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 …
RCA Cover Sheet for ZWAC-Revised May 2022 VEHICLE WRAP AND INSTALLATION SERVICES EAGLE EYE PARTNERS, INC SOLICITATION # (IFB 1500 AMA1069) Council: 06/09/2022 ZWAC:06/08/2022 OVERVIEW 1. Requested Contract Term, Authorization, and Current Budget Length of contract and total authorization: The contract has an initial term of five years and a contract not to exceed amount of $3,085,430. (Authorized Departments: Austin Resource Recovery). ARR current fiscal year budget: Funding in the amount of $617,086 is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital 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 AMA1069 # of bids received: 1 # of non-responsive bids received: 0 Length of time solicitation was out on the street: 7 Weeks Was the time extended? Yes Issued date: January 31, 2022 Closed date: March 22, 2022 3. Previous/Current Contract Information Previous contract: No Contract number: N/A Contract length and authorization: N/A Contract actual spend: N/A Current status: N/A Contract execution date: N/A Contract expiration date: N/A 4. Financial Analysis* Estimated Unit Cost: $7,786 or $5,250 (depending on vehicle size) Basis: Eagle Eye Partners, Inc Price Offer Sheet (link) Cost Comparison: 1 bid received Estimated Annual Spend: $617,086 average annual spend (actual spend will be determined by the number of vehicles ordered each year) RCA Cover Sheet for ZWAC-Revised May 2022 5. Notes/Other This Contract is needed for the purchase of vehicle wraps and installation services (“Vehicle Wraps”) on various vehicles for the Austin Resource Recovery Department (“ARR”). The Vehicle Wraps will display various Zero Waste campaign ads as the vehicles move throughout the City. The Vehicle Wraps will be installed on collection vehicles. Due to ongoing vehicle purchases, the list of vehicle types and campaign ads may change throughout the specified contract period at the City's discretion. This contract will support the City’s goal to promote its Zero Waste initiative. The City plans to achieve the Zero Waste goal of reducing the amount of trash sent to landfills by ninety percent 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 Contractor is responsible for the environmentally sustainable and proper disposal of any waste material generated during the wrapping process in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. REVIEWED …
To: From: Date: Subject: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Ken Snipes Director Austin Resource Recovery June 8th, 2022 Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission 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 …
Comprehensive Plan Update ZWAC June 2022 Agenda • Progress • Community Engagement • Racial Equity Tool • Goals (ZWAC) • Climate Equity Plan • Next Steps • Questions PROGRESS Survey • 1st phase: • 2nd phase: • Open 1 month (Oct-Nov 2020) • 2,800+ respondents • Open 2 months (March-June 2021) • 300+ respondents https://publicinput.com/arrsurvey Community Engagement: Survey Survey Participants: Phase I Survey Outreach MARKETING • Digital • Radio • Print • Television OUTREACH • Places of Worship • Grocery stores • Meal distribution organizations • Farmers Markets • YMCAs • COA Community Centers Survey Outreach: Timeline Survey Participants: Phase II Survey Type and Language Survey Takeaways Diversion Frequency Majority report “always” or “frequently” practicing 4 out of 5 diversion activities listed: recycling, reusing items, repairing items, donating items Knowledge of ARR Programs and Services Majority report “no knowledge” of Zero Waste Block Leader Program, and clothing and housewares curbside collection Use of ARR Programs and Services Approximately half or more respondents have used the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center Desire for Additional Drop-off Facilities The most desired additional drop-off option is several, smaller drop-off centers at libraries and city facilities 2nd Phase: May, July, August 2021 • 7 focus groups • Community members • 50 participants 1st Phase: July 2020 • 7 focus groups • Environmental/Non-Profit Groups • Commercial Building Managers and Event Organizers • Educational Institutions • Food Service Providers • Haulers and Solid Waste/Recycling Facilities • Multi-Family Building Managers • Reuse Community • 38 participants Focus Groups Focus Groups: Takeaways • Residents are familiar with ARR’s core curbside services • Participants suggested the need for clear, repetitive, and consistent education and messaging • Building awareness about classes, rebates, and incentive programs would likely result in increased participation • Welcome collaboration with ARR Chapters: Overview • Department Structure • Metrics & Measurement • Curbside Services • Drop Off & Pick Up Services • Community Services • Facilities & Infrastructure • Commercial Collection System • Universal Recycling • Construction & Demolition • Circular Economy • Special Events • Engagement ARR Racial Equity Tool • Began development in early FY21 • Modeled after: • City of Seattle’s Racial Equity Tool • Circular Economy Team’s draft Equity Tool • Government Alliance on Racial Equity (GARE) Racial Equity Toolkit “This ARR Racial Equity Tool provides a process and questions to guide the development, implementation and evaluation of external ARR initiatives to identify …
REGULAR MEETING ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION MAY 11TH, 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: April 13th, 2022, Regular Meeting Minutes Approval of the amended minutes from February 9th, 2022 2. OLD BUSINESS 3. NEW BUSINESS Discussion and Action: Ratification for Emergency Brush and Bulk Removal RCA‐ Victoria Rieger 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS OpenGov Presentation‐ Victoria Rieger 5. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Resumption of Brush and Bulk Collections ARR Monthly Job Fair TxSWANA Rodeo Update Reverse Pitch Update Circular Austin Showcase Fix‐It Repair Education Solicitations Update Performance Reports Statistical Reports FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS (TBD) Keep Austin Beautiful Update (August) 2022 Annual ZWAC Retreat (June) Future FM 812 Landfill Potential (TBD) Small Minority Business Resources (SMBR) Future Opportunities and Involvement Presentation 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 2 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.
To: From: Date: Subject: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Ken Snipes Director Austin Resource Recovery May 11th, 2022 Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Resumption of Brush and Bulk Collections In February, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) decided to temporarily suspend large brush and bulk collection due to COVID-19. related staffing shortages. This allowed the department to reassign drivers to the essential collections of trash, recycling, and compost. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is working with DRC Emergency Services to reinstate these services while the department continues to fill vacant driver positions. Beginning the week of May 2nd, brush and bulk collection routes will resume. Customers with a collection initially scheduled during the suspension will be the first to have their items collected. Postcards will be mailed to customers informing them of their scheduled collection date. Austin Resource Recovery Job Fair ARR held a job fair on April 29th, 2022, from 9:00 am -to 11:00 am. Representatives from ARR talked about job opportunities and helped applicants apply for positions. Representatives from Fleet Mobility Services joined ARR to talk about opportunities with Fleet. Attached is the flyer shared with interested clients, friends, and family. TxSWANA Rodeo Update TxSWANA is the Lone Star Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). TxSWANA is made up of nearly 600 individual members from various areas of the Solid Waste Industry. The 2022 TxSWANA Road-E-O event was held in Lubbock, Texas with competitors coming from cities across Texas competing in a Mechanics competition, a Landfill competition, a Tractor Trailer competition, and a Collection Vehicle competition to include Roll-Off trucks, Semi- Automated/Rear Load collection trucks, and Automated Side-Loader collection trucks. The Landfill, Tractor Trailer, and Collection Vehicle competition consists of these vehicles navigating through an obstacle course with seven stations and are timed events. The vehicles receive point deductions for striking any part barricades outlining the course or for not completing the course within a certain time. Robert Mata is a recycling crew leader who joined the department back in 2014. Mr. Mata brings with him more than 20 years of CDL experience. Mr. Mata started with ARR as an operator and has quickly been promoted through the ranks and is currently in a lead role. Mr. Mata takes great pride in his position here at ARR and it is demonstrated daily. His customer service has also been a priority for him. Mr. Mata …
BRUSH AND BULK DEBRIS SERVICES CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION – CT 1500 22033000474 ZWAC: 05/11/2022 Council: 06/16/2022 OVERVIEW 1. Requested Contract Term, Authorization, and Current Budget Length of contract and total authorization: Contract effective on 4/4/2022 (the date executed by the City and shall remain in effect until the earliest of when the deliverables set forth in the Contract are complete or the City terminates the Contract). Contract not to exceed amount of $1,195,000. (Authorized Department: Austin Resource Recovery). ARR current fiscal year budget: Funding was available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. 2. Solicitation Information Solicitation No: Not Applicable # of bids received: 1 proposal received # of non-responsive bids received: Length of time solicitation was out on the street: Was the time extended? Issued date: Closed date: 3. Previous/Current Contract Information Previous contract: No Contract number: CT 1500 22033000474 Contract length and authorization: Unknown length; authorization $1,195,000.00 Contract actual spend: Contract services to begin on 5/2/22. Current status: Active, Contract needed due to staffing shortage due to COVID-related absences and ongoing vacancies. Contract execution date: 4/4/2022 Contract expiration date: Open until deliverables are completed or terminated by the City. 4. Notes/Other The contractor, DRC Emergency Services, LLC, provided emergency brush and bulk debris services for the City of Austin, which comprised of hauling and disposal of brush and bulk debris removal from public property and public right-of-way (ROW) within the City limits. The work consisted of all labor, equipment, fuel, and miscellaneous costs necessary to clear, remove, load, and haul debris from public ROW areas to debris management sites and approved landfills. Due to COVID-19 related absences and ongoing vacancies within the department, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) has suspended collection of bulk and brush routes to dedicate resources to the department’s core services, which include trash, recycling, and compost collection. ARR has experienced a sharp increase in several difficult to fill and high-turnover positions. Currently, ARR has an unprecedented number of vacant driving positions and is working with our Human Resources Department to increase driver salaries and become more competitive as an employer. If brush and bulk removal services continue to remain suspended, the City would see an increase in illegal dumping of materials. This creates health, safety, and wildfire concerns for citizens and the environment as dump sites attract vectors, mosquitoes, and other pests. A lack of brush removal could create an increased …
