By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 10 Walnut City Council meeting began by presenting Donut Tree with an award naming it the Winter 2016 Business of the Quarter. The Council thanked Donut Tree for its years of service to the community, for providing an excellent meeting place for celebrities and common residents alike, as well as for providing gracious donations of donuts to anyone who asked.

During the public comments, several residents reported burglaries between Pierre and Lemon, citing homes on Meadowpass and High Knoll as specific victims of these crimes. This group of concerned residents also announced a neighborhood watch meeting on February 16, and encouraged everyone to attend. Deputy Doug Daley also promised increased patrols around the area.

The Council then approved the minutes from the January 26 and 27 City Council special meeting, and the January 27 City Council meeting. After a brief public hearing, the Council remanded a conditional use permit from Sprint wireless back to the Planning Commission, who will review the permit and return the item back to the Council. The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including a resolution allowing $772,961.87 in claims and demands; an amendment to the agreement between the City and Silver and Wright LLP; and a bid to Toyota and Scion of Whittier for a City Fleet Vehicle.

Next, the Council agreed to post the Mt. San Antonio College Development Task Force Expansion and Growth Issues document to the City website, following a review of the document by the new City attorney. The Council also discussed front yard landscaping requirements in residential areas. Although front yards are not required to be completely green, considering the current drought, front yards are not allowed to be overgrown with weeds or have patches of dead soil. Residents should make sure any planned landscaping is in line with city code before remodeling their front yard.

After Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned until February 24 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.