REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Enabling the City of Sunnyvale to Submit Application(s) for all CalRecycle Grants for Which the City of Sunnyvale is Eligible
Report
BACKGROUND
The City is eligible for Organics Grant Program funding administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). CalRecycle distributes funds through this program via a competitive application process. Selected projects receive reimbursement for eligible project costs incurred after the agreement execution date.
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
Application for these CalRecycle funds is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061 (b) (3) as the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
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 six grant and loan programs, including:
• Organics Grant
• Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grant
• Recycled Fiber, Plastic, and Glass Grant
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction Loan
• Pilot Reuse Grant
• Community Composting Grant
Entities such as the City of Sunnyvale may submit up to two entries during each cycle of each grant program. Cycles are renewed every one to two years.
The regulatory drivers, benefits, and current planning activities for food-to-energy improvements were presented during a Council Study Session on August 27, 2019 (RTC No. 19-0948). Some of these food-to-energy improvements are eligible for CalRecycle’s Organics Grant program. Staff intends to apply for the next cycle of Organics Grants for which applications are due December 5, 2019. An adopted authorizing resolution is a required attachment to this application.
Current and future efforts to comply with the Zero Waste Strategic Plan (ZWSP) approved by Council on April 23, 2013 (RTC No. 13-085) and SB1383, as well as other food waste accommodation measures incorporated into the Cleanwater Program, will create additional opportunities to apply for CalRecycle grants and loans. 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, 2024.
The attached resolution is similar in form to Resolution No. 646-14, adopted by Council on May 20, 2014 (RTC No. 14-0459), and that expired May 20, 2019. The attached resolution complements Resolution No. 739-16, adopted by Council March 29, 2016 (RTC No.16-0145), which authorizes the City Manager to apply for CalRecycle payment programs.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from adopting this resolution.
Should the City be successful in securing one or more CalRecycle grants, staff will return to Council at that time, for approval of a budget modification to appropriate grant monies. Funds received would provide revenue to the Solid Waste Fund and/or the Wastewater Management Fund.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution Enabling the City of Sunnyvale to Submit Application(s) for all CalRecycle Grants for which the City of Sunnyvale is Eligible.
Staff
Prepared by: Allison Boyer, Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Department
Reviewed by: Jennifer Ng, Assistant Director, Public Works Department
Reviewed by: Chip Taylor, Director, Public Works Department
Reviewed by: Ramana Chinnakotla, Director, Environmental Services Department
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Authorizing Resolution