City Manager Mark Pulone responded to Mr. de Bruijn's comment regarding the recently implemented residential organics program. He spoke of the new rules and reminded residents about the three helpful stickers Republic Services issued to place on trash bins as reminders. He acknowledged Mr. de Bruijn's concerns and suggested that he contact Project Manager Colleen Callahan. Mr. Pulone said Republic Services has been auditing program compliance in the City and has reported that compliance is going well. Lastly, he said Republic Services does offer compost bins at a fee. City Manager Pulone said he was not aware of speeding on Esperanza Road and urged Mr. Mary to discuss his suggestions with Traffic Commission as well. Captain Walehwa said police services have completed several traffic stops in that area within the last few months, but they will look into targeting the problem. City Manager Pulone thanked Mr. Singh for his comments on the vacation home check program and urged other residents to utilize the service when away. He concluded by saying that staff will soon begin working with the community to discuss a plan on how to move forward with the housing element and said the City has referred Ms. Echavarria to the County of Orange for more affordable housing options.
City Attorney Litfin stated that Councilman Rodriguez had intended to recuse himself from Consent Calendar Item No. 7 and asked for a motion to reconsider the Council's approval of Item No. 7, and then vote on Item No. 7 separately so he can recuse himself for the record.
Moved by Hernandez
Seconded by Campbell
To reconsider Consent Calendar Item No. 7.
AYES (4): Campbell, Haney, Hernandez, Lim
ABSTAINED (1): Rodriguez
CARRIED (4 to 0)
Council then voted on Consent Calendar Item No. 7 separately and Councilman Rodriguez abstained.
Councilwoman Beth Haney attended the Senior Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Saturday and said volunteers have donated over 10,000 hours of their own time. She added that she was very proud of the organization and all of the volunteers.
Councilwoman Janice Lim introduced two interns who will be working with her, Ryan Schwartz from Valencia High School and Timothy Suh from Georgetown University. She attended a newly elected officials training with the Association of California Cities Orange County and said the Richard Nixon Foundation commemorated President Nixon’s 110th birthday on January 9th. She concluded by announcing Pat Nixon Day of Service on March 16th, Love Yorba Linda Saturday, April 29th, and a Lunar New Year Celebration at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum on Monday between 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Councilman Rodriguez urged small businesses needing a permit or that have input regarding policy impacts with South Coast Air Quality Management District to attend the Local Government Small Business Advisory Group monthly meetings held on the first Friday of every month. He said he serves as Chair of the Advisory Group and would welcome all input. He announced that Senator Vanessa Delgado was elected as the new Chair for AQMD and said she is the first Latina to be elected to this leadership position. He congratulated Thomas Ranch Elementary for its great production of Matilda in which his daughter was involved.
Mayor Pro Tem Campbell said she would like to see the speeding issue along Esperanza Road on the Traffic Commission agenda for evaluation of possible solutions. She echoed the comments made by Councilman Rodriguez regarding the production of Matilda and said she also attended a performance by Yorba Linda Spotlight at the Arts Center Black Box Theatre. She thanked all the seniors who volunteer their time to help with many events and activities with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Mayor Hernandez spoke of Yorba Linda Police Service's Business Watch program, a free crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of business owners in cooperation with law enforcement with the goal of preventing crime. He said the program is modeled after the nationwide Neighborhood Watch program and spoke of its many benefits. He encouraged businesses to visit the City website to register. He also urged business owners to contact the Crime Prevention Specialist at 714-779-7098 to learn more. Mayor Hernandez stated that they held interviews on Monday, January 9th for the Library and Planning Commission vacancies. Council appointed Ryan Bent and James Granitto to serve on the Library Commission and Don Bernstein, Nathaniel Behura, and Michael Masterson to the Planning Commission. He concluded by sharing that he has identified two of the first Unsung Hometown Heroes for the months of January and February who will be recognized at a future Council meeting.