BOARD MEETING DATE: April 7, 2006
AGENDA NO. 21

Administrative Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Administrative Committee met Friday, March 10, 2006, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the April 7, 2006, Board meeting.  The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report.  The next Administrative Committee meeting is Friday, April 14, 2006 at 9 a.m. in Conference Room CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Supervisor S. Roy Wilson, Vice Chair
Administrative Committee

Attendance:  Present at AQMD was Jane Carney.  Also present were Vice Chair Roy Wilson and Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley (via videoconference).  Dr. Burke and Ronald Loveridge were 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):  Jane Carney is requesting approval for Dr. Esther Hays to be her Board Consultant on paid status to become effective March 1, 2006.  Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley; seconded by Wilson.
    
4. Report of Approved Out-of-Country Travel:   Dr. Wallerstein stated that Henry Hogo and Dipankar Sarkar are traveling to Sweden, and possibly other European countries, in collaboration with CARB to visit shipping terminals and railroads in early May.

APRIL AGENDA ITEMS:

5. Execute Contract for Media Relations Services:  Sam Atwood, Media Office Manager, noted that interviews would be conducted today by the Committee with the top two firms that submitted their proposals.  The interviews were conducted with Tracy Keough and Abbi Hertz of O'Rorke, Inc.; and Patricia Perez and Kayleen Maya-Aviles of Valencia, Perez & Echeveste, along with Joni Byon of Nakatomi & Associates (a subcontractor to VPE).  After a lengthy discussion regarding both proposed contractors and their availability to represent AQMD fairly and without conflict of interest with the railroads, shipping companies, utility companies, and other governmental agencies, the majority decision was that O'Rorke, Inc. would be approved with a one-year contract for $170,000, to be reviewed at the end of this contract.  Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley stated she was very pleased with the outstanding work that VPE performed with the leaf blower event she was involved with.  Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley suggested a contract with VPE be split up such that TLC MediaWorks (a proposed subcontractor to VPE) could handle AQMD issues relating to railroads, since VPE also represents railroad interests.  Committee members expressed concern as to whether VPE could handle two clients on separate sides even though they have already coordinated efforts to maintain confidentiality.  Ms. Carney stated she wanted to ensure that the " Clean Air Choice" program be significantly modified or dropped.  Ms. LaPisto-Kirtley wanted to ensure that the Governing Board was aware that there was a split vote of 2-1 on this issue for Board discussion on April 7.  Motion by Carney to recommend O’Rorke, Inc.; seconded by Wilson; opposed by LaPisto-Kirtley.
    
6. Execute Contracts to Review Emissions Inventories and Health Risk Assessments Developed for Rule 3503 – Emissions Inventory and Health Risk Assessment for Railyards:  Jill Whynot, Planning and Rules Manager/Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources, stated that staff is recommending that the contracts by awarded to five qualified consultants that will assist staff with inventories and risk assessments pursuant to Rule 3503.  The amount will be $500,000, which will go through a pass-thru contract paid back by the railyards.  Ms. Carney asked how the review of emissions will be coordinated, and Ms. Whynot answered that criteria with specific guidelines will be used, with staff reviewing their work to ensure consistency.  Motion LaPisto-Kirtley; seconded by Carney; unanimously approved.
    
7. Execute Purchase Order for Flame Ionization Detector Capable of Measuring VOCs in Source Stack Gases:  Motion by Carney; seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley; unanimously approved.
    
8. Authorize Purchase of CNG Vehicles for AQMD Fleet:  Eudora Tharp, Assistant DEO/Administrative & Human Resources, explained that this item is to replace older, high-mileage vehicles.  Ms. Carney requested future purchases of vehicles include a cost comparison with hybrid vehicles.  Dr. Wallerstein stated AQMD has been purchasing CNG vehicles to support CNG infrastructure development.  Ms. Carney also requested that no vehicle over $45,000 be purchased.  Motion by LaPisto-Kirtley; seconded by Carney; unanimously approved.
    
9. Execute Contract to Purchase Maintenance and Support Services for Mini Computer Hardware/Software:  Chris Marlia, Assistant DEO/Information Management, stated this is a standard item to purchase maintenance support for hardware and software services.  Motion by Carney; seconded by LaPisto-Kirtley; unanimously approved.
    
10. Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for January 11, 2006:  Attached for information are the Ethnic Community Advisory Group minutes for the January 11, 2006 meeting. 
     
11. Recommended Appointments/Reappointments to Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Membership:  Ms. Carney mentioned that this item should approve the recommended appointments/reappointments.  Motion by Carney; seconded by Wilson; unanimously approved.
     
12. Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Minutes for January 13, 2006:  Attached for information are the Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Minutes for the January 13, 2006 meeting.
    
13. Review April 7, 2006, Governing Board Agenda:  Dr. Wallerstein stated that there are no controversial items on the agenda.  Moved by LaPisto-Kirtley; seconded by Carney; unanimously approved.
     
14. Other Business:  None.
     
15. Public Comment:   None.

Meeting adjourned at 10:43 a.m.

Attachments (EXE 89kb)
Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for January 11, 2006
Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Minutes for January 13, 2006