BOARD MEETING DATE: March 2, 2007
AGENDA NO. 21
Administrative Committee
SYNOPSIS:
The Administrative Committee met Friday, February 9, 2007, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the March 2, 2007, Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is scheduled on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in Conference Room CC-8.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive and file.
Dr. William A. Burke, Chair
Administrative Committee
Attendance: Present at AQMD were Jane Carney and Dennis Yates. Committee Chair William Burke and Roy Wilson attended the meeting via videoconference. Ronald Loveridge was absent.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
- Board Members’ Concerns: None.
- Chairman’s Report of Approved Travel: None.
- Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s): None.
- Report of Approved Out-of-Country Travel: None.
MARCH AGENDA ITEMS:
- Execute Contract for Insurance Brokerage Services: Eudora Tharp, Asst. DEO/Administrative & Human Resources, stated that staff is requesting approval to execute a contract for an insurance broker who can assist AQMD in evaluating property and liability insurance needs and in representing the agency in negotiating cost-effective coverage and premiums. The current contract expires March 31. Eight responsive proposals were received, and the rating panel recommended Alliant Insurance Services at an annual cost of $55,000 per year. Motion by Carney, seconded by Yates, and unanimously approved.
- Approve Expenditure and Appropriate Funds Designated for Enhanced Compliance Activities to FY 2006-07 AQMD Budget: Dr. Wallerstein explained that the Board has set aside funds for the purchase of enforcement related equipment, specifically to ensure enforcement staff has necessary hardware to conduct inspections. One specific purchase of interest is a field portable fluorescent x-ray for the enforcement team to identify and assess toxic materials in grape stakes. This hand-held devise will sample toxic materials and allow for proper disposing of the material. Supervisor Wilson stated that during the cold snap, individuals have been burning the grape stakes for heat. Motion by Wilson, seconded by Yates, and unanimously approved.
- Approve Ethnic Community Advisory Group Accomplishments for 2006 and Goals and Objectives for 2007: Dr. Ganguli stated that this item is to approve the advisory group's accomplishments for 2006 and proposed goals for 2007. Ms. Carney asked about the level of participation, and Dr. Ganguli answered that there is 80-90% attendance with one or two members being excused from membership for excessive absences. He added that there are some vacancies to be brought to the attention of the Board Members shortly for their nominations. Motion by Yates, seconded by Carney, and unanimously approved by Carney.
- Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for December 13, 2006: Attached for information are the Ethnic Community Advisory Group minutes for the December 13, 2006 meeting.
- Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group for November 17, 2006: Attached for information are the Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group minutes for the November 17, 2006 meeting.
- Review March 2, 2007 Governing Board Agenda: Dr. Wallerstein stated that an additional item is being added to the agenda, which is a report on the California Fuel Cell Partnership Steering Team and its quarterly activities. Also, the annual renewal of the Partnership needs to be re-evaluated and heard for approval. Currently the Partnership has been discussing ways to enhance a Southern California presence and will meet next week to try to finalize these initial plans. The resulting proposal will be brought to the Technology Committee meeting on February 23 and then presented for Board consideration.
Dr. Wallerstein stated that the public hearing item -- Priority Reserve – Rule 1309.1 – allows a power plant developer to obtain AQMD emissions offset credits. There was a lengthy discussion related to the policy direction of this rule, including the critical need to evaluate the communities’ desires and also the need for local power generation. In the present proposed rule, six options are listed, but the Committee discussed providing an additional option for the Board to review at the March Board meeting without having to require interested members of the public to testify twice – in March and in April. Dr. Burke indicated that he would like to discuss an idea related to Rule 1309.1 amendments with Dr. Wallerstein and depending on their discussions another option may be presented for the Governing Board’s consideration. Mayor Yates suggested, in order to move these projects in the queue, for the two pending applications that were filed the earliest in the process (in 2005), we could provide the California Energy Commission (CEC) with our determination of compliance. However, at the same time have the applicants sign an agreement that they understand that regardless of our final determination of compliance issued by AQMD, they will be subject to the eligibility and other requirements of accessing the Priority Reserve credits based on the version of the rule in effect at the time of final decision on the Permit to Construct and based on any amendments that the Governing Board adopts for Rule 1309.1. This will implement the Committee’s desire to provide CEC with the determination of compliance based on a written agreement made now which will be completed once the amendment to the rule is adopted.
- Other Business: None.
- Public Comment: None.
Meeting adjourned at 9:28 a.m.
Attachment (EXE 92kb)
Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for December 13, 2006
Local Government & Small Business Advisory Group Minutes for November 17, 2006