Minutes of the May 16, 2005 Board meeting

BOARD MOTIONS
The Board of Directors approved four motions: 1 - Send a letter to the Integrated Waste Management Board regarding conversion technology, 2 - Send a letter to the Superintendent of the La Puente - Hacienda School District recommending changes and consideration of additional issues regarding the proposed use of tipping funds from the landfill, 3 - Send a letter to the Los Angeles County Sanitation District regarding the five proposed concepts for park designs for the post-closure of the landfill, and 4 - Send a letter to the President and CEO of Shell Exploration and Production Company citing detriments to developing residential properties on the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor.

LAW ENFORCEMENT
CHP Public Officer Joe Zizi reported that they had received 1600 books in the Books for Kids program. The new Commanding Officer for the Santa Fe Springs area is Captain Guillermo Godinez, effective May 1, 2005. This station is responsible for street traffic in Hacienda Heights. Red light and stop sign infractions are on the rise. The Tip-a-Cop proceeds went to the Special Olympics. May is national seat belt month. A futuristic CHP cruiser model capable of taking and responding to voice commands is on display at the Santa Fe Springs station.

LA County Sheriff's Sergeant Ramirez introduced Deputy Ken Layman as their Crime Prevention Officer. He shared information on the Vital Intervention Directional Alternatives (VITA) Program for problem teens. Deputy Brian Sanford was introduced as the team leader/town sheriff for Hacienda Heights.

GUEST SPEAKER
"An American in Love with His Country" by James Bruce Sievers, shared his poetry and philosophy found along the many roads he traveled during a 4500 mile hitch-hiking adventure when he was younger. His verses came from his life experiences.

PUBLIC INPUT
Jeff Yann reported on the AERA development project astride the Puente -Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. There is a possible screen check of the Environmental Impact Report in a month or two. The Conversion Technology Task Force
is making progress in trying to develop a new conversion technology process (pyrolosis). The Integrated Waste Management Board is backing off from their support position.

Resident Eddie Rodriguez expressed his concerns about "no parking on street sweeping day" signs posted in his cul-de-sac. Resident Oscar Montezuma commented on the lack of street lights and the need for beautification of Stimson Avenue. He also suggested that portable toilets and trash barrels be placed along Stimson for the Fourth of July parade.

Bud Welch reported that more methane gas is being recovered from the landfill and modifications are being made to accommodate the increase.

Rudy Almeida reported that he will represent St. John Vianney in the Jim Davis Beautification Day activity. He also advised that a conditional use permit was opened for a massage parlor and medical marijuana dispensary in the Vons shopping center area.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Field Deputy Dickie Simmons reported on the lane closure on Colima Road. The engineers are trying to eliminate additional slides caused by the underground spring. He also commented on the medical marijuana dispensary that was authorized by the new State law. He urged attendance at the May 25 Taste of the Heights at Pathfinder Park.

Dickie Simmons presented a Commendation plaque to Rudy Almeida for his 15 years of service to HHIA and the community, and a posthumous Certificate of Appreciation to Rudy's recently deceased wife, Ophelia.

PRESIDENT'S COMMENT
Mike Williams asked for Board input on the possibility of a membership list being created for all Board Members.

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