CITY COUNCIL: Resolution Authorizing City to Use $20,000 in Funds from Recycling Grant Account for Purchase of Two Solar-Powered Trash Compactors

Meeting Date: June 7, 2011
Prepared by: Molly Laughlin

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the City to use $20,000 in funds from the Recycling Grant Account for the purchase of two solar-powered trash compactors.

Description: For the past 10 years, the City’s contract with Carmel Marina Corporation calls for annual grants to nonprofit organizations for recycling projects, special events and ongoing recycling programs. Each year, Carmel Marina Corporation remits $18,000 to the City. In turn, the City grants monies to nonprofit organizations who submit projects
and programs that support the City’s educational recycling efforts.
Up to now, the grant money in the Recycling Grants Deposit Account has been strictly used to fund the nonprofits’ projects. The purchase of two solar-powered trash compactors for the Commercial District is expected to go a long way to further the City’s already exemplary recycling effort, which serves the spirit and purpose of the grant. Officials at Carmel Marina Corporation concur that using grant funds for this purpose is within the scope of the grant’s intent.

Overall Cost: City Funds: N/A
Grant Funds: $20,000 (the current balance in Recycling Grants Deposit
Account 50-24050-0805 is $39,697).

Staff Recommendation: Approve the Resolution.

Important Considerations: Through the purchase of two solar-powered trash compactors, the City should realize environmental benefits in several significant ways. The units can handle garbage more efficiently as they periodically compact the trash inside, creating space for more garbage. The compactors have sensors connected to a computer server that can call for trash pickup when the unit is full, so the City will see fewer garbage
collection trucks on its streets, which will translate into lower emissions and noise. The compactors are tightly sealed, emitting fewer odors and providing better protection from scavenging animals and birds. Above all, the units are powered with clean, renewable energy. Cities that have installed solar-powered trash compactors have reported far more
consistent and correct recycling habits, as it is easier for people to distinguish between trash and recyclable materials.

Decision Record: None.

Reviewed by:

_________________________________ _____________________
John Goss, Interim City Administrator Date

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION 2011-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF USE $20,000 IN FUNDS FROM THE RECYCLING GRANTS ACCOUNT FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO SOLAR-POWERED TRASH COMPACTORS

WHEREAS, the City’s franchise agreement contract with Carmel Marina Corporation requires the City to annually donate money to nonprofit organizations for programs or projects that expand the City’s recycling efforts; and

WHEREAS, Recycling Grants Deposit Account 50-24050-0805 currently has a balance
of $39,697; and
WHEREAS, the purchase of these solar-powered trash compactor units will have
significant environmental and health benefits for the citizens, visitors and business community
and will further the City’s recycling efforts; and
WHEREAS, officials from Carmel Marina Corporation concur that use of the recycling
funds for the purchase of these units is compatible with the intent of the grant.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA DOES:
1. Authorize the City to use $20,000 in funds from Recycling Grants Deposit Account
50-24050-0805 for the purchase of two solar-powered trash compactors.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMELBY-
THE-SEA this 7th day of June 2011, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
SIGNED:
_______________________
SUE McCLOUD, MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________
Heidi Burch, City Clerk