TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit an application to CalRecycle for re-designation of the
Long Beach Recycling Market Development Zone. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In March of 1992, the City of Long Beach was designated as one of 35 Recycling Market Development Zones (RMDZs) in California. This designation is set to expire in June 2013. The Department of Public Works' Environmental Services Bureau operates the City's RMDZ Program.
California's Recycling Market Development Zone Program (Program) provides low-interest loans, and technical assistance to qualified businesses that use, or plan to use, recycled materials as manufacturing feedstock. By stimulating a long-term demand for recycled materials, the Program helps extend the State's landfill capacity and reduces the depletion of natural resources. The Program also develops and fuels local markets for secondary materials generated by Long Beach businesses and residents, which, in turn, creates much-needed local manufacturing jobs.
The physical boundaries of the Long Beach RMDZ are the same as the City's Enterprise Zone. The combined benefits of the RMDZ and the Enterprise Zone Programs provide a broad range of financial incentives and services to new and existing businesses to facilitate growth and financial success. All financial agreements relating to RMDZ loans are negotiated between the State and the business itself.
To date, qualifying Long Beach businesses have received a total of $3.9 million in low-interest loans from the State. Long Beach RMDZ businesses utilize secondary commodities (used tires, used motor oil, construction and demolition debris, and recycled plastic containers) and divert from local landfills at least 534,000 tons annually. This annual diversion and re-processing of solid waste is an important component of the City's AB 939 compliance efforts.
On November 7, 2002, the Planning Commission approved a Negative Declaration (ND-43-02) submitted in support of the renewal of the Long Beach RMDZ, pursuant to the provisions of State CEQA Guidelines. As there have been no changes to the land use, zoning or general plan designation of the Long Beach RMDZ since the approval of ND-43-02, the Planning Bureau has determined that no additional Planning Commission action is required to proceed with the 2013 renewal application for the Long Beach RMDZ.
This matter was reviewed by the Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on April 23, 2013 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on April 29, 2013.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested by May 21, 2013 to allow the renewal application to be submitted in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The annual estimated program cost of $15,000 is budgeted in the Refuse/Recycling Fund (EF 330) in the Department of Public Works (PW), of which CalRecycle reimburses $5,000 annually. Approval of this recommendation will provide continued support to the local economy.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF THE RENEWAL APPLICATION TO CALRECYCLE OF THE LONG BEACH RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ZONE AND ADOPT NEGATIVE DECLARATION ND-43-02
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ARA MALOYAN, PE
ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER