CITY COUNCIL
Darrell Steinberg, Mayor
Angelique Ashby, Vice Mayor, District 1
Sean Loloee, District 2
Jeff Harris, District 3
Katie Valenzuela, District 4
Jay Schenirer, District 5
Eric Guerra, Mayor Pro Tem, District 6
Rick Jennings, II, District 7
Mai Vang, District 8
CHARTER OFFICERS
Mindy Cuppy, City Clerk
Susana Alcala Wood, City Attorney
Jorge Oseguera, City Auditor
Howard Chan, City Manager
John Colville, City Treasurer
City Council
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
Public Financing Authority
Redevelopment Agency
Successor Agency
City Hall-Council Chamber
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Published by the Office of the City Clerk
(916) 808-5163
CORRESPONDENCE
Description of Attached: Correspondence received after publishing the Agenda.
For the Meeting of: Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
Agenda Item: Public Hearing Item 13
13. Ordinance Amending City’s Fee and Charge Report for Recycling and Solid Waste Utility Service Rates [Passed for Publication 1/11/2022; Published 01/14/2022 and 01/19/2022]
File ID: 2021-01427
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt an Ordinance amending the City’s Fee and Charge Report to increase Recycling and Solid Waste rates, consisting of an increase of 8.99% effective April 1, 2022, 8.25% effective January 1, 2023, and 7.62% effective January 1, 2024.
Contact: John Febbo, General Manager, (916) 808-4949, [email protected] ;
Janice Conerly-Coleman, Support Services Manager (916) 808-2683, [email protected], Department of Public Works
From: Sarah K. J. Bain
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public comment for January 25, 2022, at 5PM
Date: Thursday, January 20, 2022 2:58:14 PM
Attachments: CITY OF SACRAMENTO GARBAGE FEE PROTEST - WRITTEN COMMENT for 1-25-22.pdf Dear Clerk,
Attached, please find my written comment to please be distributed the City Council Members and included in the official record regarding:
1/25/22 5:00 PM Item #13 Ordinance Amending City’s Fee and Charge Report for Recycling and Solid Waste Utility Service Rates.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Respectfully,
Sarah Bain
Sarah K. J. Bain 3956 Brule Court, Sacramento CA 95821916-482-1923[email protected]
January 18, 2022
218 Protest, Office of the City Clerk,
915 “I” Street, 5th Floor New City Hall,
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: PROTEST AGAINST PROPOSED RATE TO INCREASE THE CITY’S RECYCLING, SOLID WASTE, AND STREET SWEEPING RATES (set for public hearing on January 25, 2022, at 5PM)
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a property owner and customer of the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities. This serves as a public comment to oppose the proposed rate increase for recycling, solid waste, and street sweeping rates. I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTICE OF THIS PROPOSED INCREASE and only discovered this rate increase was proposed when I was reviewing the City’s website for information regarding its proposed rate increase for the stormwater fee.
The proposed rate increase should be denied for the following reasons:
1. NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED INCREASE WAS DEFICIENT.
As stated above, I never received any notice regarding this proposed increase. I did receive the City’s other mailed notice regarding the proposed increase to the stormwater fee. If I did not receive notice, how many other customers were also unnoticed? Without proper notice to all customers, it is wrong to adopt this increase.
2. The amount of the proposed increase is unreasonable.
Under the proposed rate increase, most homeowners would be subjected to an increase of $11.49 per month, a 53% increase and a significant amount.
Current pandemic aside, the amount of the increase is too much and inconsistent with previous rate increased proposed by the City of Sacramento (“the City”).
Those on a fixed income will be unreasonably strained and overburdened. Increases to Social Security are not realized by the payee as that increase generally covers the increased costs of Medicare. Retirees have planned in advance for typical costs of living increases, about 3% a year. This proposed increase is far from typical at 53%.
3. The proposed increase is ill-timed.
In March 2021, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, creating extreme hardships.
