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CITY OF CUPERTINO
AGENDA
lop
CUPERTINO SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
10185 N Stelling Rd, Quinlan Community Center, Conference Room
Thursday, October 17, 2024
4:00 PM
Members of the public wishing to observe the meeting may do so in one of the following
ways:
1) Attend in person at Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Road, Conference
Room
2) The meeting will also be streamed live on and online at
https:Hyoutube.com/ecupertinocitycommission
Members of the public wishing to comment on an item on the agenda may do so in the
following ways:
1) Appear in person at Quinlan Community Center.
2) E-mail comments by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17 to the legislative body at
sustainabilitycommission@cupertino.gov These e-mail comments will also be posted to the
City's website after the meeting.
Oral public comments may be made during the public comment period for each agenda
item.
Members of the audience who address the legislative body must come to the
lectern/microphone and are requested to complete a Speaker Card and identify themselves.
Completion of Speaker Cards and identifying yourself is voluntary and not required to
attend the meeting or provide comments.
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Subject: July 18, 2024 Sustainability Commission minutes
Recommended Action: Approve July 18, 2024 minutes
A-Draft Minutes
POSTPONEMENTS
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
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Sustainability Commission Agenda October 17,2024
This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Commission on any matter
within the jurisdiction of the Commission and not on the agenda. Speakers are limited to three (3)
minutes. In most cases, State law will prohibit the Commission from making any decisions with respect
to a matter not on the agenda.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
2. Subject: Capital Improvement Program Photovoltaic Systems Design and Installation
project
Recommended Action: Recommend that City Council approve the Capital
Improvement Program Photovoltaic Systems Design and Installation project's
conceptual design for five City facilities: Cupertino Library, Community Hall,
Cupertino Sports Center, Blackberry Farm, and Quinlan Community Center.
Staff Report
A—FY 24-25 CIP Project Narratives Excerpt
3. Subject: Update on 2021 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Results
Recommended Action: Receive Update
4. Subject: Garbage Post-Collection Services
Recommended Action: Receive presentation and provide recommendation to route
collected garbage through a materials recovery facility to increase diversion before final
disposal
Staff Report
5. Subject: Fall Event Tabling Discussion and Feedback
Recommended Action: Discuss and Provide Feedback
FUTURE AGENDA SETTING
ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), anyone who is planning to attend this
meeting who is visually or hearing impaired or has any disability that needs special assistance should
call the City Clerk's Office at 408-777-3223, at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to arrange for
assistance. In addition, upon request in advance by a person with a disability, meeting agendas and
writings distributed for the meeting that are public records will be made available in the appropriate
alternative format.
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Sustainability Commission Agenda October 17,2024
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the members after publication of the agenda will
be made available for public inspection. Please contact the City Clerk's Office in City Hall located at
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014, during normal business hours.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code section
2.08.100 written communications sent to the City Council, Commissioners or staff concerning a matter
on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These written
communications are accessible to the public through the City website and kept in packet archives. Do
not include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not
wish to make public, as written communications are considered public records and will be made
publicly available on the City website.
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12 CITY OF CUPERTINO
CUPERTINO Agenda Item
24-13444 Agenda Date:
10/17/2024 Agenda M 1.
Subject: July 18, 2024 Sustainability Commission minutes
Approve July 18, 2024 minutes
CITY OF CUPERTINO Page 1 of 1 Printed on 10/10/2024
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DRAFT MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
,is
July 18, 2024
CUPERTINO
Draft Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Alexander Fung, Susan Hansen (VC), Sonali Padgaonkar (C), Steve Poon,
Conny Yang
Absent: None
Staff: Victoria Morin, Staff Liaison, Sustainability Specialist
Others Present: Susan Michael, Capitol Improvements Manager, Ursula Syrova,
Environmental Programs and Sustainability Manager
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. April 18, 2024 Sustainability Commission Minutes
MOTION: Vice Chair Hansen moved, seconded by Commissioner Fung to approve the
minutes as presented.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0, Yang Absent
POSTPONEMENTS
No Postponements
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
OLD BUSINESS
1
Sustainability Commission
Regular Meeting
July 18,2024
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NEW BUSINESS
2. New Construction Building Reach Code Alternatives
Commissioner Yang arrived at 4:11 p.m.
