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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
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Department of Public Works
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DATE:
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March 2, 2006
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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March 14, 2006
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works
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SUBJECT:
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Implementation of a Waste Reduction/Resource Conservation and Educational Grants Program – RecycleWorks
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Recommendation
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Adopt a resolution:
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a)
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approving the Waste Reduction/Resource Conservation and Educational Grants Program and Guidelines; and
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b)
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authorizing the Director of Public Works to approve individual grants in amounts not to exceed $25,000 as may be approved pursuant to said Guidelines.
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Vision Alignment
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Commitment: Preserve and provide people access to our natural environment.
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Goal 14: Important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through environmental stewardship.
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The proposed grant program can used to finance programs that will help reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and help inform underserved populations in the County.
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Background
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Previous Board Action
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Approved a $50,000 appropriation in the 2005/06 Waste Management budget to finance a grants program to be developed and implemented by the Waste Management (RecycleWorks) Division of Public Works.
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History
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RecycleWorks within Public Works has collaborated with other public agencies, nonprofits, and schools to encourage, train and disseminate information regarding the need to reduce waste and conserve our natural resources. The strategy has proven effective as the unincorporated area has recently reached a 56 percent (56%) waste diversion rate.
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Your Board has also expanded the County’s role in conserving natural resources by implementing policies that endorse LEED building practices (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions.
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Discussion
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The proposed Grants Program will be an additional mechanism for seeding or funding small projects that support your Board’s Shared Vision 2010 by providing financing to other public agencies, nonprofits, schools, teachers, and businesses for projects or programs that will:
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Ø
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initiate or expand reuse, source reduction or recycling options;
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reduce waste, increase recycling, conserve resources (including energy and water), build better buildings and reduce CO2 emissions or other greenhouse gases;
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increase awareness about environmental issues and solutions and provide opportunities for our children to experience and learn about the environment and become good stewards of the diverse natural environment in San Mateo County.
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The program guidelines provide grants in two separate categories:
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Mini Grants of up to $25,000 to finance a new service in the county and fill a need that is not currently being met.
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Nano-Grants of up to $5,000 to support and fund small projects that will educate, increase awareness, reduce waste, increase recycling, or conserve resources.
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We will develop a grant application form and a grant agreement, and report to your Board on the number of grant applications received and awarded by September 30, 2006, if your Board adopts the resolution approving the Grants Program and Guidelines. We believe that it may take at least two calls for applications before grant proposals are received that can be funded, as this is a new program.
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A resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.
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Fiscal Impact
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Grants are proposed to be funded with the appropriation in the Solid Waste Fund that was approved by your Board in the 2005/06 fiscal year. There is no additional impact the Solid Waste Fund or any other County fund.
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