2013-12-17 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013, IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA
FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: McCormick, Davis, Maisano, Ybarra, and
Martinez
MEMBERS ABSENT: none
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor McCormick.
Mayor Pro-Tem Davis led the flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Mayor McCormick announced that there are no changes to the
agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor McCormick announced that this was the time allotted for
public comment, and inquired whether anyone in the audience
wished to address the City Council.
Southeast political activist for those afflicted by multiple
sclerosis (“MS”) Sandra Orozco introduced herself as the
watchdog for the cities of Maywood, Bell, Huntington Park and
now Vernon.
Orozco reported on her past activist efforts. She distributed
to the Council various articles that she thought were of
interest, or had personally been involved with. She expressed
her intent to attend future Vernon City Council meetings and
thanked all for their time.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Personnel Matters - Service Pin Awards
Mayor McCormick recognized Meter Reader Wilfredo Lopez, Police
Officer Michael Docherty and Police Officer Ana Quinones for
their many years of service as they could not attend the
meeting.
2. Presentation by the Fire Chief on the Los Angeles County
Fire and Paramedic Feasibility Study.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson presented on an analysis of the
feasibility for the provisions of fire protection, paramedic,
and incident services.
Wilson presented the Vernon Fire Department’s all risk approach
and data on annual incident responses. Information on the
dedicated staff and equipment were presented.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (“LACoFD”) regional
approach was presented. Wilson noted the reduction to three
fire stations versus the current four within 1.5 miles of
Vernon’s center should LACoFD provide services to Vernon.
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December 17, 2013
Page 2 of 14
Wilson presented a comparison of hazardous material services and
urban search and rescue between the City of Vernon and LACoFD.
Wilson noted Vernon’s Class 1 rating versus LACoFD’s Class 4 and
its effects on insurance costs.
Wilson highlighted the benefits of local control including
response flexibility and cost control.
Director of Finance William Fox presented data from the Los
Angeles County Auditor-Controller Report comparing fire
districts’ fund balance. Additional data on LACoFD’s projected
finances were presented. Fox concluded that projections
indicate that LACoFD will need a rate adjustment to address the
budget shortfall; this will most likely be accomplished through
cost cutting or increased revenue efforts.
Fox presented Vernon Fire Department’s revenue and expenses for
fiscal year 2013-2014. Fox advised that based on the current
data and LACoFD’s proposal, it is more cost effective for the
City to keep its services than to outsource. Additionally,
revenues would go to the County and not the City. In a 10-year
projection of yearly costs, Fox noted further savings by keeping
the Vernon Fire Department.
Fox highlighted various LACoFD contract concerns. He
recommended that if a transition to LACoFD services is
considered, further contract negotiations should occur.
Wilson concluded the presentation, recommending that there be no
changes to the current service structure and that the Los
Angeles County Feasibility Study be received and filed.
In response to Councilmember Maisano, Wilson suspects that the
incident response time will increase, as there will be one less
Fire Station and coverage concerns if services are provided by
LACoFD. Fox further added that the response time is one of the
elements in factoring business insurance premiums. He noted
that LACoFD has a Class 4 rating.
In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Wilson reported on the
Vernon Fire Department’s mutual aid responses.
Independent Reform Monitor John Van De Kamp was pleased with the
presentation. He suggested giving LACoFD an opportunity to
comment on the report. He agrees that no action should be taken
this day.
Dean Richens representing the Vernon Fireman’s Association is in
agreement with the report; however, he advised that the
information on Vernon’s budget does not capture capital
expenses. He explained that three of the Fire Stations are over
50 years old and are in need of repair; additionally, there is
an ageing fire fleet.
Richens opined that the Vernon Fire Department’s budget needs to
be bigger. For comparison purposes he reported on other fire
department’s budgets and their class rating. He added that
there has been a step increase freeze for the last five years.
He understands that the City has budget concerns, but advised
that these are things that need to be considered.
