Litter Abatement Programs: Efforts to Keep Austin Clean ARR Litter Abatement Division Sam Gilbert-Acting Division Manager Citywide Homelessness Background… • In 2019, ARR in partnership with other City departments developed the Violet Bag Program to help abate litter in public places. • The program became a way for persons experiencing homelessness to properly dispose of debris generated at the sites. • ARR installed purple kiosks, 96-gallon carts and violet bags at numerous locations. • ARR serviced nearly fifty (50) locations for the Violet Bag Program. • With the camping ban in 2021, sites have reduced to one (1) location. Homelessness Encampment Cleanup Transportation & Public Works Department • TPW handles the cleanup of over thirty (30) underpasses throughout the city. Austin Parks and Recreation Department • The PARD department is responsible for encampment abatement on Austin parklands. Austin Resource Recovery Department • ARR partners with both TPW and PARD to provide personnel, equipment and removal of debris from encampments. • ARR assists TPW with underpass cleanups such as Cameron Rd, IH35 corridor and Menchaca Road. • ARR administers a multi-department cleaning contract. Homelessness Encampment Cleanup • Austin Resource Recovery partners with several City of Austin Departments to provide encampment cleanup throughout the city. • Encampment locations have moved to parklands, greenbelts, undeveloped private property and some corridor underpasses. • Challenges include accessibility, terrain and both loose and bulk debris at the camps. Violet Keepsafe Storage Program Violet Keepsafe Storage Program • Provides carts for people experiencing homelessness to store personal possessions. • Initially 85 bins were installed, but now there are 339 in place for utilization. • On average approximately 60 individuals use them daily. Homeless H.E.A.L. Sites H.E.A.L.- Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative • Focuses on closing encampments deemed unsafe. • Offer individuals pathway to crisis shelters and stable housing while reducing public camping. • Partnership between departments has safely cleaned and closed 16 H.E.A.L. sites. Homeless Encampment Cleanup ENCAMPMENT CLEANUP TONNAGE 1,528 1,177 380 WEIGHT IN TONS FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 Clean Creeks Program • Austin Resource Recovery cleans the embankments along area creeks. • ARR partners with Watershed Protection Department. • Comprised of six(6) full time employees. • Clean up: 30 designated sites as well as pop-up sites along the creek's corridor. • ARR and WPD continue to find ways to increase the efforts of keeping these areas clean. Clean Creeks Program Methods to …
RCA Cover Sheet for ZWAC-Revised May 2022 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT# (NC200000022) ZWAC: 02/07/2024 Council: 03/21/2024 OVERVIEW 1. Requested Contract Term, Authorization, and Current Budget Length of contract and total authorization: This contract expires on 12/03/2024 with no renewal options. This amendment increases the contract amount for continued digital solutions for waste management with Routeware, Inc. by $52,200 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $297,130. ARR current fiscal year budget: Funding in the amount of $14,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery Funding. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 2. Solicitation Information Solicitation No: N/A # of bids received: # of non-responsive bids received: Length of time solicitation was out on the street: Was the time extended? Issued date: Closed date: 3. Previous Contract Information Previous contract: N/A Contract number: Contract length and authorization: Contract actual spend: Current status: Contract execution date: Contract expiration date: 4. Notes/Other The amendment will provide continued use of a customer-facing mobile application and website widget for Austin Resource Recovery (ARR). Several tools are bundled within the app and widget to help ARR educate and inform customers, including customer collection calendars, service alert messaging, campaign messaging, the What Do I Do With tool, the waste sorting game, Recycle & RCA Cover Sheet for ZWAC-Revised May 2022 Reuse Drop-Off Center appointment scheduling, and special collection scheduling for ARR’s on-call bulk, brush, and household hazardous waste collection programs (On-Call Collection Programs). The requested amendment allows ARR to expand the on-call service scheduling tool for the City’s On- Call Collection Programs beyond pilot testing to customer-wide program offerings. If a contract amendment is not secured, the On-Call Collection Programs cannot be offered to all ARR customers. This contract was established using a Sourcewell cooperative agreement. Sourcewell establishes competitively bid contracts that can be utilized by the State and other government agencies through a cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements save taxpayers dollars by leveraging the State’s volume-buying power to drive down costs on hundreds of contracts through a streamlined cooperative purchasing program. REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR ZWAC Name Date Compiled By: Contract Development February 1, 2024 Reviewed By: Victoria Rieger End-user/Contract Manager: Keri Greenwalt February 1, 2024 February 1, 2024 CITY OF AUSTIN RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION VENDOR: ROUTEWARE, INC. COUNCIL DATE: 03/21/2024 SUBJECT: Authorize an amendment to …
