Carson City recycling center could cut landfill waste 70 percent

Carson City is considering building and operating a recycling facility at its landfill to extend the landfill's life and add to city coffers.

The board of supervisors told Deputy Public Works Director Ken Arnold Thursday to start looking for proposals for the project aimed at converting, by 2015, a minimum of 70 percent of the trash into useful end products.

The facility could include onsite sorting and processing of recyclable materials and construction or demolition debris.

Organic materials could be converted into compost, hydrogen, bio-gas, natural gas and renewable electricity.

Officials believe this would extend the life of the landfill to more than 100 years.

The city is working with the governor's office to secure grants to support the project.

As part of the program, the city expects to open the operation to neighboring jurisdictions such as Douglas County to attract additional waste and increase the revenues.

Supervisor Shelly Aldean said the city-owned landfill has been a cash cow for a number of years, although revenues are down now due to the lack of construction.

"If we can become the recycling capital of Nevada, that would be a good thing, said Mayor Bob Crowell.

In other business, the board of supervisors:

• Heard from Doug Cramer of Mom & Pop's Restaurant about his new venture in the Carson Mall, Paradise Cove Cafe. He thanked those who had supported his proposal, even though his application for redevelopment funds had been turned down.

Cramer reported that the gift shop, the Funky Parrot, is open and that the cafe is expected to open in February.

• Approved an employment contract for City Manager Larry Werner, with a salary of $140,000. The three-year contract ends in December 2012.

Supervisor Robin Williamson said that compared to other city/county governments, "we're getting a very economical price," and that "right now, we have several people who are paid more than him." She also said, "I don't think it's healthy to have an underpaid executive."

• Authorized the Parks and Recreation Department's Aquatic Facility to offer a "Food for FISH Swim Day" from 5:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 18. People can swim that day using their pass, paying the admission fee or bringing in a canned food item to help Friends In Service Helping.

• Approved a $200,000 contract for a professional engineer to be paid from a water fund account and various water capital accounts. The consultant would provide technical help on future water projects such as designing pipelines and pumping stations.

• As the liquor and entertainment board, imposed fines of $500 each on Eagle Gas, 1360 S. Carson St., and San Marcos Grill, 260 Winnie Lane, for second offenses of selling alcohol to minors within six months of the previous offenses. The board also approved Robert Williams as the liquor manager for Tommy's Neighborhood Bar at 260 W. Winnie Lane.

• Made several changes to the current municipal code governing liquor licenses, including a requirement for a liquor license holder to maintain an alcohol training program.