The way people work, live, learn, and socialize has been strained. Government orders required people stay home, increasing their cost of living as they are using their own utilities instead of those of their employer or school. People are continuing to struggle as costs for services and goods increase without being offset by increased wages.
This proposed increase is concurrent with the City’s proposed increase for the stormwater fee, which is an increase of $5.94 per month for most residents.
Combining both of the City’s proposed increases results in the City’s customers paying a total of an additional $17.43 per month – a substantial increase.
4. The City’s Rate Assistance Program is insufficient.
The City’s utility rate assistance program requires participation in SMUD’s Energy Assistance Program, which is designed for low-income families with income between 0-100% and 100-200% of the Federal Poverty Level. This program will not alleviate the significant burden placed on those with fixed-income if this proposed rate increase is adopted, along with the City’s proposed rate increase for the stormwater fee, and every other increase (SMUD, PG&E, food, gas, etc.) as a result of an unforeseeable pandemic-caused change of circumstances. Most homeowners do not qualify for the assistance program. Those on a fixed-income could not plan for that and are limited on what they can do about it. Assistance needs to be extended beyond low-income and give some consideration for fixed-income. If the cost of living becomes too much, our neighbors will be forced out and other affordable options are currently lacking, given the current status of the housing market. The City does not want to cause its residents to become un-homed when it is working so hard to provide housing for the homeless.
Please do not implement the proposed rate increase. Please reconsider a more gradual and affordable option for the residents of Sacramento who are proud to call Sacramento home. The 2019 U.S. News and World Report ranked Sacramento among the nation’s best places to live, based on its affordability, job prospects, and quality of life.
Let’s keep rising up those rankings!
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah K.J. Bain
Property Owner in Sacramento City
5211 Carmen Way, Sacramento CA 95821
APN 018-0205-017-0000
From: Alexa Chavez <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2022 4:52 PM
To: Kelly F. Rivas <[email protected]>; Darrell Steinberg (City) <[email protected]>; Angelique Ashby <[email protected]>; Sean Loloee <[email protected]>; Jeff S. Harris <[email protected]>; Katie Valenzuela <[email protected]>; Eric Guerra <[email protected]>; Rick Jennings <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; Howard Chan <[email protected]>; Hector Barron <[email protected]> Cc: Nick Lapis <[email protected]>; Mark Murray <[email protected]> Subject: Letter of Support for Rate Adjustment for Recycling and Solid Waste Services
To Sacramento City Council:
On behalf of Californians Against Waste, I am submitting by way of this email our letter of support for proposed rate adjustment for recycling and solid waste programs.
Best,
Alexandrina Chavez
(She/her/hers)
Policy Associate
Californians Against Waste
Work: (916) 443-5422
Mobile: (916) 228-1850
921 11th Street, Suite 502 ● Sacramento, CA 95814 ● (916) 443-5422 FAX: (916) 443-3912 ● www.cawrecycles.org
January 21, 2022
Mayor Darrell Steinberg
City of Sacramento
915 I Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Strong Support for Rate Adjustment for Recycling and Solid Waste Services Dear Mayor Steinberg and Members of the City Council:
On behalf of Californians Against Waste, I would like to express strong support of rate adjustment recommendations to implement SB 1383 programs by the City’s Utility Rate Advisory Commission.
SB 1383 creates a target for a 75% reduction in the disposal of organic waste from 2014 levels by 2025. In addition to reducing landfill methane emissions, the diversion of edible food from landfills creates opportunities to feed millions of food insecure Californians. In order to achieve SB 1383’s goals, it is vital that proper rate adjustments be made to fully implement SB 1383 implementation.
The City of Sacramento is already posed to miss the implementation deadline for SB 1383 by 6 months, opening the city up for fines of up to $10,000 per day (a total of up to $1.8 million just for this delay). This rate increase will not only show significant progress in implementing SB 1383 and likely prevent large fines, but will also set the city on the path to achieving its climate goals.
Organic materials comprise two thirds of the waste stream when disposed of in landfills, and modern landfill gas capture systems can only capture half to three quarters of landfill emissions.
Based on statewide statistics, organic materials are the most prevalent item in the waste disposal stream and a third of the material going to landfills is readily compostable. This is costly to our environment and economy. In the context of meeting the state’s 75 percent recycling goal, strict greenhouse gas limits, and new organic waste recycling initiatives, it is imperative that these materials are diverted and recycled.
Establishment of mandatory programs is proven to spur the development of processing and recycling infrastructure and adjusting rates to ensure the success of these programs is an important step. The diversion of organic waste towards composting or anaerobic digestion facilities generates a fourfold increase in local jobs compared to landfilling the same material as it takes much more effort to make a quality soil amendment than to bury rotting food in a hole. Reducing methane from landfills is not only a low-hanging fruit to cut methane emissions locally- it will also result in significant co-benefits such as assisting the City of Sacramento in achieving its Climate Resolution supporting carbon zero by 2030.
Commercial and residential organics programs have been proven successful in cities across the country, including most of the Bay Area and several in Sacramento region. Californians Against Waste is confident that the rate adjustments suggested by the City’s Utility Rate Advisory Commission prove to be both an economic and environmental success story.
Please do not hesitate to contact us [email protected] and [email protected] or (916) 443-5422 for additional information.
Sincerely,
Alexandrina Chavez
Policy Associate
Californians Against Waste
Nick Lapis
Director of Advocacy
Californians Against Waste
www.ecosacramento.net
Post Office Box 1526 | Sacramento, CA 95812-1526
January 16, 2022
Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Members of the City Council City of Sacramento
915 I Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814
SUBJECT: Jan. 25, 2022 City of Sacramento Council Meeting Support for Proposed Rate Adjustment for Food and Garden/Yard Waste Collection
Dear Mayor Steinberg and Members of the City Council:
The Environmental Council of Sacramento would like to express its support of rate adjustment recommendations to implement SB 1383 programs by the City’s Utility Rate Advisory Commission.
SB-1383 Short-lived climate pollutants: methane
emissions: dairy and livestock: organic waste: landfills. (2015-2016) requires a 75-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the
2014 level by 2025.
Based on statewide statistics, organic materials are the most prevalent item in the waste disposal stream. A third of the material going to landfills is readily compostable. To meet the state’s goal for 75 percent recycling, and to meet targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, particularly methane emissions reduction, we support the City’s plan to change its collection rates. However, we request that the City clarify how it plans to implement SB1383 for single-unit and multifamily unit dwellings and commercial/industrial enterprises.
1) Confirm the rates/rate increases for a) food waste only and b) garden/yard and food waste. Will lower income residents be subsidized in some way?
2) The City will issue different containers for food waste and garden/yard/food waste. Does issuance of a container trigger the rate addition to a resident’s bill? 3) Residents are encouraged to compost their own food and garden/yard waste. How will the City confirm that home-composters do not put food and garden/yard waste into the garbage?
Sincerely,
Susan Herre
ECOS President
From: clerk
To: Public Comment
Subject: FW: Comment For Public Record Regarding Division of Recycling and Solid Waste Rate Increase Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2022 8:05:01 AM
Attachments: Support City of Sac Recycling and Solid Waste Rate Increase To Implement Food Waste Regulations.pdf
From: Koehn. Jill <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2022 7:13 AM
To: clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: 'White, Mark' <[email protected]>; richard. hunn ([email protected]) <[email protected]>; John Febbo <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Comment For Public Record Regarding Division of Recycling and Solid Waste Rate Increase
Good Morning,
Attached is a letter for public comment for the January 25 th Council meeting for the item on City of
Sacramento Recycling and Solid Waste Fee Increase that was emailed to you on January 7th, 2022.
