Item No. 4
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – CONSENT AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RACHAEL LONDER, MANAGEMENT ANALYST II
DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2023
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZING TOWN STAFF TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT
ALL AVAILABLE FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES, RECYCLING, AND
RECOVERY (CALRECYCLE) FOR WHICH THE TOWN IS
ELIGIBLE FOR THE PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 2023
THROUGH NOVEMBER 2028.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council authorize Town Staff to apply for and accept all available funds from the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery (CalRecycle) for which the Town is eligible for the period from November 2023 through November 2028.
BACKGROUND
In September 2016, California Senate Bill 1383 (Lara, Chapter 395, Statutes of 2016), also known as SB 1383, established statewide emissions reduction targets for short-lived climate pollutants such as methane. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, which results from the landfilling of organic waste. SB 1383 requires the State to reduce the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills by 75 percent from 2014 levels by 2025. Given that SB 1383 includes statewide targets, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, also known as CalRecycle, proposed regulations that require a more prescriptive approach for local jurisdictions to achieve specific requirements for reducing the amount of organic waste, such as food waste, that goes to landfill.
To meet these requirements, Town staff developed programs and policies to achieve compliance with CalRecycle regulations and milestones, for the Council’s consideration. On July 21, 2021, the Council entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with San Mateo County to further the goals of SB 1383 by creating a food recovery program. On December 15, 2021, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 649 adding Chapter 18, Establishing an Edible Food Recovery Program, to the Municipal Code. These actions positioned the Town to meet the requirements of SB 1383 and enable the Town to seek funding assistance from the state for the further development and implementation of programs that promote waste diversion and organics recycling.
Public Resources Code sections 48000 et seq. authorizes CalRecycle to administer various grant CalRecycle Grant Funds
NOVEMBER 15, 2023
programs in furtherance of the State of California’s efforts to reduce, recycle and reuse solid waste generated in the state thereby preserving landfill capacity and protecting public health and safety and the environment. In Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023, the Town received Local Assistance Grant Funds totaling $20,678.
ANALYSIS
CalRecyle annually solicits applications for a non-competitive SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant program (Grant), where funds will be disbursed to all approved applicants on a per capita basis.
The goal of the Grant to provide aid to local jurisdictions in the implementation of the SB 1383 regulations. Eligible activities and costs for the Grant may include:
- Organic waste processing capacity planning
- Collection of organic waste
- Edible food recovery activities
- Education and outreach
- Enforcement and inspection
- Procurement of required recycled organic waste products - Program evaluation/gap analysis
As part of the application process each Grant cycle, the Town is required to submit a resolution approved by the governing Board authorizing the submission of the application. A resolution may be passed in the last five years authorizing application submittal. Staff will not need to return to Council with a resolution authorizing grant application submittal for the next five years, if approved. Authorizing Town staff to apply for CalRecycle funding will enable the continuation of waste diversion efforts.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no Town cost associated with the adoption of this resolution. The adoption of this resolution may result in additional grant revenue from the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery (CalRecycle).
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area A – Maintain Fiscal Responsibility
• Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned
POLICY FOCUS
CalRecycle Grant Funds
NOVEMBER 15, 2023
Funding from CalRecycle supports the Town in implementing programs that support the policy goals established by California Senate Bill 1383 (Lara, Chapter 395, Statutes of 2016) and Town Ordinance No. 649.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution