BOARD MEETING DATE: August 13, 1999 AGENDA NO. 20
REPORT:
Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review
SYNOPSIS:
Below is a summary of key issues addressed at the MSRC’s July 22, 1999 meeting. The next MSRC meeting is Thursday, August 26, 1999, at 1:30 p.m. in AQMD Conference Room CC8.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive and file this report.
Norma J. Glover
AQMD Representative on MSRC
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the May 27, 1999, MSRC meeting were unanimously approved, with one amendment. The minutes are attached for your information (Attachment 1).
Legislative Update
Staff reported that the AQMD Board adopted a Support with Amendments position on Senate Bill 63 (Solis) despite the MSRC’s opposition to the bill. Since the bill is currently on the Governor’s desk for consideration, the MSRC asked that Chair Kleindienst contact the Governor regarding its concerns on SB 63.
Adjustments to the FY 1999-2000 Work Program
The MSRC’s FY 1999-2000 Work Program included $150,000 funding for land-use strategies. However, the MSRC decided against releasing a land-use strategies RFP this fiscal year primarily because of the complexities involved in this area. The Local Government Commission urged the MSRC to discuss land-use strategies with them and others in this field to seek information on the potential air quality benefits in this area. The MSRC agreed to do so in the fall during its planning phase for the next work program. Staff was also directed to compile a list of land-use projects the MSRC has funded to date, highlighting the more successful efforts, to review at that time as well. The $150,000 set aside for land-use strategies will be used to fund VMT projects this fiscal year.
In February, the MSRC released a $100,000 Light-Duty Vehicle Repair Program PON. Three responses were received, only one of which was eligible. A full proposal was requested by June 30, but the proposer has declined because of the co-funding requirements. Consequently, these funds are available for use in another category.
In March, the MSRC released a $3 million PON for innovative ZEV projects, providing up to a $5,000 incentive toward the purchase of ZEVs. The City of Palm Springs submitted a pre-proposal for 33 neighborhood light-duty vehicles which would be used on local streets and roads only. The pre-proposal requested the full funding of $5,000 for each $7,500 vehicle. However, based on factors such as mileage and incremental costs and a similar program introduced by the Sacramento AQMD, the ZEV Subcommittee recommended that a $1,000 incentive would be more equitable for these vehicles. Consequently, the City of Palm Springs revised its pre-proposal, requesting 50% co-funding for each vehicle. However, the MSRC supported the ZEV Subcommittee’s recommendation and is requesting that the City of Palm Springs, if they wish to move forward with the project, submit a full proposal with an incentive level not to exceed $1,000 per vehicle.
The application period for heavy-duty truck and transit projects closed July 30. Staff reported that more than $10 million has been solicited for heavy-duty truck projects and $22 million for clean fuels transit bus projects. The FY 1999-2000 Work Program included a target funding of $3.4 million for heavy-duty truck projects and $6 million for transit bus projects. The MSRC will consider funding these projects at its August 26 meeting.
Funding Recommendation for EVCharge Infrastructure Program Applications
The $2 million EVCharge Program is the second phase of funding for the installation of EV charging infrastructure in the Basin. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis using a streamlined application package that was previously approved by our Board. Applications are processed monthly (through the six-month application period which ends August 31, 1999). In June 3, our Board approved applications totaling $35,914.67. At this time the MSRC has approved 13 additional projects totaling $379,999.75. These 13 projects have been included on the August 13, 1999, Board agenda for its consideration.
Travel Expenses Relating to Program Implementation
The MSRC is frequently asked to speak at conferences and other events on its programs, successes and lessons learned. This provides the MSRC an opportunity to influence technology development intended to reduce motor vehicle emissions. To date, member agencies have paid for travel expenses for attendance at these events when possible. However, financial constraints of the member agencies have limited out-of-state travel. The MSRC’s Technical Advisory Committee recommended that the MSRC consider adopting a policy on travel as it relates to program implementation. The MSRC agreed and directed its TAC to develop a policy for the MSRC’s consideration. In the interim, the MSRC approved travel expenses not to exceed $3,500 from administrative funds for the MSRC chair to participate in a series of meetings with engine manufacturers in Indiana and Detroit at the end of July.
MSRC Administrative Support Staff
Over the past several years, the level and complexity of MSRC administrative contract management has increased. The recent management audit recognized incongruities between MSRC support staff positions and levels of responsibility, and recommended that the two support positions provided through AQMD staff be reclassified. The AQMD is currently in the midst of such a reclassification study. A third support staff person has been providing services for the last few years as a temporary employee through a contractor. In order to be consistent with the overall review of all MSRC administrative support staff, the MSRC considered whether the AQMD should hire a permanent full-time employee to staff this position rather than continue to retain a long-term temporary. The MSRC unanimously recommended a request that the AQMD hire a permanent full-time employee to provide this staff support.
Contract Modification Requests
The MSRC took the following unanimous actions on the requested contract modifications:
Contract Administrator Report
The MSRC's AB 2766 Contract Administrator provided a written status report on all fiscal year contracts including the Local Government Match Program. This Contract Administrator Report is attached for your information (Attachment 2).
1 - Approved May 27, 1999, MSRC Meeting Minutes
2 - Contract Administrator Report
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