ORDER 28468 2004 DUES TO ALAMO AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS On this the 22nd day of December, 2003 upon motion made by Commissioner Nicholson, Seconded by Commissioner Williams the Court unanimously approved a vote 4-0-0 To approve the payment of Dues to the Alamo Area Council of Governments. a ~~~'~ COMMISSIONERS' COURT AGENDA REQUEST PLEASE FURNISH ONE ORIGINAL AND NINE COPIES OF THIS REQUEST AND DOCUMENTS TO BE REVIEWED BY THE COURT. MADE BY: Pat Tinley OFFICE: County Jude MEETING DATE: December 22, 2003 TIlViE PREFERRED: SUBJECT: (PLEASE BE SPECIFIC) Consider and discuss approval to pay 2004 Dues to Alamo Area Council of Governments ($2,619.18). EXECUTIVE SESSION REQUESTED: (PLEASE STATE REASON) NAME OF PERSON ADDRESSING THE COURT: ESTIMATED LENGTH OF PRESENTATION: IF PERSONNEL MATTER -NAME OF EMPLOYEE: Time for submitting this request for Court to assure that the matter is posted in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code, is as follows: Meeting scheduled for Mondays: THIS REQUEST RECEIVED BY: THIS REQUEST RECEIVED ON: All Agenda Requests will be screened by the County Judge's Office to determine if adequate information has been prepared for the Court's formal consideration and action at time of Court Meetings. Your cooperation will be appreciated and contribute towards you request being addressed at the earliest opportunity. See Agenda Request Rules Adopted by Commissioners' Court. County Judge 5:00 P_M. previous Tuesday. Alamo Area Council Of Governments December 11, 2003 2004 Dues Invoice For 34 years, the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) has worked with it's members across this 12-county region through planning and coordination activities that include the provision of technical assistance, dissemination of information, and administration of area-wide programs. Through your participation, AACOG's responsibility as a regional clearinghouse to review and comment on applications submitted for public funding also allows for greater accountability and a more effective coordination of critical services. Your participation will continue to provide for better intergovernmental cooperation and a more efficient response in key areas that include health and human services, assistance for senior citizens, transportation, solid waste, economic and community development, workforce development, 9-1-1, criminal justice, and weatherization. As a member, you also benefit from discounts for services from our data center and training workshops offered throughout the year. Thank you in advance for your partnership, and if there is anyway that AACOG can be of better service to you, I welcome your suggestions and comments. Please call me at (210) 362-5201. ~;~~'~ ,~ AI J. Notzon III Executive Director 2004 AACOG Dues Member: Kerr County Total Dues: $ 2,619.18 .u °.L .. Law . , .... I N-, ~ :G ti :. AACOG 12-County Region Area: 11, i~i4 square miles PopulatiC>n: 1.9 million TABLP; OF ~ .ONTENTS Alamo Area Agency on Agin~~ Bexar Area Agency on Aging ~ Criminal Justice ~ Data Center 4 Government Services 5 Housing and Weatherization Natural Resources 7 Rural Public Transportation 8 Staff Information g Workforce Development 9 Membership 10 Budget Information 12 2003 BOARD MEMBERS TOMMY ADKISSON Commissioner, Bexar County JAMES E. BARREN County Judge, Medina County ENRIQUE BARRERA Councilman, City of San Antonio DIANA BAUTISTA County Judge, Atascosa County PORTER DI~ARI~ City Public Service GERALD DUBINSKI 1\iayor, City of Olmos Park PAUL ELIZONDO Commissioner, Bexar County RICHARD A. EVANS County Judge, Bandera County ROGER FLORES, JR. Councilman, City of San Antonio CESAREO GUADA~RRAMA III MOLLY FRUITY Commissioner, Guadalupe County Board Member, Northeast ISD ED FISHER Mayor, City of Hondo MARVIN QUINNEY County Judge, Wilson County PATRICK HEATH Mayor, City of Boerne ALGER H. KENDALL, JR. County Judge, Karnes County JOHN C. KIGHT Commissioner, Kendall County MICHAEL KORUS Representing Soil & Water Conservation Districts LYLE CARSON Commissioner, Bexar County MARCY MEFFERT 2002-2004 Board Chairman Mayor, Leon Valley RAYMOND RAMIREZ 2002-2004 Board Vice-Chairman Mayor, City of Floresville HUGH "TRIP" RUCKMAN Chairman, San Antonio River Authorit}- DONALD SCHRAUB Count}~ Judge, Guadalupe County RON SEGOVIA Councilman, City of San Antonio MARKSTROEHER County Judge, Gillespie County LETICIA VAN DE PUTTE State Senator JAY P. MILLIKIN BILL WILLIAMS CARLOS A. GARCIA Commissioner, Comal County County Commissioner, Kerr County County Judge, Frio County Alamo Area/ State Planning Region TO THE AACOG BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND ITS MEMBER GOVERNMENTS, AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS, AND CONSTITUENTS: At the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), 2003 was a year of renewed commitment to strengthening the communities of the AACOG region. As we celebrate New Year 2004, we will continue to work with the members of AACOG to resolve regional issues and promote regional strengths, and will never forget how important our members are to our mission. Through AACOG, our members continue to work towards solutions affecting the Alamo region, such as air quality, economic and community development, criminal justice, homeland security, housing, human services, transportation, and workforce development. This report contains descriptions of the programs AACOG staff helps