2014-09-16 Grant Committee MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL VERNON COMMUNITY FUND
GRANT COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014, AT 12:30 P.M. IN CONFERENCE
ROOM NO. 3, SECOND FLOOR OF CITY HALL, LOCATED AT 4305
SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michel Ybarra, Steve Veres, Joaquin Castaneda, Jessica Maes, and
Michael Gavina
MEMBERS ABSENT: Yolie Flores (entire meeting) and Juliet Goff (entire meeting)
The meeting was called to order at 12:32 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
It was announced that this was the time allotted for public comment. No members of the public
were present, no comments were made.
TRAINING
1. Jemmott Rollins Group will provide orientation to Grant Committee members on
the Vernon CommUNITY Fund website and procedures for review and
recommendation of grants.
Fran Jemmott of Jemmott Rollins Group (JRG) commenced the training.
Self-introductions of the present Grant Committee members and staff were made.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported on the Vernon CommUNITY Fund (VCF) history
and creation. Committee Member Veres further reported on Vernon’s opportunity to assist
surrounding communities.
Jemmott explained the Committee’s purpose and reported on the process and use of the Vernon
CommUNITY Fund website.
In response to Veres, Jemmott reported on the announcement and outreach conducted. Veres
recommended that schools and governmental agencies be included in the notification process.
In response to Committee Member Castaneda, Jemmott described the oversight and requirements
established to prevent potential misappropriation of funds.
In response to Veres’ inquiries and concerns, Jemmott advised that the grant agreement letter,
that all grant recipients will be required to sign, will include specific requirements regarding
acknowledgment of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund contribution (including use of the VCF
logo).
In response to Committee Member Ybarra, Jemmott clarified the application review process,
including the different steps performed by City staff, JRG, and the Committee.
Castaneda and Veres sought clarification and expressed concerns related to balancing the role of
ambassador and advocate for the VCF. Jemmott made recommendations on how to handle the
situation and advised that potential applicants should be referred to JRG.
In response to Veres’ concerns regarding the public review and grant award process, Jemmott
advised that the Committee is advocating for principles that the VCF was created to address.
Deputy City Administrator Kristen Enomoto reported on fund availability and ordinance
requirements for disbursement.
Availability for potential future meeting dates was established.
Special Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes
September 16, 2014
Page 2 of 2
Committee Member Gavina recommended the development of an overall strategy to help guide
the decision-making process.
Castaneda requested a rubric to aid the decision-making process.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
________________________
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Ana Barcia
Deputy City Clerk