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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGTF Minutes 2014-8-25Green Task Force August 25, 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 5:10 p.m. by Chair Sean Ashton. Members Present: Patrick Owens, Alex Gaytan, Janet Molinaro, Steve Perez, Michael Chirco, Ronnie Fernandez, and Chairman Sean Ashton. Members Absent: Anthony Negrete and Vice Chair Ricardo Perez. Staff: Juddy Montenegro, Staff Liaison II. CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Member S. Perez, seconded by Member Owens to approve the minutes from the June 23, 2014 meeting. The motion passed 7-0-2, with Members Negrete and Vice Chair R. Perez absent. III. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Drought Tolerant Landscaping Guide Chair Ashton suggested that Member Negrete be asked to submit to the Green Task Force (GTF) all of the information concerning Drought Tolerant Landscaping. Given the number of absences Member Negrete has had in recent months, he will be officially terminated from the GTF. Member S. Perez once again mentioned that he sent examples of ordinances from the City of L.A. to the City of Downey regarding proposing an amendment to the City’s zoning code dealing with front yard gardens. He asked for an update and requested this matter be taken to the City Council for recommendation. 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 7-0-2, with Members Negrete and Vice Chair R. Perez absent. 2. Discussion of coordination with Chamber of Commerce Chair Ashton suggested this item once again 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. IV. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Green Task Force Website Member S. Perez asked that links to the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and Downey Bicycle Coalition be added to the GTF website page. Member Molinaro suggested that links to informational handouts also be added to the GTF webpage. She mentioned it would be good to have these sources in some sort of box format where they are highlighted and can be easily accessed by the public. GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, AUGUST 25, 2014 – PAGE 2 Member Gaytan arrived at 5:25 p.m. 2. Subcommittee Updates a.) Drought Tolerant Landscaping Guide Chair Ashton noted this information was already covered under the “Old Business” section of the agenda. No further comments. b.) Promotion of Bicycling Member Gaytan mentioned the subcommittee has not met, but did report on a Bike Rodeo held in San Diego and how funding for helmets is part of this event. He mentioned this was part of the California/Nevada Kiwanis Foundation. c.) Business Sustainability Chair Ashton suggested this item be postponed until next month’s meeting given that Vice Chair R. Perez was not present to provide input. Being there was no objection, it was so ordered. d.) Green Task Force Branding Member Owens commented that the GTF should look at other ways to promote itself to the community and brought up the CERT team as an example. He also mentioned it would be a good idea to come up with a slide for the City Hall lobby monitor. Member Gaytan noted he wants a finalized GTF logo in order to get shirts ordered for the group. He stated that this seems to be taking longer than expected and just wants to get the shirts ordered. Gaytan mentioned he would consult with a local graphic artist to come up with a GTF logo and would report back to the group with samples. Member Molinaro agreed that the GTF needs to be more visible to the public and mentioned it would be a good idea to have a competition to come-up with a logo for the GTF, and possibly get students involved. 3. Calendar of Events Chair Ashton mentioned the upcoming Walk to School event and suggested it would be a good opportunity for the GTF to get involved. Member Molinaro noted it would be good for the GTF to have some sort of giveaway for this event, such as pedometers. V. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Danielle Soto, Senior Public Information Specialist with AQMD, introduced herself and spoke about a lawn mower exchange program offered by AQMD. Ms. Soto passed out informational flyers. Member Molinaro excused herself from the meeting at 6:04 p.m. Carina Alvarez, community member, commented on how the GTF should do more community outreach to promote its purpose and goals. GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, AUGUST 25, 2014 – PAGE 3 VI. GREEN TASK FORCE COMMUNICATIONS: Member Fernandez mentioned he has not seen a lot of recycling bins at City Hall or City events, and thinks it is important for the City to consider. He also would like for the GTF to get involved with next year’s Earth Day and suggested the group should start planning now. Chair Ashton asked that Earth Day and Arbor Day be placed on next month’s agenda. Chair Ashton also noted that “Public Communications” should be moved to item number three on the agenda. Member Gaytan once again reiterated that he wants to get GTF shirts ordered. He also noted it would be a good idea to get a banner for the group. Member Chirco mentioned there should be more outreach on picking up litter and there should be more trash cans available throughout the City. Member S. Perez noted that GTF items are taking too long to get accomplished and there needs to be a better way to expedite the group’s goals. VII. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS: Staff Liaison Montenegro mentioned that the City has officially implemented the Styrofoam policy internally, which was recently recommend by the GTF and approved by the City Council. VIII. ADJOURNMENT: The Green Task Force meeting was adjourned at 6:19 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday, September 22, 2014.