Title
Resolution to Appropriate Funds and Authorize Shared Funding with the Washtenaw County for Waste Diversion Site Feasibility Study for a new Drop-Off Station ($34,805.00) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached is a resolution authorizing shared funding with Washtenaw County for a Waste Diversion Site Feasibility Study. The purpose of this study is described in the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and Washtenaw County establishing a partnership to examine the viability of a new, comprehensive drop-off station (DOS) which could allow the City to abandon the existing DOS located at 2950 East Ellsworth Road. The Memorandum of Understanding lays out an arrangement whereby the County is the lead agency in undertaking a feasibility study on the inclusion of a new DOS in the County’s Solid Waste Plan, with the City being a partner in this study effort. The cost of the study is to be shared equally between the County and the City, and as the City’s 50% share of the cost ($34,805.00) exceeds $25,000.00, Council authorization of this expenditure is required.
The City’s existing DOS facility dates back to the early 1980’s and is now beyond its useful life. The facility is in need of repair more frequently, and the site constraints result in an inability for program expansion, as well as a less than desirable customer experience for residents. Recognizing these conditions, a project to replace the DOS was first included in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) in 2005. As the current DOS serves both City and non-City residents, this project was planned to have funding by the City and other partners, including the County. With the Great Recession, the potential for the County and other funding partners to participate was eliminated. As a result, the project has not yet been initiated.
With the region now recovering from the recession, there is a greater potential for a new DOS facility to serve the City and the surrounding areas through a cooperative project. This was recognized during the most recent CIP process as the FY2016-2021 CIP includes the design of such a project in the second year of the plan (FY17) and construction in FY18. In addition, the County is undertaking a process to amend and update the County’s Solid Waste Plan. This effort provides an opportunity for both the City and the County to examine the potential for developing a new DOS that could service City and County residents in a more comprehensive and effective manner than is currently able to be provided.
Budget/Fiscal Impact:
This feasibility study will take place in FY16, which is in advance of the FY17 programmed capital funding for design of the relocated DOS. However, as the opportunity for a shared feasibility study to more closely examine the DOS program prior to actual facility site design will add valuable benefit to the overall project, the funding for the City’s share of the feasibility study will come from, and is available in the Solid Waste Fund, Fund Balance.
Sustainability Framework
The work under this Waste Diversion Site Feasibility Site study furthers the Responsible Resource Use goals of the City’s Sustainability Framework and the Drop-Off Station (DOS) Actions of the 2013-2017 Solid Waste Resource Plan Update.
Staff
Prepared by: Christina Gomes, Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Tom Crawford, Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor’s Drop-Off Station (DOS) facility is beyond its useful life and is frequently in need of repairs;
Whereas, The City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) has included a project to replace the DOS since 2005, but has not been able to be initiated in large part due to a lack of available project partners;
Whereas, Economic conditions for the region has improved such that the design of a new DOS is included in the FY2016-2021 CIP for FY17;
Whereas, Washtenaw County is undertaking an effort to update the County’s Solid Waste Plan, which could include provisions for a new DOS;
Whereas, The City and Washtenaw County have executed a Memorandum of Understanding on a shared effort regarding a new DOS including a feasibility study with a 50/50 split of funding for the study;
Whereas, Funding for the City’s share of the Feasibility Study is available from the Solid Waste Fund, Fund Balance; and,
Whereas, Washtenaw County has completed an RFP process for the Waste Diversion Feasibility Study and the City’s share of the study exceeds $25,000.00 requiring Council authorization;
RESOLVED, The City Council appropriate $34,805.00 from the Solid Waste Fund, Fund Balance and approve its use in funding the City’s share of the Waste Diversion Feasibility Study being procured by Washtenaw County, with the funds being available without regard to fiscal year; and
RESOLVED, That Council authorizes the City Administrator to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.