GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS and EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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1 GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS and EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Wednesday, October 2, :30 p. m. Buffet 6:00 p. m. Meeting Gateway Cities Council of Governments Paramount Boulevard Paramount, California AGENDA STAFF REPORTS AND OTHER WRITTEN DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS OFFICES, PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD, PARAMOUNT, CALIFORNIA. ANY PERSON HAVING QUESTIONS CONCERNING ANY AGENDA ITEM MAY CALL THE COG STAFF AT (562) FOR YOUR INFORMATION: The Board of Directors will hear from the public on any item on the agenda or an item of interest that is not on the agenda. The Board of Directors cannot take action on any item not scheduled on the agenda. These items may be referred for administrative action or scheduled on a future agenda. Comments are to be limited to three minutes for each speaker, unless extended by the Board of Directors, and each speaker will only have one opportunity to speak on any one topic. You have the opportunity to address the Board of Directors at the following times: A. AGENDA ITEM: at this time the Board of Directors considers the agenda item OR during Public Comments, and B. NON-AGENDA ITEMS: during Public Comments, comments will be received for a maximum 20-minute period; any additional requests will be heard following the completion of the Board of Directors agenda; and C. PUBLIC HEARINGS: at the time for public hearings. Please keep your comments brief and complete a speaker card for the President. I. CALL TO ORDER II. III. IV. ROLL CALL BY SELF INTRODUCTIONS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA - This is the time and place to change the order of the agenda, delete or add any agenda item(s). V. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Three minutes for each speaker. Page 1 October 2, 2013

2 VI. VII. MATTERS FROM STAFF CONSENT CALENDAR: All items under the Consent Calendar may be enacted by one motion. Any item may be removed from the Consent Calendar and acted upon separately by the Board of Directors. A. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting of September 4, are presented for approval. B. Approval of Warrant Register - Request for Approval of Warrant Register Dated October 2, 2013 C. August 2013 Local Agency Investment Fund Statement D. Status Report from Lobbyist - Edington, Peel & Associates CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION: A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS A THROUGH D. 5 Min 5 Min VIII. REPORTS A. Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) Business Assistance Report Gateway Cities Update Report by Barbara Levine, Senior Regional Manager Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF B. Request for Support from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) for a Planning Grant Application for a Gateway Cities River Master Plan SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO SUPPORT RMC; RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF IX. 3 Min REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES A. Report from the Conservancy Committee Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF B. Report from the I-710 EIR/EIS Project Committee Oral Report 3 Min SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF Page 2 October 2, 2013

3 3 Min 3 Min 3 Min 3 Min C. Report from the SR-91/I-605/I-405 Corridor Cities Committee Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF D. Report from the Transportation Committee Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF E. Report from PATH Partners (COG Homeless Program Implementation Agency) Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF X. REPORTS COMMITTEES/ AGENCIES ALL COMMITTEE / AGENCY REPORTS ARE LIMITED TO 3 MINUTES UNLESS ADDITIONAL TIME IS GRANTED BY THE BOARD PRESIDENT A. Matters from The I-5 Consortium Cities Joint Powers Authority Oral Report 3 Min SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF B. Matters from the League of California Cities Oral Report 3 Min SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF 3 Min C. Matters from Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF Page 3 October 2, 2013

4 D. Matters from the Orangeline Development Authority (OLDA) Oral Report 3 Min SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF E. Matters from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) 3 Min 3 Min 3 Min SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF F. Matters from the Metro Gateway Cities Service Council Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF G. Conservation Corps Report Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF XI. XII. MATTERS FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MATTERS FROM THE PRESIDENT A. Appointments to Transportation Committee and Committee on Homelessness XIII. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: New items will not be considered after 9:00 p.m. unless the Board of Directors votes to extend the time limit. Any items on the agenda that are not completed will be forwarded to the next regular Board of Directors meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 2013, 6:00 PM. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, PLEASE CONTACT THE COG OFFICE AT (562) NOTIFICATION 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING WILL ENABLE THE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE REASONABLE ARRANGEMENT TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY TO THIS MEETING. Page 4 October 2, 2013

