2025_09_09_study_sessionTuesday, September 9, 2025
Board of Directors Study Session
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Costa Mesa Sanitary District - 290 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
***
The livestream of the meeting can be viewed by clicking the "Video" icon on this page (which will
be made available at the start of the meeting) or by visiting
www.youtube.com/CostaMesaSanitary.
***
Public Comments: Members of the public can submit any comments in real time during the
meeting or prior to the meeting in writing for the Board of Directors' consideration by sending
them to the District Clerk, Noelani Middenway at publiccomment@cmsdca.gov. Those comments
will be made part of the official public record of the meeting.
***
Obtaining Agenda Materials: The public is entitled to copies of all documents that are made part
of the agenda packet. If any document or other writing pertaining to an agenda item is
distributed to all or a majority of the Board after the packet is prepared, a copy of that writing
may be obtained from the District Clerk's Office.
***
In Compliance with ADA: Contact District Clerk, Noelani Middenway, at (949) 645-8400, 48 hours
prior to meeting if assistance is needed (28 CFR 35.102.35.104 ADA Title II).
A. OPENING ITEMS
1. Roll Call - (If absences occur, consider whether to deem those absences excused based on facts presented for the
absence – such determination shall be the permission required by law.)
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS - This time has been set aside for persons in the audience to make comments on
items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District that are not listed on this
agenda. Members of the public will have the opportunity to address the Board of Directors about all other
items on this agenda at the time those items are considered. Under the provisions of the Brown Act, the
Board of Directors is prohibited from taking action on oral requests but may refer the matter to staff or to
a subsequent meeting. The Board of Directors will respond after public comment has been received.
Please state your name. Each speaker will be limited to four (4) continuous minutes.
1. Public Comments
C. PROCEDURAL MATTERS
1. Swearing In of Newly Appointed Board Member Shayanne Wright
D. ITEMS OF STUDY
1. Introduction of New Employee - Christian Cantero, Electrical Instrumentation Technician
2. Introduction of New Employee - Yesenia Rosas, Administrative Assistant I
3. Receive and File August 2025 Code Enforcement Officer Report
4. Recycle Coach Recycling Education Update
E. CLOSING ITEMS
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1. Oral Communications and Director Comments
2. Adjournment
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Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Board of Directors Study Session
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Costa Mesa Sanitary District - 290 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
***
The livestream of the meeting can be viewed by clicking the "Video" icon on this page (which will
be made available at the start of the meeting) or by visiting
www.youtube.com/CostaMesaSanitary.
***
Public Comments: Members of the public can submit any comments in real time during the
meeting or prior to the meeting in writing for the Board of Directors' consideration by sending
them to the District Clerk, Noelani Middenway at publiccomment@cmsdca.gov. Those comments
will be made part of the official public record of the meeting.
***
Obtaining Agenda Materials: The public is entitled to copies of all documents that are made part
of the agenda packet. If any document or other writing pertaining to an agenda item is
distributed to all or a majority of the Board after the packet is prepared, a copy of that writing
may be obtained from the District Clerk's Office.
***
In Compliance with ADA: Contact District Clerk, Noelani Middenway, at (949) 645-8400, 48 hours
prior to meeting if assistance is needed (28 CFR 35.102.35.104 ADA Title II).
A. OPENING ITEMS
Michael Scheafer, President
Robert Ooten, Vice President
Arthur Perry, Secretary
Nicole Wiltshire, Director
Subject 1. Roll Call - (If absences occur, consider whether to deem those absences
excused based on facts presented for the absence – such determination shall
be the permission required by law.)
Meeting Sep 9, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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B. PUBLIC COMMENTS - This time has been set aside for persons in the
audience to make comments on items within the subject matter jurisdiction of
the Costa Mesa Sanitary District that are not listed on this agenda. Members of
the public will have the opportunity to address the Board of Directors about all
other items on this agenda at the time those items are considered. Under the
provisions of the Brown Act, the Board of Directors is prohibited from taking
action on oral requests but may refer the matter to staff or to a subsequent
meeting. The Board of Directors will respond after public comment has been
received. Please state your name. Each speaker will be limited to four (4)
continuous minutes.
