02-20-1992 - Regular Meeting - Minutesa'
It
MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETNG OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WASTE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 20, 1992
• Meeting convened at 7:40 p.m.
COUNCIL IN ATTENDANCE: Jennings, Herfert, Manners, McFadden
COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ketteringham, Santell, Massarotto,
Tracy, Zeller
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Starbird, Wylie, Lennard, Hanna, Miller,
Manheim, Orr, Hendrix, Perkins
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Santell
II. INVOCATION
Commissioner Massarotto
III. BKK INTERAGENCY STEERING COMMITTEE QUARTERLY REPORT
Oral informational reports were given by agency
representatives:
Carmen Santos, U.S.E.P.A. gave an update on EPA activities
concerning the BKK site. Reviewed recent fact sheet published
by EPA.
Allen Winans, geologist, Dept. of Toxic Substance Control
reviewed his analysis of hydrogeologic maps of the BKK site.
Alan Sorsher, Engineer, California Department of Toxic
Substance Control reviewed Post -Closure Permit concerning
the Class I area. BKK has placed copies in the Walnut and
West Covina Public Libraries.
Dennis Delaney, South Coast Air Quality Management District
reported few odor complaints in last 3 months; no violations.
AQMD has established a small business office to aid with
compliance activities.
Councilmembers and Commissioners asked questions of the agency
officers and discussed various facets of the reports.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Louis Gilbert, West Covina, addressed the volume of waste and
the amount of time it would take to remove all of it.
Jean Arneson, West Covina, inquired about the scale of the
map, the apparent closeness of contamination lines from Class
I to Class III site, the depth of groundwater under homes at
Southern area and made an odor complaint. She stated
opposition to sludge as a cover.
• Royall Brown, West Covina, inquired if receipt of the EPA
newsletter had any sort of legal implications for property
owners. Asked about assessment of fracture structure in the
underlying geology.
Agency representatives responded to the various concerns and
questions.
Winans responded to Gilbert's concerns: the volume is large,
and the time needed is dependent upon the amount of effort
expended in the removal.
•
•
Winans responded to Arneson's inquiries: Scale of the map is
1" to 2001. Groundwater level is 15' deep at the landfill
boundary, 30-40' under the homes.
Sorsher advised he would report the odor complaint to a
supervisor.
Santos responded to Brown's question that the EPA newsletter
is informational only, and is not a legal notice of any kind.
Winans advised that the assessment of fracture structures was
done at an earlier point. Work had progressed considerably
beyond that now.
IV. COMMISSION -COUNCIL INTERRELATIONSHIPS
Council and Commission members discussed various means of
improving communications between the groups. It was mutually
agreed that improvements need to be made and the information
flow increased.
Chairman Ketteringham reported that the Commission is unsure
of the level of communication between the Council and
themselves. He felt that the Council is not always made aware
of the Commission's depth of feeling and conviction on issues.
It was feared that the Environmental Subcommittee of the
Council might be a device to dismantle the waste Management
Commission.
Zeller advised that the minutes alone don't always reflect the
amount of time, effort and the level of discussion involved in
issues. He felt theese issues involve both Council and
Commission. He asked for clarification of roles.
Tracy related his feeling that issues like• the waste
franchise, while perhaps not directly in the Commission's
purview, still could have benefitted from the Commission's
input. The Commission group is more able to devote time to
researching and evaluating alternatives. This could save time
for the Council.
Santell wanted to know if the Commission would have input
regarding any Materials Recovery Facility proposal, rail -haul
proposal, and recycling decisions. She stated the Commission
wanted the opportunity for input on these matters.
Massarotto expressed pleasure at the opportunity for a joint
meeting. He also stated that the Council should take
advantage of what the Commission can offer in terms of time-
saving in the decision process.
Ketteringham stated that BKK is an ongoing concern and will
continue for an indefinite time. Would like a comprehensive
approach to programs; wants to get on with recycling. Pilot
program has run long enough - he supports automated pickup and
commingled recycling. He suggested that the Summary of Action
include minority views.
Councilmember Manners described the evolution of the Task
Force, which became the Waste Management Commission, and its
mission. She also related that she wished the recycling
program would have operated City-wide from the outset. She
also stated that she may look more favorably at automated
pickup, now that she has observed it. It may be the time to
implement this idea. Franchises are one issue that the
Council must retain due to their legal implications,
complexity, and need for confidentiality which don't permit
delegation. Council does appreciate the Commission and needs
their help.
McFadden said he wanted the Council the reconsider their 1989
decision not to allow the Commission to deal with hazardous
materials issues. He suggested the Commission review their
minutes for intent as well as factual reporting. He suggested
that the Commission read the proposed franchise agreement and
comment at•the study sesion on 2/25. Earlier, many items were
confidential, but now the agreement is ready for review and
comment. He feels many issues are best studied at the
Commission level: asbestos, sludge, shredder waste.
• Herfert related his frustration at participating in meetings
where the local authorities are not in control, forced only to
ask questions and comment. He asked for minutes and
descriptions of controversial issues. Suggested a joint
meeting for Solid Waste Facilities Permit review. He stated
a need to look more closely at automated pickup. He related
a need to improve communications, with perhaps more joint
meetings.
Hanna clarified that in the transfer of the franchise, several
litigation issues arose which necessitated closed sessions.
No Council members took part in the negotiations.
V. ADJOURNMENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Moved, Herfert, 2nd, McFadden, to adjourn at 12:05 a.m. to C
February 25, 1992 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council. Chambers.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT OF THE COMMISSION
Moved, Tracy, 2nd, Zeller, to table the balance of the
Commission's agenda until the next regular meeting, March 19,
1992. Motion passed, 5-0.
Moved, Zeller, 2nd, Santell, to adjourn at 12:15 a.m.
Next regular meeting
Council Chambers.
City Clerk Janet Berr
•
March 19, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. in the