POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM: X A
MEETING DATE: 10/25/2022
TITLE
Arena Cove Recycling Center Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive report and direct staff
ANALYSIS
Earlier this year, the City’s garbage service providers Recology and Solid Waste of Willits sought to close the Arena Cove Recycling Center due to issues surrounding the amount of non-recyclable waste being deposited in the containers.
At the July 26, 2022 City Council meeting, Councilmembers Wasserman and Dobbins were appointed to a Recycling Ad Hoc Committee to address the hauler’s concerns and find a way to keep the center active and open. Community members Mitch McFarland and Jeff Gyving also participated.
The Committee met with Fred Stemmler of Recology and Jerry Ward of Solid Waste of Willits on August 18. An agreement was reached wherein the City would switch to a separated recycling system with limited hours. Solid Waste of Willits would supply ten new recycling bins for separated recycling.
The recycling center was closed for the week of October 10. City staff repaired the broken fence and power washed the area. New bins were dropped off on Saturday October 15. The recycling center reopened on October 18.
The new system requires people to separate their recycling into four bins: glass bottles & jars, aluminum and tin cans, cardboard and paper, and plastics #1 & 2. These are clearly labeled. Additionally, staff have posted what is NOT accepted at the center such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, scrap metal, etc. The center is open 7am to 4pm daily.
Thus far, there have been no major issues. People are generally respecting the new protocols. There have not been any large dumps of recycling in off-hours and with separated recycling the garbage dumping issue seems to have resolved. Pier staff have done a commendable job adapting to the new protocols and reporting any issues. Staff will continue to monitor the situation.
During the time staff was modifying the recycling center, the Ad Hoc Committee received a request from Arena Cove Stewards to relocate the current facility at Arena Cove elsewhere. City Hall was suggested. to City Hall. Concern was expressed about the current location’s proximity to Arena Creek and the amount of recycling and trash that wind up adjacent to and in the creek. The attached photos show the current situation.
A move to City Hall -- or anywhere else -- would require the consent of the haulers, a potential Coastal Development Permit, a well-thought-out plan, and a design that is effective and attractive. It will likely not be a quick or inexpensive process.
Staff seeks direction on the request by Arena Cove Stewards.
FISCAL IMPACT
Potential increased staff time.
ATTACHMENTS
• Arena Cove Stewards Request to Move Recycling Center
• Pictures of Arena Creek from Coastal Cleanup Day
CITY MANAGER SIGNATURE
_________________________________
Paul Andersen, City Manager
1 From: Arena Cove Stewards <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, October 3, 2022 8:00 AM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; Paul Andersen Subject: Recycle Center
Greetings Anna and Richey,
Arena Cove Stewards here, hope all is well.
We are glad to hear that the City is motivated to upgrade the Recycle center! It is a generous service to the community, and we appreciate the effort required to operate and maintain it. However, in the spirit of upgrades, we are writing to you today to request a venue change for the recycle center. Its current location has proven to be detrimental to Arena Creek and has become an environmental hazard. The amount of trash pulled out of the creek on a regular basis is exceptional, and this in no way serves the health and well being of the area.
Recently, board member Erin met with Paul and they explored the current set up and possible alternate spaces. Out of all the possibilities, each with pros and cons, they agreed that behind City Hall would be the best location. It could be made quite beautiful with some lovely fencing and perhaps a mural painted by the kids, with some signage showcasing how much the City cares about recycling, our community and the environment. The high visibility by City Hall and the Sheriff's office will no doubt help to clean up accountability of those using the service, along with setting hours of operation and keeping it locked when closed. A security camera could even be installed to further reduce after hours and illegal dumping. Placement here seems far superior to the tucked back Creek mouth location it is in currently.
We understand that around the 10th October the recycle center will be shut down to bring in new bins, and this would be a perfect opportunity to move to a new location. The Stewards would be glad to assist in moving the facility and setting up a new space.
It would be wonderful to take this opportunity to protect the Arena Creek watershed and really be a shining example of how we care about our environment. We'd be glad to discuss any questions and concerns.
Thank you kindly for your time.
Warmly,
Arena Cove Stewards
Billy Arana
Kelsey LaCroix
Erin Kirchner
Jennifer Smallwood
Jed Ivy
Nathan Boucher
Kathleen Chasey
Bill Arana
Arena Creek – Coastal Cleanup Day September 17, 2022