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Utilities Director Pinto commented that the Board would be looking>>at franchising the septage haulers exactly the same as they franchise the trash haulers. Franchising them is somewhat different than franchising a private utility company since it is not proposed to get into monitoring the rate of return on investment. The franchise basically is intended to control the environmental aspects of the operation. When a hauler is franchised, they will come in and make their rates a part of the record. Rates can be different among the haulers, and the competition would serve to adjust them. Most important is that they cannot operate without a license, and if they do violate any regulations, i.e., such as dumping in an unauthorized area, the franchise would be revoked. Mr. Pinto stressed that his major concern was to get this process under control so we can get it out of the Landfill where it is creating a real problem. Chairman Scurlock wondered if we have the ability on staff to monitor this, and also asked what the franchise will achieve since it already is unlawful to dump in unauthorized places. Commissioner Lyons felt the difference is that you will not be able to haul septage at all if you don't abide by the rules. Commissioner Wodtke was in favor of having some control to ensure these haulers meet environmental standards, but felt strongly that we should stay entirely out of the rate situation as he believed competition will take care of that. Chairman Scurlock agreed with Commissioner Wodtke since this is very different than franchising utilities. Considerable discussion ensued, and Administrator Wright felt that what the Board is talking about is a licensing procedure rather than a franchise. He suggested going to a licensing procedure through the Utility Department. 11 APR 111984 BOOK 56 PAGE 695