2015-04-01 Green Minutes (Special)MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL GREEN VERNON
COMMISSION MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1,
2015, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL
LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON,
CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: David Honda, Michael Gavina, Hector Garcia, Jim Andreoli Jr.,
Peter Corselli, and Jaime Villanueva
MEMBERS ABSENT: Armando Espinoza
The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Chairperson Honda; Vice-Chairperson Gavina
led the flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Chairperson Honda announced that there were no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairperson Honda 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.
Marisa Olguin (Vernon Chamber of Commerce). Thanked the Commission and the City for
taking time to address this issue that is very concerning to the business community.
John Van de Kamp (Independent Reform Monitor). Commends the Commission for the work
that is being done. Further emphasized the importance of the City working with AQMD to
address this issue.
Dan Su (U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency). Explained
that the purpose of his agency is to help businesses grow and protect their interests. Hopes that
the Commission and City can work with AQMD to come up with a solution.
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
Green Vernon Commission Meeting Minutes
April 1, 2015
Page 2 of 2
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) 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.
Commissioner Garcia gave a brief history on the concerns surrounding Rule 415, and a brief
summary of the report that he provided at the last Green Vernon Commission meeting held on
March 18.
Leonard Grossberg, Commission Director, briefly explained the letter that was drafted to be
submitted to AQMD.
The Commission had dialogue and discussion regarding the contents of the letter as well as the
overall Rule 415 matter. Consensus was reached to add an additional item, “G” to develop a
technical standard to document complaints so that they may be measured and assessed.
It was moved by Corselli and seconded by Andreoli to approve the letter with one amendment to
add “G” and direct staff to submit a letter to the Air Quality Management District addressing
Rule 415 concerns. Motion carried, 6-0.
ORAL REPORTS
2. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff.
Commissioner Garcia briefly explained and requested that the topic of “Water Restrictions” be
agendized for a future meeting as a discussion topic.
Commission Director Grossberg announced that brief refreshers on the Brown Act and meeting
rules of order would also be agendized for the next meeting.
With no further business, at 4:13 p.m. it was moved by Villanueva and seconded by Gavina to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried, 6-0.
________________________
David Honda
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
Secretary