BOARD MEETING DATE: January 9, 2004
AGENDA NO. 17

Administrative Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Administrative Committee met Friday, December 12, 2003, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the January 9, 2004, Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, January 16, at 9:00 a.m. in Conference Room CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

S. Roy Wilson, Vice Chair
Administrative Committee

Attendance: Present were Members Roy Wilson and Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley (via videoteleconference). Also present at AQMD was Leonard Paulitz.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. Board Members’ Concerns: None.
    
2. Chairman’s Report of Approved Travel: None.
    
3. Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s): Dr. Wallerstein stated there is a request to approve a contract with Supervisor Bill Postmus’ Board Consultant, Dennis Nowicki, effective January 9, 2004. Motion by Wilson, seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley.
    
4. Report of Approved Out-of-Country Travel: Dr. Wallerstein stated that Gary Dixon, Quality Assurance Manager in TAO, has been invited to attend a meeting with the Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance in Vancouver, BC to present AQMD's plans on the hydrogen refueling program. The organization has offered to pay his expenses for travel.

JANUARY AGENDA ITEMS:

5. Audit for FY Ended June 30, 2003: Rick Pearce, Chief Financial Officer, introduced Grace Yuen, Partner with Simpson & Simpson CPAs, who stated that AQMD has received an unqualified opinion (the highest ranking available) on its financial statements and commended management staff for their cooperation in producing the annual report. Motion by LaPisto-Kirtley, seconded by Paulitz.
    
6. Report on Major Projects for Information Management Scheduled to Start During Last Six Months of FY 2003-04: Chris Marlia, Assistant DEO/Information Management, stated that there are two major projects—System Development Outsourcing, and Library Services and Supplies—that are being recommended for approval. Motion by Paulitz, seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley.
    
7. Amend Contract for Privatization of Portions of Annual Emissions Reporting Program: Elaine Chang, DEO/Planning & Rules, explained that staff is requesting approval to exercise the third of three one-year renewal options in the contract with Ecotek, MST Solutions, Inc., for an amount of $390,000 to continue privatization of portions of the Annual Emission Reporting (AER) Program. Leonard Paulitz asked what was meant by privatization. Dr. Wallerstein explained that previously staff performed these functions, but due to downsizing at AQMD, contractors have been contracted with and have initiated an effective reporting system for emissions, supplemented by internal auditing. Motion by Wilson, seconded by Paulitz.
    
8. Issue RFP for Media Relations/Public Relations Services: Sam Atwood, Media Office Manager, explained that staff is requesting to issue an RFP for $249,000 for media and public relations services for a one-year contract, with an option to extend an additional year. The services would be to expand the Clean Air Choice Program throughout the four counties and conduct proactive media programs. Existing contracts will expire in March 2004. Dr. Wallerstein explained that previously Media Office had a staff of 10, but currently has a staff of two spokespersons and one clerical staff, that handle an average 6-7 daily media inquiries from the media daily plus setting up press events to highlight key issues related to the Governing Board’s policies. Staff has found using contractors is very cost-effective and assists in terms of media relations image. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley requested staff to prepare a list of events held, costs, and salaries paid out prior to the January 9, 2004 Governing Board meeting. Motion by Paulitz, seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley.
    
9. Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for October 8, 2003: Attached for information are the Ethnic Community Advisory Group minutes for the October 8, 2003, meeting.
    
10. Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Minutes for October 31, 2003: Attached for information are the Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Minutes for October 31, 2003. For items #9 and 10, Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley requested a summary of accomplishments from these advisory groups made during the past year. Dr. Anupom Ganguli, Public Advisor, answered that a report will be brought to the Administrative Committee within 60 days for Committee members' review. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked if the members of the advisory groups provide information obtained from these meetings to their constituents, and Mr. Paulitz answered that the members are from community and small businesses and provide AQMD staff with input related to their experience with issues regarding rules and regulations. Ms. La Pisto-Kirtley requested that the annual report address contributions made by members of the advisory groups relative to AQMD's efforts.
     
11. Review January 9, 2004, Governing Board Agenda: No changes were made. Supervisor Wilson asked if the Board meeting will be long due to the two public hearings items listed. Dr. Wallerstein explained that Board members may hear public testimony related to Adopt Rule 1148.1 (Oil and Gas Production Operations and Amend Rule 222 – Filing Requirements for Specific Emission Sources Not Requiring a Written Permit Pursuant to Regulation II). The issues may involve Beverly Hills High School and the well pumps located on their fields.
     
12. Other Business: None.
     
13. Public Comment: None.

Meeting adjourned at 9:24 a.m.

Attachments

Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for October 8, 2003
Local Government & Small Business Advisory Group Minutes for October 31, 2003

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