2015-12-01 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015, IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305
SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: McCormick, Davis, Martinez, Ybarra, and Woodruff-Perez
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
The meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by Mayor McCormick who also led the flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
City Clerk Maria E. Ayala confirmed that there were 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.
Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp provided public comment on closed session
matters.
Vernon Chamber of Commerce President Marisa Olguin provided public comment on the
retirement of City Administrator Mark Whitworth and the need for the City to continue on the path
of good governance.
Local Activist Sandra Orozco provided public comment on the following: recent death of Downey
Police Officer Ricardo Galvez, multiple sclerosis proclamation, recent City of Maywood Election,
and Vernon’s impact on local cities.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public comment on the proposed Tentative Parcel Map No. 73831:
Resolution No. 2015-74 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
granting tentative parcel map no. 73831 to HP-A Vernon, LLC to subdivide
property located at 3501 Vernon Avenue.
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the proposed Tentative Parcel Map No. 73831 is categorically
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section
15315, Class 15 “Minor land division of industrial property into four or fewer
parcels,” of the CEQA guidelines, because the proposed division of property is in
an area zoned “industrial,” it is in conformance with the general plan and zoning,
no variances or exceptions are required, all services and access to the proposed
parcels to local standards are available, the parcel was not involved in a division of
a larger parcel within the previous two years, and the parcel does not have an
average slope greater than 20 percent. Therefore, a Notice of Exemption will be filed
with the County Clerk’s office; and
B. Adopt a resolution approving a Tentative Parcel Map No. 73831 to subdivide
property located at 3501 Vernon in conformance with the City subdivision
ordinance and State Subdivision Map Act, subject to the conditions of approval for
the property located at 3501 Vernon Avenue.
At 9:20 a.m., Mayor McCormick opened the public hearing on the proposed recommendation.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson presented on the
recommendation. Wilson responded to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis’ inquiries.
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December 1, 2015
Page 2 of 6
At 9:30 a.m., Mayor McCormick opened the public comment portion of the public hearing.
Architect Barry Segal provided public comment and proposed an amendment to condition “e” on
behalf of his client HP-A Vernon, LLC.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg and Wilson further reported on
staff’s recommendation and responded to Council’s inquiries.
At 9:35 a.m. with no further public comment or Council deliberation the public comment portion
and public hearing closed.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Ybarra to approve Resolution No. 2015-74 as presented.
Motion carried, 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Woodruff-Perez to approve all matters listed under
the Consent Calendar under one motion as presented. Motion carried, 5-0.
Claims Against the City – Received and Filed
2. Claim for Damages from Roberto A. Erazo received on November 16, 2015 in the
amount of $3,000.
Minutes – To be Received and Filed
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held November 3, 2015.
4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held November 17, 2015.
Warrant Registers
5. Ratification of the following City Warrant Register to record the following voided
checks:
A. City Warrant Register No. 1424 to record voided Check No. 347521 in the amount
of $185.00; and
B. City Warrant Register No. 1425 to record voided Check No. 347574 in the amount
of $5,000.00.
6. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1437, totaling $1,554,793.72, which covers
the period of November 10 through November 23, 2015, and consists of the
following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $999,502.02; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $384,787.73; and
C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $170,503.97.
7. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 402, totaling $4,571,768.11, which
covers the period of November 10 through November 23, 2015, and consists of the
following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $4,421,585.97; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $28,037.13; and
C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $68,145.01.
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December 1, 2015
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8. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 190, totaling $17,054.94, which covers the
period of November 10 through November 23, 2015, and consists of the following:
A. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $16,773.90; and
B. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $281.04.
9. Approval of RDA Obligation Retirement Fund Warrant Register No. 27, totaling
$1,680.00, which covers the period of September 29 through November 23, 2015,
and consists of the following:
A. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $1,680.00; and
City Administration Department
10. Report on FY 2015/2016 Docket II Grants Awarded by Vernon CommUNITY Fund
Grant Committee.
Recommendation:
A. Receive and file the report as it is provided for informational purposes only,
pursuant to Section 2.167(e) of the Vernon Municipal Code.
Fire Department
11. Activity Report for the period of November 1 through November 15, 2015, to be
received and filed.
Police Department
12. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrests and Activities for the period of
November 1, through November 15, 2015, to be received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS
City Administration Department
13. Resolution No. 2015-75 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
approving and authorizing the execution of a California Residential Purchase
Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions, and all related documents, with Reyes A.
