SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1998

Notice having been duly given, the special meeting of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board was held at District Headquarters, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. Members present:

Members Absent:

Chairman Burke called the special meeting to order at 10:29 a.m.

  1. Execute Contract for Legislative Representation in Sacramento, California

    Mr. Alarcón recused himself from participating, indicating a potential conflict of interest.

    The following comments, concerns, and issues were raised during the Board discussion:

    Drs. Burke and Wilson supported a combination of Allan Lind and Associates and Torres and Torres. Dr. Burke stated that the combination represented the entire area of the air quality district: both political parties, economics, social issues, and philosophical issues; and would provide access to the Governor’s office and strong relationships with the senate, assembly, and some of the minority caucus. Dr. Wilson stated that Torres and Torres had a focus on health and environmental issues and is familiar with the Latino community in Los Angeles.

    Mr. Nastri expressed concerns that none of the groups interviewed showed an understanding of the AQMD’s needs; i.e., the importance of notifying the AQMD of a movement in Sacramento to eliminate DMV funding. In addition, the candidates appeared to be confused about AQMD’s funding programs, specifically, AB 2766 and clean fuels. Ms. Lee agreed with Mr. Nastri and stated it was not unreasonable to expect an individual seeking a contract with AQMD to know the important funding issues facing the AQMD.

    Messrs. Mikels and Silva believed the legislative functions should be handled in-house. Mr. Mikels commented that an in-house employee would be 100 percent loyal to the AQMD and the AQMD could direct that individual in the absence of potential conflict of interest that a large firm may have. Mr. Mikels requested a full client list for whichever firm was awarded a contract. Mr. Silva--although he felt all the candidates interviewed are good, with plus and minuses on both sides, and his first choice would be the firm of Brady and Berliner, based solely on their past recommendations--was opposed to hiring two firms because of the potential problems of accountability and coordination of activities.

    Ms. Soto and Mr. Nastri believed the in-house approach could work with the right person in the role; however, they did not believe that the AQMD’s previous in-house Legislative Officer was that person. Ms. Soto stated that the Board was provided great written reports, but no actual lobbying of individuals to get them to look favorably upon the AQMD was taking place. Mr. Nastri reported that the Sacramento legislators were very frank regarding what the AQMD needed to do: the staff and the Board members need to appear in Sacramento, the legislators need to know who we are. The legislators--who see more of the Bay Area than the AQMD--perceived an arrogance on the AQMD’s part toward Sacramento. He believed the hiring of an outside consultant would provide immediate credibility and more access than hiring someone from in-house. He stated the group recommended by the Legislative Committee had the wherewithal to support the clean fuels reauthorization program and the many other issues facing the AQMD.

    Mr. Paulitz did not believe the AQMD had the needed expertise in-house and supported more visibility by the Board members in Sacramento. He agreed with Mr. Nastri that the reauthorization was going to be a tough fight.

    In response to concerns expressed by Ms. Lee and Dr. Wilson regarding the additional $25,000 being added to the contract, Mr. Allan Lind and Mr. Arnold Torres addressed the Board. Mr. Lind stated that a higher level of attention and more creative ways to address the environmental justice issues; and the combination of four lobbying firms to cover more ground and have more contacts in the capital would benefit the AQMD and be an administrative challenge. Mr. Torres reported there is no initiative in the state legislature that requires a program to work with constituents in the community to change their behavior in terms of compliance, activities and actions to reduce pollution in their communities. That is the AQMD’s agenda, and its focus is always on the private and public sector, not dealing with the individual element. That is a specific activity that was not proposed originally, and an activity that they would undertake. He further stated the AQMD not only needed to make a presence in Sacramento, but it also needed to bring in the community to support the activities of the AQMD, which was not an easy undertaking, but labor intensive, and required knowledge of the various elements and constituencies within AQMD’s jurisdiction.

    Dr. Burke withdrew his motion.

    Messrs. Mikels and Silva indicated they voted against the motion because it was their belief that it would be better to have a position in-house; not because of any perceived quality of the individual’s expertise.

    There was no public comment, and the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Burke. The foregoing is a true statement of the proceedings held by the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board on January 23, 1998.

    Respectfully Submitted,

    JACKIE DIX
    Clerk of the Board

    Date Minutes Approved: ________________________

    ____________________________________________

    Dr. William Burke, Chairman


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