Subject 1. Public Comments
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C. PROCEDURAL MATTERS
Subject 1. Swearing In of Newly Appointed Board Member Shayanne Wright
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D. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: John Gonzalez, Wastewater Maintenance Manager
Date: September 9, 2025
Subject: Introduction of New Employee - Christian Cantero, Electrical Instrumentation Technician
Summary
On August 12, 2025, the Costa Mesa Sanitary District welcomed Christian Cantero, Electrical Instrumentation Technician
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receive and file this report
Analysis
Christian Cantero joined the District on August 12, 2025. He brings over six years of experience in the electrical and facilities field. Most
recently, Christian worked for the City of Fullerton for one year in facilities maintenance as an electrician. Prior to that, he spent three
years with Electrical Management System (EMS), and two years at Children’s Hospital of Orange as an electrician. Christian is a
graduate of ABC SoCal’s Inside Wireman program and has been a Certified Electrician since November 8, 2024.
Christian’s duties as the Electrical Instrumentation Technician will include:
Assisting staff with regular inspections across all 20 pump stations.
Performing annual inspections and preventive maintenance.
Exercising valves to ensure proper operation.
Cleaning and maintaining check valves.
Supporting traffic control setups during field operations.
Assisting with monthly exercising/testing of all generators and backup equipment.
Christian’s background and hands-on skills make him a valuable addition to the team, and we are confident he will contribute positively
to the District’s mission of protecting public health and the environment for current and future generations.
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
The presentation of a new employee is an administrative matter and is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et. seq.). Section 15300.4 of CEQA allows an agency while establishing its
own procedures "to list those specific activities which fall within each of the exempt classes," and the District has adopted "CEQA
Subject 1. Introduction of New Employee - Christian Cantero, Electrical
Instrumentation Technician
Meeting Sep 9, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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Guidelines and Implementing Procedures" that state on page 6 "Projects" does not include... C. Continuing administration or
maintenance activities.
Financial Review
The Electrical Instrumentation Technician position is funded in the FY 2025-25 Wastewater Budget
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for the September 9, 2025, Board of Directors
Study Session held at 290 Paularino Avenue and posted on the District's website at www.cmsdca.gov.
Alternative Actions
Not applicable
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D. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: Marissa Pereyda, Solid Waste Manager
Date: September 9, 2025
Subject: Introduction of New Employee - Yesenia Rosas, Administrative Assistant I
Summary
On September 25, 2025, the Costa Mesa Sanitary District welcomed Yesenia Rosas, Administrative Assistant I.
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Analysis
Yesenia Rosas joined the District on September 25, 2025. As Administrative Assistant I, Yesenia will be responsible for day-to-day
administrative and customer service duties in the Solid Waste Department. The duties of this position include, but are limited to,
providing high-level support for phone, email, and walk-in customers with solid waste inquiries and service complaints; inputting and
monitoring GoGov service requests and trends; processing new service accounts; maintaining organized records and documentation
related to service requests, customer interactions, and compliance activities; acting as a liaison for routine coordination and service
issues with CR&R; entering and maintaining data to support internal reporting and state-mandated performance metrics; and assisting
with public outreach by developing social media content and maintaining website FAQs.
Please welcome Yesenia to the team!
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
The presentation of a new employee is an administrative matter and is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et. seq.). Section 15300.4 of CEQA allows an agency while establishing its
own procedures "to list those specific activities which fall within each of the exempt classes," and the District has adopted "CEQA
Guidelines and Implementing Procedures" that state on page 6 "Projects" does not include... C. Continuing administration or
maintenance activities.
Financial Review
The Administrative Assistant I position in the Solid Waste Department is funded in the District's budget.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for the September 9, 2025, Board of Directors
Study Session held at 290 Paularino Avenue and posted on the District's website at www.cmsdca.gov.
Alternative Actions
Not applicable.
Subject 2. Introduction of New Employee - Yesenia Rosas, Administrative Assistant I
Meeting Sep 9, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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D. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: David Griffin, Code Enforcement Officer
Date: September 9, 2025
Subject: Receive and File August 2025 Code Enforcement Officer Report
Summary
This report summarizes major points for three ordinance enforcement topics covering scavenging, graffiti on trash carts, and trash
container enforcement. For the month of August 2025, the CMSD Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) focused his efforts on patrols in
various parts of the community. The goal is to identify and deter instances of scavenging and residential trash carts left within the public
view.
