2014-08-05 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014, IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305
SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: McCormick, Davis, Maisano, Martinez, and Ybarra
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor McCormick; Edward Brambila of
Maywood Academy High School 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; the public will be given an
opportunity to comment on matters on the posted agenda during Council deliberation. No one
responded.
PRESENTATIONS
1. A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon
Commending and Honoring Kevin Orvil Monge for his service and support of his
community.
2. A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon
Commending and Honoring Kristian Emiliano Vasquez for his service and
support of his community.
Mayor McCormick presented Kevin Orvil Monge with a Proclamation for his service and
support to the community. Mayor McCormick announced that Kristian Emiliano Vasquez was
not present to accept his Proclamation.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. Consider Vernon’s conformance to the criteria in the Congestion Management
Program as established by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority.
Resolution No. 2014-49 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
finding the City of Vernon to be in conformance with the Congestion Management
Program (CMP) and adopting the CMP Local Development Report, in accordance
with California Government Code Section 65089.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval of the 2014 CMP Local Development Report is statutorily
exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance
with CEQA Guidelines Section 15276, which expressly exempts the preparation
and adoption of a congestion management program and categorically exempt
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) because there is no possibility
that approving the report may have a significant effect on the environment; and
(2) Adopt a resolution self-certifying the City’s compliance with the Congestion
Management Program requirements and adopt the 2014 CMP Local Development
Report in accordance with California Government Code Section 65089.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2014
Page 2 of 7
At 9:04 a.m. Mayor McCormick opened the public hearing to consider Vernon’s conformance to
the criteria in the Congestion Management Program as established by the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Director of Public Works, Water, and Development Services Kevin Wilson provided an oral
report and recommended the adoption and approval of the resolution certifying the City’s
compliance with the Congestion Management Program.
Mayor McCormick opened the public comment portion of the public hearing. With no public
comment or questions to the staff, at 9:08 a.m. the public hearing was closed.
Wilson additionally noted risks should the certification not be adopted.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2014-49. Motion
carried, 5-0
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Martinez to approve all matters listed under the
Consent Calendar under one motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
Claims Against the City – Received and Filed
4. Claim for Damages received on July 17, 2014, from Pacific Bell/ AT&T, in an
amount to be determined.
Minutes – To be Received and Filed
5. Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meeting held June 17, 2014.
6. Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and Successor Agency Meeting held July
1, 2014.
7. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held July 1, 2014.
8. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held July 15, 2014.
Warrant Registers
9. Ratification of the following City Warrant Registers to record the following voided
checks:
a. City Warrant Register No. 1403 to record voided Check No. 344615 in the
amount of $150.00; and
b. City Warrant Register No. 1399 to record voided Check No. 344002 in the
amount of $75.00; and
c. City Warrant Register No. 1398 to record voided Check No. 343858 in the
amount of $440.00.
10. Ratification of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 365 to record voided Check
No. 510738 in the amount of $45.58.
11. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1405, totaling $2,316,638.77, which covers
the period of July 8, through July 28, 2014, and consists of the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $1,421,176.32; and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $627,965.22; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $267,497.23.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2014
Page 3 of 7
12. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 370, totaling $5,648,025.15,
which covers the period of July 8, through July 28, 2014, and consists of the
following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $5,514,440.38; and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $36,241.49; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $97,343.28.
13. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 158, totaling $2,805,103.98, which covers
the period of July 8, through July 28, 2014, and consists of the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $2,745,124.83; and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $29,412.07; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $30,567.08.
Fire Department
14. Activity Report for the period of July 1, through July 15, 2014, to be received and
filed.
15. Resolution No. 2014-50 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
approving and adopting an updated General Fee Schedule.
Recommendation:
(1) Approve a resolution to, among other things, amend Exhibit A of the City’s
General Fee Schedule to remove the existing false security alarm fee for the
second false alarm response within a fiscal year. The lack of a fee for the first
false alarm would continue, and the fees for third and each subsequent false alarm
response would remain unaffected. The resolution would also find that the
revision to the false security alarm fee 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.
