HomeMy WebLinkAboutABC Agenda: 12/11/23
ARCADIA BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER – Vice Chairperson Laczko called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. in the
Council Chambers Conference Room.
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Gary Brewer, Sheryl Hunter, Ethel Laczko, Barbara Lyle, Robert Miller,
Vivien Watts
ABSENT: Burton Brink
It was the consensus of the Commission that Chairperson Brink be excused from this
meeting.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS – None
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Special Meeting minutes of April 20, 2023, and July 13, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Hunter, seconded by Commissioner Brewer, and carried
on a roll call vote to approve the meeting minutes.
AYES: Laczko, Brewer, Hunter, Lyle, Miller, Watts
NOES: None
ABSENT: Brink
3. REPORT FROM CODE SERVICES ON DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPING,
PROTECTED TREES, AND ILLEGAL DUMPING
Three employees from the Development Services Department presented information to
the Commission (Ken Fields, Building Official; Matt Perreault, Senior Code Services
Officer; and Edwin Arreola, Associate Planner).
Senior Code Services Officer Perreault reviewed the Code Enforcement process, the
timeline to respond to complaints, and how the City addresses repeat violations,
including when they progress to an administrative citation. Officer Perreault also detailed
the staffing levels for Code Enforcement and the type of violations that are prioritized
(health and safety), including answering some questions from Commissioners regarding
Mobile Food Vending in Arcadia.
Planner Arreola provided an overview of Arcadia’s process for protected Oak and
Sycamore trees. He also explained the City’s noticing and replacement process when a
healthy tree is removed. Planner Arreola answered questions from the Commissioners
regarding the City’s parkway, its size (12 feet from the curb to the property line), and
how that can impact property owners as it relates to property maintenance and tree
management.
The presentation concluded with a discussion on illegal dumping in Arcadia and the best
process for reporting violations, including how the City and private businesses address
cleanup and retrieval.
4. DISCUSSION OF THE 2023 COMMUNITY CLEANUP DAY
a. Event overview, date, and time
Staff liaison Bruno provided an overview of the upcoming Community Cleanup Day
event on November 4, 2023, at the Arcadia Public Library. She also provided an
overview of potential candidates for the event’s dedication and how the
Commissioners could register to volunteer.
b. Dedication Selection
a. Teri Muse, Waste Management Liaison to Arcadia (passed 4/27/2023)
b. Leon Solorio, VIP Coordinator – Arcadia Police Department (passed
3/12/2023)
c. Other suggestions
Commissioner Brewer spoke about his experience working with Leon Solorio through
Volunteers in Patrol (VIP), and why he supports dedicating this year’s event to Leon.
Upon conclusion of the discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Brewer,
seconded by Commissioner Lyle, and carried on a roll call vote to nominate Leon
Solorio as the honoree for the 2023 Community Cleanup Day event.
AYES: Laczko, Brewer, Hunter, Lyle, Miller, Watts
NOES: None
ABSENT: Brink
5. DISCUSSION OF THE 2023 HOLIDAY AWARD PROGRAM
a. Arcadia Unified School District invitation to participate (see draft attached)
Vice Chair Laczko introduced the topic of inviting schools in Arcadia to participate in
the Holiday Award Program this year. Staff liaison Bruno noted that this would be a
departure from how the program was approved by the City Council several decades
ago and would likely need to return to City Council for approval; however, in the
meantime, approval from the ABC would be the first step in the process.
Vice Chair Laczko discussed her outreach efforts to the Superintended of the
Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD), Dr. David Vannasdall, and indicated that
AUSD would be receptive to receiving an invitation to participate this year. In the
ensuing discussion, several Commissioners raised questions about the logistics of
facilitating the participation of Arcadia schools in a cohesive manner that meets the
intent of the program.
Upon conclusion of the discussion, it was moved by Vice Chair Laczko, seconded by
Commissioner Brewer, and carried on a roll call vote to send a letter inviting Arcadia
schools to participate in the 2023 Holiday Awards Program.
AYES: Laczko
NOES: Brewer, Hunter, Lyle, Miller, Watts
ABSENT: Brink
b. Submission deadline
The Commissioners discussed potential dates and determined the following days
and times would be applicable to facilitate the program this year:
• Decoration installation deadline of December 3.
• Commissioners should send their submissions by zone, excluding prior year
winners, to staff liaison Bruno by December 6.
• Group Judging will occur on Monday, December 11, beginning at 5:00pm.
• Group Awards – Santa Squad Delivery will take place on Monday, December
18, beginning at 5:30pm.
c. Chamber of Commerce soliciting business participants
Staff liaison Bruno confirmed that she had been in contact with the Chamber of
Commerce and that they would help advertise the Holiday Awards program through
the electronic messaging board in front of their building, on Huntington Dr.
6. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON - None
7. REPORT FROM COMMISSIONERS
Vice Chair Laczko expressed the importance of having the Commission present at
events and functions where their work is being recognized. Specifically, Vice Chair
Laczko noted poor attendance from the ABC at the City Council Meeting where the
Water Smart Hero Award winners were recognized, on August 15, 2023. Additionally,
Vice Chair Laczko passed out educational materials on water conservation techniques,
available rebates, and tools.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chairperson Laczko adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m.
_________________________________ By:____________________________
Burton Brink, Chairperson Justine Bruno, Staff Liaison