5 VII. CONSENT CALENDAR Item A Approval of Minutes

6 MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AND THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gateway Cities Council of Governments Paramount Boulevard Paramount, California September 4, 2013 President Lima called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. PRESENT: President Tony Lima, City of Artesia First Vice President James Johnson, City of Long Beach Second Vice President Brent Tercero, City of Pico Rivera Immediate Past President Gene Daniels, City of Paramount Member Pedro Aceituno, City of Bell Gardens Member Raymond Dunton, City of Bellflower Member Bruce Barrows, City of Cerritos Member Joe Aguilar, City of Commerce Member Aja Brown, City of Compton Member Reynaldo O. Rodriguez, City of Hawaiian Gardens Member Rosa E. Perez, City of Huntington Park Member Tim Spohn, City of Industry Member Brian Bergman, City of La Habra Heights Member Lawrence Mowles, City of La Mirada Member Diane DuBois, City of Lakewood Member Patrick O Donnell, City of Long Beach Member Salvador Alatorre, City of Lynwood Member Jack Hadjinian, City of Montebello Member Luigi Vernola, City of Norwalk Member Luis M. Gonzalez, City of Santa Fe Springs Member Edward H. J. Wilson, City of Signal Hill Member Gil Hurtado, City of South Gate Member William Davis, City of Vernon Member Owen Newcomer, City of Whittier Member Connie Sziebl, Office of Supervisor Don Knabe Ex Officio Member Doug Drummond, Port of Long Beach ABSENT: Member Michael Ponce, City of Avalon Member Ana Maria Quintana, City of Bell Member Jack Guerrero, City of Cudahy Member Luis Marquez, City of Downey Member Felipe Aguirre, City of Maywood Member Angie Castro, Office of Supervisor Gloria Molina Member Vincent Harris, Office of Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

7 Minutes Meeting of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee Gateway Cities Council of Governments September 4, 2013 Page 2 of 6 ALSO PRESENT: Signal Hill City Manager Ken Farfsing, Chair, City Managers Steering Committee; Commerce City Administrator Jorge Rifa; Bell Gardens Assistant City Manager John Oropeza; Lakewood Community Development Director Sonia Southwell; Artesia Public Information Officer Andrew Perry; Long Beach Governmental Affairs Director Tom Modica; Pico Rivera Director of Public Works/City Engineer Arturo Cervantes; Pico Rivera Associate Engineer Gladis Deras; SCAG Public Affairs Officer Matt Horton; Archie Davenport, League of California Cities; Eco Rapid Transit Executive Director Michael Kodama; Colleen Murphy, Director, PATH Partners; Mark Kenyon, Executive Director, North East Trees; Martin Kunkel, Friends of Norwalk; Rafael Garcia, Republic Services; GCCOG Executive Director Richard Powers; GCCOG Deputy Executive Director Jack Joseph; GCCOG Deputy General Counsel Ivy Tsai; GCCOG Director of Regional Planning Nancy Pfeffer; GCCOG Engineer Jerry Wood; GCCOG Transportation Deputy Karen Heit; GCCOG Assistant to the Transportation Deputy Chelsea Simandle. Roll was taken through self-introductions. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Member Hurtado. There were no amendments to the agenda. Archie Davenport, League of California Cities, addressed the Board regarding the Medical Insurance Compensation Reform Act (MICRA), a proposed ballot measure being prepared by trial lawyers to raise malpractice limits. He said the League would probably be presenting a resolution opposing the measure because of its impact on the costs to cities for medical insurance. There were no matters from staff. It was moved by Member Hurtado, seconded by Member Aguilar, to approve the consent calendar. The motion was approved unanimously. Mark Kenyon, Executive Director of North East Trees, addressed the Board and gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding a proposed grant application by the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. Under the grant program of the State Strategic Growth Council, the Conservancy is seeking to develop a river master plan for areas adjacent to the Los Angeles and San Gabriel rivers. Mr. Kenyon said the Conservancy was seeking support for its grant application from the Board and also a commitment of $80,000 in in-kind services match and a $250,000 cash match towards the grant. He said the in-