to support, and some of the service highlights of AACOG in 2003. There are photos throughout the report illustrating our organization at work supporting the communities of the AACOG region. In the back is a listing of those that support us: our member governments, advisory committees, and affiliated organizations. There are many other individuals and organizations not listed, that also continue to assist AACOG in achieving its goals. We thank our member governments and various associations for their contribution to the ongoing success of the Alamo Area Council of Governments. Also included in the back of this year's report are charts illustrating the 2003 and 2004 budgets. The FY 2004 budget for the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) is projected to decrease by 3.5% to $23,265,955 from the 2003 budget. This decrease is a result of the completion of the Kerrville Bus Terminal, the completion of all capital recovery for 9-1-1, and the loss of state appropriation. We are very appreciative of the financial contributions to AACOG. Member dues generate $210,382 that in turn are responsible for providing matching funds to other programs. For every dollar of local dues, $110 in additional funds is secured. AACOG receives Federal funds passed through the State in the amount of $12,592,575, and in addition, direct State funds amount to $4,434,634. Our 2004 budget also projects direct Federal Grants in the amount of $442,967. Administrative indirect costs of $1,137,679 represent 4.94% of the total budget of $23,265,955. We look forward to working together with all of our member organizations, to strengthen our role as a resource in the region, and to continue to serve all communities of the AACOG region in the coming year. Regionally Yours, ~~ Honorable Marcy Meffert Al J. Notzon, III AACOG Board of Directors Chairman AACOG Executive Director Alamo Area Agency on Aging The Alamo Area Agency on Aging covers an 11-county area encompassing over 10,000 square miles. The Alamo AAA provides services to individuals age 60 and older with a total senior population of over 81,000. These services range from nutrition and transportation to information and referral, benefits counseling, ombudsman, caregiver support, and care coordination. The total available funding from all state and federal sources exceeded $2.2 million in Fiscal Yeaz 2003. The nutrition program accounts for the bulk ofexpenditures-about 43%. Local funds, participant contributions, and fundraising provided for another 72,000 meals. USDA reimbursements amounted to over $182,000. The transportation program saw significant changes over the year as Alamo Regional Transit assumed transportation responsibilities for six of the counties. Service Allocation Units/persons Served Transportation $255,830 31,799 one way trips Congregate Meals $425,467 89,693 meals Home-Delivered Meals $527,171 113,814 meals Personal Assistance $60,780 4,830 hours Homemaker $28,795 2,900 hours Information, Referral & Assistance $48,745 1,077 callers Benefits Counseling $50,757 209 hours Ombudsman Visits $101,000 1,860 visits Respite $3 7, 5 00 2, l 00 hours Adult Day Care $70,310 2,700 units Following completion of a local planning conference in Comal County and review of numerous surveys and other materials, Alamo AAA completed the Area Plan for the next three years. This comprehensive document consists of an environmental overview, regional needs summary, local strategies, and projections. The plan is available on the AACOG web site. Caregiver Resource Center. During this year, Alamo AAA made the decision to change purchasing methods for their programs and will use a direct purchase of services instead of subcontracts in the future. The AAA will authorize all clients for service and complete all data entry. This change should ease the workload on the subcontractors and increase the accuracy of data reported. Additionally, a new web-based reporting system is being implemented. The Ombudsman program provides advocacy services for nursing home residents and their families to resolve issues. The program expanded its outreach providing 42 presentations. They also added nine new volunteers. Under our health maintenance program, we provided prescription assistance to 136 clients. The benefits counseling program served 169 clients and made 23 presentations. During its second year, the cazegiver support program continues to grow. Grants awarded to A1zCaze, Alzheimer's Association, and Dietert Senior Center were finalized. Dietert established a volunteer respite program. The Alzheimer's Association established six caregiver resource centers in the various counties with books, videos and handouts for all types of caregivers. Numerous seminars and presentations were conducted making people awaze of available services. More than 300 clients received services. Ribbon Cutting ceremony for Grand Opening of the Gillespie County Bexar Area Agency on Aging The BexarAAAis the fourth largestAreaAgency onAging inTexas leveraging $5.4 million in funding into almost $9 million in services for Bexar County seniors in Fiscal Year 2003. Serving almost 10,000 Bexar seniors every year, the BexarAAA's mission is to build a community that supports older Texans and allows them to age with dignity, security, and enhanced quality of life. Pioneering such national programs as "Meals on Wheels," Bexar AAA programs currently encompass a broad array of services: congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation, guardianship, legal assistance, long term care advocacy, respite care, health screenings, personal assistance, benefits counseling, caregiver support services, assistance with medical and financial needs, and information, referral, and assistance services. BexarAAA currently channels over 70 percent of its funds into service contracts with various community providers. In FY 2003, BexarAAAhad 11 providers and 13 service contracts. Service Allocation Units/persons Served Transportation $490,500 33,700 rides Congregate Meals $1,950,000 498,600 meals Home-Delivered Meals $840,470 208,560 meals Personal Assistance $170,000 9,000 hours of service Information, Referral &Assistance $115,581 5,000 calls Ombudsman Visits $184,987 19,795 residents visited Homemaker $201,145 10,000 hours of service Respite $139,250 9,000 hours of respite Under the Family Caregiver Support Program during FY2003, Bexar AAA offered a variety of services to assist families and friends keep their loved ones at home for as long as possible. These services included respite, adult day care, bathing and dressing, homemaker, emergency response and escort. Resource libraries for caregivers were placed in physicians' offices, nursing homes, and community medical centers. Anew "Caregiver's Day Out" program was piloted in four sites in Bexar County that provides caregivers a day off. Under the Kinship Care program for persons aged 60 and over that are caring for children 18 and under, the BexarAAAworked with a local coalition to develop a Community Resources Handbook for Kinship caregivers. Additionally, a partnership developed with local school districts allowed the Kinship Program to provide school supplies to 2,584 students, helping 844 grandparents and other caregivers. The Bexar AAA has two volunteer programs: Benefits Counseling and the Ombudsman program. Benefits counselors are trained volunteers who work in Bexar AAA offices and at sites around Bexar County providing information on Medicare, Medicaid, other public benefits, and private insurance. Ombudsman are trained volunteers who visit residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and advocate in their behalf. The BexarAAA also provides educational opportunities for aging service providers and seniors. In February 2003, the Bexar SeniorAdvisory Committee helped almost 1,200 attend Senior Day at the Capital. This event celebrates the contributions of older Texans and allows seniors to learn more about the legislative process. The Ombudsman program also facilitates the Elders'Advocacy Network, a forum of long-term care providers, which provides participants with C.E.U. credits from DHS/L.TCR Education Liaisons at their monthly trainings. In FY 2003, the Ombudsman program also offered Elderly Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), educating 18 skilled LTC providers in the area of Risk Factor Identification. 2 Bexar County Seniors at Senior Day at the Capitol Criminal Justice to presentation in the AACOG Board Room CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLANNING AND GRANT PROGRAM In 2003 the Governor's Office-Criminal Justice Division made more than $5 million available to fund programs that minimize the effects of crime in the AACOG region. The staff facilitates grant development training and provides technical assistance to 150 regional and governmental agencies that seek and receive funding for programs serving victims, juveniles, and law enforcement agencies. The basis for funding recommendations made by the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee are the Community Plans developed by committees appointed by the County Judges in each of the 12 AACOG counties. This planning effort has focused the allocation of funds to meet priorities set by each County and has provided the vehicle for the evaluation of the performance of funded agencies. REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING ACADEMY The Academy provides quality training for individuals seeking a career in law enforcement. The core curriculum of 957 hours of specialized training exceeds the TCLEOSE minimum standards for law enforcement officers. The Academy graduates consistently rank in the upper 99% percentile of individuals who pass the TCLEOSE licensing test on the first try. Licensed peace officers employed by 170 law enforcment agencies in the AACOG region access training needed to maintain their status as commissioned peace officers. The TCLEOSE certified training program focuses on four maj or areas: Basic Licensing Courses for Peace and Corrections Officers; Continuing Education for Peace Officers, Corrections Officers, and Tele- communicators;Law Enforcement Management Training; and Law Enforcement and Corrections Skills Training. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION After the events of September 11, 2001, the Federal government and the State of Texas instituted a comprehensive program to ensure that all cities and counties were adequately prepared in the event of any man-made orweather-related disaster. AACOG established the First Responder Strategic Planning Committee composed of more than 1801aw enforcement officers, Fire/EMS representatives, and Chief Elected Officials. These representatives participated in a series of meetings resulting in the development of a regional response strategy. The AACOG First Responder Strategic Community Emergenry Response Plan forms the basis for all exercise, training and equipment needs ofthe region. Asa Team (CERT) Training result of the Emergency Preparedness responsibilities being assigned to the Councils of Governments, additional preparation programs and grants have been assigned to AACOG~ Included are the Pre-disaster Migitation Action grant, the Domestic Preparedness Assessment, and the All Hazards Emergency Plan grant. Each program is an integrated piece of the strategy that ensures that all law enforcement, Fire/EMS and Chief Elected Officials will have the resources and plans in place to protect citizens and property in the event of a disaster. 9-1-1 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PROGRAM AACOG administers the state approved regiona19-1-1 emergency telephone system forAtascosa, Bandera, Frio, Gillespie, Karnes, Kendall, and Wilson counties. The challenges ofday-to-day 9-1-1 operations and the advancements being made in the technical environment illustrate the importance of keeping current with changing technologies. During 2003, AACOG completed transition to the statewide database for all seven participating counties. The centralization and standardization of this data at the regional level will enhance the GIS and mapping capabilities for the region. AACOG also coordinated equipment upgrades and software installations to integrate and facilitate mapping and address location idenfification at all seven Public Safety Answering points (PSAPs). The FY20042005 AACOG 9-1-1 Strategic Plan initiates the regional concept. 3 Grant workshop participants listen Criminal Justice REGIONAL YOUTH CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM AACOG established the first Regional Youth Education Program in Texas in 1996. Through this program, local law enforcement agencies work with high schools to provide students with a criminal justice elective taught by law enforcement officers. Students examine the Constitution, law enforcement, courts, and corrections, and participate in community service projects that combat underage drinking and juvenile delinquency. This program provides an opportunity for youth and law enforcement to work together in a positive environment. During the 2002-03 school year, eight high schools participated and over 300 students completed the class. Another component of the Regional Youth Education Criminal Justice program is a focus on campus safety and School Resource Officer Training. SPECIALIZED LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING The AACOG Criminal Justice Division and the Alamo Area Law EnforcementAcademyprwentsthe Investigative Approach to Crimes of Violence Against Women course to assist law enforcement personnel when responding to sexual assault cases. This course includes information on myths surrounding rape, rape trauma syndrome, domestic violence, sexual assault crime scene search, and protective orders. Specialists from around the region participate in providing this training. This course is free to all peace officers, citizen patrols, dispatchers, and victim services providers. Law Enforcement personnel completing the course receive 24 TCLEOSE hours including 3232 (Special Investigative Topics), required for all Texas Peace Officers. Data Center The AACOG Regional Data Center is a technical and planning service bureau that provides assistance in the areas of database development, geographic information systems (GIS) applications and mapping, and Internet-based mapping development. The Data Center also supports or produces general planning studies, database development for specific prof ects, and special purpose programming products. The Data Center can also produce Census Bureau reports for population, business, or educational projects. AACOG works with the MPO to plan local transportation. Tasks include analysis of local population and employment figures, transportation networks, and air quality issues related to transportation planning in this region. The analyzed data, combined with an understanding of local transportation growth patterns, is used by the MPO to plan highway systems that meet future traffic needs. Other MPO-related work includes providingtransportation-related databases to agencies such as the Texas Department of Transportation, Bexar County Public Works, the City of San Antonio's Planning Department, and VIA Metropolitan Transit. A major project this year was the small area population and employment forecast. teaches Introduction to GIS class In its support role, the Data Center has worked on 911 mapping and address location identification, disaster mitigation mapping, and solid waste planning. The Data Center collected data, processed, and mapped non-permitted solid waste sites within the region. The Data Center continues work on the community information system currently under development in the AACOG region; this work involves many public agencies and charitable foundations for human services. The prototype web site can be found at http://www.aacis.net. The Alamo Area Community Information System (AACIS) is a multi-year, multi-agency effort to create an information system that provides both centralized and decentralized access to data created and maintained by many organizations that are focused on the "human condition" in the AACOG region. 