City Council Minutes 2023 03 14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes March 14, 2023 Page 3 of 6 Mayor Pro Tern Fahey stated she has known many residents who have taken advantage of this service and noted that for some people this is the only social interaction they may get and that can be just as important as the nutrition. MOTION: Councilmember Leh moved to approve the proclamation; Mayor Maloney seconded. VOTE: Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Leh read the proclamation. DISCUSSION/DIRECTION/ACTION — BAG TAX FUNDED WASTE REDUCTION PROGRAMS Kayla Betzold stated staff is requesting authorization on how to use the City -collected bag tax revenue. She reviewed the history of the bag tax that went into effect in 2022. Of the $.25 tax on every paper and plastic bag provided to customers Louisville retailers retain $.10 and remit $.15 to the City on a quarterly basis. Per the ballot language, tax revenue shall be used for direct and indirect costs related to tax administration or expenses related to sustainability-related initiatives and programs. There are currently 215 businesses on the bag tax business list with the City. Sher reviewed the revenue collected to date noting there has been a 72% reduction in bag use from pre-tax estimates. This is similar to the results other cities have seen. Betzold presented five program options to be considered for ways to spend the revenue. A business can choose the program that is most beneficial for their specific needs. The value of each program option is $1,000 for the business. Businesses that remitted bag tax revenue in 2022 would be eligible to participate. Delinquent businesses would not be eligible for programs until they become compliant. Businesses that join the program in 2023 would be eligible for programs in 2024. If funding is available, programs will be offered to the larger business community at $500/program value. Staff reached out to the business community to get their input on the programs as well. She reviewed the details of the five programs: Providing Bulk Supplies of Reusable Bags; a One -Year Subscription for Hard -to -Recycle Pick Up Services; Commercial Recycling and/or Composting Incentives; Reusable Takeout Containers for Restaurant Pilot Program; and Zero Waste Grants. Staff is also recommending the revenue be used to host hard to recycle and material reuse events in low to moderate income neighborhoods in town. In addition, City Manager Durbin recommended funding be allocated for an additional sustainability staff position. A new sustainability position would be responsible for: waste programming business communications, outreach and education; waste program