2016-01-19 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016, 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 9:00 a.m. by Mayor McCormick; Damaris Carranza, 5th grade
student at Vernon City Elementary School, led the flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Mayor McCormick announced 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.
Jim Boltinghouse, Director and Past President of the Rio Hondo Vernon Rotary Club, thanked the
City and reported on the receipt of grant funds through the Vernon CommUNITY Fund.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Brief Update on the Activities of Assembly Member Miguel Santiago's Office
Presented by David Juarez.
Representative Juarez was in attendance and gave the update.
2. 2016 Used Oil Calendar Awards.
Presentation of the 2016 Used Oil Calendar Awards to the Vernon Elementary School,
and Sponsor recognition plaques.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg presented on the item. Mayor
McCormick presented the awards and sponsor recognition plaques.
3. Swear-In Ceremony for three (3) newly hired Firefighters.
City Council to instruct the City Clerk to administer the Oath of Office, required by
Article XX, Section 3 of the Constitution of the State of California, to the following
newly hired Firefighters.
a. Justin Corson
b. Troy Milano
c. John Vittorio
Fire Chief reported on each of the newly hired Firefighters. City Clerk Maria E. Ayala conducted
the oath of office.
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January 19, 2016
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4. Personnel Matters - Service Pin Awards.
December 2015 Anniversary
Employee Name Job Title Years
1. Gustavo Herrera Police Officer 15
2. Nicholas Perez Police Sergeant 15
3. Steven Hartsfield Senior Facilities Maintenance Worker 30
4. Freddie Taylor Administrative Aide 5
Interim Human Resources Director Lisette Grizzelle reported on the item. The following
employees were in attendance to receive their service pins: Nicholas Perez and Freddie Taylor.
Gustavo Herrera and Steven Hartsfield were not in attendance.
5. City of Vernon Exceptional Employee Program (VEEP) Award 2015.
Recommendation:
A. City Council to present VEEP perpetual plaque awards to each of the category
winners listed herewith for the 2015 calendar year.
VEEP Category 2015 VEEP Award Winners
Cost-Savings Idea Shahram Sharifzadeh
Team Award Human Resources
Employee of the Year Danita Robertson
Interim Human Resources Director Lisette Grizzelle reported on the item. Those listed above were
further reported on and presented with a perpetual plaque by Mayor McCormick.
6. Presentation by independent auditor, Vasquez & Company, LLP, on Fiscal Year
2015 audit results.
Peggy McBride of Vasquez & Company, LLP conducted the presentation.
7. Vernon’s Various Governing Bodies.
City Clerk Maria E. Ayala conducted the presentation. Council affirmed staff’s recommendations
to dissolve the following agencies through formal action at a future meeting: Vernon Housing
Authority, Public Benefit Resource Committee and Industrial Development Authority.
Council had comments and concerns concerning funding for the Vernon Historic Preservation
Society and Board of Library Trustees. Council directed staff to provide more information on each
at their respective upcoming meetings.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Martinez 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
8. None.
Minutes – To be Received and Filed
9. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held January 5, 2016.
10. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held January 5, 2016 (1:00 p.m.).
11. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held January 7, 2016.
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Warrant Registers
12. Ratification of City Warrant Register No. 1425 to record voided Check No. 347691
in the amount of $7,500.00.
13. Approval of City Payroll Warrant Register No. 715, totaling $3,081,799.42, which
covers the period of December 1 through December 31, 2015 and consists of the
following:
A. Ratification of direct deposits, checks and taxes totaling $2,049,434.24; and
B. Checks and electronic fund transfers (EFT) totaling $1,032,365.18.
14. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1440, totaling $1,427,884.00, which covers
the period of December 29, 2015, through January 11, 2016, and consists of the
following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $743,553.43; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $582,003.26; and
C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $306.80.
15. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 405, totaling $1,893,592.61, which
covers the period of December 29, 2015, through January 11, 2016, and consists of
the following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $1,757,053.08; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $90,428.16; and
C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $46,111.37.
16. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 193, totaling $185,958.62, which covers the
period of December 29, 2015, through January 11, 2016, and consists of the
following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $183,138.20; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $2,820.42.
