Direct staff to challenge secret state settlement allowing West County landfill operations
In Plain English
The state Department of Toxic Substances Control reached a private settlement with Republic Services that affects how the West County landfill operates. The city was not involved in these negotiations and wants to fight the agreement. If approved, staff will file legal challenges and ask the governor to cancel the settlement.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
1) include the original motion and also request that the state legislator work with federal agencies concerning settlements that could potentially mirror the above referenced, 2) Request that Governor Schwarzenegger to ask state agencies to send back money, specifically $325,000 and Richmond be considered a priority for clean-ups, and 3) direct the city manager to create a plan to work to prevent settlements, similar to DTSC/Republic Services settlement, from happening again
5 to 1
Why This Vote Matters
Richmond will challenge a state settlement with Republic Services over the West County landfill after council members voted 5-1 to direct staff to file legal challenges and ask Governor Schwarzenegger to cancel the agreement. The city was excluded from negotiations between the state Department of Toxic Substances Control and the landfill operator, leaving residents without a voice in decisions affecting their community. Council members Rogers and McLaughlin expanded the motion to also request $325,000 in state funds for Richmond and ask legislators to prevent similar settlements that bypass local input in the future. Sandhu opposed the measure while Marquez and Viramontes abstained from voting.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Other motions
direct staff to contact state representatives to seek legislation to prevent a repeat of this settlement between DTSC/Republic Services and mitigation measure/fees be directed to the areas most affected within Richmond
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