City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: February 20, 2024
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Atlas Organics for Compost Procurement (SB 1383)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize execution of an Agreement between the City of Gonzales and Atlas Organics to procure Organic Materials to the City in compliance with SB 1383.
BACKGROUND
To support the development of organic material recovery and processing facilities throughout the State, a provision in SB 1383 requires that each city procure organic material proportionate to its population. To ensure compliance each jurisdiction must provide the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) with a signed Direct Service Provider Agreement with an organic processor for the purchase of these mandated materials or for the associated credits.
In 2022, the State passed AB 1985 which allowed cities three-years to phase-in organic procurement compliance (30% in 2023, 65% in 2024, and 100% in 2025). In 2024, the City is responsible for achieving 65% of its procurement allocation, representing 441 tons of mulch or 256 tons of compost.
The City, through Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (SVSWA), secured an SB 1383 Implementation Support grant that covers the associated costs for compliance with the 65% threshold for 2024. This grant covers the cost of procuring organic material through 2025.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
SVSWA staff worked with Atlas Organics (the organics processor at Johnson Canyon Landfill) to secure reduced pricing for its member agencies at a rate of $8 per cubic yard of mulch, or $12.50 per cubic yard of compost.
AGENDA
ITEM
12 2024 Procurement Target of 65%
SCSWA Member Agency Procurement Target 65% Totals
Mulch (Tons) Compost (Tons)
Salinas 8330.4 4831.45
Soledad 1271.4 737.1
King City 778.7 451.75
Gonzales 441.35 256.1
Greenfield 956.8 555.1
County (SVR area) 1776.45 1030.25
Therefore, staff recommends execution of an agreement with Atlas Organics to provide Organic Materials to the City in compliance with SB 1383
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: Compliance with SB 1383 and its associated organic material procurement target supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____ No____ N/A
Explain: See Vision explanation above.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to ensure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ____No ____ N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes X No N/A
• Housing Yes X No N/A
• Recreation Yes X No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education Yes X No N/A
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
Direct staff to seek additional proposals for this service.
BUDGET IMPACT
None at this time due to the grant funding available for 2024 and 2025. Staff will budget funds for procurement of mulch and/or compost in the FY 2025-2026 Budget.
CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended that the City Council authorize execution of an Agreement between the City of Gonzales and Atlas Organics to procure Organic Materials to the City in compliance with SB 1383.
Attachments:
1. Agreement with Atlas Organics