By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – The Walnut City Council met on Wed., Mar. 25, for a regular meeting, and once again the hot topic of the night pertained to ongoing discussions on how to handle the proposed Mount San Antonio College parking structure.

Council approved the minutes for the Feb. 24 City Council and Planning Commission meetings, and the Mar. 11 Council meeting.  All items on the consent calendar were approved, including the resolution of claims and demands in the amount of $968,349.82; a contractual agreement for auditing services; an alcoholic beverage license application for Circle K; and the final acceptance for the street light improvements on Grand Avenue and Arcadia Way.

Mayor Nancy Tragarz questioned part of the claims and demands resolution, saying that $310.20 was used to pay for City Attorney Michael Montgomery’s travel expenses to attend the Annual Spring Conference in Monterey, and was not a viable expense since he is considered an independent contractor. Tragarz said the only expenses that his contract allows for are, “extraordinary photocopies, parking fees at court houses, filing fees, messenger fees, jury fees, expert fees and a phone.”  Despite her claims, the item was still passed.

The Council then approved the only item on its successor agency consent calendar, for claims and demands in the amount of $1,250.

Council then started its only discussion item; the possibility of a Mt. SAC College Development Task Force.  This was an idea that came about during recent weeks of public outcry for stronger City involvement to monitor the community college’s parking structure and other future projects.

After a long discussion with public feedback, the City approved a motion to start a screening process in order to select ten Walnut residents to occupy the subcommittee.

During Public Comments, some residents attending from the Timberline neighborhood asked City officials to move toward litigation against the college, citing that the parking structure would increase traffic congestion, noise pollution, air pollution and ruin the backyard views of many of the nearby houses.

The Council then adjourned to closed session in order to discuss possible litigation against the Mt. SAC parking structure, with plans to meet again on Apr. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Council chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.