SWA Board Meeting - 10-14-2026

The Solid Waste Authority (SWA) Board meeting was held October 14, 2026. The board approved the first five blighted-property grant projects and directed staff to seek revised submissions for projects six through eight limited to demolition costs and addressing whether a public-safety concern applies; the motion passed with six votes. The board also discussed a proposed 20-year operations and maintenance agreement for the Biosolids Processing Facility with NEFCO, now owned by Synagro. Staff said an August 2026 request for information and capabilities drew no equivalent responses from other firms and recommended beginning direct negotiations, along with updates to partner interlocal agreements. Members questioned the limited number of potential operators, the outreach period, cost controls, and whether the agreement could include periodic reviews. A board authorization was requested, but the supplied transcript ends before the outcome of the motion is recorded.

Staff presented workforce-development changes, including a formal five-intern program planned for FY28 at an estimated annual cost of about $40,000, to be included in the budget. The board asked staff to return in February with a more comprehensive, formalized plan addressing advancement procedures and other feedback, including possible 360-degree reviews and tuition reimbursement. During public comment, a speaker urged an independent life-cycle analysis or an RFP for waste reduction, citing a proposed incinerator and an estimated $1.5 billion cost; no board action on that proposal is shown.