Zero Waste Advisory Commission February Meeting Minutes February 07, 2024 The Meeting of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission (ZWAC) convened at AE Headquarters and through Video Conference on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024. The following are the meeting highlights. For detailed information please visit: https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/297047 CALL TO ORDER Chair Gerry Acuna called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 pm Board Members in Attendance: Gerry Acuna, Melissa Caudle, Craig Nazor, Madeline Jasper, Ian Steyaert & Melissa Rothrock. Board Members not in Attendance: Amanda Masino, Caitlin Griffith, Cathy Gattuso, & Katrina Scheihing Staff in attendance: Richard McHale, Gena McKinley, Ron Romero, Amy Slagle, Donald Hardee, Jason McCombs, Victoria Rieger, Marcus Gonzalez, Samuel Gilbert, Andy Dawson, Yahel Baranovicht and Gustavo Valle. 1. Approval of the November 8th, 2023, Meeting Minutes (00:32) Chair Acuna entertained a motion for approval from Commissioner Nazor, seconded by Commissioner Caudle. Unanimous approval with a 6-0 vote. 2. Presentation and Discussion of Litter Abatement Programs – Sam Gilbert (03:06) Acting Division Manager Sam Gilbert with Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) presented ongoing Litter Abatement Programs. These include the Violet Bag Program, Violet Keepsafe Storage Program, Homeless H.E.A.L. (Housing-focused Encampment Assistant Link) Sites, Clean Creeks Program, Litter Control Program, Keep Austin Beautiful Program & Encampment Cleanups. Such initiatives are carried out in collaboration with other city departments like Transportation & Public Works and Parks and Recreations Department. I. II. Commissioners, staff, and stakeholders reviewed and discussed current Litter Abatement Programs. Commissioner Nazor inquired whether the city would implement single use plastic ordinance since they are found in great numbers at creeks. There are no current plans to implement such ordinances. Commissioner Acuna asked whether it was possible to increase the number of employees working in the Litter Abatement programs, specifically Homeless Encampment Cleanups. Director Richard McHale commented that Austin Resource Recovery is having ongoing budget discussion and would visit the matter. Commissioner Caudle asked about the status of the Zero Waste Rebate program. Division Manager Jason McCombs of Strategic Initiatives said that he would need to locate the data since he did not have concrete numbers at the time. Further, McCombs explained that while the numbers of businesses participating in the program have been steadily increasing since the pandemic, Strategic Initiatives continues to advertise the program as much as possible. 3. Presentation and Discussion of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Door-to-Door Pilot – Andy Dawson (27:09) Assistant Division Manager Andy Dawson with …
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION UNIVERSAL RECYCLING ORDINANCE (URO) COMMITTEE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2022, 12:00 PM 4815 Mueller Blvd Shudde Fath Conference Room AUSTIN, TEXAS 78723 Some members of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION may be participating by video conference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register to speak, members of the public must: Call or email Elizabeth Nelson at (512) 974-6492 or Elizabeth.Nelson@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Cathy Gattuso (Chair); Kaiba White; and Melissa Caudle AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (10) speakers registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission URO Committee Meeting on October 20, 2022. Discussion and possible action on stakeholder feedback, timeline, and development related to possible amendments to the Universal Recycling Ordinance to include organic waste collection at multifamily properties. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 2 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Yahel Baranovicht, in the Austin Resource Recovery Department, at 512-974-1733, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Yahel Baranovicht at (512) 974-1733. Page 2 of 2
