David Beach

The agenda for the meeting includes discussion of board business items such as reports on past events (Steam night, WUSA) and upcoming events (WULL Carnival, Arts in the Park, Easter SpringFest), updates on the WM Recycling tour, scheduling the Council presentation for HHW contract service costs, a New Neighbors report, an update on the New PW facility including organizing the storage room, reviewing the new procedure checklist for Waste Center supply set up, communications updates regarding recycling guidelines and the removal of Moonshot residential pick up, updates to the new data spreadsheet, Google Drive maintenance, and a reminder about the Master Recycler course. The staff report will cover trash and recycling statistics (most recent and YTD), Zero Waste collection stats, and Blue bin reorder status.

The Building and Standards Commission meeting agenda included matters regarding notices, rules, and hearing procedures, as well as an opportunity for public comments limited to three minutes per speaker on relevant agenda items. Key discussion topics included the selection of a Vice-Chairman, updates concerning the 2023 National Electric Code (NEC) and local amendments, and discussion items referred from the City Council. Council items for review included improvements for repeat offenders in building trades, establishing accountability for work performed on sites, regulating modular home construction, and reviewing residential quiet hours for construction activity. The agenda also provided for discussion and possible approval of the June 5, 2025 meeting minutes, with the possibility of convening an Executive Session if required.

Key discussion items included a report on the Christmas tree recycling event, noting that collected string lights totaling 1,023.4 lbs. would be donated to the Houston Zoo, with future consideration for donating trees to aid sand dune rebuilding. Volunteers assisted at the Mayor's Marathon Breakfast, producing one full barrel of compost; the Board plans to request the City decline plastic giveaways next year. The 'New Neighbors Report' materials are prepared for delivery. An issue concerning the reliability of landfill, recycling, yard waste, and compost weights obtained from vendors was noted, and staff will work on defining necessary data requirements. The Board is developing recommendations for a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) plan to present to the City Council, exploring options like WM At Your Door or expanding the Semi-Annual Recycling/Shred-It event. Several upcoming events required chair assignments for waste stations and tables. The Board proposed scheduling a tour of the WM recycling MRF for Friday, February 13th. Proposals for 2026-2027 Board goals included establishing a compost outpost, curbside composting, pay as you throw trash, recycling education, HHW management, encouraging zero waste in City Departments, and increasing social media engagement regarding recycling. Staff reported that the reorder status for blue recycling bins is pending equipment repair, with a planned switch to decals instead of stamping. The Board unanimously approved changing the standard meeting start time from 6:30 pm to 6:00 pm, effective for the next meeting.

The meeting included a detailed review of the September audit results with the Waste Management representative, highlighting that cardboard, paper, and glass were the largest recyclable materials by weight, while plastic bags constituted a high percentage of contamination (19.5% on average, including 9.3% plastic bagged materials). Discussion covered proper recycling guidelines for plastic containers, wrapping paper, and tissue paper, and arrangements were made for the board to receive monthly audit reports. The board also reviewed the 'At Your Door HHW Program' pricing structure and scheduled a tour of the MRF Facility. Board business involved reporting on participation in National Night Out, updates on the New Neighbors outreach, planning waste stations and education efforts for upcoming events like WUES Boo Bash, Texas Unplugged Night, Full Moon Fest, and the Fall Recycling Event. The board confirmed deadlines for the Currents Article submission and discussed training needs for new members. Finally, the outgoing board members were thanked for their contributions, and collective accomplishments, such as streamlining programs and focusing on zero-waste events, were noted.

Key discussions included the introduction of the new Public Works Director, Mike Leech, who will serve as the interim staff liaison. The Board requested a future presentation from a Waste Management Representative regarding the City's July waste audit. A report on the Fourth of July Festival detailed the Zero Waste Event efforts, resulting in minimal amounts of recycling, trash, and composting. The Board reviewed options for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) disposal, including exploring the Door-to-Door Pickup program, which would require City Council proposal, and obtaining pricing for a biannual HHW drop-off recycling event. There was a review of the new volumetric water and sewer rate structure recently passed by Council, designed to encourage conservation by lowering the upper-tier usage cutoff. The Board determined its focus for conservation efforts will be on education regarding usage reduction, irrigation systems, and native plants. The Board also discussed developing signage for Ballfields and City Parks and endorsed three upcoming Saturday recycling classes.