ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION February 12, 2020 6:30 P.M. Kenneth Gardner Service Center 4108 Todd Lane Austin, Texas 78744 Assembly Room AGENDA CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Gerry Acuna Ian Steyaert Lisa Barden Cathy Gattuso CALL TO ORDER Amanda Masino Jonathan Barona Melissa Rothrock Kaiba White CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. 2. Approval of January 8, 2020 Meeting Minutes 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and Action – Approval November 21, 2019 Special Meeting Minutes b. Discussion and Action – Impact of Ordinance Change Pursuant to City of Austin Extraterritorial c. Discussion and Action – C&D Working Group Sub‐Committee Boundary Revision 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and Action – RCA for Residential Dumpster Service b. Discussion and Action – RCA for Fleet Vehicle Purchase c. Discussion and Action – RCA for Waste Collection at City Facilities 5. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Director’s Report: Climate Action Plan Update, Curbside Textiles Recycling Methods, Compostable Food Service Containers, Solicitations Update, Statistical Reports and Performance Measures, Clean Community Fee, Multifamily Composting Update b. Homeless Encampment Cleanup Update‐ ARR Staff 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Proposed Food Pantry Recommendation Presentation b. University of Texas 2020 Zero Waste Presentation – Presentation by University of Texas Staff 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 Teresa Dixon in the Austin Resource Recovery Department, at 512‐974‐1987, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Teresa Dixon at 512‐ 974‐1987.
Zero Waste Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 8, 2020 The Zero Waste Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on January 8, 2020 in Council Chambers in City Hall in Austin, Texas. The following are the meeting highlights. For detailed information, please visit http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/97_1.htm. CALL TO ORDER Chair Acuna called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Gerry Acuna, Cathy Gattuso, Ian Steyaert, Melissa Rothrock, Amanda Masino, Kaiba White. Absent are: Jonathan Barona, Ian Steyaert. Staff in attendance: Ken Snipes, Tammie Williamson, Richard McHale, Victoria Rieger, Gena McKinley, Andy Dawson, Gabriel Gonzalez, Lori Scott, Scott Long, Marcus Gonzalez, Amy Slagle. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jeffrey Jacoby signed up to speak. He thanked the Commission for their resolution on November 21st. 2. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Chair Acuna entertained a motion. Commissioner Masino moved for approval. Seconded by Commissioner Gattuso. Item did not pass on a 5-0-1 vote. Commissioner Barden abstained. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 3. OLD BUSINESS 3a. Discussion and Action – Impact of Ordinance Change Pursuant to City of Austin Extraterritorial Boundary Revision Jon White, Travis County, talked about the recently amended Solid Waste Siting Ordinance. Mr. White explained that the recent amendment fixed some contradictions that had been in the original 2003 ordinance. Mr. White said that as the ordinance was being re-worked, Travis County and the City of Austin had agreed to release extraterritorial jurisdiction over lands around the Waste Management site. Mr. White said that although the [Waste Management site] were going to continue operations, future activities would not be permitted because it’s the longstanding position that the City and County both have a longstanding position for waste disposal activities at [the Waste Management] location to end. Chair Acuna asked how this affects us in meeting the needs and goals of our city master plan, expanding household hazardous waste opportunities and diversion. Mr. White said that it does allow for potential sites to be developed elsewhere in the county, but the ordinance is more adapted to add transfer stations than landfills. Commissioner Masino asked what the boundaries were of the siting ordinance. Mr. White said it was North of 290 (Blue Goose Road), and the limits were to west where railroad and creek are; within half a mile. Chair Acuna asked for clarification, if it would impede the city’s ability to identify a household hazardous …
Zero Waste Advisory Commission Special Meeting Minutes November 21, 2019 The Zero Waste Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on November 21, 2019 in Council Chambers in City Hall in Austin, Texas. The following are the meeting highlights. For detailed information, please visit http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/97_1.htm. CALL TO ORDER Chair Acuna called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Gerry Acuna, Cathy Gattuso, Ian Steyaert, Melissa Rothrock, Amanda Masino, Kaiba White. Absent are: Jonathan Barona, Lisa Barden Staff in attendance: Ken Snipes, Sam Angoori, Tammie Williamson, Richard McHale, Victoria Rieger, Gena McKinley, Andy Dawson, Donald Hardee, Gabriel Gonzalez, Lori Scott, Scott Long, Marcus Gonzalez, Amy Slagle. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizens signed up to speak. 2. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Chair Acuna entertained a motion. Commissioner Gattuso moved for approval. Seconded by Commissioner Rothrock. Passed on a 6-0 vote. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 3. OLD BUSINESS 3a. Discussion and Action – Impact of Ordinance Change Pursuant to City of Austin Extraterritorial Boundary Revision This item was tabled until January. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4a. Discussion and Action – Proposed 2020 ZWAC Calendar Dates Chair Acuna entertained a motion. Commissioner White moved for approval. Seconded by Commissioner Rothrock. Passed on a 6-0 vote. 4c. Discussion and Action – Create a Working Group to Discuss and Assist with the Development and Implementation of Composting at Multifamily Properties Commissioners Rothrock, Gattuso, White, Masino, and Barona volunteered for the Composting Multifamily Working Group. Chair Acuna moved for approval of the Composting Multifamily Working Group. Seconded by Commissioner White. Motion passed on a 6-0 vote. 4b. Discussion and Action – Proposed Travis County Facility Expansion Chair Acuna proposed a recommendation on the proposed Travis County Facility Expansion and the challenges posed to aviation. Chair Acuna entertained a motion. Commissioner Gattuso moved to accept the recommendation. Commissioner Steyaert seconded. Commissioner Masino proposed a friendly amendment to change: “…varmint and birds of prey…” to “…to attract birds that could present a hazard to air travel…”. Recommendation passed on a 6-0 vote. 5. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5a. Director’s Report: Styrofoam Processing Grant, Aviation Department Bird Strike Data, City of San Antonio and McAllen Fine System Review, Solicitations Update, Statistical Reports and Performance Measures Richard McHale, ARR, presented the Director’s Report. Commissioner Masino wanted to know more information about how the bird data is collected. Chris Moret, Aviation, presented a …
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 Gabriel Gonzalez 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 Gabriel Gonzalez at 512‐ 974‐1733. ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION January 8, 2019 6:30 P.M. CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 AGENDA CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Gerry Acuna Cathy Gattuso Amanda Masino Jonathan Barona Melissa Rothrock Kaiba White Ian Steyaert Lisa Barden CALL TO ORDER 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. 2. Approval November 21, 2019 Special Meeting Minutes 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and Action – Impact of Ordinance Change Pursuant to City of Austin Extraterritorial Boundary Revision 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and Action – Downtown Trash and Recycling Receptacles RCA b. Discussion and Action – Composting Multifamily Working Group Update 5. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Director’s Report: HHW Mobile Collection Event Cost Estimate, Textiles Curbside Pickup Update, Economic Impact Study on C&D Diversion Requirements, Solicitations Update, Statistical Reports and Performance Measures b. Travis County Diversion Efforts/Activities Presentation – Presentation by Travis County Staff c. Violet Bag Presentation – Presentation by ARR Staff 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT
Zero Waste Advisory Commission Special Meeting Minutes November 21, 2019 The Zero Waste Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on November 21, 2019 in Council Chambers in City Hall in Austin, Texas. The following are the meeting highlights. For detailed information, please visit http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/97_1.htm. CALL TO ORDER Chair Acuna called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Gerry Acuna, Cathy Gattuso, Ian Steyaert, Melissa Rothrock, Amanda Masino, Kaiba White. Absent are: Jonathan Barona, Lisa Barden Staff in attendance: Ken Snipes, Sam Angoori, Tammie Williamson, Richard McHale, Victoria Rieger, Gena McKinley, Andy Dawson, Donald Hardee, Gabriel Gonzalez, Lori Scott, Scott Long, Marcus Gonzalez, Amy Slagle. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizens signed up to speak. 2. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Chair Acuna entertained a motion. Commissioner Gattuso moved for approval. Seconded by Commissioner Rothrock. Passed on a 6-0 vote. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 3. OLD BUSINESS 3a. Discussion and Action – Impact of Ordinance Change Pursuant to City of Austin Extraterritorial Boundary Revision This item was tabled until January. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4a. Discussion and Action – Proposed 2020 ZWAC Calendar Dates Chair Acuna entertained a motion. Commissioner White moved for approval. Seconded by Commissioner Rothrock. Passed on a 6-0 vote. 4c. Discussion and Action – Create a Working Group to Discuss and Assist with the Development and Implementation of Composting at Multifamily Properties Commissioners Rothrock, Gattuso, White, Masino, and Barona volunteered for the Composting Multifamily Working Group. Chair Acuna moved for approval of the Composting Multifamily Working Group. Seconded by Commissioner White. Motion passed on a 6-0 vote. 4b. Discussion and Action – Proposed Travis County Facility Expansion Chair Acuna proposed a recommendation on the proposed Travis County Facility Expansion and the challenges posed to aviation. Chair Acuna entertained a motion. Commissioner Gattuso moved to accept the recommendation. Commissioner Steyaert seconded. Commissioner Masino proposed a friendly amendment to change: “…varmint and birds of prey…” to “…to attract birds that could present a hazard to air travel…”. Recommendation passed on a 6-0 vote. 5. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5a. Director’s Report: Styrofoam Processing Grant, Aviation Department Bird Strike Data, City of San Antonio and McAllen Fine System Review, Solicitations Update, Statistical Reports and Performance Measures Richard McHale, ARR, presented the Director’s Report. Commissioner Masino wanted to know more information about how the bird data is collected. Chris Moret, Aviation, presented a …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize award of a multi-term contract with SiteScapes, Inc., to provide trash and recycling receptacles for downtown, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $325,000. (Note: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9D Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program. For the goods required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established). ..Body Lead Department Purchasing Office. Client Department(s) Austin Resource Recovery. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $43,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Purchasing Office issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 1500 SLW1017 for these goods. The solicitation issued on March 4, 2019 and it closed on March 21, 2019. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Documents. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to the City Manager’s Agenda Office, at 512-974-2991 or AgendaOffice@austintexas.gov NOTE: Respondents to this solicitation, and their representatives, shall continue to direct inquiries to the solicitation’s Authorized Contact Person: Sandy Wirtanen, at 512-974-7711 or sandy.wirtanen@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 8, 2020 – To be reviewed by the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide trash and recycling receptacles for Austin’s greater downtown area in accordance with the Great Streets Master Plan. This plan lays out a vision to improve the quality of our downtown streets and sidewalks, aiming ultimately to transform Austin’s public rights-of-way into great public spaces and establish a set of standards and values for the downtown area. The Great Streets Master Plan specifies a consistent look and style of four components used in the downtown area: benches, light posts, bike racks, and receptacles. To maintain integrity and meet performance specifications, all receptacles must adhere to size, design, and color standards, and they must match components already located downtown. Requested authorization is based on an estimate of the number of new containers that will be added along with containers currently downtown that need to be replaced. The recommended contractor is …
To: Zero Waste Advisory Commission From: Ken Snipes Director Austin Resource Recovery Date: January 8, 2020 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Curbside Textile Pickup Update Background A 2015 Waste Characterization Study estimated that 6.6 million pounds of textiles were going to Austin landfills every year. The study recommended that Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) implement a textiles collection program. ARR contracted with Simple Recycling to provide curbside clothing and household goods from June 2016‐June 2019. In response to community, non‐profit and Council concerns about the contract, ARR completed a stakeholder process prior to soliciting a new contract. The results of that process were summarized in memo to Mayor and Council in November 2018 and used to develop a new solicitation textiles collection. Current Situation Prior to the solicitation, ARR issued a Request for Information to provide potential bidders and stakeholders an opportunity to identify any concerns with the scope of service. In August 2019, ARR issued a solicitation for a textiles collection program that prioritized highest and best use diversion, local end markets, customer service and increased oversight and reporting requirements. The evaluation team recommended a contract with Goodwill of Central Texas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The recommended proposal with Goodwill of Central Texas is a revenue contract and pays the City of Austin $0.0025 per pound of material collected. The proposed program is an on‐call collection program that accepts textiles and other gently used household goods. Materials will be collected in reusable bags and marketed in Goodwill of Central Texas stores. ARR’s Recycle and Reuse Drop‐Off Center, as well as local reuse organizations identified in the Austin Reuse Directory will remain alternative drop‐off locations for the Austin community. Next Steps ARR will work with Goodwill of Central Texas to integrate the program and educate customers about the new service, anticipated to begin in early 2020. Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Event Cost Estimates A mobile household hazardous waste collection event in North Austin is estimated to cost approximately $100,000. This cost includes mobilization and staffing by the City’s hazardous waste vendor along with disposal/recycling of the material collected. ARR is planning for a potential event in spring of 2020 with the hopes of providing a convenient option for residents in the northern portion of the city. Economic Impact Study on C&D Diversion Requirements Austin City Council adopted the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Diversion Ordinance in 2015 …