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION (ZWAC) UNIVERSAL RECYCLING ORDINANCE (URO) COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES October 20, 2022 The ZWAC URO Committee convened on October 20, 2022, at Austin City Hall; 301 W 2nd St.; Austin, TX; 78701 Committee members in attendance: Cathy Gattuso (Chair) and Kaiba White City staff in attendance: Selene Castillo, Katie Mulholland, Elizabeth Nelson, and Elizabeth Taylor 1. CALL TO ORDER a. Committee Chair Cathy Gattuso called the committee meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. 2. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION One (1) speaker spoke during the opportunity for public communication. Emily Hanson of Chewie Labs expressed support for organics diversion as part of universal recycling policy and asked for examples of models in other cities in the U.S. Austin can look to for success. 3. MEETING MINUTES a. A motion to approve the June 30, 2022, meeting minutes with no amendments or revisions was made by Commissioner White and seconded by Commissioner Gattuso. The minutes were approved with a 2-0 vote. 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Elizabeth Nelson (ARR) led discussion on composting at multifamily properties. b. Commissioners, staff, and stakeholders discussed the potential financial impact of adding composting at multifamily properties, specifically how it could impact low-income renters. Discussion included costs for haulers and processors, potential for incentives and subsidies, and how economies of scale can reduce costs. c. Commissioners, staff, and stakeholders discussed the processing capacity available through the haulers present in the meeting, and the potential for contamination. d. Stakeholders and commissioners discussed the need for comprehensive education for residents including sustainability impacts of composting. Staff answered questions about how the City can provide education to residents and current education requirements of the URO. e. Commissioners and stakeholders discussed their desire to see access to compost increased through a requirement to provide the service to residents. f. Stakeholders, commissioners, and staff discussed the need to affect behavior change and g. Staff and commissioners discussed the next steps including the future stakeholder meeting engage residents. schedule. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: multifamily properties a. Commissioners White and Gattuso requested a continued discussion of composting at b. Commissioner White requested discussion on front-of-house recycling and composting. c. Commissioner White requested discussion on landscaping organics diversion requirements. 1 ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION (ZWAC) UNIVERSAL RECYCLING ORDINANCE (URO) COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES October 20, 2022 6. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner White motions to adjourn the meeting at 2:34 p.m. without objection. 2
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Zero Waste Advisory Commission Resolution on Multifamily Composting WHEREAS, it is the Responsibility of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to review, evaluate and make recommendations to City Council, city management and city staff regarding policies concerning solid waste, recycling, composting, and Zero Waste goals; and WHEREAS, Austin Resource Recovery waste audits indicate that about 37% of waste from multifamily properties is organic material that could be composted; and WHEREAS, Austin Resource Recovery does not provide composting collection at multifamily properties with greater than four units; and WHEREAS, approximately 55% of Austin residents live in multifamily housing of greater than four units and therefore have no convenient access to composting; and WHEREAS, it is impossible for Austin to reach its Zero Waste goal without providing multifamily residents convenient access to composting; and WHEREAS, reducing organic waste in landfills is important for achieving the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan because organic material in landfills produces methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas; and WHEREAS, the adoption of composting services should ultimately reduce trash hauling costs due to decreased volume in the trash; and WHEREAS, it is in the community's interest to reduce the amount of waste put in landfills to avoid building new landfills, which often cause environmental injustices; and WHEREAS, consistency in access to composting and recycling throughout the Austin community is important; and 11/08/2022 1 WHEREAS, Austin Resource Recovery conducted a multifamily composting pilot that demonstrated that composting is feasible and affordable at multifamily properties and that a large portion of residents will utilize composting services if they are provided; and WHEREAS, the multifamily composting pilot demonstrated that education around composting is important and that physical tools and materials are most helpful; and WHEREAS, face-to-face conversations are most effective for motivating people and Austin Resource Recovery doesn't currently have sufficient staff to conduct outreach to residents at multifamily properties; and WHEREAS, Austin Resource Recovery data shows that a majority of multifamily properties are not providing the required recycling education to their residents; and WHEREAS, in 2000 the City of Austin adopted a comprehensive Master Plan and in 2019 Passed Resolution 20191017-028 recommending organic waste collection be provided at all commercial and multi-family properties; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Zero Waste Advisory Commission recommends that Austin Resource Recovery drafts an amendment to the Universal Recycling Ordinance to require composting collection at all multifamily properties …
