Thanks to Ron Mechsner for taking such great minutes. This will now be a regular feature on this blog. The minutes will only be posted after the council approval.

West Ranch Town Council
Minutes for the Meeting Dated: March 1, 2006

A. Call to Order / Roll Call:
a. Meeting called to order at 6:35 pm
b. Present: Paul Ash, Dave Bossert, Ron Mechsner, Brian Toqe, Randal Winter, Betty Griffin
c. Absent: James Zimmerman
B. Approval of February Minutes
a. Approved by a vote of 6 – 0
C. Treasurers Report
a. Treasurer was not in attendance, no formal report provided. The balance is believed to be the same as for the February report – $989.75.
D. Presentations to the Council
a. Steve Teeman – Castaic Town Council and a member of their Vision Committee made a presentation based on the information developed by the Committee and the Castaic Town Council regarding Incorporation and LAFCO.
i. Steve advised that the presentation remains a ‘work in progress’
ii. The presentation was a representation of the process and a timeline developed for the Castaic Town Council for Incorporation of a New City based on working back from the current end date (7/1/09) for bill AB1602. This Legislation is currently being considered in Sacramento that would restore for a limited period of time funding for new cities from vehicle license fees. (VLF revenues were ended in 2004.)
iii. The question was posed to the West Ranch Council as to our interest to partner / work with Castaic Town Council towards incorporation as well as an offer for discussion regarding boundaries. Paul Ash indicated that an answer would be provided to Castaic Town Council in 30 days.
b. Virginia Maloles representing Los Angeles County made a presentation to the Council on the proposed franchise system for the open-market areas of unincorporated Los Angeles County (36 total – 18 for the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley areas) regarding solid waste collection. The areas could be exclusive, semi-exclusive, or open / non-exclusive. Bids were being collected for the entire area – 7 major categories in the evaluation process. Public meetings are scheduled for 4/27 (Castaic Sports Center) and 5/26 (LA Cty Public Library in Canyon Country).
c. James McCarthy – Park Project Coordinator, North Agency, County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation made a presentation to the Council regarding a proposed improvement to Jake Kuredijian County Park. Parks and Recreation was seeking Council feedback as to adding either a Restroom facility to the Park or Children’s Playground area to the Park.
i. The decision was made to poll residents / park users to determine their preference as well as meet with the School officials, PTA, and the Stevenson Ranch HOA to determine their preferences / concerns before making a decision next month.
E. County Business
a. Parks & Recreation – Doug Newell: Flag Football starting – will run from 3/11 to 5/20. The Skateboard facility was temporarily closed as the program was being re-evaluated given the safety concerns (many trying to use w/o safety equipment. Ground Maintenance for the softball field scheduled for 3/14. Newsletters available on other upcoming events (Easter egg hunt, etc.) Also present, Al Evans, Park Manager for Santa Clarita Valley –Sylmar area – responsible for park programs, special events in the area.
b. Sheriff’s Department – Deputy Sgt. Wallace indicated that crime was down significantly in the month – Feb 06 being the quietest month in 6 years. The rest of the SC Valley did not match this. The incident on Hemingway from late Jan is still an open investigation.
c. Supervisor Antonovich’s office – Bob Hauter: Presented a County of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation to Lennar Corporation for their efforts and partnership with the County and Community at the Parks.
F. Committee Reports
a. Community Liaisons:
i. Randall Winter – Southern Oaks: Nothing to report
ii. Brian Toque – Westridge: HOA is attempting to enforce a 1 to 1 ratio of vehicles to licensed drivers at each residence with government vehicles being exempt.
iii. Chuck O’Connell – Sunset Pointe / Enclave: Reported continued positive response from the community regarding the revised Lyons Canyon project.
iv. Stevenson Ranch HOA: None.
b. Bylaws Committee – report by Paul Ash. Discussion on Election Standards and Timeline. Staggered election – top 3 vote getters, 2 year term, next 4 vote getters – 1 year term needed initially to establish new pattern of 2 year terms. Additional discussion (executive meeting to be planned) needed regarding confirming timeframe (around 4th of July) and fee / application process for candidates. Final report anticipated for the April Council Meeting.
c. Public Safety & Security: Covered in County report – 2 vehicle burglaries only.
d. Parks – Dave Bossert: Meeting in mid March with County Fire Department regarding 4th of July show. Needs volunteers and assistance for the show – particularly on the day of the show at the park.
e. Government Relations – Dave Bossert: More activity is planned by this committee. Met with Lennar – viewed new design plans for the work currently underway around Magic Mountain. More information to be presented at a future meeting. Work involves new residential / office units.
G. Old Business
a. None
H. Meeting Adjourned at 8:19 pm.