian regarding green waste recycling and disposal? Will customers be receiving a separate container for their green waste? If not, I am concerned that the amount of green waste generated on a weekly basis on an average residential property during the spring, summer and fall will not fit into the waste container intended for residential trash collection. Will customers be permitted to continue to put grass trimmings, clippings and leaves in trash bags in addition to their automated waste containers? Additionally, when can we expect that glass will also be added to the list of acceptable co-mingled recycling items? Having worked for a city in Southern California that was a pioneer in automated waste collection and co-mingled recycling prior to moving to Idaho just over a year and a half ago, as well as living in a city where automated waste, co-mingled recycling and green waste recycling has been the standard for many years, I am pleased to see that SSC and the City of Meridian are taking positive steps to encourage residents to reduce the amount of trash needlessly headed to landfills by participating inthe co-mingled recycling program. I hope that at some point the program will be mandatory for all customers, residential and commercial, and that some additional thought is going into green waste recycling. I would like to know when and where the next SWAC meeting will be held. Thank you in advance for your reply. Sincerely, Sandy Schultz 2268 W. Jayton Drive Meridian 83642 • 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:06 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated Collection From: PAT and DON SECHLER [mailto:DPSECHLER@MSN.COM] Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2010 5:48 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated Collection Dear Sirs, I have several comments and questions concerning this new automated waste collection program you intend to enforce on me in the very near future. First, I have a lot of very nice landscaping with trees and shrubbery, plus a 12'x12' garden that require periodic maintenance along with a fairly large grass yard. Typically during the summer and fall months, I produce a number of bags of waste from my property that, until now, I placed at curbside along with my house trash to be picked up by waste management. With this new automated collection program, am I to believe that I will no longer be able to place these bags of yard waste at curb side? Will I be required to place these bags of yard waste into these containers that I will be forced to pay for? And if they don't fit, then what...will I be forced to take them to the landfill station myself and pay for it? Seems to me that I may lose incentive to maintain a nice and presentable yard if I have to take clippings and such to the dump every month. What is wrong with the current system? Why fix it if it isn't broke? Your new waste management system, at least to me, isn't needed. This is just another way of forcing more money out of our pockets for an unneeded and unwanted program. I'm sure other residents with even bigger yard management requirements will be even more concerned and upset than I. Please consider my comments and questions when deciding the future of my waste management concerns. I would appreciate a reply. Thank you. Don Sechler 2830 S. Simmental Ave. Meridian, ID 83642 Home: 888-2646 3/22/2010 Re: Automated Collection feedback Page 1 of 3 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:05 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated Collection feedback From: J.D. Sexton [mailto:jdsexton09@cableone.net] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 8:20 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Automated Collection feedback So based on what I will probably use, my rate will go up. Another question that just came to mind, what happens when we have yard debris that exceeds our cart? Will the driver get out and put it in the truck? Will they leave it behind? Will we get some type of surcharge for excess garbage? Your working pretty late...have a good night. On 2/24/10 5:13 PM, "Symantha Zeimet" <syzeimet@sscwaste.com> wrote: Hi JD, Sorry for missing some of your questions. Hopefully I can get them all answered this time. The fee structure recommendation is going to be discussed at the next SWAC meeting, which will be Tuesday, March 2 at 11:00. Once the SWAC has a recommendation to Council, I will publish the rates in the minutes. The rates that SSC is proposing are $16.33 per month fora 95-gallon cart, $14.32 per month fora 64-gallon cart, and $12.32 per month fora 35-gallon cart. The SWAC will most likely accept these amounts and recommend them to Council. However, Council has the final decision on the rates, and can change them if they don't like them. With automated collection, you fill your container(s) during the week and roll it to the curb on your regular trash day. A truck equipped with a mechanical arm lifts it from the street and empties its contents into the truck without the driver ever leaving the vehicle. This system is successfully being used in thousands of communities throughout the United States. What Are The Benefits of This New System? • You choose the