Title
Resolution to Approve Execution of Articles of Incorporation for, and Becoming a Constituent Member of, the Washtenaw Regional Resource Management Authority (WRRMA)
Memorandum
In 2017, Washtenaw County completed the 2017 Washtenaw County Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment. On January 16, 2018, City Council adopted a resolution supporting the amended plan, one of the goals of which is to “operate collaboratively within the County and regionally outside the County for a comprehensive sustainable materials management strategy.”
To further this goal, the County hired Resource Recycling Systems, Inc. (RRS) to facilitate local government and service provider stakeholder meetings to discuss regional recycling and waste collection options, and to complete a study of models for regional authority governance.
These meetings were held in January, 2018, and were attended by the City, Ann Arbor Charter Township, Pittsfield Charter Township, City of Saline, Scio Township, City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Charter Township, Washtenaw County, Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority, Ecology Center, Recycle Ann Arbor, Advanced Disposal, and the University of Michigan. RRS compiled feedback and discussion notes from these meetings, and then used them in a study it completed in April 2018.
The County then assembled communities interested in a regional approach to solid waste and waste diversion to form a Waste Authority Formation Committee. The Committee’s first meeting was June 7, 2018 and it was attended by the City, Ann Arbor Charter Township, City of Dexter, Pittsfield Charter Township, City of Saline, Scio Township, City of Ypsilanti, and Ypsilanti Charter Township.
Through seven meetings, the Committee collaborated to draft the attached Articles of Incorporation, which, if adopted, would establish the Washtenaw Regional Resource Management Authority (WRRMA). These Articles are being presented to the governing body of each community that may join the Authority. Much of the content of the Articles, including the provisions for dissolution of and withdrawal from the Authority, is prescribed by the State statute enabling formation of such an authority.
If adopted, this resolution would direct the City to sign the Articles and join the Authority.
Budget/Fiscal Impact
For the initial fiscal (calendar) year of the Authority, each Constituent Member will contribute a $5,000.00 payment, each of which will be matched by Washtenaw County. Subsequent years’ contributions will be determined by the Authority’s annual budget process, up to $5,000.00. City Council will receive, and have an opportunity to weigh in on, the Authority’s proposed budget each October. Proposed annual contributions in excess of $5,000.00 will require City Council approval.
Funding for the initial $5,000.00 contribution is available in the approved Solid Waste Fund Operations and Maintenance Budget. Future years’ contribution will be included in the annual budget request for City Council approval.
Sustainability Framework
By joining WRRMA, the City would be supporting the Engaged Community, Sustainable Systems and Responsible Resource Use goals of the City’s Sustainability Framework.
Staff
Prepared by: Cresson S. Slotten, P.E., Public Services
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Act 179 of 1947, being MCL 123.301 et. seq. (“Act”), enables any 2 or municipalities to incorporate “an authority for the purpose of the collection or disposal, or both, of garbage or rubbish, or both … by the adoption of articles of incorporation, by the legislative body of each such municipality;”
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor and other local municipalities have met and discussed incorporation of such an authority and the content of articles of incorporation that would be most appropriate therefore;
Whereas, The benefits of such an authority would likely include regional consistency in materials management and citizen awareness programs, as well as stronger bargaining power for procurement of region-wide services;
Whereas, Funding is available in the approved Solid Waste Fund Operations and Maintenance Budget, if so approved by City Council;
Whereas, The draft articles of incorporation that, if executed, would form the Washtenaw Regional Resource Management Authority (WRRMA) are acceptable;
Whereas, On January 24, 2019 the City of Ann Arbor Environmental Commission unanimously passed a resolution recommending that the City join WRRMA; and
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor believes that becoming a member of WRRMA will benefit the community as a whole.
RESOLVED, That the City of Ann Arbor does hereby resolve to incorporate and join WRRMA as a Constituent Member;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute the articles of incorporation, and pay the initial funding the articles require; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.
AYES:
NAYES:
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
I certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by the Ann Arbor City Council, County of Washtenaw, State of Michigan, at a regular meeting held on ________________, 2019 that said meeting was conducted and public notice of said meeting was given pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be or have been made available as required by said Act.
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Jacqueline Beaudry, City Clerk Date