Legislative Action Committee

November 1, 2007 meeting minutes

 

 

ATTENDANCE:  

Corrine Delgado – North Hills Real Estate

Gene Morrill – Certified Auto                                         Catherine Nichols – GUSD

Doris Blum – GUSD                                                     Marilyn Grinsdale – Citrus College

Brian Mejia – Supervisor Antonovich                              Matt Bartlett – Century 21

Steve Johnson – Assemblyman Adams                           Cliff Hamlow – Azusa Pacific University

                                                                                                           

Meeting called to order at 12:15 p.m. by Chairman, Cliff Hamlow

Amendment to the October 4, 2007 minutes.  “Opposition is mounting to Prop 92”, not Prop 98.

Welcome and Self- Introductions  

 

Chairman’s Report – Cliff Hamlow – Cliff began the meeting by thanking Catherine Nichols for the great lunch provided to the attendees at the 1st Legislative Forum held in the GUSD boardroom on  October 26, 2007.  It was a full house with all 50 seats filled.  People arrived on time and the only negative from the event was the lack of questions from the crowd during the Q & A session. Catherine Nichols responded that she was pleased with the turnout and feels very positive about the benefit to our membership that the lunches will provide. Gene Morrill suggested that people be given cards to write their questions on as they arrive.  Azusa Pacific University was pleased to sponsor the first luncheon and Athens Services will likely sponsor the November luncheon.  In return for their $300 sponsorship fee, the committee decided that the sponsor will receive 4 complimentary tickets, recognition at the luncheon, recognition in the press releases, listing on the Chamber website as a sponsor and being allowed to distribute business related items at the event.  The $300 sponsorship is needed to offset some of the costs of holding the luncheon, such as printing and postage expenses.  Gene Morrill asked how the sponsors are picked and can any business sponsor a luncheon.  Catherine Nichols suggested that a copy of the Legislative Priorities be given to each attendee at the lunches.    

 

Legislative Updates -  Please limit reports to 3 minutes or less and bring handouts for the Committee:

 

Brian Mejia, Supervisor Antonivich:  Brian asked for suggestions on topics for the Supervisor to speak upon when he addresses a Legislative Luncheon Forum in 2008.  Suggestions included: 

1.  how can the County and the Chamber cohesively work together.  2.  clarification of differences in County and City Services.  3.  how does the County feel about the County pocket areas within city limits.  4.  regional transportation issues such as the Gold Line and the Alameda Corridor.  5. water issues.  6.  emergency room problems and issues.  Brian then reported that 150 arrests, 101 weapons and millions of dollars in illegal drugs were confiscated in September D.I.S.A.R.M searches.  Two local assistance centers have been opened in Santa Clarita and Castaic to assist the recent fire victims.  The Supervisor is supporting the campaign to recognize Japanese/American soldiers on a commerative stamp.

 

Corey Calaycay, Senator Margett:   No report

 

Steve Johnson, Assemblyman Adams:  Steve reported that the legislature will be back in session at the end of November.  Water and health issues will remain hot topics.  Although approved by both houses, the Governor vetoed a bill allowing golf carts to pass over city streets. The Assemblyman held his first public town hall meeting in Lake Arrowhead for the recent fire victims. 

 

Richard Rea, Congressman David Dreier:   No report

 

Glendora Unified School District, Catherine Nichols:  Catherine reported that she recently attended an event in Glendale where Assemblyman Kirkorian spoke on the subject of declining enrollment in area schools.  Enrollment in Glendora schools is down at every grade and although many budget cuts have taken place, there are more to come. A 9.3% decrease in population equates to over $4 million in lost revenue.  Steve Johnson mentioned the proposal to develop a coalition of Legislators to discuss the issue of preventing charter oak schools from taking over closed public schools.  Also there needs to be an equalization of funding because charter schools are funded at a higher rate than public schools.  Doris Blum mentioned that Homecoming and the Homecoming Parade are taking place on November 2nd. 

 

Marilyn Grinsdale, Citrus College:  Marilyn mentioned the 2nd annual Veterans event taking place on November 8, 2007 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Work is ongoing to develop a regional caucus legislative program.  Cliff Hamlow mentioned the meeting he attended at LAX about getting the Gold Line to the airport.

 

Jennetta Harris, So. Calif. Edison:  No report

 

Bob Cruz, So, Calif. Gas:  No report

 

Old Business – New Business :  Cliff Hamlow mentioned that the RV parking issue is on the agenda for the December 18, 2007 City Council meeting.  Unpermitted grading of area hillsides will be discussed at the January 15, 2008 Council meeting.  Matt Bartlett mentioned the Gold Line proposal for a mixed use development on the Post Office Property. 

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:10 pm

 

Minutes recorded by V. Thompsett