AGENDA DATE: 2/3/2016
TITLE:
Title
Ivy MUC Public Engagement Plan
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Discussion of Public Engagement Plan for the Upcoming Ivy MUC Facility Improvements
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Davis, Letteri, Catlin
PRESENTER (S): Lee Catlin
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: Over the past two years, the Board has considered various options regarding the current transfer station facilities and operation at the Ivy Materials Utilization Center (MUC). In November 2015, the Board approved an option for addressing the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality compliance issues and retaining the Ivy MUC's use as a transfer station. The approved option provides for the construction of an 11,800 square foot stand-alone top load transfer station located to the west of the existing scales. This facility will be large enough to continue current activities and will allow for the possible expansion of recycling services. The construction project will be managed by the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority (RSWA). The Board directed staff to prepare a preliminary public engagement plan regarding the new facility for its review and discussion.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 2. Critical Infrastructure. Prioritize, plan and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs
DISCUSSION:
Staff has developed a draft public engagement plan (Attachment A) focused on ensuring an effective method for communicating with adjacent residents and regular users regarding the parameters and potential impacts of the upcoming construction project and in a later future phase involving the larger community in discussions about the types of services, particularly recycling, that should be considered as the transfer station is improved. Implementation of this plan will be conducted in partnership with the RSWA, who will be constructing and managing the facility at the request of the County.
The specific goals of the plan are as follows:
- Residents in the vicinity of the Ivy MUC and regular users of the facility are fully aware of the project during the design phase and have the opportunity to provide input in those instances where their feedback can affect positive change as the project is developed.
- All project stakeholders share realistic expectations about the process and timeline for design and construction of the facility.
- Residents in the vicinity and users of the Ivy MUC have adequate notice of construction scheduling and any impacts that might affect their use of the facility.
- County residents have an opportunity to provide their input and preferences about the types of services, particularly related to recycling, that should be considered as the transfer station is improved.
- Citizens understand the value of this new public infrastructure investment in improving services.
- The Ivy MUC transfer station is viewed by area residents as a model facility for sustainable materials management with the potential for similar facilities in other locations in the future.
Discussions with adjacent neighbors and regular users should begin as soon as possible to inform the initial planning and design stages.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with the proposed public engagement plan.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board provide any desired changes and approve the public engagement plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Draft Ivy MUC Public Engagement Plan