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BOARD MEETING DATE: October 19, 2001 AGENDA NO. 30




REPORT: 

Administrative Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Administrative Committee met Friday, September 14, 2001, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the October 19, 2001, Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, October 12, 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 Chairman William Burke, Vice Chair Norma Glover, Board Members Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley, Jane Carney (who was appointed as an ad hoc Committee member for this meeting only), and Roy Wilson (via videoteleconference). Absent were Board Members Hal Bernson and Ron Loveridge.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

  1. Board Member Concerns: At Mrs. Glover’s request, Barry Wallerstein, Executive Officer, provided status on the $16 million state fund previously allocated for air districts to mitigate the emission effects of higher energy production levels. He had just been informed by CARB’s Executive Officer Mike Kenny that the funds were being returned to the state treasury, based on the assessment that cooler summer weather had reduced predicted power generation. Local air districts were to be reimbursed with ten percent of this money for their additional staff efforts related to the energy crisis, which had to be carried out irrespective of other factors such as weather. AQMD’s Chairman will be initiating contact with CARB’s Chairman regarding this issue.

  2. Chairman’s Report of Approved Travel: Dr. Wallerstein reported that Chairman Burke approved the following travel: Mrs. Glover’s attendance at the 19th National NGV Conference to be held in San Francisco on September 28-October 3; and Ms. Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta’s attendance at the August 26-27 California Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative meeting. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Burke, and unanimously recommended for approval.

  3. Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s): None.

  4. Out-of-Country Travel: Dr. Wallerstein stated that Jay Chen has been invited by the government of Taiwan to participate in discussions regarding VOC emissions and fee issues on October 29-November 9. Mr. Chen’s expenses will be paid by Taiwan and he will use personal vacation time to attend this meeting. Moved by Glover, seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley, and unanimously recommended for approval.

  5. Status Report on Outreach Program: Oscar Abarca, Assistant DEO/Public Affairs & Transportation Programs, stated that a baseline survey will be established to assess opinions of the public’s understanding regarding AQMD programs and the agency’s work related to key policy issues.

    Barbara Beck, Public Information Specialist, explained that Strategy Workshops’ subcontractor, Fairbank, Maslin, Maulin & Associates, is suggesting a benchmark survey be conducted of the four-county region for each ethnic group, asking 25-40 questions over the telephone in a 20-minute period, at a cost of $30,000-35,000.

    The Administrative Committee members requested staff to poll the community as a whole, to find out the cost to conduct a comprehensive evaluation, and authorize the Executive Officer to execute a contract to initiate the process.

    Dr. Wallerstein requested the Committee members clarify the specific areas the polling would emphasize. Committee members requested the following areas be reviewed: the perception and awareness of the community regarding AQMD’s mission, performance, expectations, differences in each ethnic group, sources perceived as air pollution problems, and the progress being made.

    Dr. Wallerstein asked if this issue was to be brought to the September 21 Board meeting for approval, and Mrs. Glover responded affirmatively. Moved by Burke, seconded by Glover, and unanimously approved by the Committee.

  6. Report on Publications Used for AQMD Public Notice Advertising: Rick Pearce, Chief Financial Officer, reported that Committee members requested a listing of publications used for AQMD public notice advertising. Mrs. LaPisto-Kirtley asked how many individuals were drawn by these advertisements, and Mr. Pearce answered that a survey conducted three years ago received 300 responses stating 11% received their information from the newspapers and 89% from direct mail from AQMD and the Internet. Of the 11% received from newspapers, 36% were from the Los Angeles Times and 17% from the Orange County Register, and 88 responses were received via Internet. Dr. Burke recommended that advertisements be posted on Internet to reduce the annual expenditure of $250,000, but Mrs. Carney stated that staff should be sensitive to individuals who do not own a computer but would like information regarding RFPs and employment opportunities. Mrs. LaPisto-Kirtley commented that possibly another survey may need to be conducted to determine current usage patterns.

SEPTEMBER AGENDA ITEMS:

  1. Report on AQMD Performance Audit for FY Ending June 2000: Mrs. Glover stated that Administrative Committee members requested the auditors to brief them on the recommendations made regarding the audit. Michael deCastro, Principal of Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio & Associates, thanked AQMD staff for their professionalism in performing this audit as required by state law. The report provides results for the last three fiscal years (1997-2000) in the following areas: follow-up of previous recommendations made, permit processing, information management, pollution control achievements, and compliance with laws and regulations required by the audit.

    Mr. deCastro stated significant improvements in streamlining permit processing have been accomplished, but continuous progress is needed with the constant support and effort of AQMD. A second recommendation was to go forward with a pilot project for remote sensing of super-emitter vehicles. Dr. Hoffman, Ph.D., Caltech, stated that he has been interacting with several agencies regarding remote sensing technology, which is currently available for implementation. Dr. Wallerstein stated that CARB is revising their Mobile Source Control Plan, which is integrated into the local AQMP, which will be brought to the AQMD Governing Board’s later this year or early next year. The plan will then be forwarded to CARB for vigorous review and the auditors have agreed to discuss this issue with CARB staff to promote the strategy with them.

