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Current Issue Links
Voluntary recycling program, solar project
prolong city meeting
prolong city meeting
Lengthy discussions on the city’s proposals for a voluntary recycling program and a proposed solar energy
project prolonged the April 21 regular meeting of the Ridgecrest City Council to nearly seven hours.
The city’s ongoing project to conserve energy has been tabled until a special meeting on May 3 (see related
story, above).
The issue that drew most attention from the public was the city’s revisions to the mandatory trash and
recycling collection program. Public Services Director Jim McRea said that while the intent — to modify the
program so that residential property owners can easily opt out of it — will remain the same, City Attorney Keith
Lemieux has been directed to clarify the proposed language presented at the last meeting.
“We haven’t seen those revisions yet, but they will be presented at the regular May 5 meeting,” said McRea.
In 2007 the council approved an agreement between the city and the California Board of Integrated Waste
Management — now Cal-Recycles — that included programs to bring the city’s rate of diverting recyclables
from the waste stream in compliance with the state’s 50-percent-or-greater requirement. One of those
programs was mandatory collection, which has drawn heavy criticism from some members of the public.
Cal-Recycles earlier this year authorized the city to change the agreement to accommodate a voluntary
program, with the proviso that the city continue to meet state mandates. However the city still faces a $27,000
penalty and untold daily fines if the city cannot come into compliance by a December 2010 deadline.
One resident objected to the ordinance language prohibiting anyone from salvaging California Redemption
Value recyclables from Benz receptacles. Mayor Steven Morgan explained it is a matter of upholding existing
private property laws. “Once an item is placed in the Benz can, it becomes the property of Benz.”
Stan Rajtora, who owns rental properties in the area, suggested that property occupants rather than owners
should be held accountable for bills. Occupants are generally billed, but staff explained the practical
challenge in monitoring renters and temporary occupants.
Resident Yvonne Beyer complained that no one is monitoring whether items dropped off at the dump
qualified as recycling.
“You are correct,” said Councilman Jerry Taylor. “The county does not care, because they are not under the
thumb of the state like we are.”
However, the city is working with county officials to implement filters at the county landfill that would divert
eligible waste into recycling programs. The city also maintains drop-off points within city limits to collect
recyclables including paper, cardboard, plastics and CRVs.
Resident Walter Maurer, a member of Don’t Tread on Me Citizens for Freedom — which has opposed the
mandatory program ever since it was proposed — urged the council to take its time in revising the standing
ordinance.
“Let’s not make the same mistakes here by fast-tracking, by rushing through … Let’s get it right.”
McRea said that the program effectiveness will be reevaluated in October. “If targets are not met, we will
invoke program changes to increase efficiency. Those changes could include a reversion back to the
mandatory recycling collection.”
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Manager Jim Ponek presented a proposal for the city to become a co-
sponsor of Maturango Junction, making it a “signature event” for the city. Hard costs include footing the $1,400
bill for liability insurance, as well as contributing staff time and city resources as “in-kind” donations.
Taylor suggested putting a clock on the event, with the intent of giving it a boast until it becomes self-
sufficient.
Councilman Tom Wiknich said he worried that if the event did make money, the city would lose its
investment while a co-sponsor could walk away with the profit. “I would like to see a proper accounting of this
to make sure it’s equitable.”
“We’ve been looking for a signature event,” Councilman Ron Carter. “This meets the criteria.” He said that
most cities have an event that draws in visitors and brings in revenues to local businesses.
The council voted to move forward with the proposal.
The council also approved revisions to its municipal code relating to the sale of alcohol in the parks to
accommodate a beer gardens for the event. Permits will be issued at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
Also approved was the first reading of an ordinance granting a nonexclusive taxi franchise in the city.
As councilmen made their closing remarks after 1 a.m., suggestions for shortening the meeting lengths
included having an earlier meeting start or more frequent meetings as possible strategies.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the council will be held Wednesday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. in City
Council Chambers.
project prolonged the April 21 regular meeting of the Ridgecrest City Council to nearly seven hours.
The city’s ongoing project to conserve energy has been tabled until a special meeting on May 3 (see related
story, above).
The issue that drew most attention from the public was the city’s revisions to the mandatory trash and
recycling collection program. Public Services Director Jim McRea said that while the intent — to modify the
program so that residential property owners can easily opt out of it — will remain the same, City Attorney Keith
Lemieux has been directed to clarify the proposed language presented at the last meeting.
“We haven’t seen those revisions yet, but they will be presented at the regular May 5 meeting,” said McRea.
In 2007 the council approved an agreement between the city and the California Board of Integrated Waste
Management — now Cal-Recycles — that included programs to bring the city’s rate of diverting recyclables
from the waste stream in compliance with the state’s 50-percent-or-greater requirement. One of those
programs was mandatory collection, which has drawn heavy criticism from some members of the public.
Cal-Recycles earlier this year authorized the city to change the agreement to accommodate a voluntary
program, with the proviso that the city continue to meet state mandates. However the city still faces a $27,000
penalty and untold daily fines if the city cannot come into compliance by a December 2010 deadline.
One resident objected to the ordinance language prohibiting anyone from salvaging California Redemption
Value recyclables from Benz receptacles. Mayor Steven Morgan explained it is a matter of upholding existing
private property laws. “Once an item is placed in the Benz can, it becomes the property of Benz.”
Stan Rajtora, who owns rental properties in the area, suggested that property occupants rather than owners
should be held accountable for bills. Occupants are generally billed, but staff explained the practical
challenge in monitoring renters and temporary occupants.
Resident Yvonne Beyer complained that no one is monitoring whether items dropped off at the dump
qualified as recycling.
“You are correct,” said Councilman Jerry Taylor. “The county does not care, because they are not under the
thumb of the state like we are.”
However, the city is working with county officials to implement filters at the county landfill that would divert
eligible waste into recycling programs. The city also maintains drop-off points within city limits to collect
recyclables including paper, cardboard, plastics and CRVs.
Resident Walter Maurer, a member of Don’t Tread on Me Citizens for Freedom — which has opposed the
mandatory program ever since it was proposed — urged the council to take its time in revising the standing
ordinance.
“Let’s not make the same mistakes here by fast-tracking, by rushing through … Let’s get it right.”
McRea said that the program effectiveness will be reevaluated in October. “If targets are not met, we will
invoke program changes to increase efficiency. Those changes could include a reversion back to the
mandatory recycling collection.”
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Manager Jim Ponek presented a proposal for the city to become a co-
sponsor of Maturango Junction, making it a “signature event” for the city. Hard costs include footing the $1,400
bill for liability insurance, as well as contributing staff time and city resources as “in-kind” donations.
Taylor suggested putting a clock on the event, with the intent of giving it a boast until it becomes self-
sufficient.
Councilman Tom Wiknich said he worried that if the event did make money, the city would lose its
investment while a co-sponsor could walk away with the profit. “I would like to see a proper accounting of this
to make sure it’s equitable.”
“We’ve been looking for a signature event,” Councilman Ron Carter. “This meets the criteria.” He said that
most cities have an event that draws in visitors and brings in revenues to local businesses.
The council voted to move forward with the proposal.
The council also approved revisions to its municipal code relating to the sale of alcohol in the parks to
accommodate a beer gardens for the event. Permits will be issued at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
Also approved was the first reading of an ordinance granting a nonexclusive taxi franchise in the city.
As councilmen made their closing remarks after 1 a.m., suggestions for shortening the meeting lengths
included having an earlier meeting start or more frequent meetings as possible strategies.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the council will be held Wednesday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. in City
Council Chambers.
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By REBECCA NEIPP
News Review Staff Writer
News Review Staff Writer