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

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 5:30 p. m. Buffet

6:00 p. m. Meeting Gateway Cities Council of Governments

16401 Paramount Boulevard Paramount, California

AGENDA

STAFF REPORTS AND OTHER WRITTEN DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS OFFICES, 16401 PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD, PARAMOUNT, CALIFORNIA. ANY PERSON HAVING QUESTIONS CONCERNING ANY AGENDA ITEM MAY CALL THE COG STAFF AT (562) 663-6850. 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. ROLL CALL – BY SELF INTRODUCTIONS III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. 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.

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VI. MATTERS FROM STAFF VII. 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 April 6,

2016, are presented for approval.

B. Approval of Warrant Register - Request for Approval of Warrant Register Dated May 4, 2016

C. March 2016 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.

VIII. REPORTS

A. County Homeless Initiatives and LAHSA Updates – Presentation by Grace Weltman, Director of Policy and Planning, LAHSA

SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE

ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF B. 2016 – 2020 LA County Strategic Plan for Economic Development –

Presentation by Bill Allen, Chief Executive Officer, LAEDC

SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF

C. LA County Regional Parks and Open Space Funding – Presentation by

Taylor Wolfson, Account Executive, Cerrell Associates

SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF

D. Conservation Corps Report – Presentation by Dan Knapp, Executive

Director/CEO, Conservation Corps of Long Beach SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF E. Metro Gateway Cities Service Council Election

SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO CONDUCT ELECTION; RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF

15 Min

15 Min

15 Min

15 Min

10 Min

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F. City Managers Steering Committee: Draft Letter to Caltrans Regarding Inadequate On/Off Ramps Maintenance

IX. 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 SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF 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 Gateway Cities COG 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 F. Report from the Committee on Sustainability

SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO APPROVE RECOMMENDATION; RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF

3 Min

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3 Min

3 Min

3 Min

3 Min

5 Min

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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 Gateway Water Management Authority – Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF B. Matters from The I-5 Consortium Cities Joint Powers Authority – Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF C. Matters from the League of California Cities – Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF D. 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 E. Matters from Eco-Rapid Transit (OLDA) – Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF

F. Matters from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) –

Oral Report SUGGESTED ACTION: A MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT, POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF

G. 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

XI. MATTERS FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS XII. MATTERS FROM THE PRESIDENT XIII. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: New items will not be considered after 8:00 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, June 1, 2016, 6:00 PM.

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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) 663-6850. NOTIFICATION 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING WILL ENABLE THE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE REASONABLE ARRANGEMENT TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY TO THIS MEETING.

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VII. CONSENT CALENDAR Item A

Approval of Minutes

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6, 2016

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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 16401 Paramount Boulevard

Paramount, California April 6, 2016

Second Vice President Pineda called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.

PRESENT: Second Vice President Jhonny Pineda, City of Huntington Park Immediate Past President Brent Tercero, City of Pico Rivera Member Tony Lima, City of Artesia Member Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy, City of Avalon Member Raymond Dunton, City of Bellflower Member Pedro Aceituno, City of Bell Gardens Member George Ray, City of Cerritos Member Ivan Altamirano, City of Commerce Member Emma Sharif, City of Compton Member Luis Marquez, City of Downey Member Reynaldo Rodriguez, City of Hawaiian Gardens Member Edward Eng, City of La Mirada Member Diane DuBois, City of Lakewood Member Roberto Uranga, City of Long Beach Member Salvador Alatorre, City of Lynwood Member Jack Hadjinian, City of Montebello Member Gene Daniels, City of Paramount Member Joe Angel Zamora, 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 Joseph Martinez, Office of Supervisor Hilda Solis Member Connie Sziebl, Office of Supervisor Don Knabe ABSENT: President Ali Saleh, City of Bell First Vice President Al Austin, City of Long Beach Member Christian Hernandez, City of Cudahy Member Mark D. Radecki, City of Industry Member Ricardo Villarreal, City of Maywood Member Leonard Shryock, City of Norwalk Member David Riccitiello, Office of Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas Member Tracy Egoscue, Port of Long Beach ALSO PRESENT: Norwalk City Manager Mike Egan, Chair, City Managers Steering Committee; Commerce City Administrator Jorge Rifa; South Gate City Manager Michael Flad; Bell Gardens Director of Public Works Chau Vu; Vernon Director of Public Works

