Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Executive Committee Meeting In-Person
Minutes
Present: Deborah Barmack, Mike Burrows, Ken Coate, Kevin Dyerly, Louis Goodwin, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, Dan Murphy, Vikki Ostermann, Bansree Parikh, Thomas Rice, Michael Rivera, Kristine Scott, Ray Wolfe, and Frank Zabaleta.
Announcements: 1) SoCalGas announced their proposal to develop the Angeles Link, an energy infrastructure system that could deliver reliable green hydrogen to the Los Angeles Basin for use in electric generation, hard to electrify manufacturing, and heavy-duty transportation. An informational webinar will be held today from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. To participate go to socalgas.com/angeleslink 2) The South Coast Air Quality Management District announces the release of the Draft 2022 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) and invites you to participate. Public comments on the Draft 2022 AQMP should be submitted by Tuesday, June 21, 2022 to AQMPteam@aqmd.gov or through the online comment submission form at https://forms.office.com/g/PV2q42uBjy.
Louis Goodwin, Past Chair presiding.
Financials
Mark Kaenel, Treasurer, presented and summarized the Profit & Loss Budget vs Actual and the Balance Sheet for period ending March 31, 2022. The documents along with his summary are posted on the Inland Action web site for member review.
M/S/P: The first quarter Financials as presented.
Our cash reserve is extremely high as the group has budgeted for but has not taken the usual trips to Washington, D.C., and Sacramento. Mark reported that the bylaws required a reserve related to operational expenses of approximately $78K. Our current cash balance at the end of the quarter was $239,990, an increase of $38,277 during the quarter. Group discussion explored ways to reduce the cash balance, including a possible reimbursement of dues to members or credit to future dues. Several members expressed concern regarding these suggestions because of potential effects on member organizations related to their approved participation, established ongoing budgets, and understanding of a rebate. Discussion also included possible reduction of excess cash through member enrichment, educational trips, stewardship, or charitable contributions. Committee members were asked to consider options for future discussion at the next Executive Committee meeting.
Membership
Deborah Barmack, President, summarized membership welcoming Harvest LLP and the resignation of Eide & Bailey, CGS3 and Gresham Savage. Michael Rivera indicated that Gresham Savage Nolan & Tiden has sold to a San Diego based firm, Fennemore Craig. Michael believes that the firm, which will remain in San Bernardino, could be interested in joining Inland Action. He will follow up. NAIOP, a Southern California commercial real estate development association, is very interested in joining. Kristine Scott will follow up.
Social Events
Comments regarding the D.C. Dreamin’ social event included compliments on the wonderful venue and the nice turn out of attendees which met with expectations. It was suggested that the group identify other venues to the west end and other parts of the County for some future events.
The upcoming 60th anniversary of Inland Action is this year, and the date for the celebration is Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Past member Unical will host the event in one of their hangers. The event focus will highlight Inland Action’s accomplishments, and the guest list will be broad including past members and elected officials. Food trucks could easily be accommodated with the open-air venue. Committee members were asked to make suggestions to staff. The annual holiday party and Fall golf event are being planned. Two additional events suggested by the events ad hoc committee were discussed.
ZOOM vs in-person
Staff expressed concern that there are many participants on ZOOM who we do not see. There is concern for our speakers who may not appreciate the lack of “presence”. Many options were expressed. The Committee was asked to think of ways to resolve this issue.
Report on AB 2840
Thomas Rice reported that a few members of the Environment Committee met with Majority Leader Eloise Reyes regarding her bill AB 2840. The bill would add “buffer” zones on warehouse construction projects requiring they be at least 1,000 ft. from a “sensitive receptor” such as a community center, any residence, a place of worship, a school etc. (the definition can be very broad) and forces union labor.
They took a calm approach and gently asked questions of the Majority Leader showing respect for both her position and Inland Action’s relationship with her. The bill commonly called a “job killer” by industry groups would, if passed, create an unprecedented ban on warehouses and logistics use projects. Additionally, it would usurp local authority over land use decisions and exacerbate supply chain problems. She amended the bill, but the amendments did not address any of the concerns brought to her by Inland Action. The bill narrowly passed in the Assembly and now heads to the Senate. The Environmental Committee would (using the same calm & measured approach) like permission from the Executive Committee to meet with State senators to discuss our concerns.
M/S/P: Select members of the Environmental Committee be authorized to meet with Senators regarding AB 2840.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 a.m.