October 19, 2015 Minutes – Approved

Acton Town Council Meeting Minutes – Draft – 10/19/2015

1. Flag Salute and Roll Call – Meeting called to order at 7:35 p.m. Present at the meeting were the following:  Christopher Croisdale, Michael Hughes, Ray Billet, Jacki Ayer, Tom Costan, Kelly Teno,  and Thor Merich. Absent: Pam Wolter.
2. Minutes of 10/5/2015: Hard copy distributed.  Corrections made and minutes of 10/5/2015 finalized.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Balance in ATC bank account is $1734.27
4. Sheriff’s Report: Dept. Short reported that there were 35 reports for September. The reports included burglaries, one grand theft auto, one arson, child abuse and elder abuse. Dept. Short reported that for the period of January 1 – Sept. 30 of 2015, the reports were down by 45% as compared to the same period last year.  Dept. Short also noted that people should be aware of IRS scam artists who are making phone calls. He also noted that people should stock up on sand bags.
5. SCE Report: No Report
6. Library Report:  Community Library Manager John Elford reported that the Acton Agua Dulce Library has a homework program in the afternoon which is serving primarily middle school children.  He said that there are two positions open for monitors of the program who would help the students with familiarizing them with the on-line resources of the library.
7. Announcements and Correspondence: See High Speed Rail
8. ATC 501 c 3 / c 4 – By laws need to be finalized.
9. ATC Bylaws – Michael Hughes:  The Acton Town Council by-laws were reviewed and final changes were voted on by the Council and the Community present at the meeting. The Acton Town Council Standards of Decorum were reviewed and final changes were voted on by the Council and the Community at the meeting.
10. Animal Facility Ordinance – Jacki Ayer: It was noted that currently dog breeding is limited to M-1 zones; under the new Animal Facility Ordinance breeding would be allowed in A-2 zones which were greatly expanded. The acting president of the ARTC is fighting for a CUP to be required for kennels and breeding facilities.  It was noted that the CSD’s can limit concentrations of animal facilities in their own districts.  Mr. Bruckner, LA County Regional Planning has noted all of the substantive comments.
11. Committee Reports:
    1. Planning Coordination, Trails and Open Space: Jacqueline Ayer.
    2. High Speed Rail: Pam Wolter. Ms. Wolter was absent, but Jacqueline Ayer had communication with the Forest Service and reported that High Speed Rail submitted a special use application to drill 5 – 8 holes in the forest area. The hole depth will start at 4900 feet and may be only 800 feet deep.  These holes would not be useful for evaluating extent of ground water. The US Forest Service issued a permit and established a scoping period through 10/23/2015 for the drilling of the holes. High Speed Rail sent out 200 e-mails and 150 letters informing residents of the intent to drill the holes in the forest.  It was also noted that High Speed Rail should have sent out letters and e-mails to EVERYONE who submitted comments on the proposed eastern route of the Palmdale to Burbank section. If you made comments to High Speed Rail on the Eastern Section, contact George Furra 626-574-5301 or [email protected] of the  Forest Service to extend the scoping period.  There is a High Speed Rail Board meeting in Fresno on November 10th.  The Hanford group would like support from other HSR groups at the meeting.  Acton will be organizing a meeting to go to Fresno.
    3. Publicity and Association of Rural Town Councils: Tom Costan and Ray Billet: The Association of Rural Town Councils is looking for a President. Susan Zahtner is the acting President.
    4. Finance Ways and Means: Thor Merich
    5. By-Laws – Michael Hughes – see above.
    6. Public Works and Utilities: Christopher Croisdale – Chris is still noting  issues lack of public notification of road closures due to filming.  Jacki Ayer noted the grading in the Vincent area for MetroLink – contact is Scott Johnson.  Cal Trans is going to be installing ramp meters from Palmdale to Santa Clarita for traffic synchronization.
    7. Emergency Response and Disaster Planning: Michael Hughes
    8. Beautification, Illegal Dumping: Katherine Tucker
12. Unfinished Business: None
13. New Business: Mike from Shannon Valley made comments on the ATC website.  He noted that the Agenda was not up for the 10/19/2015 meeting. He said that he would like to see the Calendar filled in and also the address for the library noted.
14. Meeting Adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Next scheduled Acton Town Council meeting will be held on November 2, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Acton Agua Dulce Library located at 33792 Crown Valley Road, Acton, CA 93510