CRESCENTA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL

General Meeting

April 15, 2004—7:00 p.m.—Sheriff’s Station

1. Call to Order President Rawlins

Councilmembers present: Adelman, Beatty, Erickson, Gilden, Hales, Lunt, Ostler, Raghavachary, Smiley and President Rawlins

• Pledge of Allegiance Councilmember Ostler
• Invocation Councilmember Hales
• Roll Call Councilmember Hales

2. Neighbor of the Month Award Councilmember Erickson

Gillian Acord

3. Public Comments - None

4. Guest Speakers Dr. Michael Escalante, Superintendent of Glendale Unified School District

Margaret Todd, L.A. County Librarian

Dr. Michael Escalante, Superintendent of GUSD

He explained that the state and GUSD are facing difficult financial times. How can we downsize the school district and not affect classrooms? GUSD is looking at cutting everything outside of the classroom, i.e., employees, administrative positions, support services positions. Decisions are pending. Declining enrollment in GUSD is also a factor in loss of funds from the state. The good news is that academically, schools—especially in this area—are increasing in API (Academic Performance Index). Also, bond issues that have passed are saving the school district from spending on physical facilities.

Councilmember Adelman asked Dr. Escalante to comment on bullying and the reported negative environment at Rosemont Middle School. Dr. Escalante indicated that perhaps the regular curriculum should include a program to deal with this. GUSD has hired an outside consultant to help with this issue throughout the school district. Councilmember Raghavachary asked if overcrowded schools in our area would be shifted to lower Glendale—if a cap on enrollment would be implemented. Mr. Escalante responded that enrollment in our area is declining. Councilmember Raghavachary indicated that such was not the case in our area.

Councilmember Hales asked Dr. Escalante if the ratified 2004-2005 GUSD school year would remain at 180 days. He responded that Summer 2005 has not been shortened, but the late start after Labor Day 2004 causes late dismissal date in June 2005. Schools (outside GUSD) that start as early as August 8 can finish their semester by Christmas, and kids are prepared for Advanced Placement exams. Also, their school year ends early enough to attend Community College during summer. A disadvantage in beginning the school year as early as August would be students would attend school in hot August as opposed to cool June. Councilmember Hales asked for a solution to the overcrowding in our schools, specifically Rosemont. Dr. Escalante responded that GUSD has smallest school sites he has ever seen; it’s a major problem. The current trend of dropping enrollment should help. Attendance cycles are such that it caps off, then a slow, subtle decline ensues, but only to a certain point. He acknowledged the predicament. Cost of land in our area is prohibitive, but GUSD is working with Glendale for creative uses of adjoining properties.

Margaret Todd, Los Angeles County Librarian

Gillian Acord was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the L.A. County Library. She was commended by Steve Johnson (representing Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy).

Money earmarked for the future La Crescenta Library from Congressman Drier is getting processed. A draft of the Community Needs Assessment report was distributed to CVTC members. It is the preliminary step in acquiring a library for any community. La Crescenta Library has the 24th highest circulation out of 88 County Libraries--high in-house use of materials. Councilmember Raghavachary asked about parking requirements for the future La Crescenta library--14,000+ square feet building with 100 seat meeting room on 1.3 acres. A draft of the Community Needs Assessment report is available at La Crescenta Library. Results of the soil test of the site currently being explored are still unavailable. The cost of the Needs Assessment was about $15,000. Councilmember Erickson asked, "When will we see this library?" Ms. Todd’s answer was, "Undetermined. Finances are a problem." Usually it takes about three years after land acquisition.

5. Correspondence Councilmember Lunt

A letter was sent to Commander Ralph Martin to congratulate him on his promotion. The new Captain is Lieutenant Tim Peters. A letter was read from Scott Solis regarding concerns about the property development at Briggs and Foothill. A letter was received from the Sheriff’s Department regarding response times, to be discussed at the next CVTC executive meeting.

6. Report from Treasurer Councilmember Erickson

7. Approval of Minutes of March 18, 2004 CVTC meeting Councilmember Hales

Passed with Councilmember Adelman abstaining.