Could you please confirm receipt and distribution to the Council Members or, if any further action is necessary for distribution?
Thank You,
Jill Koehn
Executive Secretary, Director’s Office
Environmental Management Department
11080 White Rock Road, Suite 200
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 875-8584 desk
(916)875-8513 fax
Emd.saccounty.net
From: Koehn. Jill
Sent: Friday, January 7, 2022 1:51 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Comment For Public Record Regarding Division of Recycling and Solid Waste Rate Increase
Good Afternoon,
Attached for the record is a letter of support from the Sacramento Environmental Commission regarding the City of Sacramento Division of Recycling and Solid Waste Rate Increase to implement new food waste regulations. I believe this item is scheduled for the City Council meeting on January 25
th, 2022.
If you have any questions please contact by email or phone listed below.
Thank you,
Jill Koehn
Executive Secretary
Environmental Management Department
11080 White Rock Road, Suite 200
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 875-8584 desk
(916)875-8513 fax
Emd.saccounty.net
(916) 875-8584 10590 Armstrong Avenue, Mather, CA 95655 [email protected]
SACRAMENTO ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
January 6, 2022
Mayor Darrell Steinberg and City Council Members
City of Sacramento
915 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Subject: City of Sacramento Residential Recycling and Solid Waste Rate Increase to Comply with New Food Waste Regulations
Dear Mayor Steinberg,
In response to the presentation that the Sacramento Environmental Commission (SEC) received from the City Recycling and Solid Waste Division on November 15, 2021, the SEC recommends approving the proposed residential recycling and solid waste rate increase to implement the citywide food waste recycling program, adopted by the City Council on November 30, 2021 (Consent Item 15). Approving the rate increase would fund the collection, transfer, and composting of food wastes, thereby complying with California Senate Bill 1383 (2016) by reducing the City’s solid waste stream to landfills.
Our recommendation recognizes the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) that would result from diverting food waste from landfills and composting it for eventual reuse. This reduction would be consistent with, and contribute to, implementation of the City’s August 2020 Climate Action Plan Update Appendix C – Community GHG Emissions Reductions Measure MM-1.
We consider the rate increase to be necessary due to the increased effort, additional equipment and staff, and extended hauling distances needed to collect, compost, and recycle the food waste.
The SEC understands that participation by all City residents in the food waste recycling program is needed to achieve the solid waste stream diversion levels required by SB 1383. However, we urge the City to be receptive to future technologies and other innovations that can feasibly contribute to achieving SB 1383 goals, including residential composting by willing residents and other local restaurant food waste recycling programs implemented in association with a City waste collection franchisee.
Richard Hunn, Vice Chair
Thomas J. Malson
Laura Nickerson
Eric Rivero-Montes, Vice Chair
Mark White, Chair
Shelby Witherby
Dr. Anthony De Riggi
Stephanie Holstege
Kayla Raybe
A JOINT COMMISSION APPOINTED BY:
County of Sacramento
City of Sacramento
City Folsom
City of Elk Grove
City of Galt
City of Isleton
(916) 875-8584 10590 Armstrong Avenue, Mather, CA 95655 [email protected]
Thank you for this opportunity to submit our recommendations.
Sincerely,
Mark White Richard Hunn
SEC Chair SEC Vice Chair
Cc:
City of Sacramento Clerk of the Board
Receive and File
Sent via email to [email protected]
From: Jordan <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2022 4:42 PM
To: clerk <[email protected]>; Mindy Cuppy <[email protected]>; Nell Hessel <[email protected]>; Blair Hongo <[email protected]>; Kelly F. Rivas <[email protected]>; Jay Schenirer <[email protected]>; Angelique Ashby <[email protected]>; Sean Loloee <[email protected]>; Jeff S. Harris <[email protected]>; Katie Valenzuela <[email protected]>; Eric Guerra <[email protected]>; Rick Jennings <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; Howard Chan <[email protected]>; Hector Barron <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter of Support for Rate Adjustment for Recycling & Solid Waste Services Importance: High
Good Afternoon,
Please see the attached letter.
