Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Authorize the HHSA Director to apply for and accept California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) grant funding commencing with the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 LEA Grant through the FY 29-30 LEA Grant with an estimated grant amount of $20,000 per fiscal year; and
2) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 057-2025 which delegates authority to the HHSA Director or Public Health Officer to execute all grant documents, including but not limited to, applications, agreements, amendments, and requests for payment necessary to secure grant funds, implement the approved grant projects, and close out each grant that do not increase Net County Cost, contingent upon County Counsel and Risk Management approval as applicable, and subsequent administrative documents or required fiscal or programmatic reports.
FUNDING: 100% State CalRecycle Funding.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
On April 4, 2025, CalRecycle released a Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) for the LEA Grant Program, inviting county jurisdictions to apply. The purpose of the LEA Grant Program is to supplement the LEA’s existing budget for solid waste facilities permitting and inspection activities.
The State of California requires each county to establish a LEA to oversee the enforcement of solid waste laws and regulations. While LEAs are typically located within county environmental health departments, El Dorado County’s Environmental Management Department also operates the Union Mine Landfill, creating a potential conflict of interest. To comply with state law, the County must assign a full-time environmental health specialist to serve in the LEA role. This requirement may be met through a contract with a neighboring jurisdiction that employs qualified full-time staff with expertise in solid waste management.
To satisfy this requirement, County of El Dorado has maintained an Agreement for Services with Placer County, which has been renewed continuously since at least 2008. This agreement ensures that LEA duties are carried out in accordance with state regulations. Funding for the agreement is partially provided through CalRecycle’s annual LEA grant, as well as solid waste franchise fees collected by Environmental Management.
As part of the application process, CalRecycle requires each jurisdiction to submit a resolution that authorizes a designated individual to sign grant-related documents on behalf of the County. This resolution must be submitted annually with the LEA grant application in order to maintain eligibility and secure continued funding.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this Resolution, HHSA would have to seek annual approvals, potentially delaying grant processing and risking loss of CalRecycle funding for the solid waste program.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 3/24/15, 09-0559 V2, HHSA Reso for LEA Grant
2) 4/21/20, 20-0187, CalRecycle Resolution 2020
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 budget, FY 2025-26 budget request, and will be included in future budgets requests through FY 2029-30 in accordance with the attached Resolution.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS:
Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on one Resolution.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT:
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Director, Health and Human Services Agency