Title
a. Receive an update in response to Board Referral No. #2023.20 addressing littering fines for illegal dumping and littering of solid waste and refuse.
b. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive an update in response to Board Referral No. #2023.20 addressing littering fines for illegal dumping and littering of solid waste and refuse.
b. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Monterey County has long had illegal dumping and littering issues. Board Referral No. 2023.20 sought to amend Monterey County Code to increase fines to deter littering, prevent illegal dumping, promote an enjoyable environment and protect our natural resources. The purpose of amending the code was to facilitate an effective response to hold those responsible for illegal dumping and littering by clarifying code violations, increased penalties, and updated language to emphasize local roles and responsibilities.
On February 27, 2024, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance revising Sections 10.41.010 and 10.41.040 of the Monterey County Code, raising fines for littering in unincorporated areas of the county. The new fines include up to $2,500 for a first violation, up to $5,000 for a second violation within twelve months, and up to $10,000 for a third or any subsequent violation within twelve months.
Also on February 27, 2024, Environmental Health, on behalf of the Illegal Dumping and Litter Abatement Task Force (IDLATF), presented an update to the Board of Supervisors regarding the potential use of surveillance cameras as a deterrent to Illegal Dumping in Monterey County. The Board approved a request to purchase cameras and supportive monitoring and connectivity subscription services and on July 16, 2024, an agreement with Epic iO was approved to purchase six surveillance cameras to be installed in known illegal dumping hotspots throughout the county.
Two cameras were initially installed in September 2024 with illegal dumping captured on surveillance within two days of installation. A media campaign to identify the responsible party ensued however no identification has been confirmed at this time. The remaining four cameras have since been installed with surveillance ongoing. Staff return today to provide an update of the implementation of surveillance cameras, increased litter fines, the advantages and limitations of the cameras, where improvements can be made, the online tracking via EPIC iO and the issuance of fines.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goal(s) 1. Build Community Power and Partners’ Capacity to Increase Equity and Improve Health. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically, 6., enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Health Department-Environmental Health has worked collaboratively with the Housing and Community Development/Public Works Departments for the installation of cameras and the county’s media teams for the media campaign distribution.
FINANCING:
There are no fiscal provisions; therefore, there is no impact to the General Fund with the acceptance of this staff update.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Illegal dumping and littering are a nuisance and has the potential to create public health hazards. The ongoing surveillance and increased fines are targeted to 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.
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, 755-1297
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4621
Attachments:
Board Report