8 Minutes Meeting of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee Gateway Cities Council of Governments September 4, 2013 Page 3 of 6 kind match would be in the form of COG and city staff time in helping to develop the plan and the $250,000 match could be provided by the COG through an estimated $10,000 per city. Mr. Kenyon said the grant application deadline is October 11 th. Immediate Past President Daniels said some advocates want to return the Los Angeles River to its natural state and asked if this would be part of the master plan. Mr. Kenyon responded that the vision of a naturalized river is unlikely to happen; the river s primary purpose is flood control. He said the plan would address what to do with the river in its current state. Immediate Past President Daniels asked if the proponents of returning the river to its natural state would approve of the plan. Mr. Kenyon said practicality will play a large role, not pursuing things that are not likely to happen in our lifetime. City Managers Steering Committee Chairman Ken Farfsing said the City Managers Steering Committee is supportive of preparing a master plan along the river and felt it was important to expand it to other tributaries such as Compton Creek. He said, however, the Committee did not discuss the match request of $250,000, so that was not part of the Steering Committee s recommendation. He said the Committee would need to examine the request and return with a recommendation. Mr. Kenyon said that more than anything else the support of the COG for the river master plan was important. He said it is possible that the state will raise the maximum grant limit from $250,000 to $500,000 towards a total $800,000 project. Member Perez said she had a problem with the match request. Immediate Past President Daniels said if the Board referred this back to the City Managers Steering Committee it could come back at the October meeting of the Board. COG Engineer Jerry Wood said a lot of what is being talked about here is going to be included in the Strategic Transportation Plan. He said perhaps that work could be used as a match for the grant. Member Newcomer asked if the Board could act tonight to approve the grant application without the money. Mr. Kenyon responded that it would be up to the Board. He said they could work with whatever the Board would be willing to do.

9 Minutes Meeting of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee Gateway Cities Council of Governments September 4, 2013 Page 4 of 6 It was moved by Immediate Past President Daniels, seconded by Member Hurtado, to refer the item back to the City Managers Steering Committee to come back with a recommendation at the October 2 nd meeting of the Board. The motion was approved unanimously. President Lima announced that two nominations had been received to fill the vacancy for an elected official on the Metro Gateway Cities Service Sector Council. He said the two nominees were Compton Mayor Aja Brown and Bell Councilmember Nestor Valencia. He said the nominees had been invited to address the Board regarding their interest in the position. Councilmember Valencia was not present at the meeting. Mayor Brown addressed the Board and stated her regarding her concerns regarding public transit particularly as they relate to her own city. It was moved by Member Perez, seconded by Member Aceituno, to nominate Compton Mayor Aja Brown to fill the vacancy on the Metro Gateway Cities Service Sector Council and to forward the nomination to the MTA Board of Directors. The motion was approved unanimously. There was no report from the Conservancy Committee. Jerry Wood presented a report from the I-710 EIR/EIS Project Committee. He said the draft EIR/EIS is being analyzed based on the new traffic model. He said he should be able to report next month on the progress. He said there would be a kickoff meeting tomorrow on the I-5/I-710 interchange study. Mr. Wood reported that the sound walls are moving forward and they should be ready to move to design next month. Jerry Wood presented a report from the SR-91/I-605/I-405 Corridor Cities Committee. He said the Corridor Cities Committee was moving forward with two projects: studies of the SR-91/I-605 and I-5/I-605 interchanges. He said efforts were being made to jump start coordination efforts with the Orange County Transportation Authority regarding the I-405 project. Mr. Wood reported that the Strategic Transportation Plan study is underway. It was moved by Member Dunton, seconded by Member Aguilar, to receive and file reports A through C. The motion was approved unanimously. Member DuBois presented a report from the Transportation Committee. She said the MTA Board is reaching out to cities for any ideas they have for inclusion in a ballot measure to replace Measure J or any other tax measure. She said the MTA is working on safety awareness on the Metro Blue Line. She reported that

10 Minutes Meeting of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee Gateway Cities Council of Governments September 4, 2013 Page 5 of 6 she believes an agreement would be reached to save $3.5 billion in federal transportation funding regarding the issue of the state s Public Employees Pension Reform Act conflict with a federal law requiring that transit employees benefits not be changed without a vote. The Executive Director thanked Member DuBois for obtaining $8.8 million from the MTA Board for the Strategic Transportation Plan. He said it would be the most comprehensive study of its type. It was moved by Member Dunton, seconded by Member Aguilar, to receive and file the report. The motion was approved unanimously. Colleen Murphy presented a report from PATH Partners. She reported that the first year of the Homeless Action Plan Implementation program, which actually has only been in effect for nine months, has resulted in over 20,000 contacts with homeless people, serving 6,500 individuals, and that almost 3,500 have received case management. She reported that nearly 80 people have received subsidies, 200 have received medical assistance, 300 have received life skills training and 150 have received financial assistance. She said 193 people have been placed in emergency shelters, 251 have received housing vouchers, 138 have received move-in assistance, and that 225 people have been housed. It was moved by Member Hurtado, seconded by Member Aceituno, to receive and file the report. The motion was approved unanimously. There was no report from the I-5 JPA. There was no report from the League of California Cities. Matt Horton presented a report from SCAG. He reported that the SCAG Regional Council would be meeting next Thursday, a week later than usual. It was moved by Member DuBois, seconded by Member Hurtado, to receive and file the report. The motion was approved unanimously. Michael Kodama presented a report from the Orangeline Development Authority. He said a city working group had taken a tour of South Pasadena, Chinatown, and Metro headquarters. He said Metro had seen the need for a connection of the Orange Line to Union Station. It was moved by Member Hurtado, seconded by Member Aguilar, to receive and file the report. The motion was approved unanimously.

