Valley County pulls Timber Creek recycling RFP from agenda, plans workshop and considers ordinance for roadside litter

Valley County commissioners removed a Timber Creek recycling request for proposals from the agenda and directed staff to schedule a workshop to collect countywide preferences for recycling and woody-debris handling before deciding on an RFP or contract changes.

"This was supposed to be taken off," Director said, explaining a misunderstanding between staff and the agenda drafter and urging that the county collect information on what it wants for recycling and woody debris before moving forward. Chair said the matter will be discussed at an upcoming workshop about the county's solid-waste site.

Commissioners pressed for a cost analysis. "When we do that, can we have cost analysis of the recycle facility, of what all this recycle thing is costing?" Commissioner asked; staff said the county treasurer is compiling numbers and that the director is gathering possible provider information ahead of a contract decision.

The discussion turned to visible litter along State Highway. Chair described several miles of roadside trash near the transfer site and suggested the county explore contract language and enforcement options to hold haulers and dump-site users accountable, including fines for uncovered loads and having transfer-site staff issue citations. One commissioner said enforcement should not be limited to a single contractor and urged broad accountability.

The board noted the county's contract with Lakeshore is approaching a key notification window and agreed solid-waste matters should be vetted internally before deciding whether to issue an RFP, amend the existing contract or pursue an ordinance.

The board scheduled follow-up work and directed staff to include clearer agenda verbiage for the planned workshop.