BOARD MEETING DATE: April 4, 2008
AGENDA NO. 23

REPORT:

Administrative Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Administrative Committee met Friday, March 14, 2008, and reviewed the proposed agenda for the April 4, 2008 Board meeting. The Committee also discussed various issues detailed in the Committee report. The next Administrative Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 11, 2008, 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, Ronald Loveridge and Dennis Yates. Committee Chair Dr. Burke and Vice Chair Roy Wilson attended via videoconference.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. Board Members’ Concerns: None.
    
2. Chairman’s Report of Approved Travel: Dr. Wallerstein stated that Tonia Reyes Uranga traveled to Sacramento, CA on February 13-14, 2008, to attend the California Carbon Capture & Sequestration Workshops; Roy Wilson attended the California Fuel Cell Partnership meeting in Sacramento, CA on February 18-20, 2008; Michael Delgado traveled with Supervisor Ovitt to Washington, DC on February 26-28, 2008 to meet with U.S. Legislators and their staff to further discuss AQMD’s legislative goals and priorities for 2008; Dr. Burke attended CARB’s 40^th anniversary event in Sacramento, CA on February 27, 2008; and Tonia Reyes Uranga attended CARB’s Board meeting in Sacramento, CA on February 27-28, 2008.
    
3. Approval of Compensation for Board Member Assistant(s)/Consultant(s): The Committee approved the proposal for Ron Ketcham, a former employee with 30 years of AQMD service, as Board Consultant to Mayor Cacciotti effective March, 15, 2008. Moved by Carney; seconded by Loveridge; and unanimously approved.
    
4. Report of Approved Out-of-Country Travel: None.
    
5. Review Administrative Policy Implementing an Affirmative Action Program for Veterans: Kurt Wiese, District Counsel, explained that organizations that have procurement contracts with the federal government are required to implement Affirmative Action programs for veterans. Mr. Wiese advised that in order to stay in compliance with federal requirements, AQMD has implemented the policies and procedures in the Veteran’s Act. Mr. Wiese informed the Committee that a written internal administrative procedure under the authority that the Board has given to the Executive Officer has been prepared; and therefore, no action on the item was necessary by the Committee. This item is simply an informational item. Mr. Wiese broadly outlined the policy, noting the policy would require the agency to take affirmative steps to recruit and promote veterans, target recruiting materials to veteran recipient outlets, review agency job specifications and requirements so that veterans, particularly disabled veterans, are not excluded, and the agency would be required to make reasonable workplace accommodations so as not to exclude disabled veterans; finally, any discriminations against veterans would, of course, be strictly forbidden. The policy would be provided to each employee, and Human Resources’ staff would be counseled on the requirements, and a statement regarding the policy would be included in AQMD’s recruitment materials and job applications. Dr. Wallerstein further commented that this item was placed on the agenda at his request in order to make the Committee aware that staff is taking this step, as it is consistent with the Board’s aggressive record over the years on veteran-related employment issues.

APRIL AGENDA ITEMS:

6. Authorize Purchase of Maintenance and Support Services for Mini Computer Hardware/Software: Chris Marlia, Asst. DEO/Information Management, stated that this item is to purchase support for Alpha Server mini computer systems which house AQMD’s corporate software for permitting and compliance activities, as well as modeling and emissions processing. Mr. Marlia stated that staff is requesting the Committee’s approval of a proposed sole source procurement with Hewlett Packard in the sum of $253,000 this year. Motion by Loveridge; seconded by Yates; and unanimously approved.
    
7. Report of RFPs and RFQs Scheduled for Release in April: Rick Pearce, Chief Financial Officer, provided the monthly report on RFPs and RFQs scheduled for release in April, of which there were three RFPs in the Planning area requiring special expertise: (1) Measurement of upper-level air pollutants (aloft), (2) Conduct systems and performance audits of AQMD’s meteorological monitoring network and quality assurance of the measurement program, and (3) Provide technical support for the implementation, operation and maintenance of AQMD’s meteorological monitoring network in the Coachella Valley. In addition, Mr. Pearce reviewed the RFQ to purchase AQMD’s compressed pure gases and cryogenic liquids for use in the lab. Upon brief discussion of AQMD’s past (and proposed continuing) practice of taking upper-level air pollutant measurements aloft, in support of the background concentration data for the next AQMP as well as to improve modeling for PM2.5 and carrying capacity calculations, the matter was moved by Carney; seconded by Loveridge; and unanimously approved.
    
