APPROVED: 7/8/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
June 24, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:42 p.m. by Trish Sullivan. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Art Brewer, Doc Ellis, Trish Sullivan, Diane Terito, Mike Terito and Dick Tracy were present. Michael Sullivan was absent due to business commitments.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: An agenda was presented by Trish. Diane moved to accept as presented. Seconded by Mike. VOTE: Aye - 6; No - 0; Abstain - 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION - Art moved to accept the Minutes of May 27, 1998, as submitted. Mike seconded. VOTE: Aye - 5; No - 0; Abstain - 1 (Dick). Dick also requested a copy of the Vasquez Rocks book.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Mail received between 5/27 and 6/24/98:
1. Planning Commission Agenda for June 4 and June 24
CUP Hearings:
715/98 - CUP# 93-147-(5) - Bee Canyon
8/18/98 - CUP #NR97-159 - Rivers End Trailer Park (Continue existing trailer park) - 13130 Soledad Canyon Road.
2. Three pieces of mail for the Water Committee, including two more volunteers for well testing
3. Natural History Club of Acton newsletter
4. Newsletter from the Los Angeles Public Library
5. Newsletter from the Acton Chamber of Commerce
6. Materials provided by Doc regarding the IMF sand and gravel CUP which was granted. This material details the restrictions on the CUP. Dick requested a copy.
Trish provided copies to the Secretary of her letters to the Parks & Recreation Department, to Supervisor Antonovich, and the guidelines for the Community Standards District Revisions Committee which they had requested.
TREASURER’S REPORT: A written report was submitted reflecting a balance of $1,299.14. The fundraising effort at the National Trail’s Day Celebration held on June 6th, where Diane and Mike sold Avon products at the Merchant’s Fair, raised $82.00. A check was written to Trish for the net cost of the products ($50.00), leaving a net profit to the Town Council of $32.00.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
WATER STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE - Lillian Smith, Chair: Well testing will begin on June 29th, with representatives of the Water Stewardship Committee (WSC), Ken Schmidt, and a tester from PatChem. John Cromwell, Ph.D., will supervise this initial testing. Representatives from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Staff (CRWQCB Staff) will be in town for a meeting with members of the WSC on June 30th. This will be the first visit for Bryan Schwickert, who is newly assigned to the Agua Dulce matter. He will take the opportunity to tour our community. Bryan mentioned Hacienda Vasquez in a phone conversation with Lillian, indicating that he now is involved with that matter, as well. Kathy Becker is trying to create a model farm, however there’s only so much manure that can be left on a parcel of land without creating a chemical imbalance. Manure and well testing are still in the process of soliciting volunteers. Ray expressed concern regarding future restrictions on large animals or demands on land owners who have a big number of large animals to remove their manure. Dick stated that County and State regulations would apply to the number of large animals allowed per acre. A discussion followed on manure removal.
ELECTION COMMITTEE - Donna Saufley, Chair: No representative was present. Trish will call Donna to receive an update. Members are Donna, Trish Brewer, and ... (Joyce Feldman and Carl Gorham). Tana Lampton has protested that information is not being posted in a timely fashion, and has requested (as an interested citizen) copies of the minutes of the Election Committee. Dick pointed out that any citizen wishing copies of documents from a Town Council committee must request them from the Town Council, not from the committee directly.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE - Diane Terito, Chair: Dawn Kimball, who has volunteered to design the Agua Dulce Internet Site, gave a handout of the first draft. Dick moved, and Mike seconded to ask Dawn to be the Webmaster and therefore responsible for updating the Agua Dulce Internet Site. VOTE: Aye - 6; No- 0; Abstain - 0. Trish responded to Darryl Readmond’s question regarding the purpose of the Website by stating that it is intended to provide another source of information for the community, to provide accurate information, to advise of the issues being addressed, and provide a link to other appropriate sites (like the PCTA). Lillian pointed out that Acton also has a website. She also offered to provide updates like a monthly calendar of events for the website. Trish will talk with the Presidents of the various organizations about participating. Dawn will do a live demonstration at the Council meeting on July 10. Diane will talk with Teri and Carl Cook, who have volunteered space on their Server (computer) for the website. Trish requested that Council and community members submit any photographs they may have that would be appropriate for use on the site. A discussion was held regarding various things which could be included in the site, as well as ways in which funds might be raised.
TRAILS: PCT is concerned about narrowness of the trail near Boston Henry which will be dealt with, probably by buying additional easements. Additional funding sources are being explored.
OPEN FORUM:
July 4th - The next meeting is Saturday, June 29, to mow the airpark. The July 4th Celebration begins at 4:00 p.m.
A VERY SPECIAL COUNTRY EVENING: Dick moved that checks ($365.00) made out to the Town Council intended for Doc and Eve Ellis be deposited in the Town Council bank account and a check issued to Doc and Eve for $365. Trish seconded. VOTE: Aye - 5; No - 0; Abstain - 1 (Doc).
BREAK: 8:35 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: Trish provided an update on this issue. Jo Ann Darcy gave Trish letters regarding this issue. She provided a letter, written by L.A. County, to Jack Keirn dated June 5, 1998. Trish read this aloud. Trish also received a letter from Jo Anne Darcy outlining the chronology. Trish reviewed this letter orally. Lillian stated that the CRWQCB Staff were at the park with other State and County officials on June 12th., and issued 24 hour Abate or Quit notices. They returned on June 15th and observed no sewage on the ground. According to Lillian, the park manager is now waiting to see what the County does. More illegal tenants have been evicted and some trailers removed. Lillian has talked with Ms. Stovitz, an attorney for Legal Aid. Legal Aid has not filed suit, but is waiting to see what the County will do. Legal aid doesn’t represent all of the legitimate tenants who still want to stay there. There is a Catch 22 - low density the sewage system can handle, but the park can’t sustain itself financially without more tenants. Salmonsen has filed bankruptcy; As of 6/15 the receiver was still in place. The pool was being drained, as Lillian recalls. The situation is still in limbo. The County states that they are pursuing the matter.
FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE: Trish attended the last meeting of the Association of Rural Town Councils (ARTC), which discussed this issue. The ARTC meets every other month, and Trish recommends that we send a representative. Chris Stone of Public Works attended and said that the proposed ordinance was taken directly from FEMA regulations with the exception of 4 things which were added : New zone (AR); Adoption of FEMA maps; Provision for a Floodway Maps Revisions Procedure; and setup a new position, Floodplain Administrator. The rest, Stone said, was pulled from the FEMA documents. They also put in an anti liability clause, according to Lillian, which created public uproar. People from Big Tujunga and Topanga Canyon had been through this before, and went to Yaroslavsky in order to stop the proposed ordinance. It was the consensus that we need to be watchful, as the County may bring this issue up again. A discussion was held regarding the difference in definition of "public notice" between the County and the population.
NEW BUSINESS:
CSDR PURPOSE: Trish read the letter containing the purpose as agreed to by the Town Council. It reads, "As approved at the January 13th meeting of the Agua Dulce Town Council the Community Standards District Revisions Committee was formed as an investigative committee with the following purpose and intent:
* Review Agua Dulce’s current Community Standards District
* Advise the Council on procedures, advantages, and disadvantages on revising the current Community Standards District
* Suggest additional items that should be included in the Community Standards District, possibly using the model of similar communities Standards Districts
* Research other alternatives to revising the Community Standards District
* Draft proposed document for approval by the Town Council and the Community of Agua Dulce.
in addition the committee will make every effort to seek and receive community input on this matter."
This letter was adopted by the Council via faxed vote. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0; Abstain - 0
COMMUNITY OPTIONS CHOICES: Moved to next meeting
4TH OF JULY: Art reviewed the activities planned for the Celebration. There will be more aircraft at higher altitudes, including the Stealth bomber. The Fire Department will be doing a high altitude, helicopter water drop with the helicopter available later for kids to sit in. In addition, there will be a MIG 21, 17, Brit Tornedo, etc. Tickets are for sale at Richard’s Canyon Market, Agua Dulce Hardware, and in Acton. The festivities start at 4:00 p.m. with the fireworks at approximately 9:15 p.m.
AGENDA FOR JULY 10: Family of the Year nomination; Hacienda Vasquez; Internet Site live demonstration.
DOC & EVE COUNTRY EVENING EVENT: Art and Doc thanked the organizers.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY FUND: Mike suggested that the Council investigate establishing this type of fund in order to come to the aid of community members in desperate need of our assistance.
ADJOURNED: 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO
Recording Secretary
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
June 10, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
No meeting was held, due to a lack of a quorum. Art Brewer, Michael Sullivan, Mike Terito and Dick Tracy were absent due to business commitments.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Terito
Recording Secretary
APPROVED: 6/24/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
May 27, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:50 p.m. by Trish Sullivan. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Art Brewer, Michael Sullivan, Trish Sullivan, Diane Terito, and Mike Terito were present. Dick Tracy was absent due to business commitments. Doc Ellis arrived at 8:45 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: An agenda was presented by Trish, which was accepted as presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION - Trish moved to accept the Minutes of May 13, 1998, as submitted. Seconded by Mike. VOTE: Aye - 5; No - 0; Abstain - 0. Copies were made available to audience members.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Mail received between 5/13 and 5/27/98:
1. Reminder of the Cub Scout event June 6th. Art Brewer to represent the Council.
2. Department of Regional Planning:
a. June 16th Hearing - Stelling CUP #98-004-(5)
b. July 15th Hearing - Bee Canyon
3. Floodplain packet of information
4. Copy for each Council Member of the County of L.A. Department of Parks & Recreation
book entitled, "Recommended Event Capacity and Sensitivity Guidelines (for) Vasquez Rocks Natural Area...". Copies made by Lillian Smith. The original was returned to the Secretary for the archives.
TREASURER’S REPORT: A written report was submitted reflecting a balance of $1,306.87. Trish submitted receipts for expenses incurred March through May for postage, copies and badges in the amount of $52.45.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
WATER COMMITTEE - Lillian Smith, Chair: The committee will make a formal presentation at the next civic meeting. John Cromwell will be summarizing and updating the Civic members. Ken Schmidt is scheduled to submit a report to the State. The Committee should receive a copy as soon as the report is completed. The need for well monitoring and manure removal volunteers is being advertised in The Country Journal. This effort is bringing in more volunteers. Lillian will continue the appeal. Well testing should begin rather quickly, according to Lillian.
ELECTION COMMITTEE - Donna Saufley, Chair: No committee member was present.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS DISTRICT REVISIONS COMMITTEE - Donna Saufley, Chair: Diane reported on the committee’s meeting of May 14 and submitted DRAFT minutes of this meeting. These reflect a request by the committee for a specific statement of purpose from the Town Council. The committee will meet approximately every two weeks. Four Council members attended the May 14th meeting, Doc Ellis, Diane Terito, Mike Terito, and Dick Tracy. The letter drafted by the committee was faxed to those Council members who did not attend, and has appeared in The Country Journal.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS: Lillian reported that this committee hasn’t met recently due to the number of projects committed to by the Chair, Donna Saufley. Diane suggested that the Council review the materials submitted by Donna and hold a discussion at the next Council meeting.
TRAILS COMMITTEE - Darryl Readmond, Chair: Darryl reported that the Trails Day Celebration is progressing. Due to snow in the San Bernardino Mountains and the Sierras, some equestrians and walkers have backed out. The Trails committee needs additional home owners willing to put up hikers coming through town.
ADTC Minutes of May 27, 1998 - Page 1 of 2
ADTC Minutes of May 27, 1998
Page 2 of 2
OPEN FORUM:
NEWHALL LAND DEVELOPMENT: Mike brought up the article in today’s paper regarding the proposed development of 75,000 homes to the west of Santa Clarita. A discussion was held on the potential impacts of this development.
BREAK: 8:15 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS:
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: Trish spoke to Jo Anne Darcy. The County is now working through the courts to try to get the court appointed Receiver removed and get a U.S. Court Trustee in place. Cabrillo homes is not in the picture anymore. The Board of Supervisors didn’t think that their plan was feasible. County Council is involved. Nothing is happening now. A letter from the Council won’t do any good right now, according to Jo Anne.
FUND-RAISER - June 6th Trails Celebration: Mike & Trish will be out of town, but Trish will provide Avon products as a Council fund-raiser. It was suggested that the Council take a table at the Merchant’s Fair. Diane and Mike volunteered to man a table.
