BOARD MEETING DATE: April 5, 2002
AGENDA NO. 26

Administrative Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Administrative Committee met Friday, March 8, 2002, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the April 5, 2002, Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, April 12, 2002, at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Norma J. Glover, Chairman
Administrative Committee

Attendance: Present were Chairman Norma Glover, Member Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley, and Member Roy Wilson (via videoteleconference). Absent were Member William Burke and Vice Chairman Hal Bernson.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. Board Members’ Concerns: None.
   
    
2. Chairman’s Report of Approved Travel: Barry Wallerstein, Executive Officer, stated that travel requests were approved for Board Member Verdugo-Peralta to meet with Secretary of Business, Transportation, and Housing Maria Contreras Sweet on February 19-20 in Sacramento; Chairman Glover to meet with Department of Energy staff members in Washington, DC on March 13-14; Board Member Verdugo-Peralta to attend a Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative meeting in Sacramento on March 26; Chairman Glover to attend Coachella Valley’s 2002 Clean Cities Celebration of Accomplishments in Palm Springs on April 11; Board Members Verdugo-Peralta and Paulitz to attend the CaFCP Steering Team meeting and Technology Forum to be held in Sacramento on April 23-25. Board Member LaPisto-Kirtley requested to travel to Washington, D.C. in May to attend meetings with Federal Legislators, as coordinated by our Washington lobbyists. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
    
3. Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s): The following Board Assistant proposals were presented at today’s meeting: Virginia Field for Mayor Loveridge; Bob Page, David Prusch, and Maggi Stamm for Supervisor Mikels to substitute during Julie Gilbert’s maternity leave. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
    
4. Out-of-Country Travel: Dr. Wallerstein reported that Chairman Glover and Vice Chairman Burke are scheduled to attend the Montreux Energy Roundtable XIII in Montreux, Switzerland on June 3-5; and Chairman Glover and Board Members Jane Carney and Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta to attend the 14^th World Hydrogen Energy Conference to be held in Montreal, Canada on June 9-14. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
    
5. Discussion of Council of Government Funding to Assist Air Quality Outreach to Local Government: Oscar Abarca, Assistant DEO/Public Affairs & Transportation Program, stated that U.S. EPA and other federal agencies, along with CARB, are implementing new initiatives which will have a direct impact on local land use and transportation agencies. He stated that staff requests that several councils of governments be allowed to engage with AQMD to develop a consensus position on specific initiatives, including contracts with Western Riverside Council of Government (COG), San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), Orange County COG, and Gateway Cities COG for L.A. County. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley recommended this item be continued to the April 12 Administrative Committee meeting to allow time for Committee members to fully comprehend what the proposal entails. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously approved.

APRIL AGENDA ITEMS:

6. Execute Contract for Maintenance Services for Fast Fill Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station at AQMD Headquarters: Dr. Wallerstein requested this item be continued to the May Board meeting due to negotiations currently being held to obtain better pricing.
   
    
7. Authorize Purchase of Frequency Filter Modification for Ontario Radar Wind Profiler: Laki Tisopulos, Asst. DEO/Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources, stated that staff is requesting to purchase a frequency filter modification for our wind profiler located at Ontario Airport and used for forecasting. Chairman Glover asked what is done with the data retrieved, and Dr. Tisopulos answered that the temperature and wind data obtained is fed into the meteorological and air quality forecasting system and published on a continuous basis. Dr. Wallerstein explained that the equipment measures the inversion layer height and obtains a temperature profile that is used for smog forecasting. He continued that the airport is a good location due to the open space available. Staff is ensuring the equipment does not receive any interference from either airplanes or vehicles because it would affect AQMD receiving correct data and alter radio communications for airport personnel. Chairman Glover asked about impacts of the proposed expansion of Ontario Airport. Henry Hogo, Asst. DEO/Science & Technology Advancement, answered that there are 6-7 million passengers currently traveling through this airport. Chairman Glover stated her understanding is that the maximum count is expected to be 12 million passengers, based on data that was determined in the late 1970s or early 1980s on the air quality as it relates to the build out of the airport. Chairman Glover asked if the air quality in the area has improved, and Mr. Hogo replied it has immensely improved. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Glover, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
    
