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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1982/08/24 Item11COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT • ITEM TI' SUBMITTI .~ .. 1. Amend the refuse ordinance to include the reduced rate for low volume users (a copy of proposed amendment is attached); and 2. Not adopt a tiered cost plan for varying numbers of cans per residence. Since that t excess ferred the nu reduce Item ~~ ~'~---~ /j g/~ Meeting Date. ~4~~= .E:a•Report on Reduced Residential Refuse Rates for Low Volume Users b. Ordinance ~9 9'9 Amending Chapter 8.24 by adding thereto a new section 8.24.190 all relating to reduction of residential refuse rates for low gY;City Manager ~~="' volume users SECOND READING AND ADOPTION (4/5ths Vote: Yes No X ) day 1980, the City Council has been approached by residents who have been concerned Heir monthly refuse rate with Chula Vista Sanitary Service (CVSS) was greatly in of the quantity of refuse which they generated. Two issues were subsequently re- to staff for further review: the first, to determine if a tiered cost plan for nber of cans per residence was needed or feasible; and second, to develop a i cost plan for residents who generate a very small amount of refuse. RECOMMENDATION: That the Council: BOARDS~COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: N.A. DISCUS ION •n 198 a residential survey was conducted to determine the average number of cans per reside ce. Those findings indicate that a preponderance of residences aenerate an averag of 2-3 cans per week, contrary to the supposition that many residences were genera ing a far greater number of cans and therefore being subsidized by the average user. Theref re, based on observation, it was concluded by staff that the community would not substa tially benefit by a plan that would establish a base rate for an initial number of can and supplemental rates for cans in excess of that level. In addition, it has been determ'ned that where tiered plans exist, the contracting services are not able to adeaua ely monitor or control abuses of the tiered plan, such as neighbors who "share" capaci y, residents who hold excess refuse from week to week, or residents who use other means o avoid paying an additional cost for more capacity. A tiered system is also an admini trative problem in that each driver must have a daily updated manifest indicating which esident is a subscriber and at what rate. The continuous administrative monitoring and sc edule adjustments can result in higher refuse rates. The se and issue reviewed by staff was the provision of a reduced rate for residents who genera e a low volume of refuse. Because the initial contacts with Council have been made b older residents, a pilot program designed for senior citizens has been the main focus f attention. It should be noted, however, that the primary basis of the request fora educed rate program was directed first at the fairness of the rate when compared to volume and second, to the issue of reduced rates for those who are perhaps less able to pay . Chula ista Sanitary Service has responded favorably from the beginning discussions of such a program and have most recently submitted an updated tentative approach which is ~tlin d below: 1. The program would be conducted on a pilot basis for a period of one year. An evaluation would be conducted jointly by the City and CVSS at the year's end to determine if its continuation should be recommended. Form A-11 (Rev. 11/79) continued ~/ ~~ Item No. k~, Page 2 ~~ ~~ ~ • 2. r 3. ., 4. • ~~~~~ !\ 5. This p ments, diffic dwelli Meeting Date 8~1~,/~ 2 ` The program would be directed to senior citizens, aged 62 or older. Income criteria would not be useful in this program as it is the considerable experience of CVSS that residences at both ends of the income spectrum tend to generate a considerable volume of refuse. The City presently has two programs directed for the special benefit of senior citizens. The Transit program for seniors has the sole criterion of age 62, which must be met in order to receive a special senior pass. The City's Utility Users Tax refund program has the criteria of age 62 and an income maximum of $7,500 annually. However, the City's verification of income is a very limited arocess, as there have never been indicates of abuse. Age verifica- tion most logically could be accomplished by CVSS, who could issue the bags once age has been established. The qualifying resident would apply for the reduced rate service at the Chula Vista Sanitary Service Office on "F" Street. The resident would purchase 26 colored trash bags for a cost of $21.75. The $21.75 includes the rubbish removal service for six months, assuming that one bag per week is used by the resident. Anew supply of bags could be purchased in a like manner when required. This rate equates to $3.625 per month and compares to the regular residential rate of $5.40 per month. A breakdown of the monthly charge includes approximately $3.12 assessed for the removal service and approximately $.111 of the cost per bag. The bags would be used as needed by the resident, probably one per week. However, since the user in effect prepaid, he or she may elect to use more or less if needed. The use of the colored bag is easier for the senior citizen to place at the curb and it eliminates the necessity of retrieving the empty can or replacement of trash cans as needed. It also assists the driver who may be able to quickly associate the color of the bag with the special program. Placing purchased stickers on cans or tagging cans is a less expensive alternative but there are no means to control theft of marked cans or tags. CVSS has apprised us that it will take approximately six weeks to two months to obtain a supply of the special bags. Therefore, we are looking at an October 1st start date for this program if a decision to proceed is made by .August 12, 1982. lot program would not be aanlicable to those senior residents who reside in apart- mobile homes or duplexes as they already receive a reduced rate. Future ilties could occur with the program due to seniors who reside in this type of ig or from other single member residents who do not meet the age requirement. FISCALIIMPACT: N.A. .~.r. ~" by the City Council of Chula Vista, California D ted ' a ~ ~ ~a' by the Gity G;~~_t~~~:il of J L~, L~ :i: i. 'a Chula Vi~'~ `'~ - ~~' Dated ~~ ~~ ~ O ~~ ~I 1. G: i itf C.,~,cii of t; „_. `d ;eta, '~~'T~ornia -------