NEWS NEEDED AND SHARED

This meeting started well, just from an attendance standpoint, as we had 17 attendees for the February meeting, approximately 40% increase over a normal meetings attendance.

Bill Gellman, City of Brea, brought his usual handouts that are always very informative. He is in the process of looking at chairs for the council chambers. There seems to be quite a price span depending on the quality of the chair. He is dealing with an outside counselor who provides various statistics to the city. This individual has asked for a 15% increase in his fee structure. Does anyone presently use an outside consultant and how are fee increases structured. It was suggested he may try the Department of Labor for some guidance. Lastly, Bill received an opinion survey from a company Brea used to lease vehicles. After some discussion it was recommended that the survey be done either anonymously or not at all.

Christine Roberto, City of Norwalk, asked if anyone knew of a vendor for the repair of council chairs. Bill Gellman of Brea was to e-mail Christine the information on a vendor he uses in El Monte.

Pat Romo, City of Pasadena, asked about a contract (not an agreement) with an auction house. Cynthia Duprey mentioned that South Gate had just gone to bid for auction services.

Matt Weintraub, City of El Monte, mentioned this may be his last meeting as his duties have again changed. It had not yet been decided if his purchasing position would be filled with a part time or full time employee. Matt also shared his experience in buying a very large conference table.

Diane Howell, City of Santa Monica, has several bids in the works for such items as tires and rims for buses, engine rebuilding and Hazmat services. Marc Monforte mentioned that the MTA has a program in place where they lease their bus tires. The purchase of furniture under the GSA agreement was also mentioned.

Cynthia Duprey, City of South Gate, had been assigned the task of reviewing the city's phone bill. That included the identification of over 700 phone lines. She has found billing inaccuracies amounting to tens of thousands of dollars that South Gate has been overcharged!!

Paul Herman, City of Burbank, is working with the cities of Glendale and Pasadena and the school district to combine their needs and acquire better pricing from the vendors for such items as elevator repair, fuel, fencing and other items. He also inquired about piggybacking onto a bid Felice Fromm has for T-shirts.

J. Richard Hogate, City of El Segundo, is looking at various aspects of his city's workings, such as the municipal code, insurance and assets. If anyone has worked in these areas recently, any information that can be shared would be appreciated. Robert Norman, City of Redondo Beach, thanked everyone for their help in sharing their cities po limits and threshold limits for purchasing. Redondo has implemented the Munis computer system as the city's new FMIS system. Lakewood will probably be getting this system before years end. Redondo is also involved with the Cal-Card program and likes it.

Mike Hunter, City of Lakewood, mentioned that in March, the city will be electing at least 2 new council members (40% of the council). The City also purchased a new scoreboard for their main baseball field, dedicated to Lakewood raised and Olympic champion Lisa Fernandez.

Felice Fromm, City of Torrance, inquired as to the members making greater use of the LAMPPAC website bid board. She is also addressing some noise abatement issues at the airport. They may need to replace 20 monitors at the airport, but not sure if they really need to replace 20. It was mentioned that the State may be able of offer some input in a consultation capacity. Lastly, she is trying to better define the buyer position.

Next meeting March 2nd, City Of Lakewood Executive Board Room.