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December 17, 2013
Page 3 of 14
In response to Mayor McCormick’s inquiry on whether there was a
representative of LACoFD in attendance, Wilson advised that a
representative was invited to the meeting but that there was
none present.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano to receive and
file the report. Motion carried, 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public comment on the approval of the proposed Ordinance
adopting Building and Fire Codes.
Ordinance No. 1217 - An Ordinance of the City Council of
the City of Vernon amending various sections of Chapters
7, Fire Regulations and 24, Building and Construction, of
the Vernon Municipal Code, along with amendments,
additions and deletions and adopting by reference the
following codes: (1) the 2013 California Fire Code, 24 CCR
Part 9; (2) the 2013 California Building Code, 24 CCR Part
2; (3) the 2013 California Electrical Code, 24 CCR Part 3
(4) the 2006 Edition of the ICC Electrical Code
Administrative Provisions; (5) the 2013 California
Mechanical Code, 24 CCR Part 4; (6) the 2013 California
Plumbing Code, 24 CCR Part 5; (7) the 2013 California
Existing Building Code, 24 CCR Part 10; (8) the 2012
International Existing Building Code, (9) the 2013
California Residential Code, 24 CCR Part 2.5; (10) the
2013 California Green Building Standards Code also called
the Calgreen Code, 24 CCR Part 11; (11) the 2013
California Energy Code, 24 CCR Part 6; repealing all prior
ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict therewith
and making express findings and determinations that
modifications to said codes are reasonably necessary
because of local climatic, geological or topographical
conditions (second reading).
Recommendation:
(1) Finds that this action is not subject to the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) as
follows: The ordinance is not considered a “project”
under CEQA which is defined as a whole of an action
directly undertaken by a public agency which has the
potential for resulting in either a direct physical
change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable
indirect physical change in the environment.
Guidelines section 15378(a); Cal. Pub. Res. Code
section 21065. Under the proposed ordinance, no such
activity is being undertaken. Even if the ordinance
were to be considered a “project” under CEQA, which is
not the case, the ordinance would be covered by the
general rule set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section
15061(b)(3) which provides that CEQA applies only to
projects which have the potential for causing a
significant effect on the environment. Where it can
be seen with certainty that there is no possibility
that the activity in question may have a significant
effect on the environment, the activity is not subject
to CEQA. Here, the ordinance involves the adoption of
state-mandated construction codes, and the revisions
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December 17, 2013
Page 4 of 14
to those codes merely improve the safety of buildings
and will not have any effect on the environment.
(2) Adopt ordinance amending various sections of Chapters
7 and 24 of the Vernon Municipal Code, along with
amendments, additions and deletions and adopting by
reference the following codes: (1) the California Fire
Code, 24 CCR Part 9; (2) the 2013 California Building
Code, 24 CCR Part 2; (3) the California Electrical
Code, 24 CCR Part 3 and the 2006 Edition of the ICC
Electrical Code Administrative Provisions; (4) the
2013 California Mechanical Code, 24 CCR Part 4; (5)
the 2013 California Plumbing Code, 24 CCR Part 5; (6)
the 2013 California Existing Building Code, 24 CCR
Part 10; (7) the 2012 International Existing Building
Code, (8) the 2013 California Residential Code, 24 CCR
Part 2.5; (9) the 2013 California Green Building
Standards Code also called the CALGreen Code, 24 CCR
Part 11; and (10) the 2013 California Energy Code, 24
CCR Part 6.
Director of Community Services and Water Kevin Wilson reported
on the state’s adoption of codes in 2013. The codes will be
effective January 1, 2014. Wilson advised that the City has the
option to amend the codes.
Vernon was active with the Code Council throughout the years and
made various recommendations before its approval by the state.
Wilson recommends adoption of the state codes as it provides
regional uniformity since it is supported by most jurisdictions.
Wilson noted various amendments to the state codes which are
captured in the recommended ordinance.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson also recommended adoption of the
California codes as it relates to Fire.
