BOARD MEETING DATE: March 6, 2009
AGENDA NO. 39

PROPOSAL:

Make Findings Regarding Board Member Assistant/Consultant

SYNOPSIS:

This action is for the Board to act in the place of the Administrative Committee to review a Board Member’s Proposal for SCAQMD Board Member Assistant/Consultant and make the findings required by Board policy.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, February 13, 2009, Referred to Board for Consideration

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Determine that Ms. Lisha Smith has the required qualifications for Consultant as described in this Board letter and determine that the Consultant classification is independent contractor, pursuant to Board policy.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

By Board policy established February 10, 1995, the Administrative Committee reviews proposed contracts for Board Member Assistants and/or Consultants and is charged with the responsibility to:

“…determine if the proposed compensation rate is consistent with the required qualifications…and, with advice of General Counsel, make a case-by-case determination of whether a person proposed to provide assistance is a Board Member Assistant or a Board Member Consultant. If the determination is made that the person is a Board Member Consultant, the Administrative Committee also shall determine whether the Board Member Consultant is an employee not eligible for District benefits or an independent contract” (Feb. 10, 1995, paragraph 4)

At the February Administrative Committee meeting, Supervisor Josie Gonzales presented the proposal to engage Lisha Smith as her consultant. Because less than a quorum was present, no action could be taken. Therefore, Acting Committee Chair Jane Carney referred this matter to the full Board so as not to delay the review until next month’s Administrative Committee meeting.

The proposed scope of duties for the Board Consultant consist of: performs for Board Member a variety of professional-level assignments in the development and formulation of policy, data analysis, reports, plans, assessments, and strategies for AQMD programs; provides advice and recommendations to the Board Member regarding matters subject to the Board Member’s decision-making authority; may provide liaison with the public on behalf of the Board Member. Typical functions may include planning, organizing, and developing a wide variety of programs on the Board Member’s behalf and evaluating the effectiveness of various approaches.