Travis County Zero Waste Inter‐local UpdateTravis County Environmental Quality Overview•About Travis County•Zero Waste Interlocal Agreement•Program Purpose•Diversion and Engagement Activities•Plans in Progress•Looking Forward2 Travis County•Incorporated cities•870,060 population•22 villages and cities•374.59 square miles•Unincorporated Rural Areas•192,940 population•650.26 square miles3 County Authority•Counties in Texas donothave zoning power •Counties in Texas have limited regulatory (ordinance) authority.•Counties have limited rule ability solid waste4 InterlocalAgreements•Household Hazardous Waste Interlocal: adopted in 1997•Travis County Households served in FY2018 3,824 •Best Management Practices for the Storm Water Permitting•ZeroWaste Interlocal: adopted in 20135 Zero Waste InterlocalLead by ExampleEducationCommunity Drop‐off and Reuse Facilities 6 Policies•Texas Health and Safety Code(Section 361.425) •Waste Management Policy•Recycling Participation Order•Green Building Resolution•Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy7 Program PurposeInstill accountability within the culture of Travis County to reduce our impact on the environment.•Decrease waste generation•Divert waste from landfill•Explore revenue generating opportunities8 Diversion Activities•Office Reuse Project•Water Bottle Refill Stations•Participation in the ReVersePitch•Recycling Coordinator9 WEIGHT OF RECYCLED MATERIALS BY COMMODITY (thousands of lbs.)100100200300400500600700800ElectronicsAutomotive FluidsOrganicsCardboardTiresMetalConfidential ShredSingleStreamConstruction, DemolitionThousands of Pounds Employee Engagement•Green Team•Toner Ambassadors•Healthy People Healthy Planet•Recycling Training and Outreach11 Public Engagement•Pharmaceutical Take‐back•Reuse Recycle Drop‐off Center Participation•T‐shirts for Hunger•Lunch and Learn Seminars•Three‐rings for Learning•Lake Travis Cleanup12 Plans in Progress•Sustainable Jail Plan•Parks Recycling and Waste Management Plan•Texas State Study•Austin Community Climate Plan Update•GHG Inventory and Climate Action Plan13 Looking Forward•Update ILA in 2020•Stronger partnership to achieve goals•Engage with other incorporated cities to increase zero waste 14 QuestionsEmily AcklandEnvironmental Program ManagerEmily.Ackland@traviscountytx.govTom GleasonSustainability Project ManagerTom.Gleason@traviscountytx.govShaun AucklandConservation CoordinatorShaun.auckland@traviscountytx.gov15
Violet Bag Encampment Garbage Collection PilotZero Waste Action Committee 01/08/2020 Learnings and Recommendations Interdepartmental Homelessness Encampment Management Program 4 sites chosen based on 311 call dataOther necessary criteria for a pilot site:●An active encampment with resident buy in●Along an existing ARR route●Have a safe, accessible area to pull up a truck Kiosks vs. Outreach Distribution Iterations Impact Next Steps●ARR has taken over responsibility for ordering bags and filling kiosks ●All sites ideally will have kiosks, with new iterations of kiosks being explored ●Integral Care and the Office of Design and Delivery assist in site identification and outreach●Sites will will close and move as necessary, coordinated at weekly Interdepartmental Homelessness Encampment Management Program meetings
Zero Waste Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 8, 2020 The Zero Waste Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on January 8, 2020 in Council Chambers in City Hall in Austin, Texas. The following are the meeting highlights. For detailed information, please visit http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/97_1.htm. CALL TO ORDER Chair Acuna called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Gerry Acuna, Cathy Gattuso, Lisa Barden, Melissa Rothrock, Amanda Masino, Kaiba White. Absent: Jonathan Barona, Ian Steyaert. Staff in attendance: Ken Snipes, Tammie Williamson, Richard McHale, Victoria Rieger, Gena McKinley, Andy Dawson, Gabriel Gonzalez, Lori Scott, Scott Long, Marcus Gonzalez, Amy Slagle. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jeffrey Jacoby signed up to speak. He thanked the Commission for their resolution on November 21st. 2. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 21, 2019 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Chair Acuna entertained a motion. Commissioner Masino moved for approval. Seconded by Commissioner Gattuso. Item did not pass on a 5-0-1 vote. Commissioner Barden abstained. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 3. OLD BUSINESS 3a. Discussion and Action – Impact of Ordinance Change Pursuant to City of Austin Extraterritorial Boundary Revision Jon White, Travis County, talked about the recently amended Solid Waste Siting Ordinance. Mr. White explained that the recent amendment fixed some contradictions that had been in the original 2003 ordinance. Mr. White said that as the ordinance was being re-worked, Travis County and the City of Austin had agreed to release extraterritorial jurisdiction over lands around the Waste Management site. Mr. White said that although the [Waste Management site] were going to continue operations, future activities would not be permitted because it’s the longstanding position that the City and County both have a longstanding position for waste disposal activities at [the Waste Management] location to end. Chair Acuna asked how this affects us in meeting the needs and goals of our city master plan, expanding household hazardous waste opportunities and diversion. Mr. White said that it does allow for potential sites to be developed elsewhere in the county, but the ordinance is more adapted to add transfer stations than landfills. Commissioner Masino asked what the boundaries were of the siting ordinance. Mr. White said it was North of 290 (Blue Goose Road), and the limits were to west where railroad and creek are; within half a mile. Chair Acuna asked for clarification, if it would impede the city’s ability to identify a household hazardous waste …
