SR-503-001-02-01 (8)
EPWM:CP/SMARRTS
City Council Study Session: January 20, 2004 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Study Session to Discuss Solid Waste Management Trends, Need
for New City Recycling Recovery Transfer Station and Other Policy
Issues Including Franchising of Private Waste Collection
INTRODUCTION
This City Council study session is convened in response to a request by City
Council at its August 26, 2003 Council meeting to be afforded an opportunity to
gather additional information and clarify information that had already been
disseminated concerning the proposed new City Recycling and Transfer Facility.
This report provides an overview of the topics that will be covered by staff in the
study session in order to provide a better understanding of regional solid waste
management issues, Santa Monica solid waste management challenges and
opportunities, and the programmatic and financial bases for the proposed new
facility.
BACKGROUND
The process of evaluating the existing City Yard and developing alternatives for
the reconfiguration and renovation of its out-dated and inefficient operational
facilities, including solid waste management facilities,has involved significant
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inter-departmental effort over the past several years. A brief chronological
summary of the process milestones is presented below:
1996
- Staff began the process of formulating a plan for the rebuilding of the City
Yard and engaged the services of RNL Design to perform a detailed needs
assessment and develop appropriate conceptual design alternatives for staff
review.
2000
- City Council approved, in concept, two City Yard design alternatives and
directed the City Manager to explore options related to the possible leasing of
property and/or facilities from a neighboring waste transfer facility owned by
Southern California Disposal (SCD). Discussions between City staff and SCD
were held over the ensuing year to review various contracting options related to
possible City use of the SCD facility.
2002
- City staff recommended to City Council that negotiations with SCD be
discontinued, and that City Council conceptually approve the City Yard rebuild
plan that includes a new Santa Monica Active Recycling Recovery Transfer
Station (SMARRTS). After discussion, City Council directed staff to return at a
future Council meeting with a more detailed analysis of the SMARRTS proposal.
2003
? Staff returned to Council with additional analytical information from staff
and experts retained by the City. After discussion, Council requested that a Study
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Session be scheduled in order to further clarify the detailed analytical information
on the proposed SMARRTS as well as reach a better understanding of the
current issues and future trends impacting municipal solid waste management in
the region.
DISCUSSION
In preparing for the study session, staff sought out the expertise and insight of
colleagues in other agencies who are responsible for solid waste management
either on a local or regional basis and gathered additional information and
analysis from the City?s consultants. A volunteer committee comprised of line and
supervisory employees within the Solid Waste Management Division was
established to review with a fresh perspective all of the documentation and
analysis that has been generated to date on the topic. Some of the committee?s
recommendations on solid waste management approaches that best meet the
long-term needs of the community will be incorporated into the study session
presentation.
The study session presentation highlights the following discussion areas:
? Brief history of the Santa Monica Transfer Station, solid waste collection
operations, and recycling recovery programs
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? Regional solid waste disposal and diversion perspective (status of the
region?s landfills, prospects for rail-hauling of waste, etc.)
? Description of the multiple mandates that need to be satisfied by the
proposed Santa Monica Active Recycling Recovery Transfer Station
(SMARRTS)
? Dynamics that substantiate the building of a new City facility
?
Imminent changes in regional waste disposal infrastructure
?
New local recycling recovery targets; possible new state mandates
?
Recycling recovery facility space requirements
?
Community benefits
?
Ratepayer benefits
? Why SMARRTS is the right choice at the right time
? Issues related to franchising of private waste collection in Santa Monica
and its potential impact on the SMARRTS proposal
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? Council discussion and questions on the study session presentation and
any previously distributed materials. City staff and City consultants will be
available to respond
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT
There is no budget impact associated with the study session discussion.
SUMMARY AND NEXT STEPS
Council requested a study session to discuss more informally with staff and the
City?s experts both solid waste management trends and a proposed new Santa
Monica Active Recycling Recovery Transfer Station. Based on Council input at
the study session, staff will determine the most appropriate future date to place
an action item on a Council meeting agenda.
Prepared by: Craig Perkins, Director, Environmental and Public Works Mgmt
Celeste Peele, Solid Waste Operations Manager
Gus Guzzetti, Materials Recovery Superintendent
Laura Cronin, Administrative Analyst
Attachments: A complete set of all staff reports and information items are
available in the City Clerk?s office
Previous Council items are listed below:
August 26, 2003, Item No. 8-A
November 12, 2002, Item No. 8-A
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