13 - Establish an Ad Hoc Committee Costa Mesa Sanitary District …an Independent Special District Protecting our community’s health and the environment by providing solid waste and sewer collection services. www.cmsdca.gov Memorandum To: Board of Directors From : Scott Carroll, General Manager Date: July 24, 2014 Subject: Establish an Ad Hoc Committee for the implementation of the Organics Recycling Program Summary The District’s Organics Recycling Program is anticipated to begin in January 2015. Every month, staff and CR&R representatives have been meeting to strategize implementing a community awareness campaign and a roll out plan for the program. Some Board members have expressed interest to participate on the implementation committee. Staff Recommendation Tha t the Board of Directors considers appointing two Board members to serve on an Ad Hoc Committee for the implementation of the Organics Recycling Program Analysis Currently, the Implementation Committee is an internal committee that consists of staff and CR&R officials. Appointing two Board members to an Ad Hoc Committee will change the dynamics of the internal committee . The ad hoc committee would not be subject to the Brown Act because this committee will be temporary and temporary committees are treated differently than standing committees under the Act. Al though a standing committee is subject to many of the Brown A ct’s requirements, ad hoc committees are not. Ad hoc committees are not subject to the notice and posting requirements of the Act so long as the committee: is composed solely of members of the governing body ; is comprised of less than a quorum of the gover ning body ;
Board of Directors July 24, 2014 Page 2 of 2 is advisory and will not be making decisions ; has a limited purpose and a limited time to achieve that purpose . (Government Code Section 54952) To be able to act as an ad hoc advisory committee, the committee should report back to the full Board with its advice. It could interact with the staff and CR&R representatives but should not make any decisions on its own. Staff has suggested that the work of the ad hoc committee woul d be completed by January 2015. Strategic Plan Element & Goal This item complies wit h Strategic Element 2 .0., Solid Waste , and Strategic Goal No. 2 .4, Develop strategies for Zero Waste . Legal Review District Counsel has reviewed this staff report and concurs that the ad hoc committees is not subject to the notice and posting req uirements of the Brown Act. Environmental Review At a previous meeting, the Board determined there is no possibility of a change in the environment by the adoption of the organics program and this ad -hoc committee is part of the program . The Di strict also adopted the organics program by ordinance to assure the protection of the environment . The Board made the finding that the activity is not a “project,” but if it is, that it is entitled to an exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15038 , and the District filed said exemption. Financial Review There are no financial impacts to the District for establishing an ad hoc committee. Public Notice Process Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the entire agenda packet for the July 24, 2014 Board of Directors regular meeting at District headquarters and on District’s website. Alternative Actions 1. Direct staff to report back with more inf ormation .