CITY OF SAN RAMON
POLICY COMMITTEE
AGENDA
WE PROVIDE EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF QUALITY
PUBLIC SERVICES THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO THOSE
WHO LIVE AND WORK IN SAN RAMON.
Scott Perkins, Chair • Mark Armstrong, Vice Chair
TELECONFERENCE Regular Meeting
4:00 PM
February 23, 2022
Agenda Questions: Please call the City Manager's Office at (925) 973-2530 Documents received after publication of this Agenda and considered by the Policy Committee in its deliberation will be available for inspection for inspection only via electronic document transfer, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. See the COVID-19 provisions outlined below. Please call or email the City Manager’s Office during normal business hours if you require access to any such documents.
COVID-19 ADVISORY AND MEETING PROCEDURE
Assembly Bill 361 suspends certain provisions of the Brown Act, allowing public meetings to be held by teleconference. As a precaution to protect the health and safety of staff, officials, and the general public. Committee members will not be physically in attendance, but will be available via video conference.
There will be no physical location for members of the public to participate in the meeting. We encourage members of the public to access the meeting online using Zoom. It is recommended that anyone wishing to view and/or participate in the meeting, download the Zoom application, www.zoom.us, before the start of the meeting. Zoom participants will have the opportunity to speak during one of the Public Comment periods (for topics not on the agenda), in addition to each of the agendized items.
If you would like to submit written public comment via email, please do so by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, to [email protected]. Please include “Public Comment 2/23/2022” in the subject line. In the body of the email please include your name and the item you wish to comment on. Written comments submitted will be provided to the Committee prior to the start of the meeting. Written public comment will not be read aloud during the meeting. If you wish to make your comments heard, you must participate in the Zoom meeting.
There will be zero tolerance for any person addressing the Policy Committee making profane, offensive and disruptive remarks, or engaging in loud, boisterous, or other disorderly conduct, that disrupts the orderly conduct of the public meeting. 2 Policy Committee Meeting – February 23, 2022
HOW TO VIEW OR PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING REMOTELY:
1. To view or participate in the meeting through Zoom
Livestream online at: https://cityofsanramon.zoom.us/j/98195104391 Webinar ID: 981 9510 4391
Use the “Raise Your Hand” button to request to speak when Public Comment is being taken on the Agenda item. You will then be unmuted when it is your turn to make your comment for up to three minutes. After the allotted time, you will then be re-muted.
2. To view the meeting live online at: www.sanramon.ca.gov/YouTube
3. To listen or participate in the meeting by telephone, dial: +1 (669) 900-6833 Webinar ID: 981 9510 4391
Use *9 on your telephone to raise your hand and request to speak when Public Comment is being taken on the Agenda item. You will then be unmuted when it is your turn to make your comment for up to three minutes. After the allotted time, you will then be remuted. 3 Policy Committee Meeting – February 23, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
2. ANNOUNCEMENT
If you wish to speak under Public Comment or regarding an agenda item, please click the “Raise Your Hand” button on your computer or *9 on your telephone to request to speak when Public Comment is being taken on the Agenda item. You will then be unmuted when it is your turn to make your comment for up to 3 minutes. After the allotted time, you will then be re-muted.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1 Policy Committee - Regular Meeting - Jan 26, 2022 4:30 PM
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Single-Use Foodware
Recommendation: Receive Staff Report and Provide Comments to Staff Presented by Kerry Parker, Program Manager
7. POLICY COMMITTEE COMMENTS
8. ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify that the attached Policy Committee Meeting Agenda was posted 72 hours before the noted meeting.
Dated: February 18, 2022
MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON POLICY COMMITTEE
January 26, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
The Meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Chair Perkins Prior to roll call the Recording Clerk announced the procedures adopted for the meeting meet or exceed the standards set forth in Assembly Bill 361, which allows public meetings like this one to be held by teleconference to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Committee was instructed to take roll call votes for the meeting.
The Recording Clerk conducted roll call.
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Mark Armstrong Vice Chair Present
Scott Perkins Vice Chair Present
Also in attendance Joe Gorton City Manager, Kathi Heimann Director Parks & Community Services, Keith Haase Program Manager, Mike Fanelli Program Supervisor, Karen McHenry-Smith Executive Assistant
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comment was received from Agamroop Kaur, Brian Davis, Amaya Wooding, Isha Sarkar, Jen Grandlejano, Jose Ramos, and Varshini Vijay requesting the City establish a retail tobacco policy.
Public comment was received from Jody Culver regarding changing the style of a building on the Lennar Development.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.1 Policy Committee - Regular Meeting - Sep 22, 2021 4:00 PM RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Armstrong, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Scott Perkins, Vice Chair
AYES: Armstrong, Perkins
3.2 Policy Committee - Special Meeting - Oct 4, 2021 4:00 PM
4.1 Packet Pg. 3
Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Jan 26, 2022 4:30 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES) 2 Policy Committee Meeting – January 26, 2022
RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Armstrong, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Scott Perkins, Vice Chair
AYES: Armstrong, Perkins
3.3 Policy Committee - Regular Meeting - Oct 27, 2021 4:00 PM RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Armstrong, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Scott Perkins, Vice Chair
AYES: Armstrong, Perkins
3.4 Policy Committee - Special Meeting - Nov 17, 2021 4:00 PM RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Armstrong, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Scott Perkins, Vice Chair
AYES: Armstrong, Perkins
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
5. NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Discussion of Incorporating Sponsor Logos on the San Ramon Trail Signage - Smart Outdoor Inc.
Mr. Haase introduced the item and provided the report.
The Committee received the report, and recommended staff proceed with process of establishing a partnership with Smart Outdoor Inc.
RESULT: REPORT RECEIVED
5.2 Proposed City Hall Rotunda Rental Program and Fee Schedule Recommendation: Accept Report
Mr. Fanelli introduced the item and provided the report.
The Committee received the report, and recommended staff proceed to City Council to include rental fees in the FY22/23 Fee Resolution. Staff was also directed to return to the Policy Committee with a proposed City Hall Rotunda Rental Policy.
RESULT: REPORT RECEIVED
6. POLICY COMMITTEE COMMENTS
4.1 Packet Pg. 4
Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Jan 26, 2022 4:30 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES) 3 Policy Committee Meeting – January 26, 2022
Chair Perkins recommended Councilmember Armstrong serve as the Chair and of the Policy Committee for the remainder of this year. With Councilmember Perkins serving as Vice Chair.
Chair Perkins nominated Councilmember Armstrong to serve as Chair.
The Committee voted 2-0 in favor.
The recommendation and vote may require further action from City Council.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Chair Perkins at 5:19 PM.
4.1 Packet Pg. 5
Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Jan 26, 2022 4:30 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES) AGENDA #6.1
POLICY COMMITTEE STAFF REPORT
DATE: February 23, 2022
TO: Policy Committee/City Manager
FROM: Maria Fierner, Public Works Director
By: Kerry Parker, Public Works Program Manager
SUBJECT: Single-Use Foodware
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Single-use foodware is not easily recyclable, is not readily compostable, and frequently becomes litter in our parks and on our roadways. Reducing the use of disposable foodware wherever possible can have dramatic effects on reducing stormwater pollution, saves money on the purchase and disposal of these packaging materials, and can heighten dining experience by instead using reusable dishware. Single-use bans around the state have had difficulty in implementation and enforcement, which has further complicated by the COVID-19 Pandemic closures and the early fears of surface transmission of the virus. By focusing on reusable foodware via either a single-use restriction, or a City-supported Proclamation, an education and outreach program, or demonstrating the corresponding economic savings to San Ramon’s food vendors, San Ramon can lead by example in overall waste prevention.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff recommends that the Policy Committee receive the report and provide feedback to staff with regard to:
1. Preferred actions on encouraging Reusable Foodware;
2. If such action should be in the form of a declaration or proclamation, or an enforceable ordinance;
3. Further action on banning Expanded Polystyrene; and
4. Any comments regarding details of the proposed approach and related items.
BACKGROUND
Recycling and Landfill Diversion
The State’s integrated waste management hierarchy promotes recycling and composting over landfilling and incineration, but also prioritizes “waste prevention” over recycling and
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AGENDA #6.1
composting. An example of waste prevention would be using a reusable mug instead of a singleuse paper cup, even one that could be recycled or composted. Encouraging the use of reusable products, such as reusable foodware over disposable foodware, helps to prevent waste, and is usually more cost-effective than recycling, composting, or landfilling.
