A county process to negotiate compensation to the community for Waste Management's Kettleman Hills landfill expansion project has carried over into the new year. Consultants are now asking the Local Assessment Committee to extend the time to come up with a set of recommendations by mid-February. With it, they are also seeking a contract extension.

This week, the committee will go on the road to discuss whether to give itself more time to complete its work -- that is to recommend measures Waste Management must take to protect public health and the environment and negotiate special benefits the company must provide to Kettleman City as compensation.

The committee will meet Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Kettleman City Community Center.

The committee process runs parallel to the county's environmental impact report process, both of which are part of the county Board of Supervisors' ultimate permit decision on Waste Management's project.

The waste disposal giant wants to expand the existing hazardous landfill by 14 acres and build a new 64-acre landfill, but plans have been vigorously opposed by environmental justice groups and advocates of Kettleman City, a town of 1,500 located about 3.5 miles from the landfills.

First formed in 2005, the Local Assessment Committee has been meeting each month since April, but the seven-member advisory body has yet to finalize its recommendations.

It was barely December when the independent consultants -- hired in November by the county in response to a public outcry -- began seeking public comment through a series of public meetings in Kettleman City. But with opponents boycotting the process, claiming it's illegal, participation was dismal.

Still, the consultant, Boogaert & Noll of Fresno, came up with a list of recommendations for the committee to consider Thursday.

The recommendations touch on health care, water quality, traffic and education as well as general quality of life issues. Among the specific desires expressed by Kettleman City, as documented by the consultants, are:

l providing a health care facility in Kettleman City.

l build a new water-treatment facility.

l improve pedestrian safety in Kettleman City.

l improve recreation amenities, public transportation and landscape of Kettleman City.

While considering whether to seek another 40 days to complete its work, the committee will also have to recommend what issues it wants to raise during a negotiation with Waste Management as well as when and how it will negotiate with the company.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.