Council approves underground trash-capture device project to meet 2025 requirement

Council members approved item 3.4, a multi-agency project to install an underground trash-capture device in the city’s drainage system.

Public Works Director Hamza Javed told the council the device is "an underground trash capture device" that works inside the storm piping and requires annual maintenance. He said the project was coordinated by the Congestion Management Agency (CCAG) and involves Caltrans and neighboring Menlo Park. "There's a requirement for the cities to achieve 100 trash capture by 2025," Javed said, explaining the project will help the city meet that regulatory deadline. Council members thanked staff for coordinating the regional effort and confirmed the project budget provenance questioned during the consent pull.

The motion to approve the item passed by voice vote after council discussion about funding origin and maintenance responsibilities. Councilmembers noted the city will continue outreach to neighboring jurisdictions about long-term maintenance contributions and that staff will return with operational details as the project moves toward design and construction.