Minutes of the August 16, 2004 Board meeting

LAW ENFORCEMENT
Officer Joe Zizi, California Highway Patrol reported that collisions declined from 62 in 2003 to 51 in 2004 for a comparable time period. Reductions appear to be due to additional staffing and safety education. There were four instances of DUI during July . Safety checks are planned for Colima and Azusa intersection on August 21. Additional hiring will conclude by September 2. CHP is acquiring three or four "slick tops" for speed enforcement for cars and trucks. An HHIA member expressed concern about drivers failing to stop at the Los Robles/Stimson intersection. Other areas include the intersections of Hacienda with Clark and Halliburton. Photo enforcement will be started at Hacienda and Gale.

Deputy Mike Saforelli, Sheriff's Department, announced that they are having 4-6 academy classes for new deputies. Information on a new homicide is not available as the investigation is underway. Palm tress seem to be the target of choice as well as home burglaries. Residents were encouraged to take normal precautions to safeguard their homes when they are absent: lock windows and doors, leave a light on, suspend newspaper delivery, ask the Post Office to hold your mail, arrange to have your lawn cut if you are away for an extended time, ask neighbors to be alert to unusual activities around your home, etc.

PROGRAM
Mr. Harry M. Jacobs, Program Coordinator, Corporate Poll Worker Program, and assistant Katy Mac, made an important presentation regarding the elections. The County needs 22,000 volunteers to staff the 4,000 polling places this November. During the past ten years, there has been a large decrease in volunteerism nationwide. They have resorted to hiring released-time high school students, college students, and employees of corporations. Now they are suggesting that members of service clubs, churches and other organizations could volunteer and donate the $80 stipend to their respective organizations. For example, 25 volunteers working two elections could gain $4000 for their organization. There will be a 90 minute training program offered at several locations. Currently, 68 corporations are participating. Interested volunteers should call 562-462-2107, or email corporate@rrcc.co.la.ca.us for information.

SUPERVISOR KNABE'S OFFICE
Supervisor's Deputy Dickie Simmons reported that an additional Code Enforcement Officer has been hired to strengthen that County program in Hacienda Heights. He urged everyone to attend the last summer Concert in the Park which Supervisor Knabe will attend. He reminded everyone to make use of the Community Connection Newsletter and the vital information it holds about County services.

The annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon will be held on December 1 at the Pacific Palms hotel in the City of Industry. Sponsorship opportunities are still available by calling the Supervisor's office. Individual tickets at $25 each will also be sold.

PUENTE HILLS LANDFILL NATIVE HABITAT AUTHORITY
Barbara Fish reported that the "Living On the Edge" educational wildlife video will be presented on October 7 at Orange Grove Middle School to educate residents with the wildlife that sometimes encroaches on our neighborhood. JPA is seeking an attorney who can oversee the Harbor Blvd underpass (tunnel) project. JPA received a 3rd place award in the Fourth of July parade. A major instruction center is being built on the trailhead on Colima which was initiated by JPA.

WILDLIFE CORRIDOR
Steve Feld announced his appointment as Chair of the Wildlife Advisory Board. The "Living on the Edge" video is available for screening to community organizations and schools. JPA sent a :negative declaration" letter to the City of Industry regarding the proposed purchase of 525 acres south of Tonner Canyon and east of the 57 freeway. A comment letter was sent to Orange County on their Draft Environmental Impact Report 588 for the Regional Landfill options recommending restricting access as well as instituting a tipping fee similar to the Puente Hills Landfill arrangement. A third letter was sent to the U. S. Forest Service's Cleveland National Forest Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement. This plan would almost close the use of the forest to everyone as well as open it up for any type of use. The letter recommended a more balanced alternative.

PUENTE HILLS LANDFILL OMBUDSMAN
Bud Welch reported to a concern expressed at the last meeting of the HHIA Board about odors from the landfill. He explained that blades inadvertently sliced into the underground piping and released the toxic odors. It is being recommended that plastic sheeting be placed over the trash to "blanket" the gases. After two weeks, the plastic can be covered with dirt. This method is within the CUP authority and will be employed on an experimental basis. In order to not exceed the 4000 tons per day limit, a flag will be displayed indicating that the maximum capacity for the day has been reached. The ornamental gate off Seventh Avenue was approved by the Landfill.

PUBLIC INPUT
A concern was expressed regarding vehicles for sale along Gale Avenue in front of the 99 cents store. The County will be informed of this code violation.

BOARD REPORTS
Mary Varela reported that the summer lunch program is still underway, but the Senior meal program is only available on Fridays. The next community event at Steinmetz Park will be the "Casino Royale" on November 6, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Booths are available to community organizations.

Lucy Pedregon reported on a community meeting at Swiss Park Banquet hosted by Supervisors Knabe and Molina. The topics of concern centered on the Materials Recycling Facility, the Landfill, and Athens Waste. Many residents complained about the lack of effective communication with these activities: mail announcements had failed to reach many in the affected areas. Violations were also a concern and residents were unsure of who to report them to, especially the speeding of the refuse trucks.

Jean Robson reported that HHIA now has 503 members, 342 of whom are in the Life category, and that 69 members had renewed during the past month. A first class mailing to all members is underway to help identify those who have moved away.

Rudy Almeida stated that he continues to work with Jim Gorhals, County Zone Enforcement Officer. There are a significant number of open cases, and the additional officer should help reduce the backlog in the coming months.