United States Environmental Protection M %Agency Local Government Advisory Committee's Small Community Advisory Subcommittee Meeting Summary Teleconference Demond L. Matthews January 13, 2017 ------- SMALL COMMUNITY ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE Friday. January 13, 2017 11:30 am-12:30 pm (EST) William J. Clinton Building North, Room 3428 Agenda 1. Introduction/Welcome Commissioner Robert Cope, Chair Mayor Johnny DuPree, Vice-chair Chairman Cope & Vice Chairman DuPree called the meeting to order and began with introductions. Chairman Robert Cope called the meeting to order and began introductions. He welcomed everyone to the public meeting of EPA's Small Community Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS). 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 SCAS is a chartered subcommittee of state, local and tribal elected and appointed officials representing communities from coast to coast-large, small and rural communities. The SCAS 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 Principal Director Associate Administrator, OCIR, Intergovernmental Relations. Robin Richardson would provide EPA remarks. Agricultural Advisor to the Administrator, Ron Carleton would also join the meeting to give a farewell address to the Committee. Chairman Cope recognized Vice-Chairman Mayor Johnny DuPree for opening remarks. Vice Chairman DuPree also welcomed everyone to the meeting. 1 ------- SMALL COMMUNITY ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE II. EPA Remarks Robin Richardson, Principal Director Associate Administrator OCIR, Intergovernmental Relations Ron Carleton, Agricultural Advisor to the Administrator Robin Richardson Principal Director Associate Administrator. OCIR, Intergovernmental Relations addressed the subcommittee by assuring members that their work is going forward and that staff will be here to support the subcommittee and assist them with their continued great work. She stated that the agency is in the process of transitioning. We are expecting a landing team at the end of next week. We don't know who they are but that will be coming. As soon as what we learn we will share it. A lot of EPA's focus is getting ready for them. Jack Bowles EPA's Director of State & Local Relations noted that EPA awarded $12M for small & rural communities and that going forward SCAS will have vital input. Ron Carleton, Agricultural Advisor to the Administrator then gave remarks. He thanked the subcommittee for inviting him to speak. He gave a brief overview of the Farm, Ranch and& Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee. The link is https://www.epa.gov/faca/frrcc . The stated that this would be his last visit with the subcommittee as he will be leaving the agency. He stated, that "It's been an honor working with you. I enjoyed serving as the agricultural counselor the Administrator. Agriculture and the environment will continue to intersect and move forward. It's great working with you guys and working on the issues you work with." Chairman Cope stated the SCAS would like to continue working closely with the FRRC in going forward. Carleton stated. "I think that would be a great idea. I think it would be great to have some joint effort. I think going forward having some sort of joint effort would great and I would let me successor know." JeffTiberi stated, "I would be remiss if I didn't thank Ron Carleton. He set the bar in working with the Agricultural Advisor and it has been great to work with you." Chairman Cope again thanked Ron Carleton for his service and to his work with the subcommittee. III. Public Comments Chairman Cope called for Public Comments. No member of the public made a response, therefore; public comment period was closed. 2 ------- SMALL COMMUNITY ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE IV. SCAS Input on LGAC Biannual Report ACTION: Discussion and motion on Biannual Report ACTION: Discussion and motion Draft Transmittal Letter for Biannual Report V. SCAS Input on Draft Ozone Letter ACTION: Discussion and motion on Draft Ozone Letter Chairman Cope opened discussion on the draft ozone letter and asked for any ideas for amendments or changes. Carolyn Peterson asked," did everyone has the most current copy?" Vice Chairman Dupree stated he wasn't sure which was the latest copy. Carolyn Peterson responded the newest version was put a PDF document. Chairman Cope then requested again, "Is there any comments anyone would like to make?" Rodney Bartlett stated, "I don't have a lot of background, so, I'll reach out to other SCAS