bocc: waste transfer station

Alright, everyone. I'm at the Board of County Commissioners meeting at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. I figured I'd post some nuggets as the meeting progresses, for those who couldn't make it but also can't wait until the news reports of the event come out.

So, stay tuned!

UPDATE (6:38 p.m.): Community activist group Orange County Voice and their supporters have arrived in force. They are handing out and wearing stickers that say "CHOOSE DURHAM" and "STAND UP FOR SMART TRASH" in support of their proposed solution to the waste disposal problem: use Durham in the short-term and find a better idea than a waste transfer station in Bingham Township or the Paydarfar site.


UPDATE (6:46 p.m.): Mini update: Commissioner Barry Jacobs is wearing one of the "CHOOSE DURHAM" stickers. Huh.

UPDATE (7:55 p.m.): County Manager Frank Clifton going over the options. He recommends using Durham's transfer station for 3-5 years while towns, county and UNC come together to find a better option, IF a WTS is deemed necessary.

UPDATE (8:09 p.m.): Public comment time. BOCC gave 1 hour for that.
Bonnie Hauser of OCV says: The situation is changing. We're all better informed, and with Mr. Clifton as manager, the staff now has the leadership to correct the missed opportunities of the past.

Clifton: Thank you, I think.

UPDATE (8:39 p.m.): Public comment still going on. The Rev. Campbell talked about meeting with White House and Cabinet staff, including Dept. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and EPA administrators. He said he received a letter from the EPA saying the complaint with the Dept. of Justice is moving forward and if the BOCC sites a waste transfer station in Millhouse, the EPA may launch an investigation into the county.

UPDATE (8:52 p.m.): Public comment over.

UPDATE (9:09 p.m.): Barry Jacobs makes a motion to ship trash to Durham. Mike Nelson adds a friendly amendment to remove the Eubanks Rogers Road community from consideration.

The motion passes, 6-1.