FAMILY OF THE YEAR: Mike nominated Lynda and Mike Cashman. Art seconded. VOTE: Aye - 5; No - 0; Abstain - 0. The nomination and biography of the Cashmans need to be submitted by July 20th to Bev Anderson of the Civic Association. Picnic on the Porch will be August 20th. Art will draft the letter.
NEW BUSINESS:
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE: The first meeting was carried over to June 2nd, according to Jim Duzick. Trish also spoke with Maryann Flloyd of the Rural Town Councils, which is meeting on May 28th at the Palmdale Cultural Center, 6:30 p.m. Chris Stone, the County Public Works Engineer in charge of this, will be addressing the floodplain ordinance. Trish will attend. Trish read aloud pertinent parts of the ordinance.
TAPE RECORDING OF CSDR COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Diane moved that the Council authorize the CSDR committee to tape record their committee meetings. Second by Mike. VOTE: Aye - 6; No - 0; Abstain - 0
AGENDA ITEMS FOR JUNE 10TH MEETING:
Community Standards District Revision Committee Purpose; Review of Community Options Materials; Demonstration of Council Website (still in initial design phase) by Dawn Kimball; Use of the Town Council’s bank account as a depository for funds collected at the June 20th benefit dance for Eve and Doc Ellis.
ADJOURNED: 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO
Recording Secretary
APPROVED: 5/27/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
May 13, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:44 p.m. by Trish Sullivan. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Trish Sullivan, Diane Terito, Mike Terito, and Dick Tracy were present. Michael Sullivan arrived at 8:40 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: An agenda was presented by Trish. A discussion of Prop "A" Funds was added to the Agenda under New Business.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION - Dick moved to accept the Minutes of April 22, 1998, as submitted. Seconded by Mike. VOTE: Aye - 4; No - 0; Abstain - 0. Copies were made available to audience members.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Mail received between 4/22 and 5/13/98:
1. Fax from Jo Anne Darcy updating the Council on Hacienda Vasquez. A copy was sent to every Council member.
2. Department of Regional Planning:
A. Notice of Public Hearing - CUP #98-004-(5): Copy faxed to every Council member.
B. Agenda for May 4, May 6
CUP Hearings:
5/11/98 - CUP# 93-147-(5) - Bee Canyon - Report faxed to every Council member.
6/16/98 - CUP# 98-004-(5) - Linda Stelling - Single Family Residence
C. Agenda for May 11 -
CUP Hearings: Same as above.
3. Acton Chamber of Commerce newsletter - May 1998
4. Letter from the Agua Dulce Civic Association, RE: Family of the Year. Deadline for response is July 20, 1998. Picnic on the Porch will be held on August 20th.
5. County of L.A. Department of Parks & Recreation.
A. Letter from Rodney Cooper, Director, dated 4/29/98
B. Spiral bound book entitled, "Recommended Event Capacity and Sensitivity Guidelines (for) Vasquez Rocks Natural Area..."
6. Letter from the County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, RE: Illegal Dumping in the Antelope Valley. Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 3:00 p.m., at Fire Station #129 in Lancaster.
7. Letter from Supervisor Antonovich, dated May 11. Invitation for Trish to attend a breakfast meeting of Chamber Presidents and Executive Directors in the 5th Supervisorial District - June 10, 7:30 a.m. in Room 739, Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration (500 West Temple St.).
8. Article from the April 25, 1998, edition of The Daily News regarding the budgeting of $2.1 million for Vasquez Rocks Natural Area. Original was given to Trish, and is to be returned to the Secretary for the Records.
TREASURERS REPORT: Mike reported writing a check to the Agua Dulce Women’s Club for a full year’s rent on the Clubhouse ($360.00). The Council suggested that this be voided and a check issued for no more than a 4 month time period. This change was made to the Treasurer’s report, with a resulting balance of $1,286.87.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
WATER COMMITTEE - Lillian Smith, Chair: Lillian reported that an update on the Water Committee’s efforts will be provided to the Agua Dulce Civic Association membership at their June 18th General Meeting, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Women’s Club. In addition, Lillian reported that awareness is building within the community. Both well volunteers for the testing program, and volunteers for the manure removal plan are trickling in. There is a resident who is interested in doing manure management here, rather than it being trucked out by AV Rubbish. Lillian and the Water Committee will explore this option further, as well as others which have come to the attention of the committee. Trish asked whether this year’s heavy rains would impact the well test results. Lillian stated that she didn’t think this year’s rains would skew our results
ADTC Minutes of May 13, 1998 - Page 1 of 3
ADTC Minutes of May 13, 1998
Page 2 of 3
any more than the results were skewed in the U.C. Riverside Study by the heavy rains which fell during the time frame of that study. The current study will have the advantage of taking place over a much longer time frame, which will show the long range trends.
ELECTION COMMITTEE: No one was present from this committee.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS DISTRICT REVISIONS COMMITTEE (CSDR): The next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14, at the R&R Gable office.
COMMUNICATIONS - Diane Terito, Chair: The Town Council Web Site is currently under development and should be available for an initial review by the Council at the meeting of June 10th. Ten community members have responded to the notice of a Community Issues Database. These have now been entered, and the issues of interest noted.
TRAILS - Darryl Readmond, Chair: The National Trails Day Celebration will be held in Agua Dulce on June 6th. The event schedule is being printed in The Country Journal and will be put out in a newsletter.
OPEN FORUM:
CASINO NIGHT: Dick informed the Council that the Women’s Club will hold their annual Casino Night on Saturday, May 16th.
BREAK: 8:15 p.m. to 8:25 p.m.
ILLEGAL DUMPING: The County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, held a meeting regarding the issue of illegal dumping in the Antelope Valley. The meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 3:00 p.m., at Fire Station #129 in Lancaster. Dick had volunteered to attend, but was contacted regarding an emergency situation which prevented him from going to the meeting. Diane will follow through with the Department of Public Works to see if meeting materials can be obtained for the Council’s review.
OLD BUSINESS:
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: The faxed note from Jo Anne Darcy updating the Council on the County’s actions regarding Hacienda Vasquez Mobile Home Park was read aloud by Trish. A copy was also provided to Lillian for publication in The Country Journal. BEE CANYON:
BEE CANYON: Diane and Mike attended the hearing on this matter held on May 11th. A discussion of the report (a copy of which was faxed on May 12th to all Council members) submitted by Diane & Mike was held. Dick moved that the Council send a "squeaky wheel letter" to the Planning Commission, stating the community’s opposition to this proposed development. The next hearing on this issue will be Wednesday, July 15, 1998. VOTE: Aye - 5; No - 0; Abstain - 0.
FUND-RAISING: Trish has offered the Council Avon items at her cost for the Council to sell at the National Trails Day Celebration on June 6th. The proposal is to sell these items, at a profit for the Council, at the various venues. Trish and Michael, as well as Dick, will be out of town that weekend. Diane stated that, since there is no central point from which to sell these items, there do not appear to be sufficient Council members to make this an effective fund-raiser.
NEW BUSINESS:
ARROWS OF LIGHT CEREMONY: Cub Scout Pack 51 of Agua Dulce will be honoring the outstanding achievements of 5 Webelos Cub Scouts in a special ceremony to be held on June 6, at 7:30 p.m. at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area. Art Brewer has volunteered to attend on behalf of the Council. Trish will prepare certificates for those being honored, which Art will present. Diane will send a copy of the letter from Lynda Cashman, Cubmaster, to Trish.
CUP 98-004-(5) : This CUP is a request by Linda Stelling to build a residence, barn and tool shed on land which is zoned RR (Recreational). The hearing on this matter will be held on June 16th.
ADTC Minutes of May 13, 1998
Page 3 of 3
PROP "A" FUNDS: Michael moved that he draft a letter to the L.A. County Department of Parks & Recreation, to clarify what the plan is for the Prop "A" funds budgeted for Vasquez Rocks Natural Area. According to The Daily News article of April 25th, written by Patrisha Farrell Aidem, Parks & Recreations wants input from the Agua Dulce community. Michael will ask that a representative of Parks & Recreation attend a special Council meeting in order to hear from the community. Dick seconded. VOTE: Aye - 5; No - 0; Abstain - 0.
AGENDA: Items to be included in the next Council meeting will be a nominee for Family of the Year; the proposed National Trails Day Celebration fund-raiser on June 6; Hacienda Vasquez; and Prop "A" Funds.
ABSENCE: Dick will be out of town for next meeting.
ADJOURNED: The specific time was not noted in the written minutes, and the Council’s tape recorder is not working.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO
Recording Secretary
APPROVED: 5/13/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
April 22, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by Trish Sullivan. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Art Brewer, Michael Sullivan, Trish Sullivan, Diane Terito, Mike Terito, and Dick Tracy were present. Doc Ellis arrived at
8:20 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: An agenda was presented by Trish. Dick requested that Land Use be added. This was placed on the agenda under Committee Reports - Other. Dick also notified the Council that he would have to leave the meeting by 9:00 p.m. The Agenda was approved by consensus.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION - Dick moved to accept the Minutes of April 8, 1998, as submitted. Seconded by Michael. VOTE: Aye - 6; No - 0; Abstain - 0. Copies were made available to audience members.
SECRETARY’S REPORT:
1. Packet from Jo Anne Darcy, including a several-page list of proposed development activity in Agua Dulce. Copy has already been received by Dick Tracy; additional copies will be made of the relevant pages and provided to other Council members at the next meeting. A Santa Clarita Map (Planned Growth in the Santa Clarita Valley) was given to Trish.
2. Regional Planning Commission - Agenda
A. Meeting Date of April 15, 1998:
CUP 93-147-(5): Bee Canyon - Tom Clark; Meeting date May 11, 1998
B. Meeting Date of April 22, 1998 - Agenda
1.) CUP 93-147-(5) (See above)
2.) CUP 98-004-(5): Single Family Residence - Linda Stelling; Meeting date June 16.
3. Letter from Linda Cashman, leader of Cub Pack #51, inviting the Council’s participation in a special recognition dinner for four of their Cub Scouts at the Vasquez Rocks campground. Linda has requested a letter of recognition for each boy.
4. Letter from the State Water Resources Control Board regarding a hearing to be held on May 14, 9:00 a.m., in Sacramento, regarding California’s Impaired Surface Waters Pursuant to Federal Clean Water Act Section 303. Letter was given to Lillian Smith of the Town Council’s Water Committee.
5. Trish passed on a piece of mail for the Election Committee to Donna Saufley, new Chair of that committee.
TREASURERS REPORT: Mike reported a balance of $1,396.87. The money collected at the last Council meeting was not sufficient to warrant a trip to the bank, but will be deposited after this meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
WATER COMMITTEE - Lillian Smith, Chair: A meeting was held on April 21 in order to plot those 43 wells which have been volunteered for study on a map (provided by Tom Soper). This meeting was led by John Cromwell, with four other committee members attending (Gypsy Belew, Don Kaplan, Bev Anderson and Donna Saufley).
Additional volunteers are trickling in for well testing, and the committee hopes to have a total of 60 wells, as stated in the Action Plan. When the map and listings are approved by Ken Schmidt, the wells will be coded for use in anything publicized in order to protect participants’ anonymity. Community members are concerned about confidentially. A copy of the map will be provided to the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB) using only the well identification codes.
Mr. Swickert of the CRWQCB Staff has requested that the committee present some sort of well monitoring plan, in addition to what was provided in the Action Plan. Once test data begins to come in, Ken will prepare a report. John is keeping the physical file of data. Testing will start in May.
The Committee has been receiving a few more volunteers for the Manure Removal Program, but still has a great deal of work to do to convince those residents who are spreading it on their property to participate.
ADTC Meeting -April 22, 1998 - Page 1 of 3
ADTC Meeting - April 22, 1998
Page 2 of 3
ELECTION COMMITTEE - Donna Saufley, Chair: A copy of the minutes from the last meeting were given to Trish. She announced that they elected Donna the Chair, and are planning to do some advertising in order to solicit more members and candidates for the next election. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 5/20/98 at 10:00 a.m. at the Agua Dulce Nursery. The committee has chosen to hold the next Town Council election on Saturday, 11/7/98, at one polling place (at either the Women’s Club or Richards’ Canyon Market). Donna explained that their selection of a Saturday was based on the theory that more people will be in town and, therefore, available to vote. They will operate only one polling place, since they do not have sufficient committee members to staff more. Lillian suggested an absentee ballot, in order to improve the number of voters who would participate. These ideas were sent back to the committee for review. They will also be placed on the Town Council’s agenda for 5/27/98. In the interim, Trish asked that Council members research and develop an opinion on whether they favor a Saturday as election day, and determine a preferred location.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS REVISIONS COMMITTEE - Donna Saufley, Chair: The next committee meeting is scheduled for 4/29/98 at 7:30 p.m. at the R.R. Gable office.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS - Donna Saufley, Chair: Donna presented a matrix of 10 options for Council consideration (Copy attached to the original copy of these minutes). There is one additional one which was accidentally omitted - Sanitation District. The committee has also developed a list of questions, and expressed a need for legal advice. The committee wishes to meet with Larry Connolly or Wayne LeMieux, both attorneys, to have questions answered. They will come back to the Council for authorization to incur legal fees before scheduling a formal meeting, and would like Council participation in the meeting. A discussion was held regarding items which may be favored by the Agua Dulce community. Art suggested that someone look into the relationship between some property owners and AVEC, and how this might impact a Water District.