11 Minutes Meeting of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee Gateway Cities Council of Governments September 4, 2013 Page 6 of 6 There was no report from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. There was no report from the Metro Gateway Cities Service Sector. There were no matters from the Board of Directors. There were no matters from the President. It was moved by Member Hurtado to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 7:08 p.m.

12 VII. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM B Approval of Warrant Register

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23 VII. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM C August 2013 Local Agency Investment Fund Statement

24 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Page 1 October 2, 2013 Local Agency Investment Fund P.O. Box Sacramento, CA (916) September 24, 2013 PMIA Average Monthly Yields GATEWAY CITIES C Account Number: <Transactions< strong=""> Tran Type Definitions</Transactions<> Account Summary August 2013 Statement Total Deposit: 0.00 Beginning Balance: 1, Total Withdrawal: 0.00 Ending Balance: 1,089.15

25 VII. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM D Status Report from Lobbyist - Edington, Peel & Associates

26 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Page 1 October 2, 2013 Monthly Report by Jim Dykstra to Gateway Cities COG - September 24, 2013 I and the firm Edington, Peel & Associates continue to provide a range of services in support of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. These include participation in a number of meetings, telephonic, and fax exchanges and other communications. I continue to closely coordinate with Gateway Cities COG staff regarding efforts on behalf of the Gateway Cities COG s priorities and interests in the 113 th Congress. I have had telephonic and electronic exchanges regarding possible funding opportunities and legislation of interest. I also work with the staff of the I-5 Joint Powers Authority on the I-5 widening initiative, the COG s number one priority. I have continued to provide information regarding the Senate and House version of the Fiscal Year 2014 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, and MAP-21, which provides continued transportation funding authorization for 27 months, through October 1, 2014, with a funding level of $105 billion. Other legislation and congressional action about which I have provided information include the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, unanimously approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on September 19, and a hearing being held this afternoon by the Senate Commerce Committee s Surface Transportation Subcommittee on public-private partnerships. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee s version of the water measure was passed by the Senate in May. I have provided information about possible Economic Development Administration funding opportunities to Gateway Cities COG staff concentrating on economic revitalization efforts for the region. As I have reported earlier, I also provided contact information for an EDA official with whom to talk about grant funding opportunities. I have also provided support to Gateway Cities COG in its efforts to have a 50,000 ton forging press located in either Long Beach or Paramount at the Weber Metals site, rather than in Germany. In this effort, I have worked with the governor s office and the office of Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, who secured the signatures of seven members of the House delegation from Southern California, in addition to herself, on a letter supporting having the forging press located in Long Beach/Paramount. A decision is anticipated sometime in mid-november. I have kept the Gateway Cities COG updated regarding membership, leadership and staff changes, as well as committee priorities in the 113 th Congress, in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works and Commerce Committees, and regarding changes in leadership of the US Department of Transportation. I participate on behalf of the Gateway Cities COG in conference calls and exchanges with staff of the Coalition for America s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) and provide Gateway Cities with information on CAGTC activities in Washington, DC.

27 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Page 2 October 2, 2013 I have continued discussions and exchanges with staff of Members of Congress representing Gateway Cities COG members, as well as other key congressional staff, regarding the COG s legislative priorities. As part of my responsibilities, I closely monitor legislation, as well as seminars, hearings, meetings and publications of key interest to legislators and senior executive branch officials for articles and information of possible interest and importance to member cities of the Gateway Cities COG. I attend Senate and House committee hearings, follow Senate and House floor proceedings, and track legislative initiatives pertinent to Gateway Cities COG interests and priorities.

