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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGTF Minutes 04-23-12 MINUTES Green Task Force April 23, 2012 Meeting nd Downey City Hall – 2 Floor Training Room 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey CA 90241 I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:36 PM by Acting Chair Steve Perez. Members Present: George Manzanilla, Mario Mendoza, Janet Molinaro, Steve Perez, Alex Saab, Anna Valcarcel Members Absent: Sean Ashton, Jonathan Cousimano, Jose Magana, Pat Owens Staff: Shannon DeLong, Staff Liaison, Office of the City Manager David Blumenthal, Planning Division Others: Joy Cernac, Los Angeles County Environmental Information Center Lars Clutterham II. CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Mr. Saab, seconded by Ms. Molinaro, and unanimously carried to approve the minutes from the January 23, 2012 and March 26, 2012 meetings. III. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION: 1. Presentation from Joy Cernac, Los Angeles County Environmental Information Center Joy Cernac of the Los Angeles County Environmental Information Center was introduced. Ms. Cernac presented information on an informational kiosk that the County is circulating. She indicated that the kiosk provides information about the County’s Energy Upgrade program, which provides homeowner incentives for efficiency upgrades and links to other information on environmental and green initiatives. She indicated that the County is hoping Downey will be interested in hosting a kiosk for 3-4 months. Task Force members asked for information on the desired location, whether the kiosk featured audio elements that might be disruptive to City operations, and whether the kiosk provided information in Spanish. Ms. Cernac answered that the County was hoping the Library could host, given the number of people already accessing the location and the fact that patrons could find additional information through the Library’s WiFi and computer lab and through books on home improvement, landscaping, and other “green” issues. She also indicated that the audio can be adjusted to eliminate potential disruptions. The kiosk is not capable of providing information in Spanish at this time. It was motioned by Mr. Saab, seconded by Ms. Valcarcel, and unanimously agreed that the City should host the kiosk, either in the Library or at City Hall. IV. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Parkway Planter Project a. Report from Ad-Hoc Committee In the interest of time, Acting Chair Perez postponed this item to the May meeting b. Report on Grant proposal Ms. DeLong announced that the grant she and Keep Downey Beautiful Coordinator Carol Rowland submitted to Lowe’s had been approved, and the City would receive $5,000 for the implementation of the planting project at the Furman Park demonstration location. 2. Twenty’s Plenty follow-up In the interest of time, Acting Chair Perez postponed this item to the May meeting. V. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Elect Chair and Vice Chair Acting Chair Perez opened the nominations for Chair. Ms. Valcarcel and Mr. Perez were nominated for Chair. After discussion, Mr. Perez withdrew from consideration for Chair. It was unanimously decided that Ms. Valcarcel would be Chair. Acting Chair Perez opened the nominations for Vice Chair. Mr. Perez was nominated for Vice Chair. After discussion, it was unanimously decided that Mr. Perez would be Vice Chair. 2. Task Force information – Brown Act and Ethics Ms. DeLong announced that the City Attorney is visiting with all City Commissions and Boards, and would be at the June Task Force meeting to meet Members. Ms. DeLong reminded Task Force members that they are limited in the number of fellow members with whom they can discuss items that could come before the Task Force, as the public is entitled to hear and see the debate and decision-making process since the Task Force is a public body. VI. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Clutterham informed the Task Force that he is beginning to work with the School District on the October 3, 2012 “Walk to School Day.” After discussion, the Chair directed that the item be placed on the May agenda. VI. GREEN TASK FORCE COMMUNICATIONS There were none. VI. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS Ms. DeLong re-introduced David Blumenthal from the City’s Planning Division, and noted that they would both be working with the Green Task Force for the next few months in anticipation of Ms. DeLong’s upcoming absence in June. VII. ADJOURNMENT: Adjournment: Noting the national holiday on May 28, 2012, after discussion it was motioned by Ms. Molinaro, seconded by Mr. Manzanilla, and unanimously agreed to adjourned at 6:08 PM to 5pm, Tuesday, May 29, 2012.