Multifamily Compost Stakeholder Meeting Summary Meeting Dates: 10/6/2022 (9 attendees) 10/20/2022 (8 attendees) 11/2/2022 (7 attendees) 11/14/2022 (11 attendees) Stakeholders present: Austin Tenant’s Council, Austin Apartment Association, multifamily property managers, multifamily residents, environmental advocacy organizations, organics haulers. FINDINGS: Stakeholder Meetings and Survey Composting access needs to be convenient for multifamily residents to divert organic waste. Complete education is needed for residents to use composting services correctly to reduce contamination, and to encourage participation. Education should not only include information on how to use compost services, but also on the importance and impact of composting. Stakeholders are concerned about how costs may be passed on to residents. While the costs demonstrated in the pilot were not concerning, many fear actual costs may be inflated when passed on to residents if composting requirements are enacted. Contamination is a concern for property managers, residents, and processors. There is a lower threshold for acceptable contamination in composting than in recycling, with improper materials like glass having the potential to ruin large quantities of finished product. To discourage contamination, processors charge fees if contamination is detected. These potential fees could drive up the cost of composting service for multifamily properties in an unpredictable manner. Stakeholders expressed the need for flexibility with compliance in any requirements, such as waivers for challenging situations like space constraints. Multifamily residents responding to the survey: o were overall in favor of the addition of composting services, but also expressed concerns with cleanliness, odors, and pests. o expressed concerns with contamination and improper use of composting containers. Many mentioned this is a current concern with recycling services that are required by the URO, and that this issue could continue or be exacerbated with the addition of composting. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends amending the URO to include access to composting services at multifamily properties. Staff recommends continuing to engage with stakeholders identified in the resolution to develop these requirements and a timeline for implementation.
REGULAR MEETING of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION NOVEMBER 9TH, 2022 6:00 PM CITY HALL ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Yahel Baranovicht at (512) 974-1733 or Yahel.Baranovicht@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Cathy Gattuso (Vice-Chair) Gerry Acuna (Chair) District 10 Albert Swantner District 1 Melissa Caudle District 4 Ian Steyaert District 8 CALL TO ORDER District 5 Melissa Rothrock District 2 Ethan Myers District 6 Ingrid Powell District 9 AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 3 speakers signed up *prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on September 14, 2022. Amanda Masino Mayor Jonathan Barona District 3 Kaiba White District 7 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Trash in Creeks Presentation – Andrew Clamann DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. URO Update and Proposed Implementation – Jason McCombs 4. Fleet System Enhancement Project Presentation – Marcus Gonzalez 5. 2023 ZWAC Meeting Dates – Ken Snipes DIRECTOR’S REPORT 6. Brush Collection, Solicitations Update, Performance Reports, and Statistical Reports FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Yahel Baranovicht at Austin Resource Recovery Department, at (512) 974-1733 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Yahel Baranovicht at (512) 974-1733 or Yahel.Baranovicht@austintexas.gov.
Item 22-3212 Posting Language ..Title Authorize an amendment to a contract with Employee Owned Nursery Enterprises Ltd d/b/a Organics by Gosh for continued organics processing services, to increase the amount by $1,500,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $5,130,000. (Note: This contract was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2- 9C Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program. For the services required for this contract, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established). ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Resource Recovery. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $1,073,520 is available in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Prior Council Action: October 3, 2019 – Council approved the original contract, item 19, on a 10-0 vote with Council Member Harper-Madison off the dais. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Sandy Wirtanen, at 512-974-7711 or sandy.wirtanen@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: November 9, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract is critical for processing organic and food waste material from the City’s curbside compost collection program. Austin Resource Recovery has used funds at a quicker pace than projected due to higher- than-expected price increases as well as a high volume of organic material generated in Fiscal Year 2021 due to the winter storms. The additional funds will be used to cover needs through the remainder of the contract term. ..Strategic Outcome(s) Strategic Outcome(s): Health and Environment. .
