9.2 SR 12-21-2020
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 9.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session December 21, 2020 Justin Femrite, P.E., Public Works Director
Item Description Reviewed by
Commercial Use of Compost Site Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discussion and provide direction by consensus on Sherburne County’s proposed policy relating to commercial
use of compost site.
Background/Discussion
Sherburne County staff led a discussion regarding the large volume of material being hauled by contractors to
county compost sites resulting in their filling to capacity.
The large amount of material has made it difficult to find grinder contractors able to handle the material. The
county recommendation allows for contractors hauling from city residences to access the compost site.
It is our staff’s opinion the county proposal will not reduce the volume of waste, only eliminate the $200 fee had
previously collected. The initial suggestion by the member cities staff was to either eliminate commercial use of
the sites altogether or to increase the fees to $1,000 to supplement the costs of maintaining the sites.
Financial Impact
The decision around the policy has less to do with our budgets and more to do with our staffing and maintenance
of the compost site in general.
Mission/Policy/Goal
To be responsible for every dollar – good stewards.
Attachments
Draft policy to be considered by Sherburne County member cities
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
Updated: August 2020
Planning and Zoning Administration
Sherburne County Government Center
13880 Business Center Drive
Suite 100
Elk River, MN 55330-4668
(763) 765-4465
1-800-438-0578
To: Commercial Tree, Lawn and Landscape Companies
From: The Cities of Zimmerman, Elk River, Becker, and Big Lake
Sherburne County Staff
Date: December 11, 2020
RE: Commercial Use at Municipal Yard Waste Sites in Sherburne County
A meeting was held on December 8, 2020 with the Mayors and Public Works Directors from the
cities of Big Lake, Becker, Zimmerman and Elk River and County Staff to discuss commercial use at
City Yard Waste Sites for 2021. It was mutually decided that the Municipal Yard Waste Sites located
in the City of Becker, Big Lake, Elk River and Zimmerman will no longer accept commercial tree and
yard waste that is generated outside of the County and on commercial projects located within the
County. Many factors play a role in this decision such as to stop the spread of invasive species,
reduce the amount of tree waste that is inundating these sites, and for the safety of County residents
using these sites. As a result, commercial passes will not be issued to companies for 2021.
Companies who offer services to County residents for leaf cleanup and tree trimming services will
still be allowed to utilize and enter the sites using the resident’s pass that they are offering this
service to.
If you have any questions regarding this memo, please feel free to contact any of the cities or the
County.
______________________________ ______________________________
City of Elk River City of Zimmerman
______________________________ ______________________________
City of Becker City of Big Lake
______________________________
Sherburne County