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6.5.A. - Page 1 <br /> REPORT <br /> To the Honorable Mayor and City Council <br /> From the City Manager <br /> April 9, 2012 <br /> SUBJECT <br /> Ordinance to Promote Sustainability by Prohibiting Retail Food Vendors in Redwood <br /> City from Using Polystyrene-Based Disposable Food Service Containers <br /> RECOMMENDATION <br /> 1. Waive First Reading and Introduce an Ordinance Prohibiting Retail Food <br /> Vendors in Redwood City from Using Polystyrene-Based Containers; and <br /> 2. Set Public Hearing on Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance For May 7, <br /> 2012. <br /> BACKGROUND <br /> San Mateo County's ordinance prohibiting retail food vendors in unincorporated areas <br /> from using polystyrene-based containers took effect on July 1, 2011. Earlier in 2011, the <br /> San Mateo County Board of Supervisors encouraged all San Mateo County cities to <br /> adopt by reference the County's ordinance. <br /> At the February 6, 2012 City Council meeting, staff presented information about the <br /> identification of polystyrene as an environmental pollutant, and how the reduction in <br /> daily use of disposable foodservice containers will help reduce the volume of this <br /> pollutant and related litter. The City Council directed staff to return with a proposed <br /> ordinance adopting the County's ordinance by reference. The Council also directed staff <br /> to contact several other cities in San Mateo County which have already adopted a <br /> similar ordinance, to gain information about their experience with implementing the ban, <br /> their outreach to affected business communities, and their various "phase-in" periods for <br /> implementing the ordinance. <br /> ANALYSIS <br /> The proposed ordinance is presented for waiver of first reading and for introduction. <br /> Because the ordinance is being adopted by reference, the City Council is required to set <br /> a public hearing for the second reading and adoption of the ordinance. (Charter Section <br /> 15 and Cal. Gov't Code Section 50022.1) <br /> Key elements of the proposed ordinance are: <br /> • Banned products are single-use disposable products used in restaurants and the <br /> food service industry for serving and transporting prepared, ready-to-consume <br /> food and beverages including plates, bowls, trays, and hinged or lidded <br />