ITEM TITLE:
Report: Phase II: Bear-Resistant Solid Waste Management Plan (Update #2)
SUBMITTED BY: Bart Hinkle, Chief of Police
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The mission of the Valdez Bear Working Group is to develop a Bear Management Plan that strives to create and maintain a sustainable relationship with humans and bears. Reducing, or eliminating, the access that bears have to non-natural food sources (human-generated garbage) is a goal. Implementing and enforcing a bear-resistant solid waste management plan throughout Valdez is a top priority.
In a 4.16.19 work session the Valdez Bear Working Group presented Council with alternative solid waste management plans. Discussions at that work session resulted in agreement to move forward with a two phased approach of COV approved containers for curbside collection and the establishment of public use dumpster pods in select locations with the intention of reducing the overall number of residential dumpsters in service.
The COV-approved container program was funded during the 2020 Budget process and began in earnest in February of 2020 with the adoption of changes made to VMC 8.08 (Garbage Collection and Disposal) via Ordinance No. 20-01. In March, 2020, representatives from multiple COV departments assembled a team to conduct public information/outreach concerning the containers - which were termed Wildlife Resistant Containers.
The commitment to public education and outreach assisted the successful implementation of the Wildlife Resistant Container program. As of 12/23, there have been 930 WRC’s issued (894 rented, 36 purchased). Approximately 328 containers remain available to rent, and 64 available for purchase. The WRC Program (Phase I) is essentially an implemented program at this point.
Phase II of the solid waste management plan consists of public use dumpster pods in select areas. A similar communications plan that was done for the public information and outreach for the WRC’s is planned for the dumpster pods.
The COV representatives are: Allie Ferko (PIO), Bart Hinkle (Police Department), Rob Comstock (Public Works), Erick Garcia (Public Works), and Venessa Dawson (Public Works).
The team meets on a regular basis to identify and implement the most efficient and strategic methods to effectively communicate the Dumpster Pod program to the citizens of Valdez.
STEP ONE: DUMPSTER POD PROGRAM WEBSITE (COMPLETE - DECEMBER 3, 2021) MAPS ADDED DECEMBER 8
The initial step for the team was the inclusion of the Dumpster Pod program on the existing City of Valdez website that houses information regarding the WRC Program [https://www.valdezak.gov/553/Wildlife-Resistant-Garbage-Collection-Pr]. The initial webpage went public on March 4, 2020, and included information on the WRC program as well as references to Phase II of the plan: Establishment of residential public use dumpster pods.
The additional information regarding the Dumpster Pod program went active on December 3, 2021. It provides background on the inception and development of the program; outlines goals and operational efficiencies to be gained; provides program basics, timelines and processes; and provides a robust FAQ section.
Maps depicting the locations of the upcoming dumpster pods were published on the website on December 8, 2021.
STEP TWO: COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH EFFORTS - ONGOING
Dumpster relocation notices were placed on the dumpsters in the Robe River Subdivision. The notice includes the date of expected relocation (May 18, 2022), location of upcoming dumpster pod (Baler facility), and the aforementioned website. This particular method of communication was deemed necessary and appropriate to clear up any confusion from a notice that residents of Robe River received in early November. COMPLETED - DECEMBER 12
Additionally, those citizens in Robe River who contacted City of Valdez personnel in regards to that November door hanger received an email from the PIO with information about the May 2022 relocation date and the website address to visit with additional questions. COMPLETED - DECEMBER 20
A social media post with the same information, instructing people to visit the website was posted on the COV Facebook page. COMPLETED - DECEMBER 20.
During a team meeting on 12/21, Public Works personnel indicated that there might be an incorrect belief amongst Valdez citizens that the WRC’s are no longer available for rent, or that there may be a cost associated with renting them. In addition to verbal assurance that was not the case, a social media post was created that emphasized the availability (FREE) of WRC’s for qualifying persons. COMPLETED - by JANUARY 3.
FUTURE DUMPSTER POD PROGRAM OUTREACH EFFORTS
While the website may serve as a central repository for most of the information concerning the program, the team identified an additional need for strategic and focused public outreach prior to the Dumpster Pod anticipated start date of May 18, 2022.
Upcoming methods of public information and outreach, along with an estimated timeline, include but are not limited to:
• Social media content to be posted on the City FB page and shared by other City departments [January]
• Mailer sent to Valdez PO/HCI Boxes [February]
• Radio ads on KVAK [February & March]
• Radio billboard announcements on KCHU [February & March]
• Information on COV digital signage / movie theater pre-show [February/March]
• Fliers in strategic and common locations [March]
• Information disseminated through PIO email distribution list [March]
• Insert with City utility bill [Q1 2022]
• Distribute door hangers [April]
• Town hall style public outreach meeting [TBD, if necessary]
• Coffee Break Radio Interview on KCHU and interview on KVAK [TBD, if necessary]
• Regular updates at every Council meeting [beginning Dec. 7, 2021]
Customer service remains a top priority amongst COV employees. An in-house training of approximately 9 front-line City personnel was conducted on December 3rd. The training focused on ensuring front line personnel are familiar with the dumpster pod program, can correctly answer citizen questions about the program, and are comfortable assisting citizens with questions or concerns. COMPLETED - DEC. 3
Next public information/outreach team update: Council packet on January 18th.