8. Amend Media Services Contract with Westbound Communications, Inc.: Sam Atwood, Media Office Manager, outlined the past year’s accomplishments by Westbound Communications, Inc., and requested the Committee to approve staff’s recommendation to exercise the contract option for a one-year extension. Discussion followed regarding Westbound’s development of the Healthy Hearths campaign and its role in media coverage of the recently adopted Rule 445 – Wood Burning Devices -- as well as the issue of media coverage and media emphasis. While Westbound anticipated such emphasis and developed media strategies to address it, further information was requested regarding activities which staff will provide at the next Administrative Committee meeting. It was further emphasized that there was great progress in gaining public approval and support for Rule 445, from the date of its initial proposal to Board adoption of the rule at the March 7, 2008 Board meeting, as it was potentially a matter posing significant rulemaking hurdles, yet was also a key commitment in the 2007 SIP negotiation process with CARB. Dr. Burke thanked the Board, the members of the Stationary Source Committee, and staff, for their efforts in support of the adoption of Rule 445, and accepted Mayor Loveridge’s motion for a one-year contract extension. Motion by Loveridge; seconded by Yates; and unanimously approved.
    
9. Issue RFP to Fund Various Air Quality and Public Health Related Projects from Valero Settlement Funds: Pom Pom Ganguli, Asst. DEO/Public Affairs, advised the Committee of the recent settlement of Valero enforcement action for $1.125 million, resulting in the proposed issuance of an RFP to fund air quality and public health related projects within a ten-mile radius of the Valero Wilmington refinery. Discussion followed relative to the need to expand and provide new services rather than provide substitute funding for existing services, as well as the premise for requiring projects within a ten-mile radius of the refinery. Dr. Wallerstein confirmed that the focus will be for new services. Regarding the second issue, he mentioned that hydrogen fluoride is not a precursor to ozone and particulate formation downwind and does not impact the Basin at large, but rather is an acutely hazardous material, which poses immediate risk of release to the local Wilmington community. This led to discussion of a portion of future settlement and penalty monies being set aside to fund research on health impacts of air pollution, and to have a limited percentage of such funds set aside in future for staff administrative costs. Chair Burke requested staff prepare a position paper proposing, (1) “X” percent of penalty/settlement money should be allotted for administrative costs to implement the programs to be funded, and (2) Another “X” percent of penalty/settlement money should be set aside to provide for research/studies on health impacts of air pollution. Such position paper was requested for review by the Administrative Committee and final consideration by the full Board. Motion by Carney; seconded by Wilson; and unanimously approved.
    
10. Execute Contract to Sponsor Inland Empire Asthma Camp Proposed by Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America California Chapter: Dr. Ganguli outlined the proposed pilot program to sponsor an Asthma Camp near Big Bear for approximately 130 children for one week, including approximately 40 medical service providers. Dr. Wallerstein advised that if this pilot program, proposed by Supervisor Ovitt and the Asthma & Allergy Foundation, proves successful, it could possibly be expanded in future years, using BP Public Benefit funds and include children throughout the Basin. Ms. Carney agreed this is a great project; however, she recommended the Asthma Camp have public liability insurance and that AQMD should be named as an additional insured. Motion by Loveridge; seconded by Carney; and unanimously approved.
     
11. Ethnic Community Advisory Group Minutes for December 12, 1007 and January 9, 2008 meetings: Dr. Ganguli reported that Board Member Joe Lyou had recently been appointed as the ECAG Chair and attended the last ECAG meeting. Members were informed that the meeting date would be changing to the third Friday of the month. Since all membership terms had expired, members were also requested to submit their resumes for consideration for reappointment, if interested. Mayor Yates mentioned that ECAG members were concerned with the proposed changes and discussion followed regarding the purpose, structure, membership and terms of AQMD’s various advisory groups, as well as a review of the current needs for such bodies. Ms. Carney suggested that perhaps it is appropriate to dissolve ECAG in its present form and reconstitute it as an Environmental Justice Advisory Committee. She also recommended staff prepare a report regarding areas and topics of focus, which would help AQMD achieve its mission, and that the advisory committees simply “start over.” Although there are many advisory committees at work at AQMD, Ms. Carney emphasized that HRAG, LG&SBA and ECAG should be specifically considered in this regard. Dr. Wallerstein offered to bring a summary list of the advisory committees to the next Administrative Committee for review and discussion. Mayor Loveridge and Dr. Burke agreed that such a list should be reviewed, as it is important for advisory groups to focus on the most important issues facing AQMD and staff time spent in support of these advisory groups is well utilized. In closing, Dr. Burke requested that minutes from the last ECAG meeting be provided for his review. Attached for information are the Ethnic Community Advisory Group minutes for the December 12, 2007 and January 9, 2008 meetings.
     
12. Local Government & Small Business Advisory Group Minutes of January 18, 2008 meeting: Attached for information are the Local Government & Small Business Advisory Group minutes for the January 18, 2008 meeting.
     
13. Review April 4, 2008 Governing Board Agenda: No comments.
     
14. Other Business: None.
     
15. Public Comment: None.

Meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

Attachments  (EXE 101kb)

1. Ethnic Community Advisory Group minutes for the December 12, 2007 and January 9, 2008 meetings.
2. Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Minutes for January 18, 2008 meeting.