On November 13, 2018, the City Council voted to execute an agreement with Alameda County Industries of San Ramon (ACI) to become the City’s franchised collector for solid waste, recyclables, and organics. ACI’s proposal to San Ramon included a 90% Waste Diversion Plan (Attachment A). This Diversion Plan includes a waste reduction strategy of “material bans in the community (polystyrene, single-use plastic bags, straws, plastic utensils, etc.)” during the first four years of the Franchise Agreement. The high rate of diversion was one of the key elements that prompted the Council to support awarding the contract to ACI.
Around the same time of awarding the contract to ACI, the markets for recycled materials began to constrict. Markets for recyclable materials are currently depressed due in large part to Chinese import restrictions. The remaining buyers have reduced the percentage of non-recyclable contaminants accepted in recyclable materials. Single-use disposable items such as expanded polystyrene, items containing food waste and other items can contaminate collected recyclables, making them more difficult to sell. These same products can contaminate compost as well and contribute to a general litter problem.
Disposable Foodware and Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions In a 2017 paper that Clean Water Action distributed, “Greenhouse Gas Impacts of Disposable vs. Reusable Foodservice Products” focused on the lifecycle analyses of various disposable container types. Notable was the data of disposable water bottles versus that of reusable cups and glasses - “the drinking water systems study found that a reusable water bottle, even using extremely conservative dishwashing assumptions, released 79% percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions over its life cycle than using an equivalent number of PET water bottles once and disposing them.” Also noted was the recycling process for these containers have emissions implications, added that a significant percentage of these containers are landfilled, and the continuing depressed global recycling market mentioned previously compounds this problem.
Grand Jury Report
On June 4, 2019, staff received a copy of Grand Jury Report No. 1907, “Stormwater Trash Reduction” by the 2018-2019 Contra Costa Grand Jury. This Report required the City to respond to a series of recommendations. One of the recommendations is that the“City/Town Councils of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Danville, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, and San Ramon should consider limiting the use of Styrofoam containers in their communities by June 30, 2020.” The report further stated that the City “…can also take steps to control trash at its source by limiting businesses from providing plastic straws, plastic bags, and/or expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates, takeout containers, and serving trays.”
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AGENDA #6.1
Expanded Polystyrene
San Ramon’s Municipal Code Section B6-52 already contains a ban on expanded polystyrene (“Styrofoam” or EPS); however, it only bans expanded polystyrene foodware products made with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) because CFCs deplete the ozone layer. In addition, the City’s existing ban only applies to CFC-processed food packaging. CFC-processed food packaging means any and all food packaging which uses any chlorofluorocarbon as a blowing agent, or otherwise, in its manufacture. Expanded polystyrene is no longer manufactured with CFCs; however, EPS continues to be a problematic, lightweight (wind-blown), and unrecyclable material for foodware. To date, 128 local governments in California have passed EPS bans.
DISCUSSION
Single-Use Foodware Options
The City Council can choose to address single-use disposable foodware pollution in one of the following ways:
1. Restrict problematic (not recyclable, not compostable) single-use foodware by Ordinance, with a rapid implementation and rigorous enforcement;
2. Restrict problematic single-use foodware, with slow implementation and little or no enforcement;
3. Encourage and recognize the use of reusable foodware, and discourage the use of disposables; or
4. Remain status quo.
Single-Use Foodware Bans
A recent trend is for jurisdictions to restrict multiple problematic foodware materials at once as opposed to implementing individual bans for expanded polystyrene, straws, plastic utensils, water bottles, etc. Current City staff has direct history with the creation, implementation, and enforcement of such bans in other jurisdictions. Ordinances restricting certain types of single-use foodware have been put into effect in City of Alameda (2018), San Francisco (2019), City of Santa Cruz (2020), and San Mateo County (2019), amongst others. Typical features of these restrictions to discourage disposables include:
Making straws and foodware accessories (napkins, stirrers, utensils, sauce packets, etc.) only available to customers upon request.
