Title
An ordinance creating a new Article 15 (single use plastic bag fees) of Chapter 6 (neighborhood vitality/community health) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to the imposition and collection of a ten cent ($0.10) fee on single use plastic bags and providing for penalties and remedies for the violation thereof
Presenter:
Councilmember, Yolanda Avila
Body
Summary:
This ordinance is a companion piece of legislation that would govern the single use plastic bag fee program if passed by the voters at the November 2020 election. A single use plastic bag fee can help to reduce the use of single use plastic and associated litter and waste issues by encouraging consumers to bring their own reusable bags. By encouraging the use of reusable bags the City can mitigate the long term effects of disposable bags and single-use products on the City's drainage and stormwater system, transportation system, wildlife, and environment.
Background:
UPDATE FOR AUGUST 11, 2020 REGULAR MEETING:
At the June 22, 2020 Council Work Session, the City Attorney's Office was directed to remove the criminal penalties associated with the ordinance. The criminal penalties provisions have since been removed and civil remedies similar to the City's sales tax code remedies remain in place.
During the Work Session, there was discussion regarding exemptions for the single use plastic bag fee, which are listed at section 6.15.106. One (1) Councilmember asked to remove an exception to the plastic bag fee for people providing evidence that he or she is a participant in a federal or state food assistance program. This exception has been removed from the attached "Option 2". The exception for people providing evidence as a participant in a federal or state food assistance program remains in Councilmember Avila's preferred version of the ordinance, which is attached as "Option 1".
Finally, a sunset provision limiting the effective term of the ...
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