Ken Lloyd, RAQC; Misty Howell, RAQC; Gerald Dilley, RAQC; Sara O’Keefe, RAQC; Steve McCannon, RAQC; Shirleen Tucker, CDPHE; Margy Christiansen, RAQC; Rick Griffith; and Jim Brandon, ESP.

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Chairman Jim Scherer. A quorum was present.

Jim Scherer congratulated Sara O’Keefe on the success of the Clean Yellow Fleets for Blue Skies press conference.

He told Council that the EPA Advisory Committee, which is reviewing air quality management in the U.S., will be making its recommendations to EPA in December. The recommendations include having the Regional Administrators work with the State to identify the SIP protocols to help eliminate late requests, and considering allowing SIP credit for innovative ideas.

Ken Lloyd conveyed Sue Sandstrom’s regrets for missing the meeting. She had a conference scheduled prior to becoming a member.

Ken suggested Council continue to meet on an alternating month schedule. He suggested Council keep the first Thursday of each month available in case there is a need to have additional meetings. A meeting schedule will be sent out via email and posted on the web site.

Ken also announced that he is considering running for Lakewood City Council. He asked the Council if they had any concerns. The Council indicated they did not think there would be a conflict of interest as it relates to RAQC work.

Committees

None.

Members

Melanie Worley informed Council that she is participating on an EPA Local Government Advisory Committee, which will meet three times a year.

None.

Update on Diesel Retrofit Projects

Sara O’Keefe gave Council an update on the diesel retrofit projects. She indicated that the remaining funds through the Clean Air Fleets program have been allocated to the City and County of Denver. Staff is working with Denver to organize a press event and provide decals.

As of mid-October, approximately $45,000 has been reimbursed through the Clean Yellow Fleets for Blue Skies program (CYFBS). Ten of the sixteen school districts are currently using biodiesel fuel. Installations of oxidation catalysts under this phase are scheduled to be completed in Summer 2005.

The RAQC applied for a grant from EPA for the Diesel Initiative for Retrofit Technology (DIRT) program, which is currently in the evaluation process.

Sara O’Keefe outlined the "Keep It Clean" program for 2005. She indicated the RAQC received funding through CM/AQ for 2005 and 2006, local governments and CDPHE’s Community Based Clean Air Grant, which will allow for a more extensive outreach program. In 2005, there is $810,000 allocated for media advertising and outreach; citizen outreach; local government outreach and analysis and reporting. She outlined the tasks included with the outreach efforts. She indicated that a professional firm will be hired to conduct pre and post analysis to determine the effectiveness and provide pointed direction for upcoming activities.

Sara also indicated that staff will continue to collaborate with the North Front Range on general ozone education and outreach as well as events.

The Council discussed the importance of focused messages. It is important that the messages help change behavior and that the benefit can be quantified. Council asked for a discussion of messages at the next meeting in preparation of next summer’s campaign.

Steve McCannon reviewed the Repair Your Air Campaign - Phase I and outlined Phase II. He summarized the participation results. He indicated that there was approximately a 4.5 tons annual reduction from the 98 vehicles that have been repaired.

During Phase II, staff will work to improve participation and site selection of the RSD vans. Also, there will be more RSD vans on the road during Phase II, which will lead to identification of more cars.

There was discussion on the cost and benefit of this program.

Ken Lloyd reminded Council of the RAQC’s commitment to revise the maintenance plans using the Mobile6 model. The proposed revisions to the CO, PM-10 and Ozone (1-hour standard) maintenance plans include updating all plans using MOBILE 6.2, updating modeling in plans with current data, updating the modeling using DRCOG’s new transportation model, evaluating the need for current strategies and revising the model source emission budgets based on the new modeling. Ken reviewed the revision details for each maintenance plan.

Ken also outlined the schedule for getting the plans to the Legislature by 2006 for review and approval. There was concerns regarding the timing of Council approval and proposal to the AQCC. Ken assured Council that they would be informed throughout the process and are encouraged to participate in the stakeholder process.

There was discussion on whether local government funding was secured. Ken Lloyd stated that staff has confirmed those contributions for 2005.

Ken also indicated that the salary/benefits line item in the budget included a 3.5% COLA increase for staff as well as two additional positions to assist with projects.

Jerry Dilley reviewed the proposed revisions to the Ambient Air Quality Standards Regulation and the Air Quality Regulation No. 7 which are scheduled for public hearing before the AQCC on December 16, 2004.

Jerry summarized the major revisions. He indicated that the Oil & Gas industry is concerned about the cost of over control to achieve compliance.

Jerry Dilley summarized air quality trends for each pollutant. There was discussion on major contributors to visibility.

There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m. The next meeting will be on Thursday, February 3.