HomeMy WebLinkAboutGTF Minutes 08-27-12
MINUTES
Green Task Force
August 27 , 2012 Meeting
nd
Downey City Hall – 2 Floor Training Room
111 1 1 Brookshire Ave., Downey CA 90241
I . CALL TO ORDER :
The m e e ting was called to order at 5: 12 PM by Vice Chair Steve Perez .
Members Present: Alex Saab, Georg e Manzanilla, Jonathan Cousimano, Pat Owens, Sean
Ashton, Vice Chair Steve Perez
Members Absent : Mario Mendoza Janet Molinaro , Jose Magana , Chair Anna Valcarcel
Staff: David Blumenthal, Staff Liaison
II . CONSENT CALENDAR:
It was moved by Member Saab , se conded by M ember Mendoza to approve the minutes from
the June 25 meeting . The motion passed 5 - 0 - 1 , with Member Owens abstaining.
I II . OLD BUSINESS:
1. Parkway Planter Project
Staff Liaison Blumenthal noted that the project was complete and he shared photos of
before and after with the Task Force.
Member Saab asked if a plaque can be placed at the site to explain how the project was
derived and its purpose.
Vice Chair Perez noted that the plaque should include the website address for the Green
Tas k Force.
It was moved by Member Saab and seconded by Member Ashton that the Green Task
Force recommends that the City of Downey install a plaque within the planter to describe
the purpose and benefits of the project. The motion passed unanimously (6 - 0).
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 still working on getting Ed Norris, Deputy Director of Public
Works, to present ideas on voluntary complianc e to the Green Task Force .
3 . Walk to School Day
Vice Chair Perez noted that the date is in October and asked if the Task Force could do
any additional work to get the information to students
Member Ashton noted that he would attend the Downey Council PTA to inform all of the
PTA Presidents.
IV . NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion of street tree removal/replacement
Member Manzanilla asked why the fairly new trees on Lakewood Blvd have been removed.
Staff Liaison Blumenthal noted that the decision to remo ve a mature tree is done by the
City’s Arborist. He noted that he sent the arborist an email to inquire how he determines
when to remove a tree, but did not get a response , but typically a tree is removed for one of
three reasons: 1) The tree is damaging the sidewalk/curb, 2) The tree is dead/dying and
cannot be saved, or 3) The tree has been damaged (such as hit by a car) and cannot be
saved.
The Task Force discussed the trees that were removed and that the City should take every
effort to preserve the mature trees in the City.
Member Saab inquired if the City Arborist would come and present to the Green Task
Force, to which Staff Liaison Blumenthal responded that he would extend the invitation.
V. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS:
None .
VI. GREEN TASK FORCE COMMUNICATIONS :
Member Ashton requested that a discussion of Community Gardens be placed on the next
agenda.
Member Saab requested that a discussion Task Force goals and priorities be placed on the
next agenda .
Vice Chair Perez requested that a discus sion of promotion of bicycling be placed on a future
agenda.
V I I. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS :
None .
VI I I. ADJOURNMENT:
Without objection the Green Task Force meeting was a djourned at 5:50 pm to 5 :00 pm,
Monday , September 24 , 2012 .
GREEN TA SK FORCE MINUTES, AUGUST 27 , 2012 – PAGE 2