Title
Resolution to Accept Grant Funds from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for Development of a Comprehensive, Regional Drop-Off Station and Approve a Related Grant Agreement ($850,000.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and consideration is a resolution to authorize acceptance and administration of grant funding from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for development of a comprehensive, regional Drop-Off Station (DOS) and to approve the related Grant Agreement. The current DOS is built on the City’s closed landfill, which has caused the building to settle and become structurally unstable. The facility must be demolished, and a new DOS built in a different location.
The DOS promotes a circular economy by providing an outlet for residents to manage unwanted materials by diverting, reusing, and recycling to a higher and best use.
The new DOS will have increased access and diversion services and serve communities throughout Washtenaw County. The project is supported by regional municipalities, institutions, and Washtenaw County.
The City of Ann Arbor has been working with Washtenaw County and Recycle Ann Arbor over the last several years on planning a new regional DOS and the project is included in the FY23-28 CIP. The proposed site, located at the City’s Wheeler Service Facility, provides space for initial construction and future expansion as reuse and recycling markets change, and provides easy access to City residents and surrounding communities. The site is part of the larger Wheeler Facility Complex which includes the City’s compost facility, the Materials Recovery Facility, waste transfer station and soon the largest solar field in the region. A DOS located on this parcel will contribute to the City’s A2Zero goals, by reducing carbon emissions for materials transported to the MRF, compost site and transfer station.
The proposed site is located within Pittsfield Township so will require site plan approval from the township. City staff have begun discussions with the Township about the project and plan broader public engagement in collaboration with the County and Pittsfield Township as part of the design and site plan approval process.
The proposed project will improve upon current conditions by developing a full-service DOS with an enclosed barn, a tip wall area, equipment storage, material processing areas, and household hazardous waste processing, among other features.
The total cost for creation of the new DOS is estimated at $4,426,900.00 and includes final site design and engineering, construction, equipment, and permits. EGLE has awarded the City an Infrastructure Grant in the amount of $850,000.00, which can be used toward design, site preparation, construction, and installation of equipment. The EGLE grant includes a required 20% cash match of $212,500.00 which will come from the Solid Waste Capital Budget. In addition to the grant funds, and city dollars, Washtenaw County Board of Public Works has passed a resolution committing $1,000,000.00 towards the project, subject to approval by the County Board of Commissioners. The remainder of the funding for the project will come from the approved Solid Waste Capital Budget.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for the Drop-Off Station Project (MF-SW-06-03) is included in the approved Solid Waste Fund Capital Budget, including grant revenue, grant expenditures and the required match.
Staff
Prepared by: Molly Maciejewski, Public Works Manager
Reviewed by: Brian Steglitz, Interim Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Resolution
Whereas, The City’s Drop Off Station (DOS) gives residents a way to manage unwanted materials by diverting, reusing and recycling materials to a higher and best use;
Whereas, A regional DOS supports the establishment and growth of a local circular economy;
Whereas, The current DOS is structurally unstable and must be relocated and rebuilt; and
Whereas, City staff worked with Washtenaw County and Recycle Ann Arbor to secure an EGLE infrastructure grant to develop a new comprehensive, regional DOS;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the acceptance of a grant award in the amount of $850,000.00. from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for development of a comprehensive, regional drop-off station (DOS) and the related Grant Agreement;
RESOLVED, That City Council authorize the Mayor, City Clerk, and City Administrator to execute all documents necessary to complete the Grant requirements, after approval as to form by the City Attorney;
RESOLVED, That all amounts herein are without regard to fiscal year; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary actions to implement this resolution.