MOTION: Vice Chair Hansen moved, seconded by Commissioner Fung to recommend to the
City Council that the Sustainability Commission take the following actions:
1) Recommended that the City of Cupertino replace its current electrification Reach Code
to enhance electrification in alignment with Climate Action Plan goals.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0
3. Youth Engagement about the Climate Action Plan
NO ACTION TAKEN
4. Zero-emission Vehicles and Chargers, Municipal Plan to Electrify the Fleet
NO ACTION TAKEN
FUTURE AGENDA SETTING
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
Victoria Morin, Staff Liaison
Note: Any attachments can be found on the Cupertino Website
https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/agendas-minutes
2
Sustainability Commission
Regular Meeting
July 18,2024
6
Sustainability Commission
July 18, 2024, 4:00 pm
Conference Room
�� o 0
2. New Construction Building
Reach Code Alternatives
s, ,as
CUPERTINO
Background
December 2019, Cupertino adopted its Reach Code
Appliance 2022 State Code 2022 Cupertino Reach
IL Code jj
Water Heating Gas or Electric Electric Required (All Buildings)
Space Heating Encourages Electric Electric Required (All Buildings)
Cooling Gas or Electric Electric with Exemptions
Outdoor kitchens and N/A Electric Required
fireplaces
Clothing Drying Gas or Electric Electric with Exemptions
9
Background
• California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley
decision found gas bans were pre-empted by the
federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act ( EPCA) .
• Cupertino suspended enforcement of the
electrification requirements of the Reach Code on
May 15, 2024.
• City still intends to pursue electrification - researching
options to consider moving forward .
10
Alternatives for Consideration
Option Pros Cons
IML
Repeal • Avoids legal risk • Allows for continued use of natural gas,
existing reach contributing to greenhouse gas emissions
code and oor air quality.
Energy • Uses established processes • Requires additional resources and adds
Performance through Title 24 of the complexity during implementation.
Code California Building Standards • Doesn't address stoves, dryers, fireplaces,
Code. pool heating, etc. Only addresses space
and water heating.
• Doesn't prohibit new gas infrastructure.
Air Quality • Covers any appliance that • Novel approach.
uses gas and emits NOx. • Doesn't prohibit new gas infrastructure.
• Simple to enforce and
conforms with BAAQMD
regulations.
11
Discuss and Vote
• Staff recommend that the City of Cupertino replace
its current electrification Reach Code for new
construction with an alternative regulatory approach .
• From the letter to the CA Restaurant Association :
" . . . City staff will promptly bring an ordinance to the
City Council for consideration that advances the
City' s adopted policy of pursuing building
electrification . "
12
3. Sustainable Youth
Engagement
CUPERTINO
Upcoming Cupertino Events
vent name Date
Sr Center Open House August 23, 10:30 am to 1 pm
Fall Festival September 14, 10 am to 5 pm
Bike Festival September 28, 9 am to 1 pm
Diwali Festival October 12, 11 am to 6 pm
Public Safety Forum October 17, time tbd
Teen Job/Volunteer fair March
Big Bunny March
Earth Day Fest April
Cherry Blossom April
Health Expo (senior center) May
14
Discussion Prompts
• Do you know of other events you would want to add
to this list or prioritize?
• How many events do you want to commit to per
year?
• Which events do you want to commit to?
15
4. ZEV and Chargers, Municipal
Plan to Electrify
CUPERTINO
CA's Advanced Clean Fleet Regulation
• The Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation requires State and Local
Governments:
• Starting 2024, 50% of medium and heavy-duty truck, van, and bus
purchases must be ZEV
• Starting 2027, 100% of medium and heavy-duty truck, van, and bus
purchases must be ZEV
Why do we need the ACF regulation?
The primary goal of the ACF regulation is to accelerate the market for zero-emission trucks,vans,and buses by requiring fleets
that are well suited for electrification,to transition to ZEVs where feasi ble.The Board directedCARB staff to ensure that fleets,
businesses,and public entiti es th at own or direct the operation of medium-and heavy-duty vehi cles i n Ca I ifo rnia purchase
and operate ZEVs to achieve a smooth transition to ZEV fleets by 2045 everywhere feasible,specifically to reach:
• 100 percent zero-emission drayage trucks,last mile delivery,and government fleets by 2035
100 percent zero-emission refuse trucks and local buses by 2040
100 percent zero-emission capable utility fleets by 2040
Achieving these and other milestones would also contribute to meeting the goals in the Governor's Executive Order ly-79-2t7 17
Cupertino' s Compliance
• 106 on-road vehicles in the City' s fleet.
