Ernest Gutierrez, Chairman George Hunter, Vice Chairman Dave Spence, La Canada Flintridge, SGVCOG Harry Baldwin, San Gabriel Rosemarie Vasquez, Montebello Tim Spohn, Industry Gloria Molina, County of Los Angeles Staff Rick Richmond, Chief Executive Officer Joe Silvey, Legal Counsel Sharon Neely, staff Lou Cluster, staff Girish Roy, staff Bruce Armistead, staff Deanna Stanley, staff Cynthia Ambrose, staff Carlos Monroy, staff

Guests Alan Ude, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Laura Conejo, City of Montebello David Varnam, Congressman Gary Miller

II. Pledge of Allegiance

Member Hunter led the pledge of allegiance. 

III. Approval of Minutes of November 26, 2007

A motion was made to approve the meeting minutes of November 26, 2007.
M/S/C: Baldwin/Hunter/Unanimous

IV. Public Comment

There were no public comments.

V. Chairman’s Report

Chairman Gutierrez welcomed Industry Councilmember Tim Spohn and Montebello Councilmember Rosemarie Vasquez and Supervisor Gloria Molina. Chairman Gutierrez thanked Supervisor Molina for her efforts in securing additional funding from the MTA for the ACE Project. Chairman Gutierrez asked Bruce Armistead to join the Board for an acknowledgement of appreciation for his past service to the Project and a photo opportunity.

VI. Chief Executive Officer’s Report

Rick Richmond reviewed ongoing meetings with the five county transportation officials to develop consensus on Transportation Corridor Infrastructure Funding guidelines. He indicated applications are due January 17th and a decision expected in late April. He reported that although there remained uncertainties staff would continue to pursue this matter. Chairman Gutierrez asked Mr. Richmond whether this was the same issue as the recent reports regarding container fees being considered. Mr. Richmond indicated the Port of Long Beach Harbor Commission was considering a $35 per every 20-ft. equivalent unit shipping container to raise $1.6 billion for a truck replacement program. He indicated included was an infrastructure phase but was uncertain of the amount which would go to, if any, beyond the boundaries of the ports.

Senior Project Manager Girish Roy reviewed construction progress photos of the East End Ave and Brea Canyon Road grade separation projects. Senior Project Manager Lou Cluster reviewed construction progress photos of the Ramona Blvd. and Sunset Ave grade separation projects. George Nomura, Program Manager reviewed program management support tasks completed or ongoing over the past month.

VII. Approval of Selection of Consultant to Provide Design Services for the San Gabriel Trench

Mr. Richmond reviewed the elements of the San Gabriel Trench - a 2 ½ miles of rail line lowering along the Union Pacific right of way from Ramona Blvd, Mission Rd. Del Mar and San Gabriel in the City of San Gabriel. Member Molina asked why lowering was the preferred alternative rather than grade separations. Mr. Richmond indicated grade separations would require additional right of way and in certain areas, specifically around the historic Mission, it was not a viable option. Member Molina also questioned why the Authority was double tracking the project, that this was an improvement to the Union Pacific’s rail capacity and asked if there would be an increased financial participation from the Union Pacific. Mr. Richmond indicated this was a requirement of the Union Pacific in order for ACE to do work on the right of way. He indicated no increased interest by the Union Pacific to provide additional funding.

Mr. Richmond discussed the procurement for the selection of the consultant to provide design services for the San Gabriel Trench. He indicated three proposals were received and evaluated by a Technical Evaluation Committee with the recommendation to award the contract to Moffatt & Nichol in association with HDR HNTB. Member Molina asked for clarification of the reasons for a trench design and for its length. Mr. Richmond explained why the 2-mile trench was the preferred design. He estimated 15-18 months for preliminary engineering and depending on the outcome of the preliminary engineering, an estimated construction of three years, but reminded the Board that construction funding has not been secured. He also reported that if the Board approved today’s recommendation he would return to the Board in February for approval of the contract.

Member Vasquez asked if and when the Authority would consider other projects. She indicated a desire of the City of Montebello to have a project. Mr. Richmond responded that in December 2006 the Board approved the San Gabriel Trench and two other undetermined projects as the priority portion of Phase II of the ACE Project. He reminded her that funding for these projects needed to be secured but the Board could include Montebello for consideration once the Board was prepared to select the two unspecified projects.

A motion was made to authorize the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate a contract with Moffatt & Nichol in association with HDR HNTB for the design of the San Gabriel Trench project in the City of San Gabriel.
M/S/C/Baldwin/Hunter/Unanimous

VIII. Approval of 2008 Board Meeting Schedule

Mr. Richmond indicated the schedule for the Board meetings on page 22 of the agenda.
A motion was made to approve the schedule of Board meetings for 2008.
M/S/C/Spohn/Spence/Unanimous

IX. Closed Session

Mr. Richmond requested the Board pull this item.

X. Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 2:47PM