REGULAR MEETING of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14TH, 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 Dwight Scales at (512) 974-2435 or dwight.scales@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Cathy Gattuso (Vice-Chair) Amanda Masino Mayor Jonathan Barona District 3 Kaiba White District 7 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. Approve the minutes of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on August 10th, 2022 OLD BUSINESS 2. Approval of minutes of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on June 8th, 2022. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) Budget Review Update – Victoria Rieger 4. Transfer Station Presentation and Update – Richard McHale 5. URO Multifamily Composting Pilot Study Update – Elizabeth Nelson DIRECTOR’S REPORT 6. ARR Vehicle Wrap Update, 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 Dwight Scales at Austin Resource Recovery Department, at (512) 974-2435 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Dwight Scales at (512) 974-2435.
Austin Resource Recovery FY 2022-23 Approved Budget Highlights The Department’s Approved Operating Budget increases by approximately 8.6% or $9.6M in the upcoming fiscal year. This amount includes $0.6M for seven new positions, one each of the following: Accountant II, Administrative Specialist, Customer Service Representative, Customer Solutions Coordinator, Equipment Technician I, IT Application Analyst, and Marketing Rep A. ARR’s Approved Budget includes funding increases for living wage, fleet fuel and maintenance, homelessness cleanup services, disposal and processing contracts, temporary employees and overtime, and driver retention incentives along with other increases. Major reductions to the ARR Approved Budget include Bad Debt, GO Debt Service, transfer to Capital, and Vacancy Savings. FY 2022-23 Approved Operating Budget Revenue Requirements Ending Balance FTEs FY 2021 Budget FY 2022 Amended FY 2023 Approved $103,880,851 $110,998,492 $117,967,407 $106,810,355 $112,282,317 $121,929,742 $8,940,928 $11,437,141 $14,328,272 501.00 514.00 521.00 Capital Appropriations $11,860,005 $14,302,717 $14,171,217 Highlights of Approved Budget Major Rate Changes Service Description Monthly Clean Community Fee Residential Monthly Clean Community Fee Commercial Monthly Base Customer Fee Residential & Commercial $16.50 $18.80 $16.65 $19.45 Amended FY 2021-22 $4.70 Approved FY 2022-23 $4.85 Change Personnel: wages, insurance, OT, temps, incentives Citywide Cost Allocation Increases (City Support) Citywide Cost Drivers Departmental Cost Drivers Vacancy Savings increase Bad Debt Transfer to Capital GO Debt Service New full-time positions Contractual and commodity increases Homelessness cleanup services Fleet maintenance and fuel expense $0.15 $0.15 $0.65 FTEs 7.0 Incremental $3,566,576 $1,442,123 ($654,877) ($500,000) ($131,500) ($107,776) $615,551 $641,245 $900,000 $3,876,083 9/12/2022
To: From: Date: Subject: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Ken Snipes Director Austin Resource Recovery September 14, 2022 Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Vehicle wrap update: The RCA for vinyl vehicle wraps passed on consent at the last City Council meeting. The RCA for non-vinyl vehicle wraps is under development AC retrofit update: ARR plans to retrofit 50 vehicles with the roof-mounted air conditioning units. Ten AC retrofits have been completed. The next ten AC units have been ordered and are pending delivery. Thirteen vehicles currently have unresolved air conditioning issues. Keep Austin Beautiful Presentation - Follow-up: During the presentation on August 10, 2022, the question was posed by the Commission regarding if there was demographic information on the students participating in the programs. This information has been provided for review (attached). ARR Solicitations Update As of September 2, 2022 ZWAC Meeting September 14, 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. 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. 4. 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: No Updates Solicitations in Evaluation or Negotiation: No Updates Definitions: CCO (Capital Contracting Office): Administers the procurement of professional and construction services. CO-OP (Cooperative Contract): A contract that has been competitively bid and issued by another government or purchasing alliance with the intention of sharing it with other governmental entities. ILA (Interlocal Agreement): A collaborative contract between local government entities (for example, ARR and a county, state, or school district) to provide more efficient and less costly services, where any payments are made from current revenues. …