In response to Councilmember Ybarra, Chief Wilson advised that
there is no impact to the businesses or residents. Notification
of the proposed was publicized. Wilson additionally clarified
that the proposed codes would apply to permits submitted after
January 1, 2014, all other existing permits are grandfathered
under the respective codes until they are altered.
Deputy City Attorney Scott Porter clarified that the ordinance
will not go into effect until 30 days after its adoption date.
Mayor Pro-Tem Davis sought clarification to one of the proposed
code amendments. Wilson promised to look further into the
inquiry.
At 10:10 a.m., Mayor McCormick opened the public portion of the
public hearing on the approval of the proposed Ordinance
adopting the Building and Fire Codes. With no public comment,
at 10:10 a.m., Mayor McCormick continued the public hearing to
later in the meeting to allow staff time to follow up on Mayor
Pro-Tem Davis’ inquiry.
The public hearing was reopened at 10:30 a.m. in order to
address Mayor Pro-Tem Davis’ inquiry.
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December 17, 2013
Page 5 of 14
Wilson advised that there was an error in the Staff Report as
noted by Davis, but that the correct information is reflected in
the proposed ordinance.
At 10:32 a.m. Mayor McCormick closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Martinez to adopt
Ordinance No. 1217. A roll call vote was taken:
- Councilmember Martinez, yes
- Councilmember Ybarra, yes
- Councilmember Maisano, yes
- Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, yes
- Mayor McCormick, yes
Motion carried, 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Martinez to approve the
matters listed on the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion
carried, 5-0.
Claims Against the City (to be received and filed)
1. None
Warrant Registers
2. Ratification of Light and Power Warrant Register No. 354
to record voided Check No. 510409 in the amount of
$117.73.
3. Approval of City Payroll Warrant Register No. 690,
totaling $2,397,728.33, which covers the period of October
20, 2013, through November 16, 2013, and consists of the
following:
a. Ratification of direct deposits, checks and taxes
totaling $1,772,158.31; and
b. Checks and electronic fund transfers totaling
$625,570.02.
4. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1391, totaling
$733,842.79, which covers the period of November 26, 2013,
through December 9, 2013, and consists of the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $471,142.78;
and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling
$53,096.02; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$209,603.99.
5. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 356,
totaling $2,956,529.03, which covers the period of
November 26, 2013, through December 9, 2013, and consists
of the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $2,895,632.61;
and
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December 17, 2013
Page 6 of 14
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling
$8,059.19; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$52,837.23.
6. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 144, totaling
$2,292,960.95, which covers the period of November 26,
2013, through December 9, 2013, and consists of the
following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $2,282,337.64;
and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling
$340.00; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$10,283.31.
Community Services and Water Department
7. Building Department Report for the month of November 2013,
to be received and filed.
Finance Department
8. Resolution No. 2013-100 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon approving and adopting an updated
Expense Reimbursement Policy for certain expenses of City
Council Members and City Employees and repealing
Resolution No. 2013-84.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that adoption of the proposed resolution updating
the Travel and Expense Reimbursement Policy is exempt
under the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), the
general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that
may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Approve the resolution which provides additional
clarification related to mileage reimbursement. The
modifications recommended are needed to clarify the
appropriate calculation of reimbursable mileage both
for mid-day driving and driving to and from
destinations other than the normal work location.
Fire Department
9. Activity Report for the period of November 16, through
November 30, 2013, to be received and filed.
Health and Environmental Control Department
10. November 2013 Monthly Report, to be received and filed.
11. Ratify Authorization for Extension of Contract with
California Environmental Protection Agency and Vernon City
Environmental Health CUPA Agreement No. G10-UPA113 –
Amendment 2.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval of the forms of contract and of
related documents are exempt under the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with
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December 17, 2013
Page 7 of 14
section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only
applies to projects that may have any effect on the
environment; and
(2) Ratify the contract extension with California
Environmental Protection Agency.
