Planning Commissioner Appointed, Sanitary Agreement Discussed

Planning Commissioner Appointment

The Fairfax Town Council interviewed two candidates for one Planning Commissioner vacancy. After interviews and consideration of the written applications turned in by both candidates the council appointed Barbara Coler.  Barbara has served on the Open Space Committee for a number of years and currently works for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District as a program manager. Barbara holds a Master’s Degree in Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in Systematics and Ecology. Barbara is filling the seat that was vacated by Peter Ramsey, who moved out of town. 

Resource Recovery Agreement

A draft Resource Recovery Agreement with Marin Sanitary Service (MSS) was discussed by the council and public input was taken. The current Solid Waste, Recycling and Resource Recovery Agreement was written and approved on April 19, 1993 and was with a different garbage hauler. MSS took over this agreement without any changes. Much has changed in the solid waste, recycling and resource recovery world since 1993 and the town council and MSS felt it was time to create an agreement that better reflects the services that are being provided and can be provided today that were not possible in 1993, such as the pilot food waste recycling program started in Fairfax last year.  

This draft agreement is proposed for ten years and would offer the following new services:

• Free Compost for Residents: Marin sanitary Service (MSS) shall distribute 15 tons of compost three times per year, spring, summer, and fall. The town will come up with designated location and will provide bunker. A list of compost bin suppliers may be found at: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics

• Food Waste Pilot Program: MSS will develop a food waste pilot program at three multi-family complexes in town. Locations will be mutually agreed upon by the town and MSS. 

• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) On Call Pick-Up Program: MSS shall provide residential customers (businesses are excluded from this program) HHW on call pick-up each calendar year at no additional charge by prearranged appointment on their regularly scheduled collection day.  There will be no charge for the following items: household batteries; latex paint in sealed containers (limit of three gallons); motor oil in sealed or capped containers (limit of two gallons); oil filters; pesticides (limit of three gallons); fluorescent lights or tubes; aerosol cans partially filled (empty cans may be placed in dual sort cart); computers and monitors; printers; televisions; and cell phones. No flammable, toxic, or hazardous material will be accepted. All items must be contained in boxes or bags. Customers must call Monday through Friday during normal business hours at least 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment. MSS shall implement the program no later than Jan. 1, 2012.

The Resource Recovery Agreement will return to the Town Council for approval on Nov. 2, 2011.

Other actions taken at the Fairfax Town Council Oct. 5, 2011 meeting:

• Directed staff to write a Request for Proposals for banking services for the town;  
• Adopted Resolution 11-55 calling on Congress to re-direct military spending to domestic priorities;
• Directed staff to enter into negotiations to provide police dispatch services for the town of Ross;

Other notes and announcements:

• Fairfax Food Pantry – Saturdays 9 to 11 a.m. at the , 1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
• Vacancy on the Fairfax Youth Commission for Ross Valley youth between 14 and 19 years of age
• Peri Park Playground Clean-up Day is Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon, sponsored by PARC
• Oct. 10, 2011 is the 100th anniversary of California granting women the right to vote; register by Oct. 24 to vote on Nov. 8.
• SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, Dec. 4, , Appreciation Dinner for Lew Tremaine

The next Town Council meeting will be Nov. 2, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Women’s Club.