1. The three major credit rating bureaus announced plans to standardize the methodology for computing scores. The new 'Vantage-Score' scoring system will go from 501-990, imitating the grading similar to that used in schools. A 900 range equates to an A, while under a 600 corresponds to an F.

2. Provided an article that noted ten methods of detecting a flood-damaged vehicle.

3. Provided an article noting unusually high raw material price increases for transportation projects. OCTA & CalTrans note the rise in costs is because of massive developments around the world that have sharpened demand. Iraq is undergoing reconstruction. Development in China is booming. New Orleans and Florida are recovering from hurricanes. Increases in highway-building materials in 2005 were: ·

Total Cost - 12.6%	Block/Brick - 8.9%
Asphalt -15%	Sand/Gravel -9%
Cement -12.6%	Machinery -4.7%
Concrete -12.2%

4. Provided an article noting that the rising demand for asphalt, concrete, lumber, and steel are forcing builders to pay more to complete homes, offices, and roads. Some economists predict builders could find their profit margins under pressure from continued increases in material costs. One economist expects prices for materials to continue to rise by about 10% a year.

5. Provided an article noting that land line phone systems remain the most reliable form of communication during a power outage. With calling now possible via cellular networks, cable, the Internet, and even optical fiber to the home, it is quite difficult/complicated to know what phone services can be counted on when the power goes off in an emergency.

Richard Hogate, City of El Segundo, shared his city's hands-on disaster drill (earthquake scenario), which was carefully staged to be a very realistic live drill (not table-top). He talked about his efforts to develop an emergency vendor list, attempts to develop a food service contract, and purchased an 'Emergency Yellow Pages' directory as a resource. He suggested we have a CalCard available for emergency purposes with a high single purchase and 30-day limit. He suggested that EOC Center telephones have different 'toned' rings to result in less confusion to busy participants.

Christine Roberto, City of Norwalk, also shared that her city has been working diligently with emergency preparedness training.

Cynthia Duprey, City of South Gate, noted she attended a 'CESA' emergency preparedness workshop in Anaheim recently. The guest speaker informed attendees of the many difficulties that arose in New Orleans following the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. She indicated that the speaker noted a lack of FEMA support, that smaller agency EOC's helped, and that a large delivery of emergency satellite phones didn't work (possibly due to electrical interference).

Felice Fromm, City of Torrance, spoke about a most intense 'CSTI' one week emergency training institute she attended. The subcommittees that were established to help the participants deal with disaster scenarios were most valuable. Their city has been quite active in 'CERT' (Community Emergency Response Team) proactive drills. She heads up the Logistics Team. She suggested that two fax machines be used in the EOC Center, one to receive incoming faxes, and the other to transmit outgoing faxes.

Nancy Pickard, City of Fullerton, noted their difficulty in the hiring processs for a new 'Fiscal Services Manager'. She interfaces heavily with this employee. The search has made her activity most challenging.

Diane Howell, City of Santa Monica, inquired into any other agencies use of 'Planet Bids' for posting 'on-line' bids.

Marc Monforte, Los Angeles Unified School District, shared a janitorial/custodial bid document his district used recently. With the advent of 'SB20' (transitional hiring of workers-60 days), his bid document contained language to deal with this recently adopted state legislation. His district does not police, monitor, nor regulate this legislation legally. Union and non-union contracting can be quite challenging to work with in various contracting opportunities. Marc also provided us with a flyer for the 13th Annual 2006 Greater Los Angeles Vendor Fair on April 12, 2006, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. His district has contracted with CitiBank as its purchase card provider, as they provided his district with various vital advantages. Marc also provided members with an 11 page listing of "non-stock supplies, equipment, and General Services Purchasing Contracts Listing by Bid Number" that can be most useful to all of us.

Our next meeting is scheduled for May 3, 2006, at 2 P.M. at the Lakewood Civic Center-Conference Room. The guest speaker is:

Lori Anderson & Mary Hazelrigg of Merrimac Energy Group

to discuss fuel prices and OPIS.

Reporting,

Bill Gellman, Secretary