Thank you,
Jordan Wells
Jordan Wells
Director of Advocacy & Communications
(Pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Standing for environmental and social justice.
(916) 597-3593 | [email protected]
The Vision of NSAC
The United States attains a circular & equitable economy. 1822 21st Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 217-1109
nsaction.us
A
501(c)(4)
Organization
January 20, 2022
Mayor and City Council
City Hall
915 I Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814
Subject: Letter of Support for Rate Adjustment for Recycling and Solid Waste Services
Dear Mayor Steinberg and Members of the Sacramento City Council:
The National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, would like to express support for the proposed rate adjustment to the City of Sacramento’s recycling and solid waste service rates. NSAC is comprised of governments, non-government organizations, businesses, and consumers with the vision for the United States to attain a circular and equitable economy, an economic system that eliminates waste and pollution and keeps materials in use.
Keeping organic materials in use aligns with our vision.
Our Executive Director chairs the California Statewide Commission on Curbside Recycling and Recycling Markets and we are very familiar with the SB 1383 requirements that local governments face and the various challenges needed to comply.
Residential food waste and food-soiled paper is currently landfilled where it decomposes and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Californians throw away nearly 6 million tons of food scraps each year which accounts for about 18% of all landfilled material according to CalRecycle. By diverting organic waste such as food scraps and food-soiled paper from the landfill, the City could prolong the life of existing landfills by saving space and create valuable environmental resources by recycling organic waste into compost and mulch. These soil amendments reduce greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon, improve plant growth and health by providing nutrients, increase water retention, control erosion, and can be applied for fire remediation and stormwater management.
As the state experiences record high temperatures and devastating droughts and wildfires, creating these resources becomes even more important. Additionally, organic waste can be transformed into renewable energy, heat, and electricity when processed at anaerobic digestion facilities, creating green jobs, and growing the local economy.
As America’s Farm-to-Fork capital, Sacramento has the opportunity create a closed loop system between fork and farm by turning food scraps from the kitchen table into compost for the local agricultural community that sustains us. Implementing residential food waste recycling is directly in line with the City’s Climate Action Plan and General Plan and passing the proposed rate adjustment will make this program possible. West Sacramento, Davis, and Woodland, as well as most Bay Area cities and cities throughout the country have implemented successful food waste recycling programs for several years now. It is urgent that City Council follows its
2 NATIONAL STEWARDSHIP ACTION COUNCIL
The Vision of NSAC
The United States attains a circular and equitable economy. policies, creates a greener city for current and future generations, and commits to helping the state reach its organic waste diversion goals to address climate change. The National Stewardship Action Council urges City Council to prioritize the health of Sacramento citizens as well as the environment by approving the rate proposal necessary to provide citywide food waste recycling service.
We are happy to take questions, please feel free to contact me at any time: [email protected] or 916-597-3593.
Thank you,
Jordan Wells, Director of Advocacy and Communications
From: Sacramento Sierra Club
To: Public Comment
Subject: Agenda Item 13, Jan 25 mtg,
Date: Friday, January 21, 2022 6:56:37 AM
Attachments: Sac City re- SB 1383 recycling 2022.pdf
Please see attached comments re: rate increases for solid waste recycling. Thank you Barbara Leary
Sierra Club Sacramento Group
909 12th Street, Suite 202, Sacramento, CA 95818
www.sierraclub.org/mother-lode/sacramento
[email protected]
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
January 21, 2022
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg , Vice-Mayor Angelique Ashby Sacramento City Council Members Loloee, Harris, Valenzuela, Schenirer, Guerra, Jennings, and Vang
**Sent via email [email protected]
915 I Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Support for SB 1383/Proposed Rate Adjustment , 1/25/22 Agenda Item 13
Dear Mayor Steinberg and Members of the City Council:
The Sierra Club, Sacramento Group supports the implement ation the SB 1383 program for the City of Sacramento and understands the need to raise rates to cover the cost of implementation . As you know, SB 1383 creates a target for a 75% reduction in the disposal of organic waste from 2014 levels by 2025 which is a critical need in order to reduce landfill methane emissions , diverts edible food from landfills and will create opportunities to feed millions of food insecure Californians. However, we have concerns regarding the City’s Utility Rate Advisory Commission recommendations which create s a large increase for residents all at once , some of which should have been accomplished prior to the institution of this program.