4 Fredericksburg High School Criminal Justice Class with Officer Chris Ayala Data Center staff member Government Services ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Community Development staffhas worked to support member governments in the areas of community development, housing, and leadership development for more than 30 years. In 2003, through funding by the Office of Rural Community Affairs and the coordination of the AACOG Regional Review Committee, 22 communities and counties received $2,227,113 for water, sewer, and drainage projects that were targeted to be built in low and -noderate-income neighborhoods. In addition, AACOG and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs held a h ousing focus group meeting on July 12, 2003, as part of an effort by the State tocreate aloes-income housing plan. The ever-popular "Newly Elected Officials" workshop was attendedby 39 public officials from 23 cities and included an introduction to city governmental structure, the role ofthe mayor and the council, budgeting, legal issues, and media relations. A Planning and Zoning Workshop for city officials, attended by 36 people from 14 communities, dealt with zoning, platting, legal issues, and advanced planning problems. AACOG staffprovides research, technical assistance, coordination, and resource development to promote economic development. Through its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), AACOG coordinates regional economic development efforts. One of the critical issues affecting the region's economy in recent years has been the trend of defense and federal downsizing. However, in the manufacturing sector an announcement was made in eazly February that will have a maj or impact on the AACOG region and the State of Texas. Toyota officially announced that SanAntonio had been selected for an $800 million plant that will produce 150,000 full-size Toyota Tundra trucks per year beginning in 2006. The facility at the outset will employ 2,000 workers and is expected to generate 5,300 spin-offjobs. RESOURCE RECOVERY (SOLID WASTE) Significant effort continued to be spent on the Closed Landfill Inventory in 2003. AACOG staffreseazched and responded to numerous requests for information. Plans for 2004 include putting the Closed Landfill Inventory on the website for easy access. AACOG looks at solid waste as a resource to be reduced, reused, or recycled to the fullest extent possible, leaving only a small residue for landfill disposition. AACOG staffmade presentations to elementary school classes throughout 2003 to educate children about this approach. Special presentations were given in April for Earth Day Week and in November for Texas Recycles Day, and staffalso participated in Earth Day at Woodlawn Park and Earthwise Living in Leon Valley. In June 2003, AACOC~ Bexaz County, City of San Antonio, and Keep San Antonio Beautiful sponsored aweek-long Earth Day Celebration, which ended with the 3rdAnnual South Texas Resource Recovery Roundtable Conference. The purpose of the week's activities and conference was to highlight Earth Day concerns. Activities included "Clean Your Files" paper collection, green waste composting, electronic waste (e-waste) collection, and a latex paint collection as well as four readings from the Green Shelf at four local libraries by local celebrities. In the 2002-03 Biennium, AACOG awarded 20pass-through grants to ten entities totalling $1,066,461.89. These programs, funded by tipping fees collected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality from landfill facilities, included two demonstration projects for curbside pick-up ofhousehold Ita~e You Bfn ?bf~~ hazardous waste. Other projects helped to expand recycling and About Recyclfng~ composting efforts, control illegal dumping, and educate the public on the topics of illegal dumping, recycling, and composting. ~,a~l ~-'1-~ Several billboards paid for with grant funds reminded the general For"IIAoi+~ 1Mormatio~t~' ' public to compost and recycle as they drove on the interstates Billboard reminding motorists to compost and recycle. throughout Bexar County. 5 Toyota Groundbreaking Ceremony Photo rourtcty of San Antonio Ecaaamit Dcveiapment Foundation Government Services TOURISM AACOG Tourism promotes our region's magnificent history and diverse cultural heritage with several annual events, with the goal of presen~ing our heritage for future generations. The 15th annual "Pony Express Swearing-In Ceremony" was held November 22nd, and offered a patriotic and photographic glimpse of history and heritage on the Downtown Post Office steps-next to the Alamo. Mounted Pony Express Couriers promised the San Antonio Postmaster to be deterred by "...neither rain, nor sleet, nor dark of night." This special event attracts national attention and has been televised in Europe. On December 6th, communities on the Alamo-La Bahia Corridor and El Camino del los Tejas celebrated "Christmas Along the Corridor" with festivities highlighting their history, diverse cultures, and holiday traditions. The Pony Express Christmas Courier Run links this 150-mile multi-community event with the delivery of a holiday message from the Governor of Texas. The Grand Finale and Fair for the Christmas Courier Run provided a patriotic program for the family, filled with history, pageantry and music, including the Six Flags of Texas on horseback, two equestrian drill teams, the Granaderos de Galvez ,the Polish Dancers of South Texas, the Cadence Cloggers, living history displays, artists, vendors, a