2014-04-01 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
THE CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014,
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;
Councilmember Ybarra 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.
Jim Andreoli of Baker Commodities thanked the Fire Department
for responding to the earthquake in the La Habra area. As a
resident in that community, he was pleased to see the Vernon
Fire Department assisting in the response.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano 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. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1397, totaling
$658,999.43, which covers the period of March 11, through
March 24, 2014, and consists of the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $350,713.06;
and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling
$219,902.07; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$88,384.30.
3. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 362,
totaling $1,223,973.64, which covers the period of March
11, through March 24, 2014, and consists of the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $979,222.18;
and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling
$136,613.29; and
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April 1, 2014
Page 2 of 13
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$108,138.17.
4. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 150, totaling
$6,964.53, which covers the period of March 11, through
March 24, and consists of the following:
a. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling
$2,695.05; and
b. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$4,269.48.
Fire Department
5. Activity Report for the period of March 1, through March
15, 2014, to be received and filed.
Health and Environmental Control Department
6. February 2014 Monthly Report, to be received and filed.
Police Department
7. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrest and
Activities for the period of March 1, through March 15,
2014, to be received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS
Community Services and Water Department
1. Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program Agreement.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the improvements proposed by the Bridge
Preventative Maintenance Program for various bridges
within the City of Vernon are categorically exempt
under the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section
15301, Existing Facilities, subsection (c) because the
improvements are maintenance repair of the existing
street bridges and under subsection (d) because the
work merely involves the rehabilitation of a
deteriorated or damaged structure to meet current
safety requirements where the deterioration of the
structure did not occur due to an earthquake,
landslide, or flood; and
(2) Authorize the City Administrator to execute the
cooperative agreement for the Bridge Preventative
Maintenance Program between the City of Vernon and the
County of Los Angeles, and to make any necessary non-
material changes to the agreement. The agreement
would authorize the County of Los Angeles to perform
bridge preventative maintenance work estimated to cost
$1,249,000, with the City’s share estimated at
$149,000. Further authorize the City Administrator to
approve future amendments to the Agreement provided
that the only substantive revision(s) to the agreement
is/are to increase the City’s share of costs by
$35,000 or less, and grant the City Attorney the
authority to negotiate the incorporation of additional
or revised indemnification clauses.
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April 1, 2014
Page 3 of 13
Director of Community Services and Water Kevin Wilson advised
that the City Council previously approved the City’s
participation in the Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program
with the Los Angeles County. The County reviewed the bridges
and requested repair work for Vernon, and estimated that the
cost has increased from approximately $137,000 to approximately
$149,000. The City is responsible for 10% of the project cost.
Staff is seeking approval for the additional costs and a
contingency of $33,000 for unanticipated added costs.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Davis’ inquiry on why the Atlantic
Bridge is not part of the Bridge Preventative Maintenance
Program, Wilson explained that there will be a full widening of
the Atlantic Bridge. The City intends to conduct this work on
its own. However, he advised that it will be approximately 1.5
years before there is any construction or retrofit to the
bridge.
In response to Independent Reform Monitor John Van De Kamp’s
inquiry on when the work will take place, Wilson advised that it
is difficult to predict as the County is also involved, but that
funds have been budgeted for the 2014-15 fiscal year.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Martinez to approve the
Cooperative Agreement for the Bridge Preventative Maintenance
Program with the County of Los Angeles. Motion carried, 5-0.
2. Contract Award CS-0234 Traffic Control System (TCS) -
Agreement with TransCore ITS, LLC for the Installation of
the TCS.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the approval of the proposed Services
Agreement between the City of Vernon and TransCore
ITS, LLC is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with: (a) CEQA
Guidelines Section 15301(c), because the proposed
action would merely involve minor improvements to the
existing traffic lights which would involve negligible
or no expansion of the existing use on the streets;
and (b) CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(d) because the
work rehabilitates existing facilities or structures
to meet current standards of public health and safety;
and
(2) Accept the Services Agreement and authorize the City
Administrator and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
Director of Community Services and Water Kevin Wilson advised
that the agreement had been negotiated three years ago; however,
the City could not award the contract until the County finalized
the cooperative agreement. He advised that the new traffic
control system would provide notification of any operating
issues and provide the City with the ability to retime traffic
control lights in-house. The new system would integrate with
the County system to efficiently synchronize the corridors.