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Analysis
In the month of August, Officer Griffin observed 4 individuals searching in trash carts on Orange, Cornell, Mission, and Ashwood. All
individuals were advised of the District's scavenging law and given verbal warnings before they went on their way.
In the month of August, Officer Griffin issued 166 first warnings notices (yellow tag) to residential properties for having their trash carts
in public view.
Officer Griffin did not observe graffiti on trash carts in the months of August.
To address resident concerns, Officer Griffin is patrolling streets by 6:30 a.m.
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
Code enforcement activities and reporting are not a disturbance of the environment similar to grading or construction and do not
constitute a project under CEQA or the District’s CEQA Guidelines.
Financial Review
Officer Griffins' activities are funded in the adopted budget.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for the September 9, 2025, Board of Directors
Study Session meeting at District Headquarters and posted on the District’s website.
Alternative Actions
1. Direct staff to report back with more information.
File Attachments
CEO Report August 2025.pdf (477 KB)
Subject 3. Receive and File August 2025 Code Enforcement Officer Report
Meeting Sep 9, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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D. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: Marissa Pereyda, Solid Waste Manager
Date: September 9, 2025
Subject: Recycle Coach Recycling Education Update
Summary
On August 12, 2025, District staff presented Recycle Coach to the Board of Directors. With the District's Three-Cart System fully
implemented, the District desires to simplify and encourage proper source separation and reduce contamination. Recycle Coach offers
a comprehensive “What Goes Where” search tool, including local disposal information and collection requirements for common and
uncommon items, collection reminders, and additional educational resources and tools. The Board of Directors requested that staff
provide additional information at the September 9, 2025, Board of Directors Study Session.
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors direct staff to move forward with Recycle Coach under a two-year agreement.
Analysis
Recycle Coach is a mobile app and online platform designed to help solid waste customers manage their waste and recycling by
providing personalized information about disposal and recycling guidelines (What Goes Where), collection schedules (My Schedule),
and additional educational resources (Discovery Zone). The features of Recycle Coach are outlined below, and a demonstration of the
platform by Ryan Buhay, Recycle Coach’s Head of Sales, can be viewed via the August 12, 2025, Board of Directors Study Session
agenda.
What Goes Where: The "What Goes Where" guide is a comprehensive search tool that informs District customers how to properly
dispose of organics, recyclable items, landfill waste, household hazardous waste, and bulky items. The tool will be configured to the
District's disposal guidelines, includes 15,000 search terms based on 400 parent materials, and can be updated to include new items.
An example of the Recycle Coach "What Goes Where" tool is available on the City of Glendale's website.
My Schedule: District customers can input their address to receive their collection schedule and set up collection day reminders.
Reminder emails, texts and push notifications can be configured to include additional recycling tips or messages.
Discovery Zone: Discovery Zone offers additional educational content, including videos, quizzes, kids’ activity packets, and blogs to
help customers learn about proper recycling practices and reduce contamination.
The Recycle Coach platform will also provide District staff with a Client Portal with analytics and reporting, such as most frequently
searched items and quiz responses, which the District can utilize to inform additional outreach and education efforts.
An overview of Recycle Coach's full Essentials Package, including What Goes Where, My Schedule, and Discovery Zone is provided in
the attached presentation. Some Essentials Package functions and premium add-on features are not applicable and/or were not
selected as part of the District's package.
Following the Recycle Coach demonstration on August 12, 2025, the Board of Directors requested answers to the questions below.
1. What would the annual cost be for Recycle Coach with a two-year contract compared to the three-year contract presented on
August 12, 2025?
2. How many solid waste customers in the City of Glendale are utilizing Recycle Coach?
3. Will Recycle Coach duplicate the outreach efforts of CR&R?
4. Is Recycle Coach eligible to be partially funded by the District’s SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant?
Answers to each of these questions are outlined below.
