
Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale
On Aug. 26, Kelly Howell, a founding member of the Eastvale Community Foundation, was awarded with a certificate of appreciation for her dedication to the City’s development (L-R Joe Tessari, Howell, Clint Lorimore, Sharyn Link, William Link, and Mayor Ike Bootsma).
By Emily Aguilar
Eastvale – The August City Council meetings primarily focused on events, programs, and projects that would benefit the development of Eastvale.
The first Council meeting took place on Aug. 12, where the Public Safety Commission announced the success of the traffic safety map for back to school week. They also mentioned the community’s desire for a Neighborhood Watch leader.
During Presentations and Announcements, Rob Bishop, who is part of the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF), said the group and the Riverside County Transportation Commission have collaborated to work on road projects in the city. TUMF states they will work with Eastvale not only on projects, but will also provide updates on road works and fees based on public growth through NEXUS studies every five years.
Next, Khuzaima Rangwalla and Zahra Rangwalla, two Eastvale City Hall interns, were recognized for their volunteer work. The City was also recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) because they have been successful in arresting 54 drivers for DUI in 2014.
The Student Liaison, Julia Sung, reported that Michael Reagan will be present for the official opening of Ronald Reagan Elementary on Aug. 28. As a result of Reagan’s opening, nearby Clara Barton Elementary has seen a decrease in students, and as a result, there is less traffic for parents to drop off and pick up students. Also, this school year will be the tenth anniversaries for Eleanor Roosevelt High and Harada Elementary.
During Public Comments, Hari Dhiman from the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce elaborated on his hope to reorganize the Chamber, and invited the public to the Evening Mixer on Fri., Aug. 21.
The Council motioned for all items on the Consent Calendar to be approved, including authorizing the Mayor to execute the amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement of the Western Riverside Council of Governments to add the Morongo Band of Mission Indians to the WRCOG Governing Board.
For Council Business, discussion began on initiating projects for flood plain and open lot space in the southwest quadrant of the City, and a professional services agreement with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center to offer workshops to aid small businesses. The item that brought about the most debate was the proposal to hire a professional lobbyist for the City, surrounding the controversy of Assembly Bill 113. A motion was passed 3-2 with regard to the hiring of Joe A. Gonsalves & Son short term.
The City Manager report focused on the completion of the Schleisman Road Project the week of Aug. 2, the selection of a Motorcycle Officer for the Eastvale Police Department, and staff members coordinating City tours.
Before adjournment, Council spoke about the success of National Night Out, and Mayor Bootsma mentioned formulating a committee to support the building of a new public library in Eastvale.
The Aug. 26 meeting began with an update from the Eastvale Community Foundation Update. Sharyn Link shared some details for the City’s 5th Anniversary celebration, and mentioned that Council members were welcome to enter a float in the parade. Link also announced that the Foundation would be donating $5,000 toward the creation of a new City Library. Council thanked the Foundation for their generous donation. Kelly Howell, the founding member of the Foundation was also recognized with a certificate of appreciation for her dedication to the City’s development.
Next, two new staff members were introduced to the council: Chris Hanson and Ramon Gibbons. Hanson will work for the City’s water regulation, and Gibbons will be working in Fields Services.
For the Student Liaison Report, it was announced that Ronald Reagan Elementary will have its official opening on Fri., Aug. 28. Also, ERHS is looking to hold a Winter Festival, possibly on Dec. 12. The event will include games and booths.
There were no public comments, and all items on the Consent Calendar were approved.
Moving on to the Public Hearings, the Council was introduced to the proposal of amending the Goodman Commerce Center Plan. The amendments included approving Chapters 1 and 2, which focused on redefining glossary definitions, and increasing the size of the Business Park area from 40,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet. The motion was approved.
Under City Council Business, Items 9.1 through 9.4 were approved, agreeing to topics such as renaming Cleveland St. to Scholar Way (between 58th St. and Bellegrave Ave. by Sept. 9, and allocating $2,500 to support the International Walk to School Day event taking place Oct. 7. For Item 9.4, Mayor Bootsma and Councilmember Tessari were motioned as the two new library subcommittee participants to ensure the development of the future library. While the Council is eager to create a new library in Eastvale, Tessari took the initiative to propose the possibility of creating a Civic Center to accommodate a new city hall and library; his recommendation was motioned. Item 9.7, which was intended to find funding for state and local transportation infrastructure, was not approved, as the Council believes that receiving the funds could lead to an increase in taxes.
The City Manager staff announced the 9/11 Memorial Event would take place at Cal Fire Station 27. Also, it was announced that a sign, promoted by the Goodman Commerce Center, will be erected on the freeway front facing the I-15 freeway. The sign will be 30 feet tall and 150 feet long, and it will be made of with reflective material that will illuminate images as drivers pass by. Advertisements placed on this sign can also benefit the City by promoting businesses in the area.
Moving onto Council Comments, Mayor Bootsma stated that he will be meeting with Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA); and that he will visit the Reagan Elementary grand opening ceremony. Before adjournment, he encouraged everyone to participate in the International Walk to School Day event on Oct. 7.