size of trash and recycling container that best fits your needs. • Curbside recycling will be co-mingled, making it faster and easier to recycle. • The recycling cart is free, so the more you recycle, the less you throw away, thus saving you money. • Wheeled carts roll easily to the curb, and are durable to reduce tipping and spilling. • Consistency in containers helps neighborhoods look neater and cleaner. . No need to purchase trash cans. • Reduces injuries to SSC trash haulers. I hope that helps, 3/22/2010 Re: Automated Collection feedback Symantha From: ].D. Sexton fmailto:jdsexton09@cableone.net] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 7:04 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Automated Collection feedback Page 2 of 3 Thanks for the response. You answered some of my questions but not all. I guess you are working on the other questions. However, you said in one part that the cost of the cart will be included in the "new trash rate" and in another part you state that "the rates will not be increased." Since I currently do not rent a cart, this implies that my rate will go up. For folks who are already renting carts, I assume that their rate will stay the same. As you put more information out to the public you may want and try to explain how the automated collection process will encourage recycling, I don't think I see the correlation. I am also interested in the EPA mandating automated collection, I would think that your industry would be raising somewhat of a fuss due to the costs involved. Since I haven't seen any red flags being raised by your industry I am guessing it goes back to the phrase; "what's in it for me?" I will enjoy reading your responses to my other questions. Thanks, JD On Z/24/10 3:15 PM, "Symantha Zeimet" <syzeimet@sscwaste.com> wrote: Hello, Thank you for taking the time to contact the SWAC regarding your suggestions and concerns with the automated collection conversion. I have shared your email with the Committee. Currently, renting a wheeled trash cart is voluntary, and that's why there is a rental fee attached to it. When the conversion to automated collection occurs, the cart is included in the new trash rate because it is needed in order for SSC's trucks to collect the trash. Therefore, it will be included as part of your trash service, but will remain the property of SSC. Curbside recycling is included as part of your trash service, so there is no charge for the recycling cart. A lot of folks are worried about their rates increasing because of the new system. The rates will not be increased. The proposed rate right now is a 95-gallon cart will cost the same as what people renting a cart pay now. The other cart sizes are less. Council has to approve this of course, but what SSC has proposed to the SWAC is not an increase in trash service rates. There are several reasons for the conversion. The Ada County Landfill is filling up at a very fast rate, automated collection will encourage recycling and thus reduce the amount of trash being sent to the landfill, and the EPA is going to require all collection to be automated sometime in the near future (to reduced injuries to trash haulers) so we will be forced to go automated when that regulation goes into effect. 3/22/2010 Re: Automated Collection feedback I hope this information helps alleviate some of your concerns. Again, thank you for your input, Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company From: ].D. Sexton [mailto:jdsexton09@cableone.net] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 2:55 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated Collection feedback Page 3 of 3 You are asking for input from customers concerning the upcoming Automated Collection. Here are my thoughts based on what I know, which is admittedly not much. 1. Provide greater details about the program. 2. Are we going to have an option about having a wheeled cart? I don't mean by choosing a size. In other words, will I be able to participate if I only use trash cans? 3. Assuming I am required to participate with a wheeled cart, will they be at no cost? 4. If I am forced to pay for the cart is then my bill will go up approximately $2.88 per month (according to your news letter) where does the cost savings go? a. At $34.56 per year, the customers will pay for the carts, thereby recouping your costs. b. Since the employees will not be lifting any trash cans, there should be a reduction in workmen's compensation and disability insurance costs. c. Since the Automated Collection system should increase productivity, there is a possibility of reducing staff and thereby saving wages and compensation. So what I see so far is increased profits for your company, increased costs for me and no discernable benefits for me. This is not one of those win-win situations. So my bottom line is, tell me how this will make my life better. Thanks, JD Sexton 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:01 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Thoughts on Automated Collection From: Laura Smith [mailto:Ismith@barkingsoftware.com] Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2010 12:47 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Cc: Alex Smith Subject: Thoughts on Automated Collectio Hello, I just wanted to say that you claim that this automated collection provides me, the resident, with more options and fairness. I disagree. You take away my right to use the cans I've already purchased and you'll impose a monthly fee to use the can you will mandate I use. This is does not provide more options, it provides less and it's not fair, as I already have shelled out money for my current cans. How about you purchase the cans I already have and allow me to purchase the can you will supply. I'd much rather pay a reasonable price for the can than rent it. -Laura Smith 208-936-4249 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:09 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: wheeled carts From: Semptynest@aol.com [mailto:Semptynest@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 9:05 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Re: wheeled carts Good Morning and thank you for answering our questions. because we still use our trash bags-so now we can change over to the 64 gal. trash cart, any time you want to deliver a 64 gal trash cart to our home would be find. thanks and have a great day Darlene Sprague 1802 W. Calcite Ct. Meridian, Id semptynest@aol.com 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com) Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:09 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: wheeled carts From: Semptynest@aol.com [mailto:Semptynest@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 9:37 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: wheeled carts We just received our bill- on to Talkin Trash-why rent a 65 gallon trash or recycle cart- why can not we just purchase one? Renting cost $2.88 per month or $34.56 per year to rent How much would a 65 gal. trash cart cost to own? Our we renting a recycle cart now? In the long run thinking buying one would save us money and saving is our game, how about SSC, is saving your game? Please let us know. sincerely Yours Paul & Darlene Sprague semp~t rnest@aol.com 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:04 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Suggestion From: Lisa Stephenson [mailto:Imstephenson80@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 11:54 AM To: syzeimet@sscwaste.com Subject: RE: Suggestion Symantha, Thanks for your informative response. I was unaware there was adrop-off in Boise, could I bring glass there for recycling? If so could you please pass along the address? Thanks so much! NLisa From: syzeimet@sscwaste.com To: Imstephenson80@hotmail.com Subject: RE: Suggestion Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:40:15 -0500 Hi Lisa, Thank you for taking the time to contact the SWAC regarding your suggestions and concerns about glass recycling. I have shared your email with the Committee. Unfortunately, there is no place for SSC to take glass for recycling, so we are not able to offer that service curbside, nor are we able to offer drop off locations like Boise has. We have met with ACHD several times and they are not willing to let us partner with them as they have with Boise. We honestly are continuing to look for possibilities because we know that Meridian residents want that service available to them. Again, thank you for taking the time to let the SWAC know your concerns, Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company From: Lisa Stephenson [mailto:Imstephenson80@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 10:32 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Suggestion Please find some way to accept glass for recycling. It is a terrible waste of a resource that is easily reused! I would be willing to pay a dollar a month more if I didn't have to throw it all away. 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 Good luck! Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now. 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:08 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: automated collection From: AI Stewart [mailto:n2toys@hotmail.com] Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 10:33 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: automated collection Just a comment... We have two of the large containers plus a large recycle bin. If I had to guess I would think that we are likely in the bottom 1/3 of customers when you look at how much trash we put out. My wife has MS, my son has diabetes and is suffering from kidney failure and heart disease. I am on Social Security and work part time. We use the large containers primarily for convenience. In summer we put one out more regularly because of the heat. In winter we put them out only about 1/3 or 1/4 of the time. Maybe there is a way to identify those that put out more trash using something other than container size. AI Stewart 1378 N Oak Creek Way 888-3429 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:05 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated Collection System From: stlomc@aol.com [mailto:stlomc@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 5:29 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Re: Automated Collection System Thanks for the info. . ----Original