Members for their comments." New Mexieo Secretary of State Jeff Witte said, "We have a lot of big border issues with stuff coming across from Juarez, Mexico. I think the suggested changes are necessary." Chairman Cope stated, he thought the changes are significant for the West and asked did anyone else have any questions? Mayor Bob Dixson stated that everyone is on board. This letter is a great thing that the committee needs to get to the Administrator's desk before she leaves. He also stated that this would also need to be reviewed and refined by the incoming Administration. Chairman Cope asked, "Do we have a recommendation to forward it on?" Vice Chairman motioned the subcommittee move it on and Jeff Tiberi seconded it. Chairman Cope requested voice vote for the letter to the full committee. All second it by saying "aye". Chairman Cope then opened discussion concerning SCAS Input on LGAC Biannual Report. Rodney Bartlett had a question on sharing the biannual report. Fran Eargle stated, "We will post it on the website once it goes to the administrator. Currently, it is considered a committee draft." Jeff Tiberi said "the report seems to me there might be a lot of new charges coming down. Chairman Cope said this is a great opportunity to bring things to the forefront. Interagency participation and communication are major issues. Tiberi stated the country has got the abandoned mines in the West and he knows EPA is taking a look at it. Plus, 3 ------- SMALL COMMUNITY ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE we do have a lot of abandoned well shafts. They need to know how far we need to go in remediation. Mayor Bob Dixon stated all the comments he's heard" are spot on". He said that he takes the approach that with every administration that things will change. The LGAC serves in an advisory role to the Administrator. 1 know our career people will take their guidance and be ready to be proactive when we get to that point of new charges. Chairman Cope stated, "I don't think we are limited to the topics that come from the Administrator. The I.GAC is unique in its c charter The LGAC also offers up issues of importance to local governments. Chairman Cope asked, "Do we have a recommendation to forward it on?" Vice Chairman DuPree motioned the subcommittee move it on and Jeff Tiberi seconded it. Chairman Cope requested a voice vote for the letter to the full committee. All members said," aye". VI. Next Steps/Action Items Commissioner Robert Cope, Chair ACTION: Motion to approve SCAS October 7th Meeting Summary Chairman Cope moved to approved the SCAS October 7th Meeting Summary. It was seconded and approve by voice vote. Chairman Cope then asked for next steps and any action items moving forward. Rodney Bartlett said he didn't think he could stress enough the need for education on water and wastewater infrastructure for the future. "It must be supported in the education system to train new wastewater operators. This is crucial for the future." Fran Eargle then stated, "I do want to bring to everyone attention that we will be working on a new LGAC charter which expires at the end of the calendar year. Carolyn Peterson stated she had been happy to be on committee. 1 think it's good to have the Northeast prospective. I think the small and older communities of the Northeast should continue to be represented. 4 ------- SMALL COMMUNITY ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE 12:30 pm Adjournment Commissioner Robert Cope, Chairman In closing, Chairman Cope thanked everyone for their participation and Mayor Dixson thanked Carolyn Peterson and Jeff Tiberi for their dedicated and successful service to the LGAC & SCAS. He thanked them for their participation and making our committee's good. Chairman Cope adjourned the meeting at 12:30pm. We hereby certify that, to the best of our knowledge, the foregoing minutes are accurate and complete. April 10, 2017 Honorable Robert Cope Chairman Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Date Demond L. Matthews Designated Federal Officer Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Date 5 ------- SMALL COMMUNITY ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE Atendees: SCAS Honorable Robert Cope, Chair, SCAS Mayor Johnny DuPree, Vice-Chair, SCAS Secretary Jeff Witte Rodney Bartlett Mr. Jeffrey Tiberi Mayor Bob Dixson Mayor Sal Panto Carolyn Peterson EPA Demond Matthews, DFO, SCAS Robin Richardson, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator, OCIR Jack Bowles, Director, State and Local, OIR Fran Eargle, DFO, LGAC 6 ------- |