Donna stated that we are dealing with a time line, which would require that we provide our proposal to the County by the end of this year.
COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE - Diane Terito, Chair: Diane presented a Communication Issue Survey, which she proposed to place in The Country Journal to solicit volunteer participants in a Town Council database. Dick moved to accept the insert for publication. Trish seconded. VOTE: Aye - 5; No - 0; Abstain - 2 (Michael & Art).
LAND USE - Dick Tracy, Chair: Dick received a package of materials from Jo Anne Darcy. He moved to write a letter to the Regional Planning Commission, with a copy to Jo Anne Darcy, asking for case files on all cases pending in the Agua Dulce Area of Representation. Diane seconded. VOTE: Aye - 5; Absent - Michael & Art. Dick will draft this letter with Trish’s help, and present it for approval at the next Council meeting.
OPEN FORUM:
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT/SIERRA COLONY: Lillian asked whether anyone had heard about a sewage treatment plant being proposed for Sierra Colony. She stated that the community had fought this years ago for a long period of time. She requested that the Council do some research to find out whether this has been brought up again, and, if so, what type of plant is proposed. Dick, as Land Use Chair, was asked to research this.
DUMPING: Donna pointed out that she suspects that sewage is being dumped by Jack Williams on his property just up the road from her home. Mike pointed out that Supervisor Antonovich’s office is aware of the situation, but has been unable to get the necessary proof.
BREAK: 8:46 p.m. to 8p:55 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS:
bee canyon hearing - May 11: Trish asked whether a Council member would be available to attend this hearing. Lillian will be going. Lillian explained what happened at the last hearing. This next hearing will be a continuation. This project isn’t within the Agua Dulce standards district, but may have an impact on the community because of the high density on our doorstep. It will definitely have an impact on our school district.
ADTC Meeting - April 22, 1998
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Bee Canyon may be in the Council’s Area of Representation, although we have no legal standing. The Council should lend its voice to the incompatibility and school issues. Art will be the primary representative. If that doesn’t work into his schedule, Diane will attend in his place.
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: Trish distributed copies of a letter from the Board of Supervisors to the San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Services dated April 15, notifying them that the permit to operate Hacienda Vasquez Mobilhome Park had been revoked. The Council received a handwritten note from Jo Anne Darcy with a further update, which Trish read aloud. Trish moved we write a letter to the Board of Supervisors stating our acknowledgment of, and appreciation for their making a decision and following through, as well as encouraging them to act with all possible speed to resolve the issue. Seconded by Art. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0.
NEW BUSINESS:
LETTER TO ANTONOVICH: Trish moved to accept the letter as presented by the Secretary requesting that the County Department of Planning direct all CUP applicants to the Town Council prior to submitting any proposals to the Department of Planning, or any other County department. Seconded by Dick. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0.
Dick left the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
FUND-RAISERS: It was proposed that the Council design a new T-shirt, which would be available for sale at the Trails Day Celebration (6/6/98). Further discussion regarding fund-raising was tabled until the next meeting. Trish will put a solicitation for a creative design in the Community Update in The Country Journal.
BULLETIN BOARD: Diane questioned whether Minutes of the Town Council should be posted on the bulletin board next to Richard’s Canyon Market. It was the consensus that we will not post the minutes on this bulletin board, since they are available upon request from the Council Secretary.
AGENDA: Topics suggested were Land Use; Fund-raising.
PRESIDENTS COUNCIL: This is a new organization made up of the Presidents of the various organizations in Agua Dulce. It met on Monday, April 20th. The Community Standards District Revisions Committee was discussed. Trish encouraged all of the organizations to provide a representative(s) for this committee, since the community must be involved.
Adjourned: 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO
Recording Secretary
APPROVED: 4/22/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
April 08, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:44 p.m. by Trish Sullivan. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Art Brewer, Michael Sullivan, Trish Sullivan, Diane Terito, Mike Terito, and Dick Tracy were present. Doc Ellis arrived at
8:15 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: An agenda was presented by Trish. Dick requested that an update on the Ehrman CUP hearing results be added. This was placed on the agenda under Old Business, to follow the CSD forum. Dick also requested that the Film Committee be added to Committee Reports. It was also requested that an update on Hacienda Vasquez be added under Old Business.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION - Dick moved to accept the Minutes of March 24, 1998, as submitted. Seconded by Trish. VOTE: Aye - 5; No - 0; Abstain - 2. Copies were made available to audience members.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: A letter was received from Alene Griffin, Women’s Club President, welcoming the Council "home", and providing a list of rules governing use of the Club House. Copies of this list were distributed to each member of the Council.
Diane reported that the following mail was received from 3/24/98 through 4/8/98:
1. Copy - Letter to Benjamin & Patricia Ehrman. RE: CUP #97-182-(5) (Senior Citizen Residence).
HIGHLIGHTS: CUP granted; ADTC restrictions denied. Memo sent to ADTC members after receipt, with specific quotes.
2. Notice of Public Hearing - CUP #97-087-(5)
RE: Senior Citizen Residence. Received because we are on the Zone District mailing list which includes Agua Dulce, Acton, et. al. This property is located off Angeles Forest Highway in north Acton.
3. Regional Planning Commission - Agenda - 4/1/98
CUP 93-147-(5) - Bee Canyon - Staff Member Paul McCarthy:
RE: Mobilehome Park - 650 units
Hearing date: May 11, 1998 - 9:00 a.m.
4. Regional Planning Commission - Agenda - 4/6/98
A. CUP 97-002-(5) - Frank Collins, IMF, applicant - Staff Member Ronnie Ghron
RE: To authorize the processing, grinding and packaging of non-metallic ore at 12101 Soledad Canyon Rd.
Hearing date: April 7, 1998
B. Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 46353-(5)
RE: Seven Diamond Brothers Diversified, Inc.
LOCATION: East of Sierra Highway, 1,900 ft. southerly of Sand Canyon Rd.
PURPOSE: 118 new residential condominiums on 2 multi-family lots and 1 open space lot on 65 acres - Sand Canyon.
ACTION: Second renewal is from 4/8/98 to 4/8/99.
5. Fax of Daily News article, RE: California Poppy Festival, April 18-19
From Juanita Heinly
6. L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board, "Public Notice. Biennial Listing of Impaired Surface Waters Pursuant to the Clean Water Act, Section 303(d)".
PUBLIC MEETING: 4/13/98 - 1:00 p.m. - Richard H. Chambers Court of Appeals Bldg, Courtroom #3, 125 South Grand Avenue, Pasadena.
PURPOSE: To present proposed revisions to the Region’s 1996 303(d) List, and a summary of public comments.
Document given to Lillian Smith, Chair, ADTC Water Committee
7. Newsletter of the County of L.A. Public Library. Web page available for information.
8. Materials from the Association of Rural Town Councils.
ADTC Meeting - April 8, 1998 - Page 1 of 4
ADTC Meeting - April 8, 1998
Page 2 of 4
NEXT MEETING: May 28 - 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Palmdale Cultural Center
July 30 - same time & location
9. Letter from well volunteer. Given to Lillian Smith.
10. Newsletter and Announcement of Regional Public Issues Forum from the Local Government Commission.
Diane also provided each Council member with a copy of a form on which she will update CUP hearings in order to insure that Council members are aware of these, and can act in a timely manner.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Mike presented an Itemized Category Report for the Council’s checking account, which reflected a balance of $1,428.58. Receipts for expenses were submitted by Diane for refreshments (4/8/98 meeting) and tapes in the amount of $31.71. Trish moved and Dick seconded that the Treasurer be authorized to reimburse Diane in that amount. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0.
Dick asked when the appropriate time would be to submit bills. Trish pointed out that committees should come before the Council in advance of any expenditure. It was the consensus of the Council that appropriate bills may be presented at any Town Council meeting.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED BYLAW CHANGES: Trish provided copies of the proposed changes to all Council members. No changes were made since originally submitted at the meeting of March 24, 1998. Dick reviewed the proposed changes for the Council and audience. Dick moved that the proposed changes to the Agua Dulce Town Council Bylaws be accepted as presented. Seconded by Art. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0. Trish will type these changes into the Bylaws and provide copies at the next meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
WATER COMMITTEE: Lillian Smith reported that implementation of the Wellhead Protection Plan is continuing to move along, with well volunteers and manure removal participants still coming forward. It is still necessary to reach out to those large animal owners in order to convince them that spreading manure on their land is not in their own, or the community’s best interest.
ELECTION COMMITTEE: Trish Brewer and Joyce Feldman currently sit on this committee, but no Chair has been found. Donna Saufley volunteered to Chair this committee, having decided not to run for a Council seat. She feels that she would like to focus on her committee work. The Election Committee will meet to officially appoint Donna as Chair. Three members are sufficient to begin with, but the committee will need to be larger in order to effectively handle the demands of election day. According to the Bylaws, there is no statement of a required number of committee members. The Bylaws require that the Chair and two committee members verify a candidate’s eligibility to run for a Council seat.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS: The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 15. At that time, they will prepare their recommendations to the Council. Each Council member will need to have read through the materials handed out at the Council meeting of March 24. Donna stated that the committee has looked at the Lusk Survey responses from Agua Dulce community members, which provides some information on what services the community wishes to have. She stated that it might be appropriate to set up a district with Latent Powers, which would then allow other services to be set up under the district at a later date. At the next meeting, the Council will need to decide how to proceed. At that time, it may be appropriate to change the Community Options Committee from an Investigative to an Action committee.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: Diane, as Chair of this committee, informed the Council that Dawn Kimball is currently working at designing an Internet Site for the Council. She also reintroduced the idea of a Council database of issues, and offered a draft form which would be used to collect information from community members who wish to participate. Dick questioned whether this information would be provided to committee Chairs for their use. Diane stated that it is not the intent of the Communications Committee to distribute this information widely. Diane moved that the Town Council approve the establishment of the voluntary database, and that the Communications Committee be authorized to approach the community to begin collecting data on the form presented. This may be published in The Country Journal. Mike seconded. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0.
TRAILS: Darryl Readmond - Reported on a meeting held last summer with the community. The final report on this meeting will be ready by the next Council meeting. The Trails Day Host Committee is meeting every
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other week up until 6/6/98. Mike questioned who was maintaining the trails following the recent heavy rains. The Darryl informed the Council that the Pacific Crest Trails Association (PCT) has a volunteer crew which maintains the trail. They are now investigating a $5 million funding source for trails.
BREAK: 8:35 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS DISTRICT (CSD) REVISIONS COMMITTEE FORUM: Donna Saufley - Introduced the CSD Revisions Committee. The members of this committee are Donna Saufley, Chair; Eric Harnett; Lillian Smith; Dick Tracy; Linda Kirk; Bev Anderson; Nancy Young; and Mary Wyle. Diane and Mike Terito attended one meeting. The purpose of the committee is to look at the current Agua Dulce CSD, and investigate ways in which we may want to strengthen it. Donna reviewed the history, Agua Dulce’s CSD, and Acton’s CSD, and distributed copies of these CSDs. She also reviewed the process of revising our CSD.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 4/29/98 - 7:30 p.m. - RR Gable office. Donna requested that the audience members representing various community organizations send one or more representatives to this committee in order to have as much community input as possible as the committee pursues its purpose.
Lillian asked the Council whether it was now appropriate to publish articles and other notices requesting community participation in this committee. It was the consensus of the Council that Donna write something for Council review and approval which would then be provided to Lillian for publication in The Country Journal.
A discussion was held regarding the map published in The Signal, entitled "Planned Growth in the Santa Clarita Valley" (copy on file).
