SF Commission On The Environment Meeting #1 on Refuse Rate Process

Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 5:00 p.m. City Hall, Room 416

Purpose is to share information about the rate-setting process, for SF Environment to share program priorities and goals, for Recology to share its initial rate change request, and to hear comment from the Commission and public.

Watch www.sfgovtv.org

PUBLIC COMMENT CALL-IN

Dial: 1-415-655-0001 • Access Code: 2594 726 6361 • Password: SFGOV

Members of the Commission on the Environment will attend this meeting in-person. Members of the public are invited to observe the meeting in-person or remotely online as described below. Members of the public attending the meeting in person will have an opportunity to provide public comment on every item.

In addition to in-person public comment, the Commission will hear up to 15 minutes of remote public comment on each agenda item. The Commission will hear remote public comment on each item in the order that commenters add themselves to the queue to comment on the item. Because of the 15-minute time limit, it is possible that not every person in the queue will have an opportunity to provide remote public comment. Remote public comment from people who have received an accommodation due to disability (as described below) will not count toward the 15-minute limit.

COMMISSION MEMBERS: Eddie Ahn (President), Sarah Wan (Vice President), Elmy Bermejo, Austin Hunter, Heather Stephenson, Mike Sullivan, and Johanna Wald.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

Public comment will be taken on each agenda item involving discussion or action before the Commission takes action on that item.
 

1. Call to Order and Roll Call.
2. President’s Welcome. (Discussion)
3. Approval of Minutes of the March 7, 2023, Commission on the Environment Meeting. (Explanatory Document: March 7, 2023, Meeting Draft Minutes) (Discussion and Action)
4. General Public Comment. Members of the public may address the Commission on matters that are within the Commission’s jurisdiction and are not on today’s agenda.
5. Presentation of the Commission on the Environment – Environmental Service Award to Garden for the Environment. (Discussion)
6. Staff Introductions. Speaker: Tyrone Jue, Acting Director. (Discussion)
7. Review and Vote on whether to Approve Resolution File 2023-05-COE, Resolution Authorizing Environment Department Zero Waste and Environmental Justice Grants. Sponsor: Tyrone Jue, Acting Director; Speakers: Cyndy Comerford, Climate Program Manager, and Alexa Kielty, Residential Zero Waste Senior Coordinator. (Explanatory Document: Resolution File 2023-05-COE) (Discussion and Possible Action)
8. Review and Vote on whether to Approve Resolution File 2023-04-COE, Resolution Encouraging the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to Adopt a Reusable Food Service Ware Ordinance to Eliminate Unnecessary Single Use Food Service Ware Waste. Sponsor: Mike Sullivan, Commissioner; Speaker: Miriam Gordon, Reuse Consultant. (Explanatory Document: Resolution File 2023-04-COE) (Discussion and Possible Action)
9. Presentation on the Refuse Rate-Setting Process. Sponsor: Tyrone Jue, Acting Director. Speakers: Jay Liao, Refuse Rates Administrator, Controller’s Office, Jamario Jackson, Government and Community Relations Manager, Recology, Inc., and Jack Macy, Zero Waste Program Manager, Environment Department. (Discussion)
10. Director’s Report. Speaker: Tyrone Jue, Acting Director. (Explanatory Document: Director’s Report) (Discussion)
11. Committee Reports. (Discussion)
12. New Business/Future Agenda Items. Speaker: Charles Sheehan, Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer. (Discussion)
13. Public comment on all matters pertaining to the subsequent closed session to hold Environment Department Director Interviews.
14. Vote on whether to hold a closed session to hold Environment Department Director Interviews. (Cal. Govt. Code § 54957; San Francisco Administrative Code § 67.10(b).) (Action)
15. CLOSED SESSION – ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR INTERVIEWS

Possible closed session to hold Environment Department Director Interviews. (Cal. Govt. Code § 54957; San Francisco Administrative Code § 67.10(b).) (Discussion and Possible Action)

OPEN SESSION

Reconvene in open session:

Vote to elect whether to disclose any or all discussions held in closed session. (San Francisco Administrative Code. § 67.12(a).) (Action)

1. Adjournment.

The next meeting of the Commission on the Environment is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Information on upcoming meetings, public hearings, and deadlines, as well as archived minutes and agendas, is available on the SFEnvironronment.org website.

Public Comment

Public comment will be taken during each agendized item. The public is asked to wait for the particular agenda item before making a comment on that item. When the moderator announces that the Commission is taking public comment, members of the public can stand before the Commission and be called forward. Each member of the public may address the Commission for up to three minutes, unless otherwise announced by the President. Comments will be batched so all in-person comments will typically go together, and all Webex or phone comments will typically go together.

The Brown Act forbids the Commission from taking action or discussing any item or issue not appearing on the posted agenda. This rule applies to issues raised in public comment as well. In response to public comment, not on an agendized item, the Commission is limited to: 

1.   Briefly responding to statements made or questions posed by members of the public, or 

2.   Requesting staff to report back on a matter at a subsequent meeting, or 

3.   Directing staff to place the item or issue on a future agenda (Government Code Section 54954.2(a).)

Remote Access to Information and Participation

Members of the public will have the following options for accessing the meeting remotely:

Option 1: Watch the meeting via SFGovTV or www.sfgovtv.org.

Option 2: Watch the meeting using a computer or smart device by clicking on the following link:

                  https://sfpublic.webex.com/sfpublic/j.php?MTID=md66108ad95b97ebee8eb93584184434e

• If you are able to and would like to watch via your computer, please follow these instructions: (1) Click on the link above; (2) Enter your first name, last name, and email address if desired; (3) Click “Join by Browser” (directly beneath the “Join Now” button).

