Concern expressed about low return on La Palma's General Fund revenue By Larry Caballero La Palma Councilmember Steve Hwangbo expressed concern during the Cash and Investment report over the paltry 5 percent return on the City’s General Fund revenue at the May 3 city council meeting. City Manager Dominic Lazaretto explained that the City invests in the state’s local investment fund (LAIF) that has paid a reasonable return in the past and has lower management fees than other investments, but he agreed that the City should look into other investment strategies for the future. Several residents shared concerns with the proposed Fiscal Year 2011-12 General Fund Budget, but Rodriguez assured them that it is still in the preliminary stages. “This is just the beginning of the journey.” He encouraged residents to attend public meetings on May 17, Jun. 2 and Jun. 21 when the Draft Budget will be delivered, an informal Q & A on the Budget will take place and the Final Budget will be adopted. The city was presented a Proclamation from representatives from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to honor the successful completion of Measure M at the May 3 meeting of the city council. The tax amounted to more than $3 million that La Palma was able to use to “improve the quality of lives for our residents and businesses,” said Rodriguez. Concern About City Trees Most residents would rather stay at home on a weeknight rather than attend a local city council meeting, but not in La Palma. It was a packed house May 3 when an item to authorize the City Manager to
COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • MAY 13 , 2011 3 poor lighting at night because the trees sultant to report back to Council if it is posblock the streetlights making it dangerous sible to cut the roots of the trees without for pedestrians walking. One neighbor ex- causing irreparable harm to the trees or pressed concern about increased air con- jeopardize the public safety. The final deditioning costs in the summer if the trees cision on the trees along Houston will be were to be removed. Another resident felt addressed at a future meeting. Proclamations the trees were beautiful, but too large now In recognition of a Peace Officers’ Me“and they outgrew their stay.” Former La Palma Mayor Ed Byrne re- morial Day program scheduled for May 15 minded the Council that the City was once in La Palma, Mayor Ralph Rodriguez prehonored as Tree City USA, and “the 110 sented a Proclamation and said, “We honor majestic pines on Houston were partly re- tonight our law enforcement officers who sponsible.” Byrne had surveyed numerous sacrificed their lives in the line of duty in streets in the City and reported that “there 2010.” Mayor Rodriguez also honored the Orare other areas that have similar damage, but no action is being taken to correct ange County Fire Authority representatives by recognizing Arson Prevention Week. In them.” Former Mayor Larry Herman said he the U.S. over 210,300 fires had been dewas neutral on the issue but felt the trees at liberately set in 2010. OCFA stressed the least needed trimming. “Maybe the roots important role that residents have in helpneed to be cut, but that could weaken the ing to eliminate this issue. “Don’t create an environment for a fire, trees. They probably are too large for the and report suspicious activities immediatearea. Former City Engineer Ishmile Noorh- ly,” said Rodriguez. bash supported the residents who wanted to preserve the trees and urged the Council “to continue this matter for a later time.” After much deliberation and discussion, the Council voted unanimously to cut down the trees on Walker that were causing extensive damage and had grown into overhead power lines. They also agreed to hire an arborist con-
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execute contracts for removal of trees in the frontage medians on Houston Avenue and Walker Street came up for discussion. La Palma Public Works Director and City Engineer Jeff Moneda explained to the Council that curbs and gutters in the area were in need of significant repairs because of the tree roots. “The roots can also cause potential damage to the water and sewage lines as well,” said Moneda. Pine cones landing on residents’ heads as they take their morning strolls and sap on cars were additional issues, as well as maintenance and on-going repair costs. The residents who lived closest to the trees shared the most complaints while neighbors in adjacent streets wanted the trees to remain. One neighbor said the trees serve as a windbreaker and help stifle freeway noise while also “sucking up” carbon dioxide. Another neighbor requested that an environmental impact survey be done before any action is taken, while another described the trees as “majestic” that helped to raise property values since property owners would enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the trees. Residents also described, “Waking up in the morning, drinking a cup of coffee, watching the birds, and admiring the trees before heading off to work or school.” One concern expressed by all of the neighbors is what kind of tree, if any, would replace the existing pine trees. “Whatever the Council decides tonight,” said one resident, “there will be consequences.” Rodriguez stated that the landscape plan would be established in Phase 2 of the repair, and that no selection was being recommended that night. When one resident told the Council that his mother-in-law almost slipped and “killed herself” on a fallen pine cone, another said tthere was always a possibility of slipping on something while walking. “She could have slipped on something else. That is one price we pay for being closer to nature.” Another concern voice was about the
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