2014-12-10 VHC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR VERNON HOUSING COMMISSION
MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 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, John Kriste, and
Melissa Ybarra
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael McCormick and Eric Gustafson
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson Hughes; who also 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 September 10,
2014, to be received and filed.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Haskell to approve the September 10, 2014, Minutes.
Motion carried, 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
2. Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to serve until the next annual
election in December 2015. Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 2.124 et
seq. the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall be from different appointing
categories. Additionally, no Commission member may serve as Chairperson for
more than two consecutive terms.
It was moved by Commissioner Haskell to nominate Hughes to serve as the Chairperson for a
second year. It was seconded by Ybarra. With no other nominations, motion carried, 5-0.
It was moved Commissioner Haskell to nominate Ybarra to serve as the Vice Chairperson and
was seconded by Garcia. With no other nominations, motion carried, 5-0.
Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2014
Page 2 of 4
3. Purchasing and Relocation Procedures Related to Major Repair Work for City-
Owned Housing Units.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that adoption of the proposed Procedures Regarding Temporary Relocation
of Leasees and Authorized Occupants 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.
(2) Authorize City staff to continue to follow the City’s Competitive Bidding and
Purchasing Ordinance and Housing Commission contracting/purchasing
provisions established in the Vernon Municipal Code for repair and maintenance
of City-owned housing units.
(3) Discuss and adopt the proposed Procedures Regarding Temporary Relocation of
Leasees and Authorized Occupants, or provide direction to staff regarding
potential revisions or alternatives.
Deputy City Administrator Kristen Enomoto reported on the proposed. Commission Treasurer/
City Finance Director William Fox further presented on the City’s purchasing procedures.
Legal Counsel Stuart Leviton further reported on the proposed procedures. In response to
Chairperson Hughes, Leviton advised that temporary relocation through the proposed procedures
does not impact tenants’ residency in Vernon as there is an intent to return.
In response to Commissioner Haskell’s concerns on the “Approval Required by City Attorney or
Outside Counsel,” Leviton explained the value of having this precaution.
It was moved by Garcia and seconded by Ybarra to prove the purchasing and relocation
procedures related to major repair work for city-owned housing. Motion carried, 5-0.
ORAL REPORTS & COMMENTS FROM STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
4. Quarterly housing report to be presented by City Finance Director.
Commission Treasurer/ City Finance Director William Fox presented on the quarterly housing
report and activity.
Deputy City Administrator Kristen Enomoto reported on the termination of the 5-year lease
agreements and the implementation of the new lease agreements as approved by the
Commission. She noted that the market rent increases took effect as planned.
In response to Commissioner Haskell, Fox explained the reserve funds and advised that the funds
will be used to address housing repairs. The funds are maintained separately from other general
funds.
Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2014
Page 3 of 4
In further response to Commissioner Haskell, Enomoto explained that, in accordance with
responsible accounting practices, the reserve funds are accounted for separately and intended to
be used toward the cost of maintaining or improving the asset which generates such funds;
however, there is no statutory restriction on the funds. Fox further explained.
Commissioner Haskell voiced his disagreement with any consideration to restrict housing
reserve funds.
Commissioner Haskell requested that the Commission revisit the recommendation to sell the
Huntington Park units.
Chairperson Hughes directed staff to agendize the item.
In response to Vice Chairperson Ybarra, Fox advised that staff will be conducting unit
inspections and developing a work list.
In response to Commissioner Haskell, Director of Public Works, Water and Development
Services Kevin Wilson advised that staff anticipates that a report will be completed by the next
Housing Commission meeting.
Chairperson Hughes directed staff to agendize the report on housing unit repairs.
5. 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 on the
construction progress at Vernon Village Park. He advised that occupancy is expected by April or
May 2015.
In response to Commissioner Haskell and Vice Chairperson Ybarra, Wilson confirmed that
Solari Enterprises Inc. is still the property management firm for this project and that applications
for occupancy are not yet being accepted.
6. Brief reports, announcements, or directives to staff from the Commissioners and
Commission Officers.
Deputy City Administrator Kristen Enomoto provided a status update on the housing inventory
as it relates to the implementation/transition to the Commission approved lease agreements. She
noted that it may be appropriate to review the market rates and implement an annual escalator in
the near future.
Enomoto announced that Vice Chairperson Ybarra is a candidate in the upcoming Special
Municipal Election. There may be a change on the Housing Commission as only one Council
Member is allowed to sit on the Commission.
Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2014
Page 4 of 4
In response to Vice Chairperson Ybarra, Enomoto reported on the process for soliciting
candidates to fill a vacancy on the Commission.
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 7:12 p.m., it was moved by Haskell and seconded by Garcia to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried, 5-0.
________________________
Michael Hughes
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
Secretary