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APCD Board of Directors

The San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is a local government agency that works to protect the people and the environment of SLO County from harmful effects of air pollution. The APCD’s jurisdiction covers the entire county including the incorporated cities of Paso Robles, Atascadero, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach.

In 2013, the APCD Board took action to establish an Executive Committee to review proposed agendas for upcoming Board meetings and discuss other ad hoc issues referred to it by the Board. Membership on the Executive Committee consists of the Chair, Vice Chair, and Immediate Past Chair of the Board. Executive Committee meetings are subject to all Brown Act requirements and include published agendas, official minutes and public comment.

Who Governs the APCD?
The APCD Board consists of twelve members; five County Supervisors and one city council representative from each of the seven incorporated cities. The Board is the decision-making body for the District and is responsible for adopting rules, setting policies and providing direction on important air quality issues impacting the county. Federal and state laws require that APCD achieve clean air standards to protect public health. Before it makes decisions that affect local residents and businesses, APCD must consider ideas and comments from the public. The opportunity to comment begins in public workshops and ends with a public hearing by the Governing Board where anyone can testify or present written comments. Regular APCD Board Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every odd numbered month, with some exceptions. Meetings will convene at 9:00 a.m. in the County Board of Supervisors Chambers. 

Board Member Title City/District
Karen Bright Council Member City of Grover Beach
Kate Secrest Council Member City of Arroyo Grande
Mark Dariz Council Member City of Atascadero
Bruce Gibson Supervisor 2nd Dist. Supervisor
John Hamon Council Member City of Paso Robles
Dawn Ortiz-Legg Supervisor 3rd Dist. Supervisor
Jan Marx Council Member City of San Luis Obispo
John Peschong Supervisor 1st Dist. Supervisor
Debbie Arnold Supervisor 5th Dist. Supervisor
Carla Wixom Mayor City of Morro Bay
Jimmy Paulding Supervisor 4th Dist. Supervisor
Scott Newton Council Member City of Pismo Beach

 

What happens at Board meetings?
Board Members discuss ways to improve air quality and establish effective clean air programs. The Board receives reports from APCD’s Executive Director, Gary Willey, and staff who recommend new rules, rule amendments or programs to help reduce air pollution. The Board also hears public testimony. After a public hearing, the Board may vote to adopt a rule as proposed or with changes. In some cases, the Board may postpone a decision and instruct APCD staff to develop a new proposal. In addition, the Board approves contracts, policies and various reports. The Board may also act on budget requests and personnel matters.

Agenda items that involve relatively simple administrative decisions are grouped in what is known as a "consent agenda." Board Members and members of the public may comment on any individual item on the consent agenda. When discussion is completed, the Board may vote on the consent agenda as a whole.

Where does the public fit in?
The public is very much a part of the Board meeting. Public workshops held weeks before the Board meeting give individuals the opportunity to learn about proposed rules and major policies. Written reports on rules or policies are available before Board meetings. Anyone can testify on any item pending before the Board, but it's best to prepare your testimony in advance. You can also bring up new issues during the open public comment session immediately following the consent agenda. 

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