title
A resolution authorizing the director of the Department of Metro Water Services to hire a director of solid waste and authorizing a one-year extension of the Memorandum of Understanding transferring the solid waste disposal responsibilities to the Department of Water and Sewerage Services.
body
WHEREAS, The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (“Metro”) is facing a new era of both operational and strategic challenges and opportunities that will reshape the way solid waste will be managed in the area for the foreseeable future; and,
WHEREAS, as Metro moves into this new phase of solid waste service delivery, it will be very important that it is correctly conceptualized, designed (from both an operational and financial perspective), and managed by the highest-level professional staff to deliver a high quality of service to its customers and meet its long-term goals; and,
WHEREAS, 35% of Metro waste goes to Middle Point Landfill, which is scheduled to close within the next six years or less, and the contract with Metro’s waste hauler, Republic, will expire in 2027, presenting Metro with an opportunity to diversify its solid waste disposal approach and implement strategies to further the Solid Waste Master Plan; and,
WHEREAS, Metro has implemented some aspects of the Solid Waste Master Plan, such as every-other-week recycling, increased educational and outreach efforts to encourage alternative waste disposal methods, and launched the Food Scraps Pickup Pilot program; and,
WHEREAS, there are key strategies that will enable Metro to fully implement the Solid Waste Master Plan, such as increasing diversion related programs, including recycling and food composting, re-aligning the funding structure for solid waste management services from a tax-based General Fund to a fee for service Enterprise Fund and establishing a solid waste authority or department dedicated solely to solid waste management; and,
WHEREAS, Metro will need an experienced professional who understands waste service offerings, delivery to a wide variety of customers and businesses and who has the ability to develop and implement a sustainable, financial strategy for materials management, as Metro explores these viable options; and,
WHEREAS, creating a director of solid waste position, with the intent that the director will ultimately lead a stand-alone Department of Solid Waste Services, will allow Metro Water Services to hire an industry expert who can take the lead in addressing key issues and develop a business plan that outlines how the new entity/organization can address the immediate issues and begin implementing the goals outlined in the Solid Waste Master Plan; and,
WHEREAS, RS2021-794, as amended, approved a memorandum of understanding that transferred solid waste disposal responsibilities from the Department of Public Works to the Department of Water and Sewerage Services, along with related operational activities, personnel and equipment, for a term of three years, expiring July 1, 2024; and,
WHEREAS, it is advantageous to extend the term of the MOU by one year, until July 1, 2025, to provide sufficient time to hire a director of solid waste and develop a more detailed roadmap to achieve the vision of the Solid Waste Master Plan; and,
WHEREAS, is in the best interest of the Metropolitan Government and the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County to hire a Director of Solid Waste and extend the Memorandum of Understanding one year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Director of the Department of Water and Sewerage services is hereby authorized and directed to hire a Director of Solid Waste.
Section 2. That the Memorandum of Understanding transferring the solid waste disposal responsibilities to the Department of Water and Sewerage Services is hereby extended one year.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect from and after its final passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the director of the Department of Water and Sewerage Services to hire a director of solid waste and authorizes a one-year extension of the memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) transferring the solid waste disposal responsibilities to the Department of Water and Sewerage Services, previously approved pursuant to Resolution No. RS2021-794.
This resolution authorizes the director of the Department of Water Services to hire a director of solid waste. This position will allow for Metro to have an industry expert who can ultimately lead a stand-alone Department of Solid Waste Services.
On April 6, 2021, the Council approved an MOU to transfer solid waste disposal responsibilities from the Metropolitan Department of Public Works to the Department of Water and Sewerage Services. The MOU had a term of three years, beginning on July 1, 2021. RS2021-794 provided that the MOU could be extended upon a resolution adopted by the Metropolitan Council. This resolution would extend the MOU by one year, until July 1, 2025.