2014-09-10 VHC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR VERNON HOUSING COMMISSION
MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2014, IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT
4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Hughes, Henry Haskell, Hector Garcia (partial meeting),
John Kriste, and Melissa Ybarra
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael McCormick (entire meeting), and Eric Gustafson (entire
meeting)
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson Hughes; Commissioner Haskell led
the flag salute.
Chairperson Hughes confirmed that there are no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairperson Hughes announced that this was the time allotted for public comment and inquired
whether anyone in the audience wished to address the Commission. The public will also be
given a chance to comment on matters which are on the posted agenda during Commission
deliberation on those specific matters. No one responded.
MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting held June 11, 2014,
to be received and filed.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Haskell to approve the June 11, 2014, Minutes.
Motion carried, 4-0; Garcia had not yet entered the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
2. Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to serve until the next annual
election in September 2015.
Commissioner Haskell questioned the term limit. Item will be addressed later in the meeting in
order to allow staff to review the facts.
3. Revisions to the Commission’s Conflict of Interest Code, and authorization of the
incorporation of said recommended Code into a Master City of Vernon Conflict of
Interest Code.
Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2014
Page 2 of 4
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the proposed actions do not constitute a “project” pursuant to section
15378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”), because they constitute administrative activities; and even if the
directives did constitute a project, it would be exempt from 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) Review the Commission’s existing Conflict of Interest Code (“Code”), and either
(a) submit proposed revisions to the City Council or (b) recommend that no
revisions be made. It is further recommended that the Commission direct its
Chairperson to document said decision by filing the “2014 Local Agency Biennial
Notice” with the Office of the City Clerk; and
(3) Recommend that the City Council incorporate the Commission’s Code, with any
recommended revisions, into one city-wide Master Conflict of Interest Code.
Deputy City Clerk Ana Barcia provided the oral report on the proposal. In response to
Commissioner Haskell, Barcia clarified staff’s recommendation is to review and approve the
proposed changes to the code.
It was moved by Haskell and seconded by Ybarra to approve the recommended changes to the
Conflict of Interest Code and recommend that Council incorporate said recommendations into
the city-wide Master Conflict of Interest Code. Motion carried, 4-0; Garcia had not yet entered
the meeting.
Commissioner Garcia entered the meeting.
ORAL REPORTS & COMMENTS FROM STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
4. Staff update on contract related activities with Solari Enterprises, Inc.
Deputy City Administrator Kristen Enomoto reported that staff has been unable to secure an
executed agreement from Solari Enterprises Inc. (“Solari”) for the new scope of work and
consulting services; additionally, the capital improvement plan, an outstanding item from the
previous service agreement, has not been received from Solari. Enomoto advised that there has
been no indication that Solari is interested in continuing to provide services for the City of
Vernon. Staff feels sufficiently able to handle the work without Solari.
Commissioner Ybarra inquired on alternatives and whether other contractors can be invited to
bid.
Enomoto explained the limitations and difficulties that were experienced during the previous
bidding process. Staff does not anticipate a good response.
Commissioner Haskell sought clarification on the recommendation.
Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2014
Page 3 of 4
In response, Finance Director William Fox explained the process and procedures staff would use
to address the concerns that Solari would have otherwise handled.
In response to Chairperson Hughes’ concerns on the capital improvement plan, Fox advised that
staff will be performing this task.
To further clarify staff’s recommendation, Enomoto advised that it is staff’s recommendation to
handle everything in-house.
5. Quarterly housing report to be presented by City Finance Director
Finance Director William Fox conducted the presentation.
In response to Commissioner Ybarra’s concerns, Fox explained that the troubleshooting and
inspection of the units is ongoing, and reported on potential methods to enforce tenant parking on
Furlong Avenue.
6. Vernon Village Park progress report to be presented by the Director of Public Works,
Water & Development Services.
Director of Public Works Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson presented an update
on the project.
NEW BUSINESS (REVISITED)
2. Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to serve until the next annual
election in September 2015.
Staff reported that the term for the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson is for one year until
December 2014. This item is deferred to the December 2014 Commission meeting. No election
took place.
ORAL REPORTS & COMMENTS FROM STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
(CONTINUED)
7. Brief reports, announcements, or directives to staff from the Commissioners and
Commission Officers.
Deputy City Administrator Kristen Enomoto introduced new City Attorney Hema Patel.
Enomoto reminded all that on Tuesday, September 16, 2014, the City will conduct the AB1234
Ethics training as required.
Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2014
Page 4 of 4
DISCUSSION ITEM AND POSSIBLE DIRECTIVES TO STAFF
8. Finance Director and City staff will report on major repair work that has occurred since
the June 11, 2014 meeting and seek direction from the Commission regarding the
establishment of formal policies, procedures, and guidelines regarding major repair
work.
Finance Director William Fox conducted the presentation.
Legal Counsel Stuart Leviton recommended that the Commission direct staff to draft procedures
and agendize the recommendations for Commission consideration at the next meeting.
Chairperson Hughes made the directive to do so.
A 10-day notification and availability of the proposed procedures was requested, rather than the
usual 72 hours.
Commissioner Haskell sought clarification on staff’s intentions to address Independent Reform
Monitor John Van de Kamp’s recommendations, specifically his recommendation concerning
Minute documentation and format.
In response, Deputy City Administrator Kristen Enomoto advised that all recommendations are
given careful consideration.
SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairperson Hughes 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.
With no further business, at 7:00 p.m., it was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Kriste to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried, 5-0.
________________________
Michael Hughes
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Ana Barcia
Deputy Secretary