COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

September 16, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 7, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Time Extension - Agreement for the Operation of the Pescadero Solid Waste Transfer Station

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an amendment to the Agreement for the Operation of the Pescadero Solid Waste Transfer Station (Transfer Station) which extends the term of the Agreement until a new Agreement for the operation of the Pescadero Transfer Station takes effect or December 31, 2004, whichever occurs first.

Previous Board Action

Contracted with Browning Ferris Industries to operate the Transfer Station and extended the term of the Agreement to September 30, 2003.

Key Facts

1.

A study of the Transfer Station is underway and will require additional time to complete.

2.

The current County-BFI Agreement for the operation of the Transfer Station needs to be extended to keep the Transfer Station in operation while this evaluation is being done.

Discussion

Customer surveys have confirmed that the Transfer Station is a valued community resource in the County's South Coastal area, as it provides convenient recycling and solid waste disposal service and its customers are satisfied with BFI's operation of the facility.

We initially considered a project to evaluate the equipment at the Transfer Station, which is eighteen years old, and the operational options for the facility. However, the Transfer Station has evolved into a comprehensive recycling drop-off facility, a use that was not included in the original design. We have therefore broadened the scope of the study to include an evaluation of limited site improvements to facilitate recycling as well as the transfer station function. This and the delayed start of the study require an extension of the term of the County's existing agreement with BFI so that the facility can remain open. We believe the terms and conditions of the current Agreement are fair to all parties and are recommending that your Board amend the Agreement to allow its term to be extended until a new Agreement for the operation of the Transfer Station takes effect or December 31, 2004, whichever occurs first.

Vision Alignment

We believe our recommendation is consistent with the Shared Commitment to be a "responsive, effective and collaborative government," and Goal Number 20, "government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain," as the extension of the agreement will allow us to fully analyze the options and obtain public input prior to making a recommendation to your Board.

Fiscal Impact

The cost of operating the Transfer Station ($291,385 in FY 02-03 and projected to be approximately $295,000 in FY 03-04) is funded by an appropriation from the Solid Waste Fund. Disposal fees collected at the Transfer Station ($52,682 in FY 02-03 and projected to be $60,000 in FY 03-04), are revenues to the Solid Waste Fund and offset the costs. There is no impact to the General Fund.

An amendment to the Agreement and a form of resolution has been approved by County Counsel.