BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut – The City of Walnut recently held its first City Council meeting for the month on May 14, with regular business, recognition for the City’s youth commissioners, and a proclamation that May 2014 be known as Water Awareness Month with help from the Walnut Valley Water District.

The City Council members recognized the need for the City to conserve water during the state-wide drought with Mayor Tony Cartagena saying that Walnut residents have managed to cut back on water usage in the last few months. However, Cartagena, and other the City Council members still urged Walnut residents to continue the efforts because the drought is not over yet.
The City Council members then welcomed members from the Walnut Valley Water District to the board meeting and proclaimed that the month of May was Water Awareness Month.

“All Californians need to continue to conserve water,” Mayor Cartagena said. “May 2014 is Water Awareness Month, and we urge all citizens to participate.”

After the presentations, the City Council then approved the agenda minutes – with minor changes from Council Member Nancy Tragarz – for the March 26 City Council and Housing Authority meeting, the April 9 Study Session, the April 9 City Council meeting, and the April 23 City Council and Housing Authority meeting.
The Council then held a public hearing in regard to the 2014-2015 lighting and open space maintenance district assessment, which outlined the progress of work on Grand Avenue.
Without any public feedback, the Council approved the district’s assessment, which has been progressing at a satisfactory rate.

Members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department then introduced and answered questions concerning the adoption of the second reading for the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code, which the City Council then adopted after hearing specifics about how solar panels affect fire codes for certain buildings.

City Council members then went on to approve all five items on the consent calendar, regarding a resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $780, 448.91; the City ShowMobile Use Guide; the approval of a three year contract with Nieves Landscaping, Inc.; the expiration of RedFlex red light cameras at Grand and Amar; and changes in position classification regarding payment of salaries, sick leave, vacation, leaves of absence and other regulations.
The members of the City Council then retreated into a closed session to discuss a settlement negotiation for real property pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8.

The Council officially adjourned with plans to hold its next regular meeting on Wed., May 28 at 7 p.m. in the City Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.