South Coast Air Quality Management District

Administrative Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Administrative Committee met Friday, December 8, 2000, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the January 19, 2001, Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, February 9, 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 Committee Chair Norma Glover and, via videoteleconference, Board Member Roy Wilson. Absent were Board Chair William A. Burke and Board Members Ronald Loveridge, Hal Bernson, Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley, and Cynthia Coad. Supervisor Wilson joined the meeting at 9:37 a.m.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. Chairman’s Report of Approved Travel: Barry Wallerstein, Executive Officer, reported that Chairman Burke approved the following travel: Norma Glover’s attendance at the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy Roundtable to discuss the current energy crisis as it relates to air pollution in the State of California, to be held in La Quinta, CA on December 10-12, 2000. Mrs. Glover requested that the minutes reflect that the Governing Board is working in concert with other groups to ensure new energy resources are brought on-line in the State of California.
   
   
2. Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s): None.
   
   
3. Out-of-Country Travel: None.
   
   
4. Discussion Regarding Establishing a Personnel Committee: Dr. Wallerstein stated that Board Member Paulitz requested the Governing Board establish a Personnel Committee, which Dr. Burke did on November 27, when he appointed Vice Chair Norma Glover, Board Member Jane Carney, and himself to said Committee. Dr. Wallerstein suggested a memo be addressed to the other Board Members requesting their input be provided and directed to the Committee’s attention. Mrs. Glover requested an item be placed on the Administrative Committee agenda each month whereby Board Members may bring their concerns. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item. Those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.
   
   
5. Discussion Regarding Developing a Mechanism to Evaluate the Annual Performance of Executive Officer and District Counsel: Dr. Wallerstein explained that Dr. Burke requested staff to survey other agencies in the jurisdiction of the agency to see what mechanisms are used to evaluate the performance of the positions of Executive Officer and District Counsel. Dr. Wallerstein stated that the Administrative Committee will develop a mechanism to be brought back to the Governing Board for recommendation. Mrs. Glover suggested obtaining data from representative cities and counties in the South Coast Basin. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item. Those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.
   
   
6. Discussion Regarding Travel Agency Services: Rick Pearce, Chief Financial Officer, stated that Dr. Burke expressed concern regarding the performance of AQMD’s current travel provider. Mr. Pearce stated that based on staff’s responses, there was general satisfaction, although staff mentioned that voice mail was the only method of communication the current travel agency used and the pricing of airline tickets was not always the lowest. Other agencies were contacted to see if a master agreement is available, but AQMD is not eligible to affiliate with state or federal programs. After surveying various organizations, it was found that Los Angeles County employs full-time staff members who make all travel arrangements. Mr. Pearce stated staff recommends an RFP be released in January or February for travel agency services to select a vendor who can provide higher-level performance. Mrs. Glover asked if in-house personnel were ever used at AQMD to coordinate travel services. Mr. Pearce responded that currently $7-8,000 is paid annually for services for AQMD’s actual travel expenditures of $200,000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item. Those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.
   
   
7. Discussion Regarding Board Member Consultants’ Hourly Rate of Pay: Dr. Wallerstein stated that last month Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta requested staff review the hourly rates offered to existing Board Member Assistants/Consultants. He stated that a comparison was made of hourly wages of internal staff against Board Member Assistant/Consultants categories, which do not carry benefits. Mrs. Glover commended staff for making this comparison. Dr. Wallerstein added that the high-end pay for Board Member Consultants is comparable to the Planning & Rules Manager position which supervises 15-50 employees. Board Member Roy Wilson recommended the pay rate for Board Assistants and Consultants is appropriate, Dr. Wallerstein stated the minutes will be reflected as such, and Mrs. Glover added that the hourly comparison be included in the minutes. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item. Those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.

