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Monrovia Council: Plastic Bag Ban; Federal Control of Hillsides; Etc.

At its May 6, 7:30 p.m. meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/01ZFSa ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider banning plastic grocery bags. "No store shall provide any customer a plastic carryout bag." And, "This prohibition applies to bags provided for the purpose of carrying away goods from the point of sale and does not apply to produce bags or product bags" ( http://goo.gl/EnrRdu ). Comment: I believe this is a needless butting in to the lives of Monrovians. I think the notion that plastic bags are a bigger problem than other forms of waste is not seriously defensible.

~ Discuss proposed Legislation by Congresswoman Judy Chu designating various areas within the San Gabriel Valley as a National Recreation Area. The Monrovia staff report indicates that the proposed NRA boundaries seem to indicate that it would incorporate all of the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, Monrovia Canyon Park, likely some residential homes, Monrovia water and utility infrastructure, Monrovia fire access roads, and Monrovia Fire Station 103 ( http://goo.gl/hRfPiB ). Comment: Why, oh why, would we ever want to give the federal government control over city land - or even nearby non-city land?

~ Consider leasing up to 25 vehicles to replace current vehicles within the Public Works fleet. http://goo.gl/WpWsoF

~ Also, at 4:30 p.m. there will be a study session on the Draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Station Square Transit Village Public Improvements. http://goo.gl/uerfHJ

~ And at 6:30 p.m. there will be a closed session for labor negotiations and new city manager discussion. http://goo.gl/0pvi9a

- Brad Haugaard

5 comments:

  1. Didn't the taxpayers purchase the Hillside Preserve? If that is the case and the city gives the land to the federals government we should at least vote on it or get a refund.

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  2. How can we get that woman Chu to understand that we don't need the Feds taking over part of our parks? I just sent her a nasty email. Agree with anonymous, we should at least get our money back. Can we start a task force or something to oppose this?

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  3. If either of you wishes to address the City Council on this matter, it meets at City Hall at 7:30 p.m. this coming Tuesday, May 6.

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  4. I am in favor of this proposed NRA, and I urge the Monrovia City Council to endorse the idea. The headline of this article is not accurate. The NRA won't provide for federal control or ownership of the hillsides. Existing property rights, zoning regulations and water rights won't be affected on either private or public lands, and federal eminent domain proceedings are prohibited by the legislation. Establishing this NRA will allow for the coordination of recreation opportunities in the area, and potentially provide more resources to ensure that people can continue to enjoy this open space. You can see all the details on Congresswoman Chu’s website at http://chu.house.gov/content/san-gabriel-national-recreation-area-proposal-faq. I see this proposal as one with a substantial potential long-term upside for the City of Monrovia and the entire local area, and very little potential downside.

    The issue of establishing an NRA overlay in the San Gabriel Mountains, including private and public land in Monrovia, deserves a thorough public debate. I encourage the citizens of Monrovia to research this issue, and to voice your opinion at Tuesday’s city council meeting as well as to Congresswoman Chu’s office. I also encourage the public and the City Council to keep the discussion of this issue on a substantive and civil level.

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    Replies
    1. Great info David. Seems like anti everything hysteria has arrived in Monrovia. Be afraid..very afraid..of everything. Shame on our local politicians and a certain developer for promoting politics instead of the facts. It's so much easier to frighten people than provide fair discussion and facts. Monrovia citizens....just read and educate yourselves. Don't rely on city council members and greedy land developers to tell you what to think. Just THINK...

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