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6, 2016

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Derek Wieske; Long Beach Manager of Government Affairs Diana Tang; Steve Forster, City Engineering Manager, Cities of Bell Gardens and Montebello; Lara Larramendi, Office of Representative Janice Hahn; KeAndra Dodds, Office of Supervisor Hilda Solis; Lance Grindle, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works; Kristine Guerrero, Public Affairs Manager, League of California Cities; David Yale, Managing Executive Officer, Capital Planning and Programming, Metro; David Hershenson, Community Relations Manager, Metro; Kevin Gilhooley, SCAG; Michael Kodama, Executive Director, Eco-Rapid Transit; Meredith Berkson, PATH; Andres Molina, Government Relations Representative, WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff; Chris Hedden, Cambridge Systematics; Gary Hamrick, Cambridge Systematics; Fran Inman, Majestic Realty Company; Susan DeSantis, Arrellano Associates; Jerard Wright, Move LA; Deputy Executive Director Jack Joseph; GCCOG Deputy General Counsel Ivy Tsai; GCCOG Transportation Deputy Karen Heit; GCCOG Consultant Engineer and I-5 JPA Executive Director Yvette Kirrin.

Roll was taken through self-introductions. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Member Hadjinian. Member Newcomer requested that Report Item VIII.C regarding the Metro Potential Ballot Measure Expenditure Plan be taken first among the reports. It was moved by Member Wilson, seconded by Member Daniels, to take item VII.C as the first report. The motion was approved unanimously. There were no public comments. There were no matters from staff. It was moved by Immediate Past President Tercero, seconded by Member Hurtado, to approve the consent calendar. The motion was approved unanimously. David Yale, Managing Executive Officer, Capital Planning and Programming, Metro, gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding Metro’s proposed ballot measure to extend the life of the existing Measure R and to impose an additional half cent sales tax to fund transportation programs and projects in Los Angeles County. He said Metro had conducted a bottoms-up process with the nine sub-regions of the county, which submitted projects for evaluation. He said the Metro Board had adopted highway and transit performance measures and scored projects using weighted themes, including easing congestion, providing access, improving safety, growing economic benefits, and enhancing the quality of life. Mr. Yale reviewed the revenue assumptions of the proposed measure, saying the new half cent tax is projected to produce an additional $860 million a year. He said the percentage breakdown of the expenditure plan for the new tax revenues would be 35% for transit construction; 20% for transit operations; 17% for highway construction; 16% for local return; 5% for Metro Rail operations; 2% for active transportation projects; 2% for ADA paratransit service; 2% for safety improvements; and 1% for regional rail. He reviewed the ongoing public outreach process regarding the expenditure plan for the proposed sales tax measure.

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6, 2016

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Member Lima asked how Metro had come up with the criteria which split the Eco Rapid Transit line into two segments constructed over different periods of time. Mr. Yale responded that Metro had used a mobility matrix to determine what in the prior plan should be accelerated if it has higher performance than a new project. He said it is a $3 billion challenge for the Eco Rapid Transit line to get from the Green Line station to Union Station as some of the right-of-way is not owned by Metro. Member Uranga said the problem he has is that the phasing of the I-710 project starts at the northern end and defers the southern end with its increased port traffic to the second fifteen years. He said that need is not being addressed by this plan. He said the City of Long Beach will be talking to Metro about this and the relief needed at the Port’s end of the project. Mr. Yale said he understands the issue. He said we need a different way of picturing that corridor’s phasing. Member Hurtado asked where in the first fifteen years I-710 would be addressed. Mr. Yale said I-710 shows up in the detail as starting in 2026. Member Marquez said that nine cities had attended the MTA Board meeting to express their displeasure with the timing of the Eco Rapid Transit line. He said these are highly impacted, disadvantaged communities. Member Marquez stated that Metro is asking for our support, but we don’t see how this plan has the return for us. President Saleh arrived at the meeting at 6:53 p.m. First Vice President Austin arrived at the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Member DuBois pointed out to Mr. Yale that there is a different group of people speaking here than those at the Transportation Committee meeting, but they are expressing the same concerns. She said that he can see that we do not feel that we are being treated fairly. Member Wilson asked Mr. Yale to explain more how population and employment rate affect the distribution of funds in the expenditure plan. Mr. Yale said two percentages of population (current and future projected) and two percentages of employment (current and future projected) were balanced into one percentage to give a rough idea for a proportional share. Immediate Past President Tercero said it doesn’t seem like any additional attention is being paid to the Gold Line extension. He said the Gold Line alignment should be accelerated akin to projects in Los Angeles. Member Altamirano asked Commerce City Administrator Jorge Rifa to comment on the proposed expenditure plan. Mr. Rifa said he would limit his comments to the I-5 project. He said starting the second phase of this project 23 years after the completion of the first phase has a negative impact on an economically and environmentally distressed area. He said this will drive businesses away from the area despite this project having been around since the 1990s. Member Hurtado asked how the projected growth at the ports figured into the equation. Mr. Yale said input they had received from the COG on how to break up the I-710 project was taken into account. He said Metro didn’t think we would get the federal funding needed to get the project moving.

