Title
a. Receive a status report and recommendation to acquire and use surveillance cameras to abate illegal dumping in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County; and
b. Provide direction to staff regarding next steps.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a status report and recommendation to acquire and use surveillance cameras to abate illegal dumping in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County; and
b. Provide direction to staff regarding next steps.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Illegal Dumping and Litter Abatement Task Force (IDLATF) is a working group comprised of members from local city and county governments, solid waste haulers and landfill operators, law enforcement, business leaders in agriculture, members of the community, as well as private landowners and ranchers, whose only focus is to reduce illegal dumping in Monterey County. The three pillars or 3E's of the IDLATF are Eradication, Education, and Enforcement. All three pillars must be in place and work together to successfully impact and reduce illegal dumping.
Over the years, there has been numerous efforts to educate the public regarding illegal dumping. These efforts include educational flyers, presentations, and on-line campaigns. Through the IDLATF, annual litter and cleanup events are held throughout the county to encourage proper disposal and free recycling of bulky items that usually end up on the side of the road (e.g. TV’s, mattresses, etc.). Despite all this, illegal dumping continues to occur.
In February 2022, Environmental Health, on behalf of the IDLATF, applied to CalRecycle for a grant to fund the purchase of cameras. While the IDLATF received letters of support from Supervisor Lopez, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, ReGen Monterey, Waste Management, and Salinas Valley Recycles, the grant was not funded. However, the need to pursue investment in enforcement capabilities remains.
In February 2023, Environmental Health presented to the Board of Supervisors a request to purchase surveillance cameras. The Board received the presentation favorably and directed staff to return with request for funding during the FY 2024 budget hearings. Unfortunately, the request was not funded due to competing priorities.
On January 30, 2024, the Board requested an update regarding the use of surveillance cameras as a deterrent to Illegal Dumping in Monterey County. The Environmental Health Bureau has researched surveillance options and has identified the HyperFire 2 Reconyx Surveillance Series made by Reconyx to be the recommended cameras for the pilot project. The HyperFire 2 is a compact mobile game camera made for general surveillance with license plate capture capabilities. If supported, Environmental Health will purchase six cameras along with supportive equipment and vendor services to facilitate the one-year pilot program using existing revenues and funds received from the United Franchise Agreement. Specifically, the equipment will include three HyperFire 2 Cellular License Plate Covert IR Camera Mobile Camera, $1,979.97 ($659.99 per unit); three HyperFire 2 Cellular Security Covert IR Camera Mobile Camera, $1979.97 ($659.99 per unit); six Security Enclosure Kits, $839.94 ($139.99 per unit) and SD cards and batteries ($1,000). The monthly cellular service (up to $15/month) for one year would be approximately $1,080. Cameras will be installed in public right of way in locations known as hotspots for illegal dumping. Monterey County Public Works will install the cameras and Environmental Health will maintain chain of custody of the photo images as well as follow-up on illegal dumping events captured by the cameras.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018-2024 Strategic Plan Goal(s): 2. To enhance community health and safety through prevention. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically, 2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community; 3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues; 4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems; 5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts and 6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The IDLATF is a multi-agency cooperative partnership that includes County of Monterey Health, Sheriff’s and Public Works Departments, Monterey County Water Resources Agency, California Transportation Agency District 5, Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority, Monterey Regional Waste Management District, the twelve cities, Transportation Agency of Monterey County, Fort Ord Reuse Authority, Waste Management, Inc., Republic Services of Salinas, Tri Cities/Monterey Disposal, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Monterey County Farm Bureau, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund Contribution. Funding is included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Adopted Budget (001-4000-HEA005) and the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Requested Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☒ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☒ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Robin Kimball, Management Analyst III, 796-1297
Approved by:
___________________________Date_____________________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4621
Attachments:
Board Report
Illegal Dumping Presentation