REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION NOVEMBER 13, 2024 6:00 PM CITY HALL ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 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: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Cathy Gattuso Caitlin Griffith Amanda Masino Craig Nazor Melissa Rothrock Michael Drohan 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 October 9, 2024. ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to recommend that Austin City Council adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan. 3. Discussion and action to amend the ZWAC By-laws to disband the sub-committees. 4. Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for compost processing services with Employee-Owned Nursery Enterprises LTD d/b/a Organics By Gosh, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $11,800,000. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing regarding the 2024 Austin Energy Green Building Program Overview by Heidi Kasper, Energy Efficiency Services Director, Austin Energy. 6. Staff briefing regarding the Equity-Based Preservation Plan by Cara Bertron, Program Manager, Austin Planning Department, and Rocio Peña-Martinez, Preservation Plan Working Group member. 7. 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 …
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION NOVEMBER 13, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Planning Process HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Michelle Benavides Mary Jo Galindo*1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* 1 JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 Julia Brookins* Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko 1 Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Ursula A. Carter Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Image sources: Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Images: Joe’s Bakery, home in Zilker neighborhood, detail from Music Listening Map by Amy Moreland Plan Goals 107 recommendations 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Make preservation more accessible 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Images, clockwise from top left: Juneteenth parade, unveiling of La Loteria mural, archaeological resources Image sources: The Austin Chronicle (two images), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support displacement prevention and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Engage new partners and audiences • Help community members access knowledge and resources • Support people doing the work: homeowners and tenants, crafts- people, commissioners, and staff Images, clockwise from top left: Protest at City Hall to preserve Edward Rendon Park (Chicano Park), door hanger in San Antonio, “Stories within Stories” project of the Austin Asian American Film Festival Image sources: Bertha Rendon Delgado, San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, Austin Asian …
RCA Cover Sheet for ZWAC-Revised Sept. 2024 ORGANICS PROCESSING SERVICES PROGRAM SOLICITATION # (IFB 1500 RGW1023) ZWAC: 11/13/2024 Council: 11/21/2024 OVERVIEW 1. Requested Contract Term, Authorization, and Current Budget Length of contract and total authorization: Authorize execution of a contract for compost processing services with Employee-Owned Nursery Enterprises LTD d/b/a Organics By Gosh, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $11,800,000. ARR current fiscal year budget: Funding in the amount of $2,163,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 2. Solicitation Information Solicitation No: IFB 1500 RGW1023 # of bids received: 2 # of non-responsive bids received: 1 Length of time solicitation was out on the street: 30 DAYS Was the time extended? YES Issued date: 07/22/2024 Closed date: 08/20/2024 Major Scope Change(s): Scope changes include adding a preference for vendor to have two processing facilities and to accept more materials such as cotton balls and dryer lint. 3. Previous Contract Information Previous contract: Organics Processing Services Program Contract number: NA200000006 Contract length and authorization: Three years with two 1-year extensions Contract actual spend: $3,948,500.69 (as of 11.05.2024) Current status: Active Contract execution date: 10/24/2019 Contract expiration date: 02/21/2025 RCA Cover Sheet for ZWAC-Revised Sept. 2024 4. Notes/Other The Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) Department’s Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for the City to achieve its Zero Waste goal of reducing the amount of trash sent to landfills by 90% by the year 2040. Zero Waste is a shift from traditional waste management to materials management, where trash is what remains once we reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. The compost program is expected to expand from 44,722 tons collected in FY23 towards a potential of up to 60,000 tons of compost materials delivered annually. The purpose of this contract is to support the City’s Zero Waste initiatives. City vehicles will collect and deliver approximately 50-loads daily from current ARR residential and commercial customers with ARR carts (e.g., small businesses, food permitted businesses, etc.) participating in the services, to the Contractor. The contract will provide compost processing services, including processing, sorting, and composting of organics, yard waste, food scraps, and food-/oil-soiled compostable paper, as well as marketing services to include detailed data reporting to support the City’s residential curbside compost materials collection services. The Contractor …
