4d - Trash Cans in Alley - Update
Protecting our community's health and the environment by providing solid waste and sewer collection services.
www.cmsdca.gov
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
….an Independent Special District
Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: Javier Ochiqui, Management Analyst
Date: December 10, 2013
Subject: Trash Cans in Alley (Update)
Summary
On August 20, 2012, the Board of Directors directed Costa Mesa Sanitary District
(CMSD) staff to start enforcing trash cans that are left out in the alleys, especially left in the public right away. Staff is providing the Board of Directors with a program
update.
Staff Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receive and file the report.
Analysis
There are approximately 129 alleys in the City of Costa Mesa and about 2,150 homes
with alleys. So far, CMSD’s part-time Ordinance Enforcement Officer has inspected 7
alleys which is approximately 150 homes (including multi-dwellings). Overall, 70 percent of the residents have responded favorably, however, 30 percent have gone
back to their old habits of leaving residential trash cans out in the alleys and in public
right away. Below is a graph illustrating the effectiveness of the program:
Board of Directors December 10, 2013
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CMSD’s Enforcement Officer will continue to monitor the alleys. However, at the
current pace, it will take a very long time to enforce all 129 alleys. Also, without constant enforcement on the previous alleys, staff believes that most of the residents will eventually go back to their old ways and leave residential trash cans on the alleys
and on the public right away.
Strategic Plan Element & Goal
This item complies the with objective and strategy of Strategic Element 2.0, Solid Waste, which states:
“Objective: Our objective is to manage the collection and recycling of residential trash
in the most economical and environmentally friendly way.”
“Strategy: We will do this by looking for ways to improve efficiencies, achieve high
customer satisfaction, and considering prudent new recycling methods.”
Legal Review
Not applicable at this time.
Environmental Review
The requirement to place trash containers out of view to improve aesthetics and
prevent scavenging is not a disturbance of the environment directly or indirectly similar to grading or construction and is not a project under CEQA or the District’s CEQA
Guidelines.
Board of Directors December 10, 2013
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Financial Review
None at this time; however, if the Boards decides to expand the program, there may be additional costs associated. However, the exact cost is unknown at this time.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet
for the December 10, 2013 Board of Directors Study Session meeting at District
Headquarters and posted on the District’s website.