IN ATTENDANCE: Mr. Lesniak, Mr. Dougherty, Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Tassone, Mrs. Rapp, Mr. Rhinehart, Mr. Buckel, Mr. Corbett, Mr. Stanczyk, Mr. Holmquist, Mr. Kilmartin, Mr. Cox, Mr. Warner, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Kinne, Mr. Laguzza, Mr. Masterpole, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Ervin
Chairman Rhinehart called the hearing to order at 12:50 p.m. and the Clerk read the notice of public hearing.
Bill Bulsiewicz, Acting Executive Director and Agency Counsel, OCRRA – complimented the legislature for approving the legislation in a bipartisan fashion. The Agency strongly appreciates the relationship that it has with the legislature and the support they have gotten for green programs, particularly recycling programs in the county. The legislation was well crafted – in conjunction with County Law Dept. and himself; there was also input from members of the legislature and stakeholders. The legislation will be very effective -it closed a number of loopholes in 1989 law, adds coverages for situations that were not considered/did not exist in 1989. It solves a serious penalty issue. The language is clear – it is simpler and easier to read, easier to explain and will help them enforce recycling in the community. The language is fair – provides a warning system. It provides businesses to have a level of warning first before they proceed with any further enforcement. The penalties are consistent with penalties in prior legislation adopted by the legislature in 1989 and 2003. The law is consistent with community’s commitment to fostering a green environment and thorough recycling, and through recycling, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He commended the legislature for close cooperation and strong bipartisan support received. This type of legislation will allow having a world class recycling program in this community.
Sue Murphy, Director of Environmental Services at Upstate Medical University -supports the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency in creating a cleaner, greener planet. As the area’s largest employer, Upstate is keenly aware of its decisions – especially regarding waste management and impact to our region. Earlier this year, Upstate was the first hospital to be named an “OCRRA Blue Ribbon Recycler”. With respect to the revised change in the local law, Upstate does do on-site source separation in areas where food and drinks are sold. In addition, they have eliminated most of the plastic water bottles from the vending machines on their campus. They have installed filter water solution systems, where they encourage students and employees to refill instead of throw out. Much of Upstate’s success can be directed to working closely with OCRRA, as they comply and go beyond the recycling provisions of the local waste management law. Today’s “think green initiative” and the close partnership with OCRRA can demonstrate a successful campus wide recycling program that encourages employees and students to be good stewards of the planet. In 2010 they recycled bottles, plastic and cans at an average of 1, 125 pounds/month. This year they have averaged over 7,000 pounds/month and last month hit 9,000 pounds. The total weight of recycled materials in 2009 was 504 tons and increased to 541 tons in 2010. Thanks to OCRRA’s support and guidance, they have expanded their list to what they have recycled to a multitude of items from electronic equipment, plastic, glass, aluminum, cans, construction debris, etc. This past September, they began a composting program, with the assistance of OCRRA, and collected about 1,600 pounds of compostable material. The waste was delivered to OCRRA’s compost site in Camillus. In addition to recycling, Upstate has implemented various other strategies, which is a broader part of their sustainability initiative – purchase recycled floor mats, look for floor cleaning processes, look to review disposable items-sterile wraps, curtains, look to remove mercury and other hazardous items from the waste stream. It is important to know that with the assistance of OCRRA, Upstate has helped to save our planet, and have a green carbon footprint. OCRRA has been gracious in support of Upstate’s efforts and have worked to help Upstate enhance its efforts. To deal with a tremendous amount of waste and help to reduce it is very important to Upstate.
Andrew Radin, Director of Recycling and Waste Reduction, OCRRA – statement on file.
Chairman Rhinehart asked if anyone further wanted to be heard. Hearing none, the hearing was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DEBORAH MATURO, Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature