2017 EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) MEETING SUMMARY FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017 TELECONFERENCE EARGLE, FRANCES ------- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) Friday, January 13, 2017 12:30 p.m.-l:30 p.m. (ET) WJC North 3528 TELECONFERENCE MEETING SUMMARY I. Call to Order/Introductions Chairman Bob Dixson called the meeting to order and began introductions. He welcomed everyone to the public meeting of EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee. He stated the purpose of the meeting was to hear and take action on two business items: 1) LGAC Biannual Report 2015-2016 and the 2) Ozone Letter. He stated for the record that the LGAC is a chartered committee of state, local and tribal elected and appointed officials representing communities from coast to coast-large, small, urban and rural communities. The LGAC operates in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and therefore conduct meetings open to the public. Members of the public are invited to speak and address the committee during the time designated on the agenda to speak. He indicated that Administrator Gina McCarthy would join the meeting to give a farewell address to the Committee. Chairman Dixson recognized Vice-chairwoman Councilor Jill Duson for opening remarks. Vice- chairwoman Jill Duson also welcomed everyone to the meeting. II. Remarks of the EPA Administrator Mark Rupp, Deputy Associate Administrator gave opening remarks and introduced the Administrator. Administrator Gina McCarthy began by thanking the Chairman and Vice- chairwoman, and the Committee for inviting her to speak. She thanked LGAC Members for their hard work on behalf of the EPA. She said that she had been "obnoxiously demanding of the LGAC" and that was because their advice was so good and so needed. She thanked Mayor Dixson for his leadership as well as Vice-Chairwoman Councilor Jill Duson. She said that the most important issues the LGAC takes on is to review what we ask of the states and whether we ask of them can work. Administrator McCarthy reflected on the LGAC's 1 ------- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) work on the Clean Water rule, Clean Power Plan and Drinking Water. She said that the work on environmental justice (EJ) was also helpful. She said the LGAC's advice always helped her to gain a greater understanding of what needs to be done. She also commented on the great work on the Drinking Water Plan and the short turnaround. She thanked LGAC Members for hosting her in their communities. She thanked Mayor Elizabeth Kautz for the tour of Burnsville, Minnesota. She was pleased to say goodbye to the last coal train there. She thanked Kevin Shafer for the water infrastructure tour of their work in Milwaukee. She thanked Mayor DuPree for his visits on many occasions to raise the awareness and challenges of marginalized communities, health disparities and water infrastructure. She said that the Drinking Water Plan clearly outlines the need to act with equity to address these issues. She stated that she was grateful for the time spent with Mayor Marilyn Murrell in her town of Arcadia, Oklahoma. She said that she met of most of her family members and she said that "if you understand community this is what it is all about." She said that it is why the work is so important and also important "in our work together." She concluded by saying that the work with the LGAC was "a huge part of my most memorable moments." Chairman Dixson thanked the Administrator. Vice-Chairwoman Duson also thanked her for her leadership and her commitment to open engagement. She also thanked her for promoting regional leadership with the EPA Regional offices. She also stated that the LGAC can see our fingerprints at work. Mayor Elizabeth Kautz also thanked the Administrator for her openness, transparency and responsiveness. She appreciated the travel to hear from local leaders. And she also appreciated the affirmative leadership to make sure that "we are cleaning up the environment." She also said that she was going to miss her style of leadership that speaks from the heart and works cooperatively to solve problems. Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt commented that "what the Administrator had done did indeed make a difference." Mayor Dawn Zimmer also thanked the Administrator for EPA's work to help her city of Hoboken, New Jersey which was hard hit by Hurricane Sandy. She said that there was a huge flood event and EPA had helped with a long- term plan flood control plans. She said that "EPA's presence was making a difference at the local level." Mayor Mark Stodola also thanked her for EPA's work to support the city of Little Rock's sustainability work and economic redevelopment. Administrator McCarthy said that one of the reasons that she enjoyed her work so much was to witness the work at the state and local level. She said that "you know things happen not only because of regulations but also because we care and our partnerships are meaningful." EPA will continue to work together on strong 2 ------- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) partnerships. She said that "the agency has strong and good people." The public cares about clean water and clean air. She said that the work that has been done will continue. She thanked the LGAC for "letting me part of your life." She also thanked Mark Rupp for the great job he had done to make use of the LGAC's advice and recommendations, and their time as LGAC Members. III. Public Comments Chairman Dixson announced the time for public comments. He invited members of the public to speak. [No members of the public came forward to speak]. IV. LGAC Business Actions and Workgroup Report-Outs 1. Draft LGAC Biannual Report-2015-2016 Chairman Dixson opened the business portion of the meeting by recognizing that there was a quorum present. He said the first order of business was to review the Draft LGAC Biannual Report. The Report was presented on behalf of the Executive Committee, which presented the Report which is a compilation of the LGAC's work for the last two years (2015-2016). The Report summarizes and highlights the many charge issues, and highlights the over 300 individual findings and