Multifamily Organics Pilot ZWAC – 9/14/2022 Background • Resolution 20191017-028 • Universal Recycling Ordinance – organics diversion requirements for food service businesses only • Multifamily properties (>4 units) required to provide access to recycling for residents • About 55% of Austin households are in multifamily properties • 95% of those are renters Resolution 20191017-028 Multifamily Properties • Apartments • Condominiums • Including detached homes • Townhomes • Dormitories • Nursing homes / assisted living facilities • Mobile homes • 1,800 properties in Austin Existing Composting Options for Multifamily • Drop-off sites • Community gardens • Farmers’ Markets • Neighbors/friends with ARR carts • Backyard composting • Valet opt-in collection • Full-service collection offered to all residents Additional Research • Researched and interviewed other municipalities with multifamily organics programs • Collection - Boulder, CO; Seattle, WA; New York, NY • Drop-Off – Washington D.C., Charlotte, VA; NYC • Researched existing multifamily organics pilots • San Francisco • Investigated properties in Austin with existing organics collection • Commercial Organics Pilot – Austin, 2012 Input from URO Committee • Onsite collection systems rather than drop-off • Large sample size • Geographic representation • 6 month pilot Input from Stakeholders • Meeting Dates: 4/23/19, 6/4/19, 1/8/20 • Stakeholders: haulers, multifamily property managers, Austin Apartment Association Pilot Goals • Identify challenges and best practices • Understand cost impacts • Inform future policy recommendations Property Recruitment • Began in 2019 • Put on hold for COVID • Restarted in Winter 2020 • On hold due to Uri • Restarted in Spring 2021 • Calls, emails, newsletters, social media • 8 properties participated Service Delivery • Properties chose their own service provider and contracted for services at market rates • Up to 6 months of rebated service • Service levels chosen by property management • Cart-based or valet service • Locked containers • Simulate real-world scenario Education • Virtual information session • Language interpretation available • Kitchen collectors with labels • Bilingual how-to guides • Letters • Website Data Collection • Weekly container audits • Identify materials • Contamination • Container fullness/use • Management Surveys • 3 months and end of pilot • Resident Survey • End of pilot • Invoices Results Survey Caveats Resident Survey Responses 157,446 830 76 Percent of Residents per Property that used the Pilot Compost/Organics Service according to Management Average Springhollow Condominiums Seminary of the Southwest Riverwalk Condominiums St. Edward's Chamonix Condominiums …
Transfer Station Briefing Richard McHale Deputy Director September 14, 2022 Transfer Station • Facility where materials from smaller trucks are loaded onto a larger truck • Provides cost efficient method to transport materials to the final destination • Public or private • Benefits • Lowers maintenance costs, fuel, traffic, carbon footprint, “windshield” time • Increases route efficiency Transfer Station Use • Texas has 100+ transfer stations • CAPCOG Region has 6 active & 3 pending facilities • Austin is the largest city in U.S. that does not utilize a transfer station Site Visits Reason for visits: To better understand the planning, financial, and operational aspects of large operations in a variety of locations Sites visited: • Seattle North, Seattle South - SPU • Bow Lake, Factoria - King County • Puente Hills - L.A. County Wish List • Site which will allow for growth • Easy access • Ability to handle multiple resource streams • Open to the public • Becomes a destination Seattle North Seattle North Seattle South Seattle South Bow Lake Factoria Puente Hills Puente Hills Next Steps • Continue property search • Work with ZWAC, industry stakeholders, and the community Questions?
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION AUGUST 25TH, 2022 6:00 PM 1520 RUTHERFORD LANE ROOM 1-118A 301 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 Dwight Scales dwight.scales@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Gerry Acuna (Chair) Cathy Gattuso (Vice-Chair) Amanda Masino Albert Swantner Melissa Caudle Ian Steyaert Melissa Rothrock Ethan Myers Ingrid Powell Jonathan Barona Kaiba White AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Welcome -Ken Snipes 2. Introduction of Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) Staff- Ken Snipes 3. Discussion on 2021 ZWAC Summary- Natalie Rodriguez 4. Discussion on Budget Overview- Victoria Rieger 5. Discussion on ZWAC Planning Timeline- Natalie Rodriguez 6. Discussion on City Clerk’s Office- Myrna Rios 7. Discussion on the ZWAC Workshop- Natalie Rodriguez 8. Closing Comments- Natalie Rodriguez 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 Dwight Scales at Austin Resource Recovery Department, at (512) 974-2435 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Dwight Scales at (512) 974-2435.
