Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solid Waste topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council opens public hearing and moves to adopt revised solid‑waste rules; staff to return Sept. 23 for adoption
Summary
Council approved a change in how franchise fees are calculated and clarified rules for self‑haulers, directing staff to use a cost‑analysis approach with consultant support; the ordinance will be set for adoption at the Sept. 23 meeting after a study by R3 Consulting.
The San Ramon City Council opened a public hearing on Sept. 9 and approved an ordinance to update the city’s solid‑waste code, clarifying rules for self‑haulers and shifting the franchise fee calculation method from a fixed percentage of gross revenue to a cost‑based approach to reflect actual city administration costs.
City Attorney Martin (staff) told the council the ordinance explicitly requires property owners who want to self‑haul to meet criteria and apply for a waiver; self‑haul status does not automatically exempt a generator from subscribing to collection service. Martin also said the franchise fee methodology will change to allow the council to set a fee that reflects the city’s actual contract‑management costs without requiring an ordinance amendment every year. Staff said the city engaged R3 Consulting to calculate operating and administration costs and that the consultant work will likely be used on an ongoing basis to set equitable rates.
Council members asked clarifying questions about self‑haul definitions and whether consultant work would be ongoing. Council member Adler said, “I like what we're doing because I think actual cost is what we need,” and asked whether the city would update the calculation annually; staff said they expect to use R3 (or a similar firm) year to year to refine costs.
During the public hearing one resident raised safety concerns unrelated to the ordinance text: the speaker reported alleged illegal dumping of mold and other hazardous material at a nearby apartment complex and requested follow‑up and an ADA accommodation for further communication. City staff told the speaker they would follow up and process any formal complaints through code enforcement and other appropriate channels.
After discussion, the council voted to set the ordinance for adoption at the Sept. 23, 2025 council meeting and approved continuing the public hearing process; the motion to set adoption passed 4‑0.
Next steps: staff will complete the cost‑of‑service analysis with R3 Consulting, return with the final franchise fee calculation and ordinance for adoption on Sept. 23, and follow up with the resident who reported hazardous dumping so that code‑enforcement channels and other agencies can be engaged if appropriate.