OPEN FORUM:
COUNTY RELATIONS: Diane informed the Council regarding a conversation with Mary Ann Flloyd of the Association of Rural Town Councils held on 4/8/98. In that conversation, the suggestion was made that the Agua Dulce Town Council work with both the Supervisor’s office and the Planning Department in order to have developers contact the Council prior to filing plans or CUP requests with the County. Jo Anne Darcy, Senior Deputy to Supervisor Michael Antonovich, stated that this can easily be accomplished. She suggested that the Council send a letter to that effect to Supervisor Antonovich and the Planning Department. She also recommended that we request to be placed on the mailing list to receive notification of "proposed" projects. Jo Anne suggested that we also determine specific community priorities, like trails and mitigation of impact on our schools, which would be required of developers wishing to build a project in this area.
Jo Anne stated that there will be a few exceptions to this practice. If something is requested which will only require a Director’s approval, it will not be sent to the Council for review, this includes lot line adjustments (unless this affects a large piece of property).
Diane moved that the Council send a letter to Supervisor Mike Antonovich (c/o Jo Anne Darcy) and the L.A. County Planning Department, requesting that developers presenting a new project in our area for approval, and those requesting CUPs, be requested to present materials to the Agua Dulce Town Council (or its Land Use Committee) prior to materials being submitted to County. This letter should also include a request for the Council to be placed on the mailing list for proposed project in processing. This letter should also address the need to have signed school district approval on any projects impacting our school district. Mike seconded. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0. Diane will draft this letter.
OLD BUSINESS:
EHRMAN CUP: Diane provided a memo (copy attached to the original copy of these minutes) to the Council based on the letter cited as #1 in the Secretary’s Report (Page 1 of these minutes). A discussion was held. Dick moved and Art seconded that the Council write a letter to Jim Hartyl to protest the Planning Department’s decision, and request that their representative attend the Council meeting of 4/22/98. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0; Abstain - 1 (Michael).
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: No response has been received from Jack Kerin of the California Housing Department to
the Council’s latest letter. Trish received a copy of a court order, dated 3/19/98. The Operating Permit has not been revoked, although Hacienda Vasquez is still in violation. A discussion was held regarding further recourse. Jo Anne will be holding a meeting on 4/16/98 regarding Hacienda Vasquez which will be attended by Community Services Department, who can go after federal funding to resolve this issue. Trish moved to send a stronger letter directly to Kerin’s boss, to State Representatives, and to go to the community with suggestion that we may need to
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file a lawsuit. In addition, the Council authorizes Trish to go to the media with this issue. Diane seconded. Aye - 7; No - 0.
CUP #97-002-(5) - FRANK COLLINS, INDUSTRIAL MINERAL FILLERS (IMF): Diane submitted a memo regarding a conversation with Planning Staff Member Ronnie Ghron on 4/8/98 in order to obtain an update. A copy is attached to the original copy of these minutes.
ADJOURNED: 10:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO
Recording Secretary
APPROVED: 4/08/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
MARCH 24, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:41 p.m. by Trish Sullivan. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Trish Sullivan, Diane Terito, Mike Terito, and Dick Tracy were present. Doc Ellis arrived at 8:15 p.m. Art Brewer, and Michael Sullivan were absent due to work commitments.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: An agenda was presented by Trish. Dick moved that it be approved as submitted. Mike seconded. VOTE: Aye - 4; No - 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION - Dick moved to accept the Minutes of March 10, 1998, as submitted. Seconded by Trish. VOTE: Aye - 4; No - 0. Copies were made available to audience members.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Diane reported that not much mail was received.
1. 3 envelopes were received for the Water Committee, which have been passed to Lillian Smith.
2. Regional Planning Agenda for March 25, 1998:
A. Bee Canyon hearing - May 11, 1998.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Mike reported receipt of $13.70 in cash from the March 10 Council meeting, and a check from Trish Brewer of the Election Committee for $61.16, which Mike has deposited. The current bank balance is $1,472.80. Trish Sullivan submitted a bill for $44.22 incurred January through March for photocopies, stationary and postage on behalf of the Council. Dick moved that the Council pay Trish for these expenses. Mike seconded. VOTE: Aye - 4; No - 0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
WATER COMMITTEE (Lillian Smith, Chair): Lillian provided a verbal report to Diane over the phone prior to the meeting. Diane reported on behalf of Lillian that there still are not sufficient volunteers for the manure removal program; she will continue the ads in The Country Journal; and that, as soon as she can find the time, she will begin writing articles as to why manure removal is necessary. Volunteers to participate in the well monitoring plan are signing up slowly.
ELECTION COMMITTEE: Trish talked with Trish Brewer, who stated that there are two remaining members from the previous committee (Trish Brewer and Joyce Feldman), and there is no Chair. Trish will place an urgent plea in our "Community Update" for Election Committee members. She will also announce this need at the April 8 Council meeting. Trish suggested that posters be designed and posted at Agua Dulce Hardware and Richards’ Canyon Market on the bulletin board. Diane suggested that, when the Election Committee is up and running, they do some public promotions in an effort to get more candidates to run for the open Council seats next November. We need the Election Committee in place by the end of April.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS COMMITTEE: No member was present, and no report provided.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS DISTRICT REVISIONS COMMITTEE: Dick reported that their next meeting will be held on March 26, 1998, at either RR Gable or the Chamber office - 7:30 p.m.
BYLAWS COMMITTEE: Dick submitted proposed revisions to the Bylaws in order to satisfy the need for Council officers’ job descriptions required by banks. These were reviewed and suggestions/clarifications made. Trish will type these, fax a copy to each Council member, and post them for community review at the usual places.
OPEN FORUM:
1. The Signal: Dick will bring a copy of the article recently published in The Signal regarding proposed planning for the Santa Clarita Valley, which would include a 300 condominium project near Vasquez Road (and called Mint Canyon) as well as a project on Davenport at Sierra Highway. This article included a map showing a Santa Clarita Area Plan. Trish asked whether there was a date connected with these developments. Dick stated
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that these have been presented to County Planning, but that no action has been taken on these, and they are pending.
2. Miss Agua Dulce Pageant: This event is coming up and the organizers are looking for candidates.
3. Agua Dulce Canyon Road: Dick asked who should be contacted from the L.A. County Department of Public Works in order to get the large gullies created by recent rains filled in along Agua Dulce Canyon Road. Diane provided the Council with the name and address of Harry W. Stone, who is the Director of this department (900 South Fremont Avenue, 12th Floor, Alhambra, CA 91803-1331; (626) 458-4000; Fax - (626) 457-8897). The Superintendent locally is Frank Azzariti.
4. Hacienda Vasquez - A three page letter was sent by the Council to Jack Keirns. The Council has not had a response. Trish will follow-up. Diane and Mike opposed sending the letter with the word "bicker" in it, as it is an emotionally loaded word, but otherwise approved the letter as sent. Ron Zega also wrote a letter and has received an immediate response from Supervisor Antonovich’s office. The Council letter will be printed in the next Country Journal.
BREAK: 8:25 p.m. to 8:32 p.m.
5. Easter Pancake Breakfast: The traditional Civic Association event will be held on Sunday, April 12, at the Women’s Club from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Ehrman CUP: Diane will provide a report at the next Council meeting.
2. Bee Canyon: The next hearing is scheduled for May 11 - Lillian attended the hearing on March 18th.
3. Fund-raisers: Diane explained that there may be an opportunity for the Council to participate, and raise revenue, during the National Trails Day Celebration on June 6, 1998. Trish suggested that we sell Skin so Soft at the Celebration. This product is a deer tick, mosquito, and flea repellent with SPF 15 sunscreen in it, and is excellent for hikers, runners and horseback riders. Trish has approximately 100 tubes, which she will give to the Council at her cost. She needs $4.00 per tube that the Council sells, and it usually sells for $9.99. Any profit would then go to the Council with no commitment necessary to purchase all 100 tubes.
4. July 4th Celebration: No information has been printed regarding plans for this event.
5. Flintstone Sequel: Dick reported that he’d heard there might be plans in the works to do a sequel of this movie, which might also be filmed at Vasquez Rocks.
6. School Needs Shade for Kids: Trish stated that the Site Fund’s plan for a canvas tent to be used as shade for the children at Agua Dulce Elementary School was not approved. The County will only approve a permanent shelter, which is expensive.
COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND GUIDELINES:
Trish had provided a form to each Council member, requesting input on the purpose, guidelines and comments for each of the Town Council committees. This was generated by Art’s concern that people were signing up, but only attending those meetings where a vote was scheduled to take place. Trish pointed to a need for specific guidelines, (i.e., whether it is an Investigative, Informative, or Action committee; keep a meeting attendance sheet; minutes; list of committee members).
Diane suggested that the Council outline a structure for all committees, and then provide each committee with a mandate of their focus and purpose. In addition, she requested that the Council consider asking each committee to present a report of one paragraph in writing, detailing their activities and meeting participants, to the Council once a month. Dick pointed out that it is in the Bylaws, Article 13, subparagraph D, "Committees shall maintain summary minutes of all minutes (sic)". (It should read "summary minutes of all meetings".) Diane suggested that the issue of formal minutes be left up to each committee, unless required - as for the Election Committee. However, the sentence which follows in the Bylaws requires that "any recommendation should be in
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writing and shall be filed with the Council Secretary" which would then cover those items which the Council needs to know about. A discussion was held regarding the definition of "summary minutes".
A discussion was held regarding the effort approximately four years ago, led by Rick Curtis, to revise the CSD, and the Lusk Survey. Trish pointed out that the current purpose of examining the CSD is to strengthen the position of the Water Committee, and prevent high density zoning.
Trish asked that each Council member fill in the form she provided regarding committees, so that she can then combine the input into a form on which the Council can vote at a subsequent meeting. Dick suggested that the Council hold a working session, apart from the regular Council meeting, in order to discuss this specific issue. Trish will call a special meeting, date, place and time to be advised.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (Continued):
COMMUNITY OPTIONS COMMITTEE: Donna Saufley explained the difference between a "district", which involves services to be provided, and the CSD which is a zoning ordinance. She distributed a report dated 3/24/98 entitled "Preliminary Report on Community Options" with a request that the Council review it for discussion at the April 22nd meeting.
PARTICIPATION IN COUNTY PLANNING HEARINGS: Art suggested to Trish that one Council member be designated to attend County Planning Hearings, either solely, or on a rotating basis within the Council. Trish stated that she felt it would be difficult to assign that responsibility, due to work schedules and other time constraints. It was the consensus of the Council that we continue to ask for a Council volunteer for each hearing.
AGENDA FOR APRIL 8TH COUNCIL MEETING: Committee reports, and CSD Revisions forum. The latter will be discussed at the CSD Revisions Committee meeting of 3/26/98. Donna indicated that a copy of the current Agua Dulce CSD will be provided to each attendee, with a few copies of other CSD ordinances available for those who are interested. According to Donna Saufley, Chair of the CSD Revisions Committee, there will be a presentation followed by a questions/answers session. The community has been notified of this forum through the Community Update, and other announcements in The Country Journal, and has been posted on the bulletin board at Richards’ Canyon Market. Diane asked for clarification on the committee’s approach during the forum. It was agreed that the committee will explain the reasons it was established, the purposes, what steps they will take to investigate this issue, and invite community members to participate in the committee. It was agreed that the issue will be presented as investigative.
Dick will purchase and donate the supplies to make coffee at the April 8 meeting.
PUBLIC INPUT: Doc reported on a conversation with a community member regarding what she would like to see from the Town Council. He reported the following:
1. A request for additional traffic enforcement due to the diversion of traffic resulting from freeway construction.
2. Distribution of the Council’s agenda in advance. It was pointed out it is posted on the bulletin board at Richards’ Canyon Market. Doc asked whether this can be faxed to interested people ahead of time. Donna Saufley indicated that she would be willing to take responsibility for doing the faxing.
ADJOURNED: 9:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO
Recording Secretary
APPROVED: 3/24/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
MARCH 10, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 p.m. by Trish Sullivan. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Art Brewer, Michael Sullivan, Trish Sullivan, Diane Terito, Mike Terito, and Dick Tracy were present. Doc Ellis arrived at
7:50 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Trish asked that a discussion of changes to the Bylaws be added to New Business, since a statement of the responsibilities of the Town Council officers needs to be added in order to satisfy the bank. Trish also requested that the update on the requested CUP by the Ehrmans for a senior citizen residence be moved up in the agenda since the Ehrmans were present. It was the consensus of the Town Council that these changes be accepted as part of the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION - Mike moved to accept the Minutes of February 24, 1998, as submitted. Seconded by Dick. VOTE: Aye - 6; No - 0. Copies were made available to audience members.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Diane reported the receipt of the following materials:
1. Regional Planning Commission Agenda:
A. Bee Canyon - 3/18/98 - Trish or Michael Sullivan will attend;
B. Ehrman’s CUP for senior residence - Diane will attend.
2. Acton Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
3. Letters for the Town Council Water Committee:
A. Letter from bank regarding merchant credit card account;
B. 2 Well Monitoring Volunteer forms
4. Flyer from the Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment. RE: Action Alert on the Santa Clara River.
MOTION: Diane moved that the Secretary be authorized to produce Town Council documents from her computer and printer, and be reimbursed for expenses incurred for computer paper, and toner cartridge as needed. Seconded by Art. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0. Trish noted that the Secretary is already authorized to purchase audio tapes and batteries on behalf of the Town Council.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Mike reported a bank balance of $1,531.63.
