OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Diego Environment Committee Meeting Summary - March 12, 2026

Environment Committee — Thursday, March 12, 2026
BodySan Diego, California
SessionEnvironment Committee
DateThursday, March 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:37:30

Transcript — Verbatim
1:48

Okay, uh good afternoon, everyone.

1:49

Welcome to the Environment Committee meeting of March 12th, 2026.

1:53

Our committee liaison, Sarah Jordan will provide information and instruction for the public to participate in today's meeting.

1:59

Sarah, please proceed.

2:00

Thank you, Chair Eliveira.

2:02

While members of the public are able to attend the meeting in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and council administration will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform.

2:11

Members of the public who wish to provide testimony via a call-in or an internet based service option must enter the virtual speaking queue within five minutes after conclusion of in-person public testimony or before the virtual speaking queue is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

2:24

This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the committee is able to manage and conduct city business.

2:30

We appreciate the public's cooperation.

2:32

Chair.

2:33

All right, thank you.

2:34

With that, we'll call the environment committee meeting of March 12th, 2026 to order.

2:38

Sarah, if you'd please call the role.

2:40

Vice Chair Campbell.

2:42

Council President Lakava.

2:44

Chair Ela Rivera.

2:46

Also attending the meeting today is City Attorney Representative Dominic Guglimo, Mayoral Representative Randy Wilde, and IBA Representative Jordan Moore.

2:55

And if you're in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and place it in the speaker slip box at the table at the front of the room near the high lector and please do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management.

3:05

Members of the public can join the webinar by computer tablet or smartphone by accessing the link, which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage.

3:12

To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, please dial 1669-2545252 and when prompted, input webinar ID 160-732-9638 pound.

3:21

This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item.

3:27

Please note that if you're watching via City TV 24 online, there may be delay.

3:30

Please participate via the audio on your phone and mute your TV or computer when it's your turn to speak.

3:35

If you wish to speak to a particular item, please wait for that item to be called, then raise your hand to speak by tapping the raise your hand icon, or if you're calling participant, by selecting star nine on your phone.

3:44

If you raise your hand during a non-comment period, your hand will be lowered.

3:48

All right.

3:49

Thank you so much.

3:50

We've got a quorum.

3:51

Let's begin with non-agenda public comment.

3:53

Please proceed.

3:54

Thank you, Chair.

3:55

Per rule 2.7 on agenda public comment is an opportunity for members of the public to comment on items that are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of this committee.

4:04

Each speaker will have two minutes, and we'll begin with in-person testimony.

4:07

Melanie Mendoza, we will begin with you.

4:09

If you could please approach the lector, and you will have two minutes, and you will be followed by Carlos Donati.

4:53

Tobacco product waste is one of the most littered forms of waste, often containing plastic materials that can persist in the environment for many years.

5:02

These products not only break down into microplastics, but also release harmful chemicals into soil and water and often travel through storm drains into creeks, bays, and the ocean.

5:12

The policy research center conducts research to better understand how tobacco product waste impacts of waterways and environment across San Diego County.

5:21

We're available to share resources and educational material or research data that may be helpful for this issue.

5:28

I am also a resident of District 9, where there is tobacco waste everywhere.

5:32

I take the bus to work and notice it inside the buses and along the sidewalk.

5:41

You can only imagine what our youth have to deal with first thing in the morning when they're on their way to school.

5:47

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to share the policy research center's work and to be a resource to a community.

5:54

Thank you for your testimony.

5:56

Our next speaker is Carlos.

5:59

Perfect.

6:00

Good afternoon, Council members.

6:01

My name is Carlos Donato, and I'm here on behalf of C Sandeo and the Policy Research Center for Tobacco in the environment.

6:06

Thank you for the opportunity to talk.

6:08

First, I want to share that the policy research center is excited to hear that the committee has identified tobacco waste as a priority concern in the work plan.

6:15

Addressing tobacco waste is an important step towards protecting both public health and the environment in our communities.

6:20

At the policy research center, we have been conducting research to better understand how tobacco product waste impact our environments and waterways across Indigo County.

6:28

These products can release harmful chemicals into soils and waters and often travel through storm drains into creeks, bays in the ocean.

