2015-04-01 Green Vernon Commission Agenda Packet (Special)California 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
Special Green Vernon Commission Meeting
Wednesday, April 1, 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 on the posted agenda. The public will also be given an opportunity to comment during
Commission deliberation on those specific matters.
ACTION ITEM
1. Direct Staff to Submit a Letter to the Air Quality Management District Addressing Rule 415
Concerns.
Recommendations:
(1) Find that directing staff to submit a letter and a possible scope of action are not final actions and
do not constitute a “project” 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
Green Vernon Commission
Special Meeting Agenda
April 1, 2015
Page 2 of 2
(2) Direct staff to submit a letter to the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) addressing
concerns to Rule 415 “Rendering Odors” and the effects it will have on Vernon Businesses if
enacted as planned.
ORAL REPORTS
2. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff.
ADJOURNMENT
Special Agenda Authorized by the Commission
___________________________________
David Honda, Chairperson
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 24 hours prior to the meeting set forth on
this agenda. Dated this 26th day of March, 2015.
By: __________________________________
Maria E. Ayala, Secretary
FE EI\/ED
MAR Z 6 2015
CITY CIERl('S (]FFICE
RECEIVED
MAR 2 { 20t5
II Y ADMINISTRATION
STAFF REPORT
HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DEPA
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
April 1, 2015
Green Vernon Commission
Leonard Grossberg, Director / Xeaftfr Omcer -ft
Direct Staff to Submit a Letter to the Air Quality Management District
Addressing Rule 415 Concerns
It is recommended that the Green Vernon Commission:
A. Find that directing staff to submit a letter and a possible scope of action are
not final actions and do not constitute a "project" subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEOA), and that even if they were, they would be
exempt from CEQA under Guidelines section 15061(bX3), the general rule
that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the
environment.
B. Direct staff to submit a letter to the Air Quality Management District (AQMD)
addressing concerns to Rule 415 "Rendering Odors" and the effects it will
have on Vernon Businesses if enacted as planned.
Backqround:
AQMD has proposed a "Rendering Odor" rule to address a long{ime complaint from
residents in surrounding neighborhoods that are subject to odors from near-by
businesses. Those businesses have been identified as "Rendering" which process
animal carcasses and wastes from food processors, and which have been in existence
for many decades. As indicated in the attached draft letter, some of the concerns by
businesses have not been adequately addressed, and need further study and
discussion.
Staff has prepared a draft letter (attached) and with the Commission's approval,
pending any edits, changes or additions, will be submitted to AQMD for consideration.
gcLG K/Leonards/Cov/Sustainability/Green Vernon Comm/Staff Reports/ staff Report on Rendering Odors doc
HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DEPARTMENT
Leonard Grossberg, Director / Health Officer
4305 Santa Fe Avenue, Vernon, California 90058
Telephone (323) 583-8811
April 1,2015
AQMD
21865 E. Copely Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Attn: Mr. Tracy A. Goss, P.E.
Subject: Proposed Rule 415
Dear Mr. Goss,
On behalf of the Green Vernon Commission, we would like to recommend to the Air Quality
Management District (AQMD) to consider suspending the rulemaking process for 120-180 days to allow
additional review of the following:
a) The financial impacts to rendering businesses if required to make substantial changes
b) The CEQA implications as a result of site upgrades and new construction requirements
c) Construction alternatives in light of restrictions from Planning Dept. and Fire Marshall/Fire Codes
d) Alternative options to control odors
e) Formulate a manner to quantifu and qualify odors in a scientific fashion
0 Develop a technical standard to document complaints so that they can be measured and assessed
In addition, we suggest that the working relationship between AQMD and the rendering businesses be
allowed to grow and expand to facilitate a resolution of odor management issues with mutual
understanding of the issues and how to mitigate concerns to the public.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 3231583-8811x231.
Leonard Grossberg, M.P.A., R.E.H.S.
Director / Health Officer
Green Vernon Commission: David Honda-Chair
Michael Gavina-Vice Chair
Hector Garci
Jim Andreoli
Armando Espinosa
Jaime Villanueva
Peter Corselli
9cLG:K./Leonard /COV/Sustainability/Green Vemon Comm/StaffReports/Rendering Odor Letter to AQMD.doc
R.E.H.S.
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