BOARD MEETING DATE: December 2, 2005
AGENDA NO. 20

Administrative Committee

SYNPOSIS:

The Administrative Committee met Thursday, November 10, 2005, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the December 2, 2005, Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, December 9, 2005 at 9 a.m. in Conference Room CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Receive and file.

S. Roy Wilson, Vice Chair
Administrative Committee

Attendance: Present at AQMD was Jane Carney. Also present were Dr. William Burke (via telephone) and Committee Vice Chair Roy Wilson and Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley (via videoteleconference). Ronald Loveridge was absent.

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): None.
    
4. Report of Approved Out-of-Country Travel: Elaine Chang, DEO/Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources, stated that Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta has been requested to speak at the Electric Drive Transportation Association Conference to be held in Vancouver, BC on December 5-8.
    
5. Report Regarding Separating Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group: Jane Carney explained that Local Government & Small Business Assistance (LG&SBA) has become a well functioning group, but that environmental groups, local government representatives, and small business representatives need to become more effective. This issue is being raised to determine how to enable local governments, which are affected by air pollution sources, to become more involved with the work of AQMD. Ms. Carney said that instead of changing the composition of the Governing Board, it would be more beneficial to come up with a serious proposal to receive input from local governments specifically affected by air pollution. Supervisor Wilson suggested directing staff to contact all the Council of Governments (COGs) in the four-county area to identify elected officials to serve on a Governing Board Advisory Committee to meet on a quarterly basis or as rules are being developed to obtain their recommendations. Dr. Ganguli suggested this item be postponed until the December 9 Administrative Committee meeting.

DECEMBER AGENDA ITEMS:

6. Issue RFP to Review Emissions Inventories and Health Risk Assessments Developed for Rule 3503 – Emissions Inventory and Health Risk Assessments for Railyards: Dr. Chang stated that staff is recommending to issuing an RFP to establish a list of qualified consultants to implement Rule 3503, which the Board adopted in October, to request railroads to report inventory emissions and risk assessments at their railyards. Staff is also asking for prefunding of this contract with $500,000 from unbudgeted funds. The money will be reimbursed from railroads under Rule 3503. Motion by Carney; seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley; and unanimously approved.
    
7. Amend FY 2005-06 Budget to Increase Number of Combustion Analyzers Authorized for Purchase: Carol Coy, DEO/Engineering & Compliance, explained that over the last 18 months the Enforcement team has conducted field testing programs using four portable analyzers as part of the inspection procedures to test small combustion equipment. The portable analyzers have been able to obtain results in a quick and effective manner. Staff is requesting approval to purchase three analyzers not to exceed $16,000. Motion by Carney; seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley; and unanimously approved.
    
8. Execute Contract for Investment Consultant Services: Rick Pearce, Chief Financial Officer, stated that staff is requesting approval of a contract for a 3-year period with Sperry Capital, Inc. to assist the AQMD on short-term investment strategies, and to provide monitoring and compliance reporting services. Ms. Carney asked if all the funds went through Los Angeles County, and Mr. Pearce answered that while the Los Angeles County Treasurer is the AQMD Treasurer, following a 1996 and 2000 review of Treasure Management options the investment funds were diversified into additional investments so that a financial catastrophe would have less of an effect on AQMD. Motion by Carney; seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley; and unanimously approved.
    
9. Approve Task Order for Environmental Justice Program Implementation and Amend Existing Contract with Oralia Michel Marketing and Public Relations: (This item was taken out of order and discussed first.)