Message---- From: Symantha Zeimet <swac@sscwaste.com> To: stlomc@aol.com Sent: Wed, Feb 24, 2010 3:08 pm Subject: RE: Automated Collection System Hello, Thanks for the reminder! You raised a really good point that hasn't been addressed recently. We first started discussing automated collection last summer, and I guess we forgot that not everyone knows what we're talking aboutl With automated collection, you fill your container(s) during the week and roll it to the curb on your regular trash day. A truck equipped with a mechanical arm lifts it from the street and empties its contents into the truck without the driver ever leaving the vehicle. This system is successfully being used in thousands of communities throughout the United States. What Are The Benefits of This New System? • You choose the size of trash and recycling container that best fits your needs. • Curbside recycling will be co-mingled, making it faster and easier to recycle. • The recycling cart is free, so the more you recycle, the less you throw away, thus saving you money. • Wheeled carts roll easily to the curb, and are durable to reduce tipping and spilling. • Consistency in containers helps neighborhoods look neater and cleaner. • No need to purchase trash cans. • Reduces injuries to SSC trash haulers. I hope that helps, Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 From: stlomc@aol.com [mailto:stlomc@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 2:47 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated Collection System I've heard about the Automated Collection System, but nothing that I've seen defines it. What is the Automated Collection System? 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:08 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: automated collection From: Jason Styba [mailto:jasonstyba@cableone.net] Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 11:03 AM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: automated collection Please leave an option out there for people who buy their own personal trash cans to not have to pay extra for trash pickup, or at least lower the cost to compensate if 'renting' becomes mandatory for those on the city trash service. Also, what about giving people a credit if they recycle to help offset the extra cost of a mandatory wheeled cart rental? Also, the comingled recycle bins are not really any more convenient than the prior method, since we have to throw the items in a bin anyway and already had a system in place for sorting individually. It seems that the cost for what the individual easily did for years shouldn't be passed on to the sorting center and thus making our recycling efforts of no gain (i.e °no extra revenue to return to Meridian's Community Recycling Fund). -Crossroads Subdivision Resident 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:09 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated Trash Collection Feedback From: Tony & Vonda Teitenberg [mailto:tteitenb@q.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 8:23 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated Trash Collection Feedback I wanted to give you some feed back on the automated trash collection. I am all for the idea of you converting your operation to automated trash collection. Although I am unclear on if there is going to be an increase in the fee you pay today. I don't think there should be since you will no doubt be saving on labor and ergonomic claims and you must already have the equipment on the trucks since you already have this in place for those with the wheeled carts. Seems your savings will offset the cost of having to buy more carts. Thanks, Tony Teitenberg 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 • • • Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:11 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: February SSC At-A-Glance From: Hal Wallentine [mailto:hwallentine@cableone.net] Sent: Monday, February O1, 2010 3:54 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: February SSC At-A-Glance It sounds like we will all be required to switch to the automated collection sometime in the near future whether we want to do so or not. I am wondering if SSC is willing to pay us for the trash receptacles we now have?? I have three and two are in great condition. I thought not. How soon can we expect to have our bill increased by the cost of the wheeled cart??? And is our garbage fee going to increase also in addition to the fee for the cart??? Also, thanks for the monthly updates. Hal Wallentine ---Original Message ---- From: Symantha Zeimet To: Symantha Zeimet Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 10:12 AM Subject: February SSC At-A-Glance SSC At-A-Glance Update for February 2010 Upcoming Dates to Remember: Presidents' Day - Monday, February 15. No interruption of trash and recycling collection services. Household Hazardous Waste Collection - Every Monday except major holidays from 12 Noon to 7:00 P.M. in the parking lot of Sanitary Services Company, 2130 W. Franklin Road (between Linder and Ten Mile). For more information, please call SSC at 888-3999. ***************************************************************************** 64-Gallon