Requiring that any disposable foodware offered to the customer be made of compostable fiber (paper, wood, cardboard).
Requiring that all dine-in customers are provided with reusable foodware, including fast food.
Charging a fee per cup or container, typically 25 cents, which the vendor keeps.
Time tables for implementation and enforcement of such foodware restrictions have ranged from one year to three years or more. Cities and counties that have implemented such bans have
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AGENDA #6.1
had some successes in reducing the use of disposables, but have all run into challenges in enforcing the ordinance, which has been made more difficult as a result of the closures during the Pandemic.
City staff has years of experience working on such bans in the past in other jurisdictions, and can return to the Policy Committee with a draft single-use ban that contains key elements identified by the Committee, if requested.
Alternative to Bans - Encouraging Reusables
As noted above, ordinances banning single-use foodware can be problematic. Enforcement and corresponding fines and penalties for those jurisdictions that have implemented bans on singleuse foodware are dependent on staff availability, training, and timing. The effort of monitoring complaints of non-compliant foodware, filing, checking compliance, offering technical assistance to food vendors regarding compliant foodware, and sending letters of violation and citation may require the addition of a full-time code-compliance employee. In March 2020, the COVID-19 Pandemic created yet another layer of difficulty on such bans. Takeout food became a lifeline for restaurants to stay afloat amidst the in-person dining restrictions during the earlier part of the Pandemic. Any jurisdiction with single-use restrictions watched these regulations crumble under the weight of transmission worries, and enforcement has stalled in these cases.
Instead of an extensive and enforceable single-use materials ban, an alternative is to reduce the use of disposables by launching a campaign extolling the virtues of moving towards reusable foodware. This approach may be particularly valuable at a time when many businesses are still dealing with the implications of the Pandemic, restrictions on reopening, and other such concerns that remain in effect, and many individuals are concerned with government heavy-handedness and overreach. Such an approach would also minimize demands on City staff and associated financial burdens on the City.
Elements of a long-term campaign to reduce the use of single-use foodware could include:
A formal proclamation or similar statement by the City Council expressing its support for the reusable foodware in lieu of disposables. A draft proclamation is included as Attachment B.
A City-sponsored designation of a “Trash Free” business that meets certain criteria such as:
- Substituting reusables for disposables where possible (like metal/ceramic sauce cups for plastic).
- Use all reusables where possible, in the case of dining in. - Filling any clean reusable offered by customers (coffee cups). (Example of a decal/window cling that might be displayed by successful businesses is included as Attachment C.)
Direct discussions and technical assistance regarding reusables offered to business owners and operators.
6.1 Packet Pg. 9
AGENDA #6.1
Grant funds for dishwashers to small business to allow them to experiment with switching to non-disposable foodware.
Reduced permit fees for businesses that need to make conversions to support dishwashing.
Staff could engage a student letter writing campaign to raise the awareness of using reusable dishware wherever possible, and ask for demonstrations and/or projects of reuse to be submitted as part of an Earth Day contest - Earth Day is April 22, 2022. City facilities that have dishwashers installed could purchase and use reusable dishware for employees, internally. Single-use foodware would be discouraged in all cases in City buildings.
There are several examples of restaurants in San Ramon that rely on reusable tableware already at Bishop Ranch City Center: Curry Up Now, World Wrapps, Roam, Mendocino Farms, and other dining restaurants. This tactic would seek to not only demonstrate how reusable dishware can save money, reduce pollution, and relieve our recycling and composting processors; it can also elevate the dining experience for a customer at any restaurant, and thereby support businesses in a positive manner that may have struggled through a two-year Pandemic.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is minimal fiscal impact to the City to proclaim the single-use reductions by moving toward reusable dishware. The cost of purchasing reusable dishware for applicable City facilities, additional installations of dishwashers where possible, providing grant incentives to businesses, and the design and printing of outreach to educate the public and City employees may be absorbed by State-provided grant monies and the Solid Waste Fund.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will incorporated feedback from the Policy Committee and present to the City Council at a future Council meeting.
