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8. B. - Page 2 • Automatic exemptions contained in the ordinance are prepackaged foods, polystyrene coolers and ice chests, and food vendors at the San Francisco International Airport. • Other requests for exemptions may be made for undue hardship where a suitable alternative does not exist for a specific application and/or situations where no reasonably feasible alternative exists to a specific and necessary prohibited container. • The application process for seeking an exemption is through the County's Environmental Health Division and, if granted, is for the period of one year. • The County's Environmental Health Division would enforce the ordinance and may issue fines for violations in an amount not to exceed $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation, and $500 for a third violation. The cities of Half Moon Bay and Burlingame have adopted the County's ordinance, while San Carlos and Foster City are considering doing so. The cities of San Bruno, Pacifica, South San Francisco, and Millbrae have adopted and enforce their own ordinances. Some of the differences among cities with their own ordinances include the reach of the ban, such as whether to include straws and lids, exemptions, appeal process, and enforcement. Accordingly, Redwood City could adopt the County's ordinance or consider enacting its own ordinance. Staff is recommending that Redwood City adopt the County's ordinance. Adopting an ordinance banning the use of polystyrene will also help the City toward meeting certain conditions of the Municipal Regional (Stormwater) Permit. Provision C.10 requires a reduction in trash loading in the City's storm drain system by 40% by 2014 (70% by 2017, and 100% by 2022). If such an ordinance is adopted by the City Council, it will provide a credit to the City towards meeting the 40% trash reduction goal. If the City Council wishes to proceed with adopting by reference the County's ordinance, the County will assist with planning and implementing education and outreach to the approximately 550 affected businesses identified in Redwood City. This would include contacting and working with the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Group to channel information to the businesses, providing standardized outreach materials, funding the printing and postage costs for direct mail, and staffing of a City business community informational workshop. The City would supplement the County's efforts to communicate with the affected businesses and the community at-large, both before and after enactment, through its website, email lists, and news releases, and could supplement the County's direct mail with additional mailings. ALTERNATIVES 1. Direct staff to adopt the County's ordinance. 2. Direct staff to draft its own ordinance, in which case Redwood City would be solely responsible for outreach, education, enforcement, and administration. 3. Direct staff not to proceed with preparing an ordinance that bans polystyrene products.