Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents and labor representatives urge environmental investments and accountable local hiring on school projects
Summary
Public commenters suggested environmental projects funded through CARB and urged the district to adopt community workforce agreements to prevent contractor tax fraud and ensure local hiring and fair wages on public work.
Several public commenters addressed the board during the public comment period.
Armando Garcia, an air pollution specialist with the California Air Resources Board, described the supplemental environmental projects program that can direct funds from enforcement actions into community projects such as air filtration for schools, tree planting, asthma mobile clinics and environmental education. Garcia offered flyers and contact information for districts or community groups interested in developing proposals.
Salvador George, representing the Western States Regional Council of Partners, warned about tax fraud and worker misclassification in residential construction and argued that the district should consider community workforce agreements on public works. "A community workforce agreement ensures that workers are paid lawful wages... and local residents have access to training and apprenticeships," he said, urging policies that protect workers and taxpayers while creating local opportunities.
Board members received the comments but did not take immediate action during the meeting excerpt. Staff encouraged public commenters to leave business cards or materials for follow-up.
