The Administrative Committee met Friday, July 13, 2001, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the August 17, 2001, Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, August 10, 2001, at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room CC-8.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive and file.
Norma J. Glover, Chair
Administrative Committee
Attendance: Present were Board Members Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley and Ron Loveridge. Also in attendance were Chairman Burke and Board Member Roy Wilson (via videoteleconference). Absent were Vice Chair Glover and Board Member Hal Bernson. Board Member LaPisto-Kirtley was appointed by Dr. Burke as the Chair for this meeting only and Board Members Burke and Verdugo-Peralta were appointed as ad hoc members for this meeting only.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Board Member Concerns: None.
Chairman’s Report of Approved Travel: Barry Wallerstein, Executive Officer, reported that Chairman Burke approved the following travel: Mrs. Glover’s attendance at the EPA public meeting regarding national energy policy and NSR reform on July 12 in Sacramento, CA, as well as her travel to Lake Tahoe, CA on July 30-August 3 to attend a CCEEB Annual Summer Conference; and Ms. Verdugo-Peralta’s attendance at the California Fuel Cell Partnership meeting held in Sacramento, CA on July 16-18. Moved by Burke, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s): None.
Out-of-Country Travel: Dr. Wallerstein stated staff has received an invitation from the Chilean Government to speak on AQMD’s MATES II Study and monitoring and toxic air contaminants relative to diesel exhaust. The Chilean Government will be reimbursing AQMD for travel expenses for Dr. Jean Ospital, who will be making the presentation during the August 5-9 trip. Moved by Burke, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
Report on Distribution of Moneys from AB 2766 Fees: Kathryn Higgins, Program Supervisor in Transportation Programs, explained that this report includes the subvention fund program (funds subvened to cities, moneys expended by local governments, and emission reductions and cost effectiveness of dollars spent), the discretionary program (coordinated through MSRC to reduce vehicle emissions by awarding contracts through a competitive bidding process), and the AQMD program (which includes monitoring, planning, and research to reduce mobile source emissions).
Ms. Higgins explained that $40 million was collected through AB 2766 from DMV during Fiscal Year 1999-00, whereupon $16.2 million (40%) was distributed to local governments, $12.2 million (30%) to AQMD, and $12.2 million (30%) to MSRC. AB 2766 was signed into law in September 1990 whereby $2 per vehicle registration was authorized as a motor vehicle surcharge (subsequently increased to $4). The $16.2 million was distributed to the 157 cities and counties with 100% of the localities reporting back to AQMD for annual reporting. The majority of money has been used for transportation demand management, alternative fuels/electric vehicles, and traffic management projects. Based on data received , there have been significant emission reductions from the implementation of this program, tracked by the electronic reporting mechanism provided by CARB and automatically calculated. Since 1997 to 2000, the emissions reductions have increased from 778 to 4,476 tons per year.
Staff continues to work with CARB providing proactive assistance with technical data, as well as information for local governments to implement these projects, annual training sessions, ongoing technical guidance and consultations, user friendly reporting mechanisms, and policy clarification. The improvements achieved so far include more efficient expenditure of funds, drastically improved emission reductions, improved reporting due to the use of automatic calculations, increased cost effectiveness of funds expended, an increase in funds earmarked for future spending, and decreased fund balances after earmarking. The report will be submitted to the Governing Board on July 20 and, subsequently, to
CARB.
Mayor Loveridge asked if AQMD staff or cities have had frustrations in making this program work in utilizing the funds, and Ms. Higgins responded there has been a battle to maintain the level of progress, due to heavy staff turnover among cities. Mayor Loveridge also asked if the regional organizations or COGs have also been contacted regarding this program, and Ms. Higgins answered they have, which has been very helpful.
Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked if the cities have been provided with guidelines in order to spend funds that are earmarked for desired projects. She is concerned that cities are using the money to pay for dues. Rick Pearce, Chief Financial Officer, stated that the moneys are to be recorded and accounted for in the COG’s trust fund for air quality purposes only. He stated that all four COGs were audited four months ago with one being found that had not established a trust fund for air quality programs, but the situation was rectified.
Mr. Pearce explained that the COGs, similar to joint powers authority, with cities pooling their money to complete air quality projects for designated cities. Mayor Loveridge stated he would like to see the difference between cities that are represented by COGs and ones that are not. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley requested a copy of the list of COGS that have been audited regarding this program. Dr. Wallerstein stated that a memo would be provided to the Committee regarding this request.
Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked if AQMD is close to their goal of obtaining improvement in AB 2766 outreach. Dr. Wallerstein stated that based on cost effectiveness, the value is good, and Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked what a reasonable amount was. Dr. Wallerstein stated that a reasonable range, as stated by Ms. Higgins, is based on the money distributed divided by the population, but he would like to see additional progress being made regarding a number of cities obtaining small increments with larger projects in mind. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked if cities could pool their resources together to implement projects, and Mr. Pearce answered that cities have previously collaborated together. Dr. Wallerstein stated that the unspent money is earmarked for projects.
JULY AGENDA ITEMS
Establish List of Prequalified Providers of Temporary Employment Services: Eudora Tharp, Assistant DEO/Administrative & Human Resources, stated that a list of prequalified providers for temporary employment services is being brought back for approval in response to last month’s request from Dr. Burke for additional information regarding whether minority firms had responded to the RFP. Ms. Tharp stated that even though the companies were not required to supply this information, of those that are being recommended, eight were minority woman-owned, four were woman-owned businesses, four were minority-owned businesses, and one was a minority disabled-veteran-owned business, making 38% of firms being recommended M/W/DVBE firms. The numbers could have been higher since the information was not required and some firms that qualified may not have reported it. Moved by Wilson, seconded by Verdugo-Peralta, and unanimously recommended for approval.
Report on AQMD Performance Audit for FY Ending June 2000: Dr. Wallerstein stated that this item is being continued to the August 10, 2001, Administrative Committee meeting.
Modify Marine Vessels Contract Awards and Allocate Funds to Source Test Marine Vessels: Chung Liu, DEO/Science and Technology Advancement, explained that due to new requirements of Rule 1630.1, vessels are required to be in South Coast’s waters 100% of the time, to be equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) and data logger systems to verify their location, and engine emissions are to be source tested to qualify for emissions reduction. Two contracts are being awarded. Dr. Wallerstein stated by exclusion of vessels operating part-time outside of AQMD’s waters, AQMD ends up losing potentially viable emission reductions. It will be necessary for AQMD to negotiate with EPA for flexibility on these vessels with GPS and data loggers.
Dr. Liu stated that because of the significant amount of money at stake, there is a concern regarding boat owners not having insurance coverage, therefore AQMD will require a letter of credit to cover the cost of the engine. Dr. Burke stated that he felt this was an infeasible concept for tugboat owners. Dr. Wallerstein stated that he would have an AQMD attorney contact Dr. Burke regarding this issue and revise the Board letter based on the discussion. On another matter, Dr. Burke also requested that in the future Wave Publications be added to reach the Hispanic, African-American, and Asian communities regarding advertising future RFPs. On the current item, Mayor Loveridge asked why only two companies were listed on the attachment as receiving contracts, and Dr. Liu stated these are the only two contractors who specialize in this area and submitted the applications for a large number of vessel owners. Moved by Loveridge, seconded by Burke, and unanimously recommended for approval.
Award Multiple Contracts for Natural Gas Refueling Station Infrastructure: Dr. Liu explained that $4.6 million is being allocated for natural gas refueling station infrastructure, with 53 proposals received requesting $13.5 million worth of projects. Dr. Liu stated that at last month’s Board meeting there were complaints to Board Members that odors were being emitted at one fueling location; staff believes a portion of these awards will go toward resolving this problem. Ms.
Verdugo-Peralta stated she would like to propose an amendment to this proposal to include the review of the 17 sites as being compatible with hydrogen, for future cost effectiveness. She continued that this would advance hydrogen technology with AQMD being the first to do so, and eliminate the argument from the automobile companies that no infrastructure is available, therefore, automobiles could not be manufactured using this technology. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked if there was additional money for hydrogen to be added without subtracting from other projects, and Dr. Liu stated that $1 million is currently allocated for hydrogen-related projects, but there is no cost estimate yet for this proposal. Dr. Wallerstein stated that staff and consultants visiting the sites where infrastructure will be built could suggest, as appropriate, that adequate room be left for augmentations and availability for hydrogen components. Ms.
Verdugo-Peralta stated that Sunline has already had good results by offering these fuels together.
The discussion continued to include the sites where the combination fuels could be implemented. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley stated that we should be careful not to place technology out there before we’re really ready to use it. Ms.
Verdugo-Peralta stated she spoke to the Department of Energy regarding their providing funding for this project. There was no amended motion made at this time. Dr. Burke asked if costs associated with the motion would be provided, and Ms.
Verdugo-Peralta stated the information will be made available prior to the Board meeting. Moved by Wilson, seconded by Burke, and unanimously recommended for approval.