Wheeled Trash Carts Are Now Available Have you wanted the convenience of renting a 95-gallon wheeled cart but thought they were too large, or do you currently rent a 95-gallon cart but would like a smaller size? SSC now has 64-gallon carts available for rent to Meridian residents. To help prepare for the possible conversion to automated collection later this spring, SSC is letting residents who currently rent a 95-gallon wheeled cart trade 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 it for a smaller 64-gallon wheeled cart. The cost to rent either size cart is $2.88 per month at this time. Call SSC at 888-3999 to order a cart. The Meridian Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAG) Takes On a New Role The SWAG will now serve primarily as a forum for citizen input. If you would like to contact the SWAG with suggestions, complaints, or concerns regarding solid waste collection and recycling in Meridian, please send an email to swat@sscwaste.com and the Committee will address your comments at their meetings. If you would like to attend a SWAG meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433. ***************************************************************************** You are receiving these updates because you requested to be on our mailing list. If you choose not to receive future mailings, please respond to this e-mail and let us know you would like to be removed from our list. Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company • CJ 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:09 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Advisory Committee From: Hal Wallentine [mailto:hwallentine@cableone.net] Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 2:27 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Advisory Committee Thanks for the update. Reading your statement, "it will be included as part of your trash service" jumps out at me to say that I perhaps won't be charged a separate fee for the cart but the trash service rate will be increased. In other words, I still expect to see the automated collection program to cost Meridian residents more money. Time will tell. Right?? Have a good day. Hal W. -Original Message --- From: Symantha Zeimet To: 'Hal Wallentine' Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 8:18 PM Subject: RE: Advisory Committee Hi Hal, Thanks for taking the time to write down your concerns for the SWAC -your input was greatly appreciated. Currently, renting a wheeled trash cart is voluntary, and that's why there is a rental fee attached to it. When the conversion to automated collection occurs, the cart is included in the new trash rate because it is needed in order for SSC's trucks to collect the trash. Therefore, it will be included as part of your trash service, but will remain the property of SSCs. Curbside recycling is included as part of your trash service, so there is no charge for the recycling cart. A lot of folks are worried about their rates increasing because of the new system. I think most Meridian residents will be pleased that their trash rates will stay the same or even go down, depending on what size trash cart they choose. (This is of course dependent on Council approving the proposed rates that SSC has drawn up.) I hope this information helps! Thanks for all your great input, Symantha 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 From: Hal Wallentine [mailto:hwallentine@cableone.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 6:55 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Advisory Committee Symantha, I appreciate the "special' invitation; however the time frame does not work for me. I will mention a few things that may be considered as the powers that be discuss automated waste collection: 1. It appears to me that there could be some savings generated with automated collection by the elimination of the manpower presently required. If this assumption is correct, why should the citizens have to pay a rental fee for the carts? 2. Assuming there is a valid reason for the rental fee, it is hoped that the savings would help to eliminate the need to increase the garbage collectiion fee. 3. In my previous message, I mentioned the possibility of SSC purchasing the trash cans which the citizens would not longer need if the automated system comes into play. I was joking about that possibility primarily because I know it would never happen. 4. Finally, I not completely against the automated system but I do fail to see the need to pay a rental fee for the cart and would also hope the City of Meridian does not feel a need to increase the collection fee again. It seems that every time we turn around they are increased water and sewer fees. We do not need anymore fees or increase in fees tossed at us. Thank you. Hal Wallentine ----- Original Message --- From: Svmantha Zeimet To: Hal Wallentine Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:16 PM Subject: Advisory Committee Hi Hal, The Meridian SWAC is meeting next Tuesday from 2:00 -4:00 at Meridian City Hall, and they asked me to invite you to attend the meeting. I am attaching the agenda so you can see what they will be discussing. The SWAC is very interested in your input, so