South Coast Air Quality Management District

Administrative Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Administrative Committee met Friday, May 10, 2002, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the June 7, 2002, Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, June 14, 2002, at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Norma J. Glover, Chair
Administrative Committee

Attendance: Present were Members Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley and Roy Wilson (via videoteleconference). Ms. La Pisto-Kirtley was appointed as Chair for this meeting. Also in attendance was Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta, who was appointed as an ad hoc member for this meeting. Absent were Chairman Norma Glover, Dr. William Burke, Vice Chair Hal Bernson, and Mayor Loveridge.

Supervisor Wilson joined the meeting at 9:39 a.m.

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 Chairman Glover and Board Member La Pisto-Kirtley who are meeting with Representatives Dreier and Cox regarding federal funding in Washington, D.C. on May 15-17.
   
   
3. Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s): None.
   
   
4. Report of Approved Out-of-Country Travel: Travel requests were approved for Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta; Chung Liu, DEO/Science & Technology Advancement; and staff members Naveen Berry and Lisa Mirisola of TAO to attend the California Fuel Cell Partnership Steering Team meeting to be held in Vancouver, Canada on July 16-17.
   
   
5. Status Report on Outreach Program and Approval of Task Orders: Dr. Wallerstein stated that Oscar Abarca, Assistant DEO/Public Affairs, will provide the Committee members with a memo updating them on the status of the outreach program.

JUNE AGENDA ITEMS:

6. Approve Salary and Benefits Adjustments for Noncontract Management, Confidential, and Attorney Employees: Eudora Tharp, Assistant DEO/Administrative & Human Resources, explained that in March 2002 the Governing Board approved a 3-year contract with the Professional Bargaining Unit. This recommendation would give salary and benefits adjustments comparable to the first-year adjustments for professional employees to management, confidential, and attorney employees with a 3% salary adjustment in July, an adjustment from 75% to 100% in cash payment of the unused portion of the agency’s health benefits contribution, and an adjustment from 33% to 50% in AQMD’s match in the deferred compensation program. The cost for this adjustment is $668,000, which is within the Board-granted authorization. Moved by Verdugo-Peralta, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
7. Authorize Purchase and Installation of Video Projector for AQMD’s Auditorium: Ms. Tharp stated that the current projector in the auditorium is over 10 years old and that the agency has been leasing a replacement. Three of the five bidders responding to the RFQ recommended a Christie Roadie X10 model projector as meeting AQMD’s needs. Spinitar, which is the local authorized Christine dealer submitted the lowest quote for the overall 5-year cost including purchase, installation, service, warranty, and training. The equipment will provide high-quality information displays for future meetings. Moved by Verdugo-Peralta, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
8. Approve Purchase of a Replacement for the Voting Display Board in the Auditorium: Dr. Wallerstein stated that the voting display replacement will either be another wall-mounted board or a computer system that will permit projection of an images of voting results on the large screen and on the monitors at each Board Members’ station. The cost of either option is expected to fall within what the Executive Officer may authorize, and staff will evaluate alternatives and proceed as quickly as possible with a replacement. Moved by Verdugo-Peralta, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
9. Appropriate Funds from Designation for Litigation/Enforcement: Barbara Baird, District Counsel, stated that due to litigation related to and a number of cases filed against AQMD, additional money is necessary to cover litigation expenses for outside counsel in the amount of $30,000. Moved by Wilson, seconded by Verdugo-Peralta, and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
10. Renew Contract to Purchase Private Data Network Services to Support the Emissions Reporting System: Chris Marlia, Assistant DEO/Information Management, stated staff is recommending renewal of a contract to support the emissions reporting system for RECLAIM. Ms. Verdugo-Peralta asked if staff had any complaints regarding the current vendor’s work and Mr. Marlia answered there have not been any. Moved by Verdugo-Peralta, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
    
11. Execute Purchase Orders for Laboratory and Air Monitoring Network Equipment: Henry Hogo, Assistant DEO/Science & Technology Advancement, stated that seven pieces of equipment are being requested to be purchased at a cost of $250,500, which includes a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer and sampler equipment. Funds for this equipment are available from the subvention funds and Science & Technology Advancement’s Budget for FY 2001-02. Dr. Wallerstein added that the non-gas chromatograph equipment, which meets CARB’s and EPA’s standards, will also provide consistency for parts and service to be purchased through the sole source process. Ms. La Pisto-Kirtley asked if the units will be used as stationary or mobile units, and Mr. Hogo answered they will be used at the routine stationary network sites. Moved by Verdugo-Peralta, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
    
12. CARB’s Subvention Program Audit of AQMD for FY 2000-01: Rick Pearce, Chief Financial Officer, stated that CARB has completed an audit of AQMD’s use of subvention money for FY 2000-01 and has determined that it was proper, which is consistent with past practice. Moved by Verdugo-Peralta, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
    
13. Execute Contract for Travel Agency Services: Mr. Pearce stated that an RFP was issued in March to solicit bids for AQMD’s travel arrangement services, with a volume of $200,000 annually. After 57 RFPs were mailed out, nine proposals were received, with two being evaluated as technically qualified. Staff is recommending contracting with Managed Air Resources at an annual cost of $8,000. Moved by Wilson, seconded by Verdugo-Peralta, and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
    
14. Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for March 13, 2002 and Recommended Appointments/Reappointments for Membership: Attached for information are the Ethnic Community Advisory Group minutes for the March 13, 2002, meeting.
    
    
15. Local Government and Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Minutes for March 15, 2002, and Recommended Appointments/Reappointments for Membership: Attached for information are the Local Government and Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Minutes for March 15, 2002.
    
    
16. Report of RFPs and RFQs Scheduled for Release in June: RFP—Hire Outside Counsel—and RFQ—Establish List of Prequalified Vendors to Provide Library Services and Supplies. Moved by Verdugo-Peralta, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
    
17. Review June 7, 2002, Governing Board Agenda: Moved by Verdugo-Peralta, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
    
18. Other Business: None.
    
    
19. Public Comment: None.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Attachments

Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for March 13, 2002
Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Minutes for March 15, 2002
 

ETHNIC COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2002
MEETING MINUTES
 

PRESENT	ABSENT
ECAG CHAIRPERSON
Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta
AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAUCUS
Stan Lee, Chair	John Harris � Co-chair
Tod Short	Edgar Perez
Leslie Spencer	Mike Stevens
LATINO CAUCUS
Paul Avila	Erika Smith - Chair
Fernando Del Rio � Co-chair
Rose Montoya-Lona
Harold Martinez
Anastacio Medina
ASIAN-PACIFIC ISLANDER CAUCUS
Thomas Chang – Chair
Stephen Sheng – Co-chair
Paul Choe
Jason Do
Satoshi Nitta
OTHERS PRESENT
Rhonda Reyes, Board Assistant (Verdugo-Peralta)
Oralia Michel, Consultant
Rosalie Camacho, Consultant
DISTRICT STAFF
Lourdes Cordova Martinez, Community Outreach Manager
Gloria White-Brown, Senior District Counsel
Pauline Harper, Secretary

Agenda Item #1-Call to Order/Opening Remarks
ECAG Chair Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. There was a quorum. Chair Verdugo-Peralta discussed a memorandum that was distributed to Governing Board Members on the latest study on Health Effects of Air Pollution. The study collected data from 500,000 people living in major metropolitan areas of the U.S. who enrolled in an American Cancer Society study. They were followed over 16 years and cause of death data collected related to air pollution levels. Smoking was by far the greatest risk factor. The study reported a significant association of mortality rates with the level of PM 2.5. These results confirm findings from earlier studies that PM 2.5 levels are associated with increased mortality from cardiopulmonary causes.

Agenda Item #2-Presentation on EPA’s Air Quality Programs
Jack Broadbent, Director of Air Division, EPA Region IX, was introduced by Board Member Verdugo-Peralta. Mr. Broadbent provided the group with an update on air programs at EPA. Following are the highlights from his presentation:
Mr. Broadbent was previously DEO of Planning and Rules at AQMD for 15 years. He has been at EPA one year and his region includes California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii. This is the first year of a new administration and there have been some air quality accomplishments already. New low sulfur diesel standards have been approved and will be available nationally by 2006-2007. This new fuel will allow for particulate traps to be installed and operated by heavy-duty diesel buses and trucks. AQMD has taken a leadership role with the adoption of the fleet rules and this new fuel standard will create a level playing field for the rest of the country.

• The terrorist acts of September 11th did have a large impact on EPA, its resources and its focus. In response, EPA moved and established a series of programs designed to assist with Homeland Security. As a result, EPA has established regional air monitoring networks, specifically monitoring labs in Las Vegas that can be deployed if anything were to happen like the attack on the World Trade Center. EPA has also established extensive monitoring of dioxins, asbestos, and PM.
• President Bush has announced the Clear Skies Initiative, which is a cap and trade program (NOX and SOX) for utilities. The program, as currently proposed, calls for a 70% removal of these pollutants by 2011. This program will not have a large impact on the West Coast because there are already programs in place that have strict emission standards for these facilities.
• Amendments to New Source Review Regulations—There is a concern by the Bush Administration that NSR has a large impact on refineries, power plants, and other large industrial sources by preventing modernization or modification of these plants because any change will trigger a review.
• Looking ahead, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will be coming up with their new Clean Air Plan, which will include all major mobile sources.
• The State will be calling for stricter standards for new cars and heavy duty trucks sold and operated in California. CARB is putting out a series of measures that call for the Federal Government to control emissions from trains, planes, and ships. This is a result of months of negotiations between EPA and CARB.
• SCAQMD’s MATES II study has set the standard for other states, such as Arizona and Nevada, as well as state and local Indian tribes that are characterizing air toxics in order to reduce the public’s exposure.

Mr. Broadbent then opened the question and answer segment of his presentation. ECAG member Fernando del Rio asked about the Los Angeles Port emissions and whether ships are uncontrolled sources of pollution. Mr. Broadbent said that about 90% are not controlled because they are foreign flag vessels. They use fuel which is 30,000 ppm sulfur and new EPA requirements call for lower sulfur standards. There is no technical reason why they couldn’t comply with these lower standards. However, economics and politics may be the reasons they are allowed to use the higher polluting and cheaper fuel.

ECAG member Tod Short asked if 2006, why can't EPA have standards for homebuilders requiring them to be more energy efficient, expect a more fuel-efficient standard for cars. Mr. Broadbent said that EPA has the Energy Star Program, which evaluates and labels appliances for energy efficiency, which has been successful. Chair Verdugo-Peralta added that Southern California Edison had the Design for Excellence Program, which gave homebuilders an incentive to build homes which are more efficient than the building code, Title 24, requires. In addition, solar energy companies are utilizing a film for photovoltaic panels, which are lighter in weight and look promising.

ECAG member Anastacio Medina said that the state of Arizona only regulates the criteria pollutants and not air toxics. Mr. Broadbent said that there are statewide hot spots and facilities are required to perform risk assessments. They are testing for ethylene oxide. There is benzene control at refineries. Various states, such as Ohio and North Carolina, are now monitoring air in urban environments.

Chair Verdugo-Peralta asked Mr. Broadbent to give an overview of the interaction and relationship between EPA and SCAQMD. Mr. Broadbent stated that the interaction between SCAQMD, EPA, and CARB is to oversee functional plans for air quality rules and regulations. EPA has developed an MOU to reduce NOX emissions from trains and is working with airlines and ships to resolve Title VI complaints. Mr. Broadbent also acknowledged that he is aware of the fact that Environmental Justice issues are near and dear to ECAG committee members. Chair Verdugo-Peralta thanked Mr. Broadbent for taking the time from his busy schedule to speak at this meeting.

Agenda Item #3-Approval of January 13, 2002, Minutes
Under Item # 6--Review of Subcommittees--the following changes to the minutes were requested by the following ECAG members: Revise the subcommittee membership to include Stephen Sheng on Small Business and Environmental Justice Committees; Paul Choe on Outreach and Environmental Justice; Anastacio Medina on Children’s Issues; and add Rose Montoya-Lona to Environmental Justice and delete her from the Outreach Committee. The minutes were approved with the changes noted.

Agenda Item #4-Review of December 19, 2001 Minutes
After reviewing the minutes, Chair Verdugo-Peralta stated that there were sections that needed clarification in order to attribute specific comments to individual members. The proposed revisions will more accurately reflect the discussion and recommendations made by individual ECAG members. Motion to approve the amended minutes was moved by Fernando del Rio and seconded by Ms. Montoya-Lona. The minutes were approved.

