Minutes of Agua Dulce Town Council Meeting

APPROVED: 8/26/98

AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES

August 12, 1998

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Mike Terito. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Art Brewer, Doc Ellis, Diane Terito, and Mike Terito were present. Dick Tracy was absent due to business commitments. Trish and Michael Sullivan were absent due to vacation.

AGENDA: An agenda was provided by Trish before she left on vacation. Copies were not available, but Dawn Kimball provided the information off the new Agua Dulce Town Council Website.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION - Mike moved to accept the Minutes of July 8, 1998, as submitted. Art seconded. VOTE: Aye - 4; No - 0; Abstain - 0.

SECRETARY’S REPORT:

The following mail was received between July 9 and 22, 1998:

1. Personal letter to Doc Ellis (unopened).

2. Department of Regional Planning;

A. CUP #98-006-(5): To authorize the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption incidental to food service at an existing restaurant. Location: 33302 Santiago Road, Acton. Hearing: August 18, 1998.

B. CUP#97-159-(5): To authorize continuation of the operation and maintenance of an existing trailer and recreational vehicle park. Location: 13130 Soledad Canyon Road. Hearing: September 1, 1998.

C. Hearing Agenda for July 15, 1998: CUP #93-147-(5). Bee Canyon

The following mail was received between July 23 and August 12, 1998:

1. Express Mail for the Water Committee (Lillian Smith) from Bryan Schweickert of the CRWQCB; RE: 1998 Clean Water Act, Section 319(h) Contract Preparation/Management Training.

2. Newsletter from Buck McKeon, Member of Congress, 25th District.

3. Letter to Geri Dee of ADTC from Southern California Edison, Alis Clausen; RE: Proposition 9 on the November 3, 1998 ballot. In opposition.

4. Volunteer form for Well Testing Program - given to the Water Stewardship Committee

5. Copy of letter from Stewart East regarding IMF CUP #97-002-(5).

6. Memo from Mike Mohajer of the Department of Public Works; RE: Meeting on 8/12/98 - Illegal Dumping in the Antelope Valley Area.

7. Library newsletter for August 1998.

8. Department of Regional Planning Agendas. No hearings of interest.

9. Acton Chamber newsletter.

10. Littlerock Fall Festival Committee solicitation letter to participate in the event.

11. County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works - Copies of 2 different documents sent to the Salmonsons regarding Hacienda Vasquez.

TREASURER’S REPORT: A written report was submitted reflecting a balance of $1,299.42.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

WATER STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE - Lillian Smith, Chair: Diane was asked to report on behalf of Lillian since she had a schedule conflict. A copy of the SCOPE (Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment) letter dated 7/17/98 was faxed to every Council member prior to the meeting. Diane provided the history of the grant made to SCOPE for which they had applied in order to "participate in a positive activity that would promote understanding and improvement of water quality on the Santa Clara River" as well as, provide an educational program which "would promote a positive image for our (SCOPE) organization". Diane pointed out that neither the Town Council nor the Water Stewardship Committee (WSC) had been consulted prior to SCOPE’s application for the grant. Although, subsequently, one meeting had been held with a SCOPE representative, and a WSC liaison team made up of Geri Dee, Donna Saufley and Peg Spry had been appointed,

SCOPE did not appear to be interested in working with the Agua Dulce community to effectively utilize this grant within our Wellhead Protection Plan. SCOPE has now notified the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB) that they wish to relinquish the grant (letter of 7/17/98).

The WSC has sent a letter to Mr. Brian Schweickert of the CRWQCB, with copies to other appropriate recipients, and a copy has been provided to the Council members. In addition, Diane submitted drafts of two letters from the Council to members by fax, with a recommendation that these be addressed at the August 26th meeting when everyone will be present.

Diane further reported that the WSC has sent a letter to Ken Schmidt requesting that quarterly reports be written to the CRWQCB, which will include the plan description requested by Wendy Phillips of the CRWQCB Staff.

The WSC also notified the Council that they are considering hiring John Cromwell, geologist, based on a proposal outlining his request for payment for consulting hours beyond what he is able to do for free as a member of the community. John is heading up the well testing efforts incorporated in the Wellhead Protection Plan. A deadline of 8/17/98 has been set for a decision by the WSC members. Lillian is also working on a new manure plan, since we are no longer required by the CRWQCB to have third party verification of the quantity of manure being removed from Agua Dulce.

ELECTION COMMITTEE - Donna Saufley, Chair: In the absence of Donna, Trish Brewer reported that the committee meeting was postponed from 8/12/98 to 8/13/98. Trish stated that the Election Committee will be publicly seeking candidates for the November election where 3 seats will be open on the Council.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE - Diane Terito, Chair: Dawn Kimball was present to give the Council a demonstration of the new Agua Dulce Website. As soon as appropriate materials are provided to Dawn, and she works out certain problems with the graphics, the site will be available. The web address will be publicized through the Country Journal and other vehicles like the community bulletin boards. The site includes a community calendar, schools, parks & recreation, places of worship, pages for the various community organizations, and links to other related sites. In addition to a Town Council section, both the Lions Club and the Civic Association have expressed interest in participating in the site. It was agreed by consensus that the Council will send a letter to each of the churches in the community to offer a page for their information. Carl and Tari Cook have provided the space on the server, and are acknowledged for their contribution on the site.

Other items to be included in the site were discussed. In addition to the agendas and minutes of the Council meetings, it was agreed by consensus that a list of local, County and State government representatives be included.

OLD BUSINESS:

HACIENDA VASQUEZ: Art stated that the County is interested in seeing the property revert to its original CUP, as a retirement mobilehome park. A copy of the letters from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works to the Salmonsons was given to Donald Smith of The Country Journal.

BREAK: 8:20 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

BEE CANYON: This issue was tabled by the Planning Commission for further hearings. Mr. Clark had not reached an agreement with the various school districts.

AGENDA ITEMS: No further items were suggested. Art suggested that the Council write a letter to the community encouraging people to run for Town Council. Diane offered to write letters to the various churches in the community to offer participation in the Council’s website.

NEW BUSINESS: Art informed the Council that there would be a Nature Center meeting at Vasquez Park at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, 8/13/98.

ADJOURNED: The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

DIANE TERITO, Recording Secretary

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