Title
Resolution Approving the City of Hampton, Virginia's Participation in and Appropriation of Funds for the Hampton Clean City Commission from the City of Hampton's General Fund, the Solid Waste Management Fund and the Stormwater Management Fund for Fiscal Year 2019
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
This item is a request for allocation of grant funds for the Hampton Clean City Commission ("HCCC"). The HCCC, established by City Council in 1978, enlists Hampton's citizens in the efforts to clean up litter and to prevent it by educating others. These funds will provide personnel and programming support for the volunteers and their activities directed toward improving the physical environment of the City of Hampton.
Discussion:
The Commission also works to improve the appearance of the City of Hampton through urban forestry, stormwater and water quality education, solid waste education and beautification projects. Among the projects the HCCC undertakes are the Adopt-A-Spot Program, which enlists volunteers in keeping Hampton clean and beautiful and the Keep Hampton Green urban forestry donation fund, which uses private donations to purchase trees and shrubs for the public areas of the City. The HCCC also works extensively with youth to lay the foundation for future stewardship of our city.
HCCC Programs include:
Adopt-A-Spot Program, encouraging citizen participation in removing litter from public areas and in some cases beautifying them.
Clean & Green Business Award, a quarterly recognition of businesses that not only keep their landscapes attractive and clean, but also engage in sound solid waste practices, and support community programs, particularly stewardship programs.
Community Appearance & Litter Index, an evaluation tool that tracks the amount of litter at 100 sites in Hampton, first implemented in 2000.
Community Cleanups, monthly opportunities for residents to participate in cleanups in or near their neighborhoods.
Kayak Cleanups, boating cleanup events to remove directly from waterways.
Keep Hampton Green Fund, an opportunity for residents to contribute to the purchase of trees for public areas.
Litter-Free Events, an effort to encourage organizers to take measures to reduce the amount of litter generated during their events.
Neighborhood Pet Waste Stations, a result of partnership with the regional environmental organization HR GREEN, sponsored by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.
School Appearance Index, an evaluation tool that provides feedback to Hampton City Schools about the general curb appeal of their schools.
School Pride In Action Projects, including plastic bag recycling, Earth Day Art Exhibits, recycling education, classroom presentations, and more.
Tree Tours, educating residents about our urban forest.
Virginia Peninsula Clean Business Forum, a regional recognition and education program shared with James City County, Newport News, and York County, at which the Hampton Clean & Green Business Award winner is recognized.
Water Quality Monitoring, at four waterway sites in Hampton, with results reported to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Waterway Cleanups, including regional and state events, which result in the removal of litter from Hampton shorelines and waterways on a regular basis.
YARDS Contest, recognizing residents with beautiful and sustainable yards.
Youth Programs, encouraging secondary and post-secondary youth to develop leadership skills through participation in Clean City programs.
In addition to these programs, HCCC staff and volunteers educate residents through presentations, displays, and public information.
In FY 2017, the HCCC reported the participation of 5,607 volunteers who contributed 16,298 hours of volunteer time at an estimated value of $391,152. The volunteers conducted 773 cleanups removing 61,850 pounds of litter (approximately 4,000 bags) from public areas. They conducted two indexes; gave 112 youth presentations, and 27 adult presentations; led three trash tours; and reached out extensively through social media.
The Commonwealth of Virginia allocates 95 percent of the funds collected through three "litter taxes" to a grant program that funds local litter prevention and recycling activities. Every locality in Virginia is eligible to receive these annual, non-competitive, non-matching grant funds. Appropriated amounts are based upon a locality's population and road mileage. The amount allocated to the City of Hampton for FY 2019 is estimated to be up to $20,000 and does not require matching funds. Final award amount of the Litter Control & Recycling Grant will be made known in Fall 2018. The Keep Hampton Green Fund, because it is a function of private donations, will more than likely not exceed $5,000.
The Solid Waste Management Fund, Stormwater Management Fund, and the General Fund provide operational support funds for the HCCC's many projects and activities. The Solid Waste Management Fund is contributing $60,166; the Stormwater Management Fund is contributing $52,281, and the General Fund - Departmental Grant Match is contributing $62,042 to the HCCC's budget, for a total of $174,489.
Impact:
The purpose of the HCCC is to improve and enhance the physical environment of Hampton and its waterways through beautification and community improvement programs; litter awareness, prevention, and abatement programs; solid waste management education; water quality programs; urban forestry programs; and encouragement of ordinance enforcement; and as well as education of citizens and encouragement of participation in these areas.
The activities of HCCC volunteers support the following Strategic Plan elements as described:
In the 2011 Community Plan Update, ten strategic topic areas were identified. Three of those are directly impacted by the activities of HCCC: Community Appearance, Pride & Image; Environment & Quality of Life; and Comprehensive Waterways Management. HCCC programs and projects, for example, the Adopt-A-Spot program, waterway cleanups, the Community Appearance and Litter Index, and the Schools Index, will help measure progress in these areas.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve.
Body
WHEREAS, the Hampton Clean City Commission has been awarded $60,166 from the Solid Waste Management Fund, $52,281 from the Stormwater Management Fund and $62,042 from the General Fund - Departmental Grant Match; and
WHEREAS, the Hampton Clean City Commission is awaiting notification from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality on their allocation amount for the litter prevention program, estimated to be up to $20,000; and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that up to $5,000 in donations from the Keep Hampton Green Fund will be received on behalf of Commission urban forestry activities;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia appropriates $60,166 from the Solid Waste Management Fund, $52,281 from the Stormwater Management Fund, and $62,042 from the General Fund for a total of up to $174,489, and any additional funds awarded from these sources.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take the necessary steps to implement these awards.