6:34

As cigarette butts decompose, the chemicals they contain can leak into the ground, and their plastic filters break down over time in smaller and smaller pieces of plastic known as microplastics.

6:43

These microplastics can remain in the environment and contribute to pollution in our soil, waters, and our waterways.

6:48

Our team has been working to document these impacts and raise awareness about how tobacco product waste affects local ecosystems and community spaces.

6:55

We'll be more than glad to share any resources, educational materials, or research data that may be helpful in efforts around this issue as it continues.

7:03

As a personal note, before working at the center, I honestly did not think much about tobacco product waste.

7:08

Like many people, I would see tobacco product waste on the ground and not fully recognize the environment impact it carries.

7:14

But through the research and community works we have done, I have learned that just how widespread the harmful type of waste can be.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Energy and Utilities█████████████████████████████29%
Water And Wastewater Management██████████████████████22%
Public Comment████████████████16%
Procedural██████████10%
Environmental Protection██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Public Health███3%
Technology and Innovation███3%
Public Safety██2%
Summary of Proceedings

San Diego Environment Committee Meeting Summary - March 12, 2026

The Environment Committee of the San Diego City Council met on March 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM (originally scheduled) to discuss several agenda items, including the approval of an updated Utilities Undergrounding Program (UUP) master plan, utility pole and overhead line exception requests, and a regional wastewater disposal agreement. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Ela Rivera, with Vice Chair Campbell and Council President Lacava present. The committee took public testimony on multiple items and unanimously approved all consent and action items.

Consent Calendar

  • Item 1: Approval of the committee minutes from February 12, 2026.
  • Item 2: Authorization to execute the final two option years of an existing contract with Badger Meter Incorporated to purchase water meters. The contract will extend through August 2028, allowing time for a new RFP.
  • Item 3: Water district boundary annexation agreement with Santa Fe Irrigation District for Highland Court Properties (District 1). Council President Lacava noted the unique location near Solana Beach and thanked staff for the extra effort.
  • All consent items were approved unanimously (3-0) after a motion by Council President Lacava and second by Vice Chair Campbell.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Non-Agenda Public Comment: Speakers addressed several topics:
    • Melanie Mendoza (Policy Research Center for Tobacco and the Environment) and Carlos Donati described the environmental impact of tobacco product waste, including microplastics and toxic chemicals, and urged the committee to prioritize this issue. They noted their research covers San Diego County waterways and offered to share resources.
    • Blair Beekman discussed national security concerns related to potential drone threats from Iran/Mexico, and urged focusing on peace-oriented projects. He also mentioned e-bike issues and the potential use of geofencing, referencing Councilmember Lee’s earlier work on scooter issues.
    • Kathleen Lippitt criticized the city’s zero-carbon agenda, arguing it is unscientific, economically devastating, and based on political consensus rather than evolving science. She emphasized the essential role of CO2 for life.
    • Madison highlighted cigarette butts as the most littered item worldwide, explaining that filters are plastic that leach toxins (arsenic, lead, nicotine) and that e-cigarette waste contains lithium batteries and hazardous materials.
    • Terry Ann Skelly recommended a presentation by the Policy Research Center for Tobacco and the Environment, noting the threat to coastal marsh habitats and endangered bird species.
    • Peggy Walker urged support for AB 762 (Irwin), which would ban single-use battery-embedded vapes in California, citing lithium waste, fire risks, and environmental harm.
    • Joy Sanyata (phonetic) discussed the Colorado River Water Deal, mentioning the 1944 treaty with Mexico and the 2026 deadline for sharing terms.
  • Consent Agenda Public Comment: Blair Beekman praised the water meter purchase process and the efforts of Councilmembers Wilbert and Campbell to improve organizational efficiency. A remote caller (phone ending 8700) commented on workforce diversity and EEO plan monitoring related to Badger Meter.
  • Item 4 (UUP Master Plan):
    • Blair Beekman questioned how underground wiring would connect with smart tech in the East Village park project and urged open discussion.
    • Joy Sanyata (remote) praised the presentation and staff report, asked about SDG&E’s cooperation, and inquired if the Office of Race and Equity (Kim Desmond) was involved in prioritization. She commended the equity components.
    • Clinton Solo (remote) criticized SDG&E’s monopoly and the high costs of undergrounding, noting that repairs are more disruptive and expensive, and questioned whether the real motivation is profit rather than safety.
  • Item 5 (Pole Exceptions):
    • Blair Beekman connected the item to tech accountability for streetlight repair and replacement, and praised the equity discussion in the prior item.
    • Joy Sanyata (remote) applauded the committee and presenters for the previous item, and asked about shared utility trench space and finite capacity.
    • Clinton Solo (remote) raised environmental and infrastructure risks of underground systems (flooding, saltwater corrosion, earthquake damage, construction disruption) and questioned the efficiency of asking for exceptions now and dealing with consequences later.
  • Item 6 (Wastewater Agreement):
    • Jerry Jones, Chair of the Metro Wastewater JPA, spoke in support, noting the collaborative four-year process and calling the agreement “generational” for protecting environment, water reliability, and ratepayers.
    • Blair Beekman asked about public input and billing changes, and also raised stormwater revenue issues.
    • Joy Sanyata (remote) expressed interest in the cost-sharing approach for Pure Water phases, and noted confusion about how conservation affects water rates.
    • Clinton Solo (remote) criticized the concept of recycling sewage into drinking water, arguing that water scarcity is a manufactured narrative, and suggested alternatives like stormwater capture and natural aquifer recharge. A subsequent caller echoed concerns about rising rates and chemical contamination.

