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2015-12-15 City Council Minutes (Special and Regular)MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL AND REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 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. SPECIAL MEETING The Special meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by Mayor McCormick. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor McCormick announced that this was the time allotted for public comment on the Special meeting portion of the Agenda, Closed Session only, and inquired whether anyone in the audience wished to address the City Council. No one responded. CLOSED SESSION Mayor McCormick asked whether any member of the public wished to address the Council on the closed session agenda. Marisa Olguin, President of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, provided public comment. At 7:30 a.m., the City Council entered into closed session to discuss the following agendized items: 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(a) Name of Case: Ray Shelton vs. City of Vernon; Workers Compensation Appeals Board Case No. ADJ9509466 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation. Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) Number of potential cases: 1 3. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Title: City Administrator 4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Title: City Administrator 5. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Title: City Administrator Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 2 of 13 6. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) At 8:46 a.m., the City Council exited closed session. Special Legal Counsel Joung Yim announced that there was no reported action. With no further business, at 8:47 a.m., Mayor McCormick adjourned the special meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REGULAR MEETING At 9:00 a.m., Mayor McCormick called the meeting to order; Mayor Pro-Tem Davis led the flag salute. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Mayor McCormick announced that Item No. 16, approval of the updated at-will employment agreements, will be considered after Item No. 21, resolution adopting an amended and restated Citywide Fringe and Salary Benefits. 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 made public comments concerning the proposed agreement for his services. Vernon Chamber of Commerce President Marisa Olguin provided public comment on the recruitment process for both the Human Resources Director and City Administrator positions. PRESENTATIONS 1. A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon Commending Samuel “Kevin” Wilson for his many years of dedicated service to the City of Vernon. Mayor McCormick presented the proclamation to retiring Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson. The following provided public comment commending and thanking Wilson for his years of service: - Vice President of Construction for C.E.G. Construction Richard Lucas - Eco-Rapid Transit Executive Director Michael Kodama - Senior Advisor to the City Administrator Fred MacFarlane - Vernon Chamber of Commerce President Marisa Olguin - Spouse Leticia Wilson - Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp Wilson thanked all. At 9:15 a.m., Mayor McCormick called for a short recess. At 9:24 a.m., the meeting was reconvened. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Public comment on the vacating of a portion of Seville Avenue from Leonis Boulevard to 50th Street: Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 3 of 13 Resolution No. 2015-76 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon vacating a portion of Seville Avenue between Leonis Boulevard and five feet south of the southerly line of former 50th Street and adopting a negative declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Recommendation: A. Adopt the resolution vacating a portion of Seville Avenue between Leonis Boulevard and 50th Street; and B. Adopt a Negative Declaration finding that the project will not have a significant impact on the environment, or to the extent potentially significant effects exist, and there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before the City, that the project may have a significant effect on the environment within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and C. Authorize the City Clerk to record the adopted resolution and to file a Notice of Determination with the County Clerk. At 9:24 a.m., Mayor McCormick opened the public hearing on the proposed recommendation. Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson reported on the proposed. Wilson responded to Councilmember Ybarra’s and Mayor Pro-Tem Davis’ inquiries. At 9:32 a.m., Mayor McCormick opened the public comment portion of the public hearing. Wilson provided copies of written public comment received by the Department. At 9:34 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 Martinez to approve Resolution No. 2015-76 as presented. Motion carried, 5-0. 3. Public comment on the proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning Code to establish regulations for distributed generation within the City and to clarify existing regulations regarding billboard signs: Ordinance No. 1235 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vernon amending the zoning code to regulate distributed generation within the City of Vernon and to correct a typographical error in the billboard zoning requirements and adopt a negative declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act; and repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith. (first reading) Recommendation: A. Approve the first reading of an ordinance amending the City of Vernon’s Zoning ordinance to 1) Define Distributed Generation, 2) Establish regulations regarding Distributed Generation and 3) Correct a typographical error in Section 26.8.3-4(c); and B. Adopt a Negative Declaration finding that there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before the City, that the project may have a significant effect on the environment within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). At 9:35 a.m., Mayor McCormick opened the public hearing for Ordinance No. 1235. Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson reported on the proposed recommendation. Utilities Engineering Manager Ali Nour presented on the distributed generation impact study. Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 4 of 13 At 10:02 a.m., Mayor McCormick opened the public comment portion of the public hearing. Vernon Chamber of Commerce President Marisa Olguin provided public comment At 10:03 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 Martinez to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1235. Motion carried, 5-0. 4. Public comment on the proposed amendments to the Vernon Municipal Code establishing regulations for Massage Businesses: Ordinance No. 1234 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vernon (i) amending Article VI of Chapter 5 of the Vernon Municipal Code by removing massage businesses from the definition of adult and sexually oriented businesses; (ii) renumbering current Article VII (Utility Users’ Tax) of Chapter 5 of the Vernon Municipal Code to Article VIII, and adding new Article VII of Chapter 5 of the Vernon Municipal Code relating to the business permit regulation of massage businesses; (III) amending Article II of Chapter 13 of the Vernon Municipal Code by adding massage businesses to the list of those businesses required to obtain health permits prior to operation; (IV) amending Article II of Chapter 26 (Zoning) of the Vernon Municipal Code by removing the definition of “Massage Parlors”; and (V) renumbering current Articles VIII, IX and X of Chapter 26 (Zoning) to Articles IX, X and XI of the Vernon Municipal Code and renumbering sections accordingly, and adding new Article VIII to Chapter 26 (Zoning) of the Vernon Municipal Code; and repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith. (first reading) Recommendation: A. Approve the first reading of an ordinance 1) Amending Article VI of Chapter 5 of the Vernon Municipal Code by removing Massage Businesses from the definition of Adult and Sexually Oriented; 2) Renumbering current Article VII (Utility Users’ Tax) of Chapter 5 of the Vernon Municipal Code to Article VIII and adding a new Article VII of Chapter 5 of the Vernon Municipal Code relating to the Business Permit Regulation of Massage Businesses; 3) Amending Article II of Chapter 13 of the Vernon Municipal Code by adding Massage Businesses to the list of those Businesses required to obtain a Health Permit prior to operation; 4) Amending Article II of Chapter 26 (Zoning) of the Vernon Municipal Code by removing the definition of “Massage Parlors”; and 5) Renumbering current Articles VIII, IX and X of Chapter 26 (ZONING) to Articles IX, X AND XI of the Vernon Municipal Code and renumbering sections accordingly, and adding new article VIII to Chapter 26 (Zoning) of the Vernon Municipal Code. B. Find that this Ordinance is not a “project” as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, section 15378, because it will not result in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. This Ordinance is general policy and procedure making that is explicitly exempt from the definition of “project” under CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2). Even assuming the Ordinance were a “project” under CEQA, however, it would still be exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, and, as stated above, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the Ordinance in question may have a significant effect on the environment. At 10:05 a.m., Mayor McCormick opened the public hearing for Ordinance No. 1234. Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson reported on the proposed. Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 5 of 13 At 10:09 a.m., Mayor McCormick opened the public comment portion of the public hearing. At 10:10 a.m. with no public comment or Council deliberation the public comment portion and public hearing closed. It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Woodruff-Perez to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1234. Motion carried, 5-0. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Davis 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 5. None. Warrant Registers 6. Ratification of the following City Warrant Registers to record the following voided checks: A. City Warrant Register No. 1435 to record voided Check No. 349099 in the amount of $4,578.14; and B. City Warrant Register No. 1436 to record voided Check No. 349168 in the amount of $542.56. 7. Approval of City Payroll Warrant Register No. 714, totaling $3,008,964.08, which covers the period of November 1 through November 30, 2015, and consists of the following: A. Ratification of direct deposits, checks and taxes totaling $2,125,363.08; and B. Checks and electronic fund transfers (EFT) totaling $883,601.00. 8. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1438, totaling $888,463.93, which covers the period of November 24 through December 7, 2015, and consists of the following: A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $435,127.85; and B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $231,226.30; and C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $222,109.78. 9. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 403, totaling $6,811,833.04, which covers the period of November 24, through December 7, 2015, and consists of the following: A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $6,748,959.77; and B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $20,609.47; and C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $42,263.80. / / / / / / / / / Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 6 of 13 10. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 191, totaling $1,368,650.18, which covers the period of November 24 through December 7, 2015, and consists of the following: A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $1,337,356.70; and B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $28,893.48; and C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $2,100.00. City Administration 11. Approve the following Eagle Scout proclamations for service to and support of their community: A. A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon commending and honoring Walter Frank Calderon for his service and support of his community. B. A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon commending and honoring Hector Corrales for his service and support of his community. C. A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon commending and honoring Geraldo Alberto Langarcia for his service and support of his community. D. A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon commending and honoring Edward Brambila for his service and support of his community. E. A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon commending and honoring Andres Sandoval for his service and support of his community. Fire Department 12. Activity Report for the period of November 16 through November 30, 2015, to be received and filed. Gas and Electric Department 13. Pump House No. 2 Electric Panel Emergency Repair. Recommendation: A. Find that the Pump House No. 2 Emergency Repair as well as the receipt and filing of the staff report with the Clerk’s Office are exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review because, as continuing administrative or maintenance activities, neither is a “project” as defined in CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2). And even if such activities were “projects,” they would be exempt from CEQA review 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 B. Receive and file the staff report which has been provided for informational purposes only, pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 2.17.36 which states in part that a full account of the circumstances of any emergency purchases shall be filed with the City Council. Health and Environmental Control Department 14. November 2015 Monthly Report, to be received and filed. Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 7 of 13 Police Department 15. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrests and Activities for the period of November 16, through November 30, 2015, to be received and filed. NEW BUSINESS City Administration Department 16. Item moved and will be addressed after No. 21. 17. Proposed One-Year Professional Services Agreement with John Van de Kamp of Mayer Brown LLP to Serve as Special Advisor to the City of Vernon. Recommendation: A. Find that approval of the proposed agreement 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. Approve, in concept, a proposed Professional Services Agreement with John Van de Kamp of Mayer Brown LLP to serve as Special Advisor to the City of Vernon for a period of one year, effective February 15, 2016; and C. Provide direction and authorization to the City Administrator to negotiate the specific scope and terms of the proposed agreement with Mr. Van de Kamp, and present a final recommendation regarding such an agreement to City Council prior to February 15, 2016. City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported on the proposed item. Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp provided public comment and proposed a renewal of the existing service agreement for an additional year. Vernon Chamber of Commerce President Marisa Olguin provided public comment also in support of a renewal of the existing service agreement for an additional year. City Council deliberated. It was moved to Ybarra and seconded by Woodruff-Perez to continue the item to the January 5, 2016 Council meeting. Motion carried, 5-0. Gas and Electric Department 18. City Council Update - Distributed Generation Impact Study Final Report with Staff Recommendations. Recommendation: A. Find that the Distributed Generation Impact Study findings and staff recommendations referenced in the staff report are 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 B. Accept the Distributed Generation Impact Study findings as detailed by Power Engineers, Inc.; and C. Receive and file this report and its attachments for informational purposes only. There is no action required by City Council at this time. Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 8 of 13 Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino reported on the item, he noted that the presentation had been conducted as part of the public hearing for Ordinance No. 1235. It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Ybarra to receive and file the Distributed Generation Impact Study Final Report with staff recommendations. Motion carried, 5-0. 19. Award of Bids and Purchase Contracts to Young and Company (Howard Industries); Wesco Distribution (Copper Power) and Power Partners c/o Pacific Utilities (ABB) for Overhead Distribution Transformers for the Vernon Gas & Electric Department (Bid Specification #TR1-2015 OH). Recommendation: A. Find that proposed purchase of Overhead distribution transformers is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review because, as a continuing administrative or maintenance activity, such is not a “project” as defined in CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2). And even if such activity were a “project,” it would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment, because the agreement does not have an impact; and B. Accept that the following companies were the lowest responsive and responsible bidders for bid specification #TR1-2015OH, relating to the purchase of Overhead distribution transformers: i. Young & Company (Howard Industries) for bid items: 1-4, 12-17, 26 and 27. ii. Wesco Distribution (Copper Power) for bid items: 5-11, 18-23 and 25. iii. Power Partners c/o Pacific Utilities (ABB) for bid item: 24; and C. Award bids and authorize the Purchasing Department to issue purchase order contracts as follows: i. Young & Company (Howard Industries) for bid items 1-4, 12-17, 26 and 27 in a grand total amount not to exceed $170,739.00. ii. Wesco Distribution (Copper Power) for bid items: 5-11, 18-23 and 25, in a grand total amount of not to exceed $257,720.64. iii. Pacific Utilities c/o Power Partners (ABB) for bid item 24 in a grand total amount not to exceed $21,660.00; and D. Reject all other bids. Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino provided the oral report. It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Davis to award the bids and reject all others as recommended above. Motion carried, 5-0. 20. Award of Bid and Purchase Contract to OneSource (Southwire) for Medium Voltage 15 KV Rated Underground Cable for the Vernon Gas & Electric Department (Bid Specification #CA1-2015). Recommendation: A. Find that proposed purchase of underground cable is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review because, as a continuing administrative or maintenance activity, such is not a “project” as defined in CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2). And even if such activity were a “project,” it would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment, because the agreement does not have an impact; and Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 9 of 13 B. Accept that OneSource was the lowest responsive and responsible bidders for bid specification #CA1-2015, relating to the purchase of medium voltage 15 KV rate underground cable for all three (3) bid items; and C. Award bid and authorize the Purchasing Department to issue purchase order contract to OneSource (Southwire) for all three (3) bid items for a grand total amount that is not to exceed $334,434; and D. Reject CME bid. Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino reported on the proposed. It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Woodruff-Perez to award the bid to OneSource and reject the CME bid. Motion carried, 5-0. Human Resources Department 21. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon adopting an amended and restated Citywide Fringe Benefits and Salary Resolution in accordance with Government Code Section 20636(b)(1) and repealing all resolutions in conflict therewith. Recommendation: A. Find that approval of the resolution is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, because it is a general policy and procedure making activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore does not constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. Furthermore, even if it were a project, because such activity will not have any effect on the environment, this action would be exempt from CEQA review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 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 amending and restating the Citywide Fringe Benefits and Salary Resolution, effective December 15, 2015 to add a tiered Retiree Medical Benefit Program for Executive group. There are no changes to the Classification and Compensation Plan. Interim Human Resources Director Lisette Grizzelle reported on the proposed resolution. Grizzelle also noted a correction to page 7 of the Staff Report, noting that the fiscal impact reflects the cost per month not year. Grizzelle responded to various questions from Council. In response to Council’s inquires, City Administrator Mark Whitworth provided further clarification. Finance Director William Fox reported on the potential fiscal impact and the need for a funding mechanism. Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp provided public comment. Teamsters Local 911 Union Stewards Rafael Contreras and Jerrick Torres provided public comment. It was moved by Woodruff-Perez and Ybarra to table the item until staff is able to provide more information. In response to Fox’s suggestion, City Attorney Hema Patel confirmed that future staff recommendations can include a retroactive date that could be applicable to retiring Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson. Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 10 of 13 A roll call was taken on the above referenced motion to postpone the item until staff is able to provide more information: - Mayor McCormick, No - Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Yes - Councilmember Martinez, Yes - Councilmember Ybarra, Yes - Councilmember Woodruff-Perez, Yes Motion carries, 4-0. 16. Approval of Updated Form At-Will Employment Agreements for Certain City of Vernon Executives. Recommendation: A. Find that approval of the proposed agreements 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. Approve the attached updated form at-will employment agreements for the following City of Vernon Executives, effective December 15, 2015:  Daniel Calleros, Chief of Police  Michael Wilson, Fire Chief  William Fox, Director of Finance  Carlos Fandino, Director of Gas and Electric  Leonard Gross  berg, Director of Health and Environmental Control City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported on the proposed agreements. It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Woodruff-Perez to approve the updated form at-will employment agreements for certain executives. Motion carried, 5-0. Public Works, Water and Development Services Department 22. Notice Inviting Bids to Furnish and Deliver Two New 2016 Ford F-650, Regular Cab XL (F6D) Dump Trucks, Contract No. CS-0645. Recommendation: A. Find that the Notice Inviting Bids to Furnish and Deliver Two New 2016 Ford F- 650, Regular Cab XL (F6D) Dump Trucks 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 the Notice Inviting Bids to Furnish and Deliver Two New 2016 Ford F- 650, Regular Cab XL (F6D) Dump Trucks. Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson reported on the recommendation. It was moved by Davis and seconded by Ybarra to approve the Notice inviting bids. Motion carried, 5-0. 23. Approval of an Agreement with Bel Air Soto, LLC for the construction of a Cul de Sac on Seville Avenue. Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 11 of 13 Recommendation: A. Approve a Construction Management and Reimbursement agreement between the City of Vernon and Bel Air Soto, LLC and the City of Vernon; and B. Find that the proposed action is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines § 15301, because the project consists of the maintenance, repair or minor alteration of an existing roadway and involves negligible expansion of an existing use. Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson reported on the proposed agreement. It was moved by Davis and seconded by Ybarra to approve the Agreement with Bel Air Soto, LLC. Motion carried, 5-0. 24. Bid Award for City Contract No. CS-0584: Citywide Street Sweeping Services. Recommendation: A. Find that the award of the proposed Capital Improvement Project for the Citywide Street Sweeping Services is categorically exempt under the California Environmentally Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Existing Facilities, part (c), existing highways and streets, because the project consists of maintenance (sweeping) of the existing curbs and gutters; and B. Accept the bid proposal from Webco LB LLC as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and enter into contract, not to exceed $ 336,396.00 for the Citywide Street Sweeping Services Project, City Contract No. CS-0584 for a term of three years, and to reject all other bids. Further authorize a contingency of $ 23,604.00 in the event of an unexpected changed condition (emergency sweeps) in the project and grant authority to the City Administrator to issue a change order for an amount up to the contingency amount. Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson reported on the proposed recommendation. It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Martinez to approve the bid award for City Contract No. CS-0584 to Webco LB LLC. Motion carried, 5-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS (POSSIBLE DIRECTIVES TO STAFF) 25. Authorization to begin Proposition 218 Process to Amend the Water Rate Schedule. Recommendation: A. Provide authorization to City staff to begin the Proposition 218 process to Amend the Water Rate Schedule; and B. Find that the proposed action is statutorily exempt from California Environmental Quality Act(“CEQA”) review, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15273, because CEQA does not apply to the modification, restructuring, or approval of rates and other charges by public entities done for, among other purposes, meeting operating expenses, purchasing or leasing supplies, equipment, or materials and obtaining funds for capital projects, necessary to maintain service within existing service areas. Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson reported and explained the process concerning water rate increases. It was moved by Woodruff-Perez and seconded by Davis to authorize staff to commence Proposition 218 process to amend the water rate schedule. Motion carried, 5-0. Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 12 of 13 PRESENTATIONS (Continued) 26. Overview of Leadership Transition Planning Process. City Administrator Mark Whitworth introduced the item and stated his support of the strategic plan. Senior Advisor to the City Administrator Fred MacFarlane presented the overview. Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp provided public comment. Councilmember Ybarra suggested to also meet with Department Heads to determine what other needs may need to be addressed. ORAL REPORTS 25. City Administrator Reports – brief reports on activities and other brief announcements by the City Administrator and Department Heads. Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on the recent activities including a domestic violence incident, armed robbery and street racing task force. Calleros congratulated Kevin Wilson on his retirement and wished all a happy holiday season. Fire Chief Michael Wilson also congratulated Kevin Wilson on his retirement. No significant incidents to report. Wilson reported on the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services Kevin Wilson provided a brief status update on department activities and acknowledged staff’s efforts. Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino congratulated Kevin Wilson on his retirement and wished all a happy holiday season. Director of Finance William Fox congratulated Kevin Wilson on his retirement Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg congratulated Kevin Wilson on his retirement and wished all a happy holiday season. Grossberg announced the Green Vernon Commission Meeting scheduled for December 16, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. Interim Director of Human Resources Lisette Grizzelle congratulated Kevin Wilson on his retirement and wished all a happy holiday season. Grizzelle announced and invited all to the Holiday and Employee Recognition Celebration on December 17, 2015. Economic Development Manager Alex Kung reported on the upcoming Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) for the Successor Agency and Oversight Board. Kung also congratulated Kevin Wilson on his retirement and wished all a happy holiday season. City Clerk Maria E. Ayala announced the nomination period for the upcoming election, December 21, 2015 through January 19, 2016. She too congratulated Kevin Wilson on his retirement and wished all a happy holiday season. City Administrator Mark Whitworth recognized and congratulated Kevin Wilson on his years of service and wished all a happy holiday season. 26. City Council Reports – brief report on activities, announcements, or directives to staff. All Councilmembers congratulated Kevin Wilson on his retirement and wished all a happy holiday season. / / / / / / Special & Regular City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 13 of 13 With no further business, at 11:45 a.m., Mayor McCormick adjourned the meeting. ________________________ W. Michael McCormick Mayor ATTEST: _________________________ Maria E. Ayala City Clerk