Meeting Minutes for February 23, 2009
Chairman Spohn called the meeting to order at 2:00 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 Guests Donna Lee, SCE Al Contrearas, SCE Marisela Cervantes, Assemblymember Charles Calderon |
| II. | Pledge of Allegiance
Vice Chair member Vasquez led the pledge of allegiance. |
| III. | Approval of Minutes of January 26,2009
A motion was made to approve the meeting minutes of January 26, 2009. M/S/C: /Spence/Vasquez/Unanimous |
| IV. | Public comment
Jack Owens, business owner at 4256 N. Baldwin Ave, El Monte expressed his disappointment with ongoing property negotiations with Paragon Partners on behalf of the agency. He distributed various maps depicting property lines and how his property was affected by the Baldwin Avenue grade separation project. Member Spence later requested staff provide an overview of the Baldwin Avenue project and update of this matter at the next meeting. |
| V. | Chairman's Remarks
Chairman Spohn thanked the staff for their efforts on the successful dedication of the Brea Canyon Road grade separation held February 2oth. He also reminded the Board of the upcoming visit to Washington to meet with legislators to update them on the status of the ACE Project, thank them for their continued support and remind them of continued funding needs. |
| VI. | Chief Executive Officer's Report
Mr. Richmond reported the rules for competing for economic stimulus funds have been unfolding at the MTA where allocation requests have been submitted for Baldwin Ave, Nogales Street and the San Gabriel Trench projects. He expressed his concerns over an equitable competition for funds and has communicated his concerns to the MTA. Charles Tsang reviewed construction project photos for Temple Avenue 4th Track and Victoria Butler reviewed construction project progress photos of the Sunset Avenue grade separation project. Mr. Richmond introduced new staff member Cecilia Cardenas, Procurement Administrator. Mr. Richmond reported he attended a Hearing of the House Transportation Subcommittee. Member Spence testified on behalf of the COG. He indicated at the members' request, he a narrated helicopter tour for members of Congress and staff of the corridor which provided a good opportunity to review the magnitude of the corridor, its relationship to the economy and the need for mobility and safety along its route. |
| VII. | Approval to Receive and File Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of
January 15,2009 A motion was made to receive and file the Finance Committee meeting minutes of January 15, 2009. M/S/C:Baldwin/Vasquez/Unanimous |
| VIII. | Approval of Contract for Audit Services
Mr. Richmond indicated the staff report was corrected to reflect approval of the request to approve the contract to Vasquez & Company in amount not to exceed $35,000. He explained the amount reflected in the original staff report was the total of both the COG audit services and ACE rather than ACE exclusively. He indicated an RFP was issued in December and two proposals were received on January 7th. A technical advisory committee, comprised of the COG accountant, El Monte City Manager, SCAG auditor and ACE'S Finance Director interviewed both proposers and unanimously selected Vasquez & Company. Member Vasquez requested the record reflect that there is no relationship with Vasquez & Company. M/S/C:Atchley/Spence/Unanimous |
| IX. | Approval of Contract Amendment for Design Services During
Construction for the Brea Canyon Road Grade Separation with
DMJM+Harris
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 |
| X. | Closed Session:
Mr. Silvey announced the Board would adjourn to close session in accordance with Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to discuss pending litigation - Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority v Shea Homes Limited Partnership et al. Case No. BC 338892. When the Board returned from closed session Mr. Silvey announced there was no action taken which needed to be reported. |
| XI. | Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 2:44PM. |