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Member Daniels said the comments being expressed tonight were not rehearsed. He said we are not asking for anything new, just that the promises of Measure R be kept. Member Marquez asked that an item be included on the agenda for the May Board meeting regarding whether a letter of support or opposition to the proposed tax measure be sent. It was moved by Member DuBois, seconded by Member Marquez, that the Board approve the recommendation from the Transportation Committee as follows:

1. Prioritize Measure R projects before new projects are implemented; keep the promise made in Measure R.

2. Support the acceleration of Measure R initiatives consistent with the MTA Board’s 20/10 policy.

3. Increase local return. 4. Revise the dates for major highway improvements (I-710 and I-5) to reflect the phased

nature of construction and allow for access to current funding state and federal availability.

The motion was approved unanimously. It was moved by Member Lima, seconded by Member Alatorre, to receive and file the report on the Metro potential ballot measure. The motion was approved unanimously. President Saleh assumed the chair at 7:13 p.m. Fran Inman, Senior Vice President, Majestic Realty, addressed the Board regarding current transportation initiatives. She commended the COG for its work on the Strategic Transportation Plan. She said that, on the federal side, a new five-year transportation bill had been adopted by Congress, with the particular importance being the recognition of freight as a priority issue. At the state level, she said we are still working on how those funds will be allocated. She said the state still has not resolved the transportation funding issue in the special session. Yvette Kirrin, Gateway Cities COG Consultant Engineer, gave a brief summary of the Gateway Cities Strategic Transportation Plan (STP). She referred the Board to the summary of the plan that had been distributed. She said the plan comes to the Board with the respective recommendations of the STP Technical Advisory Committee, STP Oversight Committee, and the COG Transportation Committee. It was moved by Member Newcomer, seconded by Member Altamirano, to approve the Gateway Cities Strategic Transportation Plan and that the STP be updated every five years based on established procedures. The motion was approved unanimously. South Gate City Manager Michael Flad addressed the Board requesting approval of a memorandum of understanding with seven COG member cities for cost sharing of a consultant project to study the cost of providing ten benchmark services provided by cities. The study would include recommendations on how to improve and/or reduce the cost of providing these services. He said the results of the study could be made available to all the member cities. He

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6, 2016

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identified the seven cities that would be funding the study as Downey, La Mirada, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South Gate, and Whittier. It was moved by Member Wilson, seconded by Member Newcomer, to approve the memorandum of understanding. The motion was approved unanimously. Yvette Kirrin reported that the Omnibus Appropriations Act approved by Congress included a provision to repurpose earmarks approved prior to 2005 that have not been expended by more than 10%. She provided a list of such earmarks in the Gateway Cities and elsewhere in Los Angeles County that would be eligible for repurposing. It was moved by Second Vice President Pineda, seconded by Member Daniels, to receive and file reports A and E. The motion was approved unanimously. There was no report from the Conservancy Committee. Yvette Kirrin presented a report from the I-710 EIR/EIS Project Committee and the SR-91/I-605/I-405 Corridor Cities Committee. She said both technical advisory committees would be meeting in April to set up rules and methods for utilizing the Measure R funds allocated to those corridors. She said those recommendations would move to the I-710 Project Committee and the SR-91/I-605/I-405 Corridor Cities Committee. Member DuBois presented a report from the Transportation Committee. She said the MTA Board had approved an expansion of the Green Streets policy. She said an alternative had been selected for the Rosecrans/Marquardt rail grade separation project. She reported that the item for segment three of the Purple Line subway had been approved. There was no report from the Transportation Committee. Meredith Berkson presented a report from PATH. She referred the Board to a handout containing the numbers from the 2015 homeless count and explained that where a zero total is shown for a city is not an actual count but indicates that the city did not opt in to the 2015 count. She said there was a much more robust participation in this year’s count. Ms. Berkson urged individual cities to partner with PATH and provide matching funds for PATH’s applications for United Way grants. Member Daniels presented a report from the Committee on Sustainability. He reported on the March 23rd Regional Assistance Workshop for Cap and Trade Funds hosted by the COG and attended by city managers, planning directors, and public work staffs of the cities and County. He said the main goal of the workshop was to raise awareness about the various funding sources available under the cap and trade program. It was moved by Member DuBois, seconded by Member Aceituno, to receive and file the committee reports. The motion was approved unanimously. Yvette Kirrin presented a report from the I-5 Joint Powers Authority. She reported on the various segments of the project, saying that Valley View is currently out to bid, Alondra is complete,