Police Department
12. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrest and
Activities for the period of November 16, through November
30, 2013, to be received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS
City Administration Department
1. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Solari
Enterprises, Inc. for Third Party Property Management
Services of All City of Vernon Owned Housing to Increase
the Total Contract Amount.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval of the proposed award of a contract
for third party property management services is exempt
under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), the general
rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have
an effect on the environment; and
(2) Approve Amendment No. 1 to the June 1, 2013 Services
Agreement with Solari Enterprises, Inc. (in
substantially the same form submitted) for third party
residential property management services for all City
of Vernon owned residential properties to increase the
total not to exceed amount of the Agreement to
$65,000.
Assistant to City Administrator Kristen Enomoto reported on the
contracting of Solari Enterprises, Inc. (“Solari”) by the Vernon
Housing Commission (“VHC”) as the third party property
management firm for City owned housing. She noted that at the
time it was uncertain what the repair and maintenance costs and
needs would be. The VHC’s maximum authority for agreements is
$25,000; Solari’s agreement was approved pursuant to this
threshold.
The City has since found Solari’s labor and equipment rates to
be more cost effective or comparable to that of the City’s. In
review of the activity over the last six months, the average
monthly cost is $3,500 which also captures unit turnover cost.
Enomoto reported on the cost breakdown. A $40,000 increase to
the Solari agreement is requested. The amendment is being
addressed at the City Council meeting as the cost exceeds the
VHC’s authority.
Councilmember Ybarra expressed his concerns on whether the costs
are being accounted for and inquired whether there was a flat
fee. In response, Director of Community Services and Water
Kevin Wilson advised that staff is establishing procedures and
tracking costs. Enomoto noted the one-year agreement. There
were a lot of uncertainties when the contract was approved, the
limited one-year agreement will allow staff to assess and
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December 17, 2013
Page 8 of 14
revisit the services at the term of the agreement. Enomoto
explained that high costs for each month are not anticipated.
Enomoto reported on the VHC’s desire for the Huntington Park
(“HP”) units to be sold. Additionally, there was discussion on
the bifurcation of the HP units from the Vernon units. The
matter will be discussed further at the next VHC meeting. The
VHC called specific attention to the high costs associated with
the HP unit turnover which is included in the amendment cost
request.
Mayor Pro-Tem Davis advised that the City is saving on costs by
outsourcing the work to Solari but inquired how the response
time is affected. In response, Enomoto explained that there
are some instances where Solari is not equipped to perform the
service. In which case, the City will address the need, or
further contracted the work. However, Enomoto advised that
Solari is equipped to address most of the basic repairs. Wilson
advised that there are few cases where the City did not agree
with the Solari prices and instead conducted the work
themselves.
In response to Mayor McCormick, Enomoto advised that if Solari
is negligent, further response to the issue would not be
rebilled. The City is billed for work being done. The flat
management fee covers the visit to assess the issue.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to approve
Amendment No. 1 to the Solari Enterprise, Inc. Agreement for
third party property management services for all City owned
housing. Motion carried, 5-0.
Fire Department
2. Approve the Urban Area Security Initiative (“UASI”) 2012
Purchase of Personal Protective Clothing for the Fire
Department.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval of the proposed purchase is exempt
under the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), the
general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that
may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Authorize the Fire Department to purchase sixty-six
(66) sets of turnout gear, consisting of a turnout
coat and turnout pants from L.N. Curtis & Sons in the
amount of $137,441.37, and find that doing so is
exempt from the public bidding requirements pursuant
to Vernon Municipal Code 2.17.12(A)(5). All but
$25,999.37 of this amount would be reimbursable
through federal grant funds.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson explained that the Department was
successful in converting training grant funds to equipment grant
funds. The City will be responsible for approximately $26,000
of this purchase. The proposed complies with the City Code; the
purchase is exempt from the public bidding process as the City
is using Laguna Niguel’s purchase in order to piggyback a lower
rate.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2013
Page 9 of 14
Although not required, quotes for similar equipment were
obtained; they confirmed that the proposed equipment cost is
reasonable. L.N. Curtis & Sons was selected as the vendor, they
have been used in the past, and their equipment is superior.
