2016-03-01 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 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; Mayor McCormick led the
flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
City Clerk Maria Ayala announced one change to the agenda:
Agenda Item No. 16 Exhibit C was corrected to remove second name of party to the
transaction.
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.
No public comment provided.
PRESENTATIONS
1. January 31, 2016, Independent Reform Monitor Report.
Presented by: John Van de Kamp, Independent Reform Monitor
Mayor McCormick introduced John Van de Kamp. Mr. Van de Kamp provided a summary of his
latest report, concluding with a number of recommendations for Council.
Mr. Van de Kamp also asked Council what their vision was for the next 6 months.
Ybarra wants to see Capital Improvement Projects, Succession Planning, and more Exide
information being provided to the Vernon residents.
Mayor McCormick commented that OPEB was the most important thing facing the City right now.
Mayor Pro Tempore Davis wants all performance evaluations for Department Heads to be up to
date; the water lines need to be updated; and requested a report to Council as to what maintenance
and/or repair is needed to be done with the water lines in the City.
Martinez wants the hiring of a new City Administrator; and continuation of Vernon’s transparency
efforts.
2. City of Vernon Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability
Presented by: William Fox, Finance Director
Finance Director William Fox conducted a PowerPoint presentation on the City’s OPEB. The
presentation covered information on the OPEB regarding what it is; how it came about; what the
impact on the City is; and looking to the future what are some options to deal with the OPEB.
City Council asked questions regarding the establishment of an OPEB trust and its funding.
Both Mr. Fox, and Interim City Administrator, AJ Wilson, responded to questions accordingly.
Mr. Van de Kamp provided public comment on this item and recommended that Council, in
looking into the OPEB, also take a look at pension liability.
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March 1, 2016
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Mr. Fox explained that staff is seeking direction from Council to provide authorization to pursue
an “OPEB trust” as an option to deal with the funding of the OPEB. Mr. Wilson further
explained that in pursuing this, the City would go through an RFP process.
On a motion by Ybarra and a second by Davis, the Council unanimously agreed to provide staff
with authorization to pursue an “OPEB Trust”. Motion carried, 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Ybarra 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
None.
Minutes – To be Received and Filed
3. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held February 1, 2016.
4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held February 2, 2016.
5. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held February 9, 2016.
6. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held February 16, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.
7. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held February 16, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
8. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held February 18, 2016.
Warrant Registers
9. Ratification of City Warrant Register No. 1440 to record voided Check No. 349821
in the amount of $34,294.83.
10. Approval of City Payroll Warrant Register No. 1443, totaling $1,850,574.50, which
covers the period of February 9 through February 22, 2016, and consists of the
following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $1,418,308.71; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $94,699.20; and
C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $337,566.59.
11. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 408, totaling $4,215,926.91, which
covers the period of February 9 through February 22, 2016, and consists of the
following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $4,166,477.87; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $23,585.70; and
C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $25,863.34.
12. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 196, totaling $212,649.34, which covers the
period of February 9 through February 22, 2016, and consists of the following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $113,704.91; and
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March 1, 2016
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B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $88,063.44; and
C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $10,880.99.
Fire Department
13. Activity Report for the period of February 1 through February 15, 2016, to be
received and filed.
Police Department
14. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrests and Activities for the period of
February 1, through February 15, 2016, to be received and filed.
Public Works, Water, and Development Services Department
15. January 2016 Monthly Building Department Report, to be received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS
City Administration Department
16. Resolution No. 2016-09 - Approval of A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Vernon approving a California Residential Purchase Agreement and Joint Escrow
Instructions, and All Related Documents, for the City of Vernon Owned Property
Located at 6042 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 Gustavo Llamas for the
real property located at 6042 Stafford Avenue, Huntington Park, CA 90255.
Interim City Administrator A.J. Wilson reported on the proposed.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Martinez to approve Resolution No. 2016-09. Motion
carried, 5-0.
17. Resolution No. 2016-10 - Approval of A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Vernon Approving of a California Residential Purchase Agreement and Joint
Escrow Instructions, and All Related Documents, for the City of Vernon Owned
Property Located at 6036 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 attached resolution approving a California Residential Purchase
Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions, and all related documents, with Jonny
Sanchez for the real property located at 6036 Stafford Avenue, Huntington Park,
CA 90255.
Interim City Administrator A.J. Wilson reported on the proposed.
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March 1, 2016
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It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Martinez to approve Resolution No. 2016-10. Motion
carried, 5-0.
Health and Environmental Control Department
18. Approval to schedule the Used Oil Collection Recycling Event at the same time as
the E-Waste Recycling Event on April 5, 2016, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at
Fire Station #1
Recommendation:
A. Find that because proposed one day waste collection event at the fire station is an
action taken to protect the environment and constitutes normal operations of the
fire station, the activity is categorically exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15308 (actions taken
to protect the environment), 15323 (normal operations of public facilities) and
15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an
effect on the environment.