To: From: Date: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery November 13, 2024 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission On-Demand Expansion In April 2018, ARR began an on-demand pilot program for the collection of bulk items. The bulk pilot has been operating on two collection routes in Central Austin and Northeast Austin. During this period, ARR has completed nearly 16,000 service orders and collected 3,072 tons of material. The pilot allowed customers to schedule up to three (3) bulk collections at their convenience. With a goal for diversion, ARR was able to divert such items as metals, appliances, electronics, and tires. Shifting to on-demand services eliminates the need to wait up to six months for twice annual collection. In January 2023, ARR began an on-demand pilot program for brush collection. The brush pilot has been operating two collection routes in Northwest Austin and Southeast Austin. Over the course of the pilot, ARR has collected 355 tons of brush material. The pilot allows customers to create their own schedule as a way to mitigate wildfire risk and manage annual tree pruning. Further benefits of both on-demand services include reducing the carbon footprint as collection crews will know exactly which addresses to service and eliminates the need to drive an entire route looking for stops. The on-demand expansion will also add to fuel savings throughout the year and gives the customer control over when they want to be serviced. Media A press release announcing that ARR is changing the way it offers bulk and brush collections to residential curbside customers was distributed on Monday, October 28. Beginning in January 2025, the services will move from predetermined biannual schedules to on-demand. Household hazardous waste (HHW) collection will also be launched citywide in January. ARR Solicitation Updates As of November 5, 2024 ZWAC Meeting November 13, 2024 Preparing for Council: • Compost Processing Services: The Contractor shall provide complete processing, sorting, and composting of organics, yard waste, food scraps, and food-/oil-soiled compostable paper, as well as marketing services to include detailed data reporting to support the City’s residential curbside compost materials collection services. Tentative Council date 11/21/2024. Link to the current contract. Published: • N/A • N/A Expected to be Published Within 90 days: Definitions: CCO CO-OP ILA IFB RFI RFQ RFQS RFP (Capital Contracting Office): Administers the procurement of professional and construction services. …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION OCTOBER 9, 2024 6:00 PM CITY HALL ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 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: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Cathy Gattuso Caitlin Griffith Amanda Masino Craig Nazor Melissa Rothrock Vacant 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 August 14, 2024. ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to approve 2025 ZWAC Meeting Schedule. 3. Discussion and action to approve amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single 4. Discussion and action on amending By-laws related to ZWAC Committees. 5. Approve a resolution making recommendations to the electrification of the ARR fleet of Family Homes. vehicles STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing on proposed amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single Family Homes by Jason McCombs, Strategic Initiatives Manager. 7. Staff briefing on Fleet Mobility Services Electrification Updates to ZWAC by Rick Harland, Assistant Director of Fleet Mobility Services. 8. 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 …
Zero Waste Advisory Commission DRAFT 2025 Mee�ng Schedule The Zero Waste Commission meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month, unless otherwise determined by the Commission. Mee�ngs are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 301 W. 2nd Street. Changes to the above regarding date, �me or loca�on will be noted on mee�ng agendas. Mee�ng Dates January 8 February 12 April 9 May 14 June 11 July 9 August 13 September 10 October 8 November 12 Cancelled Dates March 12 December 10
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Zero Waste Advisory Commission Resolution on Austin Resource Recovery Refuse Truck Electrification WHEREAS the Austin Resource Recovery Comprehensive Plan includes a goal to “Develop necessary infrastructure to support electrifying the fleet. The department has interest in switching as many vehicles as possible in its fleet to run on electric power.”; and WHEREAS the Transportation Electrification section of the Austin Climate Equity Plan includes a strategy to “Electrify public sector fleet vehicles: Encourage vehicle fleets from public sector agencies in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA such as cities, counties, Capital Metro, and school districts to commit to buying 100% electric vehicles when they are available, cost- competitive, and meet operational needs.”; and WHEREAS vehicle that run on diesel, including refuse trucks, are a significant source of air pollution, including particulate matter (PM), accounting for as much as 100 times the pollution when traveling at speeds of 0-25 MPH as light-duty vehicles running on gasoline;1 and WHEREAS the particulate matter (PM) pollution in the Austin Metro Area exceeds the health- based standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency2; and WHEREAS electric heavy-duty trucks utilize cheaper fuel and maintenance costs, and can have a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) than their diesel counterparts over the lifetime of the vehicle;3 and WHEREAS electric heavy-duty trucks are preferred by drivers,4 for whom it is easier and more enjoyable to operate and could meaningfully contribute to employee retention; and WHEREAS integrating even a small number of electric refuse trucks now will give Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) valuable experience that can inform long-term planning for full electrification of the fleet; and 1 Pg 3. https://theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/NOx_Emissions_In_Use_HDV_US_20191125.pdf 2 https://www.capcog.org/news/air-quality-program-prepared-for-new-standard/ 3 https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2022/02/FINAL-Roush-Fact-Sheet- 2.10.22.pdf 4 https://cleantechnica.com/2024/01/18/people -who-drive-trucks-for-a-living-really-like-driving-electric- trucks/ WHEREAS there are financial incentives available from state and federal grant programs that could cover anywhere from 40-100% of the upfront cost of purchasing electric heavy-duty trucks and corresponding charging infrastructure; and WHEREAS the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) offers free services to assist entities with fleet transition planning as well as grant applications for fleet electrification, including fellowship programs that can study and shape long-term fleet transition plans; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Zero Waste Advisory Commission recommends that Austin Resource Recovery work with the Environmental Defense Fund to: 1. Apply for funding from state and federal agencies to assist with the purchase of one or more electric refuse trucks and associated charging infrastructure as soon as possible …
Proposed Department Rule Amendments – Update 1 (4.1 - 4.2) Jason McCombs, Division Manager October 2024 Proposed ARR Rule Amendment Process Aug Aug/Sept Sept Oct Nov Present Proposed Department Rule Amendment to ZWAC Proposed Rule Posted to Speak Up Austin. 30 Day Minimum Staff Review of Comments Present Draft Department Rule Amendment to ZWAC for consideration Council Consideration of Department Rule Amendment Speak Up Austin – Public Comment • Survey closed September 18, 2024 • Received 3 comments – 2 discussed clarifying definition of “multifamily,” 1 expressed concerns about cart removal for vacancies • This update is to single family homes. A future update to “small multifamily” rules will add additional clarity to distinguish between properties ARR services (2-4 units) and those it does not (5+ units) • Updated Rules language to reflect current staff practice of verifying property vacancy when carts are removed by customer request • Typically seen during a renovation of a residence. • Water and power usage is monitored against normal usage rates to verify vacancy. • Only the cart fee is removed. Customer still pays clean community fee and base fee. Next available Council Consideration dates: November 21 and December 12 Austin Resource Recovery Rule Amendment Page Speak Up Austin: www.speakupaustin.org/j4317 Jason McCombs Strategic Initiatives Division Manger jason.mccombs@austintexas.gov CITY OF AUSTIN AGENDA DATE: XX RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION PAGE: 1 of 2 AGENDA ITEM NO.:XX *** DRAFT *** Gena McKinley, Assistant Director, 512- SUBJECT: Approve amendments to administrative rules to City Code Chapter 15-6 (Solid Waste Services) relating to single family residential collection services. AMOUNT & SOURCE OF FUNDING: n/a FISCAL NOTE: No fiscal impact REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: Austin Resource Recovery FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 974-2192; Richard McHale, Director, 512-974-1997 PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: In 2022, City Council amended Austin Resource Recovery’s Solid Waste Services Administrative Rules, related to the use of City services for certain residential units and the Universal Recycling Ordinance, to make the administrative rules consistent with City Code’s requirement that premises with one to four residential dwelling units shall use department collection service. BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: On DATE the Zero Waste Advisory Commission (ZWAC) voted X-X -X. PURCHASING LANGUAGE: n/a MBE / WBE: n/a BACKGROUND Austin Resource Recovery’s Administrative Rules assist the Department in the implementation, administration, and enforcement of City of Austin Code, Chapter 15-6, related to operating requirements of the Department. Section 4.1 of ARR’s Administrative Rules includes rules for …
