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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGTF Minutes 10-28-13MINUTES Green Task Force October 28, 2013 Meeting Downey City Hall — 2nd Floor Training Room 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey CA 90241 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:05 PM by Chair Steve Perez. Members Present: Janet Molinaro, Catherine Jun, Ricardo Perez, Lars Clutterham, Anthony Negrete (arrived at 5:40 PM), Vice Chairman Sean Ashton, Chairman Steve Perez. Members Absent: Patrick Owens (excused), Alex Gaytan (excused). Staff: David Blumenthal, Staff Liaison. II. CONSENT CALENDAR: Member Clutterham noted a correction to the minutes. He clarified that he abstained from the vote on the approval of the August 26, 2013 minutes. It was then moved by Member Molinaro, seconded by Vice Chair Ashton to approve the minutes from the September 23, 2013 meeting, as amended by Member Clutterham. The motion passed 5 -0 -4, with Members Negrete, Owens, and Gaytan being absent and Member R. Perez abstaining. III. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Drought Tolerant Landscaping & Guide Due to Member Negrete's late arrival, Chairman S. Perez suggested that this item be taken last on the agenda. Being that there was no objection, it was so ordered. 2. Promotion of Walking /Bicycling Member Clutterham noted that October 9 was walk to school day, in which 13 of the Downey schools were participated. He noted that the City of Downey had the fifth highest number of schools participating in the State of California. He further noted that the general feeling of the event was success and reduced traffic. On another note, he also stated that the City Council established an ad -hoc committee for the bicycle master plan. Member Molinaro noted the only complaint she heard about the walk to school day event was parents dropping the kids off at the checkpoint where the kids got their raffle ticket. Member Clutterham responded that it was a compromise to get the program started. Member Jun asked if there was a count of how many kids participated in the event, to which member Clutterham responded no number has been determined. Member Molinaro stated that the next event is Bike to School day in the spring. She said while there is time, the subcommittee should begin the planning process. IV. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Advancement of Green Task Force Member Molinaro stated that she requested for this item so the Task Force can discuss how to better get their message out. She said there are several events that take place in the City that the Green Task Force should be attending and handing out information. This would be the best way to get sustainability information to the public. Member Clutterham stressed the importance of not only attending these events and getting information out to the public, but the Task Force needs to ensure they stay on task and achieve the goals assigned to them. Anita Rivero, Downey Resident, addressed the Task Force to say that she has been curious about the Green Task Force for a few years, but did not know how to get involved. She said it would be good to get people to volunteer to help with projects. Vice Chair Ashton noted that he would be at the Keep Downey Beautiful event on November 16, 2013, at which he could give out information about the Task Force. Member Jun said she would be at the Smart Gardening workshop on November 16, 2013, at which she would give out information about the Task Force. Member R. Perez noted that he is on the Board of the Stay Gallery and he will check into the possibility into creating a branding logo for the Task Force. 2. Organization of Task Force Meetings There was no discussion under this item. 3. Upcoming Meeting Schedule Staff Liaison Blumenthal stated that the November meeting would be on November 25, 2013 and the December meeting is scheduled for December 23, 2013. He noted that it was traditional to cancel the December meeting due to the holidays, but it would be at the determination of the Green Task Force. It was a consensus of the Green Task Force to keep the December meeting on the schedule. III. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Drought Tolerant Landscaping & Guide Member Negrete stated that he is still working on the guidelines, which is more extensive than originally planned. He noted that the new guidelines will include details about plants, types, etc. Additionally, there will be tools that will help a resident properly plan a drought tolerant landscape. Member Molinaro asked if they would be ready before the November 16th events, so they can be handed out. Staff Liaison Blumenthal noted that even if the guidelines were ready, they can not be distributed to public until they are reviewed to ensure compliance with City codes and the Task Force adopts them. V. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Anita Rivero, Downey Resident, addressed the Task Force to say they should put the meetings in the local paper to get more citizen involvement. VI. GREEN TASK FORCE COMMUNICATIONS: None. GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, OCTOBER 28, 2013 — PAGE 2 VII. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS: Staff Liaison Blumenthal stated that the City Council approved the change to the bylaws, but amended them further to say if a Member has five excused and /or unexcused absences within a 12 -month period they would be removed from the Task Force. He also noted that the City Council wanted an update on the Green Task Force goals, so he would be placing a discussion the next agenda VIII. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection the Green Task Force meeting was adjourned at 6:22 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday, November 25, 2013. GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, OCTOBER 28, 2013 — PAGE 3