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6, 2016

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Rosecrans is 67% complete, Imperial/Norwalk is 57% complete, Florence is 24% complete, and Carmenita is 72% complete. Kristine Guerrero presented a report from the League of California Cities. She said legislators need to be reminded that something needs to be done about the lack of funding for transportation. She urged cities to contact Senator Mendoza urging opposition to SB 876, which preempts local control on homelessness. She referred the Board to a handout on the League’s training for new council members. There was no report from SCAG. There was no report from Eco-Rapid Transit. There was no report from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. David Hershenson presented a report from the Metro Gateway Cities Service Council. He said four community meetings had been scheduled regarding the Gold Line extension. He referred the Board to a handout regarding public meetings on the draft expenditure plan for the proposed MTA sales tax measure. He said a meeting would be held on the evening of April 26th at this location. It was the consensus of the Board to receive and file the agency reports There were no matters from the Board of Directors. There were no matters from the President. Adjournment: It was moved by Member Sharif, seconded by President Saleh, to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Richard Powers, Secretary

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VII. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM B

Approval of Warrant Register

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VII. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM C

March 2016 Local Agency Investment Fund Statement

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VII. CONSENT CALENDAR

ITEM D Status Report from Lobbyist - Edington,

Peel & Associates

Board of Directors Meeting Agenda May 4, 2016

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Monthly Report by Jim Dykstra to Gateway Cities COG April 20, 2016

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, email and fax exchanges and other communications.

I have continued to closely coordinate with Gateway Cities COG staff regarding the Gateway Cities COG’s priorities and interests in the 114th 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, and other high priority matters.

I have been in touch regarding plans to visit California the week of April 25, and I will meet with Gateway Cities COG senior staff on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 26. I will also meet with the I-5 JPA on the afternoon of Monday, April 25, and receive a windshield tour of the I-5 widening project.

I have continued to be in contact with Gateway Cities COG and I-5 JPA staff about earmarked funds secured several years ago by Rep. Grace Napolitano that have not yet been spent and that could be reallocated to other projects if not used by FY19. I am working with them and the Congresswoman’s staff to ensure that the $4.1 million plus in funding can be used for purposes that will best further this important project. On March 22, I attended an event for Rep. Napolitano and had the chance to talk with her and her legislative director, Joe Sheehy, about this and to thank them for their efforts regarding the funds.

I provided information about the President’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget submission for the Department of Transportation, and I will be providing updates throughout the congressional appropriations process on matters of interest in the transportation appropriations bill and hearings process. The Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee marked up its version of the FY17 funding measure just yesterday. I continue to provide information regarding the five-year surface transportation bill, which was approved by the House and Senate and signed into law by the President on December 4, 2015 as Public Law 114-94.

I have had discussions and follow up with Gateway Cities COG staff regarding the I-710 and will have continuing discussions on efforts to advance this initiative.

I have been in communication with the Gateway Cities COG’s consultant regarding the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies document submitted to the Economic Development Administration’s Seattle office in December. I have followed up with EDA headquarters staff regarding the status of a response to that submission.

Board of Directors Meeting Agenda May 4, 2016

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Just yesterday, I received word that EDA has responded, and the CED document has been approved.

