Item Description:
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Amd 6 to Agmt A111206 with The NetWork for Better Futures to recycle appliances, ext period to 04/30/29, incr NTE by $450,000, total NTE $1,302,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 6 to Agreement A111206 with The NetWork for Better Futures dba Better Futures Minnesota to recycle appliances, extending the contract period from April 30, 2024 through April 30, 2029, and increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $450,000 to a new total not-to-exceed amount of $1,302,000 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the amendment on the behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
Minnesota Statutes section 115A.9561 prohibits the disposal of major appliances in municipal solid waste and requires each county to ensure that households have the opportunity to recycle major appliances. The county provides opportunities for households to recycle appliances at the drop-off facilities located in Brooklyn Park and Bloomington.
The NetWork for Better Futures, dba Better Futures Minnesota (Better Futures), has been providing appliance recycling services for the county since 2011 under Agreement A111206, as amended (Resolutions 11-0411, 13-0355, 15-0399, 17-0425, and 21-0354). Better Futures removes hazardous materials, such as refrigerants and mercury thermometers and switches, before the appliances are recycled. The agreement requires Better Futures to submit reports to the county on its recycling activities and comply with appliance recycler standards established in Minnesota Rules 7027.1150.
Better Futures is a social enterprise that provides job training and support services for primarily African American men with histories of incarceration, substance abuse, mental illness, unemployment, and unstable housing. The organization not only focuses on providing short term work, access to job training and job placement but also on community building and renewal, promoting a sense of belonging, volunteer service, and reengagement with family and friends to combat the often-overlooked isolation faced by program participants.
Better Futures reports that its participant recidivism rate in 2022 was 8%, compared to the national rate of 25% for individuals who return to prison within their first year of being released. Further, the average annual cost of incarcerating an individual in Minnesota is over $62,800 per year, compared to the average annual cost of $18,626 for each Better Futures participant. Better Futures has calculated a social return on investment of $3.61 for every dollar invested in its program model.
Current Request:
This request is to approve Amendment 6 to Agreement A111206 with Better Futures to extend the contract period to April 30, 2029, and increase the not-to-exceed amount by $450,000 to a new total not-to-exceed amount of $1,302,000.
Impact/Outcomes:
Amendment 6 to Agreement A111206 with Better Futures will provide appliance recycling services for the county. In 2022 and 2023, Better Futures recycled and removed hazardous materials from 15,698 appliances that the county received at its Brooklyn Park transfer station. Removing hazardous chemicals, such as refrigerants and mercury switches, from appliances prior to recycling prevents these materials from polluting the environment.
Approval of this agreement will support the county’s climate, zero-waste, and disparity reduction goals by diverting waste and providing employment opportunities for chronically unemployed men.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval