2015-02-12 Business and Industry Commission Minutes (Special)MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL VERNON BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
COMMISSION MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015, AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE CITY
HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER, LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE
AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: W. Michael McCormick, Eric Gustafson, Ken Jackson, Douglass
Pittman, Stan Stosel, and Robert Wendoll (partial)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Brett Dedeaux
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. Secretary Maria E. Ayala led the flag salute.
There were no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
It was announced that this was the time allotted for public comment. There was no public
comment.
INTRODUCTORY ITEMS
1. Self-introductions by all Vernon Business and Industry Commission members.
Present Commission members made self-introductions.
2. Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to serve until the next annual
election.
It was moved by Commissioner Stosel and seconded by Commissioner Pitman to nominate
McCormick as the Chairperson. With no other nominations, motion carried, 5-0; Commissioner
Wendoll had not yet entered the meeting.
It was moved by Chairperson McCormick and seconded by Commissioner Stosel to nominate
Gustafson as Vice Chairperson. With no other nominations, motion carried, 5-0; Commissioner
Wendoll had not yet entered the meeting.
Self-introductions of City staff were conducted.
3. Review of the Conflict of Interest Code and Rosenberg’s Rules of Order by the
City Attorney.
City Attorney/Commission Counsel Hema Patel conducted the oral presentation.
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February 12, 2015
Page 2 of 3
At 9:16 a.m., Commissioner Wendoll entered the meeting.
4. Staff Explanation of Meeting Stipends pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code
Section 2.182.
City Finance Director/Committee Treasurer William Fox conducted the oral report.
5. Resolution No. VBIC-1 - A Resolution of the Vernon Business and Industry
Commission of the City of Vernon setting the date, time and place for regular
meetings.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that adoption of the proposed resolution does not constitute a “project”
pursuant to section 15378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”), because it constitutes an administrative activity; and even
if the adoption of the proposed resolution did constitute a project, it would be
exempt from 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) Select a day and time in which members are available to hold regular meetings on
the second week of the following months: February, May, August, and
November; and
(3) Subsequently, adopt a resolution to set the Vernon Business and Industry
Commission regular meeting schedule incorporating the Commission’s selection
of the specific day and time.
Deputy City Clerk Ana Barcia reported on the proposed schedule.
It was moved by Commissioner Wendoll and seconded by Vice Chairperson Gustafson to
establish the second Thursday at 9:00 a.m. of the following months: February, May, August, and
November, as the regular meeting schedule; and subsequently approve Resolution No. VBIC-1,
incorporating said schedule. Motion carried, 6-0.
PRESENTATIONS
6. Staff overview of Vernon’s historical and current business/industrial landscape
and objectives.
Economic Development Manager Alex Kung conducted the presentation.
7. Staff review of Commission duties and responsibilities in accordance with Vernon
Municipal Code Section 2.179.
Economic Development Manager Alex Kung conducted the presentation.
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February 12, 2015
Page 3 of 3
ORAL REPORTS
8. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson provided an update
on proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance. In response to Vice Chairperson Gustafson
and Member Jackson, Wilson further clarified the zoning ordinance.
Wilson reported on the two public workshops for the proposed zoning ordinance amendments. It
is anticipated that the proposed amendments will be placed on the March 17, 2015 agenda for
Council consideration.
In response to Commissioner Stosel’s request for clarification on the Commission’s intent and
purpose, Economic Development Manager Alex Kung further explained.
In further response to Commissioner Stosel, Counsel Hema Patel explained potential conflicts
for certain items, and reasoning for which certain items will not be part of the Commission’s
purview.
Vice Chairperson Gustafson stated that goals, providing guidance for the Commission, as well as
a focus would be beneficial.
With no further business, Chairperson McCormick adjourned the meeting at 9:57 a.m.
_______________________________
W. Michael McCormick, Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala, Secretary