DECEMBER AGENDA ITEMS:

8. Issue RFP for Media Relations/Public Relations Services: Oscar Abarca, Assistant DEO/Public Affairs & Transportation Programs, stated that due to the increase in various rulemaking adoptions, an RFP be released to hire a public relations firm for media outreach in the amount of $120,000 per year with an option to renew the contract for an additional year. Dr. Wallerstein explained that the media consultant selected would provide AQMD with on-call assistance on press releases, interviews, media outreach, and advertising. For the past four months, on a trial basis, AQMD has been using a similar approach with a consultant to augment staff’s efforts and assist Board Members with media interviews. Dr. Wallerstein suggested the Administrative Committee interview the top candidates for selection, and Mr. Wilson suggested the top two candidates be interviewed only if they are competitive. Mrs. Glover concurred. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item. Those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.

JANUARY AGENDA ITEMS:

9. Audit for FY Ended June 30, 2000: Mr. Pearce introduced Grace Yuen, partner at Simpson & Simpson, who stated that AQMD has received an unqualified opinion on the audit that has just been completed which made only a few operational improvement suggestions. Dr. Wallerstein explained that AQMD has reduced expenditures by using tight spending controls, and that additional income was received from emission sources which previously underestimated and underpaid their emission fees.
   
   Mrs. Glover asked what the status was of the subvention moneys to be provided by CAPCOA. Dr. Wallerstein explained that the $3 million is tied to enforcement and compliance activities which could increase Permit Processing staff, but that ARB recommended staff not be hired unless those individuals are restricted to review of permit conditions upon annual renewal of the permits. Dr. Wallerstein is in discussion with CAPCOA members, who would like to meet with ARB Executive Officer Mike Kenny to obtain a broader view of his interpretation of the use of the funds. Dr. Wallerstein and Mrs. Glover both expressed concern with regards to obtaining the funds soon, prior to fiscal year end. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item.
   
   
10. Appropriate Funds from Undesignated Fund Balance for CEQA Work: Jack Broadbent, DEO/Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources, explained there has been an increase in CEQA projects where AQMD serves as the lead agency, and additional funds are being sought to continue working through the end of the fiscal year. The $250,000 designated for this purpose would enable existing CEQA staff to be augmented by contractor support. Mrs. Glover added that, based on recent discussions and presentations she participated in, it is felt that CEQA personnel will become more involved in land-use issues relating to air quality. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item. Those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.
    
    
11. Report on Major Projects for Information Management Scheduled to Start During Last Six Months of FY 2000-01: Chris Marlia, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer of Information Management, stated that this report informs the Board Members of the type of projects expected to be approved between January and June 30, 2001. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item.
    
    
12. Authorize Purchase of Desktop Operating System Upgrades and Back Office Client Maintenance: Mr. Marlia explained that in order for AQMD to efficiently utilize software currently on employees’ hard drives, the desktop operating system requires upgrading to Microsoft Windows 2000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item. Those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.
    
    
13. Execute Contract for Privitization of Portions of Annual Emissions Report Program: Ms. Chang stated that staff is recommending that a contract be executed in the amount of $390,000 to Ecotek to assist staff in auditing facilities for the annual emissions reporting program. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item. Those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.
    
    
14. Review January 19, 2001, Governing Board Agenda: Dr. Wallerstein informed the Committee of the following changes to the agenda:
    
    Add:
    
    Agenda Title (#2738): Report on Potential Backstop Measures to Stabilize NOx Reclaim Trading Credits Prices:
    
    Agenda Synopsis: During the year 2000, the price of NOx RECLAIM Trading Credits (RTCs) traded in the RECLAIM market increased sharply from the previous years. The average price of 1999 and 2000 NOx RTCs increased above the backstop level of $15,000 per ton specified in Rule 2015 – Backstop Provisions. Rule 2015, Subdivision (d) requires the Executive Officer, upon discovery, propose that the Governing Board amend the program to address any specific problems. This report examines the issues associated with the recent increase in NOx RTC prices and makes recommendations for program improvements that may reduce and stabilize NOx RTC prices. The Stationary Source Committee reviewed this item on December 1, 2000, and recommended for approval.
    
    
15. Other Business: None.
    
    
16. Public Comment: John Billheimer, Small Business Coalition of Southern California, requested AQMD be cautious in its treatment of PCBTF, which is a chemical used in top coat and furniture products.

Mrs. Glover adjourned the meeting at 10:26 a.m.

/ / /