Discussion Items

  • Item 4: Approval of Updated UUP Master Plan

    • Chelsea Clacius (Deputy Director, Transportation) and Jenny Reynolds (UUP Program Manager) presented. They explained that the CPUC ended Rule 28 work credits in December 2022, leaving only the surcharge program. The update merges 132 unfunded Rule 28 projects into surcharge projects: 126 absorbed, 6 became two new independent surcharge projects. The new plan uses a year-by-year selection process based on available funds, rather than a fixed five-year schedule. Projects are prioritized using equity and multi-asset benefit criteria (including street condition, streetlight circuits, and historic investment). The presentation also noted that the program has improved transparency, customer communications, and coordination with SDG&E.
    • Council President Lacava praised the revitalized process, noted the historical backlog, and asked about the new prioritization model and updates on Project 1M1 (La Jolla). Staff confirmed that the geotechnical study for 1M2 is complete, and the project will proceed to permitting by December 2027. Councilmember Ela Rivera asked about cost control: staff explained that SDG&E does not get a rate of return on these projects, and the city’s MOU provides accountability. However, staff noted that recommendations to reopen the MOU may strengthen oversight. The council also discussed integration with stormwater and complete streets projects, and the use of a “one-dig” policy. Vice Chair Campbell seconded the motion.
    • Motion: Council President Lacava moved to adopt the master plan as recommended by staff. Vice Chair Campbell seconded. Passed unanimously (3-0).

  • Item 5: Utility Pole and Overhead Line Exception Requests

    • Chelsea Clacius and Jenny Reynolds presented two exception requests under Statute 61.0512.
      • Block 1J Phase 1 (La Jolla): SDG&E requested one pole and four overhead lines remain because they serve distribution lines outside the district. The pole will be picked up with the adjacent Hoy-S1 project.
      • Residential Block 1Y (Del Mar Terrace): One pole needs to remain because it is the only viable connection point, avoiding trenching through marshland. The pole will be picked up with an adjacent project boundary.
    • Staff noted that these exceptions keep projects on schedule, and that they will return with approximately 22 older projects needing exception status later in 2026. The committee also discussed the new SOP and boundary walk checks.
    • Council President Lacava confirmed the details and appreciated the cleanup. Vice Chair Campbell seconded the motion. Passed unanimously (3-0).

