2015-02-17 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015, IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305
SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: McCormick, Davis, Maisano, Martinez
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor McCormick, who also 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 public comment provided.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Personnel Matters - Service Pin Awards.
January 2015 Anniversary
Employee Name Job Title Years
1. Jerry Winegar Police Lieutenant 25
2. Donald Vanover Police Officer 20
3. Belinda Arellano Police Dispatcher 15
4. Shirley Salas Business License Clerk 20
Director of Human Resources Teresa McAllister reported on Police Lieutenant Jerry Winegar’s
years’ of service. Mr. Winegar was in attendance and was presented with a service pin by Mayor
McCormick.
Employees Arellano, Salas, and Vanover were recognized but were not in attendance.
2. Presentation by John Van de Kamp of his January 31, 2015, Independent Reform
Monitor Report.
Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp reported on his January 31, 2015 report.
At the conclusion, Van de Kamp asked the Council to state their priorities for the City for the
next six (6) months, and/or whether there are any other issues that were missed in his report.
Councilmember Maisano responded that the City needs to continue its course in bond
refinancing efforts; balancing the budget; and being patient with how employee increases are
handled, noting that economic stability could change. Maisano emphasized the importance of
infrastructure funding and the importance of managing utility costs to customers. The City
should continue on the same course.
Mayor McCormick responded that the City’s budget and finances are a priority; he stated that the
City needs to continue to attract and retain businesses in Vernon.
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February 17, 2015
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Mayor Pro-Tem Davis noted the importance of welcoming new residents, as Vernon’s
population will double; and as renewable energy requirements are set to increase, determine how
other utilities will mitigate the costs. He is in agreement with Van de Kamp on the need to
advertise and attract new businesses to Vernon. Davis reported on the City’s past efforts to
attract new businesses.
Councilmember Martinez is in agreement with Council’s previous statements, and looks forward
to the City continuing on the same path.
Van de Kamp advised that the City has quality staff, and that the City is functioning more
cohesively than in the past. The City should continue to work on and address its current issues.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. Public Comment on the City’s intent to vacate a portion of Ayers Avenue south of
Bandini Boulevard and adoption of a Negative Declaration.
Resolution No. 2015-07 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
vacating a portion of Ayers Avenue south of Bandini Boulevard and adopting a
negative declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
Recommendation:
(1) Adopt the resolution vacating a portion of Ayers Avenue south of Bandini
Boulevard and adopting a negative declaration pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act, which Authorizes the sale of Ayers Avenue; and
(2) Authorize the City Administrator to execute a quitclaim deed, on behalf of the
City, remising, releasing and quitclaiming any interest and claim by the City of
Vernon in the property.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson reported and
explained the proposed vacation.
At 9:44 a.m., Mayor McCormick opened the public hearing for public comment. With no
response, at 9:44 a.m. the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2015-07. Motion
carried, 4-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Martinez to approve all matters listed under the
Consent Calendar under one motion. Motion carried, 4-0.
Claims Against the City – Received and Filed
4. None
Minutes – To be Received and Filed
5. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held February 3, 2015.
Warrant Registers
6. Ratification of the following City Warrant Registers to record the following voided
checks:
a. City Warrant Register No. 1409 to record voided Check No. 345342 in the
amount of $15.00; and
b. City Warrant Register No. 1416 to record voided Check No. 346283 in the
amount of $90.00; and
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c. City Warrant Register No. 1416 to record voided Check No. 346272 in the
amount of $997.53.
7. Ratification of Light and Power Warrant Register No. 378, to record voided Check
No. 511117 in the amount of $150.75.
8. Approval of City Payroll Warrant Register No. 704, totaling $2,711,985.09, which
covers the period of January 1, through January 31, 2015, and consists of the
following:
a. Ratification of direct deposits, checks and taxes totaling $1,961,783.17; and
b. Checks and electronic fund transfers totaling $750,201.92.
9. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1418, totaling $1,026,142.74, which covers
the period of January 27, through February 9, 2015, and consists of the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $476,053.30; and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $384,694.32; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $165,395.12.
10. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 383, totaling $3,218,635.17,
which covers the period of January 27, through February 9, 2015, and consists of
the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $3,207,481.72; and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $11,031.45; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $122.00.
11. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 171, totaling $1,936,405.48, which covers
the period of January 27, through February 9, 2015, and consists of the following:
a. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $1,901,370.93; and
b. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $4,820.99; and
c. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $30,213.56.
City Administration Department
12. A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon
commending and honoring Giovanni Chaidez for his service and support of his
community.