To: From: Date: Subject: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Ken Snipes Director Austin Resource Recovery May 11th, 2022 Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Resumption of Brush and Bulk Collections In February, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) decided to temporarily suspend large brush and bulk collection due to COVID-19. related staffing shortages. This allowed the department to reassign drivers to the essential collections of trash, recycling, and compost. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is working with DRC Emergency Services to reinstate these services while the department continues to fill vacant driver positions. Beginning the week of May 2nd, brush and bulk collection routes will resume. Customers with a collection initially scheduled during the suspension will be the first to have their items collected. Postcards will be mailed to customers informing them of their scheduled collection date. Austin Resource Recovery Job Fair Human Resources held a joint job fair with the Fleet department on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Kenneth Gardner Service Center. This was our first attempt at scheduling a department job fair on a weekday; however, attendance of job seekers was low, when compared to our previous job fair. Eighteen applicants signed our roster and we assisted them with information on job vacancies and the application and hiring processes. We are processing applications for those that applied for our vacant positions and we have tentatively scheduled our next job fair for Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 11 am to 2 pm. ARR will again partner with the Fleet department for this job fair. TxSWANA Rodeo Update TxSWANA is the Lone Star Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). TxSWANA is made up of nearly 600 individual members from various areas of the Solid Waste Industry. The 2022 TxSWANA Road-E-O event was held in Lubbock, Texas with competitors coming from cities across Texas competing in a Mechanics competition, a Landfill competition, a Tractor Trailer competition, and a Collection Vehicle competition to include Roll-Off trucks, Semi- Automated/Rear Load collection trucks, and Automated Side-Loader collection trucks. The Landfill, Tractor Trailer, and Collection Vehicle competition consists of these vehicles navigating through an obstacle course with seven stations and are timed events. The vehicles receive point deductions for striking any part of the barricades outlining the course or for not completing the course within a certain time. Robert Mata is a recycling crew leader who joined the department back in …
OpenGov: Budgeting and Planning ZWAC Presentation May 11, 2022 Agenda • How did we get here? • What is OpenGov? • Why OpenGov • How will ARR utilize the system? • Example screenshots from the system • ZWAC statistical reports How did we get here? • Budgeting of the past • Fiscal year 2014 – Excel • Fiscal year 2017 – Excel through SharePoint • Fiscal Year 2022 – OpenGov with Excel • Fiscal Year 2023 – OpenGov What is OpenGov • Cloud-based budgeting & performance management • Designed exclusively for government • Collaborative budget process • Budget monitoring and reporting • Dashboard and story creation Why OpenGov • Designed exclusively for government entities • All the latest features and functionality • Unlimited users (no per-user fee) • Transparency Questions Single Stream Recycling Statistical Report To: Zero Waste Advisory Commission CURRENT DATE Overview of Contracts The City of Austin is currently in 20‐year contracts with Balcones Resources (Balcones) and Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) for the City’s curbside single stream recycling processing. The agreements require the vendors to receive collected materials intended for recycling and to operate a materials recovery facility for the purposes of accepting, sorting, processing, and marketing the City’s collected material. Under the terms of the current agreements, Balcones receives 60% of the City’s collected material on an annual basis while Texas Disposal Systems receives 40%. Processing cost per ton is established during the recycling contract reset period that occurs every five years. The City receives revenue and pays processing costs to both vendors. The basis for revenue is the composition percentage of each class of recyclable material. This is determined during semi-annual composition studies that occur at each vendor’s facility. Prior to the latest contract reset that occurred in October 2021 both vendors had the same revenue share formula. However, during that reset period Balcones Resources agreed to a new revenue share formula. The following is each vendors' current revenue share formula: Texas Disposal Systems: (Revenue Percent x Value of Recyclable Material) - Processing Fee Balcones Resources: (Gross Value of Recyclable Material - Processing Fee) x Revenue Percent Note: Colors associated with each vendor are consistent throughout the report. Balcones amounts are represented by dark blue. TDS amounts are represented by light blue. Colors related to prior periods within charts are muted. Values displayed at the bottom of graphs are reflective of the most current period. Curbside …
