REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Completion of Council Priority Project SU-16 Eliminate the Use of Chemical Pesticide on City Owned or Leased Property (Information Only)
Report
BACKGROUND
This study issue (now known as Council Priority Project) was first presented at the City Council Study Issues Workshop on February 17, 2017. The study issue proposal had been deferred for several years before it was ranked above the line by the City Manager in 2025. The project was categorized as requiring a major level of staff effort, and City Council allocated $100,000 to complete the study using consultant services.
With the effort beginning in July 2025, Environmental Services Department (ESD) staff completed the study in-house through a collaborative effort between ESD and the Department of Public Works (DPW).
The findings were presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission on July 10, 2026, the Sustainability Commission on July 15, 2026, and the City Council on July 21, 2026.
This informational Report to Council officially completes the Council Priority Project and summarizes next steps after incorporating feedback from the Commissions and Council.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan Policy EM-8.3 Ensure that stormwater control measures and Best Management Practices (BMPs) are implemented to reduce the discharge of Pollutants in storm water to the maximum extent practicable.
Administrative Policy Manual Chapter 6 – Facilities & Equipment Article 12: Integrated Pest Management Policy for City-Owned Facilities.
DISCUSSION
As part of the study, staff assessed the City’s pesticide usage, applicable policies, and feasibility in eliminating chemical pesticide usage on City property.
Study elements included:
Review of the Integrated Pest Management Policy (IPM).
Evaluation of the level of pesticide use on City property.
Identification of potential impacts on City operations.
Identification of potential cost of educating residents on chemical pesticide alternatives.
Ide...
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