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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGTF Minutes 2014-6-23Green Task Force June 23, 2014 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 5:09 p.m. by Chair Sean Ashton. Members Present: Patrick Owens, Alex Gaytan, Janet Molinaro, Steve Perez, Michael Chirco, and Chairman Sean Ashton. Members Absent: Anthony Negrete, Ronnie Fernandez and Vice Chair Ricardo Perez. Staff: Juddy Montenegro, Staff Liaison David Blumenthal, Senior Planner/Building & Safety Officer II. CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Chair Ashton, seconded by Member Molinaro to approve the minutes from the June 2, 2014 meeting noting the correction of number items under Old Business. The motion passed 6-0-3, with Members Negrete, Fernandez and Vice Chair R. Perez absent. III. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Drought Tolerant Landscaping Guide Chair Ashton suggested this item once again be moved to next month’s meeting given that Member Negrete was not present to provide input. Being that there was no objection, it was so ordered. 2. Promotion of Green Task Force Chair Ashton and Member Gaytan mentioned that the City’s Tour of Downey event was a great success. The Green Task Force had a booth and passed out giveaways. They were well received by those in attendance. The Green Team also assisted with the booth and did an excellent job. Member Molinaro mentioned it would be a good idea to place stickers on all items the Green Task Force gives away. Molinaro also mentioned she did some research online and found a lot of helpful sources for the Green Task Force to use. She brought in material with websites and links to incorporate in the Green Task Force website. This was well received by the group. Staff Liaison Montenegro asked the group to provide any other information/sources and she would update current Green Task Force website. 3. Discussion of coordination with Chamber of Commerce Chair Ashton suggested this item be moved to next month’s meeting given that Vice Chair R. Perez was not present to provide status. Being that there was no objection, it was so ordered. 4. Discussion of Front Yard Gardens Member S. Perez noted he sent examples of ordinances from the City of L.A. to the City of Downey, proposing an amendment to the City’s zoning code dealing with front yard gardens. GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, JUNE 23, 2014 – PAGE 2 It was moved by Member S. Perez, seconded by Chair Ashton to recommend that the City Council consider amending the zoning code. The motion passed 6-0-3, with Members Negrete, Fernandez, and Vice Chair R. Perez absent. IV. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Subcommittee Updates a.) Drought Tolerant Landscape Guide Give that Member Negrete was not present at the meeting, the Green Task Force advised they would discuss at the next meeting. b.) Promotion of Bicycling Member S. Perez talked about the Downey Bike Master Plan, as well as the 4th of July event. He mentioned the 4th of July event used to have a “Bike Parade” and would like to see if Calvary Chapel can incorporate for next year’s event. c.) Business Sustainability Given that Vice Chair R. Perez was not present at the meeting, the Green Task Force advised they would discuss at the next meeting. d.) Green Task Force Branding Member Gaytan discussed t-shirts and logo for the Green Task Force. He asked if there was an update on the use of the Green Task Force logo. Staff Liaison Montenegro advised she would have a follow-up meeting with Mr. Adrian Correa, who designed a logo for the Green Task Force, and report back to the group at the next meeting. 2. Calendar of Events Green Task Force members reviewed a list of upcoming City events. Member Molinaro noted Concerts in the Park would be great to promote Green Task Force, and the City’s Emergency Preparedness Committee attends these, as well. Member Owens asked for more information on Concerts in the Park and how the Green Task Force can become involved. Chair Ashton expressed he was interested in the National Night Out event. V. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: None. VI. GREEN TASK FORCE COMMUNICATIONS: GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, JUNE 23, 2014 – PAGE 3 Member Gaytan talked about Karina Gonzalez, a local youth, and her involvement with the Keep Downey Beautiful program. VII. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS: VIII. ADJOURNMENT: The Green Task Force meeting was adjourned at 6:17 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday, July 28, 2014.