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION AUGUST 25TH, 2022 6:00 PM 1520 RUTHERFORD LANE ROOM 1-118A 301 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 Dwight Scales dwight.scales@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Gerry Acuna (Chair) Cathy Gattuso (Vice-Chair) Amanda Masino Albert Swantner Melissa Caudle Ian Steyaert Melissa Rothrock Ethan Myers Ingrid Powell Jonathan Barona Kaiba White REVISED AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Welcome -Ken Snipes 2. Introduction of Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) Staff- Ken Snipes 3. Discussion on 2021 ZWAC Summary- Natalie Rodriguez 4. Discussion on Budget Overview- Victoria Rieger 5. Discussion on ZWAC Planning Timeline- Natalie Rodriguez 6. Commission Protocols – Natalie Rodriguez 7. Discussion on the ZWAC Workshop- Natalie Rodriguez 8. Closing Comments- Natalie Rodriguez 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 Dwight Scales at Austin Resource Recovery Department, at (512) 974-2435 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Dwight Scales at (512) 974-2435.
REGULAR MEETING of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION AUGUST 10, 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 Dwight Scales dwight.scales@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Gerry Acuna (Chair) District 10 Cathy Gattuso (Vice-Chair) District 5 Albert Swantner District 1 Melissa Caudle District 4 Ian Steyaert District 8 Melissa Rothrock District 2 Ethan Myers District 6 Ingrid Powell District 9 Amanda Masino Mayor Jonathan Barona District 3 Kaiba White District 7 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS Approve the minutes of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on June 8th, 2022 Small Minority Business Resources (SMBR) Future Opportunities and Involvement Presentation- Victoria Rieger and Felecia Shaw Keep Austin Beautiful Update- Rodney Ahart Office of Sustainability Comprehensive Food Plan Presentation- Edwin Marty URO Multifamily Composting Pilot Study Timeline Update- Gena McKinley DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS DIRECTORS REPORT 6. Solicitations Update, Performance Reports, and Statistical Reports FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 2022 Annual ZWAC Retreat (August 25th) Future FM 812 Landfill Potential (TBD) URO Multifamily Composting Pilot Study Update (TBD) Budget Forecast for FY23 Update (September) 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 Dwight Scales at Austin Resource Recovery Department, at (512) 974-2435 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Dwight Scales at (512) 974-2435.
Zero Waste Advisory Commission Ken Snipes Director Austin Resource Recovery To: From: Date: Subject: August 10th, 2022 Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Potential Transfer Station Update In late June, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) sent three employees, Donald Hardee, ARR Division Manager, Brent Paige, Financial Manager II, and Richard McHale, Deputy Director, to research and identify best practices for the construction and operation of transfer stations in Seattle and the Los Angeles areas. Staff visited the Seattle North, Seattle South, Factoria, Bow Lake, and Puente Hills facilities. In addition to touring the facilities, staff had the opportunity to sit down with staff from the other entities to discuss topics such as facility layouts, safety, costs, equipment selection, challenges, and opportunities. Staff will apply what they have learned to help in identifying potential locations and in the development of a facility to accept materials that will lower the department’s carbon footprint associated with long hauls to disposal sites. The department continues to search for property to site such a facility that will be able to handle multiple material streams and provide an educational space to view the operations while learning about the operations and how materials are recycled. Future Residential Household Waste Pilot The Household Hazardous Waste Program is working with ARR’s Strategic Initiatives Division and Quality Assurance Division on the preliminary details of a pilot for residential HHW collection. The pilot will take place in two North Austin districts and last approximately one year. The plan is to begin the pilot in September in District 4 and District 10. The data from this pilot will be used to determine the feasibility of a citywide residential collection program. Collections Fleet Self-contained Air Conditioning Units Purchase On 29 July 2022, ARR executed a contract with Lonestar Forklifts via a Certificate of Exemption for Public Health and Safety for the purchase of 50 self-contained air conditioning units. This request was due to the extremely hot temperatures the region is experiencing in which, two ARR employees have suffered heat illness emergencies that required emergency medical treatment. This weather event is unusual and surpassed the extreme heat wave of 2011 with no end in sight. On 16 June 2022, 20% of ARR’s collection fleet had inoperable air conditioning units. ARR does not have enough excess fleet to rotate vehicles to ensure that its employees can utilize an air-conditioned vehicle. As of 28 …