28 VIII. REPORTS ITEM B Request for Support from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) for a Planning Grant Application for a Gateway Cities River Master Plan

29 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Page 1 October 2, 2013 TO: FROM: Board of Directors City Managers Steering Committee SUBJECT: Request for Support from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) for a Planning Grant Application for a Gateway Cities River Master Plan Background At your meeting of September 4, 2013, the Board heard a presentation on behalf of the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), which, in partnership with the non-profit organization North East Trees, is applying to the State Strategic Growth Council for a planning grant to fund the development of a Gateway Cities River Master Plan. The grant application deadline is October 11, At that meeting, Mr. Mark Kenyon of North East Trees said they were requesting a soft match of $80,000 in in-kind services from COG and city staff members in developing and evaluating the Plan, and also a cash match of $250,000 to be collected through an assessment of approximately $10,000 to each of the COG cities. City Managers Steering Committee Chairman Ken Farfsing reported that the City Managers Steering Committee was supportive of the grant application, but had not discussed the request of a $250,000 match. As a result, the Board referred the request back to the City Managers Steering Committee for a recommendation to be made at tonight s meeting. Discussion The City Managers Steering Committee met by conference call on September 25, in which Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Executive Director Mark Stanley participated. It was the consensus of the City Managers Steering Committee to recommend to the Board that the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy s grant application be supported and that the Board approve a match of up to $250,000 as a mix of hard match and in-kind match from the cities, with the hard match subject to individual city council approvals. Recommended Action Support the RMC/North East Trees grant application for a Gateway Cities River Master Plan with the match commitment of up to $250,000 in a combination of hard match and inkind match, with the hard match subject to individual city council approvals.

30 X. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES/AGENCIES ITEM E Matters from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD)

31 DATE: September 9, 2013 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Cities Council of Governments Board of Directors South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board of Directors Westside Cities Council of Governments Board of Directors Las Virgenes Malibu Council of Governments Board of Directors League of Cities LA County Division Board of Directors Judith Mitchell, Governing Board Member, South Coast AQMD Update on South Coast AQMD and California Air Resources Board (ARB) Activities September 6, 2013 Board Meeting The AQMD Board met on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 9:00 am in the AQMD Auditorium, Copley Drive, Diamond Bar. The Board approved the following items that may be of interest to your cities: RFI Release to Develop and Demonstrate Natural Gas Passenger and Freight Locomotives: The AQMD released two Requests for Information to solicit strategies from qualified entities on technologies to reduce NoX and PM emissions beyond Tier 4 levels from natural gas locomotive engines for both passenger and freight locomotives. The technologies can include, but are not limited, to locomotive engines fueled by dedicated natural gas fuel, a dual fuel (natural gas and diesel), or a combination of natural gas and diesel, where diesel provides energy for auto-ignition of natural gas injection under all conditions. Based on the information received, AQMD staff will evaluate the funding levels needed to conduct a LNG locomotive demonstration and will recommend to the Board at a future date, one or more RFPs to solicit more detailed proposals. Concept papers are due to the AQMD no later than 1 p.m. on December 6, For more information, please visit You may also contact Richard Carlson at rcarlson@aqmd.gov or RFP Release to Solicit Battery Electric Vehicles and Provide Buy Down Incentives for Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers: AQMD recently won a $1 million award from the U.S. EPA to provide funding for truck replacements. A previous RFP was released but there were inadequate qualified responses. Staff worked with EPA to increase the eligible vehicle model years. A new RFP was approved to replace on-road medium heavy-duty diesel trucks with battery electric vehicles and provide buy-down incentives for EV chargers. The targeted communities include the Boyle 1