Item 22-3371 Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of three contracts for solid waste consultant services with Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., Newgen Strategies and Solutions, LLC, and Risa Weinberger & Associates, each for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $500,000, divided between the contractors. [Note: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9C, (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program.) For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established]. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Resource Recovery. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $100,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Qualification Statements (RFQS) 1500 JTH4011REBID for these services. The solicitation was issued on March 7, 2022 and closed on April 5, 2022. Of the six offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the best evaluated, responsive offers. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Documents. For More Information: Respondents to this solicitation, and their representatives, shall continue to direct inquiries to the solicitation’s Authorized Contact Person: Al Drayton, at 512-974-2298 or alfonso.drayton@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: November 9, 2022 - To be reviewed by the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. Additional Backup Information: These contracts provide consulting services in support of Austin Resource Recovery’s (ARR) Zero Waste by 2040. An integral part of the ARR’s Comprehensive Plan is to reduce the amount of trash sent to landfills by 90 percent by the year 2040. These contracts will produce new strategies for managing, reducing and eliminating waste, facility and infrastructure planning, workforce planning, and implementing aspects of the comprehensive plan. These are new contracts and a new initiative. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., Newgen Strategies and Solutions, LLC, and Risa Weinberger & Associates as the best to provide these services based on demonstrated applicable experience, project approach and methodology, and project management structure. ..Strategic Outcome(s) Strategic Outcome(s): Health and Environment, Government that Works for All.
To: From: Date: Subject: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Ken Snipes Director Austin Resource Recovery November 9, 2022 Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Brush Collection Austin Resource Recovery will begin the On-Call Brush Collection Pilot in January 2023. The pilot was originally scheduled to begin in August 2022 but was delayed until January 2023 so that the On-Call HHW Pilot could be brought online. The On-Call pilot will involve two separate brush routes across the city and customers may schedule up to three brush collections during the pilot. Goals include reducing on route mileage as well as increasing service levels for customers. The pilot will run until the end of 2023 and will have dedicated staff to provide collection. Routes chosen to participate will be temporarily removed from the brush route calendar until the pilot has concluded. All brush debris is taken to the Hornsby Bend where it is processed into mulch and used to make Dillo Dirt for Austin Water. Staff will collect data during the pilot on tonnages collected, and frequency of use and will provide ZWAC with a detailed presentation after the pilot has concluded and data analyzed. ARR Solicitations Update As of October 21, 2022 ZWAC Meeting November 09, 2022 Upcoming Solicitations and Agreements Under Development (in alphabetical order): 1. Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling Collection Services: ILA – The City will provide household hazardous waste, recycling, and other collection services for Travis County households located outside the incorporated limits of the city. 2. Mattress Collection and Recycling Pilot Program: RFP – The Contractor shall develop and implement a mattress and box spring collection and recycling pilot program. No existing contract. 3. Supplemental Brush and Bulk Collection Services: IFB - The Contractor shall provide supplemental brush and bulk debris removal and hauling services throughout Travis County and dispose of the debris at the designated Debris Management Site. Link to the current contract. Solicitations Expected to be Posted Within the Next 90 Days & Published Solicitations: 1. Sale of Trash Carts and Materials for Recycling: IFB – The Contractor shall purchase, transport, and recycle trash carts and materials including carts, lids, and wheels that the City of Austin deems no longer usable. Link to the current contract. Solicitations in Evaluation or Negotiation: 1. Solid Waste Industry Consulting Services: RFQS 1500 JTH4011REBID - This solicitation was posted on March 07, 2022, and closed on April …
