Commission approves resolution to merge Resource Management Commission and Zero Waste Advisory Commission

The Austin Resource Recovery Commission unanimously approved a resolution to merge the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission and agreed to forward its recommendation to the council process.

Commissioners discussed and agreed to add language clarifying that the Resource Management Commission’s mandate focuses on energy, alternative and renewable energy technologies and water conservation, and that the overlap between the two commissions is narrow in scope. Commissioners read aloud two proposed whereas clauses drawn from the Resource Management Commission’s resolution: one describing the Resource Management Commission’s purpose to "advise the city council in developing and reviewing city plans and policies concerning the efficient use of energy, including alternative and renewable energy technologies and on energy and water conservation," and another stating that "the overlap between the Resource Management Commission and 0 Waste Advisory Commission is narrow in scope and a merged Resource Recovery and Management Commission require both city staff and commissioners to engage on an expansive array of issues unrelated to their primary areas of expertise and day to day responsibility."

A motion to accept the amended resolution was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair recorded the vote as unanimous. Commissioners noted the proposed merger will be considered by the Audit and Finance Committee of the City Council before additional council action.