32 Height neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles. The RFP (#P ) will close on October 8, For more details, contact Brian Choe at RFP Release for DC Fast Charging Network Provider and Education Outreach Consultant: AQMD was recently awarded a $300,000 grant from the California Energy Commission for installation of a DC fast charging network for plug-in electric vehicles at grocery stores along major freeway corridors in the South Coast Air Basin. The RFP was approved by the Board and will close on October 18, For more details, contact Patricia Kwon at pkwon@aqmd.gov. Events 25th Annual Clean Air Awards Luncheon The Clean Air Awards will be held on October 4, 2013 at 11:30 am at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel Biltmore Bowl, 506 South Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA Each year, the SCAQMD recognizes companies, organizations and individuals who have made a significant contribution to cleaning the air and creating a more sustainable economy. Awards are presented in the following categories: Advancement of Air Pollution Control Technology Innovative Transportation Projects Model Community Achievements Public Education on Air Quality Issues Promotion of Good Environmental Stewardship Additional awards are the S. Roy Wilson Memorial Award for Leadership in Government and the Robert M. Zweig M.D. Award for outstanding contributions in the field of medicine or air pollution health research Reservations are being accepted to attend the 25th Annual Clean Air Awards luncheon. Tickets are $40 per person or $400 for a table of 10. To make a reservation or request more information please call (909) , or caawards@aqmd.gov or you can register online at Update on AQMD Rules Balanced Measure Governing Beach Bonfires Adopted by Board In July, the AQMD Board adopted an open burning rule that will better protect public health while preserving the availability of fire pits for recreation at Southland beaches. Under the measure, beach bonfires will continue to be allowed in Los Angeles and Orange Counties as long as a city has not made a determination based on state law that smoke from fire pits poses a nuisance. 2

33 Following 2.5 hours of public testimony, the AQMD Board voted to approve amendments to its Rule 444 Open Burning. The regulation applies to the estimated 686 fire rings in Orange County and 79 in Los Angeles County. In addition, effective March 1, 2014, fire pits can remain if: They are located at least 700 feet from the nearest residence; OR They are at least 100 feet apart (If a city has 15 or fewer fire pits, they must be separated by at least 50 feet) and Air quality for fine particulates (PM2.5) in coastal areas is not forecast to exceed 100 on the Air Quality Index. (This is expected to occur infrequently under special meteorological conditions.) Fire pits at Dockweiler State Beach, Huntington City Beach, and Bolsa Chica State Beach are not expected to be affected by the distance criteria. All 60 of the fire rings in the City of Newport Beach (at Corona Del Mar State Beach and Balboa Beach) would have to be better dispersed and/or moved to another beach in the city to meet the rule s spacing requirements. In addition, a few dozen fire rings at Huntington State Beach and other beaches would have to be dispersed at greater distances. The Board s action enhances each cities local control by requiring removal of fire pits in cities or counties that made a determination based on state law that the fires are causing a nuisance. Such determination would need to be made in a publicly noticed meeting by a vote of the city council or county board of supervisors. The Board also approved other provisions as follows: Any future AQMD actions affecting beach fire pits would be voluntary and not regulatory in nature Approved an exemption for fire pits in areas specifically constructed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Issued a request for bids to design and demonstrate up to 25 low-emission fire rings fueled by sources other than wood such as propane or natural gas. Potential demonstration sites include Big Corona beach and the Balboa Pier area in Newport Beach and state beaches in Orange and Los Angeles counties. AQMD also will work cooperatively with local and state agencies to develop outreach programs to help raise awareness of the potential health impacts of wood smoke, and to prevent burning of inappropriate materials in the pits such as chemically treated wood. AQMD first considered regulating beach burning earlier this year when the California Coastal Commission considered an application by the City of Newport Beach to remove its fire rings. Coastal Commission staff recommended denial of the application, citing in part AQMD s exemption of beach bonfires from its regulations. Recognizing that wood smoke is harmful, AQMD staff initially proposed a ban on beach burning in Orange and 3

34 Los Angeles counties. Following extensive public interaction including three public consultation meetings, AQMD staff revised its proposal to the one detailed above. Proposed Rule 4001 Backstop to Ensure AQMP Emission Reduction Targets Are Met at Commercial Marine Ports The AQMD is currently seeking comments regarding the development of Proposed Rule 4001 Backstop to Ensure AQMP Emission Reduction Targets Are Met at Commercial Marine Ports. The proposed rule is tentatively scheduled for a November 1, 2013 Public Hearing. The purpose of the proposed rule is to establish actions to be taken in the event that emissions from port-related sources do not meet the emission targets assumed in the Final 2012 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the purpose of meeting and maintaining the federal 24-hr PM2.5 standard. Based on the 2012 AQMP Control Measure IND-01, staff is proposing the following elements to be included in a proposed rule to be presented at a future date: Applicability to commercial marine ports, specifically the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (Ports). Provisions for the Ports to report emissions of NOx, SOx and PM2.5 on an annual basis. If emissions do not exceed projected levels assumed in the 2012 AQMP, the Ports have no obligation under the proposed rule except emissions reporting. If additional emission reductions are needed, the Ports would submit a plan to address the emission reduction shortfall which may include, but not limited to, development of new ordinances or tariffs, negotiating lease provisions, project funding, or incentives programs. The proposed rule will not require any strategy that is not cost-effective or feasible or that the Ports lack authority to implement. The SCAQMD will approve or disapprove the plan through a public process. In addition to the above elements, the SCAQMD is seeking comments regarding flexibility to reduce emissions off Port properties. The public is requested to send documents, studies, data, reports, comments or other information relevant to Proposed Rule 4001 no later than September 6, 2013 to: Randall Pasek, Ph.D. Planning Manager, Off-Road Section, Mobile Source Division Science and Technology Advancement 4

