NEWS NEEDED AND SHARED

The meeting was brought to order at 2PM by Margarita Lee, Chair. There were eight members present.

Following an introduction by members, the Asst. Finance Director of the City of Lakewood, Ronnie Campbell, introduced the "temporary" fill-in for Mike Hunter who is experiencing severe medical problems due to a brain aneurism and resulting coma following surgery. Adrian Alvarez is assuming Mike's duties in the interim. Members voted to have a $100 check on behalf of LAMPPAC sent to Mike's wife, Carmen, as a token of our sorrow and appreciation of Mike's service to LAMPPAC.

Bill Gellman, City of Brea, questioned if any agency had a specific procedure (committee approval process) for recommending the use of a professional service agreement (PSA) for use of a consultant before it reaches their council/board for approval. Specifically, he questioned if an agency's recommending department first must analyze their agency's ability to perform certain portions of the service with their own agency staff.

Bill Gellman also questioned members if they were using virgin paper or recycled paper in their high-speed duplication and copy equipment. The cities for Arcadia, Fullerton, South Gate, and Torrance noted their agencies utilize recycled copy paper.

Bill Gellman also briefly discussed a few materials that are being added to the list of "Cost Effects of Hurricanes Katrina & Rita", also posted to our website. The Energy Department has forecasted sharp increases in heating costs this winter because of the disruption of natural gas supplies and refining capacity following the hurricanes. Additionally, G.M. and Ford have reported declines of 24 percent and 19 percent respectively for September '05 truck sales.

Joe Sandoval, Div. Mgr. for LA County Purchasing, briefly noted his progress in creating a fuel consortium, hoping to generate sufficient interest/volume to encourage participation in a beneficial contract with manufacturers/distributors. Joe also spoke about his Re-bidded contract for office supplies, being re-awarded to Office Depot. He noted very favorable pricing being provided in the re-awarded U.S. Communities contract awarded by his lead agency. Additionally, Joe stressed the U.S. Communities did not charge users an administration fee, where CMAS charges users a 2.56% fee to participate in a contract.

Another agency noted the ability of their employees to "swipe" the Office Depot card, and obtain discounted prices in which the employee is totally responsible for their own payment.

The subject of auctioneering companies was briefly discussed. Members are urged to make certain that their agency is promptly reimbursed for the sale of surplus materials/equipment.

Jan Steese spoke about her agency's experiences in seeking bids for document imaging systems, through evaluating laser fische systems and web based systems being demonstrated/tested. Additionally, her agency has a new fire station being constructed which has been keeping her quite busy.

The group shared with Adrian (Lakewood) the distinction between CMAS and U.S. Communities contracts, and suggested he use the "CAPPO LIST" website for asking questions he has of other member agencies in addition to our website of member agencies.

The November 2, 2005 LAMPPAC meeting will have a speaker, Mr. Steve Anthony of Sempra Energy, discussing the imminent gas and fuel situation. Hope to see you all there.

Reporting: Bill Gellman Secretary