Wilson reported that the County is funding the full cost of the
project. The proposed agreement with TransCore ITS, LLC
includes maintenance cost for the first three years, after
which, the City will be responsible for the maintenance cost
which is estimated at $16,000 per year.
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April 1, 2014
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It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Davis to approve the
service agreement with TransCore ITS, LLC for the installation
of the Traffic Control System (CS-0234). Motion carried, 5-0.
3. Bid Award for Contract No. CS-0403: Boyle Avenue and
Fruitland Avenue Street Improvements.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the proposed Capital Improvement Project at
Boyle Avenue and Fruitland Avenue is categorically
exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section
15301, Existing Facilities, part (c), existing
highways and streets, because the project is merely to
repair existing streets; and
(2) Accept the bid from Sully-Miller Contracting Company,
as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and
enter into a contract, not to exceed $1,583,363.70,
for the Boyle Avenue and Fruitland Avenue Street
Improvements Project, Contract No. CS-0403, and to
reject all other bids. Further authorize a contingency
of $75,000 in the event of an unexpected changed
condition in the project and grant authority to the
City Administrator to issue a change order for an
amount up to the contingency amount, provided that
expenditure of any contingency amount complies with
any applicable public bidding requirements.
Director of Community Services and Water Kevin Wilson advised
that the department had received authority to request bids for
said project. Three bids were received with Sully-Miller
Contracting Company (Sully) providing the lowest bid. Wilson
advised that the City has worked with Sully in the past and have
been satisfied with their work. Staff had estimated the cost at
approximately $1,570,000. Sully’s bid is approximately $13,000
over the estimated cost; however, sufficient funds are
available.
The project will include street resurfacing and restriping of
Boyle and Fruitland Avenue. Because of the method and the
recycling of material involved in the process, the job can be
considered a green project.
In response to Mayor McCormick, Wilson reported that it has been
approximately 20 years since these streets were resurfaced.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Davis, Wilson explained that
although a rubberized binder is used in the process, it is not
rubberized asphalt. Rubberized asphalt is not typically used
due to Vernon’s heavy truck traffic.
In response to Mayor McCormick, Wilson advised that the work
will be performed during the day on weekends.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Davis to accept the bid
from Sully-Miller Contracting Company for Contract No. CS-0403.
Motion carried, 5-0.
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April 1, 2014
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4. Encroachment License Agreement No. 416 - Tesoro Refining
and Marketing Company, LLC.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the approval of the Encroachment License
Agreement is statutorily exempt under Section 21080.23
of the California Environmental Quality Act
(California Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et
seq. “CEQA”), in accordance with CEQA Guidelines, 14
CCR Section 15284 (a), CEQA does not apply to any
project consisting of the inspection, maintenance,
repair, restoration, reconditioning, relocation,
replacement, or removal of an existing hazardous or
volatile liquid pipeline or any valve, flange, meter
or other piece of equipment that is directly attached
to the pipeline. This project is also categorically
exempt under CEQA Guidelines, 14 CCR Section 15301
because it involves negligible or no expansion of an
existing use; and
(2) Approve Encroachment License Agreement No. 416 between
the City of Vernon and Tesoro Refining and Marketing
Company, LLC.
Director of Community Services and Water Kevin Wilson reported
on the existence of pressurized steel petroleum pipelines within
the City’s streets, originally owned by Atlantic Richfield
Company. In 2008 the pipelines were abandoned and transferred
ownership to BP Pipelines North America. As part of a Sales and
Purchase agreement the pipelines were further assigned to Tesoro
Refining and Marketing Company, LLC (“Tesoro”). The City has
concerned of potential contaminants and should there be a need
to relocate the pipelines, the City cannot undertake the costs.