Agenda Item #5-New/Renewing Caucus Members
None to approve.

Agenda Item #6 – Year 2002 Goals and Objectives
The group decided to keep last year’s goals, with some revisions to the text. Chair Verdugo-Peralta encouraged the members to help recruit new committee members.

AQMD Community Relations Manager Lourdes Martinez stated that a letter of invitation had been mailed to the Pechanga tribe. Ms. Montoya-Lona asked for a copy of the fact sheet stipulating what the requirements are to become an ECAG member.

Agenda Items #7-9-Committee Reports
No committee reports. It was moved that the subcommittees will meet from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the monthly ECAG meetings, and the length of each committee meeting will be determined by (1) the number of members in attendance and (2) subject matter of most interested to those in attendance.

Agenda Item # 10 – Discussion on Energy Issues
It was reported that the Public Utility Commission has put forth proposal for small business outreach materials.

Agenda Item #11-Enhanced Outreach Program Update
No updated information to report.

Agenda Item #12—Discussion on Governing Board Agenda Items
Proposed Rule 1421--Control of Perchlorethylene Emissions from Dry Cleaning Systems--is scheduled to go to the Governing Board for set hearing on April 5.

Agenda Item #13 Other Business
Business cards for ECAG members – Chair Verdugo-Peralta has spoken to Board Chair Glover regarding this issue and she requested samples of business cards from other government agencies that have Commissions and Board appointed Committee.

Public Comment
No discussion.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & SMALL BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE ADVISORY GROUP
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2002
MEETING MINUTES

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jane Carney, 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)
Bill LaMarr, Small Business Alliance
Dale Silverman, Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers
Gary Stafford, Terra Furniture

MEMBERS ABSENT:
Ronald Loveridge, AQMD Board Member
John DeWitt, California Independent Oil Marketers Association
Terry Lacko, Monarch Industries
Mary Romero

OTHERS PRESENT:
John Billheimer, Enviro-Reality
Dominic Meo, Meo & Associates
Bob Page, Board Assistant to Board Member Jon Mikels
Rhonda Reyes, Board Assistant to Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta

AQMD STAFF:
Oscar Abarca, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer
Barbara Baird, District Counsel
Barbara Beck, Public Information Specialist
Elaine Chang, DrPH, Deputy Executive Officer
Jim Clouet, Senior Public Information Specialist
Julia Lester, P.h.D., Program Supervisor
Julie Franco, Senior Administrative Secretary
Carolyn Hamilton, Staff Assistant
Larry Kolczak, Community Relations Manager
Peter Mieras, District Prosecutor
Larry Rhinehart, Local Government Director
Ricardo Rivera, Air Quality Specialist
Laki Tisopulos, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer
Patti Whiting, Technical Writer
Jill Whynot, Planning & Rules Manager

Agenda Item #1 – Call to Order/Opening Remarks
Governing Board Member Jane Carney called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m. Bill LaMarr was introduced to the group as its newest member.

Agenda Item #2 – Approval of February 15, 2002 Meeting Minutes
The minutes were approved as presented.

Agenda Item #3 – Small Business Conference
Governing Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta announced to the group that a Small Business Conference, to address the needs of small businesses and to provide as much assistance to them as possible, is currently in the planning stage. The conference will also provide small businesses with an overview of upcoming rules and regulations that may affect them. She said that she has spoken to various potential sponsors including SBA, Sempra Energy and possible vendors. A suggestion was made to ask associations to become sponsors, so they can start to incorporate the conference information in their newsletters. The current target date for this conference is in the fall. Staff is currently in the process of putting together the costs.

Agenda Item #4 — Role of Public Advisor
Marilyn F. Solomon, Deputy Executive Officer was not available for this presentation. In her absence, Oscar Abarca, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer informed the group that Marilyn had requested that he distribute the California Health and Safety Code Section that describes the role of the Public Advisor. He also distributed the Board letter that consolidated the functions of the Deputy Executive Officer, Public Affairs and Transportation Programs, with the Public Advisor. Oscar also informed the group that Marilyn would be giving her presentation at next month’s meeting and would be available for any questions at that time.

Item #5 — Status of Rule 1168 — Adhesive and Sealant Applications
Laki Tisopulos, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer, Planning, Rule Development, and Area Sources gave a status report on Rule 1168. He also provided the group with a copy of his presentation. The proposed amendments to this rule include the extension of time to come into compliance as follows:

• Top and Trim Adhesives
       550 grams per liter until January 1, 2003
       80 grams per liter on/after January 1, 2003
• Shoe Repair
       Exempt until January 1, 2003
       80 grams per liter on/after January 1, 2003
• Plastic Pipe Cements & Primers
       Postpone limits until January 1, 2005
• Methylene Chloride Phase Out – by January 1, 2003

Dr. Tisopulos said that staff incorporated comments received and is considering extending some of the compliance dates and limits to ease the transition of the impacted industries to the new standards. Staff also received comments on requiring permits and limit the use of methylene chloride rather than phasing it out completely.

There is currently a workshop scheduled for mid-April, with the rule going to the Board in May. A socioeconomic report will be prepared for this rule and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

Agenda Item # 6 — Status of Rule 1133 — Emission Reductions from Composting Operations
Julia Lester, Program Supervisor, gave a status report on Rule 1133. A copy of her presentation was distributed at the meeting. A copy of the Draft Staff Report was distributed to the members of the group. This was Dr. Lester’s third update to the group.

The affected industries of this rule are: greenwaste-only composting; co-composting; chipping and grinding and exempt (backyard, nursery, etc.) operations. Dr. Lester gave three different types of control scenarios: 1) enclosure of active and initial curing piles with controls; 2) enclosures of active piles, open ASP of curing piles, control; and, 3) open ASP (no enclosure) of active and initial curing piles with controls.

Dr. Lester went over the co-composting and greenwaste analysis and said that staff is working very closely with the Integrated Waste Management Board and others and that the emissions estimates are not final, but that she did not foresee any changes in the recommendations or rank ordering of the control scenarios in terms of emissions reductions effectiveness in cost.

AQMD has conducted an affordability analysis. With regard to the analysis, a question was raised as to what was meant by "tipping and product fee." Ms. Lester replied that the product fee is what composting operations can sell the compost for and the tipping fee is what they get for accepting the material.

One of the technical issues that has arisen include the current source test method and that the analysis seems conservative. Dr. Lester said that CIWMB and the City of Los Angeles test results will be incorporated into the analysis as soon as they are finalized.

Currently staff recommendations are as follows:

• For new and existing co-composting operations facilities - registration and annual reporting to allow a better tracking of the emissions and some PM10 controls on compost process piles which are consistent with Rule 403.
• For new co-composting facilities with greater than 100,000 tons total throughput - a requirement to have scenario 2 controls (active enclosure). Existing composting facilities, and new facilities smaller than this would have no control requirements except for PM10,
• For new and existing greenwaste operations for new and existing facilities - registration and annual reporting to allow a better tracking of the emissions and some PM10 controls on compost process piles which are consistent with Rule 403.
• Chipping and grinding operations would need to register with AQMD, with fugitive dust controls similar to Rule 403, with processed pile holding time limits to be determined.

These recommendations could be brought to the Governing Board for consideration this fall.

Additionally, staff made the following recommendations:

• Seek state funding to control greenwaste emissions.
• Seek greater AQ funding commitment by CIWMB.
• Provide technical assistance to permitting or lead agency on AQ issues.
• Establish a composting technical advisory group to identify/develop more cost-effective control options.
• Annual reporting to the Stationary Source Committee on emissions inventory/control technology development, and potential rule amendments.

Dr. Lester said that she did not feel that this rule as presently recommended would have an affect on AB939.

Agenda Item #7 — Status of Rule 1421 — Control of Perchloroethylene Emissions from Dry Cleaning Systems
Jill Whynot, Planning Manager, gave a status report on Rule 1421. A copy of her presentation was distributed at the meeting. She said that staff has been working with the dry cleaning industry and other interested parties for the last year and one-half. They have held several working group meetings, focus group meetings, public workshops and consultation meetings (including several night meetings). There are approximately 2,200 dry cleaners in AQMD’s jurisdiction, and the majority of them use perc. She said that perc is a probable carcinogen, and that the MATES II detected perc in the ambient air. Ms. Whynot said that AQMD has also adopted other rules, such as Rule 1122 Degreasers and Rule 1425 Motion Picture Film Printing and Processing, which have essentially eliminated or greatly reduced the use of perc.

Staff will propose a gradual transition to non-perc alternatives as existing equipment is replaced (up to 15 year maximum). The rule proposal includes a 2-year transition period, which would allow replacement with any type of equipment, including perc. For new facilities or facilities adding equipment, non-perc equipment would be required after January 1, 2003. Staff developed this proposal to balance industry concerns and the need for public health protection. The CEQA document includes a range of alternatives, inclusion industry and environmentalist proposals.

Currently there are three alternatives to the use of perc:

• Solvent Cleaning: She said that solvent cleaning is non-toxic and is very similar in operation to perc. However, there is a concern that some of these solvents are flammable, and that some of these contain VOCs, so there is an environmental tradeoff. All materials can be cleaned with solvents, which are better than perc for delicate fabrics.
• Wet Cleaning: This is VOC and toxic-free. The equipment is less expensive than other alternatives and it cleans all fabrics. Training is required and some operators report additional time for finishing garments. Some dry cleaners are concerned about shrinkage and color transfer.
• CO2 Cleaning: This is an emerging technology. At this time the major concern is the cost.

Ms. Whynot also said that staff has visited and spoken to several operators in AQMD’s area, as well as the Bay Area, with all types of cleaning equipment. The operators they spoke to in the Bay Area that had experience with both perc and solvent machines said that solvent machines are their preference and that the perc machines and solvent machines are very close in cost.

Since cleaners do not have a big profit margin, cost is a great concern to them. Ms. Whynot said that staff will be recommending to the Board that $2 million from the Air Quality Assistance Fund (AQAF) be redirected to allow funds to be available and offer $10,000 towards the purchase of new alternative equipment before the rule requires such an action. The $10,000 is the difference between the cost of the current perc machines and the solvent machines. Staff is also requesting federal funding.

In response to Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta’s question regarding the current balance of the AQAF fund, Larry Kolczak said that there is currently $2.3 million with $100,000 of that designated for the CalCAP program.

Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta had a concern with the use of the majority of the AQAF funds for one industry. She said that we would only be helping 200 out of 2,100 facilities. She suggested that staff look into the possibility of vendors for a purchase program.

Gene Beck also felt that the use of the AQAF funds for one group would eliminate the financial assistance for anyone else, since this fund is not a revolving fund. He said that last year the Governing Board approved the CalCAP loan program and the guarantee under an equipment-leasing program. As of this time, the leasing program has had nothing done. He also stated that this is the first time he has heard any mention of the funds being redirected.

Larry Kolczak mentioned that there is funding through the state’s hazardous reduction program, which funds between 15 and 18 loans per year and offers loans at 4% for equipment that reduces hazardous waste and that all new dry cleaning equipment including perc would qualify for this program.

There was a suggestion made by Dale Silverman and Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta to have a campaign to promote the benefits of this rule and to get the public behind us.

Currently the Set Hearing is scheduled for April 5, 2003 with the rule going to the Board in May.

Agenda Item #8 — Other Business
Board Member Jane Carney said that the Goals and Objectives of this group would be going to the next Administrative Committee for approval. Greg Adams requested that the Goals and Objectives be agendized for the next meeting.

Oscar Abarca distributed a Public Notice flyer for the April 17^th public hearing on AQMD’s Fiscal Year 2002-2003 Draft Budget and Work Program.

Due to a scheduling conflict, next month’s meeting of this group will be held on April 19^th from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

Agenda Item #9 — Public Comment
Domenic Meo suggested that Jill Whynot look into the possibility of purchasing dry cleaning machines in the Bay Area, and then transporting them down here.

John Billheimer said that although the amnesty program was discussed last month, he felt that there should be some sort of pre-evaluation to determine if businesses need a permit. He also prepared and distributed a case study to those in attendance.

Agenda Item #10 — Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:33 a.m.

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