George Hunter, Chairman Tim Spohn, Vice Chairman Ernest Gutierrez, El Monte Dave Spence, La Canada Flintridge, SGVCOG Harry Baldwin, San Gabriel Rosemarie Vasquez, Montebello Gloria Molina, Los Angeles County Staff Rick Richmond, Chief Executive Officer Joe Silvey, Legal Counsel Sharon Neely, staff Lou Cluster, staff Regina Talamantez, staff Cynthia Ambrose, staff Carlos Monroy, staff Yanin Rivera, staff Marita Torres, staff

Guests Laura Cornejo, City of Montebello John Draguesku, Jacobs Engineering Enrique Alonso, Jacobs Engineering Tom Crowell, Jacobs Engineering Preston Kelly, Jacobs Engineering Donna Lee, Southern California Edison

II. Pledge of Allegiance

Vice Chairman Spohn led the pledge of allegiance. 

III. Approval of Minutes of January 28, 2008

A motion was made to approve the meeting minutes of January 28, 2008.
M/S/C: Baldwin/Vasquez/Unanimous

IV. Public Comment

There were no public comments.

V. Chairman’s Report

Chairman Hunter reminded the Board of the upcoming legislative meetings scheduled March 10-12 in Washington, DC to coincide with the National League of Cities’ meetings and reminded members to confirm their attendance with staff.

VI. Chief Executive Officer’s Report

Rick Richmond introduced new staff members Yanin Rivera and Marita Torres, both working in document control.
Mr. Richmond reported that ACE submitted two applications for TCIF funds for two projects - the San Gabriel Trench ($250 million) and Nogales Street (south) grade separation ($53 million). He reported a hearing was held on February 19th and a review meeting scheduled for February 27th. A recommendation from the CTC is expected in mid-March and staff would keep the Board updated accordingly.

Senior Project Manager Regina Talamantez reviewed construction progress photos of the Brea Canyon Road grade separation project. Senior Project Manager Lou Cluster reviewed construction progress photos of the Ramona Blvd. East End Ave 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 Partial Acceptance of Temple Avenue Train Diversion Construction Contract Closeout with Yeager, Skanska, Inc.

Mr. Richmond requested consideration of a partial closeout of the construction contract with Yeager, Skanska for the Temple Avenue train diversion project. He reported that subsequent to the completion of the punch list in December several items were requested by third parties which staff agrees can be done. He reminded the Board that procedurally retention is withheld until final closeout of the contract. He indicated had the additional work not been requested staff was prepared to accept all work complete and in turn process release of retention. Accepting work as substantially complete would allow the release of retention for subcontractors to be paid for work completed and accepted. He stated a change order to address the final third party requests would be addressed separately and retention withheld on this work.

A motion was made to authorize the Chief Executive Officer to accept the Temple Avenue train diversion project as substantially complete.
M/S/C:Spence/Vasquez /Unanimous

VIII. Approval of Award of Design Services Contract for the San Gabriel Trench to Moffatt & Nichol

Mr. Richmond summarized the elements of the San Gabriel trench project. He reviewed the major tasks of the contract. He indicated the recommendation would include design to 35%, and that it may be subject to a future amendment for Phase 2 services. He reported that at the end stage of funding in place we would propose whether to pursue design/build or design/bid/build. He reminded the board that the construction was not fully funded but that there was roughly 15 months of design work, and simultaneously staff would continue to pursue funding. Member Molina asked the total project cost and of that amount what was committed. Mr. Richmond responded the San Gabriel trench project is estimated at $500 million and that a request for $350 million was submitted to the CTC and MTA approved 17% share. Mr. Richmond explained the concept of design/build versus design/bid/build. Discussion ensued regarding the lack of full funding for the trench project. Mrs. Vasquez asked whether it was prudent to hold the award until after the results of the TCIF request. Mr. Richmond reminded the board that while there is an element of risk, staff has and will continue to seek funding and that most funding agencies tend to look favorably on ‘ready to go’ projects.

A motion was made to authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute a grade separation design contract with Moffatt & Nichol for the San Gabriel Trench project in the City of San Gabriel for $8,642,032.
M/S/C/Gutierrez/Spence/Unanimous

IX. Approval of Revised Staffing Plan

Mr. Richmond distributed position descriptions and salary ranges for Senior Project Manager/Project Controls and Utility Coordinator. He reminded the Board that these responsibilities were currently performed under the Bechtel program management contract which would expire in June. However, he felt that due to the complexity of the responsibilities, recruitment could potentially be more difficult. Therefore he was requesting the Board’s approval to begin recruitment.

A motion was made to approve to continue from the conversion from contracted in-house program management support through the authorization of two new staff positions for project management support.
M/S/C/Guiterrez/Baldwin/Unanimous

X. Presentation of Baldwin Avenue Grade Separation Property Acquisition Update

Mr. Richmond reviewed scope and property requirements of the Baldwin Avenue grade separation in the City of El Monte. He indicated right of way costs were budgeted at $24 million. Mark Mendoza, Paragon Partners reviewed the acquisitions to date and reported 1/3 of the required properties are rented and negotiations with property owners have been successful. He indicated there are several commercial properties right of the railroad affected by the ingress of the retaining walls. Mr. Richmond reminded the Board that this was item did not require board action.

XI. Closed Session

Mr. Silvey announced that the Board would adjourn to closed session as per Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to discuss existing litigation.

The Board returned from closed session and Mr. Silvey announced there was no action taken which needed to be reported.

XII.  Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 3:03PM.