I'm hoping that you can attend. Thank you, Symantha 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:05 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: trash collection From: terri.l.williamson@att.net [mailto:terri.l.williamson@att.net] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 3:55 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: trash collection I would appreciate it if you would consider those families in Meridian who have vegetable and flower gardens. Are there options for families that include solid waste, recycling and another cart that is dedicated to green refuse? This could include lawn clippings, leaves, small branches, etc. We would appreciate some information and discussion regarding this. Thank you, Terti Williamson 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 3 • • Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:04 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Automated trash collection From: William Woodward [mailto:bil12243id@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:39 PM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: RE: Automated trash collection Dear Symantha, Thank you very much for your informative letter, and for passing on my ideas to the committee. Sincerely, William Woodward --- On Wed, 2/24/10, Symantha Zeimet ~syzeimet@sscwaste.com> wrote: From: Symantha Zeimet <syzeimet@sscwaste.com> Subject: RE: Automated trash collection To: "'William Woodward"' <bi112243id@yahoo.com> Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 5:40 PM Hi William, Thank you for taking the time to contact the SWAC regarding your suggestions and questions with the automated collection conversion. I have shared your email with the Committee. Yard waste has been discussed at great length during the Advisory Committee meetings. Yard waste can be placed in the wheeled carts along with your trash each week for collection. For residents that have large amounts of yard waste, the SWAC is going to recommend to Council that it be collected as a "Special Collection Service" with a fee attached. If you would like to read the Committee discussions, I have posted them online at www.sscwaste.com - I will continue to post approved minutes after each meeting. SSC will continue to have two weeks of free leaf collection in the fall as usual, so long as the leaves (branches, yard trimmings, garden trimmings, etc.) are in the paper lawn bags. The SSC Transfer Station also accepts yard waste at a reduced fee, so residents have that option if they are able to get it to the transfer station. There are plans to build a compost facility in Meridian in the future, but that is at least two years down the road. 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 3 The last meeting of the SWAC dealt specifically with bulky item collection. The SWAC recommended the term "Special Collection Service" rather than "Bulky Waste Collection." The question of whether or not a charge should be implemented for bulky waste collection (sofas, washing machines, desks, etc.) was discussed at great length. Currently, this service is provided free of charge, except for items containing Freon. Other disposal options to residents include donating the items, disposing of the items at the SSC Transfer Station, or driving the item to the Ada County Landfill. The SWAC suggested changing the collection fees to a $20 charge for the first 10 minutes, and $20 for each 10 minute increment thereafter. This service would include yard waste and any other items that do not fit into the SSC-provided wheeled carts, and customers would be required to call SSC to request this service. The City Attorney is a Committee member, and he and his staff are revising the Meridian Solid Waste Ordinance, so I will be sure and mention your suggestion about wheeled cart storage at our next meeting. I hope this information helps alleviate some of your concerns. Again, thank you for your input, Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company From: William Woodward [mailto:bil12243id@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 1:49 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: Automated trash collection Dear Committee members, I'm writing in response to upcoming conversion to automated trash collection. I applaud moving toward a system that reduces the chance of injury to employees. I also think it makes sense to reduce trash going to local landfills. Currently, I recycle much of what used to go in the trash can, so the volume of garbage from my household has been much reduced. There is a problem during the growing season disposing of compostable waste. Currently, that waste must be mingled with garbage. I have mature plants and trees that require pruning throughout the growing season. I would like to be able to dispose of compostable waste separately from garbage waste. Perhaps we should consider a system where compostable waste could be disposed of separately from garbage. Grass clippings and shrubbery clippings, plus the occasional tree limb can take a great deal of space in a trash container. 