Loading...
2014-03-26 SDEEC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL VERNON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY COMMISSION HELD WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA MEMBERS PRESENT: Hector Garcia, Michael Gavina, Peter Corselli, David Honda, Jim Andreoli, and Armando Espinoza MEMBERS ABSENT: Jaime Villanueva The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Chairperson Garcia, who also led the flag salute. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Commission Director Leonard Grossberg announced that there are no changes to the agenda. He welcomed Commissioners Honda and Gavina back to the Commission as the new recently appointed members, and recognized Villanueva for the same as he could not attend the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT Commission Director Leonard Grossberg announced that this was the time allotted for public comment and inquired whether anyone in the audience wished to address the Commission. No one responded. MINUTES – To be received and filed. 1. Minutes of the Regular Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission Meeting held August 21, 2013. It was moved by Espinoza and seconded by Gavina to receive and file the Minutes. Motion carried, 6-0. ACTION ITEMS 1. Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to the Sustainability Development and Energy Efficiency Commission (“SDEEC”) for 2014. Special Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014 Page 2 of 5 Recommendations (1) Find that the election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson is 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) The SDEEC elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the SDEEC to serve a one year term. The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson must be from different appointing categories. Due to term limits, the existing Chairperson, Hector Garcia, cannot be reelected to serve as Chairperson. Commission Director Leonard Grossberg thanked Garcia for serving as Chairperson. He advised that the Commission is to elect a new Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Grossberg explained the term limit for the Chairperson and the requirement that the elected be from different silos. Commissioner Corselli nominated Honda to serve as the Chairperson. With no other nominations, the motion carried, 5- 0-1, with Honda abstaining. Commissioner Corselli nominated Garcia as the Vice Chairperson. Deputy City Attorney Scott Porter clarified that because Honda and Garcia are representatives from the same category, Garcia was not eligible to service as Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Corselli amended his motion and nominated Gavina to serve as Vice Chairperson. With no other nominations, the motion carried unanimously, 6-0. Honda was elected Chairperson and Gavina was elected Vice Chairperson. 2. Resolution No. SDEEC-9 - A Resolution of the Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission of the City of Vernon adopting a work plan and budget for fiscal year 2014-2015. Recommendations (1) Find that merely recommending a proposed budget, and a possible scope of action are not final actions subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), Special Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014 Page 3 of 5 and that even if they were, they would be exempt from CEQA under Guidelines 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 the proposed work plan and request for budget authorization of $20,000 for the Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission for fiscal year 2014-2015, and direct staff to submit said plan and budget to the City Council for review and approval. Commission Director Leonard Grossberg reported on the proposed work plan and budget. To clarify the Commission’s involvement in conditional use permit and variance review, Deputy City Attorney Scott Porter advised that the Commission will be able to provide input on sustainability and energy efficiency standards. The City Council will ultimately be taking action on proposed projects. Grossberg encouraged the Commission to comment on other proposed items during City Council meetings. In response to Commissioner Corselli, Grossberg confirmed that Commissioners can address the Council as a member of the Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission or as a member of the public. Grossberg encouraged the Commission to make additions to the work plan if the proposed did not address all components. Commissioner Corselli opined that in addition to developing tools and programs to education Vernon residents and business, the work plan should include the surrounding communities. One of Vernon’s biggest issues is how others perceive it. He recommended an amendment to include the surrounding communities. In response to Chairperson Honda’s inquiry, Commissioner Corselli advised that he is recommending a revision to the work plan in order to clarify language. He is not requesting an amendment to the budget. It was moved by Corselli and seconded by Andreoli to amend the work plan to include surrounding communities as part of the “Develop tools and programs to educate Vernon’s residents and Special Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014 Page 4 of 5 businesses on sustainability related goals and successes.” Motion carried, 6-0. Grossberg reported on the proposed budget which is the same as in previous years. It was moved by Corselli and seconded by Garcia to approve Resolution No. SDEEC-9 with the amendment. Motion carried, 6-0. ORAL REPORTS 1. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff. Commission Director Leonard Grossberg reported on the upcoming proposal to change the Commission’s name to the Green Vernon Commission so that it is more synonymous with the Commission’s goals. Chairperson Honda inquired whether the change would be publicized as this is a positive. Commissioner Garcia is pleased with the proposal. He opined that sustainable development and energy efficiency could be a mission statement. There are many regulations that impact Vernon’s small community, the Commission is a forum to showcase what the City has done and how it will move forward in its efforts to be a model City. Deputy City Attorney Scott Porter clarified that the Ordinance is still in draft format. In addition to the proposed name change, the ordinance will include other proposed revisions. It is anticipated that it will be presented to Council in April or May 2014. Porter additionally announced that in the upcoming months the City is proposing to revise its Zoning Ordinance and General Plan. Public workshops will be held. The Commission’s input will be part of the process. Commissioner Corselli recalled that the Advisory Committee on Business Development provided input on the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance during its last update. He is in agreement that this Commission should provide input. Special Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014 Page 5 of 5 Commissioner Garcia added that many issues involve the California Environmental Quality Act and other environmental components, this Commission will be able to assist and provide input on those matters. Commission Director Leonard Grossberg announced the groundbreaking on April 25, 2014, for the Vernon Village Park Apartments and the groundbreaking on April 26, 2014, for the artificial turf, soccer field at Salt Lake Park in the City of Huntington Park. He reported on a workshop on April 29, 2014, in Sacramento on alternative technology and energy projects from the Waste Board. He advised the Commission that if any are interested in attending, to please contact him. With no further business, at 4:00 p.m. it was moved Espinoza and seconded by Garcia that the meeting be adjourned, Motion carried, 5-0. ________________________ David Honda Chairperson ATTEST: _________________________ Ana Barcia Secretary