2014-09-17 Green Vernon Commission MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR GREEN VERNON
COMMISSION MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER
17, 2014, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL
LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON,
CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: David Honda, Michael Gavina, Hector Garcia, Armando Espinoza,
and Jaime Villanueva
MEMBERS ABSENT: Peter Corselli (entire meeting) and Jim Andreoli (entire meeting)
The meeting was called to order at 3:33 p.m. by Chairperson Honda, who also led the flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
It was confirmed that there are no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairperson Honda 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 December 18, 2013.
2. Minutes of the Special Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency
Commission Meeting held March 26, 2014.
It was moved by Garcia and seconded by Espinoza to receive and file the Minutes of the
December 18, 2013 and the March 26, 2014 Meetings. Motion carried, 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
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.
Recommendations
(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
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September 17, 2014
Page 2 of 3
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.
It was moved by Villanueva and seconded by Garcia 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, 5-0.
4. Discussion regarding proposed modifications to the Solid Waste Ordinance and
New Solid Waste Franchise Agreement.
Recommendations
(1) Provide comments on a proposed new solid waste ordinance and a related
Franchise Agreement.
Commission Director Leonard Grossberg presented on the proposed changes to the agreement
and ordinance which are currently being considered to update the agreement and ordinance in
accordance with new legal requirements and policy objectives.
Grossberg clarified for Chairperson Honda that the changes are outlined for convenience only,
and that the proposed changes are consistent with any changes that had been previously
discussed and approved by the Commission.
Allan Babashoff of G.B. Services, Inc. expressed his concerns with the proposed liability
insurance requirements.
The Commission had no comments on the proposed changes to the agreement and ordinance.
ORAL REPORTS
5. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff.
Commission Director Leonard Grossberg announced the Sustainability Open House on October
9, 2014. He reported on three green projects currently underway in the City.
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September 17, 2014
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Deputy City Clerk Ana Barcia reported on the new format for Commission meeting minutes
from summary minutes to action minutes. Barcia also stated that there would be a future date for
the AB1234 Ethics training for those that could not attend the September 16th training.
In response to Commissioner Garcia, Grossberg advised that he would provide an update on the
key metrics with Eco Telesis at the next Commission meeting.
With no further business, at 4:00 p.m. it was moved Gavina and seconded by Villanueva to
adjourn the meeting, Motion carried, 5-0.
________________________
David Honda
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Ana Barcia
Secretary