The Walnut City Council discussed a variety of items at their recent meeting, including the possibility of adopting a program to reward citizens for providing information leading to arrests. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)
BY RAYMOND MENDOZA
Walnut – The Walnut City Council met for its regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12, with major concerns from the Walnut Valley Water District for water conservation in the City.
Walnut Valley Water District Manager of Administration, Jose Martinez, gave a presentation urging residents to reduce water usage after a state of water emergency was declared this month.
“We encourage all citizens to reduce water use and to save every drop that they can,” Allen Wu, director of the Walnut Valley Water District director, said.
Martinez and Wu were also joined by Walnut Valley Water District Director of Administrative Services, Sandra Olson, and Director for the Board of Directors, Scarlett Kwong, who each took turns answering questions from City Council members. Martinez mentioned that the Walnut Valley Water District offers rebates for water efficient toilets, washing machines, and rain barrels for collecting rain water. He asked interested residents to visit the water district’s website at wvwd.com for more information.
After the presentation, City Council members approved the minutes for the Jan. 22 City Council meeting and adopted Resolution No. 14-04 for amending the housing element of the City of Walnut General Plan.
City Council members then approved all items on the consent calendar, which included: resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $783,377.47; Resolution No. 14-06 for changes in position classifications; authorization for the City Manager to enter into contract with the Planning Center Consultants to prepare environmental and technical analyses for the She Homes Mixed-Use Project on Valley Boulevard; mid-year request for additional appropriation of funds; and plans and authorization to receive formal bids for the Amar Road Street Rehabilitation Project.
City Council members then discussed the possibility of adopting a crime tip reward program to reward citizens for providing information leading to arrests. Council Member Nancy Tragarz argued that citizens should be willing to provide information to police without the possibility of money. The Council then agreed to look into the program further at a later meeting and would not vote on approval of the item.
The City Council then approved both items on the successor agency consent calendar, for Resolution No.14-07 for approving the administration budget for July through December 2014, and Resolution No. 14-08 for approving ROPS for July through December 2014.
After council member announcements, the Walnut City Council returned to closed session and scheduled its next regular meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 26.