Staff proposed agreement will safeguard the City and hold Tesoro
responsible.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Martinez to approve
Encroachment License Agreement No. 416 with Tesoro Refining and
Marketing Company, LLC. Motion carried, 5-0.
Finance Department
5. Pollution Legal Liability Insurance Placement for 5119 –
5309 District Blvd. Vernon (Former Thermador Property).
Recommendation:
(1) Find that allowing Aon Insurance Services, the City’s
insurance broker, to obtain Scheduled Location –
Pollution Legal Liability Insurance coverage on behalf
of the City is not a “project” within the meaning of
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and
is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)
(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to new or
expanded scope projects that may have an effect on the
environment; and
(2) Authorize the City Administrator to bind this
pollution liability insurance coverage on or before
May 1, 2014. The policy term will be for 10 years,
with premiums not to exceed $220,000. Premiums for
this policy are paid in advance and are due within the
first 30 days.
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April 1, 2014
Page 6 of 13
Finance Director William Fox requested authorization to bind
insurance coverage for the site formally known as the Thermador
property. He advised that the property has been divided into
two parcels, one of which will include the new housing
development project. The Department of Toxic Substances Control
(“DTSC”) granted clearance for the soil remediation activity for
the housing development portion and it is anticipated that they
will also clear the remaining portion of the property. The
policy will mitigate any reoccurrence of contaminants. Fox
reported on the policy’s coverage.
In response to Councilmember Ybarra’s inquiry on whether the
City still has liability even though the property had been
cleared by DTSC, Fox confirmed that the liability still exists
and that the coverage is common practice.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth further added that part of the
ongoing review will be the collection of data through wells.
The policy will provide coverage should something be discovered.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Ybarra to authorize the
binding of the pollution liability insurance coverage for 5119-
5309 District Boulevard. Motion carried, 5-0.
Fire Department
6. Resolution No. 2014-09 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon approving and authorizing the City’s
participation in the 2013 Urban Areas Security Initiative
Grant Program, approving and authorizing the execution of
an agreement by and between the City of Vernon and the
City of Los Angeles, and authorizing the execution of
documents necessary to obtain the grant.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval of the proposed 2013 UASI
Subrecipient Agreement between the City of Los Angeles
and the City of Vernon in 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) Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the
execution of an Agreement between the City of Los
Angeles and the City of Vernon in connection with the
Fiscal Year 2013 Urban Security Initiative Grant
Program (“2013 UASI”). The City of Los Angeles has
approved and awarded 2013 UASI grant funds in the
amount of $187,076.00 to the City of Vernon’s Fire and
Police Departments.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson reported on the department’s success
in obtaining the UASI grants. The Department attempts to get as
much funds as it can for equipment costs. The proposal is for
approximately $180,000, and must be spent by May 31, 2014.
In response to Mayor McCormick, Wilson reported that the funds
will be used to purchase equipment such as the turnout gear.
The Department hasn’t identified the exact equipment but a
regional training site is being proposed.
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April 1, 2014
Page 7 of 13
Police Chief Daniel Calleros additionally reported that the
Police Department will be using some of the funds towards its
fixed license plate reader system.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Martinez to approve
Resolution No. 2014-09. Motion carried, 5-0.
Human Resources Department
7. Resolution No. 2014-10 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon declaring the month of April, 2014,
as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” and April 23, 2014, as
“Denim Day”.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the request to adopt the a resolution
proclaiming April 2014 as “Sexual Assault Awareness
Month” and April 23, 2014 as “Denim Day” 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) Adopt the resolution proclaiming April 2014 as “Sexual
Assault Awareness Month” and April 23, 2014 as “Denim
Day” in the City of Vernon in support of the Peace
Over Violence sexual violence education campaign.
Human Resources Director Teresa McAllister advised that this
year, as in recent years, Peace Over Violence is requesting
cities to approve a resolution proclaiming April as Sexual
Assaults Awareness Month and requesting that April 23rd be
designated as Denim Day in support of their sexual violence
education campaign.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Martinez to approve
Resolution No. 2014-10. Motion carried, 5-0.
