2014-11-04 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014, IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305
SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: McCormick, Davis, Maisano
MEMBERS ABSENT: Martinez
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor McCormick; Mayor McCormick 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 also be
given an opportunity to comment on matters on the posted agenda during Council deliberation.
No one responded.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano to approve all matters listed under the Consent
Calendar under one motion. Motion carried, 3-0.
Claims Against the City – Received and Filed
1. None.
Minutes – To be Received and Filed
2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held on October 21, 2014.
Warrant Registers
3. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1411, totaling $1,562,120.48, which covers
the period of October 14, through October 27, 2014, and consists of the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $1,118,862.06; and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $263,383.28; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $179,875.14.
4. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 376, totaling $5,672,646.61,
which covers the period of October 14, through October 27, 2014, and consists of
the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $5,555,711.09; and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $64,977.41; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $51,958.11.
5. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 164, totaling $24,277.56, which covers the
period of October 14, through October 27, 2014, and consists of the following:
a. Ratification of issuance of early checks totaling $18,413.55; and
b. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $5,864.01.
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November 4, 2014
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Fire Department
6. Activity Report for the period of October 1, through October 15, 2014, to be
received and filed.
Police Department
7. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrests and Activities for the period of
October 1, through October 15, 2014, to be received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS
City Administration Department
8. Appointments to the Vacant Legislative and City Council Seats on the Vernon
CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee:
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the appointment of individuals to serve on the Vernon CommUNITY
Fund Grant Committee 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) Appoint Lawrence Cooper to fill the vacant Legislative seat on the Vernon
CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee; and
(3) Appoint a current City Council member to fill the vacant City Council seat on the
Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee.
Mayor McCormick recommended the appointment of Lawrence Cooper to fill the vacant
Legislative seat and Mayor Pro-Tem Davis to fill the vacant City Council seat on the Vernon
CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee.
Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp expressed the importance of Cooper being
knowledgeable in terms of input on the City. He also wanted to make sure Cooper was
committed to attending each meeting in person despite living in Sacramento.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Davis to approve the appointments. Motion carried,
3-0.
9. Appointments to the Inaugural Vernon Business and Industry Commission:
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the appointment of individuals to serve on the Vernon Business and
Industry Commission 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) Appoint seven individuals to serve on the Vernon Business and Industry
Commission for terms commencing July 1, 2014. Pursuant to Section 2.174 of
the Vernon Municipal Code, Appointment of Members, the seven-member
Commission shall include: three individuals, each of whom represents the owner
or operator of a business located in Vernon; two individuals, each of whom has
knowledge of the Vernon real estate market; one individual who is employed by a
business located in Vernon or who is a member of a labor union that represents
the workers at a business located in Vernon; and one current member of the
Vernon City Council; and
(3) Designate three of the seven individuals to serve an initial term of two years,
ending June 30, 2016. The remaining four individuals shall serve a standard four-
year term, ending June 30, 2018. Pursuant to Section 2.175.1 of the Vernon
Municipal Code, Creation of Staggered Terms, the three members of the
Commission designated to serve an initial two-year term shall be one from each
of the following categories: one individual who represents the owner or operator
of a business located in Vernon; one individual who has knowledge of the Vernon
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November 4, 2014
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real estate market; and one current member of the Vernon City Council. The
remaining four members designated to serve a standard four-year term shall fill in
the remaining positions.
Deputy City Administrator Kristen Enomoto conducted the oral report on the recommendation.
The following table was utilized at the meeting to record the appointments and term designations
made by the City Council at said meeting:
Commission Member Name Appointment Category Term End Date
Robert Wendoll Business Representative June 30, 2016
Eric Gustafson Business Representative June 30, 2018
Douglas Pittman Business Representative June 30, 2018
John McMillan Real Estate Representative June 30, 2016
Brett Dedeaux Real Estate Representative June 30, 2018
Stan Stosel Employee/Labor Representative June 30, 2018
W. Michael McCormick City Council Representative June 30, 2016
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano to approve the appointments. Motion carried,
3-0.
Gas and Electric Department
10. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Port Canaveral Power
Consultants Inc. for Energy Projects Consultant Services:
Recommendation:
(1) Find that awarding the agreement 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; and
(2) Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Port Canaveral Power
Consultants, Inc. (“Port Canaveral”), in substantially the same form as attached to
the staff report, for the purpose of securing Energy Projects Consultant Services.
The proposed contract would include a grand total compensation amount “not-to-
exceed” $780,000 over the three year term of the agreement.
Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino reported on the recommendation and requirements.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano to approve the agreement with Port Canaveral
Consultants Inc. Motion carried, 3-0.
