Lee County staff urge narrowing disposal sites to five as fencing, surveys raise costs

Lee County staff and commissioners discussed narrowing bulk-disposal sites to five locations and highlighted new costs and operational steps needed before reopening, including property surveys, fence installations and adjustments to weekend staffing.

The discussion centered on identifying which sites to reopen and how to finance and staff them. John, a county solid-waste staff member, told the commission, “We’ve got quotes back for 29 South and we’ve got quotes back for 29 North,” and said survey work may be required because crews could not find property pins. John said a survey for both 29 North and 29 South would cost “right around $2,000” and could take “anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks.” He added that some fence quotes are only valid for five days due to tariff-related supply issues.

Why it matters: county staff said some fence quotes already top $20,000 for a single site and that combining multiple sites plus other work could push costs above six figures. Commissioners emphasized the need to finalize site choices quickly so staff can issue letters to the public and begin the procurement process.

Key operational and cost details discussed included: - Fence scope and quotes: Staff described the proposed fence as 6-foot chain-link with three strands of barbed wire and manual top gates; John said the identical fence quote for one site was “a little over $20,000.” Contractors recommended surveys when property pins could not be found. Staff reported two quotes returned so far and said they would seek a third. - Survey timing and costs: Staff estimated about $2,000 to survey both 29 North and 29 South, with a 3–8 week turnaround. - Overall budget risk: One commissioner observed that reopening particular combinations of sites (for example, adding 29 South to other chosen locations) “will send us over a hundred thousand dollars,” and staff said a quote for the 275 site was still pending. - Site selection: Commissioners and staff repeatedly returned to a recommended initial list of five sites: 29 North, 29 South (as a possible add), site near Route 275, Mott’s (referred to as Motts in the discussion), and the 51 site. Several speakers noted some locations already have fencing in place. - Staffing and schedule changes: Staff said the department previously ran about 15 weekend sites and employed roughly 42–43 people countywide; the schedule under consideration would staff 5–6 weekend sites with about 20 total positions assigned to this work. John said the proposed schedule would leave about seven people in the field per shift under one configuration and that the schedule had been drafted with six sites in mind but could be re-evaluated after final site selection. - Equipment and fleet: Staff reviewed boom trucks and roll-off trucks used for disposal days; one older boom truck needs extensive repairs and some vehicles are leased with an option to buy. Staff noted that certain older trucks are not ideal for the newer dumpster-drop system and that keeping at least one operable truck could be prudent. - Customer verification and site control: Commissioners and staff discussed a county sticker or windshield tag to verify unincorporated Lee County residents may use the sites. John and others said using a sticker tied to the county billing receipt would simplify verification at unstaffed gates; staff cautioned that staffing levels in the proposed schedule do not include a dedicated gate-checker at every site and that a single staffing absence could reduce site capacity. - Service details: Hazardous pickup (Freon-containing appliances) will continue to be accepted and can be handled either by bringing items to the sites or calling for a separate pickup, staff said. Recycling layouts will be organized where site size permits with separate containers for metals, glass and plastics. Signage will list accepted and prohibited materials.

Discussion versus decisions: The commission did not take a formal vote during the discussion. Commissioners asked staff to finalize the chosen sites so staff can proceed with required surveys, solicit the third fence quote, and begin the formal bid process where needed. Staff said once sites are nailed down, they would circulate a draft public notice and the commission would review it.

Staff cautioned that procurement and survey timelines will extend the start date; contractors’ short quote windows and the need for surveys will add several weeks. Several commissioners said they preferred to proceed with five confirmed reopening sites and add others later if demand requires it, rather than close sites later, which they said can draw public objections.

Next steps and public-facing items include finalizing the five initial sites, completing surveys where required, getting a third fence quote, beginning the procurement/bid process for fencing or site work, and circulating a public notice with the selected locations and the last dates to schedule bulk pickups.