Adopt Resolution #12-08-XXX to Accept Recycling Enhancement Grant Funds from Anoka County and to Amend the Agreement for Residential Recycling Program

In June of 2012, the City received notice of a Recycling Enhancement Grant opportunity offered by Anoka County.  Grant requests up to $50,000.00 require no match from the applicant.  The purpose of the grant program is to increase the amount of material recycled in communities within the county, in part, due to the increased goal set by the State of sixty percent (60%) of waste material being recycled by 2030.

The County's 2012 Solid Waste Master Plan incorporated the goals set by the State for waste management, including an increase of recycling waste materials to sixty percent (60%) by the year 2030. This represents an increase of approximately twenty percent (20%) from present. The County is seeking ways to assist with enhancing communities recycling programs. The objective of the Recycling Enhancement Grant program is to generate innovation and efficiency of drop-off recycling centers, recycling day events and municipally sponsored community events.

One such project that meets this objective is plan development for a recycling drop-off center. Considering recent discussions that focused on potentially offering year-round collection of used motor oil as well as whether to continue with a contract for curbside recycling service or shift to an open hauling system, Staff submitted an application requesting $30,000.00 to develop non-site specific plans for a recycling drop-off center.  The City was recently informed that it was successful in its grant request.

  As outlined in the application, the grant funds would be used to work with a consultant to:

• Develop overall scope and vision for a facility
• Define/identify materials that could be accepted (including materials that presently are more difficult to recycle such as vinyl siding, carpeting and construction debris)
• Identifying equipment needs for such a facility
• Identifying all costs that would be associated with developing a recycling drop-off center

The intent of the grant application is to develop plans for a non-site specific recycling drop-off center that identifies what the minimum space needs, maneuverability and traffic flows for such a facility.  Should the City ever pursue this type of facility (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, in essence, serve as a template for other municipalities within the county, should they wish to pursue this type of facility.

Accepting the grant funds will require an amendment to the Agreement for Residential Recycling Program (the "Agreement") between the City and Anoka County (executed by Resolution in January of 2012).  The Agreement outlines certain activities and requirements of the City in return for funding through the Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment (SCORE).  The SCORE funding is utilized to promote waste reduction and recycling efforts and awareness in the community, to coordinate the spring and fall recycling events, and to fund the recycling coordinator position.  As outlined in the Agreement, any amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties.

This item was presented to the Environmental Policy Board at their July meeting and they supported pursuing the grant funding as a means to gather and review information related to a recycling drop-off center.  Staff recommends accepting the grant funding for plan development of a non-site specific recycling drop-off center and authorizing the Mayor to sign the the amendment to the Agreement for Residential Recycling Program between the City of Ramsey and Anoka County. 

There is no required matching component for this grant.  As part of the grant application, a $600.00 match was included that would account for Staff time spent meeting with a consultant and administering the project.

Motion to adopt Resolution #12-08__ to accept Recycling Enhancement Grant funds from Anoka County and to authorize the Mayor to sign the the amendment to the Agreement for Residential Recycling Program between the City of Ramsey and Anoka County.