2015-03-18 Green Vernon Commission Agenda PacketCalifornia Public Records Act ("PRA"): In compliance with the PRA, the documents pertaining to agenda
items, including attachments, which are presented to the Commission in open session are available for public
inspection. They may be inspected during regular business hours in the City Clerk's Office at Vernon City Hall,
4305 Santa Fe Avenue, Vernon, California 90058, no appointment necessary, or on the City’s website at
www.cityofvernon.org.
Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”): In compliance with the ADA, if you need special assistance to
participate in the meeting, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (323) 583-8811. Notification of at least
48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will assist the City staff in assuring that
reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service.
Agenda
City of Vernon
Green Vernon Commission Meeting
Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 3:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, California
David Honda, Chairperson
Michael Gavina, Vice Chairperson
Hector Garcia, Commission Member
Jim Andreoli Jr., Commission Member
Peter Corselli, Commission Member
Armando Espinoza, Commission Member
Jaime Villanueva, Commission Member
CALL TO ORDER & FLAG SALUTE
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT - At this time the public is encouraged to address the Green Vernon Commission on
any matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of 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.
MINUTES – To be received and filed.
1. Minutes of the Regular Green Vernon Commission Meeting held December 17, 2014.
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Green Vernon Commission
Meeting Agenda
March 18, 2015
Page 2 of 3
NEW BUSINESS
2. Election of Chair and Vice Chair to the Green Vernon Commission for 2015.
Recommendations:
(1) Find that the election of Chair and Vice-Chair is exempt from 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) Elect a Chair and Vice-Chair to serve a term ending June 30, 2016. The Chair and Vice Chair
must be from different appointing categories; and
(3) Establish the regular September meeting as the annual reorganizational meeting at which the Chair
and Vice Chair are elected.
3. Adopting the Green Vernon Commission Work Plan and Budget for FY 2015-2016
Recommendations:
(1) Find that the recommendation of a proposed budget, and possible scope of action are not final
actions subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and that even if they were,
they would be exempt from CEQA under Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that
CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Adopt a resolution approving the proposed work plan and request for budget authorization of
$20,000 for the Green Vernon Commission for fiscal year 2015-2016, and direct staff to submit
said plan and budget to the City Council for review and approval.
PRESENTATIONS
4. Anaergia Presentation on Organics Digestion from Municipal Solid Waste.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
None.
ORAL REPORTS
5. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff.
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Green Vernon Commission
Meeting Agenda
March 18, 2015
Page 3 of 3
ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing agenda was
posted on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the City of Vernon City Hall, located at 4305 Santa Fe
Avenue, Vernon, California, and on the City’s website, not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting set forth on
this agenda. Dated this 12th day of March, 2015.
By: __________________________________
Maria E. Ayala, Secretary
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR GREEN VERNON
COMMISSION MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER
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 Peter Corselli
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jaime Villanueva and Jim Andreoli
The meeting was called to order at 3:32 p.m. by Chairperson Honda; Vice Chairperson Gavina
led the flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
It was confirmed that there are no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Commission Director Leonard Grossberg 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 Green Vernon Commission Meeting held September 17,
2014.
2. Minutes of the Special Green Vernon Commission Meeting held November 12,
2014.
It was moved by Gavina and seconded by Corselli to receive and file the Minutes listed above.
Motion carried, 5-0.
DISCUSSION ITEM
3. Discussion regarding proposed Rule 415 – Odors from Rendering Facilities.
Commission Director Leonard Grossberg presented on the proposed Rule 415. Commissioner
Garcia further reported on the proposed Rule, the potential challenges for businesses, and on the
public meetings held by Air Quality Management District (“AQMD”).
Grossberg stated his concerns regarding the proposed Rule.
Green Vernon Commission Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2014
Page 2 of 3
Chairperson Honda inquired whether there was a Legislator or legislation behind the Rule.
Commissioner Corselli too sought information on its origin and whether there are any health
concerns. He further inquired on the City’s position.
Grossberg advised that the City has provided comments on the matter and further spoke on
potential solutions.
Chairperson Honda recommended that the City seek the help of a Senator.
Commissioner Garcia recommended an odor mitigation plan which will address the concerns,
yet be tailored to each business.
Commissioner Corselli expressed his concerns on whether the proposed Rule will facilitate
AQMD to go after other types of businesses.
Commissioner Garcia inquired whether a subcommittee would be appropriate as he has many
concerns. He expressed a need for urgency.
Chairperson Honda opened for public comment.
Jeff Wilson of Baker Commodities stated that the proposed Rule is overly broad, burdensome,
and costly to businesses. He noted that each affected facility is very different. Wilson echoed
the concerns expressed by the Commission.
Marisa Olguin of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce reported on the impact to businesses
outside of Vernon. If the concern is odor nuisance, then other business who also emit odors may
be targeted in the future. Olguin is in favor of a customized approach, and companies are
receptive to dealing with the odor concerns.
Olguin expressed the Chamber’s concerns on the effects of the proposed Rule on interdependent
businesses. She also explained that the affected businesses produce resources that are used to
make other products. The potential impact is not being considered.
Chris Hesler of Baker Commodities reported on the complaints received by AQMD associated
with the odor concerns and noted that only one violation was issued over the last 10 years. In
response to Chairperson Honda, Hesler advised that the information is available on AQMD’s
website.
ORAL REPORTS
4. Report on current sustainability projects in Vernon (solar projects).
Commission Director Leonard Grossberg reported on sustainability projects in Vernon.
Green Vernon Commission Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2014
Page 3 of 3
Commissioner Corselli advised that he’d like an opportunity to work with Vernon Gas & Electric
Department and change the current model.
5. Report on the recent site tour of Jawbone Canyon.
Commission Director Leonard Grossberg conducted the oral report noting that there is potential
for an alternative energy resource.
6. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff.
With no further business, at 4:08 p.m. it was moved Corselli and seconded by Espinoza to
adjourn the meeting, Motion carried, 5-0.
________________________
David Honda
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
Secretary