Light and Power Department
8. Award of Bids and Purchase Contracts to Young and Company
(Howard Industries) and Pacific Utilities/Power Partners
(ABB) for Pad-mount Distribution Transformers for the
Light & Power Department (Bid Specification #TR1-2014-PM).
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the approval requested in this staff report
is exempt under the California Environmental Quality
Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines
Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only
applies to projects that may have an effect on the
environment because purchasing replacement
transformers is a purely administrative function that
will have no effect on the environment; and
(2) Determine that the following companies were the lowest
responsive and responsible bidders for bid
specification #TR1-2014-PM, relating to the purchase
of distribution transformers:
a. Young & Company (Howard Industries) for bid items
1 through 9 and bid item 11.
b. Power Partners c/o Pacific Utilities (ABB) for bid
items 10 and 12.
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April 1, 2014
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(3) Authorize the Purchasing Department to issue purchase
order contracts as follows:
a. Young & Company (Howard Industries) for bid items
1 through 9 and bid item 11, in a grand total
amount not to exceed $302,559.
b. Power Partners c/o Pacific Utilities (ABB) for bid
item 10 and 12, in a grand total amount not to
exceed $78,632.
(4) Reject all other bids.
Director of Light and Power Carlos Fandino reported that staff
had concluded the bid process and selected the two referenced
vendors. All items are necessary transformers for the
department, and will be placed in inventory.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Ybarra to award the bid
and purchase contracts to Young and Company (Howard Industries)
and Pacific Utilities/Power Partners (ABB) for Pad-mount
Distribution Transformers for the Light & Power Department (Bid
Specification #TR1-2014-PM). Motion carried, 5-0.
9. Request for Approval of Microsoft Select Plus Agreement.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the approval requested is exempt under the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in
accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(b), the
general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that
may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Authorize the Director of Light & Power to execute the
Microsoft Select Plus Agreement which will allow the
City to purchase discounted Microsoft products not
covered by the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
currently in force. There is no cost associated with
this agreement and has been approved as to form by the
City Attorney’s Office.
Director of Light and Power Carlos Fandino requested
authorization to execute the agreement and allow IT Department
to purchase different Microsoft products. The proposed has no
associated cost to the City.
In response to Mayor McCormick, Fandino advised that there are
still a few employees on the XP Program but that this platform
is going away.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to approve the
Microsoft Select Plus Agreement. Motion carried, 5-0.
ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance No. 1219 - An Ordinance of the City Council of
the City of Vernon, California, amending Section 2.69-1 of
Article X of Chapter 2 of the Vernon Municipal Code, and
repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict therewith (first reading)
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval of the proposed Ordinance to amend
the City Municipal Code reflecting such revisions in
the Staff Report dated April 1, 2014, and the Staff
Report dated March 18, 2014, are exempt under the
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April 1, 2014
Page 9 of 13
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) Hold a first reading of the Ordinance amending Section
2.69-1 of Chapter 2 of the Vernon Municipal Code
reflecting the revisions to the City of Vernon
classification plan and current City organizational
structure.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth advised that additional
language has been added to Ordinance No. 1219 from its previous
introduction. The changes will allow for corrections to the
Department and Department Heads throughout the Vernon Municipal
code. He noted that this will be a first reading.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Ybarra to approve the
first reading of Ordinance No. 1219. Motion carried, 5-0.
2. Ordinance No. 1220 – An Ordinance of the City Council of
the City of Vernon, California, amending the titles of
Article V and sections 28.45, 28.46, 28.47, 28.48, and
28.49 of Chapter 28 of the Vernon Municipal Code, adding
sections 28.50 and 28.51 thereto regarding the voluntary
merger of parcels under common ownership and lot line
adjustments, and making non-substantive revisions to
municipal code sections 28.45, 28.47, 28.48 to clarify the
title of the Director of Public Works, Water and
Development Services (first reading)
Recommendation:
(1) Find that adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from
the environmental review requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) for the
reasons set forth within the ordinance, including that
it is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines pursuant to
Sections 15061(b)(3), 15305, and 15315 of Title 14 of
the California Code of Regulations, because merely
changing administrative procedures cannot have an
effect on the environment; and
(2) Hold the first reading of the proposed Ordinance
amending the Titles of Article V and Sections 28.45,
28.46, 28.47, 28.48, and 28.49 of Chapter 28 of the
Vernon Municipal Code, adding sections 28.50 and 28.51
thereto regarding the voluntary merger of parcels
under common ownership and lot line adjustments, and
making non-substantive revisions to Municipal Code
sections 28.45, 28.46 and 28.47 to clarify the title
of the Director of Public Works, Water and Development
Services.
