Proposal:

Consider Renewal of Executive Management Agreement with Executive Officer

Synopsis:

The term of the Executive Management Agreement between AQMD and Dr. James M. Lents ends July 31, 1997. At the May meeting, the Board considered a proposal to extend the Agreement. There were insufficient votes to take action. The item was continued for public hearing at the June meeting at which testimony was received and the public hearing was closed. There were insufficient votes to take action and therefore, by operation of District rules, this item was continued for consideration at the July 11, 1997 Board meeting.

Committee:

Administrative, April 18, 1997, Recommended for Approval Administrative, May 23, 1997, Recommended Public Hearing

Recommended Action:

Authorize the Chairman of the Board to execute an Executive Management Agreement with Dr. James M. Lents.

Jon D. Mikels
Chairman of the Board

Dr. James M. Lents has demonstrated outstanding leadership and integrity as the Executive Officer. During the last three years, he has successfully implemented all the Board's initiatives to streamline operations and reform the District's working relationships with its clients. As a result of his vision and administration, the South Coast AQMD has become the world leader in using market incentive programs to lower the cost of cleaning the air and the region has made significant progress in obtaining clean air. Dr. Lents is a well respected scientist and has demonstrated repeatedly his ability to effectively manage the agency and engender consensus among the regulated and environmental communities we serve. He understands and very capably implements the Board’s directives to balance environmental and economic interests. He has sustained excellence in staff performance, in spite of increasing federal mandates and decreasing resources. The Chairman of the Board and the Administrative Committee recommended renewal of the Executive Officer’s contract at the April 18, 1997 Administrative Committee meeting and, at the May 23, 1997 Administrative Committee meeting it was recommended that this item be set for public hearing June 13, 1997. A public hearing was held June 13, testimony was received, and the hearing was closed. There were insufficient votes to take action and therefore, by operation of District rules, this item was continued for consideration at the July 11, 1997 Board meeting.

Proposal

Authorize the Chairman of the Board to execute a modification to the Executive Officer’s contract to extend its term from August 1, 1997 through July 31, 2000.

Fiscal Impacts

Sufficient funds are budgeted in FY 1996-97 budget and will be included in future budgets.

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