vintage car display, and 120 Pony Express Christmas Couriers. Atemporary postal station offered Pony Express Cancellation cards and letters. Another tourism event in 2003 was the 14th Annual "Classic Cruise Along the Corridor" held May 3rd. More than 25 area car clubs were welcomed by more than 15 communities ofthe Alamo-La Bahia Corridor during the cruse. AACOG's annual "Scenic Hills Cruise"through communities in Bexar, Medina, Kerr, and Gillespie counties garnered participation from 20 area car clubs on the 3rd Saturday in October. For more information about AACOG Tourism events, visit http://www aacog.com/tourism. Housing & Weatherization The Housing and Weatherization programs have succeeded in obtaining federal, state, and local grant funds over a period of 20 years providing home and energy conservation repairs, rental assistance, and home mortgages to the elderly, handicapped, and working poor families within AACOG's 12-county service area. The Alamo Area Housing Finance Corporation's single family mortgage revenue bond series program has provided almost $25,000,000 in home mortgages within AACOG's rural counties. These home mortgage loans enable qualified families to acquire decent and safe single-family residences at low market interest rates. AACOG also has partnered with Fannie Mae providing more than $14.7 million oftax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds in 2003. Consequently, more families have realized the dream of homeownership. The AACOG Section 8 Rental Assistance Program provides monthly rental assistance to rural tenants. By partnering the Section 8 Program with landlords and aparhnent managers, AACOG provides the economic stimulus in the rural communities. The AACOG Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has weatherized almost 2,000 homes since its inception 20 years ago. Funded by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the U. S. Department of Energy, and City Public Service, AACOG's weatherization program has provided home repairs and improvements making low-income dwellings energy- efficient. In addition to helping families in need reduce the cost of their energy bills, the WAP has also improved the overall health and safety of families' homes. Program Year 2003 has been very successful in AACOG's pursuit to ensure quality housing to home owners, and a better quality of life to tenants in need residing within AACOG's 12-county service area. 6 Pony Express Couriers at Swearing-in Ceremony Natural Resources AIR QUALITY In April 2004, the US Environmental Protection Agency will make the first nonattainment designations according to the new federal 8-hour average ozone standard. Since air quality monitors have shown that local ozone levels have been in excess of the concentrations allowed under the new standard, we anticipate that some counties in our region will be declared nonattainment. 'T'hanks to the Early Action Compact signed by the governments of Bexaz, Comal, Guadalupe and Wilson Counties, the standard penalty process will be deferred for any of these counties which are declazed nonattainment. The Eazly Action Compact allows our area to clean up its own air using regional decision-making and implementing regionally-specific clean air strategies while avoiding the standard nonattainment planning process. As we await final designation from the Environmental Protection Agency in Apri12004, the pace of work accelerates for AACOG staff and elected policymakers developing our region's Clean Air Plan. Fall and winter will bring intense efforts in modeling many of the more than 50 Clean Air Strategies selected for testing and possible inclusion in the final Clean Air Plan. Strategies will be tested for their ozone reduction potential and cost-effectiveness, and varying areas of application will be considered for each strategy modeled. Find out more about air quality and the C1eanAirPlan at http://www.aacog.com/air. Other air quality program accomplishments for 2003 include: • Refinement of a joint photochemical modeling episode, a cooperative effort with other Texas near non-attainment areas and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, used for the planning process under the Early Action Compact. • Analysis of the effectiveness of various control measures in reducing the formation of ozone in 2007, based on the September 1999 photochemical modeling episode. • The air quality outreach program has focused on a consolidated communications plan that includes paid media, publicity, air quality presentations to governmental and civic organizations, air quality presentations for school children, and events. The air quality web page, http://www.aaco,g.com/air, is continually expanded and updated to provide the latest news and information. • Significant strides were also made in the Air Quality Health Alert notification system. More than 130 individuals and organizations were added to the notification list, an increase of 20%. Outreach staffalso successfully lobbied a loca124-hour news station to begin announcing the Air Quality Index as part of its weather broadcasts. COMMUTE SOLUTIONS Commute Solutions helps commuters to save money, save time, and help save our air quality. This year, the Commute Solutions program almost ~,, ~ ~, doubled the number of individuals enrolled by expanding its ourtreach "~ C '°~ ~ "~°' ~' efforts to local schools and businesses. The ever-growing Commute AACOG participates in the "It All Adds up to Solutions website now offers organization-specific matchlist request forms Cleaner Air" narionwide air quality and 1n addition to general matchlist request forms for RideShaze, SchoolPool, transportation public education program. and Bike Buddies, not to mention lots of helpful information for commuters. Commute Solutions also welcomed Heather Willden to the staffin 2003. Ms. Willden has been instrumental in the development of the air quality and commute solutions web sites and the expansion of the SchoolPool program. CLEAN CITIES The Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition, AACOGS the US Department of Energy, and the Texas State Energy Conservation Office hosted the 7th Annual Western States Clean Cities Workshop. 