13. Council Conference Attendance Report to the 2015 Independent Cities Association
Winter Seminar.
City Attorney Department
14. Request to Approve an Amendment No. 1 to the Attorney Services Agreement
with Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP regarding Civil Litigation Legal
Services.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the approval of the amendment proposed in this staff report is exempt
under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with
Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule is that CEQA only applies to activities that
may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Attorney Services Agreement with Lewis
Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, in substantially the same form as submitted with
the staff report, for an additional one year period for an amount not-to-exceed
$50,000.00, to provide civil litigation legal services on an as needed, on-call
basis.
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Fire Department
15. Activity Report for the period of January 1 through January 15, 2015, to be
received and filed.
Police Department
16. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrests and Activities for the period of
January 16, through January 31, 2015, to be received and filed.
Public Works, Water and Development Services Department
17. Building Department Report for the month of January 2015, to be received and
filed.
18. Acceptance of Work of Ramona Inc. Company regarding Contract No. CS-0421 –
55th Street Storm Drain Improvements Project.
Recommendation:
(1) Affirm that accepting the work of Ramona Inc. Company, for the 55th Street
Storm Drain Improvements Project, Contract No. CS-0421, is categorically
exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance
with CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small
Structures, part (d), because the project is merely to construct a new storm drain
system that would result in no permanent effects on the environment; and
(2) Accept the work of Ramona Inc. Company, as part of the 55th Street Storm Drain
Improvements Project, Contract No. CS-0421.
NEW BUSINESS
Fire Department
19. Approval of a Notice Inviting Bids for a Fire Department Training Facility
Contractor.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval of the proposed Notice Inviting Bids 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 the City is only taking an administrative action to
approve the Notice Inviting Bids; and
(2) Approve the Notice Inviting Bids for a Fire Department Training Facility
Contractor, in substantially the same form as submitted with the staff report.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson conducted the oral report.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Martinez to approve the Notice Inviting Bids for a
Fire Department Training Facility Contractor. Motion carried, 4-0.
Human Resources Department
20. Resolution No. 2015-08 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
authorizing the City to obtain state and federal summary criminal history
information for employment, licensing or certification purposes.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that approval of the proposed resolution 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
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(2) Adopt the resolution authorizing the City of Vernon to obtain State and Federal
Summary Criminal History information for employment, licensing, or
certification purposes.
Director of Human Resources Teresa McAllister reported on the proposed and advised that the
policy will be presented at an upcoming Council meeting.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Davis to approve Resolution No. 2015-08. Motion
carried, 4-0.
Police Department
21. Approval of an Interagency Memorandum of Agreement for Mental Evaluation
Unit Partnership between the Los Angeles County and the Cities in the Southeast
Region.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the approval of the proposed Interagency Memorandum of Agreement
(“MOA”) is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in
accordance with Section 15061(b) (3), the general rule is that CEQA only applies
to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Approve the MOA with the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, in
substantially the same form as submitted with the staff report, and authorize the
Mayor to execute the MOA on behalf of the City, for the purpose of forming a
mental health evaluation unit in the Southeast region that will assist law
enforcement agencies with providing mental health-related clinical services to
members of the public during field situations.
Police Chief Daniel Calleros provided the oral report on the proposed MOA.
Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp requested further explanation and examples on
the proposed. In response, Calleros explained the services and resources that will be available
and provided.
Van de Kamp is in support of the program.
In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Calleros advised that the Vernon Police Department will
not need to increase its staff as a result of this program.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Martinez to approve the Interagency Memorandum of
Agreement for Mental Evaluation Unit Partnership with Los Angeles County and Cities in the
Southeast Region. Motion carried, 4-0.
Public Works, Water and Development Services Department
22. Authorization to Accept Electrical Easement at 3480 26th Street.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the acceptance of the proposed Electrical Easement is categorically
exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance
with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b) (3), the general rule that CEQA only
applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Accept the Electrical Easement, in substantially the same form as attached to the
staff report, and authorize the Mayor to execute said document.
Director of Public Works, Water, and Development Services Kevin Wilson reported on the
easement.
In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Wilson advised that the easement is specific to the
referenced building location.
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It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Martinez to authorize and accept the Electrical
Easement at 3480 26th Street. Motion carried, 4-0.
