Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutGTF Minutes 09-24-12MINUTES Green Task Force September 24, 2012 Meeting Downey City Hall — 2nd Floor Training Room 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey CA 90241 I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:12 PM by Vice Chair Steve Perez. Members Present: George Manzanilla, Janet Molinaro, Jose Magana, Pat Owens, Sean Ashton, Vice Chair Steve Perez Members Absent: Alex Saab, Jonathan Cousimano Staff: David Blumenthal, Staff Liaison II. CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Member Ashton, seconded by Member Manzanilla to approve the minutes from the August 27th meeting. The motion passed 4 -0 -2, with Member Molinaro & Member Magana abstaining. III. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Twenty's Plenty follow -up Vice Chair Perez noted that there was no update on this item. 2. Walk to School Day Member Ashton noted that he attended the Downey Council PTA to inform all of the PTA Presidents of the upcoming date (October 3, 2012). He noted that it was well received. Member Molinaro asked if the presentation included strategies on how to promote the event, to which Member Ashton responded that it only covered information about the event. Lars Clutterham, resident, addressed the Task Force to note that the website for Walk to School Day (www.walkbiketoschool.org) has all the information needed for an organization to put an event together. Member Molinaro stated that it would be best to get a person at each school to organize for that school and take charge of the event, that way they would be vested in making walk to school day successful. Alex Gaytan, resident, addressed the Task Force to suggest that they get the service clubs involved. Elizabeth Trombley, Director of Public Affairs with Kaiser Permanente Downey, addressed the Task Force to tell them Kaiser is working with the School District to encourage healthy living. She suggested that the Task Force take a grassroots approach with one or two schools. The Task Force discussed establishing a sub - committee that can work on getting the Walk to School Day event started in Downey. It was determined that the sub - committee would consist of Members Sean Ashton, Janet Molinaro, and Steve Perez. IV. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Review of Goals and Priories Staff Liaison Blumenthal reviewed the Mission and Goals of the Task Force, as included in the Green Task Force bylaws. He stated that in order for the Task Force to accomplish things, they should think about what are their specific goals (such as promoting walking /biking, twenty's plenty, drought tolerant landscaping, etc) and prioritize them. He stated that the Task Force should also focus on how to get information out to the residents and businesses of the city. Lars Clutterham, resident, addressed the Task Force to note that two priorities that the Task Force should consider is: 1) Healthy Eating & Living, and 2) Promoting Bicycling. After a brief discussion, Staff Liaison Blumenthal stated he would provide a list of the goals that have been previously raised in the Task Force meetings so the Task Force can prioritize them. 2. Drought Tolerant Landscape Guide Staff Liaison Blumenthal stated that the City needs a drought tolerant landscape guide that can be made available to the public. He noted that the guide should have three main parts: 1) Type of Plants, 2) How to Plant, and 3) Maintenance of landscape. Member Ashton noted that preparation of a draft guide should be handled by a sub- committee, who can then provide the draft for the full Task Force review. It was determined that the sub - committee would consist of Members Ashton and Perez. 3. Community Gardens Member Ashton stated that this discussion started at Keep Downey Beautiful, but was tabled and referred to the Green Task Force. Member Owens noted that he felt it is a good idea that Downey has a community garden. Staff Liaison Blumenthal stated that he spoke to the staff liaison to Keep Downey Beautiful about this and in order for the City to give land for a community garden it would have to come from a park. He suggested that it could be on private property, however, there need to be guidelines on whom and how the community garden will be managed. It was agreed that this should be discussed further at a future meeting. GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 — PAGE 2 V. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Elizabeth Trombley, Director of Public Affairs with Kaiser Permanente Downey, stated that she is on the Chamber of Commerce's Green Committee and will be acting as the liaison between the Chamber and the Green Task Force. Lars Clutterham, resident, thanked the Task Force for the manner that they conduct the meetings and allowing residents to provide input/participation. VI. GREEN TASK FORCE COMMUNICATIONS: Vice Chair Perez stated that a bike ride was scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 2012 and encouraged all to participate. He stated the bike ride would begin at Wilderness Park at 8:00 a.m. VII. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS: Staff Liaison Blumenthal informed the Task Force that he received a formal resignation from Anna Valcarcel and Mario Mendoza. He stated that the City Clerk will post the position so the vacancies can be filled and he would agendize selection of Chair and Vice Chair at the next meeting. VIII. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection the Green Task Force meeting was adjourned at 5:59 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday, October 26, 2012. GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 — PAGE 2