125 participants from the 12-state region attended the workshop, which was held in March 2003 in San Antonio. The Alamo Area Coalition, together with the Central Texas Coalition (Austin) received $250,000 in grants to install 10 additional Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG or Propane) refueling stations, accessible 24 hours a day, for public and private fleets along the Austin-San Antonio corridor. The Alamo Area Coalition also moderated a session at the San Antonio Energy Leadership Conference on renewable fuels and co-hosted an "Advancing the Choice" Event with the Central Texas Coalition for the refuse industry, held in Austin. Rural Public Transportation Alamo Regional Transit (ART) is the AACOG Rural Public Transportation program, which provides direct transportation services in Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr and Wilson counties. The transportation service is provided to the general public on ademand-response basis. The Alamo Regional Transit program also consists of two subcontractors -Medina County Public Transportation, who provides transportation in Medina County; and Community Council of South Central Texas who provides transportation in Guadalupe County. AACOG owns and operates 45 vehicles out of 75 in the program fleet. Fifty ART vehicles are wheelchair accessible to meet regulations defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). In coordination with the Clean Cities program, alternate fuel vehicle specifications are being developed for future purchases. Under the motto, "A Service for AllAges,"anyone can travel to school, doctor appointments, shopping, kidney dialysis, work, j ob interviews and other destinations. The Rural Public Transportation program is funded with federal and state grants. Many counties have created a real partnership by providing funds for local match, a place for the dispatch office, and parking space for transportation vehicles. The Job Access Reverse Commute Program (JARC) works with the Texas Workforce Centers to provide transportation to individuals needing transportation to Job Fairs, training and interviews, and j obs in the rural communities. It also provides transportation for individuals living in Bexar County to work in the rural areas. The commute is made to j ob locations outside Bexar County from inner-city housing communities, Park and Ride locations, and where VIAMetropolitan Transit bus service is not available. An Inter-Local Agreement with The Texas Department of Health Medical Transportation Program also allows ART to transport clients to their medical and dental appointments as well as kidney dialysis. The Kerrville Intermodal facility officially opened in July of 2003. ART and Kerrville Bus Company jointly use this facility. Staff Information Executive Director - Al J. Notzon III Deputy Executive Director -Gloria C. Arriaga Deputy Director -Dean J. Danos Controller - Blanca L. Tapia Directors Managers Aurora Sanchez -Criminal Justice Beverly Lutz -Rural Transportation Carol Zernial - BexarAging Cindy Krueger -Administrative Services Claude Guerra -Government Services David Kruse -Regional Data Center Grant Gaul -Quality Assurance Maggie Schreier -Alamo Aging Crystal Bearley -Seguin Workforce Center Don McFarland -Emergency Preparedness Ed Vallejo -New Braunfels Workforce Center Fran Randall -Technical Assistance (9-1-1) Gaylyn Dieringer -Kerrville Workforce Center Jane Hibdon -Pleasanton Workforce Center Rose Jackson -Housing Peter Bella -Natural Resources Stephen Ramirez -Police Training Susan Lodge -Workforce Steven Smeltzer -Environmental A complete AACOG staff directory is available at www.aacog.com. Workforce Development 2003 PERFORMANCE & NEW INITIATIVES In 2003, an average of 9,000 employers and jobseekers visited Workforce Centers each month, ofwhich an average of 1,340 per month were first-time visitors, an increase of28.5% from 2002. • A new office in Bandera County opened in May 2003. There are now workforce offices in all eleven rural counties. • More than ?,500 rural children and families received childcare assistance. • More than 565 youth received services from AADC in 2003. • More than 3,800 rural residents receiving public assistance were assisted in job searching and retaining employment, a 14.3% increase from 2002. • The Texas Workforce Centers offered services to over 3,945 rural employers, an increase of 68% from 2002. SERVICES Resource Center and Job Placement searches job postings Texas Workforce Centers offer assistance for j ob seekers, employers, and students, including: • Internet access and listings for local, state, ornational jobs. • Regularly