  • Item 6: Second Amended and Restated Regional Wastewater Disposal Agreement (SARA)

    • Lisa Salaya (Executive Assistant Director, Public Utilities) and Adam Jones (Finance Deputy Director) presented. The agreement updates the 2021 version, modernizes cost allocation, and establishes a 40-year governance framework. Key changes: a new billing methodology that includes fixed charges based on peak wet-weather flow (addressing declining average flows due to conservation and Pure Water projects), a cost-sharing approach for Pure Water Phases 1 and 2, and administrative agreements that can be amended by two-thirds approval rather than unanimous vote. The city of San Diego’s share of the bill is projected to decrease slightly (from 67% to 66%). The agreement has been unanimously approved by all participating agencies that have voted so far.
    • Committee discussion: Vice Chair Campbell praised the collaborative effort, noting that 13 entities (12 cities plus the city of San Diego) are working together on a system that has been in development for four years. She moved to accept the agreement. Council President Lacava seconded, emphasizing the importance of the regional wastewater system and the risks of returning to localized dumping. Councilmember Rivera asked about rate impacts: staff clarified that the agreement does not directly set rates, but ensures stable funding for infrastructure, preventing steep future increases. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda (Items 1-3): Approved unanimously.
  • Item 4 (UUP Master Plan): Approved unanimously. The updated plan will guide undergrounding efforts using a year-by-year selection process, with equity and multi-asset benefit prioritization.
  • Item 5 (Pole Exceptions): Approved unanimously. Two exception requests granted; staff will return with additional projects later in 2026.
  • Item 6 (Wastewater Agreement): Approved unanimously. The agreement will take effect on July 1, 2026, pending approval by all participating agencies.
  • Next Meeting: The Environment Committee’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, uh good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to the Environment Committee meeting of March 12th, 2026. Our committee liaison, Sarah Jordan will provide information and instruction for the public to participate in today's meeting. Sarah, please proceed. Thank you, Chair Eliveira. While members of the public are able to attend the meeting in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and council administration will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform. Members of the public who wish to provide testimony via a call-in or an internet based service option must enter the virtual speaking queue within five minutes after conclusion of in-person public testimony or before the virtual speaking queue is exhausted, whichever occurs first. This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the committee is able to manage and conduct city business. We appreciate the public's cooperation. Chair. All right, thank you. With that, we'll call the environment committee meeting of March 12th, 2026 to order. Sarah, if you'd please call the role. Vice Chair Campbell. Council President Lakava. Chair Ela Rivera. Also attending the meeting today is City Attorney Representative Dominic Guglimo, Mayoral Representative Randy Wilde, and IBA Representative Jordan Moore. And if you're in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and place it in the speaker slip box at the table at the front of the room near the high lector and please do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management. Members of the public can join the webinar by computer tablet or smartphone by accessing the link, which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage. To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, please dial 1669-2545252 and when prompted, input webinar ID 160-732-9638 pound. This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item. Please note that if you're watching via City TV 24 online, there may be delay. Please participate via the audio on your phone and mute your TV or computer when it's your turn to speak. If you wish to speak to a particular item, please wait for that item to be called, then raise your hand to speak by tapping the raise your hand icon, or if you're calling participant, by selecting star nine on your phone. If you raise your hand during a non-comment period, your hand will be lowered. All right. Thank you so much. We've got a quorum. Let's begin with non-agenda public comment. Please proceed. Thank you, Chair. Per rule 2.7 on agenda public comment is an opportunity for members of the public to comment on items that are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of this committee. Each speaker will have two minutes, and we'll begin with in-person testimony. Melanie Mendoza, we will begin with you. If you could please approach the lector, and you will have two minutes, and you will be followed by Carlos Donati. Tobacco product waste is one of the most littered forms of waste, often containing plastic materials that can persist in the environment for many years. These products not only break down into microplastics, but also release harmful chemicals into soil and water and often travel through storm drains into creeks, bays, and the ocean. The policy research center conducts research to better understand how tobacco product waste impacts of waterways and environment across San Diego County. We're available to share resources and educational material or research data that may be helpful for this issue. I am also a resident of District 9, where there is tobacco waste everywhere. I take the bus to work and notice it inside the buses and along the sidewalk. You can only imagine what our youth have to deal with first thing in the morning when they're on their way to school. Thank you for your time and the opportunity to share the policy research center's work and to be a resource to a community. Thank you for your testimony. Our next speaker is Carlos. Perfect. Good afternoon, Council members. My name is Carlos Donato, and I'm here on behalf of C Sandeo and the Policy Research Center for Tobacco in the environment. Thank you for the opportunity to talk. First, I want to share that the policy research center is excited to hear that the committee has identified tobacco waste as a priority concern in the work plan.

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