B. Approve the scheduling of the City of Vernon Used Oil Collection event for April
5, 2016, at Fire Station #1 at 3375 Fruitland Ave., using the vendor KJ Services
Environmental Consulting.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg reported on the proposed.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Ybarra to approve the scheduling of the City of Vernon
Used Oil Collection Recycling Event. Motion carried, 5-0.
Public Works, Water, and Development Services Department
19. Approve Master Encroachment License Agreement No. 421 between the City of
Vernon and Mobilitie, LLC.
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the Master Encroachment License Agreement (the
“Agreement”) is exempt from under the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”), in accordance with CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3), the general rule
that CEQA only applies to projects which have a significant effect on the
environment; and
B. Approve Master Encroachment Agreement No. 421 between the City of Vernon
and Mobilitie, LLC in substantially the same form as submitted herewith.
Director of Public Works, Water, and Development Services Derek Wieske reported on the
proposed.
Mr. Van de Kamp provided public comment and had questions regarding the benefits of this
agreement are to the City. Mr. Wieske responded that the City is obligated to accept the agreement,
but does have a right to negotiate the terms.
Deputy City Attorney Brian Byun provided additional information regarding the city’s present
inability to collect a franchise fee, and the legalities surrounding this limitation.
It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Woodruff-Perez to approve the Master Encroachment
License Agreement No. 421. Motion carried, 5-0.
ORAL REPORTS
20. City Administrator Reports – brief reports on activities and other brief announcements by
the City Administrator and Department Heads.
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March 1, 2016
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Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on the following: February 20th commercial burglary; and
an update on Vernon officers working with LAPD Street Racing Task Force to address the issues
on the southwest region.
Police Captain Michael Gillman announced there were no graffiti issues to report. Mayor
McCormick stated he noticed graffiti at 5601 S Downey; Captain Gillman took note to look into
it.
Fire Chief Michael Wilson reported on the following: announced by the end of month they should
expect to get the use of a vehicle; currently attending a lot of the UASE grant fund meetings; on
March 6th will be conducting another Alameda-Corridor drill; no significant incidents to report.
Director of Public Works, Water, and Development Services Derek Wieske reported on his
experience transitioning to the City of Vernon.
Vernon Gas & Electric Director Carlos Fandino reported on the following: out of 2,000 public
utilities in the states the City of Vernon receiving the Public Provider Diamond Award from the
APPA. The City was 1 of 29 public utilities to receive this; there being over 2,000 in the country.
Finance Director William Fox reported on the following: the 1st session of initial budgets that the
city has submitted they will start a review process this Thursday and onto next week in the first
round with the City Administrator and finance people and each department heads.
Health and Environmental Control Director Leonard Grossberg reported on the following: CA
Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) will continue to monitor the Exide Technology
closure; the environmental impact report and public comments has been extended through March
28th; Governor Brown has allocated $176 Million in State funding towards the Excide cleanup;
Green Vernon Commission will hold a Special meeting on March 9th, where staff will propose the
budget and work plan for next year.
Interim Human Resources Director Lisette Grizzelle reported on the following: various
recruitment; active; and will be having negotiations with 5 of the labor groups.
Economic Development Manager Alex Kung reported on the following: on February 23rd LA
Business Journal awarded Whole Foods the gold award for the best real estate industrial project
for their Pacific Boulevard facility; On February 16th a Park Assessment Needs meeting for the
community.
City Clerk Maria E. Ayala announced the Annual Form 700 filing period is underway, forms are
due April 1st.
Interim City Administrator A.J. Wilson reported on the following: Vernon Quarterly Issue Number
11 is soon forthcoming; provided an overview of the budget review process; and announced the
upcoming Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee meeting; Senior Advisor to the City
Administrator Fred McFarlane tour to grantees; reappointment of committee members; Human
Resources Director recruitment; and the Housing Commission public hearing.
21. City Council Reports – brief report on activities, announcements, or directives to staff.
No reports provided.
Mayor McCormick recessed the meeting at 10:41 a.m. and reconvened at 10:48 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION
At 10:48 a.m., the City Council entered into closed session to discuss the following agendized
items:
22. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
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March 1, 2016
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Title: City Administrator
23 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
Significant Exposure to Litigation
Number of potential cases: 1
24. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: A.J. Wilson, Interim City Administrator
Employee Organizations: Teamsters Local 911,
IBEW Local 47,
Vernon Firemen's Association,
Vernon Fire Management Association,
Vernon Police Management Association
At 12:18 p.m. the City Council exited closed session. City Attorney Hema Patel announced that
there was no reportable action from closed session.
With no further business, at 12:31 p.m., Mayor McCormick adjourned the meeting.
________________________
William J. Davis
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
City Clerk