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City of Vancouver reports AmeriCorps pause, recycling law changes and stalled MRF talks
Summary
City of Vancouver staff told the Solid Waste Advisory Commission that Washington Service Corps has paused AmeriCorps service nationwide, the state Recycling Reform Act passed both chambers awaiting the governor's signature, and local negotiations over a MRF agreement with CRC have stalled.
City of Vancouver staff updated the Solid Waste Advisory Commission on May 1 about several ongoing recycling and organics efforts, and a pause in AmeriCorps service that affects local staff.
Julie (City of Vancouver staff) said the Washington Service Corps advised cities to pause services with AmeriCorps members this week, affecting local placements and prompting the city to seek alternatives to support the affected staff. "They're here at the city, and I think this impacts, the entire country," she said, referring to the pause and noting that the city is looking for short-term solutions.
Julie also summarized program work: the city submitted year-one organics diversion reporting to the Department of Ecology, is updating procurement rules to track compost purchases, and has recycling trainings scheduled (Recycling 101 on May 14, June 25 and Recycling 201 on July 10). She said the city will present a five-year yard debris contract with McFarland Bark to city council and that the Recycling Reform Act had passed both the House and the Senate and was awaiting the governor’s signature; staff said they are monitoring implementation because it will affect local recycling operations.
The city reported that joint negotiations with Columbia Resource Company (CRC) over a long-term MRF contract and a new facility site required by the master services agreement began in February but have since stopped; city staff said they were assessing next steps. Staff also described the "Main Street Promise" project and said the city coordinated with Waste Connections to keep business services running as street access changed for the project.
Julie also noted internal staff changes: Public Works Director Steve Worley announced his retirement and Deputy Director Steve Wall will serve as interim; staff said the change should not affect ongoing programs.
City staff did not provide detailed data on business impacts from Main Street construction but said communication with local businesses has been the primary strategy to minimize disruption. Staff said they would follow up with additional data if available.