AUGUST AGENDA ITEMS
Amend Contract with Cal Poly Pomona Foundation Inc. for Student Cooperative Program: Mel Zeldin, Assistant DEO/Science & Technology Advancement, stated that through this contract, requested to be funded through June 2003, very bright students have been assisting AQMD as student workers. Mayor Loveridge asked how the schools were selected. Mr. Zeldin stated there is no limitation to using Cal Poly for this program, and that a previous contract was also initiated through Cal State Fullerton for similar services. Mayor Loveridge asked what specific duties the students perform, and Mr. Zeldin answered the students assist employees with cleaning laboratory equipment and observe and gain knowledge regarding the duties involved. The student workers have expressed positive experiences with this program. Mayor Loveridge asked what is the objective of this program, and Mr. Zeldin stated the program is to afford these chemistry students an opportunity to learn in a real-world laboratory environment.
Dr. Burke stated he had a concern that not enough minorities were being represented by this program, and Mr. Pearce mentioned that the Finance Division has also benefited from a similar program, and that several minority students have worked in accounting.
Dr. Burke asked what gives Cal Poly the exclusive expertise to perform these duties. Dr. Liu explained that Cal Poly was selected due to its proximity to AQMD and has a very strong chemistry department. Ms. Verdugo-Peralta added that during the three lab tours she has taken, she has been introduced to a number of minority student workers. She added she would like to know the ethnic breakdown, and suggested the program include as many students from as many universities as possible so as not to eliminate other talented students throughout the basin. Dr. Burke requested a breakdown of the schools the students come from, how many minorities have participated, and what ethnic groups they belong to. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked if Dr. Burke was trying to implement this program with a certain percentage from each minority group, and Dr. Burke responded that he would like to see this program applied equitably. Mayor Loveridge stated he was concerned with the geographical coverage. Dr. Wallerstein stated student workers clean equipment and wash bottles in the laboratory but are able to observe AQMD employees performing analyses, and that the benefit is primarily to AQMD rather than the students. Currently Cal Poly has a Foundation which acts as an employment agency to supply student workers from various schools to agencies such as
AQMD.
Dr. Wallerstein continued that the other Student Intern Program, implemented through Dr. Burke’s Children’s Air Quality Initiatives, was initiated throughout the four-county region to interest students in the air pollution control fields. Dr. Wallerstein suggested this item be delayed one month to provide supplemental historical information to the Committee members. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked how many hours the students work, and Mr. Zeldin answered 20 per week. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley commented that this explains why Cal Poly Pomona was chosen--the commute to Diamond Bar is not reasonable for students coming from other colleges. Mayor Loveridge pointed out that the program supports two students for a maximum of 20 hours per week at $7.50 per hour. Dr. Burke requested that a history of the program be provided. Moved by Wilson; seconded by Burke, and unanimously recommended for approval.
Execute Contract for Security Guard Services at Diamond Bar Headquarters: Ms. Tharp stated that the current contract expires in September. Eighteen proposals were received and staff recommends the contract be awarded to the highest-rated firm, which is a non-certified woman-owned, Brea-based business, Contract Security, Inc. The company has relevant experience, good references, and is from the local area, and would recruit locally and provide quicker service. Ms. Verdugo-Peralta asked if the current security personnel would change, and Ms. Tharp answered that new firms often take on existing workers. Mayor Loveridge asked who the current contract is with, and Ms. Tharp answered Elite, which was not rated as high by the panel. Mayor Loveridge asked how technical points were established, and Ms. Tharp answered that having comparable experience in a similar type of agency was one of the components. Ms. Tharp stated the three lowest-cost bids had problems with their references (there were problems working with the firm or the firms were not responsive to complaints made). Dr. Wallerstein stated that staff has a concern with Elite Services regarding responsiveness relative to their duties at AQMD. Dr. Burke asked if there were any minority-owned companies that responded to the RFP, and Ms. Tharp answered that there were several minority-owned companies, but they had significantly lower scores in the evaluation and received poor reports when their references were checked. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley noted that 6 of the 13 firms were minority owned. Moved by Loveridge; seconded by Burke, and unanimously recommended for approval.
Report of RFPs and RFQs Scheduled for Release in August: Mr. Pearce stated that two RFPs –Data Cabling Infrastructure Upgrade, and Qualify Classification and Compensation Study Services Providers—were being recommended for approval, with funding currently approved in the budget. One RFQ—Purchase Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer System—was being recommended for approval, which is funded by the State. Moved by Burke, seconded by Verdugo-Peralta, and unanimously recommended for approval.
Review August 17, 2001, Governing Board Agenda: Dr. Wallerstein stated that a supplemental Board letter to Execute Contract to Monitor Data from AQMD-Donated Microturbine Generators has been included.
Other Business: None.
Public Comment: None.
Meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
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August 13, 2004
URL: http://www.aqmd.gov/hb/2001/010822a.html
South Coast Air Quality Management District