It is unfortunate SB 1383 did not include an independent source of funding required to achieve SB 1383’s goals . As such, we agree that it is vital that proper rate adjustments be made to support efforts and programs that kickstart SB 1383 implementation. We would like the City to consider our following concerns and recommendations.
• Future rate increases should occur incrementally , coinciding with the rate of inflation, over time to avoid an increase such as the impending large rate increase as recommended by the commission.
• Outline and provide low-income rate adjustments for qualifying households. • Look for opportunities to re-negotiate contracts with the landfills/waste recyclers, perhaps with the re-establishment of a Sacramento Regional Solid Waste Authority (SWA) to pool resources with other municipalities in our County.
We do believe that reducing methane from landfills is not only a low -hanging fruit to cut methane emissions locally - it will also result in significant co -benefits such as assisting the City of Sacramento in achieving its climate goal of attaining carbon n eutrality by 20 30.
Commercial and residential organics programs have been proven successful in cities across the country, including most of the Bay Area. For these reasons, we are hoping the rate adjustments suggested by the City’s Utility Rate Advisory Commission can be modified to some extent as noted above. We want to see the program prove to be both an economic and environmental success story.
Sincerely,
Barbara Leary, Chair
Sierra Club, Sacramento Group
From: Muriel Strand <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 24, 2022 2:33 PM
To: clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: comment on agenda item #13 jan 25, 5pm
dear clerk,
please forward this comment to council, and confirm.
thanks, muriel
Muriel Strand, P.E.
Advertising is a private tax.
- Andre Schiffrin
www.nisenan.org/
www.bio-paradigm.blogspot.com/
www.work4sustenance.blogspot.com
January 24, 2022
To: Sacramento City Council
From: Muriel Strand, P.E.
Re: Ordinance Amending City’s Fee and Charge Report for Recycling and Solid Waste Utility Service Rates
January 25, 2022 Agenda Item #13
This rate increase is a reasonable estimate for an unsustainable cost.
Currently, the city attorney interprets the provisions of Prop 218 in a narrow and constraining way that is an obstacle to adjusting the waste removal and processing market to better support reductions in energy use and GHG emissions.
I note that the following two descriptions of the import of Prop. 218 are not quite the same. I urge the city to seek a more thrifty interpretation of the law, thrifty that is from the perspective of residents who actually need only a small fraction of the per-capita waste removal services required by the city.
“A provider of property-related utility services must charge what it costs to provide the services.”
http://www.cityofsacramento.org/Public-Works/RSW/Collection-Services/2022-Rate- Adjustments
“Proposition 218 seeks to curb some perceived abuses in the use of assessments and property-related fees, specifically the use of these revenue-raising tools to pay for general governmental services rather than property-related services.” https://lao.ca.gov/1996/120196_prop_218/understanding_prop218_1296.html
I note too that the city of San Jose manages to charge rates which are more proportional to the actual waste disposed of than the Sacramento city attorney claims is legal.
Current packaging and waste disposal patterns were developed during the era of cheap fossil fuels, and before we began to realize how much more destabilizing climate chaos will become.
Radical change is needed to achieve netzero, and so radical change is needed in every sector. While the city council doesn’t control this legal situation, developing a better solution will be felt most tangibly here on the local level.