OLD BUSINESS:
EHRMAN CUP - Senior Citizen Residence: Per the change to the agenda, the discussion of the Ehrmans’ CUP requesting a senior citizen residence on their property was held earlier than scheduled. The Ehrmans attended the meeting, and explained the purpose and scope of their requested project. The Ehrmans stated that they will be putting in a second septic system designed to serve the "granny house". MOTION: It was moved by Dick and seconded by Art that Trish write a letter to Regional Planning requesting that the following stipulations be included in the CUP: 1. Restrict usage to an Ehrman family member; 2. That, at such time the Ehrmans sell the property, the granny home will be removed; 3. That the CUP be reviewed in 10 years; 4. That at least one of the residents of the granny house be at least 62 years of age; 5. That the Regional Planning Commission take into consideration the Agua Dulce Community Standards District (CSD). VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0.
OPEN FORUM:
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: The discussion was opened to community members who addressed areas of concern in the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) report. Lillian talked with Jack Kairn, head of the California State Department of Housing, yesterday who stated that he planned to make a decision within 48 hours regarding Hacienda Vasquez’ operating permit. Mr. Kairn also indicated to Lillian that withdrawing the permit is not the end of the matter. There will still have to be negotiations between the State and L.A. County regarding responsibility and funding for the necessary clean-up.
Art said that, in his conversation with Kairn today, Kairn indicated that the matter is being turned over to Ron Jabor, also with the State of California. Kairn and Jabor are working on a letter which will turn down the
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RCAC proposal for Hacienda Vasquez. Kairn stated that he intends to send a letter to the Receiver, giving him ten days from the date of the letter to meet requirements for an on-site manager, eviction of those without a rental agreement, security guard and other requirements. Members of the audience who live in Hacienda Vasquez stated that rental agreements had not been renewed by the Salmonsens.
Dick asked whether a requirement to move out of Hacienda Vasquez was a part of the civil lawsuit settlement. Marion Roberts and others stated that it was not. Lillian pointed out that Richard Salmonsen has stated that that was not a part of the lawsuit.
Keith Harper, a concerned resident and previous Hacienda Vasquez manager, has been working to repair electrical wiring, which is a safety concern to residents. Kirsten Roberts’ child was injured (2 broken arms) on an illegal swing in the rear of the park and another little boy broke one arm when he fell from a tree at the front of the park. Marion Roberts, Cherie Ramig and Carolyn Pappacoda, also residents of the park, expressed their concerns and frustrations with conditions. The residents also addressed the polluted water which is flowing from Asher Ranch onto the Hacienda Vasquez property. Marion Roberts stated that only the park manager, Becky Murphy, met with the RCAC. A meeting with selected people was held in December ‘97 at a hearing held by the State at the Women’s Club, chaired by Jack Kairn. Art offered to notify all Hacienda Vasquez residents in the event of a hearing on this matter, if someone from the park will take the responsibility of providing him with a list of those to be contacted.
BREAK: 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS:
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: Trish proposed that the Town Council write a letter addressing the RCAC report/proposal, dealing with safety issues and other ongoing problems. She requested that Council members state their specific concerns which should be included in a letter. Among those items included were the failing septic system and flow of raw sewage both within the park and to adjacent properties; the existing water tank intended for fire fighting which has a manual switch and takes two days to fill; electrical wiring and other items which are not up to code; OSHA, Building & Safety, and other code violations; tenants who do not have legal rental agreements; and the lack of an on-site manager.
Doc asked what the tenants would like to do to fix the situation? The tenants have complained, but not offered a specific solution. Lillian outlined the RCAC solution, which is a way to deal with the situation, but the issue is whether this is an appropriate way to spend $5 million of public money. The consensus of those residents in attendance was that the park should be closed.
Chuck Conklin questioned whether, now that the County Health Department, L.A. County and the State of California are on notice about the health and safety dangers in Hacienda Vasquez, and further notified by a letter from the Agua Dulce Town Council, there may be legal liability on their part for any injuries which occur there.
At this point, there has been no notification of a CUP filing for the park.
Diane stated that there should be a statement that remedial action or park closure/cleanup is an urgently required action. Mike stated that he is most concerned with the children impacted by the conditions in the park.
Art proposed that the Town Council letter be sent to the State of California, L.A. County, the County Health Department; L.A. County Fire Department, et.al. Art stated that the Council should demand that the State and County address the health and safety issues immediately.
MOTION: It was moved by Trish, seconded by Art to write a letter to Jack Kairn with the specifications detailed above. Carbon copies should also be sent to: Governor Wilson, George Runner, Buck McKeon, and the media. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0.
Community Standards District MAPS: Acton sent a copy of their map, which was given to Donna Saufley of the Agua Dulce Community Standards District Revision Committee. Lillian stated that the perceived overlap with Acton was settled years ago.
TRACT MAP FOR SIERRA COLONY: Dick will follow up. This will be held over for the next meeting.
COUNCIL MEETING DAY/PLACE/TIME: Dick moved that the Town Council meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Women’s Club and accept the Women’s Club charge of $15.00 per meeting. Seconded by Trish. Discussion followed. The Secretary asked that the Council be willing to revisit this issue, if the change means that she will miss several Council meetings. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0. The first meeting on the new schedule will be Wednesday, April 8th.
ADTC Minutes of March 10, 1998
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COMMITTEE REPORTS:
WATER COMMITTEE (Lillian Smith, Chair): Lillian reported that Bev and John are handling liaison with those who have volunteered to participate in the well monitoring program. Don Kaplan is handling data management. Lillian has half of the people needed for the manure program. She will be launching a major ad campaign to enlist more volunteers.
ELECTION (Chuck Conklin, Member): The Election Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, March 11, at 7:00 p.m. at the Women’s Club. Koral will be the acting Chair. The objective will be to propose a new Election Committee.
BYLAWS (Dick Tracy, Chair): The original bank account was set up with just a piece of letterhead. In order to change banks, and mandated by State law, we must have a statement in our Bylaws regarding who is authorized within the Town Council to sign checks, and how many signatures are required. Dick read proposed changes, which he will type up, fax to all members, and post. Proposed changes to the Bylaws must be posted for 30 days. MOTION: Dick moved that we finalize proposed bylaw changes, type them, distribute them to all members, post them and then discuss them at the next meeting. Art seconded. Aye - 7; No - 0. The proposed changes will be open for discussion on March 24th, and a vote will be taken on April 8.
COMMITTEE QUESTION: At the Council meeting of January 13, 1998, the Community Options Committee requested that the Town Council set up a separate Community Standards Revision Committee. This was approved.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS COMMITTEE (Donna Saufley, Co-Chair): No meeting has been held since the last Council meeting. They will meet at the Chamber offices on 3/11 at 7:30 p.m. The committee is looking at various district options. They are building a matrix of the various options, including a description as well as the pluses/minuses for each option. Donna will call Trish if the committee would like to be on the Council’s agenda.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS REVISION COMMITTEE (Donna Saufley): This committee has not met since the last Council meeting. The name was changed back to the Community Standards Revision Committee per Council request. The committee drafted a letter requesting participation in this committee by representatives of other community organizations. Donna requested Council approval of the committee’s letter. The committee will be gathering the results of the 1994 Lusk Report. A discussion of the Lusk Report, and previous community planning efforts, was held.
Chuck Conklin called Jo Anne Darcy. A Community Standards District (CSD) and a Community Plan are two different things. The CSD is an ordinance approved by the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. The process to amend an existing CSD is as follows: We must hold community meetings to present changes or amendments; we must draft and submit a proposal to both the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors; hearings would then be held. At any point, an outside entity can try to include their own agenda. We will need to hold a number of public forums before going into the hearing process.
Donna stated that it is her understanding that, during the process of amending or changing the ordinance, the CSD remains intact. Dick pointed out that any proposed changes or additions to the CSD must be approved by the Agua Dulce Community.
Art suggested that this project be kicked off with a community Town Hall Meeting. It was suggested that this be held on April 8th at the Women’s Club. Trish read aloud the committee’s draft letter which they propose to send to other community organizations. MOTION: Moved by Trish, seconded by Dick, to approve the letter as read. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS: All other items were held over to the next Council meeting.
Art announced that the marquee in front of the Agua Dulce Hardware Store has been vandalized twice in the past week.
ADJOURNED: The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO
Recording Secretary
APPROVED: 3/10/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 24, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by Michael Sullivan, in the absence of the President. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Art Brewer, Michael Sullivan, Diane Terito, Mike Terito, and Dick Tracy were present. Doc Ellis arrived late; Trish Sullivan was absent due to illness.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Dick asked that an update on recent flooding be added to New Business. Diane moved to accept the agenda with this addition. Seconded by Mike. VOTE: Aye - 5; No - 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Dick moved to accept the Minutes of February 10, 1998, as submitted. Seconded. All - Aye Copies to be hand initialed by the Secretary as the stamp pad was missing.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Diane reported the receipt of the following materials:
1. From Jo Anne Darcy, Senior Field Deputy to Michael Antonovich - 5th District: Copy of the Rural Community Assistance Corporation report dated 2/3/98.
2. Los Angeles Regional Planning Commission, Hearing Officer Agenda for meeting of 2/17/98. Items of interest marked.
3. Los Angeles Regional Planning Commission for meeting of 2/25/98. Items of interest marked.
A discussion was held regarding the notification within this document of a "Tract Map - Report of Case Filings From 2/01/98 to 2/15/98" for Lance Williams. The project is located "South of Sierra Highway between Agua Dulce Canyon Road & Wyse Road. Case description is "(RV1) subdivision for a 65 SF residential lot". The request for a zoning change to RV1 was questioned by Art. It was determined that Lillian Smith would bring her zoning chart to the next Council meeting, with copies for the Council. Art stated that he would call the Planning Commission and report back to the Council.
4. Invitation from Agua Dulce Cub Scout Pack 51 - Annual Blue & Gold Dinner ("Patriotism in Scouting") to be held Saturday, February 28, 1998, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Agua Dulce Women’s Club.
5. State of California Franchise Tax Board - "California Exempt Organization Annual Information Return - 1997". (Passed to Trish Sullivan.)
6. Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) dated 2/20/98 RE: Proposed Revisions to List of Impaired Surface Waters (303d List). Copy faxed to Lillian Smith, Water Committee Chair.
7. Agua Dulce Chamber of Commerce (Tari Cook, Secretary), RE: Pacific Crest Trail Association.
8. City of Palmdale, dated 2/6/98, RE: Fundraiser for the Antelope Valley Cultural Foundation on 2/28/98 at the Palmdale Playhouse to honor "Wild Phil" Arklin.
9. Newsletter from The County of Los Angeles Public Library.
10. Department of Regional Planning, County of Los Angeles, Notice of Public Hearing -
CUP #97-002- (5) Conditional Use Permit Request to authorize the processing, grinding and packaging
of non-metallic ore at 12101 Soledad Canyon Road, Agua Dulce. Hearing to be held on Tuesday, 4/07/98
at 9:00 a.m. in Room 150, Hall of Records, 320 West Temple Street. Interested persons will be given an
opportunity to testify. The Negative Declaration associated with this proposal will also be considered. Diane called the Planning Commission on 2/23/98 and was told that the applicant is Frank Collins of Industrial Mineral Fillers, a company which has leased a portion of the Transit Mix site for their operation. Diane distributed a memo regarding her conversation with Mr. Rony Giron of the County Planning Commission.