ARR’s Fleet System Enhancement Project Transitioning from RMS to the New System Created: CJ Sisco – Customer Service Division Fleet System Enhancement Project Outline • Project Background and Infrastructure • Current System Gaps Description • New System Software Solution Project Background and Infrastructure • • • • In 2017 ARR began the process to replace its 17-year-old SWTS fleet system with Fleetmind RMS To meet ARR’s requirements, RMS had to be integrated with the two City of Austin (COA) systems used by ARR To achieve the integration, an IT infrastructure had to be built to unify all the systems’ workflows using the COA’s Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) interface. Once the infrastructure was completed and the integration was finalized, the project was implemented in October 2021 After the implementation, ARR identified and addressed system gaps that it encountered with the Fleetmind system by creating manual workarounds, which stretched its bandwidth Fleetmind System Gaps Description • ARR conducted a gap analysis that identified the following Fleetmind system gaps (attempts were made to resolve the issues, but they are recurring issues): o When there is an increase in the volume of request, the Fleetmind system goes offline and needs to be restarted. This causes system performance issues o Fleetmind is unable to uniformly update the software on the units due to system downloading issues o The routing functionality is deficient in error handling o When Fleetmind is used in the semi-automated vehicles it’s unable to record pickups from both sides of the street o Fleetmind has limited reporting functionalities and video access / storage New System Software Solution • The ARR/Fleetmind contract ends in FY23. This affords ARR the opportunity to pursue new software technology that will address the current Fleetmind system gaps • ARR researched several fleet software. The goal was to identify a software that could meet the current system demands, with expansion capabilities to meet future needs. And one that could also leverage the existing infrastructure and equipment • The RubiconSmartCity software solution was identified by ARR stakeholders as a software that can meet the department’s needs • The Rubicon software is App and computer accessible. It uses artificial intelligence to optimize routes, offers uniformed software updates and customizable reporting using telematics, it’s cloud base with large storage capacity, it records pickups on both sides of the street, and it’s expandable. Rubicon can integrate with asset management systems, COA systems …
Trash In Creeks: Benchmarking Solution Space and Resources RR-22-02, August 2022 Leila Gosselink, Andrew Clamann and Mateo Scoggins Leila.Gosselink@austintexas.gov Andrew.Clamann@austintexas.gov Mateo.Scoggins@austintexas.gov City of Austin, Watershed Protection Department 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704 Abstract At the request of Austin City Council (CIUR 2234), to address prevention and abatement of trash in waterbodies, the Watershed Protection Department (WPD) researched strategies available in literature and reached out to peer municipalities, organizations, and vendors. The City of Austin already implements many of the strategies employed by other entities. While there are novel technologies for the active and passive collection of trash, most have limitations that preclude efficient use in Austin’s setting. Based on the research, recommendations for the City of Austin to address the problem of trash in creeks include a progressive and three-pronged strategy: the physical removal of trash at strategic locations, improved methods to prevent trash from getting to the waterways, and strategies to reduce the quantities of some types of items that typically become trash in our community such as single-use plastics. A companion report “Trash in Creeks: A Field Survey of Trash Intensity and Source Types in Austin, Texas” (RR-22-01) provides a high-resolution characterization of Austin’s trash in creeks problem. Recommendations in this report integrate the findings of the Austin field survey with the results of comprehensive benchmarking. Introduction Due in part to public comments that 1) assert the increase of trash in creeks over time, 2) express concern of micromobility vehicles (i.e. scooters) in waterbodies, and 3) request the reinstatement of the public camping ban, Austin City Council passed Resolution No. 20200123-108 (CIUR 2234) directing the City Manager to “prepare a study with recommendations to improve the ecological health and safety of Austin’s rivers, lakes, and creeks by addressing litter problems, prevention, and abatement in our watersheds…”. The resolution further specified a list of deliverables to address litter problems and illegal dumping of electric micro-mobility devices in waterways. The Environmental Monitoring and Compliance (EMC) Division of the Watershed Protection Department (WPD), in response to one of these deliverables, committed to a research effort to identify practices by peer cities and organizations (nationally and globally) and provide recommendations for actions that Austin could take to substantially prevent and abate litter in our watersheds. RR-22-02 Page 1 of 55 Aug 2022 Litter, overflowing dumpsters at apartments, windblown garbage from the bed of a pickup truck, storm- washed floatables, illegal …
