LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Board of Supervisors discussed extending contracts with two waste haulers during their regular meeting this week.
Current contracts with franchise haulers Southlake Refuse and Lake County Waste Solutions are set to expire on April 22, 2018.
If approved, the contracts would last 20 years, with an option for two additional five-year extensions.
Included in the proposed contracts is the implementation of “a pilot program for universal service in the community growth areas, which ? represent the more urbanized areas of the county,” according to Lake County Public Services Director Caroline Chavez.
The primary benefit of the pilot program would be reduce illegal dumping, as well as reducing the accumulation of personal debris on properties, increased diversion of recyclable materials and an increase in revenue from refuse disposal.
Focusing on single-family and multi-family residential properties, the universal service program would require property owners or their delegates, such as a tenant or manager, to subscribe to weekly waste removal services, according to Chavez.
The program would begin in January 2016, if approved.
District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington said he was not comfortable with forcing people to sign up for the program.
Additionally, the contract would include household hazardous waste collection, which would replace the use of Mendocino”s HazMobile. A free paint drop-off program, as well as a program to dispose of sharps/needles used for medical needs free-of-charge are included in the proposed contract.
Ultimately, the board decided to postpone taking action, in order to allow time for the County Counsel Office to assist in drafting additional language to the contract.
The topic will be discussed again at the board”s Dec. 9 meeting.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