Director of Community Services and Water Kevin Wilson advised
that the Vernon Municipal Code allows for the mandatory merger
of parcels, but does not provide for voluntary mergers; the
proposed would provide such a process. Wilson reported on the
benefits of voluntary mergers and its benefits for land
development.
Wilson advised that the proposed would additionally allow
certain lot line adjustment requests to be processed and
approved through ministerial action rather than through City
Council approval as it is currently done. Property owners would
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April 1, 2014
Page 10 of 13
still be required to comply with all applicable regulations and
requirements.
The ordinance also captures the title change for the Director as
the Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to approve the
first reading of Ordinance No. 1220. Motion carried, 5-0.
ORAL REPORTS
Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on a strong-arm robbery
that occurred on March 19, 2014, in the 5600 block of Bickett
Street. The suspect fled the scene on a bicycle with the
victim’s cell phone. Limited information is available on this
case.
On March 20, 2014, patrol officers found a disabled child
wandering the streets during the early morning hours. After
several hours of reaching out to local communities, a missing
child reported from the City of Bell Police Department matched
the description of the child found. The child was subsequently
reunited with his parents with assistance from the Department of
Child Services.
Calleros reported that on March 29, 2014, patrol staff assisted
the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with a large event
involving the Mongols biker club that had gathered at a bar in
the City of Maywood along Fruitland Avenue, to garner support
against a lawsuit seeking control over the Mongols’ trademarked
logo. He noted that the event went on without any problems in
part due to the high visibility of police personnel.
Calleros reported on his continued efforts to receive
information from the City of Maywood regarding its anticipated
request for bids for public safety services. No timeline for the
notice inviting bids was provided but he anticipates that
information will be made available within the upcoming month.
Through the federal asset forfeiture program, the Police
Department has acquired a 2011 Dodge Ram truck. The vehicle was
seized during a narcotics investigation and was given to the
Vernon Police Department as part of the equitable share program.
The truck is in great condition and is earmarked for the
Detective assigned to the cargo theft investigation taskforce.
The truck cost is approximately $2,000 to cover storage fees.
Asset forfeiture funds will be used to cover the expense.
Calleros noted that this is the third vehicle that the
Department has acquired through the federal asset forfeiture
program.
Calleros reported on the department’s participation in the
annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup 120 mile relay race. The
Department teamed up with members from the San Gabriel Police
Department and received 4th in their specific category.
Captain Michael Gillman reported vandalism on March 25, 2014, in
the area of Fruitland Avenue and Boyle Avenue. Mayor McCormick
reported graffiti on Boyle Avenue.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson announced the completion of the CERT
Classes; additional classes will be scheduled for June. He
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April 1, 2014
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announced the Blood Drive for the Children’s Hospital of Los
Angeles and the St. Baldrick’s event on April 24, 2014 at Fire
Station No. 1.
Wilson reported on the crew’s response to a natural gas leak on
March 21, 2014, response to a traffic accident involving a semi-
tractor trailer colliding into a building on March 28, 2014, and
response to the 5.1 magnitude earthquake in La Habra on March
28, 2014. Wilson noted that there was minimal to no damage to
building or infrastructure in Vernon due to the earthquake.
Director of Community Services and Water Kevin Wilson noted the
increase in development activity within the City.
Director of Light and Power Carlos Fandino reported on a power
outage that occurred on March 20, 2014, that was potentially
caused by a kite. On March 18, 2014, the Soto Yard Recycling
Project was completed. Clean Harbors Recycling Services
completed the removal of 5 non-operational substation
transformers.
