Agenda - Council - 02/24/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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years. Staff would like to utilize the optional funding for municipal park/community event recycling to promote the parks recycling program more and to offset the cost of staff time to empty the recycling carts (done concurrently with the parks trash runs). Furthermore, Staff would also like to utilize a portion of this funding to explore ways to make community events, such as Happy Days, more sustainable. The Environmental Policy Board was supportive of both the community events efforts and the focus on multi -family (apartment complexes) recycling opportunities. Alternative Actions: Alternative #1. Enter into the residential recycling agreement for the base allocation of $51,835.00 plus an additional $12,000.00 to focus on municipal parks/community event recycling (for the full allocation of $6,000.00) and multi -unit and curbside recycling opportunities (for the full allocation of $6,000.00) Parks and community events are two areas where the City can continue to improve recycling opportunities. Furthermore, this funding would help target multi-unit/apartment complexes with more recycling information to increase the recovery of recyclable materials. Both of these areas of focus will assist the City in meeting the 2015 tonnage goal established by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. Staff supports this option. Alternative #2. Enter into the residential recycling agreement with the County for only the base allocation of $51,835.00. This would allow the City to continue to promote recycling and waste reduction ideas and coordinating the spring and fall recycling events; however, it would limit the City's ability to pursue new opportunities to increase recycling efforts that would help the City continue to meet its established tonnage goals. Alternative #3. Enter into the residential recycling agreement with the County for the base allocation of $51,835.00 plus the full additional funding of $43,734.00 for target programs. Staff would need to explore how the other components (minimum of eight [8] monthly collection events, organics, and enhancement grant) could be implemented. While there are likely areas that could be enhanced or new ideas that could be implemented with this funding, with current staff resources it is uncertain that these program enhancements could be fully implemented. However, it is worth noting that some of the funding could be used to hire an intern that could help with program development and implementation. Alternative #4. Do not enter into the residential recycling agreement with the County. By not executing this agreement with the County, the City would not receive any SCORE funding for 2015 (a loss of $51,835.00). A portion of the City Planner staff position is funded through this allocation (duties related to managing the recycling program) as are all recycling related activities, including the spring/fall recycling events. Staff does not support this option. Funding Source: Ramsey's recycling program and related staff time are funded with SCORE funds received from Anoka County annually and recorded under the Recycling Enterprise Fund. Recommendation: Staff recommends adopting Resolution #15-02-037 authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City, to sign the Agreement for Residential Recycling Program with Anoka County, to receive the base SCORE funds for 2015 as well as the additional allocations for municipal park/community event recycling and multi -unit and curbside recycling Action: Adopt Resolution #15-02-037 authorizing the Mayor to sign the Agreement for Residential Recycling Program between the City of Ramsey and Anoka County to receive the base SCORE funds of $51 835.00 and an additional targeted program funding allocation of $12,000.00 to continue with and expand municipal park/community event recycling and multi -unit and curbside recycling. Attachments