ADTC Minutes of 24 February 1998 - Page 1 of 4
ADTC Minutes - 24 February 1998
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TREASURER’S REPORT: Mike reported a bank balance of $1,531.63. Michael pointed out that our bank, Glendale Federal, is now charging us a fee of $8.00. Mike will check with other banks to see if he can find one which will not charge us.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
WATER COMMITTEE (Action): The Wellhead Protection Program is progressing, according to Lillian. The brochures & agreements for those who have volunteered to have their wells tested as part of the monitoring effort have been mailed out. The privacy of volunteer wells will be upheld. Lillian is working on the education program with a series of articles in The Country Journal. Lillian plans to talk with LaVerne Harris, who organized the previous (and very successful) fund-raiser about another fund-raising event. The manure removal plan with AV Rubbish, needs 40 volunteer property owners. There are 15 to 20 who have signed up to date. Art will put up a sign at Agua Dulce Hardware, soliciting additional volunteers. Lillian is continuing her appeal in The Country Journal. The Water Committee will be meeting monthly. Members are still researching water districts, along with the Community Options Committee.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS COMMITTEE (Investigative) (formerly the Facilities Options Committee): Since the Chair had not arrive, Lillian Smith provided some information as a member of this committee. Lillian reported that research is continuing. There will be another meeting within the next week - probably on Wednesday night. The Committee should have a recommendation for the Town Council in the near future.
Michael reported that Trish Sullivan received a copy of the Acton Town Council CSD. A representative of the Acton Town Council will attend our next meeting. Their map differs from the one Dick handed out at the last ADTC meeting. Their map dovetails with the Agua Dulce CSD. Diane requested a copy for the records. Agua Dulce needs to update its map and attach it to our CSD.
ELECTION COMMITTEE (Action): Koral Newman sent a packet to the Town Council with additional materials. The packet includes the minutes from their last meeting, tally sheets, and ballots. Koral will try to have one more meeting to get recommendations on who would form and participate in a new Election Committee. Dick will call Koral.
OPEN FORUM:
1. Hacienda Vasquez - Lillian asked what the Town Council is planning to do in response to the Rural Community Assistance Corp. (RCAC) report. This topic was held over for the Old Business section of the meeting.
2. Miss Agua Dulce Pageant - It was reported that the pageant will be beginning soon with the usual activities.
BREAK - 8:15 p.m.-8:21
Additional committee reports were heard following the arrival of Donna Saufley and Chuck Conklin.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS COMMITTEE (Investigative): Chuck Conklin, Chair, submitted a report of the meeting held on 2/14/98 (copy attached to the original copy of these minutes). They have been reviewing a book entitled, "Choices for the Unincorporated Community" and have developed a matrix as suggested by the author. The committee developed a Statement of Purpose, which reads as follows: "The Community Options Committee is an Investigative Committee of the Agua Dulce Town Council whose purpose is to research and present to the Town Council choices for the unincorporated community such as ours."
Chuck reported that five committee members attended the last meeting. After the meeting on 3/4/98, the committee will have a more specific report and list of committee members. Any community member may participate. Chuck will prepare an information sheet, and make this available to the community. He explained that the past committee meetings were organizational in nature, rather than substantive.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS DISTRICT REVISION COMMITTEE (Investigative): Donna Saufley, Co-Chair, reported that the committee met on 2/3/98. The majority of the six or seven committee members present at this meeting did not feel that it was appropriate to open up the CSD to potential threat, controversy, rebuttal, or outside interests who might try to break it up. They decided that the purpose of the committee should be to develop a long range community plan which would augment the CSD. They voted to change the name of the committee to the "Community Planning Committee". A draft letter was submitted to the Council, using the new committee name, which they propose to send to the entire community in order to get more community involvement. This
ADTC Minutes - 24 February 1998
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letter was reviewed and returned without a vote of approval. Chuck, who also acts as the Council’s Parliamentarian, questioned whether the committee had asked the Town Council for permission to change the name and purpose. Donna stated that the committee had not asked the Town Council for its permission. Chuck pointed out that there are procedures for this type of action. A committee should not go off on their own, but should come back to the Council with their recommendation. They need to follow the rules.
Dick had recommended to the committee that they come to the Council with a statement of the proposed change of direction for this committee.
This committee is currently split in its approach. Lillian explained that there are those who feel that the CSD can be strengthened using appropriate sections of the Acton CSD without negative impact. There are those who do not wish to open up the Agua Dulce CSD, fearing that that will offer an opportunity to the County or others to do away with it. Lillian pointed out that the CSD has the force of law, which a community plan would not. Dick stated that the intention of the committee in recommending a community plan, rather than changes in the CSD, is to reinforce the CSD. Lillian stated that an Agua Dulce plan already exists.
Donna stated that the Council originally authorized a Community Standards District Revision Committee (CSDRC) as an Investigative Committee, charged with looking into strengthening the CSD along the lines of Acton’s CSD. This committee was an outgrowth of the Facilities Options Committee (now the Community Options Committee (COC)), which was charged with investigating the options available to Agua Dulce to give us more self-government. The Community Options Committee met with the County to inquire about what would have to be done to strengthen the CSD. At that point the COC reported to the Council, and requested that a separate committee be formed to focus on the CSD. The Council then agreed and formed the CSDRC.
Diane stated that, since the committee was originally formed to investigate changing the CSD, that the committee should go back to its purpose and report to the Council on its findings on this subject.
Chuck Conklin offered to investigate the standing of a community plan with Los Angeles County, and will call both Dave Vannatta and County Council.
No consensus was reached regarding the draft letter. Consensus was reached that the committee name not be changed. The focus of the committee is returned to strengthening the CSD.
OLD BUSINESS:
UPDATE - CUP FOR SENIOR CITIZEN RESIDENCE: Diane reported on and distributed copies of her memo regarding her conversation with Julie Moore of the Los Angeles County Planning Commission, (copy attached to the original copy of these minutes). A letter from Tana Lampton, Agua Dulce Civic Association member, to Julie Moore was also submitted to the Council. MOTION: Dick moved the Town Council write a letter opposing this granny house. Seconded by Art.
A discussion was held prior to the vote. The question was called. VOTE: Aye - 3; Abstain - 3 (Diane, Michael and Doc). Chuck Conklin, Council Parliamentarian, explained that a simple majority is required. Abstentions do not count as votes. Therefore, the motion passed. Art requested that the letter from the Council be written to state that the Council opposes the CUP request as written. Dick offered to help Trish write the letter.
BEE CANYON: Diane provided copies of a document she received, entitled "Staff Analysis", assumed to have been written by the Staff of the Los Angeles County Planning Commission (no date). She quoted from the last page (page 12), which states that, "Staff concludes that the proposed high density mobilehome park is not a land use compatible with proposed surface mining operations on the adjoining TMC property. That the proposal is in conflict with the policies of the Countywide General Plan, the Santa Clarita Valley Areawide Plan and the requirements of the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act." The concluding recommendation was against the proposed development.
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: Michael stated that sections of the RCAC report were in direct conflict with how we feel. Lillian stated that the RCAC misstated the things which were said by community members at the meeting with RCAC on 1/22/98. Diane reported on her conversation with JoAnne Darcy regarding this issue. Neither the State nor County have the money to deal with closing the park, and it is not a priority for them. Art reminded the Council that Trish was to call Jack Keirn, head of the California State Department of Housing at (916) 445-9471. Julie Feurhelm suggested that the pressure needs to be placed on Jack Petralia because of the health issues. JoAnne Darcy suggested to Diane that if the RCAC brings in modular housing, in addition to mobilhomes, this might violate the Agua Dulce CSD and is an issue which should be carefully scrutinized. This issue was held over for further discussion at the next meeting.
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FUND-RAISERS: Members were asked to bring suggested fund-raiser ideas to this meeting. Dick suggested that we may be able to take over the Lions Club map, selling ad space. Julie Feurhelm suggested that we address letters to companies filming in Agua Dulce for a donation to the community (Town Council). Michael and Lillian suggested a raffle, which is handled through a company which does this type of thing. Each person with an idea was asked to develop it and bring a more detailed report to the next meeting. The topic was held over for the next meeting.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - DATE/TIME/LOCATION: Held over to the next meeting.
AGENDA TOPICS FOR MEETING OF 3/10/98: Hacienda Vasquez; CSD; Senior Citizen Residence - invitation to be extended to the Ehrmans to attend; Fund-raisers; Town Council meeting date/time/location. Additional items taken from the tape of the meeting included: Tract Map - Case Filing for Lance Williams, presumed to be for Sierra Colony; Designation of a Town Council member(s) to attend the various County Planning Department hearings; A copy of the Acton Town Council CSD and related map for our records.
FLOODING: Dick reported that Sierra Highway is closed from the trailer park through Sleepy Valley to Davenport. It will be awhile before Sierra Highway is reopened. Dick reported that LeChene had some minor water damage in the back. The County Roads Department has done some damage due to illegal grading and they don’t know how to clean roads, according to Dick. There are some landslides on Davenport. Dick also reported that a septic tank overflowed with solid materials flowing down by the trailer park on Sierra Highway. The source was unknown.
ADJOURNED: 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO
Recording Secretary
APPROVED: 2/24/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 10, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:38.m. by Trish Sullivan. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. All members were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
An agenda, prepared by Trish Sullivan, was circulated. It was approved by consensus as submitted.
MINUTES OF JANUARY 13 and JANUARY 27, 1998: It was moved by Dick and seconded by Mike Terito to approve the minutes of January 13, 1998, as submitted. Vote: Aye - 7; No - 0. It was moved by Dick and seconded by Michael Sullivan to approve the minutes of the January 27, 1998, as submitted. Vote: Aye - 7; No - 0.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Diane reported the receipt of the following materials:
1. Letter from the Agua Dulce Town Council to John Conant, California Department of Housing. Incorrect address.
2. Letter from the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, dated 2/2/98, regarding a Workshop/Public Meeting for the 1998 Water Quality Update. Copy provided to Lillian Smith.
3. Department of Regional Planning, County of Los Angeles, Notice of Public Hearing - Conditional Use Permit Request for a senior citizen residence at 33181 Tyndall Road, Agua Dulce. Hearing to be held on Tuesday, 3/17/98 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 150, Hall of Records, 320 West Temple Street.
4. Agenda, Regional Planning Commission - Meeting date 2/4/98 - Items of interest marked.
5. Agenda, Regional Planning Commission - Meeting date 2/11/98 - Items of interest marked.
6. Letter from Michael D. Antonovich, Supervisor Fifth District, dated 2/4/98 - RE: Countywide summit regarding welfare reform and to discuss the role that cities and town councils can play in making welfare reform a success. Diane volunteered to participate.
7. Letter with enclosures, Jacqueline Des Lauriers, Community Affairs/Promotion for KCRW 89.9 FM radio, dated 2/3/98 - RE: Letter of Support for NTIA/PTFP Grant for a New Station.
8. Packet of newsletters ("Read"), a new publication from the County of Los Angeles Public Library.
9. Acton Chamber of Commerce newsletter.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Mike reported a bank balance of $1,531.63. Two checks have been written, and are awaiting signatures: 1. Trish Sullivan - $24.19 as reimbursement for secretarial expenses; 2. The Country Journal (Lillian Smith) - $45.00. Trish Sullivan reported receipt of a bill from Trish Brewer for reimbursement of $133.69 for photocopying expenses dated 10/15/97, related to the November 4, 1997, Town Council election. It was approved in a previous Town Council meeting. Signature cards need to be signed before these checks may be signed and given to the receivers.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ELECTION COMMITTEE: Koral Newman, Chair, delivered a sack of materials to Trish Brewer from the November 4, 1997, Town Council election. Trish Sullivan went through the items returned. The items noted as missing were the counted ballots, although the final count and signature were included. Trish will call Koral to see whether the ballots were destroyed or still in her possession, If Koral still has them, Trish will ask for her to turn them over to the Secretary for the records. She will also request a copy of the minutes of their last meeting.
ADTC Minutes of 2/10/98 - Page 1 of 4
ADTC MINUTES - February 10, 1998
Page 2 of 4
WATER COMMITTEE: No member was present.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS COMMITTEE: Dick reported that a meeting was held, and that it is the committee’s intention to rename itself. Dick presented the agenda for this meeting. The Chairs, Donna Saufley and Daryl Baucum, were not present. Dick recommended, and it was approved by consensus, that this report be held over, should they arrive later in the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
SENIOR CITIZEN RESIDENCE: Department of Regional Planning, County of Los Angeles, Notice of Public Hearing - Conditional Use Permit Request for a senior citizen residence at 33181 Tyndall Road, Agua Dulce. Hearing to be held on Tuesday, 3/17/98 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 150, Hall of Records, 320 West Temple Street.
