DOWNEY -- The city of Downey is advancing in its efforts to form a volunteer 'green' committee - the first of its kind for Downey - that will research and recommend ways Downey can become an environmentally conscious and sustainable community.At the urging of Mayor Mario Guerra, the City Council considered and approved the formation of the Green Task Force this week. The committee will meet regularly for 12 months before making its final recommendations next year. The committee's primary goal will be to "ensure the city operates in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner." It will study a host of subjects, including energy, waste reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation, environmental health, water, and more. According to a city staff report, the task force will make periodic recommendations to the City Council before its final, comprehensive report next year. Eight people will make up the task force, including two council members. The Downey Unified School District will appoint a representative, and the final five spots have been reserved for Downey residents. The City Council will choose the residents based on an application process. Residents with expertise or experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply: Architectural design and construction; business-related recycling; construction industry; environmental non-profits; environmental protection; green building; municipal building codes; operation of a multi-family living complex; residential recycling; restaurant or grocery store owner or manager; small business management; and/or water resources management. Applications are available on the city's website, www.downeyca.org, or by visiting the Human Resources department at City Hall. For more information, call (562) 904-7292. ********** Published: March 13, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 47