Minutes of the November 20, 2006 Board meeting

The Board approved a motion by Mike Hughes to send a letter to the Regional Planning Commission asking their support for the Sanitation District's providing funding of the $2.2 million to the Emerald Necklace Project.

CHP Officers Sotello and Valencia advised that they have been working more on our freeways, and noted that accident rates will pick up during the holidays, largely due to drinking and driving. They are also focusing on motorcycle racers.

Industry Sheriff's Station Mike Smith introduced the new County Services Lieutenant Mike Claus. Town Cop Brian Sanford indicated that the November 4 open house went very well. One of the burglars in a home invasion has been identified but not yet arrested. The COPS team arrested five persons for drinking in public. The October crimes statistics were down as well as residential burglaries. Sgt. Action stated that they are working hard on tagging and graffiti problems.

Pete Shubin indicated that a T-Mobil cell tower is being proposed for installation at the First Church, 1419 9th Avenue in Hacienda Heights. He requested that the HHIA Board request the County to expedite its review of the proposal to erect the tower since it seems to take 18-24 months for approval. The Board's position on such a proposal is to await the request from the Planning Commission for our review. Often, a proposal is returned for additional work before it comes to HHIA.

Former Board member Jeff Yann presented a program on the Emerald Necklace project to reclaim the urban rivers. The project is supported by the Sierra Club and Amigos de Los Rios. He described the growth of the project and identified the cities which are part of the coalition. Goals and objectives were shared as well as information about the San Gabriel River Discovery Center - a future facility - and indicated that several improvements have already taken place along the river.

Meu Chu stated that the planned neighborhood meeting regarding the Hsi Lai Temple community center is still pending as revisions to the proposed plan are still being made.

Ombudsman Bud Welch, with the Puente Hills Landfill, updated the Board on events and progress during the last quarter.

Dickie Simmons and James Yang indicated that 650 persons attended the Public Safety Luncheon. On December 12, Manzanita Park will host a "Here Comes Santa" event at 4:00 PM. He also described the functions of the nuisance abatement team.

Pat Bahia described her activities for the benefit of the community.

Jean Robson reported on the Nominating Committee meeting for the Board of Directors in 2007: Michael Hughes, Troy Goodspeed, James Snyder, Donna Steinmetz, Shan Lee, and Mae Chu.

Mike Hughes reported on the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (COG), and potential non-city members.

Jeff Yann advised that he had been selected for the Alternatives Technologies Committee, PHLF.