Photo Courtesy: Google

By Natalie Kim

Walnut – Mayor Bob Pacheco began the Aug. 12 Walnut City Council by recognizing employee, Alicia Jensen, Deputy Community Services Director. Through Jensen’s hard work and efforts, City planned events run smoothly and successfully, and all members of the Council praised her hard work.

After Jensen’s recognition, Michael Cacciotti, a board member from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, made a presentation on the levels of pollution in the Southland, most notably the negative effects of air pollution from diesel engines in vehicles such as trucks or ships, among other sources. Cacciotti concluded the presentation on ways to reduce air pollution, such as bicycling or commuting as opposed to driving, and using electric landscaping devices like electric lawn mowers and leaf blowers.

Following Public Comments, the Council approved several items on the Consent Calendar, including a resolution allowing Walnut $934,178.50 in certain claims and demands; an amendment between Walnut and Silver & Wright, LLP; final acceptance of a Parcel Map of Avenida Esplendor; a request to proceed with formal bids for business license software; a waiver of parking restrictions on La Puente Road; final acceptance for installation of speed bumps on Yale Avenue; final acceptance for the installation of a guardrail on Gartel Drive; and the appointment of Bella Cristobal to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

The Council then denied a license agreement between the City and Verizon Wireless, after residents expressed concern about the safety and aesthetic appeal of installing a cell tower in Snow Creek Park. The Council also denied a contract to MIG, Inc. to prepare a General Plan Update. Although the General Plan has not been updated since 1978, the Council is still seeking a lower bid for the contract.

The meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.