James Guthrie

This strategic plan outlines the agency's mission, vision, values, and details the goals and objectives for the next five years. The plan focuses on five key goals: maintaining compliance with state regulations, planning for regional programs and infrastructure, providing technical support and resources to member agencies, empowering through outreach and education, and maximizing grant funding for the region. The overarching vision is to reduce waste to preserve and enhance a safe and healthy environment in San Luis Obispo County, ensuring member agencies comply with state waste and recycling policies through practical, cost-effective programs.

The meeting focused on discussing current waste reduction efforts, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration within the TK-12 school district. Key topics included existing educational outreach programs, successes such as vermicomposting and food recovery, and operational hurdles like bin contamination and the infrastructure requirements for transitioning to reusable food ware. Participants also explored potential strategies for improved waste education, compliance with state regulations, coordinated procurement guidance, and future partnerships for infrastructure grants and student engagement.

The board discussed key operational and administrative items, including the Executive Director's report on staffing, strategic planning, and capital projects. Action items included the selection of Price Paige & Company for accounting and bookkeeping services, the approval of consulting agreements for household hazardous waste facilities, and the authorization of a facility lease agreement with the San Miguel Community Services District. The board also addressed the creation of an Ad-Hoc Budget Committee, revisions to financial policies, amendments to Executive Committee bylaws, and participation in the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Act program.

The agenda for this meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office for newly appointed Directors, a General Public Comment Period, and Staff Reports, including the Executive Director's Report. The Consent Agenda involved reviewing and filing minutes from previous Board and Executive Committee meetings, and receiving and filing monthly financial reports for October, November, and December 2025. Key Regular Agenda items included welcoming Director Michelle Shoresman and recognizing Director Jan Marx, a Brown Act Update Presentation, approving the issuing of an RFP for professional consulting services related to household hazardous waste facility development and remediation, ratifying design agreements for HHW facilities, and approving an agreement for a Special Marine Flare Collection and Education Campaign. Additionally, the Board planned to discuss and approve a budget adjustment for FY 2025/26, consider a resolution to waive attorney-client privilege for the release of an appraisal report concerning 870 Osos Street, and approve a resolution authorizing updated signatories for banking services.

This discussion draft outlines the Integrated Waste Management Authority's mission to continuously reduce waste and ensure compliance with state policies in San Luis Obispo County, aiming to preserve and enhance a safe and healthy environment. The plan details key objectives including maintaining compliance, regional planning for programs and infrastructure, providing technical support, empowering through outreach and education, and maximizing grant funding, all guided by values such as community education, stewardship, and collaboration.