I have spoken with Gateway Cities COG staff regarding urban revitalization initiatives and have provide information regarding initiatives and studies nationwide that may be pertinent to Gateway Cities COG efforts.

I have continued contact with the Gateway Cities COG regarding the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership for Southern California (AMP So Cal), in which Gateway Cities COG is a partner. This is one of the first 12 Manufacturing Communities designated by the US Commerce Department as part of the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP). Meetings with a number of delegation members have been held regarding the initiative.

I have continued to keep the Gateway Cities COG updated regarding membership, leadership and staff changes, as well as committee priorities in the 114th Congress. I have also provided US DOT information about briefings and webinars on transportation initiatives.

I provide representation on behalf of Gateway Cities COG with the Coalition of America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) in Washington, DC. I continue to keep Gateway Cities COG informed on CAGTC’s efforts to advance freight movement legislation, particularly through the transportation bill, at the federal level. On May 11 and 12, I will represent Gateway Cities COG at CAGTC’s annual conference in Washington, DC.

I have continued discussions and email exchanges with staff of Members of Congress representing Gateway Cities COG member cities, 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.

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VIII. REPORTS ITEM A

County Homeless Initiatives and LAHSA Updates – Presentation by Grace Weltman, Director of Policy and

Planning, LAHSA

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VIII. REPORTS ITEM C

LA County Regional Parks and Open Space Funding – Presentation by Taylor

Wolfson, Account Executive, Cerrell Associates

Our Neighborhood Parks, Water Resources and Open Space

Parks, open space and natural water resources are vital to life here in LA. These natural areas help make our community a wonderful place to live and protect our quality of life, as we all spend so much time indoors and in our cars.For over 20 years, our community has relied on local, voter-approved funding to protect and maintain our neighborhood parks, outdoor areas and water resources—and now this funding is expiring. When this funding expires, we will lose the only source of dedicated local funding for our neighborhood parks.

Repair and Upgrade Neighborhood ParksLocal funding helps to ensure we can upgrade playground equipment, parks, recreation centers and senior centers so they are safe and meet the needs of our community.

Keep Kids Safe and Out of TroubleKids in our community need safe places to play and opportunities to participate in after school programs. Safe, clean parks and recreation centers are key to helping keep kids off the streets and out of trouble.

Water ConservationWe are four years into a historic drought, making water conservation critical. The implementation of drought-tolerant plants and use of recycled water and rainwater all help to reduce the amount of water wasted, saving money and protecting our local water resources.

Protect Our Last Open SpacesMost of the remaining undeveloped open spaces and natural areas in LA County are located next to rivers, creeks, streams and lakes. Our parks help to protect and preserve these undeveloped natural areas for future generations.

Potential Local Ballot MeasureThe County is preparing a potential ballot measure that would provide stable, local funding for our parks and open space.

Visit LACountyParkNeeds.org

to learn about local funding and needs for parks and open

space in our neighborhoods.

Learn More Local Funding Supports Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks by:

� Protecting clean water resources, including rivers and creeks� Reducing gang activity� Ensuring drinking water is safe at park and recreation centers� Providing safe places to play� Removing asbestos, mold and lead paint from aging

recreation centers� Protecting and preserving parks and natural areas� Keeping beaches open, clean and safe

RPOSD.LACounty.gov /RPOSD @RPOSD @RPOSD

Maintenance & ServicingMaintain local parks and facilities throughout

our 88 cities and unincorporated areas

Planning & Operations Strategic Planning

Needs Assessment Updates OSD Operations

Oversight Advisory Board

GrantsSupport communities as they plan, acquire,

develop, improve, restore, rehabilitate, maintain and oversee programs. Grants would

be divided into five categories.

LOCAL FUNDING MEASUREStable, local funding to protect and maintain our

neighborhood parks, open space and water resources

Expenditure Plan

Community Based Park Investment

Safe & Healthy Parks, Urban Greening

Rivers, Lakes and Beaches

Regional Recreational Facilities & Regional Connections

Youth and Veteran Job Training

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VIII. REPORTS

ITEM E Metro Gateway Cities Service

Council Election

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TO: Board of Directors FROM: Richard Powers, Executive Director SUBJECT: Gateway Cities Service Council Election Background In September 2002, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board of Directors adopted a policy for the establishment of Service Councils for its newly created service sectors. One of the five sectors coincides almost exactly with the Gateway Cities COG territory. The COG requested and received recognition as the convening coalition charged with nominating Service Council members. At this time two seats expiring on June 30, 2016 held by elected officials will be filled. Issue In accordance with the policy and procedures, applications were solicited by direct notification of all mayors and councilmembers as well as municipal transit providers. Timely applications were received from three elected officials. The elected officials are:

