HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1982/02/17 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULANMEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
Held Wednesday - February 17, 1982 - 4:30 P.M. CR 2 - Public Services Building
ROLL CALL
Councilmen present: Mayor Cox, Councilmembers McCandliss, Campbell
Councilman Gillow arrived at 4:45 P.M.
Councilman Scott arrived at 5:00 P.M.
Councilmen absent: None
Staff present: Assistant City Manager Asmus, Director of Planning
Peterson, Director of Community Development Desrochers,
City Engineer Lippitt
Planning Commission: Chairman Presutti, Members R. Johnson, G. Johnson,
Green, Williams, O'Neill, Stevenson
Also present: Nicole Clay, SANDER Project Director
Kathy Warburten, Assistant Project Director
Tom Erpelding, Project Manager
Jim Gutzmer, City of San Diego
Chuck Bennett, ESA, E.I.R. Consultants
Richard Gurowitz, Merrill Lynch, Financial Consultants
Ms. Clay introduced SANDER staff and the consultants, and stated that the purpose of
the workshop was to present the draft EIR and proposed financial scheme and to review
state of the art technology for the Planning Commission members. Mr. Erpelding ex-
plained the technical aspects of mass burning and discussed the potential uses for the
ash and waste heat that will be produced.
Ms. Warburten pointed out locations of various plants either in the planning, con-
struction or operating stages within the country noting that there are two plants
located in Chicago (Northwest and Southwest).
Mr. Bennett discussed the draft Environmental Impact Report, and explained that it
considers the effects of a generic process since there is no specific proposal at this
point. The draft EIR is a "worst case" report, taking into account the worst of the
elements. Difficulties noted in the document directly apply to the proposed site.
The report, because it is generic, does not discuss optimal benefits. He commented
specifically on water consumption during the cooling process estimating that 750,000
gallons per day would be consumed by evaporation; alternative methods of cooling would
be an improvement; odor causing elements would be consumed in the flames; because of
freeway access of the proposed site, truck traffic is anticipated to have very little
effect upon the community; the visual effect of the facility would be very compact
compared to the SDG&E plant, but would be closer to residential uses than SDG&E. Mr.
Bennett responded to questions of the Planning Commission concerning truck traffic and
State testing of the ash material. Regarding air pollution, Mr. Bennett stated that
the facility as planned appears to be able to meet air quality control standards, and
that is discussed in substantial detail in the draft EIR.
Responding to Mayor Cox's query regarding hours of burning, Mr. Bennett stated that
while trucks would probably be operating 7-8 hours per day, burning would continue on
a 24 hour basis seven days per week.
Comment and discussion related to air pollution in the immediate area bearing in mind
that the residents are already impacted by SDG&E; water consumption in the cooling
process; whether reclaimed sewage could be used; and use of air rather than water
coolers.
Council Conference 2 February 17, 1982
Joe Dordahl gave a brief report of his tour of the Chicago Northwest plant and
commented specifically that noise, odor and litter were minimal and that the facility
operates on a 24 hour basis. Further comment concerned the residue; that dust is
taken out of the stack by electrostatic collectors and precious metals are removed for
scrap value.
FINANCIAL PROJECTION
Mr. Gurowitz discussed a facility in Pinellas County, Florida, and noted the similari-
ties of the financing and revenue projections with the SANDER proposal utilizing tax
exempt bonds for financing. He discussed the alternatives of public or pr, ivate owner-
ship and operation, noting that in the Pinellas example the county has a back up
pledge to contribute funds, if needed. Pinellas County has control over the waste
stream; surrounding communities have agreed to pay that county a tipping fee which
generates approximately 46% of the revenue; the local utility company must pay for the
energy whether or not they purchase it, which accounts for 38% of revenue, and the
balance of 16% comes equally from scrap dealers and interest earnings.
Further comment related to legal claims to the garbage and Ms. Clay noted recent
Supreme Court decisions which have held that the local governments own the garbage and
control disposal; the future of landfills; costs of using land fills versus a refuse
recovery plant; the projection that wihin 25 years the three major landfills
(Sycamore, Otay and Miramar) will close and the SANDER facility would prolong their
use,
Mr. Gurowitz concluded his presentation and Ms. Warburten briefly highlighted the
risks and benefits associated with the project to be considered by the County and the
local jurisdiction and the steps to be taken to minimize identified risks including:
fixed price construction contracts; guaranteed delivery dates for a fully operational
facility; independent testing and evaluation of the plant prior to acceptance; per-
formance bonds and liquidated damages for protection in the event the contractor is
unable to meet delivery dates or to deliver an acceptable facility; indemnification.
In conclusion, Mayor Cox noted that staff is to come back to recommend whether to
proceed with a final EIR and to arrange a Chicago tour later in March or early April.
ADJOURNMENT at 5:50 P.M. to the regular scheduled meeting Tuesday, February 23, 1982
at 7 P.M.
El~z'ab~h W. Conf{z, Deputy City Clerk