Adam Rak

The board meeting included an Executive Director's report detailing updates on staffing, committee activities, and collection and outreach programs, including SB 1383 compliance and Earth Day planning. Key action items involved approving resolutions for legislative bill positions for 2026, a contract for the Concrete Pad and Side Yard Development Project, the quarterly investment report, and authorizing a change in address for board meetings. Additionally, the board discussed the feasibility study for the Second Floor Office Space Expansion, a five-year contract for Electronic Annual Report preparation, and the addition of the Shoreway Environmental Center Solar Power Expansion and Battery Storage Project to the capital improvement plans. Informational items regarding legislative updates and program compliance were also presented.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several key business items, including the approval of 2026 California legislative bill positions and a contract with BNO Builders Inc. for the Concrete Pad and Side Yard Development Project. The board reviewed the quarterly investment report and discussed the feasibility of a second-floor office space expansion, including the initiation of an RFP for architectural services. Additionally, the agenda included approving a five-year contract with Ascent Environmental, Inc. for electronic annual report preparation and authorizing additional funding for the Outdoor Education Center capital budget. An update on the SB 1383 compliance program was provided, and the meeting concluded with a closed session for public employee compensation review.

The committee discussed updates on battery and EPR legislation, including the Electronic Waste Recycling Act and the Responsible Battery Recycling Act. Detailed discussions were held regarding the co-sponsored bill AB 762, covering advocacy strategies, outreach efforts with various associations and labor groups, and the upcoming legislative timeline for the bill's advancement. The committee also received legislative and regulatory updates concerning budget challenges, SB 501, SB 707, and changes related to the Brown Act.

The Legislative Committee meeting covered the Executive Director's staff retreat report and potential absences for upcoming board meetings. The primary focus was on legislative and regulatory updates, including the status of monitored bills, collaboration efforts regarding organic waste diversion funding, electrification, and decarbonization strategies. Committee members and staff discussed strategies for legislative advocacy, connecting with elected officials and potential champions in the Senate, and coordinating with coalitions and lobbying groups. Additionally, the committee reviewed updates on the SB 54 rulemaking process, potential marine flare legislation, and the operational requirements for Legislative Committee meetings under the Brown Act.

The Board Meeting covered several key administrative and operational matters. Discussions included updates on the compensation committee schedule, findings from the ongoing flood assessment study, and an assessment of the transfer station tip floor. Significant legislative focus was placed on AB 762, the Agency-sponsored ban on disposable vapes, noting its progress and opposition from the cannabis industry. The Board elected the 2026 Chair and Vice Chair. Approvals were granted for a Professional Services Agreement with HF&H Consultants to review the 2027 Service Fee Application from South Bayside Industries, and for a 3-Year Professional Services Agreement with RRS Consulting for financial and operation systems audits of Recology San Mateo County and South Bayside Industries. An administrative resolution was approved to transfer RethinkWaste LAIF accounts from the City of Redwood City to the Authority following a new administrative services contract. Regarding Brown Act provisions, the Board reached consensus to allow subcommittees to meet entirely remotely and agreed to create a secondary physical location for Board meetings, with staff directed to bring back resolutions in February. Committee appointments were made to fill vacancies on the Finance, Legislative, Zero Waste/Master Plan Steering, and Pub Ed Committees. Operationally, design specifications were approved for the Parking & Container Concrete Pads and Side Yard Development Project for roll-off truck parking and expanded Shoreway storage areas. The legislative update covered engagement on SB 2440, SB 1215, and SB 54, with priorities for 2026 focusing on AB 762 and waste reduction funding.