CRESCENTA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL

November 16, 2006 - C.V. Sheriff’s Station

MINUTES

1.  Call to Order at 7:01 p.m. - President Hales

• Pledge of Allegiance - Boy  Scout Troop #302       
• Invocation - Councilmember Raghavachary
• Roll Call - Councilmember Ostler

Present                                                                  Absent

Councilmember Andrus                         Alternate Councilmember Bodell

Councilmember Beatty

Councilmember Erickson

Alternate Councilmember Lunt

Councilmember Ostler

Alternate Councilmember Pierce

Councilmember Raghavachary            Councilmember Rawlins

Councilmember Thomas

Councilmember Smiley

President Hales

2.  Approval of Minutes of CVTC General Meeting, October 19, 2006 [approve unanimously]

3. Update on Meningitis Situation at Crescenta Valley High School

Linda Evans, Crescenta Valley High School Principal – Tuesday morning received a call regarding the diagnosis of meningitis of one of the students.  Another student also came down with the symptoms of meningitis.  In a short period of time they determined that it would be best to offer the students an antibiotic at the school.  Several announcements informing parents of the situation went to the families of the students very quickly and efficiently through an automated phone system.  Both students are doing better.

Debbie Davenport and Dr. Nandini Sodhi of LA County Department of Health – power point presentation about the meningitis situation.  Second case has now been confirmed as meningitis.  Total of 2800 people were given antibiotic within 2 days.  Vaccine takes 7 days to take effect.  They are not going to other schools because so far there are no other family members who are suffering from any symptoms.  We are not over the hump on this disease.  There could be other outbreaks.

4.  Neighbor of the Month Award

                Amber McLeod, Crescenta Valley High School Teacher

                Lamar Franklin, Monte Vista Elementary Crossing Guard 

5.  Presentation on Proposed Cell Tower on Orange Avenue

                Pete Shubin,  Consultant for T-Mobile – Passed out several maps and pictures about location and specifications of proposed cell tower at Gethsemane Lutheran Church.  Expressed opinion that the tower will not pose a health risk, and left pamphlets with information.  Tower will be from 90-120 feet from nearest residences and 600 feet to Monte Vista Elementary School.  County monitors all of the carriers.  Many questions were raised and some councilmembers and residents expressed concerns about possible health risks. 

6. Comments from Officials

• Office of  Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich - Rita Hadjimanoukian                

Thanks to the County and CV High School for responding to the meningitis situation. 

For Graffiti removal you can call County of Los Angeles: 1 (800) 675-HELP where they have a 24 hour answering machine.  Regarding the cell tower you can contact County Regional Planning Department to express your opinion:  320 West Temple, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Supervisor will be hosting a lunch for public safety personnel from Crescenta Valley.

• Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Department - Captain Tim Peters

Report of La Crescenta Crime Statistics for October 2006.  [see attached report]

• California Highway Patrol - Officer Todd Workman

There was an accident on 210 Freeway early this morning where a truck collided with another truck which was parked along side of the freeway near Sunland/Tujunga.  One truck had hazardous material on board.  7 people were transported to hospital for inhalation, including several police officers.

Thursday Night there was a wrong-way driver on 210 Freeway who killed an 18 year old from Sunland coming home from College of Canyons.

• Crescenta Valley Water District - David Gould

Presentation on 2006 Water Master Plan.  [See attached handout]  This is to provide CVWD with an assessment of its current and future ability to provide the most cost effective delivery of reliable domestic water and fire flow services through year 2020.  Currently, CVWD is concerned about MTBE found in a couple of wells.  One well has been shut down which reached unacceptable levels.  They are trying figure out what is causing it and how to remediate the situation.  CVWD is proposing a 4% rate increase.  Typical residential increase is about $2.40 per month.  There will be a public hearing on December 12, 2006.

• Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce - Paul Dutton

Announced upcoming activities:  Ribbon Cutting at Cal Nation Bank on Nov. 29.  Next mixer at Women’s Club on Dec. 13, 2006; Annual Recognition Banquet on Dec. 7 at La Canada Country Club.

• Montrose Chamber of Commerce - Mike Sharr

Montrose Christmas Parade: Sat. Dec. 2, 6:00 p.m. Grand Marshall Mickey Rooney.  Last mixer of the year at Dec. 6, 2006 at Sticks and Stones.

• Historical Society/CV Heritage - Mike Lawler

Meeting this Monday will be a John Wayne presentation.  Mike Morgan will talk about John Wayne’s early days in Glendale.  Hollywood stunt man will also talk about his personal experiences with John Wayne.  Next CV Heritage meeting will be on Glendale Historical Districting.   

• La Crescenta Library - Vickie Guagliardo and Mark Totten

Announced upcoming events at Library including Book Mark contest.

