San Diego City Council Environment Committee Meeting - June 21, 2018

This committee meeting covered a range of environmental and infrastructure topics, including updates on the city's bicycle master plan, utilities undergrounding, water conservation, solid waste collection, and wastewater financial planning. The meeting began with public comment on non-agenda items and the unanimous approval of a consent calendar. Key decisions included approval of the bicycle master plan's strategic implementation plan with a priority amendment, and approval of the utilities undergrounding master plan update and five-year implementation plan.

Consent Calendar

• The committee approved five items on the consent agenda by unanimous consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Josh Rosa, on behalf of the California Restaurant Association San Diego chapter, spoke during public comment on non-agenda items. He expressed concern that a proposed ban on expanded polystyrene (EPS) could undermine the city's recycling program, which had been unanimously approved in July 2017. He noted that the program is being questioned prematurely and that a ban could jeopardize recycling of other materials.
• Jim Madaffer, representing the San Diego County Disposal Association, spoke on the districted collection system study. He highlighted that current recycling markets are in crisis due to China's new contamination standards, making recycling more expensive than trash disposal. He urged the city to consider the impact on diversion rates and mentioned concerns with the People's Ordinance of 1919 regarding free trash pickup.
• Philip Ginsberg, a La Jolla resident, spoke on the utilities undergrounding program update. He expressed appreciation for his neighborhood's project being moved up but voiced frustration with the slow pace of implementation, noting that he has been paying surcharges since 1997 with the project still incomplete.

Discussion Items

• Strategic Implementation Plan for the Bicycle Master Plan: Presenters from the Transportation & Stormwater Department and the Bicycle Advisory Committee outlined the plan's goals to increase bicycle mode share, improve safety, and expand funding. The plan covers the five E's (engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement, evaluation). Councilmember Sherman moved to approve with an amendment to reorder priority language to place Vision Zero (high-fatality corridors) first before historically underserved communities, to clarify that safety is paramount. The amendment was accepted. Councilmembers discussed timelines, funding from SANDAG grants, and the need for continued evaluation. The motion carried unanimously.
• Utilities Undergrounding Program: An update on the program's status was provided, along with a proposed updated master plan (replacing the 2009 plan) and a five-year implementation plan. Staff highlighted process improvements, including new FTEs, better coordination with SDGE, and a pilot for in-house design. SDGE representatives noted efforts to expedite projects, including use of P6 scheduling software and contractor outreach. The five-year plan aims to improve financial control and project planning. Councilmember Kate asked about the annual update process. The motion to approve was made by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Councilmember Kate, and passed unanimously.
• Districted Exclusive Collection System Study: The Environmental Services Department presented preliminary findings from a study on transitioning from a non-exclusive to a districted solid waste collection system. The consultant identified potential benefits (reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower road maintenance costs, increased recycling innovation) but also significant challenges (negative impact on small haulers and customer rates). Staff indicated they are leaning against implementing a districted system and instead are negotiating with current haulers to capture benefits. The final report, including a city attorney analysis on Proposition 218/26, is expected in August. Councilmembers expressed caution based on Los Angeles's experience and concerns about the recycling market. No action was taken.
• Water Use Efficiency Report: The Public Utilities Department reported that statewide and local reservoirs are above average but that rainfall in the current water year is half of last year's. Water usage in San Diego shows a 12% reduction compared to 2013, though recent dry weather caused a temporary increase. Rebate programs continue, and enforcement of water waste regulations remains steady. State legislation (SB 606 and AB 1668) sets a 55 gallons per capita per day indoor target as a system-wide goal, not a per-household limit. San Diego's current combined indoor/outdoor usage is 60 gpcd. No action was required; the report was informational.
• Public Health Goals Water Report: The city's drinking water meets all state and federal standards. Five constituents (coliform, bromate, chlorite, gross alpha particles, uranium) were detected above non-enforceable public health goals (PHGs) but well below maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). The best available technology (reverse osmosis) is costly and would provide insignificant health benefit at current levels. Staff recommends no further action. The report was informational.
• Wastewater Financial Plan Study and Cost of Service Review: An update on the wastewater fund's financial health showed strong reserves and no need for a rate increase in FY19 or FY20. The fund's debt coverage ratios are above targets, and cash reserves are healthy. The study noted that the Pure Water program's capital costs are included in the CIP. No action was required.
• Review of Funds for Water Utility Fund (FY16-17): An independent review by MGO found that due to lower water purchases, operational savings, and a litigation settlement, the originally approved 5% rate increase for August 2018 can be reduced to 2.16%. The reduction is driven by a lower pass-through from the San Diego County Water Authority (1.47% vs. 2.5%) and avoidance of a planned draw on the rate stabilization fund. The next rate increase (7% for FY20) will be re-evaluated in the upcoming cost-of-service study.

Key Outcomes

• Approved unanimously: Consent calendar (5 items); Strategic Implementation Plan for the Bicycle Master Plan (with a priority amendment to place Vision Zero first); Utilities Undergrounding Program updated master plan and five-year implementation plan.
• No action taken on: Districted Collection System Study (final report due August); Water Use Efficiency Report; Public Health Goals Water Report; Wastewater Financial Plan Study; Review of Funds for Water Utility Fund.
• Next meeting: July 12, 2018, at a time to be determined.