Fleet Mobility Services Update to Zero Waste Advisory Commission City of Austin Fleet Electrification Update Rick Harland Assistant Director Fleet Mobility Services October 9th, 2024 Overview Fleet Mobility Services, a vital department overseeing the comprehensive life cycle management of the City of Austin's 7,500 vehicles and equipment assets. Our purview includes budgeting, acquisitions, make ready preparation, maintenance, disposal, and operation of 42 fuel sites. We ensure seamless vehicle upkeep, embrace innovative technologies, and provide essential administrative support for all City Departments. Our commitment to excellence drives us to enhance mobility, optimize resources, and serve our community. Comprehensive Repair and Maintenance Program Fuel Supply planning, forecasting, inventory and distribution Acquisitions, Rental and Accident programs to support all essential City Services A Complex and Diversified Fleet TYPE FLEET AMBULANCE, 87 BOAT, 95 CARGO VAN, 182 TRUCK, 1777 CONSTRUCTION EQUIP, 993 FIRE UNIT, 124 HEAVY TRUCK, 591 OFFROAD EQUIP, 687 TRAILER, 765 MOTORCYCLE, 75 REFUSE TRUCK, 193 POLICE UNIT, 916 PASSENGER VEHICLE, 1043 • Our fleet comprises 7,528 assets, spanning a diverse range of vehicles and equipment for operational compatibility FLEET ASSETS BY FUEL TYPE PROPANE, 179 BEV, 169 CNG, 35 DIESEL, 2403 NONPOWERED, 1063 GASOLINE (PHEV), 161 GASOLINE (HYB), 347 GASOLINE, 599 ELECTRIC OFFROAD, 193 E85, 2240 • Our fleet utilizes a diverse array of fuel sources to ensure optimal performance and sustainability Category Fleet Inventory ARR INVENTORY Total Fleet: 434, $88.5M Asset Value 205 62 67 Single Vision 31 69 HEAVY VEH >=19,501 LIGHT VEH < 10,000 GVW MEDIUM VEH 10,001-19,500 SOLID WASTE PACKERS OTHER EQUIPMENT FLEET ASSETS BY FUEL TYPE FY23: 1.3M Gal, 76% Alt Fuel, 54,150 Fuel Transactions GASOLINE (PHEV) NONPOWERED PROPANE BEV CNG GASOLINE GASOLINE (HYB) ELECTRIC OFFROAD E85 DIESEL ARR ACQUISITION QTY ARR ACQUISITION SPENDING HEAVY VEH >=19,501 LIGHT VEH < 10,000 GVW HEAVY VEH >=19,501 LIGHT VEH < 10,000 GVW MED VEH 10,001-19,500 MED VEH 10,001-19,500 OTHER EQUIPMENT OTHER EQUIPMENT SOLID WASTE PACKERS Grand Total Fleet Acquisitions 54 57 SOLID WASTE PACKERS Grand Total 36 33 9 5 2 2 9 10 3 2 6 5 8 2 51 30 37 8 9 6 13 1 $12,401,462 $13,665,458 $13,489,134 $10,482,080 $9,900,366 $9,833,795 $171,366 $425,097 $199,094 $462,016 $9,922,165 $5,088,546 2021 2022 2023 2024 2021 2022 2023 2024 ARR REFUSE TRUCK AGE / MILES ARR REFUSE TRUCK – AVG USAGE ANNUAL USAGE BENCHMARK COST PER MILE BENCHMARK 71,209 71,332 15,670 16,180 13,704 $4.69 $3.97 $4.84 $4.99 15,286 15,255 …
To: From: Date: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery October 9, 2024 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission MoveOutATX 2024 Recap MoveOutATX 2024 took place from July 27-31, 2024. This event, a partnership between Austin Resource Recovery, the UT Office of Sustainability, and the UT Office of the Dean of Students, sets up temporary donation stations to help students living off- campus keep gently used items out of the landfill during the end-of-July move-out period. This year, the event had seven donation stations scattered around West Campus. The City collaborated with six reuse organizations to collect, process, and redistribute all the donated materials: Austin Area Urban League, Austin Creative Reuse, Arms of Hope, Goodwill Central Texas, Salvation Army Family Stores, and UT Outpost. The Free Furniture Market, where furniture donated at MoveOutATX donation stations is made available for anyone to take for free, celebrated its third year. Event Highlights: full. Material Collected: 60,227.79 lbs (30.11 tons) – equivalent to 634.72 cubic yards, or approximately 4.5 semi-truck trailers Donation Station Drop-offs: 1,044 Free Furniture Market: Re-homed 641 pieces of furniture and welcomed 1,039 visitors over six days. Since its founding in 2018, MoveOutATX has diverted 253 tons of material from the landfill, representing an estimated economic value of almost $600,000. 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 in effect on October 1, 2024. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) conducted educational event with the Austin Apartment Association, sent all multi-family property owners and managers letters and e-mails to notify them of the ordinance change. Additional mailed letters will be sent to all multi-family property managers in October. More information at: austintexas.gov/multifamilycompost. Universal Recycling Ordinance New Online Survey and Database Each year over 15,000 business, food permit holders, and multi-family properties are required to report to the City how they are meeting the zero waste ordinance requirements of the Universal Recycling Ordinance in their recycling plans. This information is primarily collected from affected properties thru a public-facing webpage (called a survey) that then feeds the entered data into a database. This data is used by City staff for internal performance measures, to identify trends for educational needs, and identify non-compliant properties for follow up. Since 2012, the City has used …
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 9, 2024 The Zero Waste Advisory Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at City Hall Chambers, 301 W 2nd St. Austin, Texas 78701 Chair Acuna called the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Gerry Acuna, Chair; Commissioner Cathy Gattuso; Commissioner Craig Nazor Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair; Commissioner Melissa Caudle; Commissioner Caitlin Griffith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Phillip Martin from the Environmental Defense Fund gave a presentation regarding the Electrification of Austin’s Refuse Fleet. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting on August 14, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the regular Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting of August 14, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nazor’s motion, Commissioner Gattuso’s second, on a (6-0) vote with Commissioners Masino, Drohan and Rothrock absent and two vacancies. ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to approve 2025 ZWAC Meeting Schedule. The motion to approve the 2025 ZWAC Meeting Schedule as presented on October 16, 2024 was approved on Commissioner Nazor’s motion, Commissioner Griffith’s second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioners Masino, Drohan and Rothrock absent and two vacancies. 1 1. Discussion and action to approve amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single Family Homes. The motion to approve the amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single Family Homes as presented on October 16, 2024, was approved with Commissioner Nazor’s motion, Commissioner Gattuso’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Masino and Drohan absent and two vacancies. Discussion and action on amending By-laws related to ZWAC Committees. The motion to defer an action on amending By-laws related to ZWAC Committees as presented on October 16, 2024 to November’s ZWAC meeting, was approved with Gattuso’s motion, Commissioner Nazor’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Masino and Drohan absent and two vacancies. Approve a resolution making recommendations to the electrification of the ARR fleet of vehicles. The motion to approve a resolution making recommendations to the electrification of the ARR fleet of vehicles as presented on October 16, 2024, was approved with Rothrock’s motion, Commissioner Gattuso’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Masino and Drohan absent. Staff briefing on proposed amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single Family Homes by Jason McCombs, Strategic Initiatives Manager The presentation was made by Jason McCombs, Strategic …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 6:00 PM CITY HALL ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 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: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Cathy Gattuso Caitlin Griffith Amanda Masino Craig Nazor Melissa Rothrock Vacant 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 August 14, 2024. ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to approve Equity-Based Preservation Plan. 3. Discussion and action on amending By-laws related to ZWAC Committees. 4. Approve a resolution making recommendations about Austin Resource Recovery Refuse Truck Electrification. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing on the 2024 Austin Energy Green Building Program Overview by Heidi Kasper, Energy Efficiency Services Director, Austin Energy. 6. Staff briefing on the Equity-Based Preservation Plan by Cara Bertron, Program Manager, Austin Planning Department, and Rocio Peña-Martinez, Preservation Plan Working Group member. 7. 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 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Zero Waste Advisory Commission Resolution on Austin Resource Recovery Refuse Truck Electrification WHEREAS the Austin Resource Recovery Comprehensive Plan includes a goal to “Develop necessary infrastructure to support electrifying the fleet. The department has interest in switching as many vehicles as possible in its fleet to run on electric power.”; and WHEREAS the Transportation Electrification section of the Austin Climate Equity Plan includes a strategy to “Electrify public sector fleet vehicles: Encourage vehicle fleets from public sector agencies in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA such as cities, counties, Capital Metro, and school districts to commit to buying 100% electric vehicles when they are available, cost- competitive, and meet operational needs.”; and WHEREAS vehicle that run on diesel, including refuse trucks, are a significant source of air pollution, including particulate matter (PM), accounting for as much as 100 times the pollution when traveling at speeds of 0-25 MPH as light-duty vehicles running on gasoline;1 and WHEREAS the particulate matter (PM) pollution in the Austin Metro Area exceeds the health- based standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency2; and WHEREAS electric heavy-duty trucks utilize cheaper fuel and maintenance costs, and can have a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) than their diesel counterparts over the lifetime of the vehicle;3 and WHEREAS electric heavy-duty trucks are preferred by drivers,4 for whom it is easier and more enjoyable to operate and could meaningfully contribute to employee retention; and WHEREAS integrating even a small number of electric refuse trucks now will give Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) valuable experience that can inform long-term planning for full electrification of the fleet; and 1 Pg 3. https://theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/NOx_Emissions_In_Use_HDV_US_20191125.pdf 2 https://www.capcog.org/news/air-quality-program-prepared-for-new-standard/ 3 https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2022/02/FINAL-Roush-Fact-Sheet- 2.10.22.pdf 4 https://cleantechnica.com/2024/01/18/people -who-drive-trucks-for-a-living-really-like-driving-electric- trucks/ WHEREAS there are financial incentives available from state and federal grant programs that could cover anywhere from 40-100% of the upfront cost of purchasing electric heavy-duty trucks and corresponding charging infrastructure; and WHEREAS the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) offers free services to assist entities with fleet transition planning as well as grant applications for fleet electrification, including fellowship programs that can study and shape long-term fleet transition plans; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Zero Waste Advisory Commission recommends that Austin Resource Recovery work with the Environmental Defense Fund to: 1. Apply for funding from state and federal agencies to assist with the purchase of one or more electric refuse trucks and associated charging infrastructure as soon as possible …
