SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION JULY 22, 2024 6:00 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/SHUDDE FATH CONFERENCE ROOM 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission maybe participating by videoconference. 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 contact Gustavo Valle, at Gustavo.Valle@AustinTexas.gov or via phone at 512-974-4350. AGENDA Members: Gary Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Cathy Gattuso Caitlin Griffith Amanda Masino Craig Nazor Melissa Rothrock Katrina Scheihing Vacant Vacant CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 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. Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting on May 08, 2024. 2. Discussion and action regarding a recommendation on the FY 2024/25 Austin Resource 3. Discussion and action on the Annual Internal Review of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission for July 2023 through June 2024. ACTION ITEMS Recovery Budget. STAFF BRIEFINGS Financial Manager. 4. Staff briefing on the FY 2024/25 Austin Resource Recovery Budget by Victoria Rieger, 5. Staff briefing on the status of Austin Resource Recovery operational and administrative projects as well as public outreach efforts by Richard McHale, Director of Austin Resource Recovery. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 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 Gustavo Valle at Austin Resource Recovery, at (512) 974-4350 or email Gustavo.Valle@AustinTexas.gov , for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Electric Utility Commission, please contact Gustavo Valle at (512) 974-4350 4350 or via email Gustavo.Valle@AustinTexas.gov or Claudia Quiroz at Claudia.Quiroz@AustinTexas.gov at (512) 974-1987 or via email at Claudia.Quiroa@AustinTexas.gov.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Zero Waste Advisory Commission Recommendation Number 20240722-002 Recommendation to Support Austin Resource Recovery FY25 Budget Proposal 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, organic and heavy brush collection pursuant to its Zero Waste Master Plan Goals; and WHEREAS, Implementation and/ or adherence to City policies must be reflected in the process of planning for future disposal; and diversion challenges within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas and supporting Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), who is responsible for implementing such Policies and Operations; and WHEREAS, Unprecedented pandemic and weather events since 2020 have greatly impacted the logistical and financial challenges associated with the daily course of waste and recycling collection throughout the greater Travis, Williamson and Hays County areas; and WHEREAS, In 2000 the City of Austin adopted a comprehensive Master Plan for future garbage, recycling, organic and brush collection within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin has grown dramatically in population, development and competitiveness over the past five years and is in need of disposal options in the northern portion of Austin, Travis County, Texas; and WHEREAS, The 2024-25 Austin Resource Recovery Budget recommendation is stressed to provide competitive compensation for support and collection staff and for the development of a much more efficient and cost effective North Austin Transfer and Hazardous Waste facility which will minimize employee attrition and provide much needed disposal, recycling and hazardous waste drop off options for north, northeast and west Austin residents seeking more comprehensive garbage, recycling, household hazardous waste and organic and brush disposal and collection options; and WHEREAS, It is the goal of the Commission to more closely adhere to our Zero Waste Master Plan's diversion goals while acknowledging the future financial demands of unforeseen weather and environmental events facing ARR in meeting these evolving responsibilities beginning with the 2024-2025 Budget cycle; Now Therefore, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Zero Waste Advisory Commission respectfully asks City Management and City Council to formally consider the financial implications of addressing the City of Austin's current and unforeseen needs associated with the responsible implementation of ARR's daily waste, recycling, heavy brush and organic recycling collection operations by responsibly increasing ARR's Reserve Fund Balance to meet at a minimum a …
To: From: Date: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Richard McHale, Director, Aus�n Resource Recovery July 22, 2024 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Deannexation Impact on Austin Resource Recovery In accordance with Texas Legislation HB3053, enacted during the 88th Legislative session in 2023, Lost Creek and an area near Blue Goose Road will no longer receive municipal waste services from Austin Resource Recovery (ARR). As a result, it is necessary to remove all City-provided refuse, organics, and recycling carts from the neighborhood. Through its subcontractor, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) will facilitate the removal of approximately 3,500 carts located at homes within the impacted areas. ARR is coordinating with other city departments and the community to ensure a smooth transition. The expected annual revenue loss from discontinuing these services is estimated at $579,000. We understand that this change may cause inconvenience and are committed to providing as much support as possible during this period. Multi-family Composting In September 2023, City Council approved amendments to the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) that will require composting access at multi-family properties in Austin. This policy change will be effective on October 1, 2024. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) sent all multi-family property owners and managers letters in May and e-mails in June to notify them of the ordinance change. More information at: https://www.austintexas.gov/multifamilycompost. Circular Austin Accelerator Austin’s Circular Accelerator aims to help local entrepreneurs turn their ideas of achieving a waste-free world into social impact enterprises. From May thru August, 10 entrepreneurs are receiving no-cost technical business training and coaching to help refine their business concepts. They will be required to attend six workshops, a mix of in-person and virtual. In-person workshops will be held at City of Austin Economic Development offices in District 3. The program will culminate in a soft pitch on August 15, where the top 3 will receive entry to compete at Circular Showcase in late August for prize money. Learn more at: https://www.austintexas.gov/circularshowcase. Fix-It Austin Fix-It Austin, an initiative of Austin Resource Recovery’s Circular Economy Team, will host a series of repair-related workshops and Fix-It Clinics at APL branches and PARD facilities. On July 16, there will be a Community PC Program event where staff and interns will help teens discover the inner workings of laptops through hands-on disassembly and troubleshooting. This workshop is designed for 13–18-year-olds. Learn more and register at https://www.austintexas.gov/fixit. MoveOutATX The sixth-annual MoveOutATX takes …
1. ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 22, 2024 The Zero Waste Advisory Commission convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723. Chair Acuna called the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Gerry Acuna, Chair; Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair; Commissioner Melissa Caudle; Commissioner Craig Nazor Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Amanda Masino; Commissioner Melissa Rothrock PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting on July 22, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the Regular Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting of July 22, 204, were approved on Commissioner Nazor’s motion, Commissioner Steyaert’s second on a (6-0) vote with Commissioners Gattuso, Griffith and Scheihing absent. Discussion and action regarding a recommendation on the FY 2024/25 Austin Resource Recovery Budget. The motion to recommend the FY 2024-25 Austin Resource Recovery budget as presented on July 23, 2024 was approved on Commissioner Steyaert’s motion, Commissioner Nazor’s second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioners Gattuso, Griffith and Scheihing absent. 1 Discussion and action on the Annual Internal Review of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission for July 2023 through June 2024. The Commissioners discussed the annual review but no action was taken. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on the FY 2024/25 Austin Resource Recovery Budget by Victoria Rieger, Financial Division Manager. The presentation was made by Victoria Rieger, Financial Division Manager from Austin Resource Recovery. Staff briefing on the status of Austin Resource Recovery operational and administrative projects as well as public outreach efforts by Richard McHale, Director of Austin Resource Recovery. The presentation was made by Richard McHale, Director of Austin Resource Recovery. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Keep Austin Beautiful Program Overview Presentation • Austin Resource Recovery and Electric Vehicle Fleet • Code Compliance Presentation ADJOURNMENT Chair Acuna adjourned the meeting at 7:06 p.m. without objection. The minutes were unanimously approved at the August 14, 2024, meeting on Commissioner Nazor’s motion, Commissioner Caudle second on a 6-0 vote. 3. 5. 2
