BOARD MEETING DATE: December 5, 2003
AGENDA NO. 27

Amend Charter for Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group and Appoint Members

SYNOPSIS:

The terms of all but one member of the Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group (LGSBA AG) have expired. Several individuals, representing the diversity and interests of the region served by AQMD, have expressed interest in serving on the AQMD’s LGSBA AG. This action is to amend the Charter to adjust the membership parameters and recommend new members.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, November 14, 2003, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Amend the Charter for the Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group in accordance with Attachment A and appoint the recommended list of members.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The Board established several Advisory Groups in 1997 and from time to time has modified charters for those groups to meet the needs of AQMD and the public. In December 2002, a Blue Ribbon Panel reviewed the operations and charter of all Advisory Groups and made recommendations to the Board, which were approved.

The AQMD Board Members currently serving on the LGSBA AG are Jane Carney (Chair), Ron Loveridge (Vice-Chair), and Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta. The terms of most members of the LGSBA AG have expired and recommendations for membership have been solicited. Several Board Members have made recommendations, and many current members of the Advisory Group have expressed interest in continuing to serve. The number of individuals recommended for membership exceeds the current limits. The expanded membership would allow for greater participation from local government, business interests, as well as concerned citizens and residents within AQMD jurisdiction. In addition, attention has also been given to geographic and regional diversity for representation on the Advisory Group. Therefore, it is recommended that the Charter be amended to allow for a greater number of members as set forth in Attachment A, and that the members set forth on Attachment B be confirmed for a term of two years effective December 5, 2003.

Proposal

Amend the Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Charter in accordance with Attachment A to provide that the Advisory Group may have 20 standing members as follows:
 

In addition it is recommended that an Honorary Membership category be established and that the Chairman of the Southern California Association of Governments be appointed an ex-officio honorary member of the Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group.

Fiscal Impacts

The increased number of standing members could slightly increase costs for per diem and mileage/parking reimbursement. There are sufficient funds budgeted to cover such additional costs.

Attachments

A - Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group Charter
B - Recommended Membership for LGSBA AG

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