Title
Approval of a Resolution Adopting the Waste ReSources Management Plan 2023-2030
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) recommend moving to approve a Resolution adopting the Waste ReSources Management Plan 2023-2030.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution adopting the Waste ReSources Management Plan 2023-2030.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution adopting the Waste ReSources Management Plan 2023-2030.
Staff Contact:
Ron Jones, Senior Planner, Public Works Waste ReSources, 360.753.8509
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Item Only.
Background and Analysis:
On April 11, 2023, staff gave a presentation to the Olympia City Council on the Waste ReSources Management Plan 2023-2030 (Plan). Following the presentation, a public hearing was held and no comments were received.
The Plan will provide strategic direction for the Utility’s solid waste collection, education, and outreach programs. It presents four goals along with subsequent strategies and actions toward reducing the total amount of waste produced, increased diversion through recycling and composting, maintaining safe, equitable, and efficient operations, and ensuring responsible and equitable financial management.
The Plan was reviewed on the following occasions:
• May 6, 2021 - Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) - (Plan Scoping)
• November 4, 2021 - UAC - (Draft Goals, Key Initiatives)
• February 2022 - Council of Neighborhood Associations (CNA) - (Draft Goals, Key Initiatives)
• May 5, 2022 - UAC - (Policy Recommendations)
• December 1, 2022 - UAC - (Draft Plan Presentation and Input)
• December 14, 2022 - Draft Plan posted to City website for public comment. Sent to CNA.
• February 2, 2023 - UAC - (Draft Plan Recommendation)
• February 3-24 - State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Process. Determination of non-significance. No comments or appeals.
• February 23, 2023 - LUEC - (Draft Plan Recommendation)
• April 11, 2023 - City Council Public Hearing
Plan development began before the City’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and climate programs were launched. However, staff worked on a parallel track with the consultant to incorporate these important issues into its goals, strategies, and actions. The equity and climate frameworks were completed and launched around the same time the draft Plan was completed. The frameworks will be useful in future updates.
Climate Analysis:
The Plan will contribute to the City's overall climate goals through its waste prevention and recycling strategies and actions, such as waste prevention messaging, supporting legislative initiatives, and improving recycling capture at multi-family and mixed-use buildings. The Plan also supports reduced greenhouse gas emissions by coordinating with the City's Fleet Operations to electrify the City's fleet. It is an easier conversion for light duty trucks, however electric solid waste trucks are not yet capable of operating even one-half day on a full charge and cost at least 50 percent more. A study showed that certain types of solid waste trucks may never be electrified due to their demanding function. It will be necessary to have the charging infrastructure in place also.
Equity Analysis:
The Plan supports the City's overall equity initiatives through its strategies and actions. Data was incomplete for all groups and additional outreach during implementation will be useful. The Plan is focused toward benefiting groups that are burdened, such as low income, through rate equity work, and diverse populations through improved education and outreach programs.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community members, businesses and organizations are customers of the Waste ReSources Utility. They will be interested in the services and waste reduction and recycling opportunities put forth in the Plan, which will guide the utility’s work over the next seven years.
Financial Impact:
Implementing the 2023-2030 Waste ReSources Management Plan will have future service and utility rate implications.
Options:
1. Approve a Resolution adopting the Waste ReSources Management Plan 2023-2030. The Utility will begin implementing the strategies included in the Plan.
2. Request staff to revise the draft Plan based upon Council recommendations and return with a Resolution to adopt the Plan at a later date. This would delay implementation of the Plan and subsequent goals, strategies, and actions.
3. Do not approve a Resolution to adopt the Plan at this time. This would result in the Utility not having strategic direction for making informed decisions about services, waste prevention, and utility rates.
Attachments:
Waste ReSources Management Plan 2023-2030
Resolution Adopting 2023-2030 Waste Resources Management Plan
UAC Recommendation to Adopt Plan