Andy and Judy Fried (268-1519), residents of Agua Dulce, expressed concern regarding this proposed project. As neighbors, they had also received the Notice of Public Hearing. Robert Flinders (and Denise - 268-1725), also an Agua Dulce resident, expressed the concern that this may be a commercial project in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Trish stated that she would call the contact shown on the notice, Julie Moore, in order to gain more information regarding the scope of this project. She will have an update at the February 24th meeting. Diane will call the Frieds prior to that meeting to advise any information Trish gains in her conversation with Julie Moore.
LIONS CLUB: Dick asked whether anyone had brought glasses or hearing aids for donation.
CIVIC ASSOCIATION VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE: Members were reminded by Dick of the new event being staged by the Agua Dulce Civic Association. "Date Night in Agua Dulce" will be held Saturday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Women’s Club.
NAME IDENTIFICATION: Robert Flinders suggested that Town Council members either wear name badges, or have table cards identifying them. Introductions of the Town Council members were made for the benefit of the audience.
OLD BUSINESS:
CHARTER & BYLAWS: Dick presented 3 maps:
1. Agua Dulce Area of Representation Map - Dick drew this from one of the original copies of the Charter and Bylaws (1991), and is referenced in these documents as "Exhibit A". This is the area which the Town Council represents;
2. Agua Dulce Community Standards District Map - Different boundaries from the Area of Representation;
3. Acton Map - Dick believes that this is taken from their Standards District. Acton’s area overlaps into Agua Dulce. Dick suggested that the Agua Dulce Town Council get a copy of Acton’s Standards District. Trish will call the Acton Town Council to obtain a copy, and confirm Dick’s understanding.
Dick stated that Rio Dulce is excluded from the Agua Dulce Town Council’s Area of Representation. Art questioned whether the County of L.A. considers Rio Dulce to be in the Council’s sphere of influence.
Map #1 (Agua Dulce Area of Representation) will be attached to every copy of the Charter and Bylaws distributed.
ADTC MINUTES - February 10, 1998
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This topic will be included in the next Town Council meeting (2/24/98).
1998 COMMITTEES: Trish reported the following results from her polling of Town Council committee Chairs:
Water Committee - Lillian Smith will continue;
Trails Committee - Darrell Readmond will continue;
Parks Committee - Steve Crane did not respond. Consensus of the Council was that we still need a Parks Committee. Trish will advertise for a new Chair in the Council "Community Update", to be published in The Country Journal.
Traffic & Safety - Ron Zega did not respond, but Michael Sullivan volunteered to Chair the committee with Art Brewer as a member;
Election Committee - A new Chair and committee are required. Dick suggested Bev Anderson, and Diane suggested Trish Brewer as Chair. Trish Sullivan will include the need for a new Election Committee in the Council "Community Update", to be published in The Country Journal;
Bylaws Committee - Dick Tracy will Chair with Doc on the committee;
Communications Committee - Diane will stay on as Chair, with Trish’s help;
Land Use - Jim Duzick did not respond. Trish will call him again and will put it into the "Community Update";
Film Committee - A discussion of whether we need a film committee needs to be held and we need to have a specific job description for each committee. Mike stated that he had discussed this committee with Chuck Conklin, who pointed out that it would probably not be possible for Agua Dulce to receive a separate fee from that already collected from production companies filming here. He also stated that Chuck suggested that the Community Standards District be amended to include specific guidelines for filming in Agua Dulce (e.g., no loud explosives after a certain hour).
Art stated that in March 1997 the City and County of Los Angeles formed the Economic Industry Development Corporation (E.I.D.C.), a nonprofit corporation. It was formed to promote filming, and raise revenues for the City and County of L.A. Fees increased from $400.00 to $4,000.00, all of which goes to the E.I.D.C., and from there to the General Fund. Their contract is up in March 1998.
Dick stated that the Council does not have specific job descriptions for its various committees. He also pointed out that the Film committee was intended to be, when formed, a liaison between the Agua Dulce community and those filming in Agua Dulce. The consensus of the Council was to have a Film Committee to watchdog the standards. If an issue arises which is beyond this scope, the committee will need to come to the Town Council for a decision and approval. Chuck Conklin and Mike Terito will sit on this committee. The opportunity to participate on this committee will be announced in the "Community Update".
The meeting was in recess from 8:50 p.m. to 8:55.
BEE CANYON UPDATE: Mike attended the Planning Commission hearing on January 28th on behalf of the Town Council. There is an announced walk-through of the Bee Canyon property on 3/2/98 and a public hearing on 3/18/98. At the hearing of 1/28/98 the developers made a presentation, stressing the positives of the project. The Bureau of Land Management (B.L.M.) made a statement in opposition to the project, as did others. The hearing was adjourned at 11:30 a.m., since two of the Planning Commissioners had other obligations. Mike, as well as other community members who attended (LaVerne Harris, Lillian
Smith and Tana Lampton) did not have an opportunity to speak. The hearing will be continued on 3/18/98 in order to give more time for public input. The Sulphur Springs School District sent a 60 page negative
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response; The Hart School District did not respond at all. Trish will request a copy of Agua Dulce School District letter to the Planning Commission. as well as the Sulphur Springs School District document. Trish encouraged Town Council members to attend the next hearing, which will be held at the same location. The E.I.R. is available for the public to read at the Santa Clarita Library. This topic will be placed on the Council’s agenda for the meeting on 2/24/98.
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: Art requested that all Council members read the report prepared by the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (R.C.A.C.) based on their meetings held with various community, County, and other concerned individuals and groups. Art attended the R.C.A.C. meeting held on 1/22/98, and referenced in the minutes of 1/27/98. Art provided some background. He referenced the specific section of the R.C.A.C. report of February 3, 1998, titled "Agua Dulce Town Council" (Pages 10 & 11), and stated that the statements reflecting the opinions of those present at the meeting were inaccurately reported. He stated that one of the reasons why the County Board of Supervisors is supporting the R.C.A.C. proposal to refurbished the park is due to the $1,500.00 annual per household fee which goes into the County’s General Fund.
Dick moved that the Town Council write a letter, with copies to those who received a copy of the R.C.A.C. report, refuting the paragraph on page 11, and perhaps the whole report, and other items which need to be addressed, including the Town Council’s and community’s, as well as the owners’, desire to see Hacienda Vasquez closed. Michael seconded. Additionally, Art amended the motion to include that copies should be sent to George Runner and McKeon. Diane suggested that the motion be amended to state that the letter be written after all Council members read the document and further discussion is held.
Art was asked to call Jack Keirn, head of the California State Department of Housing to provide Mr. Keirn with his input following the R.C.A.C. meeting. Art also amended the motion to ask that Trish call Jack Keirn at (916) 445-9471. Trish will call R.C.A.C. to find out when there will be a meeting on this subject. Dick accepted the amendments, which were seconded by Michael. VOTE: Aye - 6; No - 0; Abstain - 1.
NEW BUSINESS:
We need fundraising efforts for the Town Council. Trish asked that Council members come up with some ideas to accomplish this. Trish will put it in The Country Journal. Art suggested a swap meet. The Council would seek donations to sell, with all profits going to the Council. Trish asked that Council members check their calendars to see what weekend would work for a swap meet. Also bring ideas for other fund-raisers to the next meeting.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR MEETING OF 2/24/98:
OLD BUSINESS: Updates on the proposed CUP for a senior citizen residence; Acton Community Standards District Map; Committees; Bee Canyon; Hacienda Vasquez; Fund-raising ideas for the Town Council.
SPEAKERS CONTEST: Dick announced that the Lions Club will hold a speaker’s contest for high school students at the Women’s Club on 2/23/98 at 7:30 p.m.
ADJOURNED: 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO, Recording Secretary
APPROVED: 2/10/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
JANUARY 27, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
MEMBERS PRESENT:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Trish Sullivan. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Diane Terito was absent for 99% of the meeting, due to a business commitment; Doc Ellis arrived late; all other members were present for the entire meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
An agenda, prepared by Trish Sullivan, was circulated. It was approved by consensus as submitted.
MINUTES OF JANUARY 13: Dick moved to hold over acceptance of the Minutes until the next meeting, due to the absence of the Secretary. Seconded. Vote: Aye - 4; Abstain - 1
SECRETARIES REPORT: Made by Trish Sullivan, since she still had the key. The second mail box key is still in the possession of Geri Dee. Trish will contact her to arrange for it to be returned.
Trish reported the following:
1. Regional Planning -
a. Bee Canyon meeting is still scheduled for January 28, 1998, 9:00 a.m.
b. 3/17/98 - Southwest Corner of Tyndall Road and Bedworth Street - Senior Citizen Residence. Applicant is Patricia Darleen Ehrman. Action set HOPH4.
2. Form given to Mike Terito in order to have both the new Treasurer and Secretary placed on the bank signature card.
3. Copy of the letter which was sent to the Board of Supervisors, informing them of the new members of the Agua Dulce Town Council, and also the letter approved to send to Regional Planning regarding Bee Canyon were turned over for the Secretary’s records. Trish sent a draft copy of these letters to Town Council members, but will provide each with a copy of the final versions.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. WATER COMMITTEE: Lillian Smith, Chair, reported that well testing should start soon. Forty participants are needed to implement the manure removal plan through A.V. Rubbish. Lillian will begin publishing a series of reports in The Country Journal as a part of the committee’s community education plan. No further communication has been received from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB). The committee is satisfied that it is moving ahead with the Wellhead Protection Plan, and meeting its obligations.
2. COMMUNITY OPTIONS: Daryl Baucum, new Co-Chair, reported that Dennis Dee had resigned as Chair. Donna Saufley will act as Co-Chair with Daryl. The committee is continuing to pursue its research. It is anticipated that the committee will be able to make its recommendation to the Town Council regarding the next steps to take by the next meeting (2/10/98). The Community Options Committee is recommending that some of their research be published in The Country Journal in order to begin informing the community about the options available. Their next meeting will be held on 2/7/98 at 9:30 a.m. at the Chamber office. Daryl also informed the Council that the Community Standards Revisions Committee (Investigative) will be holding their next meeting on 2/3/98 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chamber office.
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CHARTER AND BYLAWS: Discussion was opened with the distribution of copies of both documents to Council members. Dick will look in his files for the map which was attached as Exhibit A to the original Charter. Trish pointed out that the Town Council is not in possession of all of its old records. Since one member was absent, it was the consensus that this discussion be held over to the next meeting.
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: Art Brewer, Bill Perry, Ron Zega, and Lillian Smith attended the meeting held on 1/22/98 at the Chamber office with Ramsey Gregory (Senior Housing Specialist) and Robin Frank (Housing Specialist), representatives of the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC). Lillian stated that the purpose of this meeting was to get input from the Agua Dulce Town Council. Additional meetings were held with other parties involved in Hacienda Vasquez, to include the State of California, County of Los Angeles, the tenants, the receiver, and others. RCAC is a non-profit organization brought in by the legal services representing some of the tenants of Hacienda Vasquez. Their job is to promote housing, according to Lillian. The RCAC representatives informed the participants in the January 22nd meeting that the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) had revoked Hacienda Vasquez’ operating permit. An appeal has been filed by RCAC and enforcement of the revocation order is in abeyance pending receipt of a report by RCAC. L.A. County has apparently stated that there is no money to relocate the people living in the park, and they do not have the money to do the remedial work necessary. The RCAC is interested in procuring taxpayer dollars through Federal moneys, grants, and loans for the purpose of installing a new septic system in a 60 unit mobile home park on the Hacienda Vasquez site. These groups are mandated to put housing in, not remove it, Lillian reported. (A report of this meeting, and other comments made by Art Brewer were not audible on the official tape recording.)
BEE CANYON: Tom Clark, a general partner in Royal-Clark Development Company, spoke to the Town Council regarding their proposed project in Bee Canyon. This meeting was initiated by LaVerne Harris, President of the Civic Association, after a phone call from Mr. Clark expressing an interest in meeting with community representatives. Accompanying Mr. Clark were Ron Horn, Vice President of Sikand Engineering, and Robert Martinez, a senior planner with Sikand Engineering. The project boundaries were defined, and include 200 acres where 650 dwelling units are planned, according to Mr. Clark. The zoning designation is basically mobile home/manufactured home. Approximately 30% of the dwelling units would be mobile homes relocated from other parks, with the remaining 70% designated for manufactured homes.
