City Council — June 29, 2026

Meeting Summary

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Staff recommended appropriating $350,000 from the Solid Waste Operation Fund to cover increased disposal costs.
Higher waste tonnage and organics program usage necessitated the additional budget allocation.
Council members reviewed alternative disposal sites but retained the current contract for its benefits.
The Council approved the appropriation from solid waste reserves.

The Council recessed to discuss labor negotiations with SEIU and management employee groups.
City Management and Human Resources representatives attended the designated conference.
The City Attorney reported that no reportable action was taken during the session.

The meeting was called to order at 5:32 p.m. Following roll call, the Council addressed a closed session item. The City Attorney reported the session was conducted pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6 regarding conferences with labor negotiators for SEIU Service Employees International Union 721 and the Unrepresented Management Professional Employees. Designated representatives for the discussion included the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and Human Resources Manager. No conflicts of interest were declared. The Council recessed to closed session and reconvened at 6:18 p.m. The City Attorney provided a closed session report stating there was no reportable action.

Staff presented a recommendation to appropriate $350,000 from the Solid Waste Operation Fund to cover refuse disposal costs through the end of the fiscal year. The Public Works Director explained that Oxnard, which operates the transfer station, had increased rates, including an additional 4.5% increase effective July 1st. The adjustment was necessary to cover May and June invoices, which were not accounted for in the mid-year budget due to invoice timing delays. Staff noted that waste tonnage has increased over the past two years and the organics program, which carries a processing fee of $189 per ton, has seen a 400 percent increase in usage. A utility rate study is ongoing to evaluate future costs.
During discussion, Council members inquired about alternative disposal sites, specifically the Gold Coast Transfer Station. Questions addressed location, travel distance, and service comparisons. Staff noted that the current contract with Oxnard includes a household hazardous waste program at no additional cost to residents, which may not be offered at the alternative site. Staff also mentioned potential capacity constraints at other facilities. The Council confirmed the funds would be drawn from solid waste reserves.
A motion was made to approve the appropriation of $350,000 from the Solid Waste Operation Fund. The motion was seconded. After discussion, the Council voted on the item. The motion passed unanimously.

The Council announced the next regular meeting is scheduled for July 20th at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m.