BOARD MEETING DATE: June 6, 2003
AGENDA NO. 27

REPORT:

Administrative Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Administrative Committee met Friday, May 9, 2003, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the June 6, 2003, Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, June 13, 2003, at 8:00 a.m. in Conference Room CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Hal Bernson, Chair
Administrative Committee


Attendance: Present were Chair Hal Bernson, Members Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley and Roy Wilson (via videoteleconference). Member Ronald Loveridge was present at AQMD. Absent was William Burke.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:

  1. Board Members’ Concerns: None.
     
  2. Chairman’s Report of Approved Travel: Travel requests were approved by consent for Roy Wilson to attend a legislative hearing in Sacramento, CA on April 21 regarding SB981 and on April 28 to attend a legislative hearing regarding AB1063; and Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley to meet with legislators and staff regarding the federal legislative package to support AQMD programs in Washington, DC on May 21-26. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley's travel to Sacramento on May 14 was cancelled as the hearing was rescheduled to May 7 where staff attended.

Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley arrived at 8:03 a.m.

  1. Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s): Barry Wallerstein, Executive Officer, stated that this is an annual submittal for renewal or new contracts for Board members' assistants and consultants. The Governing Board is requesting renewal of existing contracts and staff is proposing as part of the budget process a 3% CPI increase to their hourly rate and contract amount designated by the Governing Board members and $150 reimbursement allowance for miscellaneous expenses while attending AQMD-related activities. The recommended increases are consistent with increases as done with other contracts. Mayor Loveridge asked why Assistants' compensation varies and asked what criteria is used to determine their hourly rates. Dr. Wallerstein answered the compensation is based on the Board Member requests as reviewed by staff according to the criteria in the Board's policy; evaluating experience and expertise and duties performed by the individuals. Approved by consent.
     
  2. Report of Approved Out-of-Country Travel: None.

JUNE AGENDA ITEMS:

  1. Adopt Executive Officer's FY 2003-04 AQMD Budget and Work Program: Dr. Wallerstein stated that after the April 25 Budget Workshop, Governing Board members requested a follow-up meeting to discuss options regarding increasing revenues, reduction of contracts and fixed assets, and use of money in reserves; the meeting has been scheduled for May 23 at 9:30 a.m. Rick Pearce, Chief Financial Officer, explained that the Board directed staff to incorporate the following proposals to be discussed on May 23: (1) Executive Officer's initial proposal for FY 2003-04; (2) include new fees in addition to a CPI increase, associated with fully recovering AQMD program costs; (3) redirect 70% of the CY 2003 penalty and settlement revenues allocated to the Lower Emission School Bus replacement program; (4) restore the penalty and settlement dollars and nine inspector positions out of the 31 total positions targeted for deletion; and (5) restore the nine inspector positions without additional funding. This item was received and filed.
     
  2. Amend Regulation III - Fees: Dr. Wallerstein stated that the proposed rule suggested a 3% CPI increase as well as offering the options mentioned above. This item was received and filed.
     
  3. Issue RFP for Legislative Representation Sacramento, CA: Oscar Abarca, Assistant DEO/Public Affairs, explained that the contract for representation in Sacramento expires on December 31, 2003. This item is to issue an RFP to solicit bids and approve a contract to begin January 1, 2004 for one year with an option to extend for two additional years. Councilman Bernson asked who was representing AQMD in Sacramento. Mr. Abarca answered Allan Lind & Associates. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously approved.
     
  4. Issue RFP for Legislative Representation Washington, DC: Mr. Abarca explained that the contract for representation in Washington, D.C. expires on December 31, 2003. This item is to issue an RFP to solicit bids and approve a contract to begin January 1, 2004 for one year with an option to extend for two additional years. Councilman Bernson asked who was representing AQMD in Washington, D.C. Mr. Abarca answered Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & Shockey. Councilman Bernson asked if staff was satisfied with their services. Dr. Wallerstein answered affirmatively. Mayor Loveridge asked how many companies respond to the RFP. Dr. Wallerstein stated that there has been a good group of proposals received in the past as AQMD is a desirable client. Mayor Loveridge asked if the best available companies were being invited to apply, and Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley commented that a very good selection of candidates apply. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously approved.
     
  5. Establish Classification and Add and Delete Positions: Eudora Tharp, Assistant DEO/Administrative & Human Resources, explained that, as part of the process of restructuring Public Affairs, staff recommends replacing the current vacant Director of Intergovernmental Affairs position with a manager position. Dr. Wallerstein stated that this item was postponed from the April Committee meeting, at Dr. Burke's request, to review the educational degree requirement for this position. After discussing this issue with Dr. Burke, Dr. Wallerstein stated that Dr. Burke is now comfortable with the original requirement. Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Wilson, and unanimously approved.
     
  6. Approve Salary and Benefits Adjustment for Management, Confidential, and Attorney Employees: Ms. Tharp stated this item would grant management, confidential, and attorney employees an adjustment for FY 03-04 that is comparable to adjustments previously approved by the Board for union-represented employees. The package includes a 3% salary adjustment, a 10% adjustment in the employer contribution toward health benefits, and long-term care insurance. Mayor Loveridge asked what the impact of increased pension costs is; Dr. Wallerstein stated that this issue will be addressed during the next contract negotiation cycle. Approved by consent.
     
  7. Establish List of Prequalified Providers to Temporary Employment Services: Ms. Tharp stated this item is to establish a two-year list of 24 vendors. Temporary employees will be hired from firms on the list on a competitive bid basis, as needs arise. Approved by consent.
     
  8. Establish List of Prequalified Vendors to Provide Printing Services: Approved by consent.
     
  9. Establish List of Prequalified Law Firms for Employee Relations Litigation and Negotiation Services: Approved by consent.
     
  10. Establish List of Prequalified Vendors to Provide Computer, Network, Printer, and Related Services: Approved by consent.
     
  11. Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for March 13, 2003, and Recommended Appointments/Reappointments for Membership: Attached for information are the Ethnic Community Advisory Group minutes for the March 13, 2003, meeting. Mayor Loveridge requested information regarding expanding ECAG's membership as it relates to obtaining members from all four counties. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley stated that the advisory group membership should not total more than 30 individuals for the 4-county region. Dr. Wallerstein stated that several Board members have submitted names for additions to fill these vacancies, which will be forwarded to ECAG as part of the process for selection. Councilman Bernson requested a progress report on this item be presented at the next Administrative Committee meeting.
     
  12. Local Government and Small Business Advisory Group Minutes for March 21, 2003, and Recommended Appointments/Reappointments: Attached for information are the Local Government and Small Business Advisory Group minutes for the March 21, 2003, meeting.
     
  13. Review June 6, 2003, Governing Board Agenda: Dr. Wallerstein stated that the June 6 agenda is lengthy but after review of the agenda, certain items may be postponed to the July meeting. Dr. Wallerstein highlighted the RECLAIM Program as related to power plants potentially rejoining the RECLAIM Program. Approved by consent.
     
  14. Other Business: None.
     
  15. Public Comment: None.

Meeting adjourned at 8:27 a.m.

Attachments

Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for March 13, 2003
Local Government and Small Business Advisory Group Minutes for March 21, 2003

Attachments

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