A Food Plan for Austin Developing the City’s first Food Plan Zero Waste Advisory Commission– August 10th 2022 What is a Food System? Food for thought ● 14.7% food insecurity in Travis County ● 38% zip codes in Travis County don’t have a full service grocery store ● 16.8 acres of farmland are lost every day in Travis County ● Less than 1% of food consumed in Travis County is locally produced ● 1.24 million pounds of food is wasted every day in Austin ● Covid-19 pandemic & Winter Storm Uri exposed & exacerbated inequities in our food system What is a Food Plan and why do we need one? ● A Food Plan will set clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system and provide a coordinating structure for all food related initiatives ○ The Food Plan build on several other initiatives made by the City to tackle food system issues. ● On June 2021 Austin City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process Link to full resolution What about disasters? Recent and ongoing crises have caused a spike in food insecurity and revealed inadequate preparation for expansive and culturally appropriate food distribution We are working with HSEM & other departments to develop a Disaster Food & Drinking Water Appendix Will include learnings from Winter Storm Uri, COVID-19, boil water notices, and other recent emergencies Developing the Austin Food Plan: Where are we now? A Baseline Assessment We are in the process of releasing The State of The Food System 2022. A comprehensive analysis of our food system and an updated version of previous reports from 2015 and 2018. This will be the foundation for Austin’s first-ever Food Plan Project Organization Austin Food Plan Emergency Food & Water Appendix Food Supply Chain Vulnerability Analysis City and County Staff Austin-Travis Food Policy Board Community Advisory Committee Issue Area Groups *Production AG Consultant Team *Community Food Ambassadors *To be determined General Public and Community *Access AG *Markets AG *Labor AG *Recovery AG Finding the Right Project Team and Structure Stewards and Advisors of the Process City and County Staff Consultant Team Community Advisory Committee Austin-Travis Food Policy Board Advisors on the Content Issue Area Groups General Public and Community Community Food Ambassadors Centering Equity The Austin Food Plan will center equity and the lived expertise of those most impacted by the …
Our Mission We inspire and educate all Austinites to volunteer together, beautify green spaces, clean waterways, and reduce waste every day. Inspire and Educate We believe children and teens who experience the outdoors and learn about reducing waste will become stewards of Austin green spaces and waterways. Volunteer Together We believe people who volunteer together outdoors are more connected to nature and each other. Beautify & Clean We believe all Austinites have a right to clean, safe, and beautiful green spaces. Reduce Waste We believe when people learn about the the impact environment, they will reduce their waste. actions their on of Not the Austin we know and love. A strong contributor to littering is the prevalence of existing litter. About 15% of littering is affected by the environment, or existing litter. *Litter in America Study, Keep America Beautiful Greater Austin Impact 1,870 volunteers $101,095 cost savings 68 miles of roadway cleaned 3,825 volunteer hours *Value of a Volunteer Hour, by State for 2021 https://www.independentsector.org/volunteer_time 25,826 pounds of litter and recycling 696 events 88 schools 5,522 unique students 3.89 out of a 4-point scale on teacher evaluations 28 percent increase on student scores from pre to post test Join Us Monthly eNewsletter Any questions? Rodney E. Ahart Chief Executive Officer Keep Austin Beautiful Rodney@keepaustinbeautiful.org 512-391-0617 x704
City of Austin Small and Minority Business Resources Zero Waste Advisory Commission SMBR M/WBE Procurement Program Overview August 10, 2022 Felecia Shaw, Acting Assistant Director Objectives Provide a general overview of SMBR Provide an overview of MBE/WBE goal setting process Post-Award Contract Monitoring Program Violations Q&A City of Austin | SMBR 2 Small and Minority Business Resources Department City of Austin | SMBR 3 Small and Minority Business Resources Overview • Administers the MBE/WBE, DBE and ACDBE Programs by: • Certifying businesses that meet eligibility criteria • Monitoring utilization of certified firms on City contracts • Providing resources • Workshops/Training • Webinars • Meeting with local minority and women service trade organizations • Educating Internal/External Stakeholders on program requirements (Pre-Award and Post-award) COA Goal Setting Overview § 2-9(A-D)-19 Establishes Contract Specific Goals • SMBR reviews solicitations from the Purchasing Office for procurements with a value of $50K and greater that are competitively bid. • Exceptions: Interlocal Agreements Solicitations exempted from M/WBE Program (SMBR M/WBE Rules Section 1.2) Pre-Award: Setting Goals Overview City Project Manager – Works with Sponsor to define SOW and develops Trade Summary. Trade Summary Sheet identifies scopes of work and commodity codes Scope percentages reflect the anticipated amounts of materials/supplies and services. SMBR reviews project details including the estimate, trade summary, and MBE/WBE availability to establish goals. Each solicitation has a Compliance Plan with a subcontractor vendor list (“availability list”) of certified MBE/WBEs. The availability list is based on the trade