Public Works reported operational progress at the Waste and Recovery Center and briefed the committee on an upcoming public hearing about proposed rate increases.

Jeff, Public Works manager, said contractors removed the old compactor, installed the new compactor and are completing wiring and hydraulic work. A minor ramp adjustment was identified and is being fabricated to align trucks with the feed opening; staff expect commissioning and operator training to begin the week after next. "The new compactor is put into place... they will start to work on commissioning, and doing some tests and commissioning next week," Jeff said.

The department is storing the old compactor's main chamber and is evaluating refurbishing parts for use in a planned transfer-station reconfiguration; refurbishing pieces rather than buying an entirely new compactor could save roughly $1–1.5 million, Jeff said. The new unit has higher cycle speed by specification (about five cycles per hour versus about four for the older unit), increasing theoretical throughput: a compactor cycle is about 30 tons.

Jeff also summarized a separate actions stream on rates: the Board of County Commissioners approved an ordinance change removing fixed disposal rates from county code so rates may be adjusted by resolution. The department has proposed rate increases effective Jan. 1, with a public hearing scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1, at the Atrium (3000 Pacific). Notices and direct mail to account holders are underway; the board may adopt rates in mid-December following the hearing.

At the meeting the committee voted to authorize the SWAC chair to represent the committee at the Dec. 1 public hearing on the proposed rates; the motion was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

Ending: Staff will proceed with compactor commissioning and training and will return to the committee with any major operational or budgetary implications; members may attend or testify at the Dec. 1 public hearing.