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Recommendation to receive and file a report from Public Works providing an update on street sweeping; and, provide input and policy direction to staff on next-step strategies on street sweeping as it relates to the Safer-at-Home Public Health Order. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Cleaning City streets is a critical public health and safety function managed out of the Public Works Department. Each year, street sweepers cover over 140,000 miles and collect approximately 11,000 tons of debris. Keeping streets clean is one of the City’s most important tools in complying with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. It serves as a source control mechanism by removing litter and waste that would otherwise make its way into the storm drain system and eventually to the ocean. Street sweeping not only removes debris like litter, but also sediment that carry heavy metals and bacteria into waterways.
To provide relief to individuals impacted by the Safer-at-Home Public Health Order, the City suspended issuing street sweeping citations from March 17, 2020 through May 15, 2020. Residents were advised to continue to move their vehicles during posted sweeping hours, but they would not be cited if they failed to do so. During this time, residents were also offered the opportunity to receive free parking permits so that they may park at various underutilized City lots. This provided additional parking options for residents to help remove vehicles from roadways for street sweepers to be more effective.
On April 21, 2020, the City Council directed staff to inform residents of the plan to begin issuing street sweeping tickets again on May 18, 2020. During the preceding weeks, staff created and distributed over 84,000 warning flyers. The flyers provided information about the neighborhood parking program, the City’s plan to re-start sweeping parking restrictions enforcement, and was translated in alignment with the Language Access Policy.
We understand that these are unprecedented times, and as such, on May 19, 2020, the City Council voted to provide a one-time dismissal, per person, of street sweeping citations for those dealing with COVID-19-related hardships. Citations issued to residents during the period of May 18 through May 29 are eligible for dismissal. Dismissal of citations only applies to street sweeping citations. City Council also suspended sending unpaid tickets to the DMV until the Safer-at-Home Order has been lifted.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber and Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on May 28, 2020.
STATEMENT OF URGENCY
At its meeting of May 19, 2020, City Council requested this update on street sweeping on June 2, 2020
EQUITY LENS
The City has incorporated the Equity Toolkit into this recommendation as requested by the City Council on April 21, 2020. To provide relief to individuals impacted by the Safer-at-Home Public Health Order, the City suspended issuing street sweeping citations from March 17, 2020 through May 15, 2020. Additionally, street sweeping citations issued to residents during the period of May 18 through May 29 were eligible for dismissal. These actions assisted Long Beach residents impacted by revenue loss due to COVID-19.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested June 2, 2020.
FISCAL IMPACT
At the time that the initial suspension of the street sweeping citations, it was estimated there would be a one-time revenue loss in the General Fund of $1.7 million through May 1, 2020 and an additional revenue loss of $974,000 per month thereafter. This revenue loss is in addition to the FY 20 General Fund revenue shortfall reported by Financial Management. As the Safer-at-Home Order is modified, the City will continue to look for ways to strike a balance, appropriate at the time, between the safety and well-being of residents and other important considerations such as financial impacts to the City. Staff will return to City Council with updates on financial impacts of the street sweeping citation waivers and other fee or revenue waivers/exemptions and deferrals. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER