Authorize Request for Proposals for Analysis of a Full Service, Year-Round Recycling Drop-Off Center and Non-Site Specific Plan Development

As the City Council is aware, the City was successful with an application for grant funds, which were available through the Recycling Enhancement Grant program offered by Anoka County, to analyze the potential of a full service recycling drop-off center and to develop a non-site specific plan for such a facility.  City Staff developed the proposal application based on recent discussions about the curbside recycling contract as well as the potential of collecting used oil, oil filters and antifreeze at the Public Works campus.  Should the City ever pursue a recycling drop-off center (for instance, if Ramsey ever shifted from contracted service for curbside collection of recyclables to an open hauling system), having this information will be extremely beneficial. Furthermore, by developing non-site specific plans, it could serve as a template for other municipalities within the county, should they wish to pursue this type of facility. 

As stated in the grant proposal, funds were to be used to hire an experienced firm to do the analysis and plan development.  Due to the tight timing of the grant program (funds should be expended by the end of 2012), the proposals will need to be submitted to the Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator by 4:30pm on Friday, October 12th.  City Staff would then bring forward a recommendation for selection of a firm to City Council on October 23, 2012. 

The Request for Proposals clearly states that the work is to be completed through a 'not-to-exceed' contract and the selected firm will be tasked with the following:

A. Meet with City Staff to discuss vision for project (scoping meeting).

B. Assess and recommend minimum property size necessary for a year-round drop-off recycling center.

C. Assess and recommend minimum building requirements including but not necessarily limited to, building size, exterior finish (as it may relate to the respect zoning district), bays, and interior layout (critical to provide for space for future materials that may be accepted).

D. Assess and recommend best configuration of site for most efficient traffic flow and maneuverability.

E. Assess and recommend equipment needs for a full service year-round drop of recycling center (e.g. dumpsters, balers, fork lift etc.).

F. Assess and recommend most effective hours of operation as well as days of the week to be open.

G. Assess and recommend acceptable materials for collection.

H. Assess potential quantities of acceptable materials on an annual basis.

I. Assess and provide recommendations on collection method (e.g. co-mingled or separated collection of standard recyclables).

J. Meet with City Staff and recycling vendors (either in person or via phone) to gather input and feedback on a potential full service, year-round recycling drop-off center.

K. Assess and provide recommendations on potential of partnership(s) with private sector.

L. Assess and identify potential sites within the City of Ramsey that may be suitable for a full service, year-round recycling drop-off center.

M. Assess and identify all potential costs with actual development of a full service, year-round recycling drop-off center.

The selected firm would, by December 31, 2012, need to provide the City with both a detailed report and a non-site specific site plan indicating the recommended configuration of site as well as buildings, equipment, material collection areas, etc.

Staff recommends City Council direct Staff to solicit proposals for analysis of a full service, year-round recycling drop-off center and non-site specific plan development of such a facility by distributing the Request for Proposals.

Funding for this project is available through a Recycling Enhancement Grant awarded to the City by Anoka County.  The project will be administered via a 'not to exceed' contract.

Motion to direct Staff to solicit proposals for analysis of a full service, year-round recycling drop-off center and non-site specific plan development by distributing the Request for Proposals to those local banks listed in attached file.