https://arcg.is/0z48bj0 Trash In Creeks: A field survey of trash intensity and source types in Austin, Texas RR-22-01, August 2022 Andrew Clamann, Mateo Scoggins, James Collins, Jeremy Walker City of Austin, Watershed Protection Department. 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704. (andrew.clamann@austintexas.gov, mateo.scoggins@austintexas.gov, james.collins2@austintexas.gov, jeremy.walker@austintexas.gov) Abstract The Watershed Protection Department conducted a field survey to understand distribution and sources of trash in creeks to inform solutions. Data points were collected every 30ft for a total of 19,467 observations in 110 miles along 20 creeks from November 2021 to April 2022. Results show that trash intensity does not correlate well with stream position (upstream-to-downstream) which implies that trash does not move evenly through the system, complicating efforts to quantify the relative impact of different sources. Presence of trash is more strongly influenced by stream roughness (primarily riparian vegetation) than by source inputs which presents an opportunity to use these natural “strainers” as locations to periodically remove trash from the system. ArcGIS attributes and linear regression, at the raw data level and aggregated, were used to evaluate relationships between trash intensity and observed point sources such as overflowing dumpsters, illegal dumping, historic dumping, encampments, as well as land attributes such as population, transportation, and land use (e.g., single family residential, multifamily, commercial, parks, etc.). Surprisingly, there were no strong relationships with any of the sources or watershed attributes. This indicates that culpability of trash in creeks should not be directed specifically at any one source, but rather it is the cumulative influence of the Austin community. Spatial analysis indicates that 76% of the total volume of trash was located at only 10% of the observation points. The most encountered items were single use plastic beverage and food containers resonating a global appeal for reduction. A companion report “Trash in Creeks: Benchmarking Solution Space” (RR-22-02) provides recommendations synthesizing the data from this field survey in the context of international strategies to prevent and abate trash in waterways. Introduction Purpose Due in part to public comment asserting an increase of trash in creeks over time, prevalence of scooters thrown in waterbodies and concerns with encampments, the City Council passed Resolution No. 20200123- 108 (CIUR 2234) directing the City Manager “to prepare a study with recommendations to improve the ecological health and safety of Austin’s rivers, lakes, and creeks by addressing litter problems, prevention, and abatement in our watershed.” The resolution further specified a list of …
Trash in Creeks Field Investigation Report and Benchmark Research Study Andrew Clamann ZWQC 11//09/22 Andrew.Clamann@austintexas.gov Mateo.Scoggins@austintexas.gov Leila.Gosselink@austintexas.gov Resolution No. 20200123-108 (CIUR 2234) field study benchmark report upstream concentration source downstream concentration Typical pollutant assessment: downstream – upstream = source contribution This assessment does not work for trash Variability in storm intensity Variability in stream character Data Collection • 20 Creeks • 110 miles • Observations every 30ft • 19,467 data points Scooters only 21 found Small number of occurrence due to: o reduced permitted fleets (since 2020) o improved process for reporting (311) o efficient process for removal (vendor) Trash intensity score + source presence • Overflowing dumpster • Outfall/tributary • Encampment • Dumping historic site • Dumping point source • Dumping unknown • Property management Sources by occurrence Takeaway # 1 Encampment was the most commonly-observed source, but is similar in intensity and range to most other sources Result: A georeferenced map of intensity* and sources example: upper shoal creek *can be used by internal or external partners for strategic cleaning https://arcg.is/0z48bj0 Takeaway # 2 Trash intensity is not proportional to its drainage area (source input locations are deceiving) Geospatial analysis using 300’ and 3000’ buffers Population Transportation Land Use Takeaway # 3 There were no statistically significant correlations between