05 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND In 1976 the City of Pleasanton entered into a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA) formed for the purpose of carrying out the Alameda County Solid Waste Management Plan. In 1987, the JPA was amended to allow for the establishment of the Alameda County Waste Management Authority (ACWMA). The ACWMA is governed by a Board made up of elected officials appointed by each member agency, including the County of Alameda, each of the fourteen cities within the county, and two sanitary districts that also provide refuse collection in Alameda County. In 1992, the JPA was amended again to incorporate the provisions of the voter approved AB 939 which required, among other things, the creation of a county integrated waste management plan incorporating recycling provisions included in AB939. Since that time, the ACWMA has evolved to meet regional needs, including the creation the Source Reduction and Recycling Board (Recycling Board) to carry out provisions of the voter approved Measure D that implemented recycling standards in Alameda County. The Recycling Board is made up of five elected officials from the Authority and six professional experts in specified areas of waste reduction who are appointed by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Councilmember Sullivan serves as the City representative on the ACWMA Board and the Recycling Board. The Source Reduction and Recycling Board and the Alameda County Waste Management Authority operate collectively as StopWaste.org. DISCUSSION On June 25, 2008, the ACWMA Board recommended that its member agencies approve an amendment to the JPA to simplify the Board's voting procedures. The JPA currently provides that atwo-thirds majority vote is required for all ordinances and resolutions including those authorizing expenditures. A simple majority of Board members present is required for other actions. In an effort to streamline its voting practices and staff material, the Board is proposing to amend the voting requirements so that all expenditures less then $500,000 can be approved by a simple majority of Board members present. Expenditures in excess of this amount and other associated ordinances and resolutions still require atwo-thirds vote. The Board has indicated that this amendment will streamline the expenditure/purchasing procedures that will lead to improved organizational efficiency. Currently, the City of Pleasanton, and other Alameda County cities, do not require atwo-thirds vote for expenditures. Staff has reviewed the proposed amendment and finds that it will not negatively impact Board expenditures or actions. The proposed amendment to Section 7 (d) is as follows: A two-thirds majority of the authorized vote shall be required for expenditures of $500 000 or more. Except as provide elsewhere in this Agreement, a majority of the authorized vote shall be required for all other actions. Page 2 of 3