scheduled Job Fairs. • Assessment, typing tutorials, resume writing. Labor market information, career consultation, vocational counseling. • Workshops on job search, resume writing, etc. Specialized Services Workforce InvestmentAct, Choices, and Food Stamp Employment and Training programs provide assistance including individual j ob development and retention services, Occupational Training, On-the-Job Training, and Career Development Training. Employer Services Employers can find valuable services including: • On-site interviewing facilities, employee recruitment, and screening. • Workshops on employment practices and tax credits to reduce costs. • InternetAccess to place job orders or review possible job applicants. Child Care Services Child care services are on-site at the Texas Workforce Centers in the rural counties, providing services to families and child care providers, including: • Licensed childcare facilities and self-arranged childcare. • Child Care Resource staffto assist job-seekers and employers. • Child Care Provider Liaisons to assist childcare providers. Programs for Youth Eligible youth can be provided with a variety of the following services: • Internships, paid and unpaid work experiences, job shadowing. Life skills and job readiness training and mentoring. • College exploration and school financial aid planning. 9 New Braunfels Workforce Center visitor Job Readiness Class Participants from Kenedy Workforce Center 2003 Membership COUNTIES Atascosa Frio Kendall Bandera Gillespie Kerr Bexar Guadalupe Medina Comal Karnes Wilson CITIES Alamo Heights Fredericksburg Natalia Balcones Heights Grey Forest New Braunfels Bandera Helotes Olmos Park Boerne Hill Country Village Pearsall Bulverde Hollywood Park Pleasanton Castle Hills Hondo Poteet Castroville Jourdanton Poth Charlotte Karnes City Runge China Grove Kenedy San Antonio Christine Kerrville Schertz Cibolo Kirby Seguin Converse La Coste Selma Devine La Vernia Shavano Park Dilley Leon Valley Somerset Elmendorf Live Oak Stockdale Fair Oaks Ranch Lyde Terrell Hills Floresville Marion Universal City Windcrest SCHOOL DISTRICTS Edgewood ISD Lytle ISD San Antonio ISD Floresville ISD Northeast ISD South San Antonio ISD Fredericksburg ISD Northside ISD Southside ISD Harlandale ISD Pearsall ISD Southwest ISD Kerrville ISD Poteet ISD SPECIAL DISTRICTS Alamo Community College District Edwards Aquifer Authority San Antonio River Authority Upper Guadalupe River Authority Bexar Metropolitan Water District Seguin Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority University Health System 10 2003 Membership PUBLIC UTILITIES City Public Service San Antonio Water System VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS Alamo Soil & Water Conservation District Atascosa County Soil & Water Conservation District Kendall County Soil & Water Conservation District Kerr County Soil & Water Conservation District Medina Valley Soil & Water Conservation District PLANNING AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES 9-1-1 Area Judges Committee Academy Law Enforcement Advisory Board Air Improvement Resources Committee Alamo La-Bahia Corridor Committee Alamo Senior Advisory Committee Bexar Police Chiefs Bexar Senior Advisory Committee Criminal Justice Planning Committee Economic Development and Environmental Review Committee Housing Advisory Committee Regional 9-1-1 Advisory Committee Regional Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee Regional Review Committee Rural Area Judges Committee Rural Public Transportation Advisory Committee Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS/COMMITTEES Alamo Area Development Corporation Alamo Area Housing Finance Corporation Alamo Workforce Development, Inc. Association of South Texas Communities Crime Stoppers of San Antonio, Inc. Greater Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council Greater Bexar County Council of Cities Metropolitan Planning Organization Regional Inter-Agency Director's Council ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Texas Rural Aid Association Kerr County Economic Development Foundation 11 Budget Information 12 ABOUT THE AACOG AL REPORT AACOG publishes its annual report and budget review every year. Copies are available free at the AACOG offices by sending a written request by e- mail or the postal service, or by faxing to the number below. One copy per company or individual. This publication was financed in part through planning grants from the State of Texas, U.S. Economic Development Administration, Criminal Justice Division and the Advisory Commission of State Emergency Communications of the State of Texas, Texas Department on Aging, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Published under the direction and advice of the 2003 AACOG Board of Directors (Chairman Marcy Meffert and Vice-Chairman Raymond Ramirez); Al J. Notzon III, Executive Director; Gloria C. Arriaga, Deputy Executive Director; Cindy Krueger, Administrative Services Director; and Tiffany L. Pickens, Community Relations Coordinator. For more information about the services and publications A.ACOG provides to members and citizens of the AACOG region, call Community Relations at (210) 362-5204 or visit www.aacog.com. Alamo Area Council Of Governments 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 700 San Antonio, TX 78217 Phone: (210) 362-5200 Fax: (210) 225-5937 Web site: www.aacog.com E-mail: mail@aacog.com