• If you are able to watch via your smart mobile device: (1) Download the WebEx Meetings application; (2) Click on the link above; (3) Click “Join”; (4) Enter your name and email; (5) Click “Ready to Join.”

Option 3: Join the meeting by phone if you do not have access to a computer or smart device.

• (1) Dial: 415-655-0001; (2) Enter the Access Code: 2594 726 6361; (3) Enter the Meeting Password: SFGOV.

Participating During Public Comment

Members of the public will have opportunities to participate during public comment. Comments will be addressed in the order they are received. When the moderator announces that the Commission is taking public comment, members of the public can:

• Participate over the phone by pressing *3 (this step is very important, as it will activate the “Raise Hand” icon in the Participant window).

Depending on the number of people also in line ahead of you, you may have to wait before it is your opportunity to speak. When it is your turn, you will be notified that your line has been unmuted, and it will be your opportunity to speak. Your line will be muted again when your allotted time expires.

Copies of explanatory documents are available (1) on the Commission’s website http://www.sfenvironment.org/commission; and (2) upon request to the Commission Affairs Officer, at telephone number (415) 355-3709, or via e-mail at kyle.wehner@sfgov.org.

Important Information

The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices.

Please note that persons unable to attend the meeting may submit to the Commission, by the time the proceedings begin, written comments regarding the agenda items above. These comments will be made a part of the official public record and shall be brought to the attention of the Commissioners. Any written comments should be sent to: Commission Affairs Officer, Environment Department, 1155 Market Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103 by 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to the meeting. Comments that cannot be delivered to the Commission Affairs Officer by that time may be taken directly to the meeting at the location above. When bringing handouts to meetings, please photocopy on both sides of the paper and try to use post-consumer recycled or tree-free paper. Also, please bring sufficient copies of handouts for the Commission, the Commission Affairs Officer, and the public.

Disability Access

To obtain a disability-related accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, or to obtain meeting materials in alternative format, please contact Kyle Wehner at (415) 355-3709. Providing at least 72 hours’ notice will help to ensure availability. Written reports or background materials for calendar items are available for public inspection and are available online at https://sfenvironment.org/environment-commission. Public comment will be taken on each item before or during consideration of the item.

The following services are available on request 72 hours prior to the meeting; except for Monday meetings, for which the deadline shall be 4:00 p.m. of the last business day of the preceding week: For American sign language interpreters or the use of a reader during a meeting, a sound enhancement system, and/or alternative formats of the agenda and minutes, please contact Kyle Wehner at (415) 355-3709 to make arrangements for the accommodation. Late requests will be honored, if possible. 

Language Access

Per the Language Access Ordinance (Chapter 91 of the San Francisco Administrative Code), Chinese, Spanish and or Filipino (Tagalog) interpreters will be available upon requests. Meeting Minutes may be translated, if requested, after they have been adopted by the Commission. Assistance in additional languages may be honored whenever possible. To request assistance with these services please contact the Commission Affairs Officer at (415) 355-3709 or kyle.wehner@sfgov.org at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.

語言服務

根據語言服務條例(三藩市行政法典第91章)，中文、西班牙語和/或菲律賓語（泰加洛語）傳譯人員在收到要求後將會提供傳譯服務。翻譯版本的會議記錄可在委員會通過後透過要求而提供。其他語言協助在可能的情況下也將可提供。上述的要求，請於會議前最少48小時致電 (415) 355-3709或電郵至 kyle.wehner@sfgov.org 向委員會秘書提出。逾期提出的請求，若可能的話，亦會被考慮接納。

Acceso A Idioma

De acuerdo con la Ordenanza de Acceso a Idiomas “Language Access Ordinance” (Capítulo 91 del Código Administrativo de San Francisco “Chapter 91 of the San Francisco Administrative Code”) intérpretes de chino, español y/o filipino (tagalo) estarán disponibles de ser requeridos. Las minutas podrán ser traducidas, de ser requeridas, luego de ser aprobadas por la Comisión. La asistencia en idiomas adicionales se tomará en cuenta siempre que sea posible. Para solicitar asistencia con estos servicios favor comunicarse con el Secretario de la Comisión al (415) 355-3709, o kyle.wehner@sfgov.org por lo menos 48 horas antes de la reunión. Las solicitudes tardías serán consideradas de ser posible.

Access Sa Wika

Ayon sa Language Access Ordinance (Chapter 91 ng San Francisco Administrative Code), maaaring mag-request ng mga tagapagsalin sa wikang Tsino, Espanyol, at/o Filipino (Tagalog). Kapag hiniling, ang mga kaganapan ng miting ay maaring isalin sa ibang wika matapos ito ay aprobahan ng komisyon. Maari din magkaroon ng tulong sa ibang wika. Sa mga ganitongu ri ng kahilingan, mangyaring tumawag sa Clerk ng Commission sa (415) 355-3709, o kyle.wehner@sfgov.org sa hindi bababa sa 48 oras bago mag miting. Kung maari, ang mga late na hiling ay posibleng pagbibigyan.

Know your Rights under the Sunshine Ordinance

(Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code)

Government’s duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils, and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people’s business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people’s review. For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, City Hall, Room 244, One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102-4683 at Phone No. (415) 554-7724; Fax No. (415) 554-5163; E-mail: sotf@sfgov.org. Copies of the Sunshine Ordinance can be obtained from the Clerk of the Sunshine Task Force, the San Francisco Public Library and on the City’s website at www.sfgov.org.

Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Requirements

Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign & Governmental Conduct Code §2.100, et. seq] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at: 25 Van Ness Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone (415) 252-3100, fax (415) 252-3112, web site at www.sfgov.org/ethics.

Kyle Wehner, Commission Affairs Officer

TEL: (415) 355-3709