• 3 are currently ZEV
• Fleet electrification will require the installation of 18
new charging ports in 2025 and 36 total new ports in
phase 2.
18
Timeline for Cupertino
2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Cumulative # of Vehicles 5 x Medium-Duty 10 x Medium-Duty 13 x Medium-Duty 18 x Medium-Duty 23 x Medium-Duty
Deployed: Pickup Pickup Pickup, 1 x Pickup, l x Pickup, 2 x
Medium-Duty Van Medium-Duty Van Medium-Duty Van
MT of CO2e reduced* 29.17 54.1 86.8 116.6 157.58
.: Total saved after 5
�z yea rs
low
444.36 MT CO2e
19
*miles driven per year X*average gas mileage x emissions factor (0.0013)
Potential Charger Locations (Service Center)
Existing charger
❑ Phase 1 chargers
Phase 2 chargers
Fes" -
e
1
1 III [[p AIAA 111 flll [ral �1
111 IIA1 1111 A 1 ull ip 111
111�1$II�Ip1/4umll�u I�Iwallll}I�u1Rlulr
.r
Charger types
•TELLUS POWER GREEN PEDESTAL(WALLMOVNT AC CHARGER
7.2kW-14.4kW Models— MAXICHARGER MAXICHARCER- Terra DC fast chargers
ACULTRA DC FAST60KW-240KW inCRLM4NT5
19.2kW'2 Terra 124/184 U L
I
Charger type 1 Charger Type 2 Charger Type 3 Charger Type 4
Charger Make:Tellus Power Autel Autel ABB
Charger Power Level:2 (7.2 kW) 2 (19.2 kW) 3 (60 kW) 3 (180 kW)
Total Charger Quantity: 2 20 1 1
Total Charging Equipment Load: 28.8 768 60 180
21
Charger Cost
M6W aL
Phase 1 Phase 2
LEVEL 2-7.2 kW .:: 00 ',0
LEVEL 2- 19.2 kW $440,000 $416,000
DC FAST 60 kW $96,000 '0
DC FAST 180 kW .0 $171,000
MOBILIZATION $6,000 $6,000
MAKE-READY $132,000 '0
PG&E EV FLEETS INCENTIVE $100,000
TOTAL $662,000 $594,000
Cost Savings
Customers choose Subscription Energy usage is billed
subscription level, remains consistent based an time-of-use
based on charging needs month-to-month i,,ng., Inflation
;00.kW
pMaintenance
e cleechasrgingpowerRedUCtlon
tCa'lor�o�, Saving s
IlWi block communlcatlos are ap , w `r'99efe OVef99e Act C re d i t
Pees may apply.
customers that wa nt to Customers 3
n opt to salt
T.,a lower subscription level theirrharg,ng needs.
23
• Cupertino plans to be compliance with the ACF
state regulation
• Next steps:
• PG&E review/approval
• Public Bid
• Funding
• Installation
• PG&E connecting to grid
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12 CITY OF CUPERTINO
CUPERTINO Agenda Item
24-13445 Agenda Date:
10/17/2024 Agenda #: 2.
Subject: Capital Improvement Program Photovoltaic Systems Design and Installation project
Recommend that City Council approve the Capital Improvement Program Photovoltaic Systems
Design and Installation project's conceptual design for five City facilities: Cupertino Library,
Community Hall, Cupertino Sports Center, Blackberry Farm, and Quinlan Community Center.
CITY OF CUPERTINO Page 1 of 1 Printed on 10/10/2024
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CITY OF
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3354 • FAX: (408) 777-3333
CUPERTINO CUPERTINO.ORG
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting: October 17,2024
Subject
Capital Improvement Program Photovoltaic Systems Design and Installation project
Recommended Action
Recommend that City Council approve the Capital Improvement Program Photovoltaic
Systems Design and Installation project's conceptual design for five City facilities:
Cupertino Library, Community Hall, Cupertino Sports Center,Blackberry Farm, and
Quinlan Community Center.
Executive Summary
This report provides scope and fiscal information on each proposed site of the
Photovoltaic Systems Design and Installation(PV) Capital Improvement Program(CIP)
project.
Background Information
The PV project was approved by the City Council as part of the Fiscal Year(FY) 24-25
annual budget. The PV project description included in the budget adoption and meeting
details is attached (Attachment A).
The Net Energy Metering(NEM) program is administered by the California Public
Utilities Commission and provides credits to a building's utility bill for producing
excess on-site clean energy over a 20-year period. In 2023 PG&E announced a rate
decrease for electricity generated by photovoltaic(PV) systems(NEM 3)but provided a
window to allow grandfathering the more economically attractive NEM 2.0 rates if
interconnection applications were successfully submitted and corresponding systems
operational by 2026.
Reasons for Recommendation
NEM 2.0 Interconnection Applications were successfully submitted to PG&E for five
Cupertino facilities: Blackberry Farm Recreation and Pool facility, Community Hall,
Cupertino Library, Quinlan Community Center, and Cupertino Sports Center.This
Project aims to design and build PV systems at all five locations.
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NEM 2.0 projects must be completed by April 15,2026 to receive the incentive.
Otherwise,the NEM 3.0 program, that offers reduced incentives/savings,would need to
be pursued. NEM 2.0 provides 75-80% greater compensation than NEM 3 rates for
electricity that is fed back into the electrical system.The savings in utility costs are
projected to be$500,000 annually, and$17.8M over a 30yr lifespan.
The City CIP staff is compiling a Conceptual Design Report that includes technical and
cost analysis data for each site. The following illustrations depict the proposed layouts
at each site.
Blackberry Farm Recreation and Pool facility
4 �
r
T j
Design Blackberry Farm Carport .3
D[Nameplate 73.1 kW '
+r
AC Nameplate 60.0 kW(1.22 DUAC)
A number of options were considered for this site. The building roof locations are too
small for a simple installation, and the solar orientation is not ideal.The proposed layout
is a single continuous system that requires fewer trenching/boring paths to the electrical
point of interconnection.The installation is far enough from trees that tree trimming will
not be needed to ensure solar access, and existing netting system will protect array from
golf balls.With system shading parking stalls, proportional shade coverage will need to
be provided on ADA parking stalls. The State and Cupertino green energy code for EV
parking requirements are under review and may be substantial.
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Communit Hall
e
0141
AV
.
rr PLO ,
!�11t 1 1Y
a' >pq ra n
Design Community Hall Rooftop
DC Nameplate 49.3 kW
n
I AC Nameplate SOA kW[0.99 DCIAQ
This is an ideally oriented system with rooftop racking.Roof penetrations will not be
required, as the system will be able to clamp to the existing standing seam roof profile.
Cu ertino Librar
'Ohl"
y y' y •R
! -
WW.
Design Library/civic center * '
rt
DC Nameplate 422.8 kW
AC Nameplate 403.0kW{1.05OCIACy 28
SC 10-17-2024 29 of 40
A number of options were considered for this site. The Library roof locations have an
advantageous size,but only one of the large roofs is well-oriented to the west or south.
Standing seam rooftops (supporting the two largest rooftop arrays) are ideal for
supporting solar, as racking can be clamped to the standing seams as opposed to
penetrating the roof surface. Long trenching/boring routes will be required to
consolidate generation at point of interconnection.While the proposed carport locations
took the trees into consideration, some smaller trees will need to be removed or
significantly trimmed to support the installation.
Quinlan Community Center
11 _
4s` � �'J� 4 Ago. .
hesig Quinlan Cummunily Center �-
❑C Namepate 311.5M
AC Nameplate 2710 kW f1.14 17GAC] -
A number of options were considered for this site. Preserving significant trees and
working within the aesthetics of the park were high priorities. This layout provides
maximal shaded parking and significantly shaded picnic area.Utilizes existing roof
areas, mitigating overall costs of the system. Northern carport will require some tree
trimming(overall tree health will not be compromised,however) to maintain solar
access and may require shade be provided for some existing ADA stalls.The picnic area
structure will be designed to respond architecturally to the layout of the picnic area
(rather than one large single shed roof as shown in the illustration).