Human Resources Department
11. Resolution No. 2014-68 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
Adopting the Citywide Fringe Benefits and Salary Resolution and Repealing All
Resolutions in Conflict Therewith.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval of the resolution proposed in this staff report 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 attached Citywide Fringe Benefits and Salary Resolution effective
November 4, 2014, to reflect provisions as outlined in the staff report.
Director of Human Resources Teresa McAllister reported on the details and fringe benefits that
will be affected and noted that the fiscal year impact will be $10,710 and is already included in
the fiscal year 2014-2015 budget.
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November 4, 2014
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Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp inquired if the changes will have a potential
long term debt on payouts.
Finance Director William Fox explained that with the recommended changes, the City will not
make as many payouts and the City’s cash flow will be covered.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Davis to approve Resolution No. 2014-68. Motion
carried, 3-0.
ORDINANCES
12. ORDINANCE NO. 1226 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vernon
amending Chapter 12 of the Vernon Municipal Code and repealing all ordinances
or parts of ordinances in conflict therewith. (second reading)
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval, and subsequent adoption, of the proposed ordinance is exempt
under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with
CEQA Guidelines sections [a] 15061(b) (3), the general rule that CEQA only
applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment.
(2) Adopt the proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the Vernon Municipal
Code regarding Waste Management and Recycling.
Mayor McCormick announced proposed Ordinance No. 1226 by title.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg noted no changes to the
proposed ordinance since its introduction at the last City Council meeting and briefly reported on
the ordinance and non-exclusive franchise agreement.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano to adopt Ordinance No. 1226. A roll-call vote
was taken:
- Councilmember Maisano, yes
- Mayor Pro Tem Davis, yes
- Mayor McCormick, yes
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1226 carried, 3-0.
ORAL REPORTS
13. City Administrator Reports – brief reports on activities and other brief announcements
by the City Administrator and Department Heads.
14. City Council Reports – brief report on activities, announcements, or directives to staff.
Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on officers’ responses to recent incidents.
Police Captain Gillman reported that there were no reports of vandalism.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson announced the blood drive event for the Children’s Hospital of Los
Angeles on November 13, 2014, updated the Council on the firefighter recruitment, and advised
that there had been several false positive Ebola reports in Los Angeles County. Fire personnel
are undergoing Ebola exercises to be able to handle the situation countywide.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson provided an update
on the Storm Drain Project and also updated Council on the South Coast Air Quality
Management District “AQMD” hearing regarding the generator at City Hall which has been
found to be too close in proximity to the elementary school.
Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino gave a PowerPoint presentation on the 66kV
Grounding Project and informed Council that the Black Start Testing Project has been completed
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November 4, 2014
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and that there are now procedures in place. He also provided an updated on the $6.5 million
penalty fine that may be imposed on the City, due to the City’s non-compliance with Bucket One
renewable portfolio standards for the first compliance period.
Finance Director William Fox thanked Human Resources Director, Teresa McAllister and the
Council for the City’s recent Halloween festivities. He then reported to the Council that the
annual audit has been completed and that the findings and statistics will be addressed at a future
meeting. He also informed the Council on the bond refunding and request for proposals process.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg advised that the City of
Vernon website has informative documents and updates on the Ebola virus.
Director of Human Resources Teresa McAllister thanked all department heads, employees and
Council for participating in the Halloween event. She announced that open enrollment
commenced on November 3, 2014, and that there were no changes to the plans. The tentative
date for the City’s holiday event is December 18, 2014.
Economic Development Manager/Successor Agency Staff Alex Kung advised that the November
Oversight Board of the Successor agency meeting is cancelled; the next meeting is scheduled for
December 4, 2014. He also gave a brief update on the recognized obligation payment schedule
“ROPS”.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth announced that the Vernon Quarterly publication is now
available and that there has been positive feedback on the City’s legal group. He also updated
the Council on the Jawbone trip scheduled for December 17, 2014, for City officials to learn
more about the area in Kern County that is being developed. He also updated Council on the
Exide meeting that was held on October 29, 2014, and the efforts Exide has made to meet Air
Quality Management District standards.
Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp inquired how Vernon Gas & Electric plans to
handle potential litigation if the $6.5 million fine is imposed. In response, Vernon Gas &
Electric Director Carlos Fandino informed Van de Kamp and the Council that the bill is currently
being monitored and that it is not directly impacting the City. He also informed him that City
Attorney Hema Patel will be made aware of all future developments pertaining to this issue and
that the City has support from both Southern California Public Power Authority “SCPPA” and
the California Municipal Utilities Association “CMUA.”
With no further business, at 10:06 a.m., Mayor McCormick adjourned the meeting.
________________________
W. Michael McCormick
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Ana Barcia
Deputy City Clerk