HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/16/1993, C-12 - GRANT APPLICATION, HOME COMPOSTING EDUCATION PROGRAM �II��Igll�lyl�l��llli=l��`I
city Of San ► AS OL7ISpO MEETING DATE:
March 2 1993
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT �"" NUMBER
FROM: John Moss, Acting Utilities Director
PREPARED BY: Cyndi Butterfield, Solid Waste Coordinator(
SUBJECT: Grant Application, Home Composting Education Program
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file report regarding Home Composting Education program grant application.
BACKGROUND
Backyard composting is considered source reduction and, as such, is the highest priority
program type according to the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989
(AB939). Since composting impacts landfills, as well as soil quality, air quality, water
quality, and soil and water conservation, backyard composting education provides an ideal
opportunity to promote an understanding of the environment as a continuum of interrelated
systems. The positive results of this hands-on process form internal rewards which. tend to
motivate people to sustain composting as a good housekeeping habit.
During 1992, the City and County worked in partnership with a local nursery to develop a
pilot Home Composting Education program. The pilot program consisted of free public
workshops (two within the City), offered saturday mornings once a month for 2 hours by an
experienced local instructor.
In order to improve and expand the pilot program, the City and County jointly produced an
application to receive grant funds from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Improvements would include development of a standard curriculum with accompanying
visual aids, improved handout and promotional materials, development of a participant
evaluation form, and expansion of the target audience to include neighborhood gatherings,
senior groups and garden clubs. The program is intended to close the gap by providing
educational services prior to the formation of a regional Waste Management Authority and
would extend over an 18 month period beginning in June 1993. To allow time for start up,
seasonal variants, and final reporting, the workshops will take place in the City once a
month for 10 months.
FISCAL IMPACTS
There are no direct fiscal impacts related to the application. The requested amount is for
$5,000 to fund the instructor and production of visual aids and instructional materials. The
City's contribution is projected at 8 hours of staff time per month for 18 months. This
application was submitted to the EPA on January 15, 1993 and can be withdrawn if Council
wishes. Grants will be awarded in June 1993.
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