Local Citizen ( and city council member) Barbra Williamson has sent out a press release that she is forming an ad hoc committee
( that is unrelated to the city of Simi Valley) to look into any expansion of the Simi Valley landfill.
Barbra gives credit to this blog for helping to formulate the ideas behind of the committee. In the next few days expect to see a story in local papers.
I hope she includes people from a variety of backgrounds to ensure the public is aware of the different proposals.
The big questions are about taking trash from outside cities, daily truck trips, and their environmental programs. Go to their website to see more about their environmental programs.
Click on continue reading for more details.
For Immediate Release
Landfill Advisory Committee
Proposed by Barbra Williamson
Responding to a proposal placed on a Ventura County Star web blog, Simi Valley City council Member Barbra Williamson has decided to form a community advisory committee to gather the facts and the community concerns regarding the proposed expansion of the Simi Valley Landfill.
Council Member Williamson states, "I strongly believe that the public should be advised and have input as the process moves forward. I do not believe that a proposal that effects our environment, traffic, health and quality of life should be negotiated without public input.�?
Williamson warns that simply waiting for the formal application to be filed before inviting public comment does not allow for adequate public education and input. "By that time it is really too late for the community to influence any necessary changes. The time for in put is now, before Waste management or county representatives solidify their plans.�?
Citing rumors about the expansion and contacts made to her since the blog posting, Williamson says she wants to clarify what kinds of proposals are actually being considered. "Until recently, we were told there were no plans at all to expand. Now that we know the truth, Waste management should make their plans transparent and include community contributions to any expansion proposal.�?
The advisory committee would not be an official City sponsored committee and would therefore serve to provide detailed project information to the public and recommendations to Waste Management and the county. Consisting of seven appointees, including Williamson, all seven would be entitled to a vote on specific recommendations. An additional seat would be reserved for a Waste management representative to participate.
Individuals interested in being considered for this advisory committee should contact Barbra Williamson. Committee applicants should include all pertinent contact information and one paragraph detailing their desire to serve.
Application deadline is April 20th; Appointments will be announced on May 1st.
Simi Valley City Council Member Barbra Williamson
EMAIL: irishart@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (805) 231-2497
Barbra:
Sorry I missed the Homeless task force yesterday. I couldn't escape on time with quarter end looming. I look forward to hearing the outcomes of that meeting on the panhandling question.
Now, back to this question.
If you could accomplish one thing out of this committee what would it be?
To know first hand what plans Waste & and County have for the Simi Valley Landfill, and to participate in the discussions. Want to join?
When Waste Management last went for permit modification it increased its boundaries by 1,000 acres but didn't change it tpd of 3,000. That was five years ago. Now it has the acreage but is operating at its tpg capacity. It is trying to be able to haul out its waste recyling material and not count it as tpd while also increasing the 3000 tpd. Let's see if this theory is correct. Congrats on your new committee. What a great idea.
So join us! We need all the help and input we can get.
Bravo Barbra,
This committee is long over due. As we found out during the Supervisor's Race we the public knew little about what was happening with the expansion and were even lied to. Now the public can play a role. I'm excited to hear what has happened and where Waste is going with their expansion. Way to go Barbra !!
I expect you to participate too!
Thanks
Funny how Waste emails out a newsletter to everyone about all the wonderful awards they've received from community groups right after Barbra decides to form her committee. No one has said Waste doesn't buy tables at events, the real important question is what's going on with the expansion. That affects our health, environment and traffic. Anyone want to bet on how they start spinning their company. Good going Barbra.
Barbra,
Thanks for having the B_____S to form a committee. You are the only member on the council that gives a Rat's Rear about OUR community. I will be sending an application in shortly, Thanks Again for showing Courage.
Since this is "Fair and Balanced" I would like everyone to know I received a message from Mike Smith. We haven't spoken directly to one another, but I am hoping he called to be a part of the committee....I will keep everyone posted. Just an FYI...I send the press release to all local newspapers, and I didn't see anything in print. Hopefully the release will get out to the community. I can't think of any reason why they would not alert the community to this committee...
