Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2020-53:  A resolution amending the IGA between NAU and the City covering the composting partnership to extend the IGA for one year.

In October 2019, the City entered into an IGA with Northern Arizona University (NAU) to pilot composting municipal organic waste streams at NAU’s composting operation. Since then, the City has delivered over 200,000 pounds of organic waste to NAU for composting. The vast majority of this material is coming from City parks, but staff plan to introduce other streams of organic material, including residential yard waste and commercial food scraps if the IGA is extended. 
 
The original IGA allows for a one-year renewal term with an amendment to the original agreement. The amendment will allow for the continuation of pilot activities and evaluation of costs for both parties. At the close of this renewal term in October 2021, the City and NAU will explore a long-term agreement that includes financial considerations, which are currently absent in the current agreement.

Under the current agreement the City delivers compostable material to NAU’s composting facility at no cost. As a result, the City is avoiding the costs to deliver the same material to the landfill. The transportation costs are also reduced, as the distance to the landfill is further than that to NAU.

At the close of the pilot agreement in October 2021, the City and NAU will explore a long-term agreement and necessary financial considerations to continue the partnership.

In support of the Rethink Waste Plan, this agreement allows the City to evaluate composting opportunities while avoiding the major infrastructure costs of starting a new organic waste processing facility. The results of this pilot will inform future investments in such infrastructure and programming. 
 
These activities also support strategies identified in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan targeting the greenhouse gas emissions from Flagstaff’s waste and consumption.

Priority Based Budget Key Community Priorities and Objectives

Sustainable, innovative infrastructure – Utilize existing long-range plans that identify the community’s future infrastructure needs and all associated costs. 

Environmental stewardship – Actively manage and protect all environmental and natural resources.

Regional Plan
Goal E&C.2. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Yes. The initial term of the IGA was approved at the October 1st, 2019 Council Meeting.