By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR-The March 1 Diamond Bar Council meeting began with an award presentation to Charles Fisher. Fisher reported suspicious activity in his neighborhood, which led to the apprehension of two burglars. He received $500 from the Report for Reward program. Planning Commissioner Bob Nishimura and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ted Owens were also presented with a City Tile, in recognition for their years of service to the community.
Lt. Philip Marquez was also introduced as the newest member of the Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Team. Although Marquez is new to the city, he is not new to policing; he served the public for many years before his move to Diamond Bar.
During the public comments, several residents expressed their distaste for the Millennium home development. The lawyer representing the current owners of Millennium refuted several claims, but residents remained disgruntled.
Next, a Diamond Bar resident called for body cameras to be worn by the city police force, as they would help keep policemen accountable for their actions and possibly reduce unnecessary police force. The City Manager acknowledged the advantages of body cameras, and discussed current efforts to make body cameras part of standard police uniforms. A representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library then announced upcoming events, such a workshop regarding the new SAT and ACT tests on March 12 from 12-4 p.m., and a presentation about diabetes on March 14 from 2-3 p.m.
The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes from the City Council meeting of February 16; ratification of a check register totaling $762,553.58; the treasurer’s statement for the month of January 2015; an agreement with Exterior Products Corporation for services related to vertical street pole banners; a design and construction administration/inspection services contract for Area 4 residential and collector street rehabilitation to Onward Engineering, Inc; a contract amendment with Fehr & Peers for the development of the adaptive traffic control system request for proposal and travel time data collection; a resolution authorizing participation in the MiCTA Master Services Agreement government purchasing program and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a seven-year agreement with Time Warner Cable to purchase increased internet bandwidth; and a resolution amending the City’s personnel rules and regulations, effective March 2. The Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance amending city code relating to an administrative personnel system.
Following Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned until March 22 at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.
The schedule of future events includes the Planning Commission meeting on March 8 at 7 p.m.; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on March 10 at 7 p.m.; the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on March 24 at 7 p.m.; and the State of the City by Mayor Lyons on March 30 at 6 p.m. at 1600 Grand Ave. The Planning Commission meeting for March 22 was cancelled, and the next City Council meeting was postponed to March 22 at 6:30 p.m.