Wilson explained the need for the equipment as they have a
limited lifespan. Normal replacement and equipment cost for the
year is approximately $18-22,000. Wilson recommends approval as
this provides inventory for all.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to approve the
Urban Area Security Initiative 2012 purchase of personal
protective clothing for the Fire Department. Motion carried,
5-0.
Health Department
3. Request for Authorization to Receive and Spend Grant
Funding for the Beverage Container Recycling and Litter
Abatement Activities (City/County Payment Program) FY
2013-2014.
Recommendation:
(1) It is recommended that the City Council find that
approval of the request for authority to receive and
spend grant funds are exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with
Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only
applies to projects that may have an effect on the
environment; and
(2) In addition, it is recommended that the City Council
adopt the request for authority to receive and spend
grant funds under the Beverage Container Recycling and
Litter Abatement Activities for FY 2013-2014.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg
advised that the Department applies for the grant every year and
uses the funds to promote recycling programs. As done in the
past, contractor KJ Services will be implementing the
activities.
In response to Mayor McCormick, Grossberg reported that the
grant is for $5,000.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Martinez to authorize the
receiving and spending of grant funds for the Beverage Container
Recycling and Litter Abatement Activities. Motion carried, 5-0.
Light and Power Department
4. Request Approval to Pursue Request for Information for
Wind and Solar Energy Project in Vernon Owned [Jawbone
Canyon] Fee Lands.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the approval requested is exempt under the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in
accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3),
the general rule that actions that have no effect on
the environment are exempt from CEQA, because the
proposed Request for Information (“RFI”) is not an
approval or commitment by the City of Vernon to engage
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December 17, 2013
Page 10 of 14
in any project or to pursue any defined course of
action; and
(2) Authorize staff to issue a Request for Information
(“RFI”) to solicit information from third parties to
allow the city to assess its options for the
development of the [Jawbone Canyon] site as a wind
farm or combination wind farm and solar farm (the
“Project”). The RFI may identify potential bidders
and/or developers for a possible future Request for
Proposal (“RFP”). The RFI is not a solicitation or
request for proposals that will result in a
contractual relationship with the City of Vernon or
commit the City to enter into a further agreement with
any responding party.
Director of Light and Power Carlos Fandino announced that the
Fee Lands are not located in Tehachapi but located in Jawbone
Canyon. He directed that the Fee Lands and reference to
Tehachapi be corrected to Jawbone Canyon (“Jawbone”). Tehachapi
should be stricken from the Staff Report and RFI on the proposed
and replaced with Jawbone.
Fandino explained that the purpose of the RFI is to solicit
third party vendors to present new technology to Vernon. The
City could then assess what it could develop in the region in
order to fulfill the renewable portfolio standards (“RPS”).
In response to Mayor McCormick’s inquiry on construction costs
and timing, Fandino explained that technology information is
being requested.
Fandino confirmed for Councilmember Ybarra that no negotiation
or commitment is being requested.
In response to Councilmember Maisano, Fandino advised that the
RFI outlines the information that the City is looking for.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to approve the
Request for Information for Wind and Solar Energy Project in
Vernon Owned [Jawbone Canyon] Fee Lands. Motion carried, 5-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS AND POSSIBLE DIRECTIVES TO STAFF
1. Discussion of Proposed Draft Ordinance to Establish the
Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee.
Recommendation:
(1) It is recommended that the City Council hold a
discussion regarding the proposed draft ordinance to
establish the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee.