Finally someone who has the guts to take on the toughest of issues. If ever Simi Valley had a leader, this lady is the one.
Barbra, if the local papers don't mention the formation of this committee, it will reinforce how valuable the Dennert blog is to the community.
Barbra,
Please let all of us know what Mike Sedell says,
since many of us think Mike is much to silent on important issues before our city, after all he is OUR City Manager. Mike should not simply count heads of the council members but should take an active roll in what the residents think are important issues. Way to often he simply sits up on the Dias and says nothing. I realize he is not elected but I assume you guys put him there because he has a good knowledge of local government.His job should be representing and protecting Simi's citizens.
I agree with fair and balanced. Mike Sedell makes over $150,000.00 a year of tax payers money and usually never chimes in, unless of course he has the Mayor or Baccerra on his side. Enough with that, Mike Sedell always sides with the majority side. Waste has much to much of a touchy, feely relationship with Mr. Sedell, Peter Foy and Johnny Johnston. It seems only you Barbra represent this city.
Mike Sedell owes the taxpayers of this city more than he is giving. Why can't he ever talk about really important issues. I was at the State of the City address of Mayor Miller and it made me sick. According to him all is well, don't worry about anything and Chamber you're doing great. Well I'm a 15 year member of the Chamber and every Mayor says the same BS. Barbra is the only person this city has elected who will talk and discuss things that might not be so good. We need leaders not puppets. Thank you Barbra for all the courage you have always shown.
ACtually Mike Sedell is only on the dias to answer questions. He is not suppose to partake in the discussions unless a staff person can't answer a question or perhaps made an error in answering. MIke is NOT a 6th Council person and he doesn't want to be.
Barbra,
Thanks for the clarification, but Mike Sedell can help direct the city council during the week before the meeting. He knows what's going on and should brief the council and yes even help direct council to discuss and take action on important issues. He doesn't need to say a word at council meetings. It happens in other cities throughout this county and state. Keep up the good work Barbra.
Non Bubba,
Oh Mike does keep the Council abreast of issues prior to the meetings. I hope I didn't mislead you. He's very good at that.
Mike Sedell is a very good City Manager and very knowledgeable on many issues. He is not a politician, nor is it his role to try and influence the decisions of the City Council. He is there to present information when asked, which is is what a City Manager is suppose to do. We don't need a City Manager that attempts to use his role to "direct the city council" before meetings. Not only is that outside of his role, but meeting behind the scenes with council members to influence votes would probably be a violation of the Brown Act.
You are correct Bubba...Mike is a very good City Manager. Perhaps one of the best in Ventura County, that's why we pay him the BIG bucks...he's worth every dollar.
Homeless? Or "Houseless"? The majority of residents without stable or adequate housing in Ventura County are NOT homeless, but are, unfortunately lumped into the former category. And with the rise in home indebtedness (which the powers that be liked to call "home ownership" we are going to see a dramatic increase in the "houseless" who are mostly families, employed, educated and bewildered (and in denial) about what is about happen to them. Again, read Lou Dobb's book, "The War on the Middle Class" for an intelligent, albeit "scary" prediction of things to come.
Enough about Sedell. He gets a C at best. Barbra I'm a big supporter of your's but I don't believe it's fair to put you on the spot about Sedell. He's average that's all. More important I'm glad to see you had the guts to form a Watch Dog Committee. Enough of other peoples Trash. Why the rush for expansion and why no comments from our new supervisor Peter Foy. He told us during the campaign there would be no expansion. Well Mr. Foy wrong again or did you know then?
Mr. Foy was faxed or e-mailed a copy of my press release regarding the formation of the committee. I have not heard back. He did say in the newspaper, however, that he would not support any more trucks on the 118...
Hello my friends :)
;)
tks for the effort you put in here I appreciate it!