Lemus and Lorena Jimenez for the real property located at 6044 Stafford Avenue,
Huntington Park, CA 90255.
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the proposed resolution is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), in accordance with CEQA Guidelines §
15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have a
significant effect on the environment; and
B. Adopt the resolution approving a California Residential Purchase Agreement and
Joint Escrow Instructions, and all related documents, with Reyes A. Lemus and
Lorena Jimenez for the real property located at 6044 Stafford Avenue, Huntington
Park, CA 90255.
Deputy City Administrator Kristen Enomoto reported on the item
Luther Sanchez of Century 21 Allstars further reported on the request for approval of the
Residential Purchase Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Davis to approve Resolution No. 2015-75. Motion
carried, 5-0.
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December 1, 2015
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Public Works, Water and Development Services Department
14. Amendment No. 4 to the Services Agreement between the City of Vernon and
Cannon Corporation for the Engineering Design and Construction Support
Services.
Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed Amendment No. 4 to the Services Agreement between the
City of Vernon and Cannon Corporation for the Engineering Design and
Construction Support Services Well No. 21 is 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
B. Approve Amendment No. 4 extending the Services Agreement between the City of
Vernon and Cannon Corporation for the Engineering Design and Construction
Support Services for Well 21, effective January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson provided the oral
report.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Martinez to approve Amendment No. 4 to the services
agreement with Cannon Corporation. Motion carried, 5-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS (POSSIBLE DIRECTIVES TO STAFF)
15. City staff and City consultants to present samples of modern conceptual design options
of the official seal of the City of Vernon and new City of Vernon logo options. City staff
will seek feedback and direction from the City Council on the options presented in order
to provide final recommendations at a subsequent meeting.
Senior Advisor to the City Administrator Fred MacFarlane provided the oral report.
Representatives of DDCC Ruth Drizen-Dohs, Christina Jorgensen, and Shannon Fitzgerald
presented sample logos and seal options.
ORAL REPORTS
16. City Administrator Reports – brief reports on activities and other brief announcements by
the City Administrator and Department Heads.
Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on recent incidents including commercial burglaries, a man
down incident, and DUI check point.
Police Captain Michael Gillman reported one vandalism incident. Mayor McCormick provided
information on additional vandalism.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson reported the following: Children’s Hospital Blood Drive, Spark of Love
Toy Drive, personnel training, equipment certification, and dumpster fire incident.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson provided updates on
capital improvement projects and Eco-Rapid Transit Summit on public transportation.
Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino reported on recent power outages. Fandino also
reported and provided a memorandum concerning the emergency replacement of the electric panel
at Pump House No. 2. Said incident will be agendized at the next Council meeting.
Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Wilson further advised that an RFP
for an assessment of all electrical equipment has been issued.
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December 1, 2015
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Director of Finance William Fox reported on business license renewals and asset review/inventory
in compliance with GASB 34.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg announced the Green Vernon
Commission Meeting on December 16, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. and upcoming Use Oil Calendar
presentation.
Interim Director of Human Resources Lisette Grizzelle announced that today is the last day for
City employees’ open enrollment, and reported on upcoming Council interviews for the Public
Works, Water and Development Services Director position. Employee Recognition and Holiday
Celebration is scheduled for December 17, 2015 at Trattoria.
Economic Development Manager Alex Kung reported on the California Competes Tax Credit
program.
City Clerk Maria E. Ayala presented on the recent Community Informational Meeting on the
Elections Process held on November 18, 2015 at Vernon Village Park.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth made a statement on his work experience in Vernon, the
City’s reform and good governance efforts, and retirement announcement.
17. City Council Reports – brief report on activities, announcements, or directives to staff.
Councilmember Martinez wished Fire Chief Wilson a happy birthday.
Councilmember Woodruff-Perez directed staff to agendize a recommendation concerning
Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp’s agreement for the next City Council meeting,
December 15, 2015.
At 10:47 a.m., Mayor McCormick recessed the meeting. At 11:04 a.m. the meeting reconvened.
CLOSED SESSION
At 11:04 a.m., the City Council entered into closed session to discuss the following agendized
items:
18. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Administrator
19. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Administrator
20. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (2)
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
A. Title: City Attorney
B. Title: City Administrator
21. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
At 12:24 p.m., the City Council exited closed session. Special Legal Counsel Joung Yim
announced that there was no reportable action.
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December 1, 2015
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With no further business, at 12:25 p.m., Mayor McCormick adjourned the meeting.
________________________
W. Michael McCormick
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
City Clerk