City wants to build trash conversion plant
Glendale intends to pursue funding for a waste conversion plant at Scholl Canyon, the city’s 40-year-old landfill and park.
The landfill serves Glendale, La Cañada and La Crescenta from its site near the Eagle Rock.
The waste conversion effort will not be cheap but will be competitive with other ideas being explored for future trash disposal when the landfill is exhausted, according to public works director Steve Zurn.
For example, he said, a disposal by rail to the desert will cost at least two-and-a-half times more than current fees and will continue the problem of the landfill technology.
A conversion plant using new technologies would cost about $750 million to build and $30 million a year to operate.
Zurn said Glendale is working with Coby Skye of county public works on studying available trash conversion programs. The Glendale official said he wanted to name a staff committee to work with a consultant to develop a plan for Glendale to pursue. An advisory group will also participate, led by former mayor Carl Raggio.
City manager James Starbird said the city as owner of the property could profit financially down the line. Skye said a number of plants may eventually be built, bringing green jobs and technology. “We have no shortage of trash,” he said.

Local projects remain in budget
Four major local projects remain in the city’s general funds capital improvement budget for the coming year, according to city staff.
In a budget session Tuesday, the city council was given a list that includes the Deukmejian barn renovation, ongoing work at Rockhaven, Montrose Library and the renovation of Fire Station 29.
City manager Jim Starbird said the capital budget is “a shadow of its former self” in terms of what was spent 10-12 years ago.
The staff is recommending that $1.1 million in sales tax be taken out of the capital budget and used in the general fund, which is facing an $8 to $10 million deficit.
The city manager reported an improvement in development related fees, which boost available capital dollars. Other help may be coming when the redevelopment agency phase-out begins in 2016 and loans are repaid to the city.
But he said Glendale will have to be wary of possible revenue losses to the state, which remains in financial crisis.

By Charles Cooper