Environment Committee Meeting – April 20, 2023

The Environment Committee of the San Diego City Council met on April 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. (evening session) under the chairmanship of Councilmember Joel Lacava (District 1). Committee members present included Vice Chair Marni von Wilpert, Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, and Councilmember Raul Campillo. The meeting covered a consent calendar of four items, three discussion items (transfer of a solid waste franchise, a water meter supply contract, and a resolution to pursue Bee City USA designation), and non-agenda public testimony.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–4 (agreements for cultural resources consulting, laboratory information management system, and engineering services) were approved unanimously (4-0) without discussion or public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non‑agenda public comment:

  • Blair Beekman expressed disappointment that a recent committee meeting discussing the unhoused situation did not address the “government‑sponsored encampment process” at Balboa Park, calling for better communication and legal treatment. He also urged the committee to incorporate lessons from San Jose’s police department regarding fentanyl distribution.
  • Terry Ann Skelly (parent and property owner) cited an American Heart Association press release stating that marijuana smoke contains toxins similar to tobacco smoke and can cause heart and lung damage. She urged the city to ban public smoking and vaping of both marijuana and tobacco for air quality and health reasons.
  • Andrew Meyer (San Diego Audubon Society) provided an update on the rewild Mission Bay project, noting that the last day for public comment on the city’s De Anza Natural Plan draft EIR was April 20. He identified four deficiencies: missing water quality improvement objective, lack of sea‑level rise analysis, no comparison to the Climate Action Plan’s 700‑acre wetland restoration goal, and failure to analyze recreational/cultural benefits of tidal marsh access.
  • Judy Strang shared a National Safety Council survey of 1,500 employers, warning that marijuana (like alcohol and opioids) impairs judgment and reflexes, increasing workplace and driving risks. She emphasized that THC stored in body fat makes impairment duration unpredictable.
  • Brandon Weber (San Diego Audubon Society) echoed Meyer’s concerns, stating the draft EIR only allows 75% of necessary wetland restoration and fails to adequately address sea level rise and the Climate Action Plan’s 2035 targets.
  • Barry Homer (self‑identified “RV community” advocate) accused local environmental groups of polarizing the debate and seeking to eliminate all recreational use in Mission Bay, instead urging collaboration to solve the long‑standing environmental problems.

• Item 5 (solid waste franchise transfer): One speaker, Blair Beekman, reminded the committee to ensure low‑income subsidies and open communication as promised in the November waste system changes.

• Item 6 (water meter contract): One speaker, Blair Beekman, cautioned about smart‑meter (AMI) technology, urging slow, accountable rollout and questioning the effects of 5G and broadband on communities.

• Item 7 (Bee City USA):

  • Mary Jarvis (San Diego Beekeeping Society) voiced strong support for the designation, noting that pollinators are essential for San Diego’s avocado industry and tourism. She invited the public to World Bee Day on May 20 at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
  • Blair Beekman linked the bee item to the previous smart‑meter discussion, questioning whether microwave radiation from wireless technology contributes to bee die‑offs and urging a cautious approach.
  • Dr. James Hung (pollinator biologist, UC San Diego) cited his dissertation research showing San Diego County hosts 650+ native bee species, many threatened by habitat loss and pesticides. He supported Bee City as a way to protect biodiversity and avoid federal endangered listings.
  • Brandon Weber (San Diego Audubon Society) supported the resolution, emphasizing San Diego’s obligation as the most biodiverse county in the contiguous U.S. to protect pollinators.
  • Andrew Meyer (San Diego Audubon Society) highlighted that the U.S. has lost 3 billion birds since the 1970s and that Bee City USA helps counter pesticide use and habitat loss, benefiting birds and other wildlife.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Transfer of Non‑Exclusive Solid Waste Collection Franchise (John Smith Earthworks to Universal Waste Systems Inc.)

  • Ken Prue (Deputy Director, Environmental Services) presented the transfer, noting that Universal Waste Systems (family‑owned, since 1986) operates in L.A. and San Diego County with a good track record. The city attorney’s due diligence found no issues. The franchise remains Class 1 (under 75,000 tons/year), with no impact on customers and potential for increased competition.
  • Committee members expressed confidence; Councilmember Campillo moved approval, seconded by Councilmember Campbell. Vote: 4‑0.

• Item 6 – Award of Contract to Badger Meter Inc. for Purchase of Water Meters (not to exceed $30 million over five years)

  • Tim Morez (Public Utilities) explained that the contract supplies AMI‑compatible water meters (sizes for residential to commercial) to replace broken and failing meters. The city has an adequate supply until summer 2023; the contract includes one base year and four optional renewals at the city’s discretion.
  • Vice Chair von Wilpert raised concerns about the prior AMI rollout difficulties and high customer bills. She questioned why a $30 million contract should be approved before Jacobs Engineering completes an AMI implementation plan (expected fall 2023). Councilmember Campbell noted ongoing customer service complaints at PUD.
  • After discussion, Councilmember Campillo moved approval as recommended, but with no second. Vice Chair von Wilpert then moved an amendment to approve only the first year (FY23, $1.9 million) and require the four optional renewals to come back to council for approval. Councilmember Campillo seconded. The city attorney confirmed the options are at the city’s sole discretion and can be conditioned. Vote on the amended motion: 4‑0.

• Item 7 – Resolution Supporting Creation of a Bee City USA Program Committee and Seeking B City USA Affiliate Designation

  • Brian Elliott (policy director, District 1 office) and Chrissy Chan introduced the item. Dr. James Nye (UCSD) and Laura Rost (Xerces Society, virtual) presented the Bee City USA program, emphasizing pollinator protection through habitat, pesticide reduction, and public education. San Diego is the most biodiverse county in the U.S. and a top agricultural producer (e.g., #1 avocado county, $153 million annual income). Becoming the largest Bee City in the nation would leverage existing city and partner efforts.
  • All committee members voiced strong support. Councilmember Lacava moved the proposed action; Councilmember Campbell seconded. Vote: 4‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Items 1–4 approved 4‑0.
• Item 5: Approved 4‑0 to transfer the non‑exclusive solid waste franchise from John Smith Earthworks to Universal Waste Systems Inc.
• Item 6: Approved 4‑0 with an amendment: the contract is awarded for the first year only (up to $1.9 million for FY23); any exercise of the four renewal options must return to the City Council for approval.
• Item 7: Approved 4‑0 to direct the City Attorney to draft a resolution supporting creation of a Bee City USA program committee and seeking designation as a B City USA affiliate from the Xerces Society.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:39 p.m. The next regular committee meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.; a special meeting will occur on April 27, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.