Gas and Electric Department
16. April 2014 Vernon Gas and Electric Resource Procurement Report, to be received
and filed.
Health and Environmental Control Department
17. Approval of a Services Agreement with KJServices Environmental Consulting for
Program Management and Implementation Services.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval of the proposed Services Agreement with KJServices
Environmental Consulting 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; and
(2) Authorize the City Administrator to enter into a Services Agreement between the
City of Vernon and KJServices Environmental Consulting in substantially the
same form as submitted with the staff report, for the period of August 1, 2014
through October 31, 2016, in an amount not to exceed $100,780.00. It is further
recommended that the City Council find that “the bests interests of the City are
served by a direct award of the contract without a competitive selection process”
and that it would be “commercially unreasonable” to re-bid those portions of this
contract that have continued to have been awarded to KJServices Environmental
Consulting since 1998.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2014
Page 4 of 7
Police Department
18. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrest and Activities for the period of
July 1, through July 15, 2014, to be received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS
Public Works, Water and Development Services Department
19. Resolution No. 2014-51 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
declaring a Phase I Water Supply Shortage pursuant to Section 25.103 of the
Vernon Municipal Code.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that declaring a Phase I Water Supply Shortage pursuant to Vernon
Municipal Code § 25.103 is exempt under the California Environmental Quality
Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with (a) CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the
general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the
environment; and (b) Section 15307, because it is an action taken by a regulatory
agency to assure the “maintenance, restoration, or enhancement” of natural
resources and includes procedures to protect the environment; and
(2) Adopt the resolution declaring a Phase I Water Supply Shortage pursuant to
Vernon Municipal Code Section 25.103.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services, Kevin Wilson conducted the
presentation and requested the adoption of the proposed resolution. Wilson advised that it is
anticipated that the implementation would not have a significant impact on the business
community.
In response to Councilmember Ybarra, Wilson addressed concerns regarding customer
notification.
In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis’ inquiry on penalties, Wilson explained that the objective
is compliance; public education on the issue will first be conducted before it escalates to
penalties.
It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Davis to approve Resolution No. 2014-51, Motion
carried, 5-0
20. Approval to Advertise for Contract No. CS-0428: Office Reconfiguration of City
Administration, City Attorney and Human Resources Departments.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the proposed Capital Improvement is categorically exempt under the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15301, Existing Facilities, part (a), because the project is
merely to make interior or exterior alterations involving interior partitions,
plumbing, and electrical conveyances; and
(2) Approve Contract No. CS-0428 and grant authority to advertise for bids for the
Office Reconfiguration of City Administration, City Attorney and Human
Resources Departments, based upon the City’s standard public works bidding
package.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson conducted the oral
report on the proposed office configuration bid request.
Councilmember Ybarra expressed concerns with the project cost and inquired whether staff
considered other options. In response, Wilson reported on the alternatives.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth explained the need for the office reconfiguration.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2014
Page 5 of 7
Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp recommended that the project be implemented
in two phases over two fiscal years in order to address budget concerns.
Wilson confirmed for Councilmember Maisano that sufficient funds have been budgeted with the
current fiscal year.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Martinez to approve the advertisement for Contract
No. CS-0428 for the office reconfiguration. Motion carried, 4-1, with Ybarra in opposition.
ORDINANCES
21. Ordinance No. 1224 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vernon,
California, amending Sections 16.15, 16.16 and 16.17 of Article I, Chapter 16 of the
Vernon Municipal Code to assign speed limits on certain streets and to repeal all
ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict therewith (second reading).
Recommendation:
(1) Find that adoption of the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with Class 1, Section 15301(c) of the
CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14. Projects exempted
under Class 1, Section 15301(c), consist of the operation, repair, or minor
alteration of existing highways, streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian
trails, and similar facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use; and
(2) Adopt the proposed Ordinance amending Sections 16.15, 16.16 and 16.17 of
Chapter 16, Law Enforcement, of the Vernon Municipal Code.
