COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Shad S. Springer, Director of Utilities
DATE: October 21, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Science Discovery for Solid Waste Education Services
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution to approve an agreement with Science Discovery to provide solid waste-related school education services.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Science Discovery for Solid Waste Education Services; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to administer the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
For over a decade, the City has contracted with qualified environmental education providers to deliver in-person and virtual programming to K-8 students, focusing on solid waste management, stormwater pollution prevention, and water conservation. The topics covered have included: recycling, food waste, household hazardous waste, vermicomposting, paper production, stormwater pollution prevention, marine debris, and water conservation. Field trips have historically complemented classroom learning, including visits to the Santa Maria Regional Landfill.
DISCUSSION:
The Utilities Department released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on March 25, 2025, and two proposals were received by the published deadline. After interviews and a thorough evaluation based on qualifications, experience, program design, and alignment with City priorities, Science Discovery was selected to perform the services for the project.
Under the agreement (Attachment “B”), Science Discovery will develop and deliver age- appropriate, standards -based environmental curriculum to Santa Maria schools in alignment with the City’s environmental goals and reg ulatory obligations . Content is related to solid waste, recycling, and composting, and programming includes virtual and 2 in-person learning options and field trips. The agreement is for an initial one -year term not-to-exceed $95,354.55. The agreement includ es provisions for up to four annual extensions by mutual written consent.
Procurement Clarification
The Utilities Department implemented school education services based on its interpretation of the purchasing guidelines consistent with past practice, and the attached agreement was approved and signed by the required City Departments. After signing, the Director of Finance determined that formal City Council approval was required based on new interpretation of the City’s purchasing guidelines. This report is intended to meet that requirement. No changes have been made to the vendor selection, scope, or budget. In addition, a separate agreement with Science Discovery for Water Resources Education Services is under the threshold for requiring award by City Cou ncil and therefore is not part of this request.
Alternative(s)
1. Direct staff to discontinue work and reissue the RFP, understanding that this would interrupt educational programming already underway and impact service delivery for the current school year.
2. Provide other direction to City staff regarding procurement or contract oversight.
Fiscal Considerations
The agreement will be funded within the Utilities Department’s approved budget (SC4225 | CC0253 | FD630 = $95,354.55) and no additional appropriation is requested.
Impact on the Community
The content delivered through this agreement promotes environmental stewardship among students and inc reases community knowledge of City programs related to solid waste.
Impact on the City
School education programs support the City’s environmental compliance and public engagement efforts by enhancing outreach through effective, curriculum -aligned education and reducing in-house staffing demands for direct educational programming.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Agreement