8. Authorize Purchase of Desktop Standard Office Software: Chris Marlia, Assistant DEO/Information Management, stated staff is requesting approval in upgrading the Microsoft Office suite applications for all desktop computers and future upgrades at AQMD for the next two years to be purchased from Genesis Computer Systems, which is the lowest bidder. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
    
9. Amend Contracts with Applied Knowledge, Inc. and R Systems, Inc. to Provide Short- and Long-Term Systems Development and Support Services: Chris Marlia, Assistant DEO/Information Management, stated staff is requesting to amend contracts for short- and long-term systems development services to Applied Knowledge, Inc. and R Systems, Inc. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
    
10. Status Report and Approval of Specific Task Order Deliverables for Ethnic Community Outreach: Dr.Wallerstein stated that he and Marilyn Solomon, DEO, Public Affairs & Transportation Programs/Public Advisor, have been aggressively working with the contractors to finalize a series of task orders for Administrative Committee’s review. The contractors are currently preparing a final write-up and cost estimates for these task orders to be provided next week. Chairman Glover asked what progress has been made relating to the proposed Clean Air Congress (community assemblies). Dr. Wallerstein answered that draft materials from the contractors will be provided, which will be reviewed by the Administrative Committee. Chairman Glover stated that currently AQMD has a better reputation due to working very well with communities and businesses, but it would be advantageous to also include support groups. She stated that AQMD needs to be more vigilant in cleaning the air and it is very important to implement the assemblies concept. Dr. Wallerstein requested a one-hour special meeting be scheduled with Administrative Committee members to review the task orders related to public outreach efforts prior to the April 5 Board meeting.
    
     
11. Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for January 9, 2002, and Recommended Appointments/Reappointments for Membership: Attached for information is the Ethnic Community Advisory Group minutes for the January 9, 2002, meeting.
    
     
12. Local Government and Small Business Advisory Group Minutes for January 4, 2002, and Recommended Appointments/Reappointments for Membership: Attached for information are the Local Government and Small Business Advisory Group Minutes for January 4, 2002, which includes appointment of new member William La Marr and his resume.
    
     
13. Report of RFPs and RFQs Scheduled for Release in April: RFP--CEQA Documentation Support--and RFQ--Prequalify Vendors for Employee Service Awards and Retirement Gifts. Moved by Glover, seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley, and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
     
14. Review April 5, 2002, Governing Board Agenda: Chairman Glover asked if there are any controversial items on the agenda. Dr. Wallerstein replied that the discussion regarding Rule 1133 would be mitigated due to staff’s proposed direction with this rule. Staff has analyzed the cost effectiveness of some operations and the amount of pollution to be reduced, which would, on paper, fit with prior Board policy decisions. However, when looking at the cost of controls versus the low revenues for the facilities (which basically operate as community waster management services), many of the facilities in question cannot afford adding controls. He continued that proposals will be brought to the Board that would address the situation for existing facilities through lesser requirements. Only new facilities would be fitted with enclosures and advanced controls, necessary because materials are received from sewage plants. Dr. Wallerstein stated that the cost of moving materials out of the basin exceeds the investment in local composting with proper controls. He stated he and Elaine Chang, DEO/Planning, Rule Development, and Area Sources, recognize the economic issues are proceeding so as not to interfere with AB 939. Funding assistance may be sought through the state as part of a public service funding. Dr. Wallerstein stated staff’s efforts brought better quantification of emissions and associated cost of control. This item was approved by the Committee.
    
     
15. Other Business: None.
    
     
16. Public Comment: John Billheimer, Small Business Coalition of Southern California, suggested that items listed in the U.S. EPA standards regarding Regulation IX having to do with AQMD’s active operations in the South Coast Basin be added to rule books to provide ease of reading.

Meeting adjourned at 10:12 a.m.

Attachments

1. Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for December
2. Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for January
3. Local Government & Small Business Assistance Minutes for January

ETHNIC COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2001
MEETING REVISED MINUTES

Agenda Item #1 – Call to Order/Opening Remarks
Governing Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. There was a quorum. The consultants who will be working on ethnic community outreach introduced themselves. They were invited to listen to the committee’s suggestions on outreach to affected communities.

Agenda Item #2 – Approval of November 14, 2001, Minutes
Board Member Verdugo-Peralta indicated that she had discussed last month’s minutes with the Executive Officer and it was agreed that future minutes would consist of summaries of discussions rather than almost verbatim minutes. Anastacio Medina indicated two typos on page 8 that he would like corrected: changing "dust cover" to "dust color" and "duct" to "dust." With those changes noted, the minutes were approved without opposition.