7.  Presentation of Friends of Mountain Oaks

                Greg Martin – Resident of Mountain Oaks (Deputy District Attorney).  Mountain Oaks is 12 homes nestled in the hills.  Slogan: Save our open space.   Past developers who owned the property gave up because area declared an illegal subdivision.  Last developer sold area in question, and on Aug. 25, 2006, the Glendale News Press ran article about plans of new owner to build condos and high school.  Residents in the area have banded together with over 200 people signed up.  Other home owners associations have expressed interest.  Local Sierra Club has expressed interest.  Condo plan is larger than any other development ongoing.  Owner has said that they (Canadian Developers) want to give land away and building the High School and give it to the Armenian community.  No formal plans yet.  Have met with Developer and attorneys.  Would like to see comprehensive funding and have conservation groups purchase land to utilize the property to benefit the community such as a staging area or entrance area for trails, biking, hiking, horse trails.       

Bill Malpin – Gave some historical background on Mountain Oaks.  In the 1800s Grape vines and olive trees were common.  Mountain Oaks was one of the first areas to be developed as a subdivision. 40 x 50 lots intended as a recreational area to primarily build small cabins.  In 1925 the development began and built a large lodge and several trout ponds, and swimming pool, 9 hole 3 par golf course, horses.  Small lots make it difficult to develop.  Most of the current houses sit on 2 or 3 lots.  City will tell you that the area is not buildable.  Numerous developers have come and gone.  City has turned them away because of the problem with the illegal subdivision.  We are not trying to be selfish. We want the property for the community. 

David Meyers, Chairman – 42 Acres of property.  Slide show of pictures of the Mountain Oaks area.  Three ways to develop the area: 1) get all property owners to agree; 2) obtain a court order;  3) or obtain City Council action.   We are trying to show that this area is a benefit to the community and can be a link-up the open space areas.  Use CV Park as a staging area.  Santa Monica Conservancy has shown some interest.  First public meeting is on Nov. 29, 2006, 6:30 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School.  Friends has created an official organization.  Trying to get more people and organizations involved and increase member base.        

8.  Public Comments

9.  CVTC Committee Reports

• Election Committee - Councilmember Andrus

Recommendations for next year’s Election Committee will be forthcoming.  Councilmember Andrus will put together newly elected members’ contact information so a new roster can be assembled.

• Finance/Fundraising - Councilmember Thomas
• Foothill Design Committee - Councilmember Raghavachary
• Land Use Committee - Councilmember Raghavachary
• Library Committee - President Hales

Met on Nov. 9^th and purpose was to see artists concepts for library.  Stained glass artists presented some ideas with incorporating stained glass around the front doors and one in east and west wings.   Also hope to get stained glass in rear entrance.  Images would be painted on glass.  Main artist (decorative arts and painting) looks like it will be a mural in children’s area and 3 panels in adult areas, and ring of painting around top to connect the windows using nature, mountains, natural settings.  Hoping building will be more of a modern craftsman style.  Final concept meeting with artists is scheduled for December.

• Nominating Committee - Councilmember Ostler

Announced current slate of officers: President-Councilmembers Beatty, Andrus and Erickson; VP- Councilmembers Raghavachary, Smiley and Erickson; Recording Secretary-none; Correspondence Secretary- Councilmembers Thomas and Erickson; Treasurer- Councilmembers Pierce and Erickson

• Public Relations/Internet - Councilmember Erickson
• Streets, Roadways, Parks and Public Safety - Councilmembers Ostler/Pierce

1) Resident Jeff Riser has issue with storm drain grates;  2) Mary Ave. parking issues;  3) speed bumps requested on Crescent and Waltonia

Councilmember Raghavachary mentions that she has seen at least two trucks run the new stop sign on Briggs/Mountain Avenue.  We will work with Sheriff’s and CHP to report problems.

• Youths and Seniors - Councilmember Erickson

At Rosemont today and State officer was there to discuss grants. 

10. Items from Council

• Items for Press Release

We have previously distributed City La Canada 710 Tunnel study

Councilmember Beatty: Robert Sloane passed away over the last weekend and services are this Sunday at La Canada Presb. Church

Councilmember Erickson attended the Soroptimist dinner and represented CVTC

“Get Smart” drama production at CV High School.  See flyer.   

11.  Treasurer’s Report - Councilmember Thomas

[see attached Report]

12.  Correspondence - Councilmember Erickson

Mike Bumbeck.  Resident letter stating that developers have destroyed neighboring lot and are building huge development next door.  Put a stop to unchecked development. 

13.  Announcements

• Wednesday, November 29, 9:00 a.m. – Regional Planning Public Hearing regarding:
• new La Crescenta-Montrose Community Standards District Ordinance
• La Crescenta-Montrose zone changes
• LA County General Plan amendment

LOCATION:  Room 150, Hall of Records, 320 West Temple St., Los Angeles

• Wednesday, November 29, 11:30 a.m. – Supervisor’s Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon (CVTC members, please RSVP)

• Thursday, December 7, 7:00 p.m. – CVTC Executive Meeting

• Thursday, December 7, 6:00 p.m. – CV Chamber Recognition Banquet at La Canada Country Club (Councilmember Pierce honored as Volunteer of the Year)

• Thursday, December 14, 7:00 p.m. – CVTC General Meeting and Holiday Reception

(Please note date change.)

14.  Adjournment   10:17 p.m.