Meeting_Body
FINANCE, BUDGET AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
AUGUST 19, 2020
Subject
SUBJECT: MEASURE M INDEPENDENT TAXPAYER OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE SELECTIONS
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
APPROVE:
A. Richard Stanger, the recommended nominee for area of expertise C, Transit professional with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in senior-level decision making in transit operations and labor practices; and
B. Gregory Amparano, the recommended nominee for area of expertise E, Professional with demonstrated experience of ten (10) years or more in the management of large-scale construction projects.
Issue
ISSUE
The Measure M Ordinance (Ordinance) approved by voters in November 2016 requires the establishment of a Measure M Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee of Metro (“Committee”) to provide an enhanced level of accountability for expenditures of sales tax revenues made under the Expenditure Plan. The Committee carries out the responsibilities laid out in the Ordinance and plays a valuable and constructive role in the ongoing improvement and enhancement of project delivery contemplated under the Measure M Ordinance.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The Measure M Ordinance requires the establishment of the Measure M Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee (“Committee”) comprised of seven members representing the following areas of expertise:
A. A retired Federal or State judge;
B. A professional from the field of municipal/public finance and/or budgeting with a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience;
C. A transit professional with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in senior-level decision making in transit operations and labor practices;
D. A professional with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in management and administration of financial policies, performance measurements, and reviews;
E. A professional with demonstrated experience of ten (10) years or more in the management of large-scale construction projects;
F. A licensed architect or engineer with appropriate credentials in the field of transportation project design or construction and a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience; and
G. A regional association of business representative with at least ten (10) years of senior-level decision making experience in the private sector.
The Measure M Ordinance states that the Selection Panel consisting of Metro’s Board Chair, Vice Chair, and second Vice Chair or their designees shall select for approval the Committee Members. The Selection Panel developed guidelines to solicit, collect, and review applications of potential candidates for membership on the Committee. In accordance with the Selection Panel’s guidelines, Metro developed a Communication Plan to promote the solicitation of applicants for the Committee. As part of the extensive outreach to solicit applications, Metro contacted elected officials, associations that represent professions identified for the Committee, business organizations and other stakeholders. To collect the applications, Metro opened the online application process using Metro’s dedicated website for Measure M.
As stipulated in the guidelines, on June 25, 2020, staff presented the candidates to designees of the Metro Board Chair, Vice Chair and second Vice Chair.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
Approval of this item will not negatively impact the safety of Metro’s patrons or employees.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approving the recommended action brings no financial impact to the agency.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
Not approve the recommended members for the Committee and re-solicit applications. This is not recommended as it would increase the number of vacancies on the Committee and increase the likelihood of not obtaining the quorum necessary to review and discuss important Measure M matters. This may impact the ability to provide an enhanced level of accountability for expenditures of sales tax revenues made under the Expenditure Plan.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval staff will schedule an orientation session for the selected members. In addition, staff will commence the recruitment process to fill a vacancy for subject area of expertise B; municipal financial/budget professional as Carlos Bohorquez resigned on July 7, 2020.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Committee Membership Requirements
Attachment B - Selection Panel Guidelines
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Lauren Choi, Interim Sr. Director, Audit, (213) 922-3926
Monica Del Toro, Audit Support Manager, (213) 922-7494
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Shalonda Baldwin, Interim Chief Auditor, (213) 418-3265