Oscar Abarca, Asst. DEO/Public Affairs, explained that as part of the Board's FY 2005-05 Environmental Justice (EJ) Work Plan, the Board approved an initial concept for the development of an Air Quality Institute, to train policy makers and community leaders on major air quality issues, which has been discussed with the Board's Home Rule, Ethnic Community and EJ Advisory Groups. The proposal is summarized in the FY 2005-06 Work Plan. Staff is now recommending implementation of the Air Quality Institute which would offer executive briefings on specialized topics for high-level public officials, community leaders, and other policy makers. The Institute would work with decision makers to make them more familiar with major air quality issues and policies and encourage greater cooperation and communication with the District. Currently, the AQMD has existing contracts with two consultants, Oralia Michel Marketing and Public Relations, and their subcontractors, Cordoba Corporation. These two firms have proven expertise and capability in this area with extensive experience and strategic development, and public policy in public affairs. They work with AQMD and with private and public and non-profit organizations and can have the Institute in operation within six months of contract approval.

There was extensive discussion by the Committee members regarding this item as it relates to the request for $135,000 to implement the proposal.

Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley asked what had been accomplished by the contractor, and Mr. Abarca explained that several community events and briefings have been held, website redesign and translation to multiple languages, the Clean Air Congress membership has significantly increased, and an award-winning Public Service Announcement has reached 3 million people over a four-year period.

There was concern from the Committee members as to who would benefit from the Air Quality Institute and how. Dr. Wallerstein explained that the Air Quality Institute would educate individuals on the health effects of air pollution and current topics and strategies related to air quality improvement (e.g., land use decisions and air quality).

The Committee members requested that a more focused plan, and clearer vision of the workplan, a timetable, and the goals to be achieved by the Air Quality Institute be presented at the December 9 Administrative Committee meeting. Motion by Carney; seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley; and unanimously approved.

10. Annual Environmental Justice Program Review and Proposed Work Plan for FY 2005-06: Dr. Ganguli stated that staff is requesting the FY 2004-05 Environmental Justice Program approved last year be received and approve the proposed Work Plan for FY 2005-06. Dr. Ganguli stated that the proposed FY 2005-06 work plan does not include any new ambitious work programs, but the implementation of ongoing programs has been delayed, such as the MATES III program due to actual sample testing, public participation, and permitting decisions. He explained that this year's work program is to take a broad look at what has been achieved and implemented since 2002. Dr. Ganguli stated that staff is proposing to assess efficiency, effectiveness, and the result of implementing all the Environmental Justice items and to make periodic reports to various advisory groups and committees. Ms. Carney recommended approving the FY 2005-06 Work Plan, except for the Air Quality Institute which she recommends be postponed to the December 9 Administrative Committee meeting. Motion by Carney; seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley; and unanimously approved.
     
11. Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for September 14, 2005: Attached for information are the Ethnic Community Advisory Group minutes for the September 14, 2005 meeting.
     
12. Review December 2, 2005, Governing Board Agenda: Dr. Chang stated that there may be extensive discussion on Rule 1151 regarding potential exemption of TBAC due to potential health concerns, which is a nationwide movement. Staff will prepare a detailed briefing at the November 18 Stationary Source Committee meeting. The other Board items regarding 3501 & 3502 on Railroad Idling are set for February Board meeting to provide a two month discussion period. Ms. Carney suggested that the item regarding the Proposal to Expand AQMD Governing Board be discussed with an advisory group prior to discussing with the Board; therefore, she recommended the item be postponed to the January 6, 2006 Board meeting. Motion by Carney; seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley; and unanimously approved.
     
13. Other Business: None.
     
14. Public Comment: Bill LaMarr, Executive Director of California Business Alliance, complimented the Committee members in keeping the LG&SBA Group intact. He continued that the issue regarding the Annual Environmental Justice Program be reviewed to assess its accomplishments and effectiveness. Mr. LaMarr proposed an analysis to determine the benefits to the public, business community, and environmental interests. Mr. LaMarr also suggested that the analysis discuss how much money has been spent, especially as it relates to the concerns regarding the Air Quality Institute. Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley directed staff to implement Mr. LaMarr's recommendation in a short report, and Ms. Carney proposed that sources of funding be identified.

Meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

Attachment(s) (DOC 48KB)
Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for September 14, 2005

/ / /