The draft ordinance is nearly complete and staff
believes this would be an appropriate time to receive
feedback and any further directives from the City
Council, as well as any feedback from the public,
prior to finalizing and presenting the ordinance for a
first reading on January 21, 2014.
Legal Counsel Dana Reed reported on the project process.
Originally the Environmental and Community Benefit Fund, the
Vernon CommUNITY Fund (“VCF”) was approved in August of 2013
which set forth parameters for the grant committee. Jemmott
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December 17, 2013
Page 11 of 14
Rollins Inc. (“Jemmott”) was contracted to assist with the
project.
The proposed draft ordinance incorporates the VCF parameters and
procedural safeguards from the Vernon Housing Commission
Ordinance. With the assistance of Jemmott best practices were
incorporated. Reed noted that the VCF made no financial
commitment.
Reed reported and explained the two classifications of eligible
grant fund recipients. He reported on the duties of the
Executive Director which includes the review of applications to
determine eligibility. The goal is to ensure that those
applicants considered are real and capable of achieving goals.
Reed reported on the proposed process if applicants are found to
be ineligible.
There are two criteria for the allocation of funds. Reed
explained that at least 25% of funds should be awarded to
capital projects with life expectancy of at least 10 years. The
rest of the funds can be awarded to core service projects. Both
of which must serve the community.
The grant committee will meet twice per year to review
applications from the eligibility pool. The application is
submitted online in an open and transparent process.
Reed reported on the eligibility criteria for grant recipients.
He noted the substantial conflict of interest procedures.
Reed hopes that the VCF will be a model for these types of
activities. Staff is working diligently to address open ended
concerns in order to present the final ordinance for its first
reading. Reed advised that the application website will ready
early next year.
In response to Councilmember Ybarra, Reed further clarified the
allocation of funds.
In response to Mayor McCormick, Reed advised that the Grant
Committee will be subject to the Brown Act requirements. A
minimum of four affirmative votes is necessary to award funds.
Reed further advised that the Committee will be made up of
members as outlined in Resolution No. 2013-75. Jemmott has
begun identifying qualified representatives for an eligibility
list.
Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp sought clarification
on whether the Executive Director is the City Administrator and
whether the functions would be delegated to staff. City
Administrator Mark Whitworth confirmed and advised that there
would be a right hand person to ensure the process is followed
through.
Van de Kamp noted that funds for multiple year grants must be
available within the approval year’s budget. He opined that
this could limit the VCF and asked staff to reconsider the
restriction.
In response to Councilmember Ybarra, Reed explained that the
$250,000 award limit applies to a single service grant. The
limit does not apply to capital projects.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2013
Page 12 of 14
In response to Van de Kamp, Assistant to City Administrator Alex
Kung confirmed that design costs would be considered part of a
capital project. Director of Community Services and Water Kevin
Wilson further confirmed that design acquisition of property is
considered part of capital costs.
Councilmember Ybarra opined that the draft ordinance was good as
presented.
ORAL REPORTS
Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on the discovery of
narcotics which were attempted to be shipped on December 6,
2013. The investigation is on-going; Detectives will be
conducting further investigation as to the person making the
shipment.
On December 14, 2013, patrol staff conducted a DUI checkpoint in
the area of Santa Fe Avenue and 38th Street which resulted in
one DUI arrest. The operation was funded through grant funds
provided by the Office of Traffic Safety.
Calleros advised that over the past few weeks patrol staff have
observed a number of vehicles cruising through the City on
Sunday nights from approximately 7:00 pm to midnight. Patrol
staff is working with Los Angeles Police Department to address
the issue, conducting traffic enforcement to suppress the
cruising.
On December 16, 2013, patrol staff investigated a traffic
accident involving a transportation van and Metro bus. A power
pole was severely damaged. Several bus passengers were
transported to local hospitals but with non-life threatening
injuries. The cause of the traffic accident is still under
investigation.
Calleros thanked the Council for the additional holidays and
wished all a safe holiday.
Captain Michel Gillman reported vandalism on a bus shelter.
