Minutes of the October 15, 2007 Board meeting

Jean Robson presented the Treasure's report for Mary Tang.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works representatives presented information about the scope of work taking place along Hacienda Blvd from Shady Bend to Newton Street. Richard Shea described the beautification project that will replace the existing landscape. The replacement plants will be drought resistant.

Captain Jeff Vrooman, Los Angeles County Fire Department, presented information about the Community Emergency Preparedness Team (CERT) training, what it consists of, and how CERT teams can help during a disaster. His major point about disasters: it's not whether, it's when? He distributed pamphlets and a sign up sheet for those interested in the training, which is likely to begin after the fire season, probably in January. CERT classes will train 25-40 persons at a time.

CHP Motor Officers Ben Sotello and Chris Valencia, along with Joe Zizi, discussed the increase in traffic due to the 60 freeway construction. A fatality occurred in Rowland Heights. Five new officers are being added to the large area the Santa Fe Springs office covers.

LA County Sheriff's Deputy Brain Sanford reported that there had been a "fair amount " of both vehicle and residential burglaries. Catalytic converters are being stolen from cars. Several arrest have been made, one for graffiti, and in another case five persons were arrested at one time for tagging a bobtail truck.

Jim Starkey of State Senator Bob Margett's office confirmed that there will be a larger CHP office, but in Santa Fe Springs. He also discussed some issues regarding the State budget.

Bud Welch provided a quarterly report regarding the Puente Hills landfill, discussed plantings near the MRF, and shared that the City of Industry is "dragging their heels" regarding the EIR for the waste-by-rail project. Bud advised the Board that this evening's report will be his last as his term is up and he will not continue for another term as the landfill Ombudsman.

Dickie Simmons of Supervisor Knabe's office reminded everyone of the ongoing meetings regarding the tipping fees and the community plan. Construction of the electronic sign on Hacienda Blvd is underway. He talked about the New Horizon food give away at Shadybend School. He indicted that the County Counsel is trying to secure conjunctive relief against people putting up signs advertising expos and the like on public property. He also reminded us of the Public Safety Luncheon at Pacific Palms on November 8.

Committee reports were given by Troy Goodspeed, Jodi Hennesey, Cyndi Watanabe, Donna Steinmetz, Charles Norris, Jean Robson, Jim Snyder, Mae Chu, Shan Le and Scott Martin.

Barbara Moore introduced herself as a candidate for the HLPUSD Board of Directors.

A Nominating Committee progress report was given by Charles Norris.