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Cupertino Sports Center
s � C
�-S y
Design Spons Censer Carports
OC Nameplate 214,0 kW
AC Nameplate 172.0 kW(1,24 DCJAC)
This system is well-aligned to the west and south-facing solar access. The northern array
is split around north-south site access path to allow for any traffic which could interfere
with the carport array.
The tree in the corner between the two arrays would ideally be slightly trimmed to
ensure maximum solar access, and trees under the northern arrays would need to be
removed.
The next steps for the project, pending Council's approval of the design-build project
delivery method, are:
1. Review of the photovoltaic systems for the five City facilities with Parks and
Recreation Commission (11/07/24), and the Community(10/29/24).
2. City Council meeting in December 2024 for approval of the design intent for each
facility.
Sustainability Impact
No sustainability impact.
Fiscal Impact
The Photovoltaic Systems Design and Installation(budget unit 420-99-274)was
approved as part of the FY 2024-25 Budget at$6,300,000. There are no recommended
changes to the budget.
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California Environmental Quality Act
The Project is Categorically Exempt as Class 1, Existing Facilities Under the California
Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301 and on a Separate and
Independent Basis is Exempt as Class 3, Construction of Small Structures,Under CEQA
Guidelines Section 15301.
Prepared by: Susan Michael, Capital Improvement Program Manager
Reviewed bv: Chad Mosley,Director of Public Works
Attachments:
A-FY 24-25 CIP Project Narratives Excerpt
31
ATTACHMENT A
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Photovoltaic Systems Design & Installation
Proposed Funding $6,300,000
City Funding $6,300,000
External Funding $0
Funding Source,Approved Plan CR,CAP
Project Category Facilities
Project Type Design and Construction _
Location Various
Dept.Priority High r
Origin of Request Public Works
Project Description
In 2023 PG&E announced a rate decrease for electricity generated by photovoltaic(PV)systems(NEM 3),but provided
a window to allow grandfathering the more economically-attractive NEM 2.0 rates if interconnection applications
were successfully submitted and corresponding systems operational by 2026.NEM 2.0 Interconnection Applications
were successfully submitted to PG&E for five Cupertino facilities:Blackberry Farm,Civic Center,Library,Quinlan
Community Center&Senior Center,and Sports Center.This project aims to design and build PV systems at all five
locations.This project proposes design/build of these systems,pending design development reviews for each facility.
Project Justification
The City must connect the proposed photovoltaic systems to the grid by 4/15/2026 in order to take advantage of the
NEM 2.0 applications,which provides 75—80%greater compensation than NEM 3 rates for electricity that is fed back
into the electrical system.The savings in utility costs are projected to be$500,000 annually,and$17.8M over a 30yr
lifespan.
Prioritization
Installation of the PV systems is projected to save$500,000 annually.The use of cleaner energy sources is a CAP goal.
CA Government code allows for streamlined sourcing of Energy Service Companies(ESCO)for design/build
implementation to facilitate these types of projects.It is projected that this project will qualify for$1.9M in Inflation
Reduction Act credits.
Projected Schedule
Conceptual Design development and cost analysis:Summer 2024
Design-Build:Winter 2024 to April 2026
Funding Information
The proposed budget will enable design and construction of the systems.Inflation Reduction Act credits projected for
this project are approximately$1.9M.Staff will also pursue other grant funding opportunities.
Operating Budget Impacts
Installation of the PV systems is projected to save$500,000 annually in utility costs.Additional staffing will not be
required for ongoing operations and maintenance.
CIP FY24-25 • 5-YEAR PLAN 32
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12 CITY OF CUPERTINO
CUPERTINO Agenda Item
24-13446 Agenda Date:
10/17/2024 Agenda #: 3.
Subject: Update on 2021 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Results
Receive Update
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12 CITY OF CUPERTINO
CUPERTINO Agenda Item
24-13447 Agenda Date:
10/17/2024 Agenda #: 4.