Agenda Item #3 - Year 2002 Goals & Objectives
Board Member Verdugo-Peralta reviewed the goals and objectives that were discussed at the last meeting:

• Work with outreach consultants and get ideas from them about how the committee can be more effective out in the community.
• Host at least one event per quarter in each of the four counties, beginning with the first quarter of this year.

Agenda Item #4 - Ethnic Community Outreach Update
Marilyn F. Solomon gave a brief summary of AQMD’s efforts to reach out to more than just the regulated communities by looking at the unregulated public, particularly with the overlay of environmental justice. Staff has been looking at how to apply this internally by using a strategy developed about 30 years ago called social marketing: Taking commercial marketing practices and techniques and applying them to the social arena. Ms. Solomon indicated that we are going to be using social marketing to bring the unregulated public into a partnership with AQMD and other air quality agencies to improve air quality. We cannot do it alone. We cannot do it solely through regulation. We need to do it by modifying human behavior. Staff is working with four consultant groups to work on ethnic outreach activities with AQMD’s Public Affairs staff. On January 23, 2002, consultants and AQMD staff will spend a full day at AQMD developing strategies, including ECAG’s input today, and putting them into a specific plan so that we are clear about who’s doing what. We expect overlap but we don’t want redundancy.

Anastacio Medina outlined the following areas to take into consideration as AQMD plans its enhanced outreach program:

• Improved coordination internally and externally. Self-examination as an agency, asking what can be done to better utilize AQMD’s resources as these outreach programs are developed.
• AQMD needs to be sensitive about physical positions at events. For example, at Town Hall Meetings, seeing AQMD staff gathered on a dais may be viewed as placing a barrier between the speakers and the public.
• AQMD needs to be aware of where public meetings are held. Town Hall Meetings are often held in government facilities, viewed as political and threatening to many immigrant communities.

Rose Montoya-Lona said that AQMD should use local elected officials to inform their constituents about air quality issues. She also said that AQMD should think about making children the focus as often as possible since people are more often moved to action when their children’s safety is an issue.

AQMD Board Member Verdugo-Peralta mentioned that, on a positive note, when AQMD partners with different community health agencies for events like health fairs, it affords us an opportunity to get our message out in a positive atmosphere.

Lourdes C. Martinez explained that it is important to realize that we need the general population to help us if we are going to reach our clean air goals. It’s important for the population of this Basin to understand that industry has done so much, and it’s the most regulated of any facilities in the world, but you can only do so much with regulation and then it’s up to the people. People need to be concerned about their children’s health, their health, their parent’s health, and the next generation’s health. What are they willing to do to help us? We’ve made tremendous progress from the 1970s to now, but we still have the worst air pollution. She said when people ask, "What do you want me to do?" we need to be able to tell them.

Mr. Medina noted that ECAG should become more familiar with Environmental Justice, especially as its been adopted by both the AQMD and the California Air Resources Board. What is the best way to deliver the EJ message? Mr. Medina also recommended the development of a report card, a concept developed by the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Oversight Committee. The report card tells the public what is being accomplished with facts and assures that the programs are going in the right direction (Ms. Solomon said that is being built into the Task Orders we are currently developing, but the concept does need to be adopted District-wide.)

Some committee members wanted more time to come up with ideas. Ms. Solomon indicated that what they would like today are issues or concerns in their communities that we need to address as we go through the process. She added that it is a two-year process and staff will bring back to the Committee again for more input. Board Member Verdugo-Peralta suggested putting this issue on the agenda every month.

Ms. Solomon asked if it would be helpful to the committee if we got MATES II information out to the committee prior to the next meeting. The committee would like to have that information. She also agreed to have AQMD’s Environmental Justice Coordinator come to the next ECAG meeting and give an overview of AQMD’s Environmental Justice Program.

The consultants were invited to give a brief overview of their qualifications. Ms. Solomon reiterated that Wednesday, January 23, has been set aside for a planning meeting with AQMD staff and the four consultants. The ECAG caucus chairs are invited to attend, as well. It will be an all-day meeting here at AQMD. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Dr. Alex Norman from UCLA, who is a specialist in group facilitation, has agreed to be the facilitator. At the end of that day we hope to lay out a very rich, full detailed plan with roles of responsibilities clear for everyone.

Agenda Item #5 – Environmental Justice Conference Update
Ms. Martinez reported that on December 7 & 8 AQMD was a co-sponsor of an environmental justice conference that was held at the First Church of God in Inglewood and hosted by USC and UCLA. There were about 300 people in attendance. It was called, "Voices for Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities, and Healthy Jobs." Ms. Martinez reported that overall it was a great program. It brought together environmental justice leaders from various communities, organizations, government, the public, and health-based researchers to talk about where we are going with regard to environmental justice, and what are some of the programs and problems that we still need to address. Ms. Solomon was one of the panelists on the first session and reported an interesting exchange with unhappy audience members. Ms. Solomon indicated that we think we’ve really done some very positive things on environmental justice, and it was kind of startling to see people who are still very upset with us with regard to many of our programs and policies. It is obvious that we still have a long way to go to get people to feel as though they are part of the team. There is still a lot of us-versus-them mentality. Ms. Solomon and Ms. Martinez met the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Services out of Washington, DC, who is very excited about AQMD and its environmental justice program, and is very interested in seeing how we may be able to work together in the future on EJ programs.

Ms. Martinez invited Committee members to suggest locations for Town Hall Meetings. Typically they are held in communities where there are problems or that we haven’t been to. Committee members were encouraged to let us know of any community that would like to invite us over and would like to host a Town Hall Meeting. We need about six weeks to plan a meeting, so we are already putting together our calendar for next year throughout the four counties. Prior to the meeting we identify any air quality problems in that community and neighboring communities so we’re prepared for the issues that are going to be coming up. We give a brief presentation on who we are, what we do, what’s the air quality in that community, and then we open it up to questions. Our Executive Officer and his management team attend all of the meetings. If an issue comes up that is not part of our process, we identify which agency is the appropriate agency and we make the connection for them.

Agenda Item #6 – Year 2002 Proposed Meeting Schedule
It was agreed that the second Wednesday of each month is still good for the majority of committee members.

Agenda Item #7 – Children’s Air Quality Agenda Subcommittee

Ms. Montoya-Lona reported that the Children’s Air Quality Agenda Subcommittee is temporarily on hold. She mentioned the Children’s Future Cities competition is January 19. ECAG should be there to issue an award to the winner of the Southern California competition, which will be a school from Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, or San Diego Counties. They have to address environmental and air quality issues. The winner goes on to Washington D.C. for the national championships. AQMD is a co-sponsor for this event. Last year ECAG presented a separate award.

Agenda Item #8 – Ethnic Media Outreach
No further discussion.

Agenda Item #9 – Discussion on Energy Issues
Board Member Verdugo-Peralta reminded everyone that Edison had what is called a "blitz," where they go out and do energy surveys for small businesses in a short amount of time. It was supposed to end December 31 with any applications for rebates having a drop-dead date of the 14^th. She reported that they’re tentatively going to extend that through March 31, 2002. If you still are looking at installing an air conditioner, lighting (commercial or residential), replacement windows, thermostats, anything energy-related that’s on the rebate list, please call the 800 number and reserve your money for that measure. The audit program may go through 2002.

Agenda Item #10 – Discussion on Governing Board Agenda Items
No discussion.

Agenda Item #11 – Other Business
A question was raised about ECAG’s ability to hold a hearing, where people come and tell us what is on their mind. Gloria White-Brown explained that ECAG has no authority to hold hearings but they can receive public comment. Anyone can come and speak at an ECAG meeting, on any item on the agenda or even under Other Business. Under the Brown Act, ECAG meetings can be held at other locations as long as it is within the four counties and it has to be properly noticed, and it would most likely be considered a special meeting (which requires 24 hour notice, not 72 hours), but it can be done.

Someone asked what the procedure is for potential members to ECAG. Board Member Verdugo-Peralta explained that it’s specified in a letter to Dr. Burke dated September 28, 2001which outlined ECAG’s revised organizational strategy. Prospective new members must first submit a letter of interest, with a resume, to ECAG Chair Verdugo-Peralta either directly or through AQMD staff.

Public Comment
No discussion.

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 2:47 p.m.
 

ETHNIC COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2002
MEETING MINUTES

Agenda Item #1 – Call to Order/Opening Remarks
Board Member and ECAG Chairperson, Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta, was not present for this meeting. Asian-Pacific Islander Caucus Chair, Tom Chang, presided over the meeting. It was called to order at 1:15 p.m. There was a quorum.

Agenda Item #2 – Approval of December 18, 2001, Minutes and Follow-Up Action Items
Harold Martinez stated that he was not in attendance at the meeting and that his name should be removed as being present. Thomas Chang’s name was misspelled in the minutes. The minutes were approved with the corrections noted above.

Lourdes Cordova Martinez discussed the summary of follow-up/action items (copy attached to agenda).

Oscar Abarca reported on a day-long retreat scheduled for January 23, 2002, for AQMD staff involved in outreach, including the four consultants selected to help with community outreach program. The meeting will be facilitated by Dr. Alex Norman. The chairs of the caucuses were invited to attend the meeting. From this meeting, a number of task orders will be developed for the consultants to assist with AQMD’s enhanced community outreach efforts.

Stan Lee announced that the new leadership for the African-American Caucus would be himself as Chairman and John Harris as Co-chair.

Agenda Item #3 – Approval of Caucus Member Renewal
Stan Lee stated that the African-American caucus has selected Mike Robbins for renewal to their caucus. Thomas Chang stated that the Asian-Pacific Islander caucus would be reporting back with a recommendation for a new member next month.

Agenda Item #4 – Environmental Justice Program Overview
A presentation on Environmental Justice (EJ) was given by AQMD Environmental Justice Coordinator Natalia Porche. The AQMD’s Governing Board adopted EJ principles and ten initiatives in October of 1997. As of March 2000, all the initiatives have been completed or adopted with the exception of the town hall meetings and community response teams, which are ongoing items. Ms. Porche said that part of EJ is educating the public about AQMD, and indicated that EJ activities are included in the monthly Governing Board report in the Public Affairs Report.

The agency co-sponsors and participates in area and regional EJ meetings. Six town hall meetings are scheduled for the first half of the year. AQMD is offering assistance to other agencies in the development of their EJ strategies.

On February 6, AQMD, USEPA, and the Governor's Office of Planning & Research will be hosting an EJ training class for representatives from community-based organizations, other agencies, and businesses to come together to discuss EJ. One topic to be discussed is "How to identify an EJ case, and what are the impacts."

AQMD will be participating in an upcoming town hall meeting with the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice in Mira Loma in February. AQMD attended a similar meeting last year and presented data from PM₁₀ and dust studies.

A question arose on how town hall meeting locations are determined. Ms. Porche said that town hall meetings are determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the number of complaints that are received on AQMD’s toll-free line, requests from local elected officials, and through information received from AQMD inspectors. Currently, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are generating a lot of interest. AQMD is also planning to host a meeting in the Coachella Valley in the spring, which is the height of their dust season.

Agenda Item #5 – Year 2002 Goals & Objectives
After a brief discussion, ECAG members decided that they would like to see the goals and objectives that were submitted last year so they can update them rather than start this year with a complete new set of goals. Ms. Martinez will provide a copy of the goals from the prior year. Ms. Martinez reminded the committee members that Board Member Verdugo-Peralta requested that the group think about having an event per quarter to get ECAG’s message out to the public in each county. Ms. Martinez also mentioned that if the committee would like to have a breakfast meeting with Governing Board members, she would discuss this item with Board Member Verdugo-Peralta for a future meeting date.

On motion from Stan Lee and seconded by Leslie Spencer, this item will be continued to the February meeting for further discussion and action.

Agenda Item #6 – Children’s Air Quality Agenda Subcommittee
No discussion on Children’s Air Quality was given.

Mr. Chang stated that ECAG currently has several subcommittees and suggested that the subcommittees be revisited and reorganized, if needed, and that this item be placed on the February agenda.

Agenda Item #7 – Ethnic Media Outreach
Ms. Montoya-Lona reported that the Future Cities competition is on January 19, 2002. ECAG will be presenting an award to the winner of the Southern California competition. Mr. Lee will check on his availability to present this award.

Agenda Item #8 – Discussion on Energy Issues
Ms. Martinez reported that the California Energy Commission has requested that AQMD assist them in hosting a community meeting to inform the public about Sunlaw’s proposed expansion of their facility in the City of Vernon.

Agenda Item #9 – Enhanced Outreach Program Update
No discussion.

