1 | Consideration and Approval: Termination of Lease, Construction and Service Agreement between City of Flagstaff and Norton Environmental, Inc.
|
||||||
Public Works Director Scott Overton addressed Council stating that the action before them is to terminate the agreement between the city and Norton Environmental. The materials recovery facility is the city’s recycling center that is operated by Norton Environmental, they have been providing recycling services since 1996. The contract was set to conclude in September 2023, but recent events have forced an accelerated timeline. The facility has been shut down and there is no longer a location to haul residential and commercial recycling materials to. For the last week commercial recyclable materials have been hauled to the landfill and residential service is currently paused. Councilmember Matthews asked if there was any equipment being removed from the facility. Mr. Overton stated that it is currently unknown. If the agreement is approved, Norton will have until 8:00 a.m. on May 4, 2023 to remove any of their possessions that they wish to keep. Vice Mayor Aslan asked how long it would take to clean things up and become operational. Mr. Overton explained that they do not know the full extent of the damage from the fire. The reset of the system and operations will be evaluated in the morning. Mr. Clifton stated that the team has been working hard on the situation, it has been an around-the-clock involvement over the past week. There has been a lot of hard work with Norton to facilitate a good transition and then these other extenuating events transpired. He expressed his deep appreciation to those who have been involved in this effort. Solid Waste and Fleet Services Section Director Evan Tyrell addressed the Council offering appreciation to everyone who has been working through things. The intent is to resume operations on Monday, May 8, 2023. Tomorrow they will enter the facility, do an assessment and identify the work needed to convert the facility to allow them to drop materials and then load them into trucks that will transport them to the Phoenix area. Transportation remains a challenge, they are hopeful that they can get something lined up by the end of the week. Councilmember Matthews asked if transportation cannot be arranged if residential materials will be hauled to the landfill. Mr. Tyrell stated that the pause through Friday is the furthest they can go for residential. There are some considerations for temporary storage, but it is significantly limited. Mr. Overton stated that more information will be coming to Council soon on the future of recycling throughout the city. |
|||||||
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to approve the Termination of Lease and Construction and Service Agreement between City of Flagstaff and Norton Environmental, Inc. | |||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||