Subject: Garbage Post-Collection Services
Receive presentation and provide recommendation to route collected garbage through a materials
recovery facility to increase diversion before final disposal
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CITY OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS DIVISION
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
(408) 777-3236 • ENVIRONMENTAL@CUPERTINO.ORG
CUPERTINO CUPERTINO.ORG
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting: October 17, 2024
Subject
Garbage Post-Collection Services
Recommended Action
Receive presentation and provide recommendation to route collected garbage through a
materials recovery facility (MRF) to increase diversion before final disposal.
Reasons for Recommendation
Executive Summary
The City contracts separately for waste hauling and for waste disposal. A long-term
hauling contract is in place with Recology. The disposal contract is ending its term in
November 2025 and a new agreement needs to be established.That contract handles
both garbage and construction and demolition(C&D)materials. Material collected from
garbage bins and carts is taken directly to Newby Island Landfill for disposal. Material
collected in C&D debris boxes is also taken to Newby Island,but is sorted and processed
to recover certain materials for recycling and anything leftover is placed in the landfill.
Neither the hauling nor disposal contract directly affects the City of Cupertino's General
Fund budget as rate payers (residents and businesses) pay for the associated costs
through their garbage bills.The City's role is to set standards,establish contracts for the
service, and monitor performance.
The end of this long-term disposal agreement gives the City an opportunity to align
post-collection services with the City's Climate Action Plan 2.0, specifically action W 1.2:
Route collected landfilled waste through a materials recovery facility(MRF) to increase diversion
before final disposal.
Staff requests the Sustainability Commission's recommendation on routing collected
garbage to a MRF for processing to "rescue" recyclable and compostable materials from
being sent to landfill.
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Background
Cupertino City Council directed staff to explore and present options for post-collection.
One decision point will be whether to route collected garbage through a MRF or
continue to take it directly to landfill. The other decision will be which facility to take
collected C&D materials to for sorting.
To address the needed services, City staff is conducting two branches of work:
1. Staff issued an RFP to solicit proposals for two services:
a. Garbage disposal
b. Construction&demolition(C&D) debris processing and disposal
services
2. Separately, the City began discussions with the City of Sunnyvale to explore
routing Cupertino's garbage through the Sunnyvale Materials Recovery and
Transfer Station(the SMaRT Station).
There are only two facilities in Santa Clara County that process garbage,the City of
Sunnyvale's and a privately owned facility. At the time the post-collection options were
being considered, the privately owned facility did not have permitted capacity to accept
additional tons of garbage. Additionally, per City municipal code 3.22.070(B)(1),
purchases of services from another public agency are exempt from the City's
competitive bid process and the decision was made to focus on Sunnyvale's SMaRT
Station as the MRF option.
Cupertino City Council will be presented with the outcome of both of these efforts and
will be asked to decide which services to finalize agreements for.
In May 2023, Cupertino City Council was presented with the concepts for post-collection
and the expected rate increase impacts. The anticipated extra cost to send the City's
garbage to a processing facility would vary for different rate categories,but preliminary
estimates suggest that it could result in an estimated 7%-15% ($5-$8/month)increase in
the cost of garbage service for most single-family ratepayers. Processing garbage from
all sectors could divert one-third to one half of what is currently going to landfill and
recover those tons for recycling or composting.
Current Arrangement
Garbage, organics, and recyclable materials generated in City and placed into carts,bins,
or rented debris boxes are collected by Recology South Bay under a 10-year franchise
agreement that was approved by City Council in December 2020. Garbage and C&D
debris is taken by Recology to Newby Island Landfill under an agreement with Republic
Services that has been in place for 35-years and which is set to expire in November
2025.
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Cupertino residents and businesses generate around 15,000 tons of material that goes to
landfill per year, and that is expected to increase as the City's working and residential
population increases. The C&D debris tons can vary widely depending on the size and
number of construction projects,but in the last three years the number of tons to landfill
from Recology-collected debris boxes ranged from 2,000 to almost 4,000 tons.The
diversion rate for C&D debris taken to Newby Island by Recology was approximately
51%in calendar year 2023.
As noted above, recyclables (blue bin) and organics(green bin)collected by Recology
trucks are taken to different locations and are outside the scope of this project.
C&D Debris Diversion
Under the City's franchise agreement with Recology, construction projects in Cupertino
have two options for handling C&D debris:
1. Rent Recology debris boxes: These are serviced by Recology, and contents are
taken to Newby Island where sorting and recovery happens.
