HC Waste Comm. concerned over direct haul to FD
By Tracy Runneberg — Daily Freeman-Journal Staff WriterEnforcement of the policy on disposal of Hamilton County waste in Hamilton County, was a hot topic during Wednesday's meeting of the Hamilton County Solid Waste Commission as commission members decided to look into what was needed legally to press the issue so the law could be enforced.
Concern recently arose after it was alleged that Hamilton County people have been seen possibly direct hauling to the Fort Dodge site. Lendall Mechaelsen, the Kamrar representative, stated that he'd had people ask why there was a problem with direct hauling, and Mechaelsen said he explained to them that direct hauling will cost everyone in the county more money.
Closure contract
A public hearing was held during Wednesday night's Hamilton County Solid Waste Commission meeting to decide upon the closure project, which needs to be complete by Sept. 30. C.J. Lage from the Barker Lemar Engineering firm attended the meeting to give the commission members input, and the firm's opinion.
Lage said that six bids were submitted, ranging in costs from the high at $322,543.45 to the low bid at $184,403.70.
"Typically our firm suggests the approval of the low bid, and this particular low bid is about $40,000 under the next highest bid. Much of their cost differential seemed to come from the cost of dirt. Much of their bid has the dirt priced under $2, while the other bids had dirt priced well over that into the high $2 range up to over $4."
The commission decided to also go with the low bid, and the contract was awarded to Spring Lake Construction out of Polk City. The company will have 10 days to reply to the contract offer, Lage said.
The commission members discussed the borrow pit concerns with Lage, including the fact that there may not be enough soil there to complete the project. Employees are preparing to pump water out of the pit, and have completed inquiries into distance specifics for safety issues. Lage stated that if for some reason there isn't enough soil in the pit, worst-case scenario would be to take dirt from the cropland.
More discussion was held on the Regional Collection Center for hazardous waste, and also the possibility of a recycling area for those county communities and residents who have no recycling in their communities at this time. Chairman Troy Hassebrock stated he would look into other options, and check into the interests of their customers, and discussion would continue on the matter.
A 3.5 percent pay increase was approved for employees. Secretary/Treasurer Lori Isvik stated that this should have been on the agenda for the last meeting, as the pay increases usually begin with the new fiscal year the 1st of July.
