At the request of Mayor Gomez and Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian, staff has prepared this report regarding the history and current configuration the La Habra Beautification Committee. The La Habra Beautification Committee was created by the City Council in May 2000 as an advisory body whose purpose has been to encourage the beautification of residential and commercial property in La Habra. The Committee does this by recognizing residents and businesses who improve the aesthetics of their properties, which is intended to contribute to the City’s overall community beautification efforts. The Community Services Department is responsible for overseeing the Committee's activities and providing staff support as needed. The Committee's stated mission is "to represent and serve the La Habra residents and businesses to promote, acknowledge and support pride in property improvements and maintenance, as well as enhancement of the visual quality of the community."

The original composition of the Committee was seven members, with indefinite terms. Committee members were originally appointed as follows:

The City staff member appointed by the City Manager has always acted as the City staff liaison to the Committee and La Habra Chamber of Commerce.
 

Unlike members of the Planning Commission and Community Services Commission, members of the Beautification Committee do not receive a stipend and do not have term limits.

In late 2021, there were two vacancies on the Beautification Committee that occurred due to resignations. At its Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022, City Council decided to not replace these vacancies and, instead, reduced the Committee's size from seven members to five.
Below is the current list of Beautification Committee members:

Since its inception, City staff coordinates Committee activities with the Chamber of Commerce and provides administrative support for the Committee, which includes preparing the monthly meeting agenda, minutes, award letter notifications, award certificates, and coordination of two annual Holiday Home Decorating Contests. The Committee member's primary duties include touring the City and identifying exceptionally maintained houses for the Monthly Beautification Awards, promoting the City's holiday decorating contests, and reporting areas of blight to City Code Enforcement staff. Committee members also often attend or volunteer to assist with City functions and events.

For reference, staff has attached copies of the original staff report forming the Beautification Committee in 2000, the 2022 staff report changing the size of the Committee, the most recent Beautification Committee Update Report, and the Beautification Committee's Bylaws.

Beautification Committee Members do not receive a stipend. The General Fund cost for administering the Beautification Committee and their duties is approximately $1,000 per year, with costs associated with the design and production of yard signs for award winners, and signage and materials regarding the Fall O Ween and Light Up the Season Holiday Home Decorating Awards program.