2. Self-haul:A project's licensed construction and demolition contractor can collect
and remove debris as part of a total service offered by that contractor.
Construction projects are required to provide their C&D debris disposal weight tags to
City staff and calculate the diversion rate achieved by the project. Per CalGreen and City
Municipal Code 16.72.040, construction projects are required to divert at least 65% of
their materials.
Processing vs Not Processing Garbage
The end of the current agreement presents an opportunity to decide between continuing
with the same model of direct disposal to landfill or to consider the option of processing
the garbage at a MRF to recover organics and other recyclables that were thrown away
into a gray garbage cart or bin. Depending on the amount of recoverable material in the
gray cart or bin, one third to one half by weight of the incoming garbage could be
recovered, reducing the overall waste tonnage going to landfill by 5000 to 7500 tons.
Much of the diverted material would be organics,which generate methane in the landfill
environment. CalRecycle notes that 20%of the methane generated in California comes
from landfills. Because processing would result in fewer organic materials reaching the
landfill, as well as recovering other marketable plastic, glass, paper, and metal,
incorporating a MRF for processing would align with the City's adopted Climate Action
Plan(CAP) 2.0 and would complete action item W 1.2.
How Well Does Cupertino Sort Materials Before Collection?
As determined by community-wide waste characterizations done in 2018 and 2019,
roughly one half(by weight) of residential and commercial garbage collected in
Cupertino is food scraps and other organics. This is despite messaging,education, and
site visits since 2011 to encourage residents and businesses to put food scraps and food-
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soiled paper into the green bins and carts. Current California State (State) regulations
and corresponding local municipal code now require all generators of organic materials
to keep them out of the landfill. However, regular visits to businesses and lid-flips in
residential areas continue to find food scraps, food-soiled paper, and other organic
materials in the garbage.
Processing Garbage and the Cost Impact to Ratepayers
Additional processing of solid waste to remove additional recyclables and compostables
will increase the cost of service to ratepayers (residents and businesses). The cost of
disposal is just one part of the overall equation in determining the garbage service rates
for Cupertino's residents and businesses.A preliminary evaluation of cost for sending
garbage to a MRF could result in single-family residents with 32-gallon bin garbage
service paying an additional$5 -$8/month or about 7%to 15%more than they would if
the garbage was sent directly to landfill without processing.
In 2020, a survey of residents was conducted on topics relating to garbage, organics, and
recyclables collection services. One question asked about the willingness to pay more for
materials to be sorted after collection. Results showed 43.2%of people would be willing
to pay more for that service,44.3%said they would not, and 12.4% did not know or did
not answer.'
Based on Council direction, the City team will either:
• Execute an agreement for C&D material processing plus execute an agreement
with Sunnyvale for MSW processing and a separate agreement with the landfill
that takes residuals from the SMaRT Station;OR
• Execute an agreement for C&D material processing plus execute an agreement
for direct disposal to landfill.
Sustainabili1y Impact
Routing garbage through a Material Recovery Facility for processing is a recommended
climate change mitigation strategy identified in the City's adopted Climate Action Plan
(CAP) 2.0 under action item W1.2: Route collected landfilled waste through a materials
recovery facility(MRF) to increase diversion before final disposal.
Fiscal Impact
The City manages waste disposal on behalf of the ratepayers (residents and businesses).
Costs are incurred by the ratepayers and not the City. There will not be an impact to the
City's General Fund from these changes.
Any change in the cost of disposed or processed tons collected in Cupertino will be
factored into the rates paid by the customers. The City's current rate per ton to send
garbage to Newby Island Landfill is$50.27/ton, and it adjusts annually per CPI.
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California Environmental Quality Act
The appropriate level of CEQA review,if any,will be determined before the City makes
a commitment to proceed with one of the options for waste disposal presented.
Prepared by: Ursula Syrova, Environmental Programs and Sustainability Manager
Reviewed by: Chad Mosley,Director of Public Works
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12 CITY OF CUPERTINO
CUPERTINO Agenda Item
24-13448 Agenda Date:
10/17/2024 Agenda #: 5.
Subject: Fall Event Tabling Discussion and Feedback
Discuss and Provide Feedback
CITY OF CUPERTINO Page 1 of 1 Printed on 10/10/2024
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