Fandino announced the Special Advisory Committee for Electric
Rates Meeting on April 2, 2014, at 8:00 a.m. in order to discuss
potential electrical rate adjustments.
Finance Director William Fox reported on the Departments
submittal of their initial budgets. Staff will be making
changes to the labor component as a result of the classification
and compensation study.
In an effort to further automate certain business activities,
staff held a brainstorming session for the bid and quote EDEN
module on March 27, 2014. The session was very useful and
productive.
Staff is also reviewing the potential use of the state
purchasing card program. Recommendations will be presented to
the City Council as part of the purchasing ordinance in an
effort to streamline and make operations more efficient.
Deputy Director of Health and Environmental Control David LeDuff
announced that Exide Technologies (“Exide”) reported that they
have completed sidewalk cleaning and soil removal activities
pursuant to orders from the Department of Toxic Substances
Control and the City of Vernon Health and Environmental Control
Department. LeDuff reported on the specifics and advised that
Exide is in the process of cleaning out certain storm drains as
well.
LeDuff announced that the Los Angeles County Health Department
will be offering free blood lead screenings beginning April 7,
2014 through September 2014. An informational meeting is
scheduled for April 3, 2014, at the Double Tree Hotel in the
City of Commerce between 3-8:00 p.m. The public is invited to
attend; additional information on the event can be found on the
City of Vernon website.
LeDuff reported on a rodent problem near and outside the housing
units on Furlong Place. The Health and Environmental Control
Department is working with the Community Services Department on
the issue.
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April 1, 2014
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Human Resources Director Teresa McAllister announced the Team
Building and Team Communication Training on April 17, and 24,
2014. She also advised that the recruitment process for the
City Attorney position is underway.
Assistant to City Administrator/Successor Agency Staff Alex Kung
announced that the next Oversight Board to the Successor Agency
Meeting is scheduled to be held on June 5, 2014, at 4:00 p.m.
Kung advised that California Consulting has various pending
applications for Legacy LA, the City, and Huntington Park.
California Consulting has also been asked to assist with the
California Competes Tax Credit application process for local
businesses.
Senior Strategic Policy Advisor and Director of Communications
Advisor Fred MacFarlane advised that planning for the ground
breaking of the Meta Housing Corporation development project on
April 25, 2014, and the ground breaking at Salt Lake Park for
the artificial turf, soccer field on April 26, 2014, in
Huntington Park is nearing completion. Invites will be
disseminated within the upcoming week.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported on the Vernon Chamber
of Commerce Installation Luncheon held on March 27, 2014. He
advised that Mayor McCormick and Independent Reform Monitor John
Van de Kamp were both speakers at the event. The Chamber
reinstalled Eric Gustafson as the Chairperson.
Senator Ricardo Lara has resumed his interest in visiting Vernon
and its businesses. Assistant to City Administrator Alex Kung
is working with Senator Lara’s Office on tax credits for
businesses.
Whitworth announced the General Municipal Election on April 8,
2014. Post-election matters are scheduled for the April 15,
2014, City Council meeting.
Whitworth announced the Special Vernon Housing Commission
meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. He advised
that the Huntington Park Manager has asked local cities to
discuss ways to increase funding for public transportation.
Mayor McCormick reported on his attendance to the reception for
the new Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem in Huntington Park.
CLOSED SESSION
At 10:02 a.m., it was moved by Maisano and seconded by Davis to
go into closed session to discuss the item listed under closed
session. Motion carried, 5-0. There was no public comment on
this matter.
1. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Mark Whitworth, Teresa
McAllister
Employee Organizations: Vernon Police Management
Association
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April 1, 2014
Page 13 of 13
At 10:34 a.m., the City Council exited closed session. Deputy
City Attorney Zaynah Moussa announced that there is no
reportable action.
With no further business, at 10:34 a.m., Mayor McCormick
adjourned the meeting.
________________________
W. Michael McCormick
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Ana Barcia
Deputy City Clerk