ATTACHMENT:
A: ACI Diversion Plan
B: Sample Proclamation
C: Sample Decal
6.1 Packet Pg. 10
6.1.a
Packet Pg. 11
Attachment: A: ACI Diversion Plan (3490 : Single-Use Foodware)
6.1.a
Packet Pg. 12
Attachment: A: ACI Diversion Plan (3490 : Single-Use Foodware)
A PROCLAMATION BY THE SAN RAMON CITY COUNCIL
REGARDING A CITYWIDE COMMITMENT TO THE
REDUCTION IN THE GENERATION OF
SINGLE-USE FOODWARE WHEREVER POSSIBLE
WHEREAS, the Pacific Gyre, an area in the Pacific Ocean that has 2.7 million tons of microplastics swirling in an area of 620 thousand square miles as a result of watershed runoff from the continents bordering that body of water; and
WHEREAS, the State of California is a coastline watershed that Californians must take responsibility for all human activity impacts, and that this watershed drains straight to the Pacific Ocean; and
WHEREAS, disposable foodware is not easily recyclable nor readily compostable, and does not contribute meaningfully to baled recycled commodities, nor healthy compost, and can contaminate both recyclable and compostable materials; and WHEREAS, reusable dishware is found in most homes and businesses, can be used and washed hundreds if not thousands of times before it is landfilled, and costs less to manage than the purchase and disposal of single-use foodware; and
WHEREAS, reusable foodware in-lieu of disposable foodware reduces the production greenhouse gasses; and
WHEREAS, the State of California has recognized that foodware as litter is so prevalent that it has required that straws and foodware accessories should only be offered to customers upon request; and
WHEREAS, the Cities of San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Alameda, Berkeley, Watsonville, Santa Monica, and Monterey have mandated bans on most types of single-use foodware plastics in an effort to curb the generation of stormwater polluting plastics; and WHEREAS, the City of San Ramon wrote and implemented an expanded polystyrene foam foodware restriction in 1989, and recognizes the priority of reducing harmful materials wherever possible; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of San Ramon hereby commits to reducing use of single-use cups, containers, foodware accessories, wherever reasonably possible, and will strive to find ways to support reusable dishware infrastructure for the businesses and residents of this City in practical and innovative ways.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS PROCLAIMED the City of San Ramon is committed to reducing the use of single-use foodware, and will prioritize and promote programs and businesses that support and practice reducing this waste, so that together we can create a Trash Free San Ramon.
Accordingly:
6.1.b
Packet Pg. 13
Attachment: B: Sample Proclamation (3490 : Single-Use Foodware)
1. City facilities will have dishwashers installed, wherever possible.
2. City meetings will not proffer single-use water bottles nor disposable foodware to its employees or guests, wherever possible.
3. City events will find ways to encourage reusable dishware, where possible, in an effort to reduce trash and litter in our beautiful City parks.
4. City staff will launch a Citywide campaign extolling the use of reusable dishware, and demonstrate the cost-savings of using reusable versus disposable dishware.
5. This Proclamation has been ratified and confirmed by the City Council, who will continue to make every effort to support San Ramon’s residents and businesses.
6. This Proclamation will become effective on Earth Day, April 22, 2022.
DATE AND TIME:
_______________________ _______________________________ Date Mayor David E. Hudson
_______________________________
Vice Mayor Sridhar Verose
_______________________________
Councilmember Mark Armstrong
_______________________________
Councilmember Scott Perkins
_______________________________
Councilmember Sabina Zafar
6.1.b
Packet Pg. 14
Attachment: B: Sample Proclamation (3490 : Single-Use Foodware)
6.1.c
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Attachment: C: Sample Decal (3490 :