Mayor Pro-Tem Davis reported vandalism on Slauson Avenue on the
corner of Boyle Avenue. Mayor McCormick reported vandalism on
the traffic control box outside City Hall.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson reported on the Spark of Love toy
drive efforts and the distribution of the toys. Wilson reported
on the passing of two retired Fire personnel, Thomas Lee Scott
and Don Combs.
Wilson reported on the confined space training for December.
Wilson advised that the Fire Department had also responded to
the traffic collision between the transportation van and Metro
bus on December 16, 2013. On December 7, 2013, crews responded
to a security guard that was trapped under a wrought iron
security gate. The patient was transported to USC Medical
Center.
Director of Community Services and Water Kevin Wilson provided
an update on the housing project, advising that construction
plans had been received and sent for review. Wilson noted that
staff had a few comments on the plans but that most of the
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December 17, 2013
Page 13 of 14
criteria had been met. Staff is working with Health and
Environmental Control to get closure on the site from the
Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Director of Light and Power Carlos Fandino reported on the
traffic collision between the transportation van and Metro bus
on December 16, 2013. Petrelli crews also responded and were
able to troubleshoot and reenergize the circuit. The damaged
power pole was replaced; the power outage lasted approximately
one hour and thirty minutes.
Fandino reported on the completion of the first stage of the
Substation Circuit Breaker Replacement Project; bond money is
being used for the installation.
Fandino reported on the incident of March 25, 2012, wherein
heavy rain and extreme winds damaged 15 power poles along the
Los Angeles River (“LA River”), ten on which were City of
Vernon’s. After the incident, the LA River Project began to
protect and increase reliability of source transmission lines
along the LA River. Fourteen poles have been replaced using
capital funds; the project was completed in three stages to
minimize customer interruption.
Finance Director William Fox reported on the distribution of
business license tax forms. Fees are due by the end of January
2014. Fox advised that the actuarial report for the financial
audit is still pending, but noted that the City will not miss
any filing requirements as a result.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg
reported on the continue monitoring of the Exide Technologies
issue. He announced the Sustainable Development and Energy
Efficiency Commission on January 18, 2013, at 3:30 p.m.
Human Resources Director Teresa McAllister reported on the
conclusion of the health and benefits open enrollment. She
announced that the classification and compensation study will be
presented at the next City Council meeting. Implementation will
take place after the required negotiation of all the bargaining
units. She wished all happy and safe holidays.
Mayor McCormick thanked McAllister for coordinating the holiday
party as it was a good morale booster.
Assistant to City Administrator Alex Kung reported that Whole
Food’s Board of Directors had approved the purchase of the
Angelus Can property. The closing of the sale should occur
within the next week.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported on the Advisory
Committee on Electric Rates Meeting held on December 4, 2013.
Additionally, he reported on the Vernon Housing Commission
Meeting held on December 11, 2013.
Whitworth reported on his and staff’s attendance to a Maywood
City Council meeting. He congratulated Kung on the near
completion of the sale of the Angelus Can property.
Whitworth announced the nomination period for the April 2014
Election. The next issue of the Vernon Quarterly will be out by
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2013
Page 14 of 14
the end of the year. Independent Reform monitor John Van de
Kamp will be completing his six-month report early 2014.
Whitworth announced the California Contract Cities Association
47th Annual Sacramento Legislative Tour in Sacramento and
encouraged all Department Heads and Councilmembers to attend.
Today’s meeting addressed significant issues, Whitworth thanked
all for their work and input. He reminded all that the January
7, 2014, City Council meeting is cancelled. He thanked the City
Council for the approval of the additional holidays in the
upcoming weeks and wished all happy holidays.
The City Council echoed the holiday wishes.
With no further business, at 11:42 a.m., Mayor McCormick
adjourned the meeting.
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W. Michael McCormick
Mayor
ATTEST:
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Ana Barcia
Deputy City Clerk