SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Appointing an Additional Member to the Landfill Task Force
Body
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Services
Department
PRESENTER(S): David Frank, Director of Environmental Services
First Name, Last Name, Title
TIME ESTIMATE: 5 minutes
only required for non-consent items
POLICY ISSUES:
Appointing an additional member to a resident-led Task Force to give advice on potential landfill requests would reflect the Town’s commitment to community engagement with an emphasis on hearing from residents who live immediately adjacent to the landfill and thus are most affected by landfill operations.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Town Council appoint an additional member, recommended by Kearns & West, to the Task Force to explore Waste Connections’ interest in expanding the Front Range Landfill, the impact that could have on surrounding neighborhoods, the Town’s interest in reducing the impacts of truck traffic going to and from the Landfill as well as the impacts of Landfill operations, potential public uses upon closure, renewable energy initiatives, and other possible improvements in the local area. The additional member would ensure representation from residents who have experienced the most significant impacts from the landfill; those who have lived closest to it for a significant amount of time.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
Following the establishment of the Landfill Task Force on February 13, 2024, residents raised concerns that the Task Force lacked sufficient representation from residents who have experienced the most significant impacts from the landfill; those who have lived closest to it for a significant amount of time. In response, staff asked Kearns & West to take a second look at the applications received, focusing on applicants who met 2 additional criteria in addition to the previous applicant criteria:
1. Primary residence within 2,000 ft of the active landfill, and
2. Have lived at this residence for at least 10 years.
There were 4 applicants who met these additional criteria. Kearns & West provided the following after review:
All four applications received high initial scores from Kearns & West during the first review, but Kearns & West's recommendation for the 8th task force member is Scott Wood. We looked at the completeness of the application, thought behind the ideas and issues expressed, track record of community involvement, and leadership within the Vista Ridge community and Scott's application rises to the top. Scott also seems to be able to advance the interests of the surrounding neighborhoods and bring hard topics to the Task Force in a constructive way.
BOARD PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Attractive Community Amenities
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Well-Maintained Transportation Infrastructure
ü Safe and Healthy Community
ü Effective Governance
ü Environmentally Sustainable
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENT:
1. Resolution 24-042
2. Kearns & West Recommendation
3. Landfill Task Force Revised Charter