Eastvale’s City Council posing with the Eastvale Queens (Photo By Adriana Agredano)

By Carissa Herb

Eastvale – The first City Council meeting for 2015 was held at Rosa Parks Elementary on Jan. 14.  The meeting began promptly at 6:30 p.m., with council members Ike Bootsma, William Link, and Adam Rush present.

During the Presentations/Announcements, former Planning Commissioner, Fred Valentine, was presented with an award by Mayor Ike Bootsma, Bill Link, and Adam Rush. There was a presentation given for the Western Riverside Council of Governments’ (WRCOG) activities, and updates regarding City boundaries and improved energy efficiency.

The Public Safety Commission update discussed programs for safety preparedness within the community, along with upcoming safety classes taking place in order to be more prepared for a disaster.          During the Public Comments section, Kathy Walker discussed her change in position. Michael Offutt from the Chamber of Commerce mentioned the ribbon cutting ceremony for Griggs Mutual Realty & Management, and the First Annual Chairman’s Gala.  Cesar Morales shared his opinions on Shop Eastvale Pride and how there needs to be more positive promotion for shopping in Eastvale.

The consent calendar was passed 3-0. The Public Hearings passed 3-0. There was no Old Business.

In the New Business section of the meeting, there were no public comments. David Flores was sworn in as incoming Commissioner.  There was no City Manager’s Report.

During Council Communications, Councilman Rush brought up Police Department service hours, traffic shifts, hot spots throughout the area, financial statutes, robberies, and better animal control services. Councilman Link spoke about the clarification of mandatory street sweeping.

The meeting was concluded and adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

The second Council meeting of the month was held on Jan. 28, and began at 6:43 p.m. with all council members present.

There was no invocation and the meeting went straight into the presentations and announcements.

The Eastvale Community Foundation update was given by Alexandra and James Rush (no relation to Adam Rush).  They discussed upcoming events and efforts taking place regarding Picnic in the Park, youth scholarship programs, and the golf tournament taking place later this year.

Eastvale Police Chief Horton introduced new Assistant Chief of Police, Lt. Scott Forbes.

The Interim Finance Director, James Riley, was also introduced.

The Student Liaison Report was given by ASB President, Jakob Rivera, who elaborated on a recent fundraiser by the local elementary schools in order to raise money for the Stacy Family, who has three children in need of special care.  The money raised went toward a new handicap van for the family.

Public Comments were brief, with discussion of the Eastvale Pageant that took place, and the introduction of the new court.

The Consent Calendar passed 5-0.

In the Public Hearing section, a presentation was given on Project No. 13-0632 (Schleisman Road and Sumner Avenue). The presentation discussed whether to turn the open lot on that corner into residential or retail.  After the vote it was decided that further discussion will be needed.

The Old Business section included ideas for the Limonite/I-15 bridge design. The design decision passed 5:0.

In the New Business section of the meeting, Items 10.1 through 10.3 passed 5:0. New appointments were discussed, including Anwer Khan, as the new Public Safety Commissioner, and Howard Feng, as the new Planning Commissioner.

The City Manager’s Report included the fixing of the City’s zip code.

In Council Communications, Clint Lorimore and Joe Tessari discussed the Public Safety Realignment Conference they attended in Sacramento.

The meeting was concluded and adjourned at 8:53 p.m.