Monrovia to Create Committee to Study Ways to Reduce or Ban Plastic Bags

The city of Monrovia plans to form a committee to study various ways to eliminate or reduce the use of plastic bags at local stores.

Mayor Mary Ann Lutz suggested the committee last week after the City Council heard a report from staff on models other cities use for prohibiting and limiting single-use plastic bags.

A few months ago, a group of residents approached the city about banning plastic bags. The council said they would revisit the issue and did last week by getting feedback from staff.

Teresa Santilena, an environmental services analyst for the city, presented the council members with three models. Option one was a phased-in model that would ban the bags only at specific stores based on size. If chosen, the phased-in option would affect 35 stores in Monrovia, Santilena said.

Option two, the San Jose model, would ban bags at all grocery stores and option three, the Malibu version, would eliminate their use at all retail stores, restaurants, supermarkets, and events, she said. Option two would affect 145 stores and option three 263, she said.

Resident Karen Suarez encouraged the council to consider implementing option one "as a baby step."

"I think more actions could be taken in the future," she said.

Lutz said a committee would help the city determine the best action to take.

"I think there are still a lot of questions on how a plastic bag ordinance would fit in Monrovia," she said, "what would work for us if we decided to do this."

Councilman Larry Spicer said he agreed with forming the committee and suggested they look into option one, the phased-in model.

Mayor Pro Tem Becky Shevlin said all of the cost impacts should be studied.

Councilman Alexander Blackburn said study is important but action must be taken at some point.

"Prudence requires exploration on some of the impact to residents," he said. "It's important we not let prudence and exploration turn into procrastination.  I don't want to drag this out forever."

Should Monrovia go forward with a ban on plastic bags? Would you prefer a limited ban, a full ban, or no ban? Tell us what you think in comments.