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Based on the comments and emails Commissioner Moss had received, she turned to Mr. Mehta and asked whether seasonal residents would be able to opt out seasonally with "universal service". Mr. Mehta replied unfortunately no because the costs were implemented through the property tax bill. County Attorney William DeBraal sought and received confirmation that the preliminary costs in the RFP bids were per month and wondered what percentage of recycling carts per week were contaminated. Sue Flak, SWDD Recycling Education Coordinator, responded over 55% and told the Board the recycling was taken to a facility in St. Lucie County where the recycling materials were sorted, baled, and sold. She stated out of five other counties, Indian River County had one of the lowest contamination rate of materials. Chairman Adams, in response to the emails sent to the Board, received confirmation from Mr. Mehta that a person could purchase additional 96 -gallon carts for yard waste for a total of four carts max per residence; however, if the Board did not go with carted yard waste there would still be a weekly yard waste limit of four cubic yards. She mentioned there were comments and emails stating residents wanted the County "to leave the current service the way it is", with Mr. Mehta stating there was an Ordinance in place that stated Franchise agreements were limited to ten years max and emphasized the pricing provided by the haulers would start on October 1, 2025. She raised the issue relating to how those communities further out on dirt roads would be served. Mr. Mehta stated for the sub -standard roads that were designated by the Public Works Director, the County has required the haulers to provide smaller vehicles to handle those service areas. 7. PUBLIC INPUT The Chairman opened the meeting for Public comment. The following individuals came forward to make comments or expressed their concerns. Bob Auwaeter suggested the Board add an inflation adjustment clause to the hauler's contract. Tim Franklin inquired on post hurricane yard waste pickup and was in support of universal service. Mary Pitman informed the Board of areas where the yard waste was piling up and was in support of universal service. Nick Bianco brought up the issue of HOA's that do not allow the bins to be stored outside of the property and there was barely enough room to fit two bins in the garage, let alone an additional bin for yard waste. He wanted to see a mechanism in the hauler's contract for recourse if they destroy private property. Lawrence Stygar stated the City of Sebastian went to "universal service", a service he does not utilize and it was an added expense for those on fixed incomes. Virginia Shelhamer was not in favor of carted yard waste and she felt the limits would create an additional burden on the convenience centers which on a regular basis stopped the intake of trash and yard waste due to the bins being full. She opined individuals from other counties were Solid Waste Disposal District Special Call Meeting Page 4 March 20, 2024