CRESCENTA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL
May 20, 2004—7:00 p.m.—Sheriff’s Station
MINUTES
1. Call to Order President Rawlins
Councilmembers present: Adelman, Erickson, Gilden, Hales, LaJoice, Lunt, Raghavachary, Smiley, Ostler, Beatty, Drucker, President Rawlins
2. Neighbor of the Month Awards Presented by Councilmember Gilden
Richard Seeley
3. Scholarship Presentation President Rawlins
Recipients: Alissa Jones, Jade Artis, Robin Frame, Rachel Nelson, Lauren Chase, Lindsay Corless, Ella Baroyan, Matthew Klint
4. Guest Speakers:
Justin Schmitz, of L.A. County Public Works, is traffic advisor for our area. A traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Altura Avenues—expected completion in September, 2004. A left-turn signal will be installed at La Crescenta and Foothill. A multi-way stop was installed at Community and Cloud.
Kathryn Page, outside consultant and author of the Community Needs Assessment report, was accompanied by Robert Seal, L.A. County Capital Product Manager, and Josie Reyes, North County Regional Administrator. Ms. Page addressed the findings of her report of the future La Crescenta Library, and reported that the disparity between the need and current provisions is very great. The methods used to produce the Community Needs Assessment report included surveys, community meetings, focus groups, interviews with key community representatives, teachers. The conclusion: this is a community that has completely outgrown its library, and the existing library staff is valiant in providing service in the context of an inadequate facility. The highest priority for need is more space, a broader collection of materials, various community and meeting rooms and programming space, and a technology-friendly building. By 2020 the community will grow by 40%, and the problem will be exacerbated. Ms Page suggested that the current collection of 55,000 items be increased to 81,000—a 50% increase--and a strong refreshing of the current collection. Seating needs to be tripled, and a place defined for a homework center and group study rooms. Access to public computers is recommended to increase to 33 internet-access computers. The facility should be wireless ready with learning/training areas. Recommended facility space: 14,000 sq. ft. Recommended parking spaces: 56-70. Ms. Page strongly urged that parking not be shortchanged as she has seen done in other cases. The building should last 50 years from the day it opens.
A follow-up to the Needs Assessment Study, called a Building Program, will be coming shortly.
5. Correspondence Councilmember Lunt
The following letters were received: a letter of thanks from a scholarship recipient; a letter from a mother of a scholarship applicant; a letter from Supervisor Antonovich’s office regarding spraying in Pickens Canyon; a letter from Supervisor Antonovich explaining a new billboard ordinance adopted March 23, 2004; a letter from Glendale Community Foundation inviting CVTC members to a Memorial Day Program May 31 at 9:30 a.m.; a letter announcing Annual Flag Day luncheon at Glendale Elks Lodge; a letter of thanks from CV High School for CVTC involvement in scholarship process; a letter from Principal Linda Evans inviting citizens and CVTC members to attend CV High School awards evening.
6. Report from Treasurer Councilmember Erickson
President Rawlins moved that CVTC add $30 to the scholarship fund.
7. Approval of Minutes of April 15, 2004 CVTC Meeting Councilmember Hales
Mr. Vito Cannella, a Montrose business owner, explained that Flag Week began in 1966 when he helped spearhead the movement that culminated in U.S. President Johnson proclaiming the week before June 14 to be National Flag Week. Mr. Cannella asked that CVTC remember Flag Week and publicize it.
Mr. and Mrs. Manny and Francisca Buelna requested aid in their international adoption process by way of CVTC providing a letter verifying the Buelna’s residence in La Crescenta. Councilmember Adelman moved that a CVTC committee meet privately with Mr. and Mrs. Buelna in order to decide and author the letter. This was seconded and passed.
9. Comments from Officials:
Grace Andrus, of Friends of the La Crescenta Library, requested recipies for the cookbook fundraiser. Please e-mail to Grace_Andrus4cvcouncil@charter.net. Deadline is May 31, 2004, to be ready for sale for July 4th celebration. A clothing fundraiser will take place in September.
Water usage in April 2004 was 25% higher than in April 2003. CVWD will implement a colored flag notification system for conservation. Mike Sovich, General Director, will be leaving in June; CVWD is accepting applications until June 6, 2004 for Mr. Sovich’s replacement. Pipe replacements are underway in Pickens Canyon and Briggs areas.
Incoming Captain Bill Dance was introduced. Radar enforcement on Foothill has begun. Many deputies respond to emergency calls, even though only one sheriff car is patrolling. CAN
Most thefts occur due to homes and cars being left unlocked. Councilmember Erickson asked for clarification of a newspaper article’s report that La Crescenta’s patrol car could be cut. Councilmember Adelman referred to a newspaper article report quoting LA. County Chief Paul Tanaka that emergency response times in La Crescenta will be increased. Since La Canada has four patrol cars and La Crescenta has one, Councilmember Adelman requested that the Sheriff’s Department re-examine a letter recently sent to CVTC indicating that response time to calls in La Crescenta is equal or faster than those to La Canada. He also asked for verification of the fact that patrol cars in La Canada are not allowed to cross city boundaries for back up. Captain Hannah indicated that officials from many agencies assist each other. She assured that emergency calls will be answered. The four cars in La Canada take care of law enforcement and traffic, whereas La Crescenta’s one patrol car does not cover traffic, CHP fills that responsibility.
Auction items for 4th of July fundraiser will go on CVTC website.
The COC and CVTC display was at the Helie Lee program, an Asian-American Heritage celebration. Auction items for the 4th of July fundraiser are being collected. Councilmember Gilden asked for approval to formulate a CVTC survey for people as they pass by the CVTC fundraising booth. The next COC meeting at will be at the Armenian Center on May 27, 2004. An encroachment permit is pending for the La Crescenta off-ramp. The CVTC display at the CVWD dedication program was successful.
This meeting was to explore the possibility of incorporation of the portions of La Crescenta and Montrose which are now unincorporated. Councilmember Lunt will write a brief of options and related costs, to be brought to the next executive meeting.
CVTC will need cookies, drinks and more auction items.
The proposed cell phone tower at 3044 Foothill Blvd. will be required to co-locate on an existing cell phone tower at CV mini-storage or CV Mini-Tow.
Councilmember Erickson reported that a commemoration of 9-11 and tree planting will be held on September 9, 2004. A committee should formulate to attend planning meetings. Councilmembers Smiley, Beatty, Erickson and President Rawlins will attend. Lincoln Elementary ribbon cutting will be on June 8, 2004.
Councilmember Beatty will be Principal for the day at Monte Vista; President Rawlins will be Principal for the day at La Crescenta Elementary.
Councilmember Hales proposed that time limits be established on comments made in order to curtail the length of CVTC meetings. President Rawlins directed that this be discussed at the next executive meeting. Items for press release were enumerated.
Councilmember Raghavachary indicated that a letter was sent to oppose power polls in Verdugo Mountains.
Councilmember Gilden noted that on a recent weekend five major community events were scheduled simultaneously. He suggested that the Town Council discuss the concept of hosting and maintaining a Community Calendar for the Crescenta Valley area in order to avoid scheduling conflicts.
12. Announcements
Adjournment 10:40 p.m.