trash intensity and: landuse, census, transportation, • • • • parks, etc. Takeaway # 4 Virtually anything can be found in creeks, but single use plastics were the most common item clothing, tents, bedding recreation items, toys erosion matting, silt fences packaging, shipping office, household lawn tools, mulch bags, garden hoses, appliances medical, electronics, textiles, hardware traffic cones, barriers, safety construction materials, asphalt, lumber Telecommunication cables, displaced infrastructure 500+ shopping carts Takeaway # 5 76% of the trash is found in 10% of the area (opportunity for strategic site selection for cleanups by COA, partners, contractors, volunteers) Field report provides diverse assemblage of recommendations at different scales • • • • • • • site-specific cleanups, improved rules for dumpsters, structural controls, enforcement, education/outreach, coordination with partners, etc Benchmarking Research Report • EXTRACTION (physically removing trash from waterways) ex: structural controls, machines, manual labor • INTERCEPTION (keeping trash from entering waterways) ex: education, enforcement, landscape cleanups, structural controls • SOURCE REDUCTION (stemming the flow into our community) ex: limit single use plastics Extraction • creek and lake cleanups* • requirement/enforcement of vendors/individuals to clean up • targeted cleanups at …
FY22 Year In Review November 2022 Recycling Plan Submission Rate 85% Organics Plan Submission Rate 70% Recycling • • FY22 85% plan submission rate rebounded from pandemic levels (in the 80% range) Recycling plan submission rate in the eastern crescent was 84.47%, the rest of Austin 87.21% Organics • The 70% organic plans submission rate represents the highest rate in program history • Organic plan submission rate in the eastern crescent was 67.33%, the rest of Austin 73.07% Compliance • Approximately 10K properties and 5K food permit holders are affected by the ordinance • Property owner response to a deficiency letter increased by 15% with the new Code Compliance team • Identifying and contacting mobile food vendors continues to be a challenge Brick and Mortar Submission Rate 75% Mobile Food Vendor Submission Rate 28% 66% of businesses who submit recycling plans reported not meeting all ordinance requirements. 90% met dumpster size and placement requirements (but were missing other items such as signs or education) • Learn more about the ordinance at: austintexas.gov/uro Department Administrative or Operational Action related to the ordinance • New software build for public facing online recycling and organic plans • New software database build to support online submissions • New software database and case filing system for compliance • Implement 3-1-1 call in-process for public ordinance questions • Implement strategies to reduce the 25% of organic submissions reporting source reduction and no food donation or composting • Proactive outreach to properties that reported no education and signage Active Potential Policy Revisions to the ordinance • Austin Travis County Food Policy Board - Working Group - food donation • ZWAC - URO Committee City Council resolution discussion related to multifamily composting Austin Travis County Food Policy Board: austintexas.gov/content/austin-travis-county-food-policy-board 11 businesses received $18k in rebates in FY22 6 organizations purchased five refrigerators/freezers to expand food rescue 3 businesses switched from single use plastic or foam to reusable or compostable items 2 businesses started composting services Learn more at: austintexas.gov/zwbizrebate
Fleet Software Enhancement Project Transitioning to New Software Zero Waste Advisory Commission 9 November 2022 Director Ken Snipes Background • In 2017, the process began to update the 17-year-old fleet software system. • After the integration, testing continued to advance the software. Since the integration, staff identified new needs that were outside of the scope of the current software contract. Staff created manual processes to close the gaps. Software Features Staff identified some issues, and the new needs of the department necessitated features outside of the original scope. These include: • Connectivity problems which cause system performance issues Inability to install software updates to all computers at once Inability to record collection activities on both sides of a street Limited video storage and reporting capabilities • • • New Software Solutions The current contract ends in 2023. Staff is exploring new software technologies. Potential software solutions should provide: • Optimized routing solutions • Unified software updates based on departmental requests • Customized reporting using telematics • Large capacity storage • Recording of all collections (both sides of the street) • Asset management • Compatibility with existing systems and equipment Questions