3/22/2010 Page 3 of 3 I also have a concern regarding large items that will not fit into the automated trash containers. How will those be dealt with? I hope this new system does not result in people accumulating unsightly items on their property because there is no easy way to dispose of those things. Lastly, I would like a city ordinance passed requiring people to keep their trash and recycling containers out of sight from the street except on pickup day and the evening preceding it. Currently, our city is blighted with the sight of trash cans perpetually stored in front of people's homes and garage areas. It is very unsightly. If an, ordinance is not passed, perhaps frequent reminders in the Talkin Trash newsletter would motivate some people to consider finding ways to hide their trash and recycling containers during most of the week. It would result in a more attractive city. Thank you, William Woodward 2243 W Chateau Dr Meridian, ID 83646 • • 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 2 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:09 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: Meridian Automated Collection (Trash & Recycling) From: Fred T. Wyneken [mailto:fwyneken@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Fred T. Wyneken Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 11:44 AM To: Symantha Zeimet Subject: Re: Meridian Automated Collecfion (Trash & Recycling) Hi Samantha: Indeed, that is good news! Actually, if the 35 gallon cart is offered, it would even be better than the 48 gallon size offered by Boise but either one would be a vast improvement. Sure appreciate your quick response and I look forward to hearing the final outcome. Thanks, Fred -Original Message --- From: Symantha Zeimet To: 'Fred T. Wyneken' Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 7:43 PM Subject: RE: Meridian Automated Collection (Trash & Recycling) Hi Fred, Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns to the SWAC regarding automated collection. I have passed along your comments to the Committee. Your points are very valid, and I have good news far youl SSC is actually going to have a smaller 35-gallon cart available to residents who generate little or no trash. The cart is not being advertised but will be recommended by the trash haulers themselves. (The haulers will tell SSC, SSC will contact the customers and offer them the smaller cart size.) Thank you for your feedback, Symantha Symantha Zeimet Sanitary Services Company From: Fred T. Wyneken [mailto:fwyneken@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Fred T. Wyneken Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 4:34 PM To: swac@sscwaste.com Subject: Meridian Automated Collection (Trash & Recycling) Hello: 3/22/2010 Page 2 of 2 I'm sure there are many residents who have this concern about the new wheeled trash and recycling carts: They are HUGE! This poses a serious problem for storage in the garage. We simply don't have room to store two big carts in our 2-car garage, even the 64 gallon size, and our homeowner's association rules require these carts to be concealed from public view. We don't have a fence around our property so we must store them in the back of our house. This is a major issue that was apparently never considered in planning the automated collection program. Many residents are either single or just couples that simply do not generate enough trash or recycling to even begin to full the 64 gallon carts. My wife and I currently have our own single 32 gallon wheeled trash cart and we only put it out every other week at the most. And the 64 gallon recycling cart we have is only full and put out every 6 weeks because I must drag it from behind the house across the lawn to the curb. In the City of Buise, they implemented the automated program for both trash and recycling last year and they offer three sizes of carts for both the trash and mixed recycling: 95 gallon, 64 gallon, and 48 gallon. Residents have a choice as to which size to get for each type. Their trucks appear to have the same size arm as Meridian's recycling trucks, and the same truck in Boise picks up all three sizes of carts. I would strongly urge you to check with the City of Boise regarding the 48 gallon size and then do a survey in an issue of "Talkin Trash!" to see how many residence would prefer that size. I'll bit you would be surprised. That size could then be offered as an option for both the trash and recycling. These sizes are much more convenient to find room in the garage and they are far easlier for the elderly to wheel out to the curb. Thank you for considering this matter and we would appreciate a reply when a final decision is made on this third smaller size. Fred & Bonnie Wyneken 2158 S. Weimaraner Way Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 884-3231 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [syzeimet@sscwaste.com] Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 4:03 PM To: Jaycee Holman Subject: FW: trash cart __ _ From: C YODER [mailto:misscaroline53@q.com] Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 8:21 PM To: swat@sscwaste.com Subject: trash cart My concern over trash carts is that most of the year I will barely fill the smaller size. But during the growing season I always have a lot of yard waste. Would it be better to just go with