Compactor arrives, staffing gaps persist as district schedules shredding events and November open house

Johnson County Solid Waste Management District staff told the board Sept. 8 that a recycling compactor will be installed at the Franklin facility on Sept. 9 and that the concrete pad and site work are complete.

Director Jesse said the district is "ecstatic" to have the compactor placed and that the new equipment, together with adjustments to traffic flow (opening a second door), should improve vehicle throughput and reduce on-site congestion. Jesse also said the district is down another employee and that staff have been operating with minimal crews on peak days, which has stressed operations.

The board heard two scheduled shredding events this fall: Sept. 25 and Nov. 6, both planned as Thursday evening events from 4 to 6 p.m. Jesse explained the shift to weekday evenings was intended to reduce peak-site congestion and to fit the center's Thursday closing schedule; staff will coordinate with the police department because of traffic concerns.

Board members discussed hosting the November board meeting on site as an opportunity for an open house and ribbon-cutting; commissioners agreed to hold the November meeting at the new facility on Nov. 17 at 2 p.m., with the ribbon-cutting to follow the meeting. Staff noted livestreaming capabilities are limited at the facility and that special-district rules may not require livestreaming if the meeting occurs at the district office; staff will update public notices and the daily journal accordingly.

Less critical: staff are working through traffic logistics and will use the compactor to reduce cardboard handling burdens; staff will continue to recruit to fill vacancies and will monitor how the compactor affects throughput once installed.