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Councilmember Brown inquired as to the status of legislation to prohibit grocery stores from sales <br /> of Styrofoam products. Mr. Lehrer noted the Joint Powers Authority and local cities' efforts to <br /> influence local business, and the required efforts still needed to influence national retailers, as well <br /> as the legislators in this regard. <br /> Mayor Thorne inquired as to the status of the new state law requiring straws to be provided only <br /> upon request. Mr. Lehrer noted there were no additional efforts needed at this time as the legislation <br /> has been enacted and will be effective January 1, 2019. <br /> Councilmember Narum noted efforts still required to educate the public regarding which items are <br /> recyclable versus those which are not. Mr. Lehrer stated recent changes to export markets and <br /> education efforts are still required to correct wishful recycling among citizens, who may be recycling <br /> through good intentions, however, the items they are placing in recycle bins are not actually <br /> recyclable. <br /> Mayor Thorne inquired as to the contaminants which are attached to some recyclable materials. <br /> Mr. Lehrer noted there continues to be education required as to the proper removal of contaminants <br /> attached to recyclable materials. <br /> Councilmember Pentin noted the recycling efforts in other countries, such as China, which place <br /> limits on the levels of contaminants recyclable products can contain before they will accept them. <br /> He also noted the efforts of the circular economy and providing further education for stopping <br /> damage to the environment where it starts. Mr. Lehrer detailed the concept of circular economy in <br /> relation to recycling, defining it as a process which encouraging repetitive recycling of products for <br /> further use to reduce the amount of potential recyclable materials which end up in the trash. He <br /> stated StopWaste's goals of reducing to 10% the amount of recyclable materials in the trash by <br /> 2020. <br /> MATTERS INITIATED BY COUNCIL <br /> Mayor Thorne expressed disappointment at California Governor Brown's signature of Assembly Bill 2923 <br /> into law. Councilmember Narum expressed support for challenging the constitutionality of the legislation <br /> and inquired whether there have been efforts by the League other local agencies in this regard. City <br /> Manager Fialho stated staff has been discussing the feasibility of a legal challenge along with other cities <br /> in the Tri-Valley area. <br /> Councilmember Olson referenced a statement made by the General Manager of BART, in that they will <br /> did not support the legislation and are committed to working with local cities. City Manager Fialho stated <br /> the City has design standards that have been adopted for the existing site which may require modification <br /> in light of the new legislation. <br /> Councilmember Brown described bicycle stations which feature manual air pumps and bicycle tools <br /> which could be located near bicycle racks and corrals. She suggested the City consider the feasibility of <br /> installing such a station. Councilmember Pentin noted a similar station which is located in the City of <br /> Sonoma. <br /> COUNCIL REPORTS - None. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 7 of 8 October 2, 2018 <br />