Agenda Item #10 – Discussion on Governing Board Agenda Items
A summary of the action items for the February Board meeting was attached to the agenda. Ms. Martinez mentioned that the following items were of interest to ECAG members: 1) Rule 1421 Control of Perc Emission from Dry Cleaning — a set hearing will be made for action by the Board in March; 2) status report on controlling VOCs and ammonia emissions from composting operations; 3) approval of staff proposal to proceed with developing localized significance thresholds to be incorporated into the Air Quality Analysis Guidance Handbook; and 4) adoption of Proposed Rule 1137 PM10 Emissions from woodworking operations. In the past several months' presentations on these items were given at ECAG meetings.

Agenda Item #11 – Other Business
Mr. Lee suggested that business cards be issued to ECAG members to be handed out when ECAG members are out at events. He suggested that the business cards contain AQMD’s toll-free number and that on the back of the card the ECAG mission statement be listed.

Gloria White-Brown, Sr. Deputy District Counsel, stated that this issue will be discussed with AQMD’s management. Ms. White-Brown suggested that this be brought to the attention of Board Member Verdugo-Peralta for review and discussion.

Ms. Montoya-Lona mentioned that she had a friend who writes editorials for the business section of the Daily Breeze and requested that staff forward any news items to her to forward to the reporter. Mr. Lee mentioned that he, too, has a friend that hosts a public access cable program in Los Angeles. Possibly we could get space and time on her program. Leslie Spencer suggested that these items be brought to the Media Outreach Subcommittee.

Public Comment
No public comments.

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 pm.
 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & SMALL BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE ADVISORY GROUP

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2002
MEETING MINUTES

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ronald Loveridge, AQMD Board Member
Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta, AQMD Board Member
Greg Adams, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Detrich Allen, City of Los Angeles
Gene Beck, EnviroTech Financial
Arthur Brown, Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG)
Margaret Clark, City of Rosemead
Jeff Comerchero, Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC)
Gary Stafford, Terra Furniture
John DeWitt, California Industries Oil Marketers Association

MEMBERS ABSENT:
(Chairman) Norma Glover, AQMD Board Member
Terry Lacko, Monarch Industries
Dale Silverman, Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers

OTHERS PRESENT:
John Billheimer, Enviro-Reality
Bill LaMarr, California Small Business Alliance
Vlad Kogan, OCSD
Dominic Meo, Meo & Associates
Lara Saunders, Board Assistant to Chairman Glover
Jeb Stuart, CIAQC

AQMD STAFF:
Marilyn F. Solomon, Deputy Executive Officer, Public Affairs & Transportation
Barbara Baird, District Counsel
Gloria White-Brown, Senior Deputy District Counsel
Larry Kolczak, Manager
Julia Lester, P.h.D., Program Supervisor
Steve Smith, Ph.D., Program Supervisor
Scott Dawson, Air Quality Specialist
Christine Wilder, Public Information Specialist
Sue Milliken, Senior Administrative Secretary

Agenda Item #1 – Call to Order/Opening Remarks
Governing Board Member Ronald Loveridge called the meeting to order at 9:38 a.m.

Agenda Item #2 – Approval of November 2, 2001 Meeting Minutes
The minutes were approved with the following changes: Mr. John DeWitt was shown as not attending (he did attend the meeting); Item #4 misspelled acronyms to be corrected and include contact number.

Agenda Item #6 – Status Report on Rule 1137

This item was taken out of order. Dr. Julia Lester gave a presentation to the group. Copies of the presentation, draft staff report, and draft socioeconomic report were available at the meeting. The presentation focused on staff’s rationale for proceeding with the rule. There was a two-fold reason. The first was that this rule is necessary to take credit for industry’s current PM10 reductions in our State Implementation Plan (SIP). This allows the removal of the Control Measure PRC-01, which has been on the books for over 10 years, and removes it as a target of control for future air quality plans. Second, state and federal laws call for the region to expeditiously adopt all feasible measures. Staff believes that Proposed Rule 1137 meets these requirements with the least impact on an industry that has already implemented PM10 controls. Proposed Rule 1137 was developed with comments from industry and the public through a series of meetings. Staff estimates there are approximately 500 of these facilities with pneumatic conveyance systems that would be regulated by the rule.

