REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sunnyvale Authorizing Submittal of Applications and Related Authorizations for all CalRecycle Grants for Which the City of Sunnyvale is Eligible
Report
BACKGROUND
California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) offers funding authorized by legislation to help public and private entities create circular waste systems. It also offers competitive funding for projects that help California reach its climate change goals. The City is eligible for such funding opportunities.
The application for CalRecycle grants requires a Council resolution that authorizes the submittal of the application for such grants, identifies the time period for which the authorizations are valid, and identifies the individual authorized to execute such agreements.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.1.5 Donations, Contributions and Sponsorships:
The City Manager may apply for grants of any dollar amount but shall notify the Council when grants are being pursued. Council approval of a budget modification to appropriate grant monies is required before funds can be expended by staff. Such a budget modification shall include the use to which the grant would be placed; the objectives or goals of the City which will be achieved through use of the grant; the local match required, if any, plus the source of the local match; any increased cost to be locally funded upon termination of the grant; and the ability of the City to administer the grant.
Council Fiscal Policy 7.11 Enterprise Fund Policies, 1.1b.3: Local, state and federal funding sources, such as grants and contributions, should be pursued for utility-related capital improvement projects consistent with City priorities.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This authorization to submit applications for these CalRecycle funds is not a Project subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(3) and 15378(b) as it is an organizational, administrative and/or fiscal activity that does not constitute a commitment to a specific project and will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) identified CalRecycle as the lead agency for developing recycling-based solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs). CalRecycle established the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) to provide financial incentives for investment in GHG emission reduction. Eligible investments include composting infrastructure, digestion infrastructure, food waste prevention and rescue, and recycling manufacturing facilities.
Through the GGRF, CalRecycle supports multiple grants, payment programs and loan programs, including:
• Organics Grant
• Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grant
• Recycled Fiber, Plastic, and Glass Grant
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction Loan
• Reuse Grant
• Community Composting Grant
• Beverage Container Quality Infrastructure Grant
Current and future efforts to comply with the Zero Waste Strategic Plan approved by Council on April 23, 2013, (RTC No. 13-085) and SB 1383 will create additional opportunities to apply for CalRecycle grants and loans. Staff monitor and apply for grants as they become available. An SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant in the amount of $412,829 was awarded to Sunnyvale on Feb 24, 2024, by CalRecycle. Currently, staff is working on the application for the Beverage Container Recycling City County Payment Program where $10.5 million is available for eligible costs like education and outreach, litter reduction activities etc.
The attached resolution is valid for five years and has been worded broadly enough so that it can serve as the authorizing resolution for any CalRecycle grant application submitted before December 3, 2029.
The attached resolution is similar in form to Resolution No. 973-19, adopted by Council on Dec 3, 2019 (RTC No. 19-1200), and that expires on Dec 3, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact related to the adoption of this resolution.
If the City is able to secure CalRecycle grants during the approved period, staff will return to Council for approval of a budget modification to appropriate grant revenues and potential local match requirements.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the NOVA Workforce Services reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution authorizing submittal of applications and related authorizations for all CalRecycle Grants for which the City of Sunnyvale is eligible.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $250 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
A check in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract
___ Labor or personal employment contract
_x_ General policy and legislative actions
Staff
Prepared by: Shikha Gupta, Solid Waste Programs Division Manager
Reviewed by: Ramana Chinnakotla, Director, Environmental Services Department
Reviewed by: Dennis Jaw, Interim Director of Finance
Reviewed by: Connie Verceles, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Authorizing Resolution