Murrieta Delays Decision on Joining Countywide Recycling Zone

Murrieta City Council called for more information before it decides whether to join a proposed countywide Recycling Market Development Zone.

The issue came before Council during its June 18 meeting. The Riverside County Economic Development Agency is asking the City of Murrieta and all other cities in the county to become part of the zone, which would allow manufacturers who use recycled materials to apply for grant funding to grow their businesses.

“(This) benefits the region as one more incentive we bring to the table to attract and retain business,” said Tom Freeman, commissioner of the Riverside County Economic Development Agency and Office of Foreign Trade. “New jobs, new revenues, new investment in our county.”

Examples of businesses that benefit from the program typically include those that produce plastic parts for machines, toys or medical devices, according to Freeman.

“This is a green industry incentive,” Freeman said.

The county currently has one zone. It encompasses the cities of Moreno Valley, Perris, Hemet, San Jacinto, Cathedral City, Indio, Coachella and Blythe, and includes the unincorporated areas of East Blythe, Cabazon, Thermal, Garnet, Thousand Palms, Mead Valley and Romoland.

The zone expires on Aug. 25, and CalRecycle, the state department that works with counties to administer the program, has encouraged Riverside County to seek a new 10-year designation and expand its boundaries, according to Brian Ambrose, senior management analyst for the City of Murrieta.

“This covers a wide range of products that can be made,” Ambrose said.

All Riverside County cities were invited to become part of the zone, and if they choose to do so they are required to adopt a resolution in support of the county’s application to CalRecycle.

“What we are trying to do is be in support of the county,” said Bruce Coleman, economic development director for the City of Murrieta. “The county approached us...This incentive does not exist presently in our area.”

Coleman said there is no cost to the city for its participation—it would simply benefit these type of local businesses in their efforts to expand.

After discussing the matter—and hearing from citizens—council members did not vote on the resolution; instead, they decided to continue the item.

Murrieta Mayor Rick Gibbs and Councilman Harry Ramos both cited confusion over the words “environmental justice” that are included in the resolution.

The resolution states, in part: “...The California Legislature has defined environmental justice as ‘the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies,’ and has directed the California Environmental Protection Agency to conduct its programs, policies, and activities that substantially affect human health or the environment in a manner that ensures the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and income levels, including minority populations and low-income populations of the state...”

“The words...just bother me,” Gibbs said. “...How can you vote on something you truly don’t understand?”

Further, he said: “In terms of business, we don’t need to attract recycling business to Murrieta, that is not in the plan. Murrieta is high-tech.”

Ramos said while he “generally supports recycling” he did not see what it had to do with race.

“As a Latino member of this community, I can honestly say I have not encountered racism and I personally take offense to that type of statement,” Ramos said. “‘Fair environmental justice?’ To me that is incompatible.”

A woman who spoke during a public comment portion of the meeting warned the city to be mindful of the environmental effects recycled manufacturing can bring.

As part of the resolution, the city would be asked to sign off that is aware of any potential adverse environmental effects.

Resident Stella Stephens said she has researched the health ramifications the recycling industry can create.  

“It opens up the entire aspect of chemical reformulation,” Stephens said. “You are going to open up the door for benzene [linked to cancer] and all this other stuff...You need to do more research.”

City staff said they had already vetted many of those questions with the county, and recommended going forward with the vote. The deadline for the county to submit its application is approaching, according to city officials.

“It is easier to opt out later than it is to opt in,” City Manager Rick Dudley said.

Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Bennett was absent for the June 18 meeting.

It was not immediately clear when the item might come back before City Council.