Public Works Deputy Superintendent Dean Scholes stated a few
years ago we were getting a rebate for all of the electronics we collected from
our customers, and because places are having a hard time getting rid of certain
pieces, they are starting to charge counties to accept those materials. At the
end of December, Maven stated they can no longer accept these materials without
charging us a fee. Mr. Scholes went on to say currently they have 7-12
containers dedicated to electronics, and when they are full, they take them to
the Cuba facility where they have 3 employees who spend two days a week
handling the electronics. Mr. Scholes continued that they put this process out
to bid, received two bids back, and in the end it’s going to cost the County
money. Mr. Scholes discussed with the committee several options offered by both
bidders, SunnKing and Maven, and recommended they award SunnKing who will hold
an electronic collection day and charge us $.10 per pound of material
collected. Mr. Scholes added this option also allows the County to still apply
for the grant that that will cover up to 50 percent of the total cost, as well
as allow them to have better control over what kind of electronics are being
brought in and by whom. Legislator Graves asked how often they will need to
hold a collection day. Mr. Scholes stated quarterly, or less as it will be a
cost to the County, so they will want to make sure to have some control of how
often a collection day is held. They hope to hold the first one before March
31, 2017. Mr. James stated this is something the public needs to be made aware
of, and Mr. Scholes added they are aware it will be less convenient to the
taxpayers, but it will benefit them in the long run. This request was approved
on a motion made by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Decker, and
carried.
