NEWS NEEDED AND SHARED

The meeting was brought to order at 1 p.m. by Margarita Lee, Chair. There were 30 members and guests present for our annual holiday celebration/get-together.

Margarita asked for a minute of silence to recall the memory and passing away of our friend and secretary, Mike Hunter, of the City of Lakewood.

Following an introduction by members, we all enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, beverages, cookies, and Christmas music.

Our guest speaker was Steven Anthony, of Sempra Utilities (The Gas Company). He provided us with a powerpoint presentation updating natural gas price increases nationwide. This is due to a decrease in natural gas production in North America, while demand has increased. Coupled with strong economic growth, greater demand for electricity and significantly higher crude oil prices, rising gas prices have resulted. This equates into higher energy bills. He discussed the growth of city transit buses, shuttle buses, and school buses that have been purchased by various agencies using natural gas. It is clean burning, and cheaper to operate than traditional diesel fuel buses.

Though the vehicles using natural gas initially cost more, there are Federal grants available providing rebates and credits to agencies that are interested in converting their fleet vehicles to natural gas. Steve noted that any price increases must be approved by the Public Utilities Commission.

Following his presentation, group discussion of various topics took place.

Richard Hogate, City for El Segundo, presented his suggested stationery design for L.A.M.P.P.A.C. correspondence. Bill Gellman, Brea, also presented two possible optional designs. Members reviewed the designs, and opted to utilize the design Richard suggested with a minor modification. Richard also provided a summary (spreadsheet-abstract) of responses for a bid he conducted for "Auction Services". Three companies' responses were contrasted for various issues/questions.

Margarita provided handouts from the U.S. Communities Contract Programs, noting a new cooperative contract now exists with Hagemeyer, for products and services related to homeland security.

Bill Gellman, Brea, inquired if anyone was aware of any progress on the 'Fuel Consortium' that Joe Sandoval of City of Los Angeles is attempting to establish.

The USPS postal increase of 5.4%, taking effect on January 8, 2006 was discussed.

Bill also mentioned that Downtown Ford Sales in Sacramento is honoring '05 contract pricing for '06 model year vehicles and trucks, through the State of California contracts for interested agencies. Bids are opening December 20, 2005 for the 2006 vehicle contract. An award of the contract is tentative for February 2006. Deliveries will take place in May-June, 2006.

Marc Monforte, of LA Unified School District, indicated he is out to bid for fuel in January '06, as his contract is up for renewal.

As the CAPPO State Purchasing Conference is at the end of January '06 in San Diego, L.A.M.P.P.A.C. will not meet in January 2006.

Our next meeting is scheduled for February 1, 2006, at 2 p.m. at the Lakewood Civic Center - Conference Room.