Minutes of the November 15, 2004 Board meeting

Nine of the current eleven Board Members were in attendance. Excused members were Tom Chang and Jean Robson. Scarlet Treu had to resign and her vacancy has not yet been filled.

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 18, 2004 MEETING: Approved as presented except for the Treasurer's Report which will be reported in the November minutes.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Mary Tang stated that the HHIA bank balance as of October 31, 2004 amounted to $9,161.06.

LAW ENFORCEMENT UPDATES: California Highway Patrol was not able to attend.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Sergeant Joseph Ramirez reported on current issues in Hacienda Heights. The Industry Station is in the process of selecting a replacement for Deputy Michael Soffarelli who retired on November 1, 2004. Sergeant Ramirez presented the 3rd quarter statistics for Hacienda Heights in summary and was thanked for providing a hard copy for our files. He closed with a report on the Graffiti Abatement Process which is ongoing in our community. Details will be included in our next newsletter.

PROGRAMS: A special recognition plaque was given to Deputy MIke Soffarelli for his years of dedicated service to Hacienda Heights by Mike Williams. Board Members Lucy Pedregon and Mary Varela also presented mementos to Deputy Soffarelli. The Board and all attendees gave him a resounding ovation for his service.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Mike Williams reviewed the material in the President's Correspondence Binder and noted several upcoming events including the 20th Anniversary of the Youth Science Center on November 19 at the Pacific Palms Resort, and the Public Safety Recognition Luncheon sponsored by Supervisor Knabe on December 1 at the Pacific Palms Resort.

COMMUNITY INTEREST REPORTS:
Puente Hills Native Habitat Authority. Barbara Fish reported on several activities. The wildlife program at Orange Grove Middle School was a success with over 250 people attending. They are still working on the Seventh Street trailhead which will soon have a name.

Puente Hills Landfill Ombudsman. Bud Welch reported that there are eight major landfills in Los Angeles County with a total capacity of receiving 500 tons per day. There are also four smaller landfills with less than 500 tons per day capacity. In the first quarter of 2004, 37,500 tons per day were generated in L. A. County; 30,000 were disposed in the county and 7,500 went elsewhere. There will be a fee increase of $1.77 per ton effective 1/1/05.
The progress on the Waste by Rail project was discussed and noted that the Mesquite Regional landfill purchase was completed which will have a capacity of 600 million tons. The Materials Recovery Facility on Workman Mill Road, owned by the Sanitation Districts, is in the final construction stages.

HSI LAI TEMPLE: Mae Chu announced that the temple is open to visitors and community residents are all invited. There is a vegetarian luncheon available for a nominal fee. The Chinese New Year celebration will be on February 9, 2005.

SPECIAL REPORT: Nominating Committee Chair, Mary Varela, reported that there are seven candidates for six positions on the Board. Ballots will be mailed in December, and counted at the January 13, 2005 General Membership Meeting of HHIA. Results will be announced at the close of the meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Relations. Mary Tang discussed her experiences as a poll worker in the recent general election. More workers are needed.

Public Relations: Lucy Pedregon reported that she has been helping write letters in support of the Regional Library planned for Schabarum Park.

Environmental Improvement: Luis Rodriguez discussed the Critter Crossing article in the Tribune, as well as the reported health problems suffered by Latinos.

Newsletter: Scott Martin reported that the December issue will be our holiday issue and will go out that month.

Zoning: Al Baez called attention to three CUP’s relating to installation of wireless telecommunication facilities in Hacienda Heights.

OLD BUSINESS: Board Vacancy.
Mike Williams nominated Troy Goodspeed to fill the vacant seat of Scarlet Treu. Board Members reviewed his background and he was asked to address the audience and the Board, introduce himself and explain his interest in becoming a Board Member. He was elected by the Board unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS: None.

The next meeting of the Board will be on December 20, 2004. Vice-President Charles Norris asked to be excused from that meeting due to family commitments.