BOARD MEETING DATE: October 8, 1999 AGENDA NO. 30
REPORT:
Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review
SYNOPSIS:
Below is a summary of key issues addressed at the MSRC’s September 23, 1999 meeting. The next MSRC meeting is Thursday, October 28, 1999, at 1:30 p.m. in AQMD Conference Room CC8.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive and file.
Norma J. Glover
AQMD Representative on MSRC
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the August 26, 1999, MSRC meeting were unanimously approved, as submitted. The minutes are attached for your information (Attachment 1).
Legislative Update
Staff reported that AB 1571 (Villaraigosa/Brulte), an urgency measure which would continue the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program, was enrolled recently after approval from the Assembly Floor.
FY 1999-2000 Work Program
In August the MSRC considered its $16.275 million FY 1999-2000 Work Program, but postponed action on funding a $250,000 proposal submitted under the Fleet VMT Reduction Strategies PON in light of clarifying information received about the project. At its September 23, 1999, meeting the MSRC received testimony from the proposer on the objectives of the proposed project. After a discussion on how the project might potentially reduce emissions reductions, the MSRC unanimously referred the item back to its Technical Advisory Committee for re-evaluation of the project and the clarifying information and development of a final recommendation on the project. The project under consideration proposes to modify existing fleet VMT reduction software to optimize emissions reductions such that truck routes would not only reduce VMT but emissions as well. In part, this effort would be accomplished through development of an emissions reductions algorithm to be funded by the MSRC. The MSRC will consider the final recommendation on this project at its October 28, 1999 meeting.
Travel Policy
The MSRC recognized that participation in conferences, meetings, and workshops relating to technologies that could reduce motor vehicle emissions may benefit its work program and yield direct emissions reductions. Consequently, the MSRC considered a travel policy proposed by its Technical Advisory Committee that would set aside funds in the work program for travel relating to the work program and demonstrating a direct link to emissions reductions. The intent would be to allocate $10,000 to $15,000 within the work program for reimbursement of travel, primarily out of state, to be approved on a case-by-case basis. The travel would be incurred primarily by MSRC members but where applicable by Technical Advisory Committee members or MSRC staff. There was a concern expressed that setting aside travel funds in the work program would deviate from past precedent of maintaining a lean work program. The MSRC also debated whether the policy should in fact apply to both the MSRC and its Technical Advisory Committee. However, after discussion on the proposed travel policy (see Attachment 2), it was adopted by a 6-2 vote. A request to approve this allocation in the FY 1999-2000 Work Program will be included on the next AQMD Governing Board agenda for consideration.
An issue also arose about MSRC members and/or alternates representing multiple agencies on the MSRC. It was referred to MSRC staff and AQMD legal counsel for further review and policy input. I will keep you posted on this issue.
Funding Recommendation for EVCharge Infrastructure Program Applications
The $2 million EVCharge Program is the second phase of funding for the installation of EV charging infrastructure in the Basin. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis using a streamlined application package that was previously approved by our Board. Applications are processed monthly (through the six-month application period which ends August 31, 1999). To date our Board has approved 17 applications totaling $486,245.22. At this time the MSRC has approved 8 additional applications totaling $292,025.48 . A request to fund these applications has been included on the October 8, 1999, Board agenda for consideration.
Update on MSRC Personnel Issues
Staff reported that the reclassification study on the MSRC support positions is entering its final stages. On our October 8, 1999, Board agenda, recommendations on staff adjustments include the reclassification of one MSRC support position from a Staff Assistant to a Staff Specialist and an allocation of one Senior Office Assistant to perform the duties currently executed by a temporary employee. A recommendation on the third support position, which is being re-evaluated by the consultant at the request of the Union, should be finalized at a future date.
Contract Modification Requests
The MSRC took the following unanimous actions on requested contract modifications:
The MSRC requested that a letter under Chair Kleindienst's signature be sent to Lucky's expressing support for and encouraging them to move forward expeditiously with the above LNG truck project and advising that MSRC staff will remain in contact to monitor the project's progress.
Contract Administrator Report
The MSRC's AB 2766 Contract Administrator provided a written status report on all fiscal year contracts including the Local Government Match Program. This Contract Administrator Report is attached for your information (Attachment 3).
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