The latest proposed changes are a one-time filing in July of this year, some improved housekeeping for waste transfer and disposal, and removing the requirement that waste disposal bins would have to be replaced. As long as any visible emissions are not going over the property line, they can continue to do waste transfer on their facilities. For new and expanded facilities starting in July, there will be the one-time filing and baghouse control system with the no visible emissions requirement. For small facilities it could be something as simple as a high-efficiency cyclone with after filters. For large facilities it could be a full baghouse system. Staff estimates that just a few facilities would require upgrading, either with better shrouding or changing from low-efficiency to high-efficiency cyclones or high-efficiency cyclones with baghouse.

In response to public comments, the implementation date for those existing facilities was moved from July 2002 to January 2004 to allow additional time for facility assessments and potential modifications. Emission reductions are very small, about one-tenth of a ton per day. The cost effectiveness is correspondingly high because of small emission reductions. In the draft socioeconomic report, the annualized industry cost is conservatively estimated at about $180,000. Numerous meetings with the industry and focus groups were held in the beginning of last year. There was a public workshop in September. A public consultation meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, January 8, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. in the auditorium to go over the changes made to the rule and to receive comments before the January 11, 2002 set hearing on this rule (Board hearing on February 1, 2002).

Mr. Gary Stafford expressed concern that no visible emissions during disposal is an impossibility for woodworking facilities. He said the rule is based on the number of employees and that instead it should be based on the amount of emissions. He was concerned about the no visible emissions during windy conditions and Texas rules. He also discussed the possible loss of manufacturing facilities and the impact on the minority community.

Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta did not see a matrix that compared the different types of companies. Her family has been involved with the lumber industry for the past three generations, and her husband is in the woodworking business. She would like to see the difference between the types of emissions instead of the number of employees. Additionally, she wanted to know if there was going to be a socioeconomic report presentation to the Board members.

Mr. Greg Adams had a concern on why AQMD is going after cellulose-based particulate versus the kind of particulate that EPA is ordinarily interested in: nitrate- or sulfate-based materials.

Dr. Lester explained that, unlike ozone and carbon monoxide where it is set by a specific chemical compound, PM10 is set basically by size. The health effects have not been differentiated for the different components. EPA moved in that direction coming up with the PM2.5 standard, but they retained the PM10 standard.

Margaret Clark expressed her concern that the emission reductions indicated in the 1997 AQMP showed the estimated emission reduction to be much greater than the current level of less than 1 ton and questioned whether AQMD should adopt a rule that would result in such minor emission reductions. Several members also expressed their concern that although the rule requirements have been lightened up considerably, any emission reductions would be very small.

John DeWitt left at 10:20 a.m.

Agenda Item #3 – Year 2002 Goals & Objectives
Mr. Greg Adams distributed a draft handout of goals and objectives for the committee. He stated that this handout was different from the one that was included in the agenda package, because it had been updated with comments that he received from the City of Los Angeles. Important issues with regard to local government included: (1) CEQA Handbook Revision Criteria; (2) Environmental Justice Developments; (3) Coordination among SCAQMD's Air Quality Management Plan, California Air Resources Board’s Clean Air Plan, and SCAG; (4) Monitoring Fleet Rule Implementation; and (5) Enhanced Permit Streamlining. Ms. Dee Allen stated that these issues were also important to small businesses in the cities and the way business is done.

Important issues with regard to the small business community include: (1) Seek Reduction in Hearing Board Fees; (2) Create No-fault Inspection Service; (3) Reactivate Permit Amnesty Program; (4) Socioeconomic Report Re-Vamping; (5) Affordability in Minor Source BACT Determinations; (6) Administrative Changes to Explain Small Business Perspective; (7) Small Business Alternatives to SCAQMD Rulemaking (Partnering); and (8) Expansion of Minor Source Relocation without Triggering New Source Review.

This item will be brought back to the next meeting for prioritizing and assignment of tasks. Mr. Adams requested that comments be sent to him via email at gadams@lacsd.org.

Agenda Item #4 – CARB Environmental Justice Guideline Update
Mr. Greg Adams provided a handout at the meeting. Although it was entitled "Proposed Policies and Actions for Environmental Justice" it was in fact adopted by CARB. Ms. Dee Allen reported that CARB is putting together their environmental justice advisory group to implement the policies. Ms. Allen will report back to the committee on any updates she receives.