8. Comments from Officials

• C.V. Water District Judy Tejeda
• Supervisor Antonovich’s Office Rita Hadjimanoukian
• Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Heinz Ellersieck
• California Highway Patrol Officer Vince Bell
• Montrose Chamber of Commerce Mike Schaar
• Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Hannah
• Historical Society Stuart Byles
• La Crescenta Library Vicki Guagliardo

9. Committee Reports

• Webpage Councilmember Raghavachary

Plans for the development at Briggs and Foothill are on the CVTC website (in .pdf format).

• Streets, Roads & Parks Councilmember Ostler

Councilmember Ostler will take down the flag at Two-Strike Park when it rains.

• Foothill Design/Planning Councilmember Raghavachary

A variance and permits case was filed by AT&T for a cell phone tower at 3044 Foothill Blvd. Councilmember Lunt will follow up. Councilmember Raghavachary attended a meeting with Public Works and Paradise Homeowners Association regarding herbicide application in Pickens Canyon. An e-mail letter was written to Public Works asking them for specifics of herbicide content and schedule of application. Their response was unclear. CVTC will send a letter requesting that in the future Public Works coordinate with Mountain Avenue Elementary school vacation schedule and notify residents when spraying. Councilmember Raghavachary will be attending the next meeting of the L.A. County General Plan.

• Community Outreach Councilmembers Smiley & Gilden

They are working to plan for the July 4^th celebration fundraiser. Donations are being solicited, and a banner is needed. A motion to allocate up to $100 for a new banner was passed. A sketch will be provided at the next executive meeting.

Public Works has indicated that plans of the proposed La Crescenta off-ramp are in the process of being approved. The next Community Outreach meeting will be April 22, 7-9 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Station.

• Library President Rawlins

A letter was read from Supervisor Michael Antonovich. He is forming a Crescenta Valley Library Planning Committee, comprised of various members of the community in addition to county representatives. One CVTC member and one member from Foothill Design Committee are requested to be on this committee. Ramifications of this will be discussed at the next CVTC executive meeting.

• Scholarships President Rawlins

Applications for CVTC Scholarships have been collected: nine students from CV High School, one home-schooled student. $1175 in donations has been received to date. CV High School will be honoring scholarship recipients on June 3, 2004.

10. New Business

• Items to be included in the upcoming press release: 1) CVTC will be accepting scholarship donations until May 10, applications are closed, and scholarship recipients will be presented at the May 20, 2004 CVTC meeting—friends and relatives are invited to attend; 2) Michael Escalante, GUSD Superintendent, and Margaret Todd were guest speakers; 3) new items or services are being sought as silent auction donations for the 4^th of July CVTC fundraiser; 4) the CVTC endorses the efforts of CVCAN and appreciates the contributions sent for the new track at CV High School; 5) CVTC is formulating a Billboard Committee and is seeking volunteers; 6) Gillian Acord was honored as CVTC’s Neighbor of the Month; 7) The next CVTC meeting will be on May 20, 2004, 7 p.m. in the Sheriff’s Station on Briggs Ave.

11. Announcements

• April 17, 2004, 8 a.m.-12 noon: CVCAN Walk
• April 20, 2004, 9 a.m. : La Crescenta Elementary School Ribbon Cutting
• April 20, 2004, 10 a.m.: Scholarship Meeting at CV High School
• May 6, 2004, 7 p.m.: CVTC Executive Meeting
• May 13, 2004, 7 a.m.: Crescenta-Canada YMCA Annual Community Prayer Breakfast
• May 15, 2004, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Water Conservation Garden Dedication (Honoring Brent Anderson)
• May 17, 2004, 4 p.m.: CVTC officers meet with Supervisor Antonovich regarding possible incorporation.
• May 20, 2004, 7 p.m.: CV Town Council Meeting
• May 22, 2004, 7:30 a.m.: Glendale Adventist Medical Center Prayer Breakfast

12. Adjournment – 11:00 p.m.