Kessler Consulting

North Miami Beach, Florida
Response to RFP # 2012-20, Solid Waste and Recycling Services Assessment
Section D, Capability Statement
KCI was contracted to provide technical assistance through economic and operational
assessments for solid waste and recyclables and assist with the development of the rate
structure for collection services. The goal of the project is to determine overall operational
efficiency levels, program cost effectiveness, evaluate the solid waste system, and identify
opportunities for improvement.
The Greening of Florida: A Solid Waste Management Roadmap
Period of Work: October 2007 – December 2009
Key Personnel: Mitch Kessler, Robin Mitchell
Through a state-funded project, KCI developed a new plan – or “Roadmap” – to re-energize the
state’s recycling efforts. Project activities included an extensive review of states with “highperforming”
recycling programs; research of the effectiveness of the policies and programs
utilized in these states; and evaluation of the potential effectiveness of these policies and
programs in Florida. The resulting Roadmap provides a comprehensive, forward-thinking,
implementable strategic plan aimed at maximizing recycling in Florida.
Commercial Rate Study
Period of Work: 2007
Key Personnel: Mitch Kessler
KCI conducted a planning-level assessment of solid waste service (SWS) revenue, expenses, and
services with the objective of determining potential user fee rate increases needed to offset
revenue shortfalls. This work activity involved an iterative process with SWS leadership to
assign revenue and expenses to specific services (i.e. residential, commercial container, roll-off,
barrel and recycling services). Subsequently, various service level and user fee rate increases
were assessed. The study was framed by city leaders’ commitment not to raise residential rates
even though they had remained unchanged for over 10 years. The study reached the
preliminary conclusion that a commercial rate increase in the range of 25% would be sufficient
to eliminate projected SWS deficits.
Operational Analysis of City-Provided Collection Services
Period of Work: 2007
Key Personnel: Mitch Kessler
KCI conducted an analysis of the city SWS Department’s operations and finances. Based on the
preliminary results of the commercial rate study described above, KCI conducted a more
detailed analysis. The project considered three SWS collection functions: residential service,
commercial recycling, and commercial service. The operational analysis involved analyzing
equipment, personnel, and financials; developing performance metrics; and developing
recommendations for efficiency improvement and cost reductions. The financial analysis
entailed compiling revenue and expenditures for each type of service performed by SWS and
developing customer rate scenarios. The goal was to eliminate the deficit currently incurred by
SWS for residential services. The analysis concluded that significant opportunities exist to
KCI Proposals 2012\North Miami Beach\D Capability Statement D-17