    Patrick Gormley, Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio & Associates, stated that AQMD is at a strategic crossroads with mobile and stationary issues regarding air quality issues and suggested the pilot program be implemented in Southern California.

    Mrs. LaPisto-Kirtley asked how the vehicles would be targeted, and Mr. deCastro answered remote sensing is based on a beam placed on the side of the road, coupled with a monitor, to analyze the exhaust plume. Mrs. Glover commented that older, high-emitting vehicles are operated by low-income owners, and Mr. deCastro stated taxi fleets also have high-emitting vehicles.

    Dr. Burke stated that issues surrounding remote sensing are politically sensitive due to issues involving invasion of privacy. Mr. deCastro stated a smog check request could be issued to vehicles identified as super-emitters requiring they be repaired to ultimately improve air quality. Dr. Wallerstein stated a credit generating mechanism could be reimplemented to identify high-emitting vehicles, have the vehicles repaired or retired, thereby generating credits to benefit the environment; however, initiating this type of system would require CARB and EPA approval.

    Mrs. LaPisto-Kirtley asked when vehicles are brought up to par, what is the duration of the positive results. Mr. deCastro answered previous studies show 50% of the vehicles maintained their performance. Mrs. Glover asked if these issues could be resolved, and Dr. Wallerstein answered that if the Board approves the audit report, then the auditors will be requested to approach CARB on the issue of remote sensing.

    Carol Coy, DEO/Engineering & Compliance, explained that productivity has increased in processing permits, forms are in the process of redesign, and the backlog reduced with the assistance of temporary engineers.

    Dr. Wallerstein added that permits have been processed in a more timely manner, a standard permit format has been constructed, and the approval process has been shortened. He commented that the Certified Permit Processing Program has not been as effective as previously thought because the permits continue to be submitted through the regular channels even though the individuals submitting permits are familiar with the certification program. Dr. Wallerstein stated that an audit performed three years ago found the AB 2588 Air Toxics ‘Hotspots’ program to be out of compliance, but substantial progress has since been made.

    Mohsen Nazemi, Assistant DEO/Engineering & Compliance, explained that the number of permit applications received in 2000 compared to 1999 increased by 11% and it is projected that it will increase by another 35% in 2001. However, production rates have also increased by a greater percentage (26% in 2000, and 51% projected for 2001) . Dr. Burke asked if manpower or ability is the reason for additional time required to complete the backlog. Mr. Nazemi answered that both additional staffing and time are factors as new permit engineers require a period of training time before they are productive processors. Dr. Wallerstein explained that initially it was indicated that the backlog of permits could be eliminated by December 2001, but due to the time involved in recruitment of staff and the influx of permits, the initial goals should be reached by March 2002.

    There was discussion regarding the types of permits that have been on hold for extended period of time for various reasons as requested by the firms to avoid new best available control technology determinations. Dr. Wallerstein suggested these permits be canceled.

    Moved by Glover to forward report to the Board, seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley, and unanimously recommended for approval.

  2. Issue RFP for Legislative Consulting Services in Washington, DC and Request Approval to Extend Contract for Sacramento, CA Legislative Consulting Services under One-Year Renewal Option: Moved by Glover, seconded by Burke, and unanimously recommended for approval.

OCTOBER AGENDA ITEMS

  1. Issue RFP to Lease and Operate Childcare Center: Eudora Tharp, Assistant DEO/Administrative & Human Resources, stated that the current contract expires in August 2002; the current provider is interested in continuing the current lease, but since they have not consistently provided timely lease payments, staff is recommending the Board issue an RFP. Moved by Burke, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.

  2. Add and Delete Positions in Science and Technology Advancement: Ms. Tharp explained that due to the CARB/Moyer funding and energy crisis mitigation projects, it is necessary to eliminate three positions from the TAO budget to be replaced with two Program Supervisor positions to supervise these projects at an annual savings of $3,000. Moved by Burke, seconded by Carney, and unanimously recommended for approval.

  3. 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, Assistant DEO/Information Management, explained that additional money was required to continue modifications to software enhancements for several systems. Moved by Glover, seconded by Burke, and unanimously recommended for approval.

  4. Report of RFPs and RFQs Scheduled for Release in October: Mr. Pearce stated that one RFP -  Purchase Compressed Pure Gases and Cryogenic Liquids - is being recommended for approval. Moved by Burke, seconded by Carney, and unanimously recommended for approval.

  5. Review October 19, 2001, Governing Board Agenda: Moved by Burke, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.

  6. Other Business: None.

  7. Public Comment: None.

Supervisor Wilson left the meeting at 11:23 a.m. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley left the meeting at 11:32 a.m.

Meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

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This page updated: August 17, 2004
URL: http://www.aqmd.gov/hb/2001/011030a.html