Meeting Minutes for January 26, 2009
Vice Chairman Spohn called the meeting to order at 2:01 PM in the Irwindale City
Council Chambers.
| I. | In attendance were:
Tim Spohn, Chairman, Industry Stephen Atchley, Pomona Patricia Wallach, El Monte Rosemarie Vasquez, Montebello Gloria Molina, Los Angeles County Dave Spence, SGVCOG Paul Eaton, SANBAG Staff Rick Richmond, Chief Executive Officer Joe Silvey, Legal Counsel Deanna Stanley Carlos Monroy Paul Hubler Guests Karalee Etheridge, Cong. Gary Miller Gary Neely, Senator Bob Huff Ulisses Sanchez, Senator Calderon Bruce Russell, Jacobs Engineering Eugene KAO, KOA Hon. Freddie Rodriguez, Pomona |
| II. | Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Tim Spohn led the pledge of allegiance. |
| III. | Approval of Minutes of December 22,2008
A motion was made to approve the meeting minutes of December 22, 2008. M/S/C: Vasquez/Atchely/Unanimous |
| IV. | Public comment
There were no public comments. |
| V. | Chairman's Remarks
Chairman Spohn invited the Board and audience to the upcoming Brea Canyon Road grade separation ceremony which would be dedicated to the late Councilmember Phil Marcellin on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 10:30AM at the corner of Brea Canyon Road and Washington, He reported that this event was co-sponsored by the Cities of Diamond Bar and Industry. |
| VI. | Chief Executive Officer's Report
Mr. Richmond reported that the agenda was revised to reflect a closed session item and was posted accordingly. He reminded the Board that meetings with legislators were being planned in Washington March 16-18 to coincide with the League of Citiesf conference. A single day meeting was also planned in April to meet with California legislators. Mr. Richmond reported that the legal services procurement resulted in two procurement packages released on December 1, one for general counsel and property acquisitions (Package A) and one exclusively for property acquisition legal services (Package B). He indicated that due to minor irregularities in nearly all Package A proposals staff would reject all proposals and re-advertise in the very near future. He indicated Package B proposals were under review for responsiveness and a Technical Evaluation Committee was formed comprised of representatives from MTA County Counsel's office, Long Beach City Attorney's office, Victoria Butler ACE staff and Mr. Richmond. Mr. Richmond reported the Finance Committee met on January isth and the committee agreed to meet quarterly. Members Spence and Chairman Spohn complimented staff on the contents of the meeting. Mr. Richmond indicated the Board would be notified of the date of the next meeting once set. Victoria Butler reviewed construction project progress photos of the Sunset Avenue grade separation project. Mr. Richmond introduced new staff member Kennith Commissaris, Utility Coordinator. |
| VII. | Election of Officers The Chairman opened nominations for Chairman. Member Baldwin nominated Tim Spohn as Chairman. The motion was seconded by Member Molina. There were no other nominations for Chairman. M/S/C: Baldwin/Molina/Unanimous The Chairman opened nominations for Vice Chairman. Member Molina nominated Member Vasquez. The motion was seconded by Member Wallach. There were no other nominations for Vice Chairman. M/S/C:Molina/Wallach/Unanimous |
| VIII. | Approval of FY 2009 Mid Year Budget Revision
Mr. Richmond indicated it was standard practice that staff review the previously approved budget six months into the fiscal year for potential budget revisions for the Boards review and approval. He indicated during the first six months of the fiscal year the Authority experienced a slower rate of spending than anticipated on property acquisition for the Baldwin Ave grade separation project. There was a greater rate of spending by UPRR on track installation but slower construction activity on the Sunset Avenue project. As a result, staff recommended a reduction to the right of way budget by $4.228 million to $13.433M, to increase railroad construction budget by $3.772 million to $18.325 million and reduce the construction contracts budget by $5.864 million to $28.864 million for a total budget reduction from $80.677 to $75.479 million. A motion was made to approve the mid-year budget revision for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 which reduces the ACE total budget by $5.198 million, from $80.677 million to $75.479 million. M/S/C: Baldwin/Vasquez/Unanimous |
| IX. | Approval of California Consensus Position on Federal Reauthorization
Paul Hubler reported that Business, Transportation and Housing Secretary Dale Bonner requested agencies throughout the state endorse a set of principles on Federal Transportation Authorization. He indicated that in order to strengthen California's voice on major federal transportation funding issues, a consensus on principles should be reached. He reviewed the principles and there were no questions. A motion was made to endorse the proposed California Consensus Principles on Federal Transportation Authorization legislation. M/S/C:Atchley/Spence/Unanimous |
| X. | Approval to Request Time Extension from Caltrans for Baldwin
Avenue Grade Separation Design Funding Allocation
Mr. Richmond reminded the Board that the engineering began on the Baldwin Avenue project in 2003. In late 2004 it was realized that adequate construction funding was not secure to move the forward. In 2007 the project was reactivated and in 2008 property acquisitions began. The funding agreement with Caltrans requires expenditure of $322,400 in design funds by April 2009, a deadline the project cannot meet. Staff is confident a one year extension will provide adequate time to expend allocated funds and has discussed the matter with Caltrans who requested ACE obtain Board approval for such request. A motion was made to approve staff to request from Caltrans a 12-month time extension for $322,440 in TEA-21 funding already allocated for the design of the Baldwin Avenue grade separation. M/S/C:Vasquez/Wallach/Unanimous |
| XI. | Quarterly Project Progress Report
Mr. Richmond reviewed project costs and accomplishments over the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. |
| XII. | Quarterly Financial Status Report
Carlos Monroy, Finance Director reviewed budget to accrued actual expenses, cash expenditures, expenditures versus receipts by project and investments. |
| XIII. | Closed Session:
Mr. Silvey announced the Board would adjourn to close session in accordance with Government Code Section 54956.9 to discuss litigation - Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority v Arlene Valdez dba Cal Pest. When the Board returned from closed session Mr. Silvey announced there was no action taken which needed to be reported. |
| XIV. | Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 2:58PM. |