South Coast Air Quality Management District

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Administrative Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Administrative Committee met Friday, August 11, 2000, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the September 15, 2000 Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, September 8, 2000, at 9:30 a.m. in Conference room CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Norma J. Glover, Chair
Administrative Committee

Attendance:
Present were Committee Chair Norma Glover, Board Member Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley and, via teleconference, Chairman William Burke. Mayor Ron Loveridge arrived at 9:55 a.m. Absent were Board Members Hal Bernson, Cynthia Coad, and Roy Wilson. Vice Chair Glover appointed Dr. Burke as an ad hoc committee member for this meeting only.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. Chairman’s Report of Approved Travel: Barry Wallerstein, Executive Officer, reported that Chairman Burke approved a request for Leonard Paulitz to travel to San Francisco, CA on August 2-3 to attend a League of California Cities Environmental Quality Committee meeting.
   
   
2. Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s): None to report.
   
   
3. Out-of-Country Travel: None to report.
   
   
4. Discussion Regarding Expense Claim Procedure for Board Members per the Administrative Code: Ms. Glover requested an explanation of the changes to the procedure. Dr. Wallerstein explained staff has made recommendations to simplify and consolidate issues previously raised by various Board Members. These changes are being provided to the Governing Board for consideration. Moved by Glover, seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley, and unanimously recommended for approval.

SEPTEMBER AGENDA ITEMS:

5. Recognize and Appropriate Grant Funds from EPA for Rural Air Toxics Monitoring: Mel Zeldin, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer, Science & Technology Advancement, explained that Congress appropriated $3 million for an air toxics monitoring program and EPA developed a one-year pilot study to establish a network across the country. The $3 million is being apportioned to four urban and six rural areas. AQMD has one such area – San Jacinto near Hemet. EPA has agreed to provide $143,000 for a one-year period to monitor the San Jacinto area and staff is requesting the Board recognize and appropriate the funds upon receipt. The total $3 million will be divided into approximately $2 million to be used for four urban areas, $800,000 for the six rural areas, and the remainder for data analysis. Vice Chair Glover asked if AQMD was aggressive in obtaining the funds and Mr. Zeldin answered affirmatively and stated that because of the work completed on the MATES Study by AQMD, other urban areas now have these funds available for their studies. Mr. Zeldin added that because of his participation on the STAPPA/ALAPCO Funding Committee, which interacts with EPA, he was instrumental in providing our agency’s views concerning the utilization of the Section 105 Grant funds available to state and local agencies. Vice Chair Glover requested AQMD be aggressive in the future in seeking additional money to what is initially offered. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
6. Establish List of Prequalified Vendors to Provide Library Services and Supplies: Mark Henninger, Manager of Information Technology, explained that this item was to establish a prequalified vendor list to acquire supplies and services for the library. The RFP was released in June with five responses received; all were qualified. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
7. Review September 15, 2000, Governing Board Agenda: Dr. Wallerstein informed the Committee of the following changes to the agenda:
   
   ADDITIONS
   
   
   • Executive Officer Proposal for Expenditure of Increased State Subvention Funding
     
     
   In addition, Dr. Wallerstein explained with respect to Rule 1194, a meeting was held yesterday with Association Co-op Directors regarding commitments being made to AQMD regarding information being provided. Dr. Wallerstein stated that staff would recommend to the Board to approve all the provisions of the rule at the August 18 Board meeting, except for the portion relating to taxicabs, which can be discussed at October’s Board meeting.
   
   Mr. John Billheimer, Small Business Coalition of Southern California, requested clarifications relative to Proposed Rule 1131, Food Manufacturing and Processing Operations, and the cost-effectiveness criteria contained in the recent SIP Settlement.

AUGUST AGENDA ITEMS:

8. Authorize the Executive Officer to Amend Contracts for California Environmental Quality Act Analysis Assistance: Jack Broadbent, Deputy Executive Officer, Planning, Rules, and Area Sources, explained that four contracts authorized by the Board in January 2000 are being requested to be augmented for additional CEQA work in the amount of $179,000. (LaPisto-Kirtley moved, Glover seconded, and unanimously approved.)
   
   
9. AQMD’s Comments on EPA’s Draft Revised Guidance for Investigating Title VI Complaints Regarding Permits and Draft Guidance for Agencies Receiving EPA Funds: Barbara Baird, District Counsel, explained that comments made by Vice Chair Glover during yesterday’s Home Rule Advisory Group meeting are being incorporated into the Board letter regarding Title VI. Title VI is a federal statute which prohibits agencies receiving federal funding from discriminating in the administration of their program on the basis of race or national origin. EPA issued guidance on this subject, and comments are being proposed by staff as detailed in the Board letter. Two key points are made by staff, as follows: (1) a method should be developed to support local agencies which have proactive programs to reduce environmental justice impacts. AQMD’s response is to support EPA’s effort and request the concept be broadened to support local government programs in providing a more efficient manner to resolve complaints and provide quicker dismissal even if an agreement between permitting agencies and residents of an area has not been adopted. Ms. Glover requested local governments be involved in the process relating to zoning requirements and control over land use. (2) EPA should provide a proactive outreach effort to educate local government officials as to their role in what impacts environmental justice effects their decisions may have and involving them in the investigation process of complaints. A summary of environmental groups’ negative comments regarding EPA’s guidance is also included in the Board letter. The Energy Commission is also involved with the environmental justice issues regarding the location of a new power plant in South Gate. Ms. Baird requested the Board’s support of staff comments. Vice Chair Glover commended Ms. Baird on the preparation of the report. (LaPisto-Kirtley moved, seconded by Glover, and unanimously approved by the Committee.)
   
   
10. Executive Officer Proposal for Expenditure of Increased State Subvention Funding: Dr. Wallerstein explained that this report refers to AQMD’s receipt of an additional $3 million for subvention funding, but the language in the bill limits the use of funds for compliance and enforcement purposes. Mayor Loveridge asked how the increase evolved, and Dr. Wallerstein explained that the subvention has not been increased in 20 years. Two years ago AQMD requested, via legislative action and with CAPCOA’s assistance, an increase in subvention funds, which was initially vetoed by the Governor. Mayor Loveridge asked why the Governor decided to approve the funding the second year, and Dr. Wallerstein explained that the Governor’s rationale for vetoing the funds the first year was that APCDs were requested to increase their fees, but AQMD stated that fees were sufficiently increased already. Dr. Wallerstein stated that the increase in subvention funds could likely be continued into the future and will be used to hire an additional 12 permitting engineers, 4 inspectors, replace laboratory equipment for analysis purposes, implement compliance assistance programs relating to dry cleaners and outreach, and provide education related to various programs to ensure compliance. He added that a formal list will be prepared and provided at the September Board meeting for consideration.
    
    Vice Chair Glover asked if CAPCOA funds are built into the budget as a continued item and Allan Lind, AQMD’s Sacramento lobbyist, explained that the budget items signed by the Governor are treated as a baseline for next year’s budget, which could possibly leave the additional subvention funds in the FY 2001-02 budget cycle. Dr. Wallerstein stated that a cost of living adjustment will be requested to increase funds, and Mr. Lind stated that all APCDs have agreed to request this adjustment, but that ARB could possibly limit any additional increases until FY 2002-03. Dr. Wallerstein suggested to CAPCOA agencies to utilize the funds in such a manner that will justify the continuation of the funds for future years.
    
    
11. Other Business: None.
    
    
12. Public Comment: None.

Chair Glover adjourned the meeting at 10:16 a.m.

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