Mayor McCormick announced the proposed ordinance by title.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson reported that there
have been no changes to the ordinance since its introduction at the last meeting.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano to adopt Ordinance No. 1224. A roll-call vote
was taken:
- Councilmember Martinez, yes
- Councilmember Ybarra, yes
- Councilmember Maisano, yes
- Mayor Pro Tem Davis, yes
- Mayor McCormick, yes
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1224 carried, 5-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
22. Presentation by the Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services on
the I-710 Corridor Project.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson provided a
presentation and update on the I-710 Corridor project. He reported on the approval of two
options for further study, and the approval of the Community Alternative 7 option which
includes enhancements to the river, parks, and other community facilities; this is to be reviewed
by a separate committee.
Mayor Pro-Tem is concerned that the Community Alternative 7 will prolong the I-710 Corridor
project, and expressed concerns on how the project will be funded.
Mayor McCormick agrees with Davis’ concerns. He directed staff to take the position that
Vernon requests that the Community Alternative 7 be considered separately from the I-710
Corridor project.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2014
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ORAL REPORTS
23. City Administrator Reports – brief reports on activities and other brief announcements
by the City Administrator and Department Heads.
24. City Council Reports – brief report on activities, announcements, or directives to staff.
Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on officer’s response to recent incidents. Calleros reported
on the implementation of the AAA vehicle loan program, and reported on two (2) Police interns.
Captain Michael Gillman reported the arrest of 3 individuals related to vandalism. Mayor Pro-
Tem Davis reported on vandalism near his residence.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson reported on recent Fire Department activities, training, and responses
to incidents. Wilson announced the recognition of former Fire Chief Smokey Bass by the Box
15 group.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson provided an update
on capital improvement project and the new housing development project. Wilson also reported
on a recent water main rupture and repair.
In response to Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp, Wilson reported on the water
pipes condition and age.
Electrical Resources Planning & Development Manager Abraham Alemu reported on recent
power outages including a serious incident at U.S. Growers.
Finance Director William Fox reported on the bond review process as required, and the
commencement of the annual financial audit.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg reported on whole sale food
vehicle inspections, and active shooter training for the Department.
Human Resources Director Teresa McAllister announced upcoming employee events and
activities, reported on the recruitment process for Fire personnel, and forthcoming updates to
personnel policies.
Economic Development Manager/Successor Agency Staff Alex Kung announced the
cancellation of the Oversight Board to the Successor Agency meeting until September 4, 2014,
and appointment of new member Marlene Dunn to the Board. Kung also announced a free
webinar on manufacturing tax rebates and the extension of the California Competes tax credit.
The Vernon Chamber of Commerce was notified of both.
Senior Strategic Policy Advisor and Director of Communications Advisor Fred MacFarlane
provided an update on the grand opening of the artificial turf soccer field at Salt Lake Park on
September 6th, 2014.
In response to Van de Kamp’s inquiry, Fox explained the City’s intent to refinance and
appropriately plan for capital improvement costs through the help of Public Financing
Management Inc., the City’s financial advisor.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported on upcoming Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant
Committee activities. He announced the availability of the 7th edition of the Independent Reform
Monitor John Van de Kamp report. He provided an update on the JLAC audit. Members to the
Business and Industry Commission are to be appointed at the next meeting. Whitworth
announced other community events.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2014
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CLOSED SESSION
With no public comment on the closed session items, at 10:43 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.
25. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Mark Whitworth, Teresa McAllister, and Paul
Coble
Employee Organizations: Vernon Police Officers’ Benefit Association and Vernon
Firemen's Association.
At 11:06 a.m., the Council exited closed session. City Attorney Hema Patel announced that
there is no reportable action.
With no further business, at 11:07 a.m., Mayor McCormick adjourned the meeting.
________________________
W. Michael McCormick
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Ana Barcia
Deputy City Clerk