Lynwood Rotary Meeting Update 11.10.2016

Using a power point presentation, Lorry Hemp explained the project objectives. She described the Old Annex Building and the departments that housed there before it was torn down.  The decision to build a new building had to be scaled down to fit the available budget.  She introduced two engineers with companies under contract for the construction:  Gregg Murray and Robert Lathrop.  Her presentation addressed the following:  budget, project scope and design.  The total construction cost is $ 5.5 million, with the total budget being $7 million.  The total size is over 10,000 sq. feet.  In addition to new council chambers, there will offices for each of the council members, as well as the offices and storage area for IT Staff.  The council chambers will provide increased capacity from the present 70 to 120 persons, and there will be overflow capacity in the lobby for additional attendees.  The project was approved by the Council in June 2014, with ground breaking just occurring in October 2016, and with completion scheduled for November 2017.  Concrete is just now being done for the foundations.  The old council chamber will remain for various city related functions.  The two contract engineers present provided interesting comments about the importance of forward thinking and of being proactive in the necessary coordination of all the elements for the construction. 

One of the questions from a guest was to what extent is the new building “green” construction.  Part of the answer is that with respect to solar energy there will be solar panels for the new Community Center Building in Ham Park.

Before the presentation, President Ramon Rodriguez talked about his efforts to repair the trailer that has been used for the Rotary float in the annual Candy Cane Parade.  He described the work underway to ensure that the trailer is operational for the float.  He mentioned that Lucy Avalos’ brother-in-law will help decorate the float. 

Among the guests present at the meeting was Cheryl Bradford, Manager of the Teen Challenge International Lynwood facility, who was the Rotary speaker two weeks ago.  She talked about a need for student and office supplies for Lynwood Teen Challenge residents.  President Ramon advised that he would sell the needed supplies at wholesale prices from his Ace Hardware Store in Lynwood.  Roman stated that he was very impressed with the presentations of the three women living at the Lynwood facility when they spoke at the Rotary meeting two weeks ago.

President Ramon mentioned again the Rotary District 5280 District Conference scheduled for Dec 4 thru 6 in Lake Arrowhead,  He encouraged members to sign up (RSVP needed soon) describing how informative and interesting are these District conferences.  There was also mention again of the scheduled turkey give away event scheduled for Tue, Nov 22.  Lynwood Rotary will provide its banner for the canopy to be provided by the City.  With the support of a Lynwood business, Rotary will give out 120 turkeys through the Lynwood Senior Center.

At 11am on Nov 10, before the Rotary meeting the annual Veteran’s Day Celebration was held by the City of Lynwood, this time, in front of Bateman Hall.  Veterans Larry Esparza, Dr. Pygatt, and Daniel were a part of the well-attended event.  Daniel mentioned that last Thursday evening, Nov 3, Rotary member Ruben Cervantes with Juliano of the Human Passage (also a recent Rotary speaker) presented the Nov 8 election propositions at the American Legion Hall in South Gate.  Rotary members Daniel and Ivan Ezquiekel attended this important and informative forum.

Daniel again mentioned that he received an invitation in the mail for the Mayor’s State of the City Address, scheduled for Thur, Nov 17, in the Bateman Hall Auditorium from 5:30 – 8:00 pm. Daniel is attending, and noted that other interested Rotary members needed to RSVP by Nov 7, at Tel# (310) 603-0220, ext 319.Among the guests, Daniel specifically recognized Tony Huya, LUSD  Director of Secondary Education, and Esperanza Galvan Trejo, a past president of the South Gate Rotary Club; and Daniel also recognized, Victor Gomez, a manager with Bulletin Display Sign Board company; Daniel noted that Victor is a former Lynwood Rotary member.  Victor stated that he may become a member again.