Some history was provided by Mr. Clark. In 1990, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, through a commission and staff, voted for a general plan which called for developing up to 1,100 mobile homes/manufactured homes in this area. Public hearings were held. On January 10, 1996 there was a public hearing held by the Planning Commission to decide on the project. The commission continued the project to a later date, requesting changes in the proposed scope. A new EIR has been prepared by the developers, addressing the issues of concern to the Planning Commission. The Agua Dulce School Board has expressed concern about the number of students it would have to absorb. Mr. Clark also stated that the Hart and Sulphur Springs School Districts in Santa Clarita have indicated that they can absorb all of the students who might be anticipated to live in the Bee Canyon project, but no formal agreement has been signed as of this date. Mr. Clark also indicated that police and fire services would be provided by Santa Clarita.
Discussion was opened to questions from Council members. In response to Dick’s question regarding water and sewer, Mr. Clark responded that both would be handled by Newhall County Water as a part of the Castaic Water District. Questions were accepted from the audience for clarification purposes.
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The meeting was in recess from 8:50 to 9:00 p.m.
OPEN FORUM:
BEE CANYON PUBLIC HEARING - 1/28/98: Mike Terito will represent the Town Council at this Planning Commission hearing, in order to be on record as opposing the project. Trish suggested that he take a copy of the letter approved by the Town Council stating this position.
LIONS CLUB: The club is currently having a drive to collect used glasses and hearing aids to donate to those in need. Dick stated that any type of glasses is acceptable whether prescription or not, and asked that they be brought to the next Town Council meeting. Community members who know of a child with either a hearing or sight problem, and come from a low income family, should contact Carl Gorham at the nursery for information on obtaining one of these items.
NEW BUSINESS:
REVIEW AREAS OF FOCUS FOR 1998: This topic was proposed by Diane, so it was suggested that this be held over for the next meeting.
1998 COMMITTEES: Trish faxed a list of both proposed and current committees to Council members.
CURRENT COMMITTEES AND CHAIRS:
Water - Lillian Smith;
Trails - Darrel Readmond;
Charter/Bylaw Committee - Has disbanded;
Land-Use - Jim Duzick;
Parks - Steve Crane has been the Chair. Trish will call and ask him to attend the next Council meeting;
Election Committee - An announcement was made in The Country Journal, asking residents interested in sitting on this committee to attend this Council meeting. None are here. Koral Newman was the Chair. Trish placed call to Koral, and will follow up.;
Film Committee - Chuck Conklin: According to Trish, he has some ideas which he needs to address to the Council. A discussion followed. Mike Terito will work with Chuck to put together a list of what needs to be done;
NEW/PROPOSED COMMITTEES:
Community Options - Daryl Baucum and Donna Saufley, Co-Chairs;
Community Standards Revisions Committee (Investigative) - There isn’t a current Chair. Members of this committee are: Donna Saufley, Nancy Young, Bev Anderson, Eric Harnett, Lillian Smith, Mary Wyle, Chuck Conklin, Dick Tracy;
Trish stated that the Council has an obligation to keep an eye on committees. She proposed that all committees be required to maintain attendance sheets (with signatures) to be given to the Council and names on each committee vote. Lillian stated that the Water Committee has been maintaining official documents, including minutes, of each meeting.
CHANGE IN MEETING DATE/PLACE: A discussion was held regarding the location and day of the week on which future Town Council meetings will be held. The Women’s Club was favored as a meeting site by Dick, Trish and Michael Sullivan; Mike and Doc voiced no preference; Art favored the school multipurpose room since it is being provided at no charge.
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Dick, Trish and Michael favored Wednesdays. Art, Doc and Mike voiced no preference. Diane, after her arrival at the meeting, stated that Tuesdays were a better night for her, but had no preference as to location.
Dick moved that Trish contact the Women’s Club President to see if something could be worked out to hold the Town Council meetings there on the second and fourth Wednesday nights. Seconded by Art. Vote: Aye - 6; No - 1.
ADJOURNED: The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO
Recording Secretary
APPROVED: 2/10/98
AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
JANUARY 13, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
MEMBERS PRESENT:
The meeting was called to order at 7:44 p.m. by Trish Sullivan. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. All members were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
An agenda, prepared by Trish Sullivan, was circulated. It was approved as submitted.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
A discussion was held regarding whether or not the Charter and Bylaws require that the Election Committee be in charge of the election of Town Council officers. It was the consensus of the members, after review, that the Town Council is solely responsible for the election of its officers. It was suggested that this issue be submitted to the Bylaws Committee for review and clarification in future revisions of the Bylaws.
The following officers were elected by unanimous votes (Aye - 7; No - 0):
Trish Sullivan, President
Mike Terito, Treasurer
Diane Terito, Recording Secretary
Diane accepted her position with the understanding that Trish will assist in handling corresponding secretarial duties.
READING OF CHARTER AND BYLAWS:
Art Brewer moved that the reading of the Charter and Bylaws be postponed to the next meeting. Trish stated that she would make additional copies of both documents. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0
DOCUMENTATION OF MEETINGS:
Art suggested that we purchase a dual tape cassette for the Secretary, in order to reproduce tapes of Town Council meetings when requested by a member of the community. Trish stated that, since there are still outstanding expenses to be paid from 1997, we should consider holding off approval on this idea until we receive a final 1997 Treasurer’s report.
OLD BUSINESS:
MINUTES OF 11/25/97: These were not approved at the last meeting of 1997. Dick moved that these be accepted as submitted. VOTE: Aye - 4; Abstentions - 3.
POINT OF ORDER: Dick was not able to attend the swearing in ceremony. Chuck Conklin, Town Council Parliamentarian, suggested that he be sworn in. This task was performed by Trish Sullivan as the new Town Council President.
APPROVAL OF EXPENSES: Certain expenses were carried over from 1997. They comprise bills due to the following: Trish Sullivan - $24.19, for secretarial expenses; The Country Journal - $45.00; Julie Feurhelm - $182.47, for supplies and copies of certificates; Julie Feurhelm - $100.00, paid to Pamela Von Stover for music at the December swearing-in ceremony. Trish moved, and Dick seconded, to accept these expenses and pay them. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0.
It was moved by Doc to authorize the 1997 Treasurer (Geri Dee) to sign these expense checks. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0.
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REPORTS:
TREASURER: This report was not available.
SECRETARY: Trish reported as the outgoing Secretary. The following correspondence was received:
A. 12/9 letter - from L.A. County Regional Planning - RE: 15139 Sierra Highway
B. DFM Assoc. - RE: Updating Calif. Election Code Book - To be given to the Election Committee
C. From Mrs. Hostetler - RE: Fire Department not being able to find homes in an emergency - need to post address clearly. The letter will be published in the next issue of The Country Journal.
D. Regional Planning Commission Agenda - Tom Clark - Mobile Home Park 650 units - Zone change.
E. Letter from the Agua Dulce Civic Association - a thank you for participating in their Inauguration Celebration.
F. Letter from Linda Kirk - RE: Thank you for the honor bestowed on her by the Town Council.
G. Association of Rural Town Councils - SB 1159 - RE: Flaw in errors & omissions protection; Town Councils are not included in the protection afforded under this bill. An amendment has been requested. Julie Feurhelm suggested that we stay in touch with Maryanne Floyd and provide a fax line for a direct communication link.
H. Update on Bee Canyon EIR
I. Zonta Club - They are requesting a nominee for their Zonta Award. Julie recommended that the Town Council nominate LaVerne Harris, current Civic Association President. Art moved that LaVerne be nominated by the Town Council, Diane seconded. VOTE: Aye - 6; Abstention - 1.
BREAK: The meeting was in recess from 8:35 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Geri Dee, former Treasurer, will not sign Town Council checks now. However, Trish is a signatory on the account. According to Geri, the bank will not question the lack of a second signature on checks written for a small amount. Dick suggested that those to whom money is due have the choice of waiting until the new officers have become signatories on the checking account, or receiving a check now with just one signature. Trish and Lillian Smith of The Country Journal both decided to wait. Julie will be paid tonight ($282.47).
Geri reported a balance of $2,002.77 in the Town Council’s account. A Treasurer’s report is attached to the original copy of these minutes. Amount collected at this meeting: $18.00.
WATER COMMITTEE REPORT - Lillian Smith: The committee is meeting on a regular basis. The decision of the Committee was to go beyond the lack of cooperation by CRWQB by their refusal to provide a guaranteed time period & criteria for measurement of the community’s success. The Committee is launching the Monitoring & Mitigation Plan. The Country Journal has appealed for volunteers for manure removal, and well testing. John Cromwell will be responsible for managing the monitoring & mitigation of wells, and is waiting for a list of current volunteer wells. The Committee will meet tomorrow to finalize other aspects of plan. The grant made to SCOPE will provide money for mailings. The Committee is proceeding cautiously to insure that whatever SCOPE does is with the approval of Agua Dulce. The money from this grant will be available to SCOPE sometime in March. The Committee is also proceeding with its investigation of various types of districts. Larry Connelly,
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D.V.M., who is a Board member of LAFCO, met with the Committee at their meeting of January 7, 1998.
HACIENDA VASQUEZ: Art Brewer informed the Council that Jack Kern, State of California Zoning Enforcement, will be chairing a meeting on 1/21/98 at 10:30 a.m. at the Agua Dulce Chamber office regarding Hacienda Vasquez. A grant has been obtained to fix the septic system in the park. The park’s operating permit was suspended on 12/11/97. The ultimate decision is in Jack Kern’s hands.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS COMMITTEE REPORT - Donna Saufley: The Options Committee met Saturday, January 10th, to discuss the types of districts available to a community like Agua Dulce, as well as the need perceived by the committee to strengthen the Agua Dulce Community Standards District. The committee voted to request that the Town Council form a separate committee to deal with strengthening the Agua Dulce Community Standards District (with community approval), since this is a zoning issue. This new Town Council committee would investigate, formulate documents, discuss & educate the community. It was suggested that this be an action committee. The Options Committee will then focus its attention on the advisability of forming some type of district, and which type of district would be most beneficial to the community (i.e., irrigation, water, etc.). A discussion followed, regarding certain types of districts. A recommendation to form a Community Standards District (CSD) Committee was tabled for future discussion.
POINT OF ORDER: The Secretary requested that each Committee presenting a report to the Town Council provide a brief synopsis in order to accurately include key elements.
TRAILS COMMITTEE REPORT: Darrel Readmond reported that the Pacific Crest Trail Association (P.C.T.A.) would like to hold their annual celebration in Agua Dulce, since the trail goes right through town. The Pacific Crest Trail is a National Scenic Trail, and Agua Dulce’s participation might bring increased awareness of Agua Dulce and its unique rural status. A 2-day event, the celebration would be held June 6 and 7, 1998. The P.C.T.A. would look to Agua Dulce to plan the events included in the celebration. Trish requested that Darrel provide additional information to be included in the Community Update.
OPEN FORUM:
1. Boy Scouts: Dick reported that the local troop has four scouts working for their Star Rank. One of the requirements is a citizenship badge. The four scouts will attend our next Town Council meeting, and require a copy of either a Treasurer’s Report or Budget. Trish asked for a consensus to provide one of these items. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0.
2. Bee Canyon: Julie Feurhelm provided an update. The Regional Planning Hearing is scheduled for January 28th at 9:00 a.m., and the date for community response has been extended to January 20th. Jim Duzick, School Board President, indicated that the School Board had already sent a letter to Regional Planning outlining their concerns about the negative impact on our schools.
Dick moved that we write a letter stating that the Town Council, as well as the Agua Dulce community, has a long history of opposition to high density development, and that we have other issues concerning Bee Canyon. Trish seconded. VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0. Trish requested that both Julie and Jim provide additional information so that Trish can draft a letter to Regional Planning. The draft will be submitted to the Town Council for approval before it is mailed.
3. Hacienda Vasquez: Julie provided a list of those who had attended the previous Town Council meeting on this issue. Art will contact them regarding the meeting to be held on January 21, at
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10:30 a.m. at the Chamber office. Notice of the meeting will also be posted on the bulletin board outside Richards’ Canyon Market.
4. 1998 Concerns for Focus - Held over until the next meeting.
5. Committees: Trish asked that each Council Member bring a list of proposed new committees to the next meeting.
Community members have already volunteered to participate in the proposed Community Standards District (CSD) Action Committee. Donna Saufley will be the initial Chair. "Acknowledging the need to upgrade or strengthen the Agua Dulce Community Standards District, thereby it is moved (by Dick) that we create an Agua Dulce Community Standards District Revision Committee." Seconded by Art. VOTE:
Aye - 7; No - 0.
ADJOURNED: Mike Terito moved, and Trish seconded, that the meeting be adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
VOTE: Aye - 7; No - 0
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE TERITO
Recording Secretary