the larger size? Will there be the ability to put yard waste in trash bags in addition to the smaller cart? Thanks for answering my questions. Carolyn 3/22/2010 Page 1 of 1 Jacy Jones rom: Dianna Green [pauliannagreen@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 9:15 AM To: clerk Subject: tonight's meeting considering Automatic Collection system Husband just out of hospital from major surgery, will miss the meeting. We are thrilled with co-mingled recycling and are looking forward to the automatic collection system for residential trash. We feel this will encourage folk to seriously consider recycling which is a win-win situation. Thank you for "listening"... Paul & Dianna Green 1520 W 1st St Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 888-9759 3/23/2010 Jacv Jones From: Erick & Liz Pew [thepews@mac.com] Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 5:41 PM To: clerk Subject: Comments about Solid Waste Collection March 22, 2010 To Whom it May Concern, I already emailed a copy of these comments to the Sanitary Services Company and thought I would send this on to the City Council for the meeting on March 23. I am going to try and attend, but in case I can't make it I want these comments on record since it appears we are going to all be put on automated garbage pick-up. 1. At the meeting I attended last year they said they would provide a way to buy tags inexpensively on the Internet that we could put on extra bags of garbage to have them picked up. I DEFINITELY WANT TO PROPOSE THAT YOU MAKE THIS AN OPTION. The time when it is the biggest issue is when we have extra yard waste especially in the spring and the fall and when we get oversized items that won't fit in the cans. I for one would like this option because I can get a lot of waste from Fall clean-up from the garden and yard debris and some from the Spring as I prune to get ready for Summer. I simply don't have the area to compost everything I have to get rid of and I can't afford to hire someone every time to come and take it all away. Also, there are a few times when I can't see taking one item clear out to the dump just because it won't fit in a can now. If you don't allow for this option I am afraid that we will see people just dumping trash where we don't want it because they can't or won't go all the way to a dump just to get rid of 1 or 2 items that don't fit in a can. I believe that tagging extra garbage would make those who abused the system before at least think twice about what they put out. 2. Next, I would propose that you provide 1-2 weeks in the spring and especially in the fall when they would pick up extra garbage for FREE? Maybe in the spring it could be 1 or 2 weeks, but in the fall when plants die off at different times we would need several weeks that were spaced out such as 1 in late Oct and at least 1 and maybe 2 different weeks in Nov when we could leave out extra yard waste to be collected for free. Someone said they would still do that as long as it was in paper bags? But when you prune bushes it is hard to take the time to cut it all up to fit in one of those paper bags. They just need to be cut and bundled. Even that is a lot of work but not as bad. PLEASE consider this options. I realize that you are trying to save the Collectors backs and that is all good and that it would be simpler to just not worry about options, but the fact is that MERIDIAN IS STILL VERY RURAL, and it needs to be treated as such and if there is no way to have this extra yard waste picked up then there will be a lot of unhappy people and there could again be people who would just dump it where we don't want it. Thanks for your consideration. Liz Pew 895-0188 email---accounts@boisepews.us 1 Page 1 of 1 • • • Jaycee Holman From: Symantha Zeimet [swac@sscwaste.com] Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2010 7:10 AM To: Bill Nary; Charlie Rountree; Karie Glenn; Nancy Mann; Steve Cory ;Steve Sedlacek ;Steve Siddoway; Tom Barry; Jacy Jones; Jaycee Holman; Sheree Finch Cc: mayortammy; Keith Bird; David Zaremba; Brad Hoaglun Subject: FW: Automated trash pickup in Meridian Here's another email for your files. From: David McCuen [mailto:dmccuen@cheetah.com] Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2010 1:30 AM To: 'swac@sscwaste.com' Cc: David McCuen Subject: Automated trash pickup in Meridian To whom it may concern: I've been living in Meridian for 5 and a half years now, and I've always loved this ability to throw anything away. It just seems so purely American to me. Idaho... the last bastion of freedom! I've always bragged to my out of state friends about this (seriously). I used to live in California, and dealt with having to throw things away a little bit at a time in order to deal with the only-what-fits-in-your-garbage-can rule. Well, here we are, going the way of California! California! So, so sad. Please give us some kind of way to throw our trash away without having to drive 15 miles to the dump. That's all I can say. But this is such a big deal to me, it could be worth moving to a more freedom-loving town like Star or Emmet if necessary. Please make some kind of arrangement. Regards. David McCuen 1980 E. Comisky Ct. Meridian, ID 83646 3/26/2010