South Coast Air Quality Management District

Administrative Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Administrative Committee met Friday, May 18, 2001, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the June 15, 2001, Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, June 8, 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 Board Member Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley. Also in attendance were Chairman Burke and Board Member Roy Wilson (via videoteleconference). Absent were Board Members Ron Loveridge and Hal Bernson. Chair Glover appointed Dr. Burke as an ad hoc Committee Member for this meeting only.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. Board Member Concerns: None.
   
   
2. Chairman’s Report of Approved Travel: Barry Wallerstein, Executive Officer, reported that Chairman Burke approved the following travel: Norma Glover to meet with FERC, administration officials, and congressional members and staff regarding the electricity crisis and other air-quality related issues in Washington, DC on May 23-25. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
3. Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s): Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta has requested approval of an additional Board Assistant, David Chou, effective today. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
4. Out-of-Country Travel: Dr. Wallerstein reported that Chairman Burke approved the following out-of-country travel: Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta to attend the 11^th Canadian Hydrogen Conference titled "Building the Hydrogen Economy" to be held in Victoria, British Columbia on June 17-20. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
5. Report on Goals & Objectives Regarding Issue RFP for Community Outreach Program Assistance: Oscar Abarca, Assistant DEO/Public Affairs, explained that the Committee members requested this issue be revisited at the next Administrative Committee meeting to present further explanation of the evaluation process. Dr. Burke stated that he had extended an invitation to ARB to participate by co-funding this project in the interest of mutual community outreach goals, but felt this was unlikely. He also suggested the Administrative Committee members interview the final candidates for reaching each of the three targeted communities. If this does not produce sufficient candidates, the RFP should be reissued. Dr. Wallerstein noted that for a separate contract to provide assistance on media outreach, staff convened a panel with outside participants to review the RFP and oral interviews were conducted by the Administrative Committee for the final 3-4 firms. Dr. Wallerstein asked if Dr. Burke intended the same process be used for this RFP. There was discussion on whether there should be a selection made for each ethnic community (Hispanic, African-American, and Asian) under consideration. Dr. Wallerstein explained that an RFP was issued where any company could respond for all three outreach efforts, but some companies have more expertise in a given area due to their specialty. Therefore, some firms may respond in a manner that only deals with certain ethnic groups where others may include all requested ethnic groups. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked Dr. Burke how a firm would be selected and whether the company would have to decide if they would reach out to a certain ethnic group or all three. Dr. Burke responded that, in his personal experience, no firm could be sensitive in all three ethnic categories and that the firms selected should be specialized in a certain area. Dr. Wallerstein stated his recommendation would be to convene a panel, have staff review the proposals, and when the final applicants are interviewed by the Administrative Committee, a different approach may be taken. Mrs. Glover stated that in her experience, public relations firms would claim to be able to handle all ethnicities. Dr. Burke agreed with Dr. Wallerstein that staff should proceed with the review of proposals and forward two for each ethnic category for the Administrative Committee to interview at the June 8 Administrative Committee meeting. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
6. Status Report on AQMD’s International Conference: Tim Brown, Public Advisor, stated that in March 2000 the Governing Board set a goal to host an international conference. An RFP was issued and Cerrell & Associates was selected by the Administrative Committee to provide assistance with the conference. The conference will be held at the Disneyland Hotel on November 5 & 6, and include a technology tour to be held at UC Irvine on November 4. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked staff to check whether November 6 is an Election Day. Mr. Brown provided the details of the conference. Dr. Chung Liu, DEO/Science & Technology Advancement, briefed the Committee members on the proposed agenda and stated all speakers have not been confirmed, but staff would like to request the Governing Board to assist in moderating panels during the conference. Mrs. Glover requested translation services in various languages be provided to attendees to ensure a successful conference. Dr. Burke agreed, stating that the registration can indicate which languages would be needed. Ms. Anita Saunders, Cerrell & Associates, explained that a previous conference she handled worked very well with simultaneous translation. She stated that $100,000 has already been received for sponsorships, toward a minimum goal of $150,000. A list of 5,545 contacts has been accumulated for the conference, including the Department of Commerce and California overseas offices in Korea, United Kingdom, South Africa, Israel, and Germany. Ms. Saunders said the information has also been published in the Public Advisor and placed on several websites. The 7,500 "Save the Date" notices will be printed in AQMD’s Print Shop and mailed out by next week, and the title of the conference will be changed to better suit an international audience.