Subject 4. Recycle Coach Recycling Education Update
Meeting Sep 9, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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1. Two-Year Agreement
Recycle Coach’s typical three-year agreement includes a 3% annual increase to account for inflation. With a shorter-term contract,
there is less opportunity for Recycle Coach to absorb rising costs over time. Therefore, a two-year contract price includes an initial 5%
premium to offset the shorter term and applies the standard 3% annual increase.
3-Year Contract 2-Year Contract Additional Annual Cost
FY 2025-26 $20,660 $21,693 $1,033
FY 2026-27 $21,279 $22,344 $1,065
FY 2027-28 $21,917
$63,856 $44,037
2. City of Glendale
The City of Glendale, with approximately 32,000 residential solid waste accounts, launched their partnership with Recycle Coach in
September 2023. Following the City’s initial outreach campaign, there were over 4,500 interactions in the first month. An interaction or
engagement with the platform includes a user performing a search, taking a quiz, or using an educational feature within the Recycle
Coach platform. The City of Glendale currently has over 2,300 registered web and mobile app users and receives approximately 2,500
interactions per month. It's important to note that registered users and engagement will vary depending on the outreach campaigns and
level of promotion an agency conducts.
3. CR&R
CR&R currently has no tools or outreach comparable to the Recycle Coach platform. Following the August 12, 2025, Board Study
Session, CR&R informed the District that CR&R may be able to develop a “what goes where” search tool which would be available on
CR&R’s website at no additional cost to the District. At the time this report was prepared, answers to the questions below were
unavailable. CR&R will provide a verbal presentation if any information becomes available prior to today’s Board Study Session.
When will the tool be developed and available for customer use?
How many search terms and parent materials will be included? For reference, Recycle Coach includes 15,000 search terms
and 400 parent materials.
Will the District be able to request new items, updates, etc.? How will this process work?
Will the tool provide any metrics? (e.g., most frequently searched items, etc.)
Will the tool be available in Spanish?
4. SB 1383 Grant
Education and outreach is a covered category under the SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant. Eligibility for Recycle Coach is based on the
percentage of the platform features and materials that are related to organics recycling and recycling versus other non-related
categories such as HHW, bulky items, etc. Staff and Recycle Coach estimate that 25% - 50% of Recycle Coach’s platform includes
eligible materials. The SB 1383 Grant expenditure term expires April 1, 2026, so the grant could cover 25% - 50% of the first year of the
Recycle Coach contract term. Under the two-year contract, the SB 1383 Grant could cover between $5,400 and $10,846.50 of the FY
2025-26 contract amount ($21,693).
District staff recommends that the Board of Directors direct staff move forward with implementing Recycle Coach under the two-year
contract. Following the term of the contract, if CR&R has developed a comprehensive and comparable tool, the District can evaluate
transitioning from Recycle Coach to CR&R’s platform.
Legal Review
District Legal Counsel will review the District's agreement with Recycle Coach prior to implementation.
Environmental Review
Review of recycling education software is an administrative matter and is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et. seq.). Section 15300.4 of CEQA allows an agency while establishing its
own procedures "to list those specific activities which fall within each of the exempt classes," and the District has adopted "CEQA
Guidelines and Implementing Procedures" that state on page 6 "Projects" does not include...C. Continuing administrative or
maintenance activities.
Financial Review
The District's Fiscal Year 2025-26 and 2026-27 Budgets include funds for Recycle Coach's annual costs. The District’s SB 1383 Local
Assistance Grant could cover $5,400 to $10,846.50 of the first year of the two-year contract.
The annual cost for Recycle Coach based on a two-year contract:
FY 2025-26: $21,693
FY 2026-27: $22,344
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The annual cost for Recycle Coach based on a three-year contract:
FY 2025-26: $20,660
FY 2026-27: $21,279
FY 2027-28: $21,917
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for the September 9, 2025, Board of Directors
Study Session Meeting held at 290 Paularino Avenue and posted on the District's website at www.cmsdca.gov.
Alternative Actions
Refer item back to staff with instructions.
File Attachments
Recycle Coach Overview.pdf (10,080 KB)
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E. CLOSING ITEMS
Subject 1. Oral Communications and Director Comments
Meeting Sep 9, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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E. CLOSING ITEMS
The next Study Session of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District Board of Directors will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025
in the District's Boardroom, located at 290 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Subject 2. Adjournment
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