COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

 

DATE:

June 9, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 28, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

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 December 31, 2005.

 

Vision Alignment

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impacts rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

 

An extension of the agreement will allow us to fully analyze the options and obtain public input prior to making a recommendation to your Board.

 

Background

Previous Board Action

Contracted with Browning Ferris Industries (BFI) to operate the Transfer Station and extended the term of the Agreement to June 30, 2005.

 

History

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 BFI’s operation of the facility rarely generates complaints.

 

The Transfer Station is nineteen years old and its original compaction equipment is worn out and no longer used. The Department’s study of the usage of the Transfer Station by the public and recent experience of operating the facility in uncompacted mode have demonstrated that compaction equipment is not necessary to effectively handle the volumes of waste that arrive at the facility. However, improvements are needed at the Transfer Station to optimize its ability to operate as a recyclable materials drop-off facility, a use that was not envisioned or included in the original design of the facility. The plans for these improvements are being developed on a parallel track to the procurement of an operator.

 

Discussion

The Department is drafting a new agreement for the operation of the Transfer Station and preparing the procurement documents needed to solicit bids for its operation. An extension of the term of the County’s existing agreement with BFI is needed so that the Transfer Station can remain open during the procurement process. Therefore, we are recommending that your Board amend the Agreement to allow its term to be extended until December 31, 2005.

 

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

 

Fiscal Impact

The cost of operating the Transfer Station- approximately $275,000 per year- is funded by an appropriation from the Solid Waste Fund. Disposal fees collected at the Transfer Station- approximately $60,000 per year - are revenues to the Solid Waste Fund and offset the costs. There is no impact to the General Fund.