Item 2_ Draft Recommendation — original pdf

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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 three-month cost of operation reserve in preparation for unforeseen events. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Zero Waste Advisory Commission asks City Management and the City Council of Austin, Texas, to proactively and aggressively identify and develop a North Austin Transfer Station to address the enormous growth occurring in this Austin, Travis County, Texas area. The development of a North Austin Transfer Station will provide a more cost effective and efficient collection methodology for ARR which will lead to greater operational cost efficiencies and ratepayer savings. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Zero Waste Advisory Commission asks City Management and City Council to support a budget increase that will provide more competitive employee compensation pursuant to market conditions and for the addition of more Austin Resource Recovery Full Time Employee staffing to support previously stated ARR and Zero Waste Goals. Date of Approval: Vote: For: Against: Abstentions: Off Dais: Absences: Vacancies: Attest: Gustavo Valle, Staff Liaison