9.E.
City Council Meeting - FINAL (AMENDED)
- Meeting Date:
- 06/07/2022
- From:
- Daniel Logan, Solid Waste Collections Manager
Information
TITLE:
Consideration and Approval of Contract: A Professional Services Contract WIH Resource Group, Inc. in the amount of $103,472 to complete the final study and analysis of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). This work is to confirm the transition of the traditional MRF into a functional transfer station that will best serve the community recycle processing needs.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
- Approve the Professional Services Contract with WIH Resource Group, Inc. in the amount of $103,472 to confirm the transition of the traditional MRF into a functional transfer station that will best serve the community recycle processing needs; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Executive Summary:
The City contracts with Norton Environmental, Inc. to operate the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), which sorts and markets the recyclables collected by the City’s Solid Waste Section. The existing contract is set to expire in September 2023 and the City is in the final steps of working through the end of the existing contract. Material collections and recycling material processing is critical for the goals included in the Rethink Waste Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Throughout the community recyclables are accepted primarily using curbside and bin collections.
The success of the city’s recycling program, collection types, rate, and quality of sorted material is dependent upon the city arrangements for the processing of recyclables and many market conditions that influence the recyclables market. During the October 27, 2020, City Council meeting, the City Council directed the Solid Waste Section to pursue the conversion the existing onsite recycling facility to a transfer of recycled material operation. This direction based on the staff recommendation will likely result in the lowest cost per ton of recyclables sorted, while likely increasing the accepted materials and types thus increasing the city’s overall recycling success.
The success of the city’s recycling program, collection types, rate, and quality of sorted material is dependent upon the city arrangements for the processing of recyclables and many market conditions that influence the recyclables market. During the October 27, 2020, City Council meeting, the City Council directed the Solid Waste Section to pursue the conversion the existing onsite recycling facility to a transfer of recycled material operation. This direction based on the staff recommendation will likely result in the lowest cost per ton of recyclables sorted, while likely increasing the accepted materials and types thus increasing the city’s overall recycling success.
Financial Impact:
Approve the Professional Services Contract with WIH Resource Group, Inc. in the amount of $103,472 from Acct# 211-06-165-0631-0-4424.
The reduced on-site processing and material handling will reduce costs for the overall operations. Processing in a large modern day facility will be more efficient and cost-effective.
The reduced on-site processing and material handling will reduce costs for the overall operations. Processing in a large modern day facility will be more efficient and cost-effective.
Policy Impact:
This action will result in a stronger and more efficient business model in providing our community with a stronger recycle effort, resulting in better community participation.
Connection to PBB Priorities/Objectives, Carbon Neutrality Plan & Regional Plan:
PBB Priorities
- Serve the public by providing high quality internal and external customer service
- Implement, maintain, and further the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP)
- Sustainable consumption and waste management: Divert more waste from the landfill.
- Goal PF.I.7. Develop strategies and take meaningful steps towards extending the life of the landfill.
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
Yes, on October 27, 2020, the City Council directed the Solid Waste Section to hire a consulting firm to assist in the development of a plan for the MRF operations and transfer station.
Options and Alternatives:
Do not approve the contract and plan the MRF transition using city staff or alternative consultants to be determined at a later date but prior to the expiration of the existing contract.
Background and History:
Purchasing staff published a Request for Proposals (RFP) solicitation for the MRF to Transfer Station Transition Project in the Arizona Daily Sun on January 23, and January 30, 2022, and posted the solicitation to the City of Flagstaff’s PlanetBids Website on January 13, 2022. On February 7, 2022, the City received one (1) Proposal from a Firm. A five (5) member Evaluation Committee consisting of City staff reviewed and evaluated the Proposal. Based upon the numerical scoring of the Proposal, the Evaluation Committee identified the most qualified Firm for the MRF to Transfer Station Transition Project. The Evaluation Committee chose WIH Resource Group, Inc. and ask that City Council adopt the Professional Services Contract.
Community Involvement:
Community benefits include, continued consistent quality residential and commercial recycle collection service at the lowest cost to our community members. The final deliverable of the study will be a smooth transition to the transfer station model, shipping recyclable materials to a facility that has modern, clean, and efficient sorting machinery equipment. Large centralized facilities have the most advanced technologies available in the recycling industry.