01/05/2016

Voters will be asked to approve $1.4 million bond for improvements to Recycling Center

The town is planning to ask voters this June to authorize a $1.4 million bond for improvements to the Recycling Center.

Councilors voted 6-1 on Jan. 4, 2016 to adopt a concept plan for improvements, and to authorize the town manager to work with bond counsel and the town attorney to develop a question for the June 2016 ballot. The town charter requires voter approval of capital expenditures over $1 million.

The concept plan was developed and recommended by the Solid Waste and Recycling Long Range Planning Committee, charged in December 2014 with looking at long-term solutions for the handling of solid waste and recyclable materials in Cape Elizabeth.

"It's very very exciting I think ... this is a long term plan that is extremely economical and efficient, and will be a tremendous improvement in safety and service for our citizens," said Councilor Jessica Sullivan, who also chaired the ad hoc committee.

The concept plan replaces the current hopper building with outdoor compactor units for the disposal of household waste. The units would be accessible by car along multiple drive-forward lanes, as would separate recycling bins.

"The 'Recommended Design' requires no expansion of the Recycling Center, no costly retaining walls, and no new buildings, thus eliminating significant potential costs," according to a summary of the committee's recommendations. "Importantly, going forward, the recycling and (municipal solid waste) outdoor compactor units will save over $50,000 each year in hauling fees," the summary says.

Improvements to the 37-year-old transfer station and recycling center had been a council concern, and was part of the town's capital improvement plan, as early as September of 2014. Planning was expedited following a fatal accident that occurred there in November of that year.

An engineering firm, Woodard & Curran, developed short-term improvements to driving patterns and helped the committee develop the long-range concept plan. Input from a public forum and a citizen survey also helped formulate the committee's recommendation.

Cost breakdown

The report estimates capital costs to implement the concept at $1.3 million, including site work, structural costs, equipment, engineering and $216,250 in contingency, but not including temporary facilities or cost of borrowing.  Town Manager Michael McGovern has recommended a 1.75-percent inflationary adjustment because the work will not be done for approximately two years.

Adding $35,000 for bond issuance costs, $25,000 for temporary facilities and approximately 3.5 percent for inflation ($43,000), the total estimated project cost comes to $1.4 million.

Possible bonding for pool systems

McGovern said at the Jan. 4 meeting that the town may also be looking to bond $600,000 to update the humidity and chlorination systems at the Donald Richards Community Pool, bonds which would be issued at the same time as those for the Recycling Center. Councilor stopped short, however, of including the pool bond with their motion to authorize McGovern to develop the ballot question. "I think they are two separate issues," said Councilor Kathy Ray. "I understand they will be bonded together, but they are two separate issues," she said.

Councilors plan to discuss pool bonding and project more at a workshop Jan. 7, before considering it at their next meeting Feb. 8. Language for the ballot question should also be ready for council consideration at the Feb. 8 meeting.