35 SCAQMD, Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA Phone (909) Fax (909) Proposed Rule Control of Emissions from New or Redevelopment Projects The purpose of Proposed Rule Control of Emissions from New or Redevelopment Projects is to mitigate emission growth from new residential, commercial, industrial and institutional development, and redevelopment projects. Since the initial proposal was released for PR 2301, CARB in compliance with an SB 375 requirement has set greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for each metropolitan planning organization (MPO). The Southern California Association of Government s 2012 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) contains the plan for how these target emission reductions will be met. In light of this development, PR 2301 will be drafted as a backstop/contingency measure to ensure that the co-benefits of VOC, NOx, and PM 2.5 emission reductions from the SCS will meet the 2007 AQMP targets. No public meetings or hearings for this rule have been set. For information, contact Carol Gomez at (909) or CGomez@aqmd.gov. Funding Opportunities Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program (Proposition 1B) The Proposition 1B Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program (commonly referred to as the Prop. 1B Program ) was approved by the voters in 2006 and provides funding for projects that reduce emissions from goods movement operations. Emissions from diesel equipment, locomotives and vehicles involved in goods movement greatly impact the health of communities located near ports, rail yards, distribution centers and roads with high truck traffic. The program offers a financial incentive to owners/operators of eligible equipment involved in goods movement operations to upgrade their equipment, install a retrofit device, install electrical infrastructure at a truck stop or distribution facility, or implement other projects that will reduce diesel air pollutant emissions. The types of equipment targeted include: heavy-duty diesel trucks (replacement, retrofit or repower), truck stop or distribution center electrification infrastructure, locomotives, ships at berth (e.g., shore power), commercial harbor craft, and cargo handling equipment at ports or rail yard facilities. The Prop. 1B Program Guidelines can be found on the California Air Resources Board website at: For more details, please visit 5

36 Free Assistance to Small Business Owners The AQMD has a team of engineers and inspectors specifically designated to help small businesses (100 or fewer employees or with annual gross revenues up to $5 million) understand and comply with air quality regulations. Staff can also provide no-fault inspections and assist businesses with regulatory record keeping. If there is a dry cleaning business in your city, AQMD can help business owners switch to a dry cleaning machine that does not use toxic chemicals. Grants up to $20,000 are available. For assistance, or a free onsite consultation, you can contact CLN- AIR. CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards Program The California Air Resources Board is accepting applications now through November 1, 2013 for its fourth CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards Program which recognizes small businesses that integrate environmental stewardship and sustainability into their business practices. California small businesses that reduce energy use, conserve water and minimize their greenhouse gas emissions are demonstrating climate leadership and can compete for a CoolCalifornia Small Business Award. Small businesses that meet the requirements can apply online for an award at: Awards will be given to small businesses in two categories: CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year Award: Awarded to small businesses that have taken significant actions in to reduce their climate impacts, demonstrated measurable greenhouse gas reductions and documented benefits from the actions they have taken (e.g., cost savings, return on investment, etc.) by using tools such as the CoolCalifornia small business carbon calculator. CoolCalifornia Climate Leader Award: Awarded to small businesses that were proactive in reducing their environmental impacts and can describe in detail the specific actions taken in to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Last year ARB recognized 16 small businesses that took a variety of actions to save money while reducing their environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. These included installing compact fluorescent lights and energy efficient equipment or solar panels; supporting carpooling, bicycling and alternative fuel vehicles; purchasing environmentally-friendly cleaning products and low volatile organic compound paints and carpet, and incentivizing climate-friendly behavior. 6