summary. SMBR Solicitation Review SMBR rep reviews scope of work and potential subcontracting opportunities Review Trade Summary (eCAPRIS) Review M/WBE Availability 3 MBEs or 3 WBEs in scopes Review previous or similar contract history Assures all scopes are included from the scope document Minimum two scopes of work Previous goals assignment Previous utilization Goal Assignment Ethnic Specific Goal African American Hispanic Native/Asian American Women Aggregate Goals MBE & WBE Goal Combines African American, Hispanic, & Native/Asian American percentages; separate goal for Women Combined MBE/WBE All groups combined. Compliance Determination City Code 2-9(A-D)-21(E) •Firms are compliant by: •Either meeting the goals as established in the solicitation OR; •Demonstrating Good Faith Efforts for any ethic category where goals are not met (GFE). Minimum Requirements to Achieve Good Faith Efforts (GFE) • Notify Certified Firms via fax, e-mail, mail or • Publish notice in a local publication (i.e., phone at least 7 business …
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION UNIVERSAL RECYCLING ORDINANCE (URO) COMMITTEE THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY – TWIN OAKS BRANCH 1800 S 5TH STREET AUSTIN, TX 78704 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 AGENDA COMMISSION MEMBERS: Cathy Gattuso (Chair); Kaiba White; and Jonathan Barona 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. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Meeting Minutes; January 8, 2020 2. NEW BUSINESS and education 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 4. ADJOURNMENT a. Presentation, discussion, and Possible Action on Universal Recycling Ordinance outreach b. Presentation, discussion, and Possible Action on Multifamily Compost Pilot 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 Dwight Scales, in the Austin Resource Recovery Department, at 512-974-2435, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Dwight Scales at (512) 974-2435. Page 1 of 1
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION (ZWAC) UNIVERSAL RECYCLING ORDINANCE (URO) COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES January 8, 2020 The ZWAC URO Committee convened on January 8, 2020 at Austin Public Library Twin Oaks Branch; 1800 S 5th St.; Austin, TX; 78704 Committee members in attendance: Cathy Gattuso (Chair) and Kaiba White City staff in attendance: Ken Snipes, Tammie Williamson, Gena McKinley, Jason McCombs, Selene Castillo, Elizabeth Nelson, and Natalie Regennitter 1. CALL TO ORDER a. Committee Chair Cathy Gattuso called the committee meeting to order at 2:38 p.m. b. Committee Chair Cathy Gattuso facilitated introductions of committee members, City of Austin staff, and meeting attendees. 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Zero (0) citizens spoke during the opportunity for citizen communication. 3. MEETING MINUTES a. A motion to approve the August 7, 2019 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 with Commissioner Barona absent. 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Elizabeth Nelson (ARR) briefed the committee on the Multifamily Compost Pilot including funding, property application, timeline, process and volunteer opportunities for commissioners. Commissioners and stakeholders discussed recruitment of a representative cross section of properties to participate. Stakeholders discussed costs of service, types of service provided, resident education, and logistics of the pilot. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. Commissioner White requested discussion on compostable food service containers. b. Commissioner Gattuso requested an update on properties selected for participation in the pilot and updates on progress after 3 months. 6. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Gattuso motions to adjourn the meeting at 3:37 p.m. without objection. 1
Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) How the Business Outreach Team (BOT) implements the URO 1 2 What we’ll cover today • Who we are • Why we exist • URO • Who is affected & who is responsible • What is required & who the URO is for • BOT • What we do • How we follow up • How we incentivize • What we want to do next 6/30/2022 1 Who we are • Policy Team • develops new policy • Business Outreach Team (BOT) • implements existing policies 3 4 6/30/2022 2 6/30/2022 3 5 6 Developing & implementing policy Who they are: Policy Team • Policy Team develops new policy • Researches best practices • Analyzes industry data • Pilots potential ideas • Develops new policy • Engages with affected stakeholders 7 8 Developing & implementing policy 6/30/2022 4 Who we are: BOT • Business Outreach Team (BOT) implements existing policy • Notifies properties about requirements • Assists affected properties • Develops educational materials • Tracks and analyzes ordinance data • Reviews for compliance • Develops standard procedures Why we exist • City of Austin (ARR) provides services to: • Residential properties with 4 or fewer units • 45% of Austin households • Very limited commercial properties (~2k) • Private haulers provides services to: • Multifamily properties with 5 or more units (2k) • 55% of Austin households • Almost all commercial properties (7k) 9 10 6/30/2022 5 COA (ARR) private haulers or self haul Why we exist Why we exist • City of Austin uses ordinances to regulate sectors the City doesn’t