Agenda Item #5 – CEQA Handbook Update
Dr. Steve Smith, Program Supervisor, gave the presentation to the committee on the progress of revising the handbook. A copy of his presentation was attached to the agenda. First, he reminded the committee that when the handbook was originally adopted, the Board agreed that staff would only return to the Board with handbook revisions if they involved policy changes or new policies. Technical changes, such as updating emission factors, do not require Board consideration. Because the handbook has not been updated since 1993, the current revision to the handbook constitutes a major revamping of the handbook, with approximately 90 percent of the changes constituting technical revisions and 10 percent involving modified or new policies.

One new policy associated with the current revision to the handbook is staff’s proposal to address localized air quality impacts by developing localized significance thresholds. Localized significance thresholds would be developed by AQMD using a dispersion model to back-calculate the emissions from a project that would cause or contribute to an exceedance of any ambient air quality standard at a sensitive receptor. Since localized significance thresholds are based on ambient concentrations, they would be developed for each source receptor area (SRA) in the district. AQMD would develop the localized significance thresholds in recognition of the fact that small cities or other small public agencies do not have the capability or the expertise to perform air quality modeling, which is necessary for identifying localized air quality impacts in their CEQA documents.

There are several policy implications associated with the localized significance thresholds. First, based on the actual methodology used to develop the localized significance thresholds, the thresholds might consist of very low daily emissions. Such low emissions may trigger a significance determination when analyzing air quality impacts in a CEQA document. As a result, projects that previously would have required preparation of a negative declaration would now require preparation of an environmental impact report (EIR), which is a more costly and time-consuming document. Further, because localized significance thresholds are based on ambient air quality concentrations (as determined by the local monitoring stations), different SRAs would have different localized significance thresholds. Different localized significance thresholds will influence the type of CEQA document necessary for a project, which, in turn, could influence the decision on where to locate a business. Staff is very sensitive to these issues and will take them into consideration when developing the localized significance thresholds.

Finally, at the suggestion of the Mobile Source Committee, AQMD staff has prepared a Board agenda item explaining the localized significance thresholds and policy implications of adopting these thresholds. Specifically, staff is seeking approval from the Board to continue developing the localized significance thresholds and reconvene the Handbook Revision Working Group to solicit input on the revised handbook. A draft of the revised handbook for public review is expected to be completed in March, with consideration by the Board in June or July of this year.

Board Member Ronald Loveridge left at 11:25 a.m.

Jeff Comerchero left at 11:40 a.m.

Agenda Item #7 – Update on Facility-Based Analysis
Mr. Scott Dawson, Air Quality Specialist, gave an overview of part of the process that AQMD is undertaking to improve their socioeconomic analysis. A copy of Mr. Dawson’s presentation was distributed at the meeting. He stated that AQMD has consulted with BBC Research and Consulting (an economics consulting firm). They are working on Proposed Rule 1137 and Rule 1421. BBC was given seven tasks to complete; currently they are working on task 4 (develop guidelines and methodology) and task 5 (test guidelines and methodology) which are currently in draft form. Mr. Dawson said that the problem with developing any of these assessments is the data availability. BBC is using census data. Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta suggested using other sources than just the census (i.e., SCAG). She felt that it was important to have more realistic numbers in reference, not just the financials, but also the true ownership of the facilities.

Mr. Gary Stafford requested that BBC meet again with the working group to review what stage they are at and to solicit their comments.

Mr. Adams requested that the staff report back with regard to the funds left in BBC's contract. The comment was made that the report should take into account regulations other than air quality that small businesses must comply with.

Agenda Item #8 – Year 2002 Meeting Schedule
The committee agreed to the proposed meeting schedule that was attached to the agenda. The committee will meet on the third Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

Agenda Item #9 – Other Business
Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta requested that an item be placed on the agenda entitled "Compliance Issues" to discuss no-fault inspections further and to have Mr. Peter Mieras present at the meeting. She also requested that staff look into the status of her recommendation that Mr. Bill LaMarr become a member of this committee.

Mr. Greg Adams requested that staff address the proposed changes to the particulate matter standards that have been drafted by both OEHHA and CARB (as a result of SB25). He requested that staff prepare a summary on how this would impact both local government and small businesses within AQMD with particular focus on what they would propose to do in terms of regulating stationary sources to bring them into compliance with these changes.

Agenda Item 10 – Public Comment
No comments were received.

Agenda Item 11 – Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

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