OLD BUSINESS
23. City Council Determination in the Grievance Appeal Process Regarding the City
of Vernon Firemen’s Association Grievance of Article, Three, Section 7 of the
2012-2014 MOU – Merit Step Advancement.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the staff report outlining the background of and staff’s recommendation
to deny a grievance filed by the City of Vernon Firemen’s Association (“VFA”) 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) Deny the grievance filed on behalf of the Vernon Firemen’s Association, and all
represented VFA employees alleging breach of merit salary step provision in
applicable 2012-2014 Memorandum of Understanding between the VFA and the
City.
Mayor McCormick announced that this item had been deferred from the January 20, 2015, City
Council meeting. Director of Human Resources Teresa McAllister confirmed that staff had no
additional comments to report.
Mayor McCormick inquired whether the Vernon Firemen’s Association (“VFA”) had any
additional comments. There were no comments from VFA.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano to approve staff’s recommendation and deny
the grievance filed on behalf of the Vernon Firemen’s Association alleging breach of merit salary
step provisions in applicable 2012-2014 Memorandum of Understanding. Motion carried, 4-0.
ORAL REPORTS
24. City Administrator Reports – brief reports on activities and other brief announcements
by the City Administrator and Department Heads.
25. City Council Reports – brief report on activities, announcements, or directives to staff.
Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on two recent incidents in the City, including the recovery
of a stolen vehicle due to the City’s Automatic License Plate Reader System.
Police Captain Michael Gillman reported on vandalism incidents. Mayor McCormick reported
on vandalism observed in the City.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson provided an update on the recruitment process for the firefighter
position. Wilson additionally reported on the Department’s upcoming EMS compliance audit,
the auctioning of surplus items, upcoming CERTs training, upcoming blood drive and St.
Baldrick’s event. Wilson reported on the department’s response to recent incidents.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson announced and
reported on a second public workshop concerning proposed zoning ordinance amendments held
February 5, 2015. Staff intends to present the proposed amendments to the City Council at the
March 17, 2015, meeting.
Wilson also provided a report on a recent large water main rupture that occurred on 37th Street on
February 10, 2015. In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis’ inquiries, Wilson provided
information on the water loss, confirmed that there was no chemical contamination, and
explained the department’s water flow control. In further response, Wilson advised that the
cause is unknown.
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Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino reported on three power outages and noted that
many are a result of the City’s aging infrastructure. Fandino also reported on the introduction of
SB350 by President Pro-Tem of the California State Senate Kevin De Leon which proposes to
increase renewable energy standards, he advised that he will provide updates to the Council as
information becomes available.
Finance Director William Fox provided an update on the bond refinancing, and reported on the
City’s budget process for fiscal year 2015-2016.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg reported on the posting of
health alerts on the department’s webpage on the City’s website. Grossberg announced the
Green Vernon Commission meeting scheduled to be held on March 18, 2015, at 3:30 p.m., and
noted that the Commission will be discussing AQMD’s proposed Rule 415.
Director of Human Resources Teresa McAllister announced that Human Resources Department
(“HR”) has moved into their new HIPAA compliant offices. McAllister reported on HR staff’s
attendance to various trainings.
Economic Development Manager and Successor Agency Staff Alex Kung reported on the
League of California Cities’ webinar regarding the Governor’s budget proposal that would
impact former Redevelopment Agencies.
Kung announced that the next Oversight Board to the Successor Agency meeting is scheduled to
be held on April 2, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. Kung additionally reported that the Vernon Business and
Industry Commission held its first meeting on February 12, 2015. The Commission set a
quarterly regular meeting schedule on the second Thursday at 9:00 a.m. during the months of
February, May, August, and November.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth introduced new City Clerk Maria E. Ayala.
City Clerk Maria E. Ayala announced that this day is Vernon’s Special Election. Ayala reported
on the canvassing of the election.
Whitworth reported on the importance of Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp’s
reports and thanked him for his efforts. Whitworth further reported on the Vernon Business and
Industry Commission’s first meeting.
Whitworth reported on attendance and discussions at the Independent Cities Association Winter
Seminar. Whitworth also reported on the Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s working group
regarding proposed AQMD Rule 415.
Whitworth announced the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee meeting on February
18, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. and that the lottery for the Vernon Village Park Apartment housing
would be conducted on March 3, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
At 10:31 a.m. the City Council entered into closed session to discuss the following agendized
item.
26. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Daniel Onopa vs. City of Vernon Workers Compensation Appeals
Board Claim No. 12002824
At 10:38 a.m., the City Council exited closed session. City Attorney Hema Patel announced that
there is no reportable action.
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With no further business, Mayor McCormick adjourned the meeting at 10:38 a.m.
________________________
W. Michael McCormick
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
City Clerk