JUNE AGENDA ITEMS

7. Execute Contract to Purchase Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer for Measurement of Metals in Particulate Matter: Mel Zeldin, Asst. DEO/Science & Technology Advancement, explained that this is a new instrument for metals analysis of particulates to replace technology that is 15 years old. By using subvention funds, the equipment will be purchased from Leco Corporation for $249,861. Moved by Glover, seconded by Burke, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
8. Appoint Medical, Public, and Alternate Members to AQMD Hearing Board: Jackie Dix, Clerk of the Boards, stated that the terms of the Hearing Board members are ending June 30. The Advisory Group reviewed 27 resumes and recommends Joseph Auerbach be appointed as medical member, with James Hansen as an alternate; Marti Klein and Barry Read as public members, with Sharon Morris and Tom Eichhorn as alternates. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley; seconded by Burke, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
9. Amend Contracts with Applied Knowledge, Inc., R Systems, Inc., and Windsor Technologies, Inc. to Provide Short- and Long-Term Systems Development and Support Services: Chris Marlia stated that a revised Board letter would include a request from Engineering & Compliance for a web-based notification and reporting system in the contract to be purchased with subvention funds, which were just received. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
10. Establish List of Prequalified Vendors to Provide Computer, Network, Printer and Related Services: Mr. Marlia explained that a prequalified vendor list with 41 companies was established after reviewing proposals for hardware and software for AQMD’s various computer systems. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
    
11. ARB’s Subvention Program Audit of AQMD for FY 1999-00: Rick Pearce, Chief Financial Officer, stated that the California Air Resources Board annually audits AQMD’s subvention funds. The audit determines if the money was used properly; this audit awarded an opinion of Unqualified, the highest rating. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
    
12. Review June 15, 2001, Governing Board Agenda: Dr. Wallerstein stated that a slightly revised agenda has been provided to members. Moved by Burke, seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley, and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
    
13. Other Business: Mrs. Glover stated that Oscar Abarca, Asst. DEO/Public Affairs, and she reviewed the functions of various committees which have public members assigned to them. She is requesting Ron Loveridge, Oscar Abarca, Greg Adams, Lee Wallace, and Bill LaMarr to review that the approved appointment and agenda process is being followed by each committee. She recommended using the Home Rule Advisory Group as a good example of an effective committee. Dr. Wallerstein suggested convening a roundtable discussion and broadening the participation by including the Small Business Alliance and environmental community groups. Mrs. Glover stated there is very little participation by the environmentalists. Dr. Wallerstein stated that this is even more reason to solicit their feedback. Mrs. Glover requested Mr. Abarca to convene the roundtable.
    
    
14. Public Comment: Ms. Rita Loof of RadTech requested pollution prevention methods be presented, as well as control technology, at the upcoming international conference and stated that her company could assist AQMD with their contacts in Japan, South America, and Europe.
    
    John Billheimer stated he hoped staff would discuss the pros and cons of small business definitions included in Rule 102 and that there are serious matters regarding the availability of exempt VOC compounds in Rule 102. Dr. Wallerstein stated that a CEQA analysis would be required in order to comply with Mr. Billheimer’s request and there is inadequate time to do so, but that he would have staff evaluate the matter. Dr. Wallerstein stated that the set hearing for Rule 102 will be postponed. He also stated that a succinctly written brochure would better assist small businesses with various discounts available to them, instead of a mere list of small business definitions. Dr. Burke agreed this is a more effective method of providing service to this sector.

Meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

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