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Planning Process HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Michelle Benavides Mary Jo Galindo*1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* 1 JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 Julia Brookins* Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko 1 Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Ursula A. Carter Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Plan Goals 107 recommendations 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Make preservation more accessible 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Images, clockwise from top left: Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support displacement prevention and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Engage new partners and audiences • Help community members access knowledge and resources • Support homeowners and tenants, craftspeople, commissioners, and staff Images, clockwise from top left: Bertha Rendon Delgado, San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, Austin Asian American Film Festival How We Preserve Be strategic and effective. • Update designation criteria to reflect modern standards • Support the stewards of Austin’s historic properties • Be strategic with review • Improve enforcement processes • Implement the plan collaboratively Selected Recommendations 20) Streamline and expedite the development review process for projects that support the retention of historic-age properties. (19) …
To: From: Date: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Richard McHale, Director, Aus(cid:415)n Resource Recovery September 11, 2024 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission MoveOutATX 2024 Recap MoveOutATX 2024 took place from July 27-31, 2024. This event, a partnership between Austin Resource Recovery, the UT Office of Sustainability, and the UT Office of the Dean of Students, sets up temporary donation stations to help students living off- campus keep gently used items out of the landfill during the end-of-July move-out period. This year, the event had seven donation stations scattered around West Campus. The City collaborated with six reuse organizations to collect, process, and redistribute all the donated materials: Austin Area Urban League, Austin Creative Reuse, Arms of Hope, Goodwill Central Texas, Salvation Army Family Stores, and UT Outpost. The Free Furniture Market, where furniture donated at MoveOutATX donation stations is made available for anyone to take for free, celebrated its third year. Event Highlights: full. Material Collected: 60,227.79 lbs (30.11 tons) – equivalent to 634.72 cubic yards, or approximately 4.5 semi-truck trailers Donation Station Drop-offs: 1,044 Free Furniture Market: Re-homed 641 pieces of furniture and welcomed 1,039 visitors over six days. Since its founding in 2018, MoveOutATX has diverted 253 tons of material from the landfill, representing an estimated economic value of almost $600,000. 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 in effect on October 1, 2024. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) conducted educational event with the Austin Apartment Association, sent all multi-family property owners and managers letters and e-mails to notify them of the ordinance change. Additional mailed letters will be sent to all multi-family property managers in October. More information at: austintexas.gov/multifamilycompost. Universal Recycling Ordinance New Online Survey and Database Each year over 15,000 business, food permit holders, and multi-family properties are required to report to the City how they are meeting the zero waste ordinance requirements of the Universal Recycling Ordinance in their recycling plans. This information is primarily collected from affected properties thru a public-facing webpage (called a survey) that then feeds the entered data into a database. This data is used by City staff for internal performance measures, to identify trends for educational needs, and identify non-compliant properties for follow up. Since 2012, the City has used …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION AUGUST 14, 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: Gerry 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 Special Called Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting on July 22, 2024. ACTION ITEMS STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Discussion and action on the Annual Internal Review of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission for July 2023 through June 2024. 3. Staff briefing on Keep Austin Beautiful Education Outreach Program by Rodney Ahart, Chief Executive Officer for Keep Austin Beautiful. 4. Staff briefing on proposed amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single Family Homes by Jason McCombs, Strategic Initiatives Manager 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.
