Minutes of the November 19, 2007 Board meeting

Public Works staff of L.A. Public Works presented the scope of work taking place along Hacienda Blvd from Shady Bend Drive to Newton Street. Richard Shea described the beautification project that will replace existing landscape. The replacement plants will be drought resistant.

Captain Jeff Vrooman, L. A. County Fire Department, presented information about the Community Emergency Response Team training (CERT). He explained what the training consists of, and how CERT teams can help during a disaster. He distributed a sign-up form for people who are interested in receiving the training.

Law Enforcement: CHP Motor Officers Ben Sotelllo and Chris Valencia, together with Joe Zizi, discussed the increase in traffic due to the 60 freeway construction. One highway fatality occurred in Rowland Heights. Five new officers are being added to patrol the large area the Santa Fe Springs office covers. Joe Zizi stated that the CHP toys for Tots program is underway, but due to the lead issue with China imports, ToysRUs will be unable to make any donations this year. Unwrapped new toys can be bought to the CHP office or at several stores. Look for newspaper announcements for the stores that will accept gifts.

L.A. County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Sanford reported that there had been a "fair amount" of vehicle and residential burglaries. Catalytic converters are being stolen from cars. Several arrests have been made, one for graffiti, and in another case, five suspects were arrested at one time while they were tagging a bobtail truck.

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

Bud Welch, landfill ombudsman, provided a quarterly report regarding the Puente Hills landfill. He discussed plantings around the Materials Recovery Facility, and more plants will be going in. He shared that it appears that the City of Industry is dragging its heels regarding the Environment Impact Report for the waste-by -rail project. Bud advised that this would be his last report as his term is up, and he will not run for another term.

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 praised the New Horizon food give away at Shady Bend school.

He advised that the County Counsel is trying to get conjunctive relief against people who put up signs advertising expos and the like. He also reminded everyone of the Public Safety luncheon at Pacific Palms on November 8, and urged attendance.

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

The President's report was given and is on file.

Public Input: Barbara Moore introduced herself as a candidate for the HLPUSD Board of Directors, and briefly described her qualifications.

A progress report from the Nominating Committee was given by Charles Norris.