CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: October 10, 2023
Subject
First amendment to the Agreement Creating the Santa Clara County Recycling and Waste Reduction Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to allow members to participate in TAC meetings using teleconference technology pursuant to Brown Act provisions.
Recommended Action
Authorize the City Manager to execute the first amendment to the Agreement Creating the Santa Clara County Recycling and Waste Reduction TAC to allow members to participate in TAC meetings using teleconference technology pursuant to Brown Act provisions.
Reasons for Recommendation
In 2013, jurisdictions in Santa Clara County (County), together with the County itself, executed the Agreement Creating the Santa Clara County Recycling and Waste Reduction Technical Advisory Committee (Committee). This organization advises the County Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission (Commission) and executes projects of mutual benefit. The Committee is funded by the Countywide Solid Waste Planning Fee, which is collected on material originating in the County and which is disposed of in landfills. The Commission advises city councils within the County and the County Board of Supervisors on countywide solid waste and recycling planning issues.
The 2013 TAC agreement requires in-person attendance at meetings, with limited and restrictive participation through virtual means, including no voting authority when attending virtually. Teleconference requirements for the TAC are currently more stringent than those of the Brown Act. Given the progress in teleconferencing technology and the normalizing of remote participation because of the pandemic, the jurisdictions now desire to amend the agreement to allow remote participation in accordance with Brown Act provisions. The proposed amendments to the TAC Agreement enable remote participation consistent with Brown Act requirements.
Sustainability Impact
Allowing remote participation through teleconferencing reduces the cumulative amount of greenhouse gas emissions from each attending member of the public, staff, and voting members throughout the county who commute to participate in meetings.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
This action is not subject to CEQA.
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Prepared by: Ursula Syrova, Environmental Programs Manager Reviewed by: Chad Mosley, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Matt Morley, Assistant City Manager
Approved for Submission by: Pamela Wu, City Manager
Attachments:
A – TAC MOA Agreement Amendment
B – TAC MOA 2013 Agreement