Fire Department
17. Activity Report for the period of December 16 through December 31, 2015, to be
received and filed.
Police Department
18. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrests and Activities for the period of
December 16, through December 31, 2015, to be received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS
City Administration Department
19. Resolution No. 2016-01 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
appointing the City Administrator as the Municipal Employee Relations
Representative and repealing all resolutions in conflict therewith.
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Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the proposed action is exempt from California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) review because it is a continuing administrative 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; and
B. Approve and adopt a resolution to appoint the City Administrator to serve as the
Municipal Employee Relations Representative.
Interim City Administrator A.J. Wilson provided the oral report.
It was moved by Woodruff-Perez and seconded by Ybarra to approve Resolution No. 2016-01.
Motion carried, 5-0.
Gas and Electric Department
20. Renewable Portfolio Standard Annual Status Report for Calendar Year 2015.
Recommendation:
A. Find that the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Annual Status Report is exempt
from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review because, as a
continuing administrative activity, such is not a “project” as defined in CEQA
Guidelines Section 15378. And even if such activity were a “project,” it would be
exempt from CEQA review in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15307
and 15308 because the RPS activity managed by Vernon Gas & Electric is aligned
with regulatory provisions to maintain, restore, or enhance the environment; and
B. Acknowledge and file the annual Renewable Portfolio Standard Report for
Calendar Year 2015 as presented by the Vernon Gas & Electric Department. This
report is for informational purposes only. There is no fiscal impact.
Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino reported on the Renewable Portfolio Standard Report.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Ybarra to receive and file the report. Motion carried,
5-0.
21. Award of Bids and Purchase Contracts to Young and Company (Howard
Industries) and Banes Associates (CG Power Systems USA, Inc.) for Pad-mount
Distribution Transformers for the Vernon Gas & Electric Department (Bid
Specification #TR3-2015-PM).
Recommendation:
A. Find that proposed purchase of pad-mount 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 #TR3-2015-PM, relating to the purchase of pad-mount
distribution transformers:
1. Young & Company (Howard Industries) for bid items 1-3 and 9-12.
2. Banes Associates (CG Power Systems USA Inc.) for bid items 4-8 and 13-18;
and
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C. Award bids and authorize the Purchasing Department to issue purchase order
contracts for a one (1) year term as follows:
1. Young & Company (Howard Industries) for bid items 1-3 and 9-12 for a grand
total amount, not to exceed, $152,089.
2. Banes Associates (CG Power Systems USA Inc.) for bid items 4-8 and 13-18
for a grand total amount, not to exceed, $330,164; and
D. Reject all other bids.
Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino reported on the proposed.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Martinez to approve the awarding of the bids. Motion
carried, 5-0.
22. Approving the Issuance of One Notice Inviting Bids for Qualified Manufacturers
and Distributors for the Replacement of Circuit Breakers at Leonis Substation
Identified as a Capital Improvement Project.
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the proposed issuance of an Invitation to Bid is categorically
exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, in
accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15301, because the project consists of
the maintenance, repair or minor alteration of existing equipment and involves
negligible or no expansion of an existing use. The equipment referenced herein
merely replaces older equipment and improves electric system efficiency and
reliability in Vernon; and
B. Approve the issuance of Notice Inviting Bids to qualified manufacturers and
distributors for the procurement of necessary vacuum filled Circuit Breakers at
Leonis Substation in order to maintain safety, capacity and reliability.
Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino reported on the proposed and addressed Mayor Pro-
Tem Davis’ inquiry.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Davis to approve the issuance of the notice inviting bids.
Motion carried, 5-0.
Human Resources Department
23. Resolution No. 2016-02 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
affirming the appointment of Arnold Jesse Wilson to serve as the Interim City
Administrator and ratifying the execution of a related At-Will Employment
Agreement.
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the resolution is exempt from California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) review, because it is a general administrative 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 affirming the appointment of Arnold Jesse Wilson to serve as
the Interim City Administrator of the City of Vernon effective January 11, 2016,
and ratifying the execution of a related temporary at-will employment agreement.
Interim Director of Human Resources Lisette Grizzelle noted the difference in the proposed from
the standard at-will employment agreement.
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It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Woodruff-Perez to approve Resolution No. 2016-02.
Motion carried, 5-0.
24. Resolution No. 2016-03 – 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 administrative 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 21, 2015 to reflect the following provision:
1. Add 40-hour Administrative work schedule pay ranges to the Classification and
Compensation Plan for Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic,
Firefighter/Paramedic Coordinator and Fire Engineer in accordance with
Government Code Section 20636(b)(1), as listed below:
Class
Code Job Title Pay
Grade Annual Monthly Hourly Pay Period
5040 Fire Engineer (A) FA28
Step 1 $82,524 $6,877 $39.6750 $3,174.00
Step 2 $86,652 $7,221 $41.6596 $3,332.77
Step 3 $90,984 $7,582 $43.7423 $3,499.38
Step 4 $95,544 $7,962 $45.9346 $3,674.77
Step 5 $100,320 $8,360 $48.2308 $3,858.46
5035
Firefighter/Paramedic
Coordinator (A) FA29
Step 1 $86,652 $7,221 $41.6596 $3,332.77
Step 2 $90,984 $7,582 $43.7423 $3,499.38
Step 3 $95,544 $7,962 $45.9346 $3,674.77
Step 4 $100,320 $8,360 $48.2308 $3,858.46
Step 5 $105,336 $8,778 $50.6423 $4,051.38
5045 Firefighter/Paramedic(A) FA28
Step 1 $82,524 $6,877 $39.6750 $3,174.00
Step 2 $86,652 $7,221 $41.6596 $3,332.77
Step 3 $90,984 $7,582 $43.7423 $3,499.38
Step 4 $95,544 $7,962 $45.9346 $3,674.77
Step 5 $100,320 $8,360 $48.2308 $3,858.46
5060 Firefighter (A) FA25
Step 1 $71,280 $5,940 $34.2692 $2,741.54
Step 2 $74,856 $6,238 $35.9885 $2,879.08
Step 3 $78,600 $6,550 $37.7885 $3,023.08
Step 4 $82,524 $6,877 $39.6750 $3,174.00
Step 5 $86,652 $7,221 $41.6596 $3,332.77
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Interim Director of Human Resources Lisette Grizzelle provided the oral report. Interim City
Administrator A.J. Wilson further clarified.
It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Woodruff-Perez to approve Resolution No. 2016-03.
Motion carried, 5-0.
Industrial Development Department
25. Resolution No. 2016-04 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
approving and authorizing the execution of a third amendment to agreement
regarding assignment and assumption of purchase and sale agreement by and
between the City of Vernon and Fruitland Owner, LLC for property located at 3200
Fruitland Avenue.
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the proposed Third Amendment to Agreement Regarding
Assignment and Assumption of Purchase and Sales Agreement is exempt from 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. Adopt a resolution approving the Third Amendment to Agreement Regarding
Assignment and Assumption of Purchase and Sale Agreement with Fruitland
Owner, LLC for the property located at 3200 Fruitland Avenue.
Economic Development Manager Alex Kung provided the oral report.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Davis to approve Resolution No. 2016-04. Motion
carried, 5-0.
Public Works, Water and Development Services Department
26. Bid Award for On-Call Services for the Removal, Repair and Reinstallation of Well
and Booster Pump Equipment and Rehabilitation of Production Wells, Contract No.
CS-0636.
Recommendation:
A. Find that entering into the proposed contract for On-Call Services for the Removal,
Repair and Reinstallation of Well & Booster Pump Equipment and Rehabilitation
of Production Wells is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) in accordance with (a) 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) Section 15301, because the proposed service consists of maintenance of
existing structures, facilities and topographical features, involving negligible or no
expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of this determination; and
C. Accept the bid from General Pump Company, Inc., as the lowest responsive and
responsible bidder and enter into the contract, in an amount not to exceed
$75,000.00 annually or $225,000.00 for the 3-year contract term For On-Call
Services for the Removal, Repair and Reinstallation of Well & Booster Pump
Equipment and Rehabilitation of Production Wells, CS-0636.
Public Works & Water Superintendent Scott Rigg reported on the proposed.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Martinez to approve the bid award. Motion carried, 5-0.
27. Amendment No. 5 to the Services Agreement between the City of Vernon and
Cannon Corporation for the Engineering Design and Construction Support
Services.
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Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed Amendment No. 5 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. 5 adding funds in the amount of $24,690.00 to the
Services Agreement between the City of Vernon and Cannon Corporation for the
Engineering Design and Construction Support Services for Well 21.
Public Works & Water Superintendent Scott Rigg reported on the proposed.
It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Woodruff-Perez to approve Amendment No. 5 to the
Cannon corporation service agreement. Motion carried, 5-0.
28. Belfor USA Group, Inc. Red Alert Service Agreement – Basic Plan.
Recommendation:
A. Find that authorization for the City Administrator to sign the proposed Red Alert
Service Agreement – Basic Plan is 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. Authorize the City Administrator to sign the service agreement with Belfor USA
Group, Inc.; and
C. Enter into an agreement with Belfor USA Group, Inc. for emergency services,
restoration services or reconstruction services for a period of three years.
Public Works & Water Superintendent Scott Rigg reported on the proposed.
It was moved by Woodruff-Perez and seconded by Ybarra to approve the service agreement with
Belfor USA Group, Inc. Motion carried, 5-0.
ORAL REPORTS
29. City Administrator Reports – brief reports on activities and other brief announcements by
the City Administrator and Department Heads.
(Addressed out of order) Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on recent police incidents and
provided an update on HP Tow and the continued suspension of their service agreement until the
conclusion of the matter. Calleros announced that the department had obtained a new police
canine; deployment is anticipated for March after training.
Police Captain Michael Gillman reported on one act of vandalism since the last Council meeting.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson announcement the job recruitment for Assistant Fire Marshall and
reported on recent incidents and activities including the January 5, 2016 tornado and active shooter
trainings.
Director of Gas and Electric Carlos Fandino further reported on the tornado incident and recent
power outage.
Director of Finance William Fox reported on items to be addressed as part of the upcoming budget
process.
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Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg reported on upcoming catering
truck inspections, soil sampling at Vernon homes by the Department of Toxic Substances Control,
and restaurant closure.
Interim Director of Human Resources Lisette Grizzelle noted that the department is working on
various recruitments and preparing for upcoming labor negotiations.
Economic Development Manager Alex Kung reported on the cancelation of the regular Successor
Agency meeting in February and upcoming special Oversight Board meeting. Kung announced
that Peaking Noodles, fortune cookie manufacturer, is moving into Vernon.
City Clerk Maria E. Ayala noted a change in the Office of the City Clerk staff. Deputy City Clerk
Ana Barcia announced her resignation from the City of Vernon effective January 28th and thanked
the Council for all their support. Ayala further announced the closing of the nomination period.
Interim City Administrator A.J. Wilson reporting on his meeting with nearly all Councilmembers
and Department Heads. Wilson provided an update on the Van de Kamp agreement and
recruitment process for the Human Resources Director. Wilson also announced the upcoming
labor negotiations and his intentions for the City to be more involved with the League of California
Cities.
Senior Advisor to the City Administrator Fred MacFarlane provided an update on the City seal
and logo process.
30. City Council Reports – brief report on activities, announcements, or directives to staff.
At 11:28 a.m., Mayor McCormick called for a short recess.
CLOSED SESSION
At 11:38 a.m. the Council reconvened and entered into closed session to discuss the following
agendized items:
31. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Administrator
32. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: Lisette Michel, Interim Director of Human
Resources
Unrepresented [Prospective] Employee: Public Works, Water and Development Services
Director
33. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Number of potential cases: 1
34. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Benjamin Potter vs. City of Vernon; Workers Compensation Appeals
Board Case No. ADJ9225I8L
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35. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Attorney
At 1:33 p.m., the City Council exited closed session. City Attorney Hema Patel and Special Legal
Counsel Joung Yim announced that there was no reportable action.
With no further business, at 1:35 p.m., Mayor McCormick adjourned the meeting.
________________________
W. Michael McCormick
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala, CMC
City Clerk