recommendations of the Committee. It also includes a summary of the Drinking Water Report. The Report also highlights where agency action was taken on our some of the LGAC recommendations. Chairman Dixson stated that the Small Community Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS) and all of the Workgroups have reviewed the Report and provided input. Chairman Dixson thanked the EPA staff and interns for helping on the Report. He said that the Report is a culmination of the very active work of the LGAC over the last two years. He opened it up for discussion. Sue Hann made a motion to accept the Report, it was seconded by Representative Jeff Morris. All were in favor of the motion, said 'aye'. Chairman Dixson thanked all of the Members of the LGAC. He said that everyone contributed to the Report and the LGAC work highlighted in the Report. Chairman Dixson indicated that he would transmit the Report electronically by email to the Administrator. He said that a transmittal to the new Administrator was being worked on by the 3 ------- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) Executive Committee and that in the appropriate time that the LGAC would be called in another meeting to discuss a letter to the incoming Administrator. 2. Small Community Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS) Commissioner Bob Cope reported out on the SCAS meeting held just prior to the LGAC meeting. He said the SCAS discussed and approved the Biannual Report. He also said that the SCAS had given input on the Report. The SCAS also discussed the ozone letter and had given input to that letter as well. He reported that Ron Carlton, EPA's Agricultural Advisor, gave farewell remarks to the SCAS. Commissioner Cope recognized Mayor DuPree, Vice-chairman of the SCAS to give any remarks. Mayor DuPree said that he appreciated all of the work of the SCAS and the LGAC. 3. Air, Climate and Energy (ACE) Workgroup Commissioner Carolyn Peterson presented the ACE's Draft Ozone Standard Letter to the LGAC. She said that the letter provided in the meeting attachments with the redline additions contained input which was added to the letter. This language had been approved by the workgroup and the Executive Committee. The redline additions were introduced by the Environmental Justice Workgroup to address cross-boundary ozone issues. She also said that all of the workgroups have looked at the letter. It also addresses truck traffic at railroad crossings. It favors option 1 on how communities adjust to, new additions and unique local and regional situations. Commissioner Peterson made a motion to approve the letter. Sue Hann seconded the motion. Motion carried. Commissioner Carolyn Peterson thanked everyone. And Chairman Dixson thanked Carolyn Peterson and the work of the ACE on the letter. 4. Protecting America's Waters Workgroup (PAWW) Sue Hann, Chairwoman of the PAWW, reported out for the Workgroup. She said that Eric Burneson addressed the Workgroup at their December meeting to thank the LGAC for their work and to give a report out on the status of implementation of the National Drinking Water Action Plan. She also said that the Workgroup had a briefing on asset management planning which is a key feature of managing water infrastructure. 4 ------- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) Sue Hann also reported out to the LGAC that she had just participated in a Water Infrastructure Leadership Conference held in Washington, D.C. on January ll-12th. She said that it specifically addressed issues of water infrastructure needs of communities in need and in rural areas. Generally, smaller communities are in greater need of resources. And it is more difficult to reach out to smaller communities. There were four (4) topics discussed at the conference: state level coordination; funding sources that make projects work; capacity building and alternative funding sources. There were really looking for examples of local strategies where local governments have put together innovative funding resources to make their projects work. There was a sense that not a lot of funding packages were replicable. Everyone seems to have unique projects and there was not a 'one size fits all for funding'. There was a sense that a clearinghouse is needed. The biggest theme was capacity building. Alternative funding and financing are often not available for communities in need. There is a real need to connect communities with accessible resources. There is expected to be a report out in early spring of the conference proceedings. Sue Hann will send a link to Fran Eargle to send out when it is available. Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, Vice-chairwoman, PAWW, thanked everyone for the great progress of the workgroup over the year. She thanked Susan Hann for her leadership as chairwoman. And she thanked Chairman Dixson for his leadership of the LGAC. 5. Environmental Justice (EJ) Workgroup Mr. Gonzalez, City of Laredo staff, reported out for Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Chair of the EJ Workgroup. Mr. Gonzalez thanked everyone on the Committee for their tremendous work. 6. Cleaning Up Our Communities Workgroup Councilor Jill Duson, Chairwoman of CUOC, thanked the Workgroup for their work to support the LGAC. Councilor Duson said that they are working with the Office of Land and Emergency Management on the brownfields program. There are various elements of the brownfields program of interest to Members and to local governments. The CUOC is also continuing to work with the Water Workgroup on drinking water issues and how to protect source water from contamination. The CUOC will also be investigating new topics to bring to the forefront. 5 ------- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) The Chairwoman also congratulated the Vice-chairwoman, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson for her segment on Undercover Boss.1 It was a great opportunity to see what her great city does, and the importance of the work of municipalities on an everyday basis. Chairman Dixson thanked Councilor Duson and Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson for their leadership. V. Concluding Remarks Chairman Dixson said that there was one order of business left for the Committee which is to approve the October 7th Meeting Summary. Ms. Susan Hann made a motion to accept the Meeting Summary, and Mayor Kautz seconded the motion. Motion carried. Chairman Dixson recognized Robin Richardson for concluding remarks. Robin Richardson Principal Deputy Associate Administrator Robin Richardson thanked Chairman Dixson for another great meeting, and his great leadership as chairman. She also thanked the Committee for their work. She said that she had now served in the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations for 4 months. She said that this is the second opportunity to meet with the LGAC and see their work in action. She also commended the LGAC for their work on the Drinking Water Report, and how well done that was. She also said that she looked forward to reading the LGAC Biannual Report. She thanked those on the LGAC who will be departing their service soon for their many efforts. She thanked Mark Rupp as well. She said that she and the staff are here to help. She urged the Committee to continue their great work. And she said that as the Transition Team comes in that she and the office are gearing up to welcome the new Team who will arrive on Friday. She concluded her remarks with another thank you for the LGAC's hard work and helping the EPA. She also said that she is looking forward to meeting everyone early summer for a possible face to face meeting. Chairman Dixson acknowledged Mark Rupp's contributions and asked him to give concluding remarks. Mark Rupp began by saying how difficult it is in wrapping up the great work. He said that the work with the LGAC was a high point of the job. He said that the LGAC is an incredible 1 http://www.cbs.com/shows/undercover boss/video/O LR37rmKeeE26CONXC3q6Y4avbUF2Yg/undercover-boss- mayor-of-gary-indiana/ 6 ------- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) team. He stated that the work of the LGAC helped the Administrator greatly by the virtue of their advice made EPA's policies work better. He said that he also appreciated the work of the LGAC in going across the country and meeting with elected officials across the country on the Clean Water Rule and the Report that was done to help EPA on the final rule. He also thanked outgoing LGAC Members: Jeff Tiberi, Representative Morris and Carolyn Peterson for all of their contributions. He also thanked Chairman Dixson for all of his contributions. Mayor Elizabeth Kautz acknowledged Mark Rupp's contributions. She said that she will miss his presence. She thanked him for all of the support to the LGAC and to local governments. Commissioner Reinhardt echoed remarks of Mayor Kautz. Chairman Dixson also wished everyone well. He said that everyone should be very proud of what we have accomplished together. Commissioner Carolyn Peterson said that she has enjoyed serving on the Committee and the journey we have made together. She said that she remembers the first inquiry to her office whether I would be interested to serve in October 2010. She said that the LGAC has worked together so well, and with the EPA staff. She also reminded the Committee that there would be a vacancy for the chair of the ACE Workgroup. Chairman Dixson said that he really appreciated all of Carolyn Peterson's contributions especially in her help to perfect the work products of the Committee. Chairman Dixson also thanked Jeff Tiberi for his contributions and for really giving the LGAC the great perspective on the ground on agriculture and especially in regard to water and agriculture. Chairman Dixson thanked Representative Jeff Morris for sharing his perspective of state representatives and state issues and said how important that was to the LGAC's work. Representative Jeff Morris shared that he is currently in his 21st year in serving the State of Washington as a state representative. When he came onboard the LGAC this was the first experience in working so closely with local governments. He said that it has really been a unique opportunity. And he also said that he carried this relationship with him in his work every day. Representative Morris also thanked Mayor Dixson for his leadership of the Committee and complimented his facilitation skills and getting the best from everyone. 7 ------- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) 12:30pm Adjournment Mayor Bob Dixson, Chair of LGAC Mayor Dixson adjourned the meeting at 1:31 pm ET. We hereby certify that, to the best of our knowledge, the foregoing minutes are accurate and complete. March 31, 2017 Mayor Bob Dixson Date Chairman Local Government Advisory Committee U.S. Environmental Protection Agency K * March 31, 2017 Frances Eargle Date Designated Federal Officer Local Government Advisory Committee U.S. Environmental Protection Agency The Meeting Summary reflects what was conveyed during the course of the meeting that is summarized. The Committee is not responsible for any potential inaccuracies that may appear in the meeting summary as a result of information conveyed. Moreover, the Committee advises that additional information sources be consulted in cases where any concern may exist about statistics or any other information within the Meeting Summary. 8 ------- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) MEETING PARTICIPANTS LGAC Members Mayor Bob Dixson, Chairman Councilor Jill Duson, Vice-chair Mayor Elizabeth Kautz Mr. Kevin Shafer Commissioner Carolyn Peterson Commissioner Robert Cope Representative Jeff Morris Mr. Scott Bouchie Mr. Jeff Witte Dr. Hector Gonzalez Mr. Rodney Bartlett Mayor Mark Stodola Representative Stephanie Chang Council Member Dave Bobzien Commissioner Kitty Barnes Commissioner Cynthia Koehler Mayor Steve Williams Mayor Dawn Zimmer Ms. Susan Hann Ms. Samara Swanston 9 ------- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) Mayor Johnny DuPree Council Member Andy Bierman Commissioner Merceria Ludgood EPA Gina McCarthy, Administrator Robin Richardson, Associate Principal Administrator, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations (OCIR) Jack Bowles, Director, State and Local, OCIR Fran Eargle, DFO, LGAC Demond Matthews, DFO, SCAS Becky Cook-Shyovitz, OCIR Charles Lee, OEJ MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Albert Chula 10 ------- |