HomeMy WebLinkAboutGTF Minutes 06-25-12
MINUTES
Green Task Force
June 25, 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 5:05 PM by Chair Anna Valcarcel.
Members Present: George Manzanilla, Mario Mendoza, Alex Saab, Sean Ashton, Jonathan
Cousimano, Vice Chair Steve Perez, Chair Anna Valcarcel
Members Absent: Pat Owens, Janet Molinaro, Jose Magana
Staff: David Blumenthal, Staff Liaison
Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Others: Lars Clutterham
II. CONSENT CALENDAR:
It was moved by Member Saab, seconded by Member Mendoza to approve the minutes from
the May 29, 2012 meeting. The motion passed 5-0, with Member Cousimano and Chair
Valcarcel abstaining.
IV. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Training Session – Brown Act
Chair Valcarcel ordered, without objection, that this item be taken out of order and heard
first since the City Attorney was available to present this item.
City Attorney Abich Garcia presented a PowerPoint in which she reviewed the Ralph M.
Brown Act and how it applies to the Green Task Force. She reminded the Task Force that
a quorum consists of six members. She reviewed the intent of the Brown Act, the need to
limit discussions to agendized items only, and keeping all conversations about the Task
Force business public. Finally, she reviewed potential enforcement actions if there is a
violation of the Brown Act.
III. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Parkway Planter Project
Member Ashton noted that the demonstration project will be planted on July 9, 2012 at
Furman Park.
2. Twenty’s Plenty follow-up
Vice Chair Perez updated the Task Force on his efforts on bringing this campaign to the
City. He noted that he was working on getting Ed Norris, Deputy Director of Public Works,
to present ideas on voluntary compliance to the Green Task Force.
3. Walk to School Day
Lars Clutterham, resident, addressed the Task Force and noted that he is continuing his
efforts to get information out to schools. He noted that he received no responses to letters
sent to the various PTA’s, but he will try contacting the PTA Presidents directly.
Member Ashton noted that the PTA’s are dark over the summer, so they won’t be able to
discuss anything.
V. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
VI. GREEN TASK FORCE COMMUNICATIONS:
Member Ashton asked about when a discussion of Community Gardens would be placed on
the agenda. Staff Liaison Blumenthal responded that staff is beginning work on identifying
potential locations and regulations. He noted that once staff is prepared to present their
findings to the Task Force, he would place the discussion on the Task Force’s agenda.
Member Manzanilla requested that a discussion of bike lanes be placed on a future agenda.
Chair Valcarcel was sad to report that due to her schedule she needs to resign from the Green
Task Force. She thanked the Task Force for their continued hard work in making the City a
better place.
VII. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Without objection the Green Task Force meeting was adjourned at 6:04 pm to 5:00 pm,
Monday, July 23, 2012.
GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, JUNE 25, 2012 – PAGE 2