Mayor Pro Tem Ali Sajjad Taj, City of Artesia Council Member Karina Macias, City of Huntington Park Council Member Gene Daniels, City of Paramount

Attachments • Metro Gateway Cities Service Council Nominating Policy and Procedure • Applications Recommended Action It is recommended that the Board of Directors nominate two of the three applicants for the seats expiring on June 30 to the Metro Gateway Cities Service Council.

Board of Directors Meeting Agenda May 4, 2016

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Attachment 1

Gateway Cities MTA Service Council Nominating Policy and Procedure

As amended June 1, 2005 I. Council composition

The Council was initiated with seven members including a majority of public transit users and not to exceed three (3) elected officials. The COG (acting as the convening coalition) exercised its right to expand the Council to nine (9) members on June 1, 2005. These nine (9) members shall include a majority of public transit users and not exceed four (4) elected officials.

II. Nomination procedure When one or more vacancies occur, it will be determined how many of the vacancies may be held by elected officials. For elected official vacancies, if any, all applications received will be compiled and forwarded to the COG Board of Directors for its decision. For non-elected official vacancies, if any, all applications will be reviewed by the MTA Sector Subcommittee of the Transportation Committee after all elected official vacancies have been decided. The Subcommittee will recommend candidates for each vacancy to the Board of Directors for nomination to the Sector Council. All of the Board of Director’s nominations will be forwarded to the MTA Board of Directors for its review and approval. In selecting among the applicants, the Subcommittee will strive for diversity of perspectives, expertise, geographic representation, and transit use including consideration of populations with special transit needs such as the elderly and the disabled.

III. Outreach

Applications will be accepted for a minimum period of three weeks. Notice of available applications will posted on the COG website and mailed to all mayors, councilmembers, county supervisors, city managers and municipal transit providers in the Sector area as well as the Gateway Cities Partnership. A press release will also be issued.

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VIII. REPORTS ITEM F

City Managers Steering Committee: Draft Letter to Caltrans Regarding Inadequate

On Ramps/Off Ramps

Board of Directors Meeting Agenda May 4, 2016

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TO: Board of Directors FROM: City Managers Steering Committee SUBJECT: Draft Letter to Caltrans Regarding Inadequate On/Off Ramps Maintenance Background The City Managers met recently to discuss our mutual concerns regarding the unsightly conditions at so many of the freeway on ramps and off ramps in our cities. Caltrans is responsible for the maintenance of those facilities, which are often overrun with weeds, trash, and graffiti and other conditions in these areas which are often the entryways to our cities. The City Managers Steering Committee met recently on this subject and agreed to send to the Board the attached draft letter for cities’ use in communicating with Caltrans their concerns about the lack of maintenance at these locations. Recommended Action Approve the attached draft letter for cities’ use in communicating their concerns to Caltrans regarding the lack of maintenance at freeway on and off ramps.

DRAFT

April 15, 2016

Carrie Bowen, Director California Department of Transportation District 7 100 South Main Street Los Angeles, California 90012 Dear Ms. Bowen, We are the mayors of several cities in the Gateway Region of Southeast Los Angeles County, all with freeway on- and off-ramps. Quite often, these entry points to our cities are full of litter, graffiti, abandoned furniture, weeds, and overgrown vegetation. Our cities spend substantial amounts of time, energy, and money to maintain clean, attractive environments that are welcoming and inviting. The polluted state of the freeway entrances and exits make for a discouraging, unappealing first impression for residents and visitors alike. In addition, many people don’t realize that these areas are not maintained by the cities, which can reflect badly on the hard-working men and women of our organizations. We ask that Caltrans do a better job maintaining these properties. The sooner this issue is addressed, the better, since these conditions have existed for some time. On behalf of the two-million-plus residents that call the Gateway Cities Region home, we respectfully ask for your help in this matter. Sincerely, Richard Powers Gateway Cities Council of Governments Cc: Shirley Choate, Chief Deputy District Director, District 7