directly control and set minimum standards. • BOT implements some of the City’s ordinances to our zero waste goals, including the URO. 11 12 6/30/2022 6 Who is affected • Recycling: • All commercial properties • Multifamily with 5 units or more • Includes apartments, condominiums, dormitories, nursing homes, assisted living facilities • Organics: • All businesses with City of Austin food permits • Includes restaurants, grocery stores, catering companies, commercial kitchens • ~14k properties (9k recycling, 5k organics) Who is affected 22% Multifamily (2k) 78% Commercial (7k) 13 14 6/30/2022 7 Who is responsible • Whoever contracts or arranges for waste services • Typically property owner/manager or business owner/ • Recycling: manager • Organics: • Typically business owner/manager; can be property owner/manager Who is responsible • Haulers are responsible for: • Signs on …
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JUNE 8TH, 2022 6:00 PM CITY HALL, AUSTIN, TX Some members of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION may be participating by video conference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. 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. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Gerry Acuna District 10 Albert Swantner District 1 Ethan Myers District 6 Ingrid Powell District 9 AGENDA Cathy Gattuso District 5 Melissa Rothrock District 2 Kaiba White District 7 Amanda Masino Mayor Jonathan Barona District 3 Ian Steyaert District 8 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION GENERAL: The first three speakers who register 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. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 11th, 2022, Regular Meeting Minutes 2. NEW BUSINESS 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Discussion and Action: Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) Vehicle Wraps RCA - Raymond Benavidez Zero Waste Comprehensive Plan Update – Gena McKinley, Jason McCombs, and Selene Castillo Brush Collection Update, Bulk Collection Update, Emergency Brush and Bulk Collection Contract Overview, Solicitations Update, Performance Reports, and Statistical Reports. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ➢ 2022 Annual ZWAC Retreat (June 23rd) ➢ Small Minority Business Resources (SMBR) Future Opportunities and Involvement Presentation (August) - Victoria ➢ Keep Austin Beautiful Update (August) ➢ Office of Sustainability Comprehensive Food Plan Presentation (August) ➢ Future FM 812 Landfill Potential (TBD) 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 Dwight Scales at Austin Resource Recovery Department, at (512) 974-2435 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Dwight Scales at (512) 974-2435.
Zero Waste Advisory Commission Ken Snipes Director Austin Resource Recovery June 8th, 2022 Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission To: From: Date: Subject: Brush Collection Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) provides brush collection twice per year. Postcards are mailed several weeks in advance informing customers of the collection date. All brush debris is hauled to Hornsby Bend where it is processed into mulch and used to make Dillo Dirt for Austin Water. Staff is currently working on an On-Call Pilot for brush collection scheduled to begin in August 2022. Bulk Collection: Scheduled and On-Call Austin Resource Recovery provides bulk collection twice per year. Postcards are mailed several weeks in advance informing customers of the collection date. Customers separate items into three piles: bulk, metal items, and tires. ARR collects the material over a week and recyclable materials including appliances, electronics, and metals are scavenged before crews can capture and divert them. ARR is currently only able to divert tires for recycling and the remaining bulk materials are landfilled. On-Call Bulk Collection: customers can schedule up to three collections per year by contacting Austin 311 or scheduling through the ReCollect app. Customers set out items in three piles: bulk, metal items, and tires. ARR can recover more items for recycling on on-call routes due to reduced scavenging. The remaining bulk items are landfilled. ARR is developing plans for a city-wide expansion of on-call bulk collection. The anticipated rollout is late 2023. Emergency Brush and Bulk Collection Contract Overview ARR executed an emergency contract with DRC Emergency Services to reinstate brush and bulk collection while ARR continues to fill vacant driver positions. Collection of these materials resumed on May 2nd, while on-call bulk collection resumed on April 25th using ARR staff. DRC is providing labor, equipment, maintenance, and fuel costs to collect materials. Spending authority is in place for up to $1.1 million, which includes disposal costs. The contractor will assist with collections through the end of June. ARR is diverting metals, appliances, electronics, and tires from all bulk routes with DRC providing a collection of landfill items. All brush is transported to Hornsby Bend for processing. During Winter Storm Uri, ARR also contracted with DRC and Tetra Tech to assist with cleanup. DRC provided debris collection and Tetra Tech provided monitoring services, which is a requirement for potential Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement. The timeframe for this assistance …
