2012-06-13 BDC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON
HELD WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2012,
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED
AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Halpin, Michael McCormick, William
Davis, Mark Whitworth, Reid Delphey, and
John McMillan
MEMBERS ABSENT: Neil Mishurda, Stan Stosel, and
Edward Rendon
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by Chairperson
Halpin. Vice Chairperson McCormick led the flag salute.
The Secretary announced that there were no changes to the agenda
and that this was the time allotted for public comment. The
Chairperson inquired whether anyone in the audience wished to
address the Committee. No one responded.
MINUTES
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Delphey to approve the
Minutes of the Advisory Committee for Business Development
Meeting held March 14, 2012. Motion carried, 6-0.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Davis to approve the
Minutes of the Advisory Committee for Business Development
Meeting held April 11, 2012. Motion carried, 6-0.
RESOLUTION
1. Resolution No. BDC-3 - A Resolution of the Ad Hoc Advisory
Committee for Business Development of the City of Vernon
Repealing Resolution No. BDC-2 regarding the Conflict of
Interest Code
Legal Counsel Dana Reed explained that staff found it difficult
to agendize matters due to individual Committee member’s
relations in Vernon, as they are prohibited from participating
on issues where they may have an economic interest. The issue
was presented to Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp,
and Robert Stern, formerly of the Fair Political Practices
Commission, for their consideration.
Advisory Committee for Business Development Meeting Minutes
June 13, 2012
Page 2 of 4
Stern advised that he was one of the authors of the Political
Reform Act. Stern explained that the Committee does not make
decisions, and that there is no history to support that the
Committee’s recommendations have been approved by City Council.
He recommended that Committee Members not be required to file
Statements of Economic Interest. However, he recommended that
staff monitor the Committee’s recommendations and after two
years, determine whether members should be subject to filing
requirements.
Stern advised that Committee Members may continue to file
Statements of Economic Interest, but should not be required to
do so if the recommendation to repeal the Conflict of Interest
Code is approved.
It was moved by Whitworth and seconded by Davis to approve
Resolution No. BDC-3. Motion carried, 6-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Presentation on the alternative analysis for the
construction of a proposed transit line along the former
Pacific Electric/West Santa Ana Branch right of way.
Director of Community Services and Water Kevin Wilson presented
on the various alternate vehicles and routes for the proposed
transit line study. Wilson advised that the project still needs
to undergo the environmental review. Wilson advised that the
City is recommending the use of low speed magnetic levitation
system due to its environmental benefits and full grade
separation.
Wilson reported on the proposed alternate routes through Vernon.
In response to Member Delphey, Wilson reported that the study
would take approximately 5 years. Wilson advised that part of
his recommendation will include a transit station in Vernon.
Wilson reported on similar projects that have met resistance.
Legal Counsel Reed, advised that in 1999 there was a similar
project, but opined that since the Metropolitan Transportation
Authority is in support, there is potential for more of a follow
through.
2. Discussion on the comprehensive zoning ordinance.
This item was moved to the end of the Discussion Items.
Advisory Committee for Business Development Meeting Minutes
June 13, 2012
Page 3 of 4
3. Presentation on the City’s budget and finances.
Assistant to the City Administrator Alex Kung reported that
after various workshops on the proposed parcel tax, staff is
proposing an alternative, a utility user tax (“UUT”).
Anticipated revenues of $12 million have been placed in the
proposed budget for fiscal year 2012-2013. Kung announced the
proposed $0.02 increase to the warehouse parcel tax, and
reported that capital projects have been scaled back.
He announced the UUT workshop to be held at 3:00 p.m. that
afternoon. Kung reported on the dissolution of the
Redevelopment Agency and the unwinding of affairs by the
Oversight Board of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment
Agency, including the possible sale of property. Kung announced
that the budget is available in the City Clerk’s Department.
4. Resignation of Tim Hatfield
City Clerk Willard Yamaguchi announced the resignation of
Committee Member Tim Hatfield. Wilson advised that although the
City Administrator is tasked with the selection of the
Committee’s business representative member, he is open to
recommendations. Legal Counsel Reed encouraged members to
forward information on possible candidates.
2. Discussion on the comprehensive zoning ordinance. -
Revisited
Director of Community Services and Water Kevin Wilson reported
on the adoption of the comprehensive zoning ordinance in 1999,
and amendment in 2000. Wilson advised that in order to
accommodate new housing, the City ordinance needs to be amended;
therefore it was recommended that other areas be reviewed for
possible amendments. Wilson reported and explained the general
industrial zoning of the City and the three existing overlay
zones; commercial, slaughtering, and rendering. The new housing
overlay was also discussed. Wilson reported on the permitted
uses in the industrial zone along with the uses that require a
conditional use permit.
Wilson reported on the commercial overlay zone and requests
received for additional commercial uses. He reported on the
current conditional use permit requirements. In response to
Peter Corselli, audience member, concerns as to why “big box”
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June 13, 2012
Page 4 of 4
commercial use was prohibited, Wilson advised that there is not
sufficient space to accommodate the use in the existing
commercial overlay zone. Wilson advised that consolidation of
lots would be necessary and that a large retailer would provide
additional revenue to the City.
Wilson reported on the slaughtering and rendering overlay zones.
He explained the prohibited uses and legal nonconforming uses.
After Wilson concluded his presentation, he sought
recommendations or feedback from the Committee on whether other
uses should be permitted by right rather than through a
conditional use permit (“CUP”), whether some uses should require
a CUP, and whether some uses should be permitted throughout the
City in certain zones, such as limited retail sales on weekends.
The Committee agreed to discuss the zoning ordinance in greater
detail over the next few meetings.
ORAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
There were no oral reports or comments.
At 9:23 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by McMillan
to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried, 6-0.
________________________
William McCormick
Vice Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Ana Barcia
Deputy City Clerk