Phillip McKalips

The Board of Directors discussed various operational updates, including the baling facility progress and the introduction of a new lithium battery collection program. The FY 25 Audit Report was accepted, and authorization was granted to procure a new baling machine and trailers for the baling facility. The Board also reviewed organizational agreements, introduced the preliminary FY 2026-2027 budget and rate schedule, and authorized its advertisement for a public hearing. Additionally, updates were provided regarding landfill tonnage increases, cashless system implementation, and upcoming special waste collection events.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several operational and strategic initiatives. Key discussions included the transition to a technology-based 'OK Alone' worker safety verification system, a comprehensive review of long-term solid waste program strategies including landfill capacity and emerging contaminants like PFAS, and the implementation of a cashless payment system at the Ivy Solid Waste and Recycling Center. Additionally, the Board reviewed financial reports, including the January 2026 revenue and expense summaries, and received updates on the construction of the new baling facility and the forthcoming lithium battery collection program.

The Board of Directors meeting agenda included the approval of the agenda, recognition segments, the Executive Director's Report, and public comment periods. Key discussion items involved the presentation and consideration of the FY 25 Audit Report, updates on the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, the Asset Management Program, the Grants Program, and the Safety Program. A significant portion of the meeting detailed the presentation and vote to accept the transition to the OKALONE system for lone worker safety verification, presenting estimated annual labor savings. Another major presentation covered the future of solid waste programs, addressing landfill capacity, emerging contaminants like PFAS, sustainability efforts, the impact of population growth, and the exploration of advanced sorting technologies like robotics. The Consent Agenda, which was approved, covered staff reports on Finance, Ivy Solid Waste and Recycling Center, Administration and Communications, and the approval of the 2026 Board meeting and holiday schedules.

The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority Board of Directors reviewed and adopted the Rate Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, effective July 1, 2025. The Rate Schedule includes Tipping Fees for Clean Fill Material, Vegetation/Yard Waste, Domestic Waste, Construction Debris, and Tires, as well as minimum charges per load and service fees.

The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority's budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes revenues from various sources such as Ivy Tipping Fees, Ivy MSW Transfer Tipping, County Convenience Centers, and Recycling Revenues. Expenses cover Ivy Operations, Ivy Environmental, MSW Transfer Ivy, County Convenience Centers, Recycling Operations, and Administration. The budget also details financial budgets by cost center, tipping fees, and tonnage information for different operations. It includes projected revenues and expenses for Ivy Operations, Ivy Environmental, Ivy Transfer Station, County Convenience Centers, and Recycling, along with summaries of local support payments and expense details by department.