2016-08-17 Grant Committee MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR VERNON COMMUNITY FUND
GRANT COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016, AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBER, LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Gavina, Juliet Goff, Rafael Gonzalez, and Steve Veres
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lawrence Cooper and Leticia Lopez
Chairperson Gavina called the meeting to order at 10:29 a.m. and also led the flag salute.
City Clerk Maria Ayala announced that there were no changes to the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairperson Gavina announced that this was the time allotted for public comment and inquired
whether anyone in the audience wished to address the Committee. The public will also be given a chance to comment on matters which are on the posted agenda during Committee deliberation
on those specific matters.
No public comment provided.
ELECTION 1. Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to Serve Until the Next Annual
Election in August 2017
Recommendation:
A. Find that election of chairperson and vice chairperson does not constitute a
“project” pursuant to section 15378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), because it constitutes an administrative activity; and even if the adoption of the proposed resolution did constitute a
project, it would be exempt from 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. Elect one of its members as Chairperson for a one year term; and
C. Elect one of its members as Vice Chairperson for a one year term.
City Clerk Ayala reported on the proposed.
Commissioner Goff was nominated as Chair.
Chair Gavina was nominated as Vice Chair. It was moved by Veres and seconded by Gonzalez to elect Commissioner Goff as Chair and
Chair Gavina as Vice Chair. Motion carried, 5-0.
Chair Goff and Vice Chair Gavina would be seated at the next Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee meeting.
MINUTES – TO BE RECEIVED AND FILED
2. Minutes of the Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting
held on February 17, 2016 3. Minutes of the Special Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting
held on June 14, 2016
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2016
Page 2 of 4
It was moved by Goff and seconded by Veres to approve the Minutes from the February 17,
2016 and June 14, 2016 regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee meeting. Motion
carried, 5-0.
GRANT AWARDING
4. Award of Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Docket I Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grants
Recommendation: A. Find that the award of the grants proposed in this staff report 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.
B. Award Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Docket I grants totaling $115,000 to the three
applicants identified below at the amounts recommended:
Applicant
Original
Amount
Requested
Amount
Recommended
Proposed
Term
Southeast Community
Development Corporation $50,000 $50,000 1 year
Libros Shmibros $50,000/2 years $15,000 1 year
Southeast Churches Services Center $50,000 $50,000 1 year
Ann-Marie Jones, Jemmott Rollins Group, reported on the first proposed grant, Southeast Community Development Corporation.
The Committee and staff had a lengthy discussion about recognition strategize, tracking of fund
usage, evaluation process, and reapplying applicants.
Deputy City Attorney Brian Byun suggested the topics discussed would be a better fit in a sub-
committee or agendized at a future meeting. Commissioner Veres suggested the issues could be
handled offline and didn’t see a need for a subcommittee or items to be agendized.
It was moved by Veres and seconded by Goff to approve the grant for the Southeast Community
Development Corporation. Motion carried, 5-0.
Ms. Jones reported on the second proposed grant, Libros Shmibros.
The Committee and staff had a discussion about recognition, branding, general operating verses
program funding, and fund usage.
It was moved by Gonzalez and seconded by Goff to approve the grant for Libros Shmibros.
Motion carried, 5-0.
Ms. Jones reported on the third proposed grant, Southeast Churches Services Center.
The Committee and staff had a discussion about recognition, engagement, and network diversity
of the organization.
It was moved by Veres and seconded by Goff to approve the grant for Southeast Churches
Services Center. Motion carried, 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS City Administration Department
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2016
Page 3 of 4
5. Approval of the Revised Vernon CommUNITY Fund Capital Grants Program Guidelines/Notice of Fund Availability
Recommendation: A. Find that approval of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Capital Grants program
proposed in this staff report 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.
B. Approve the revised Vernon CommUNITY Fund Capital Grants program
guidelines – Notice of Fund Availability (NOFA).
Fran Jemmott, Jemmott Rollins Group, reported on the proposed.
Chair Gavina inquired if any member needed to attend the Bidders meeting. Ms. Jemmott
responded to his inquiry.
It was moved by Veres and seconded by Goff to approve the revised Vernon CommUNITY
Fund Capital Grants program guidelines. Motion carried, 5-0.
ORAL REPORTS
6. Summary of Grant Report for Fiscal Year 2015/2016
Ebony Jones, Jemmott Rollins Group, gave a summary of the Grant Report for Fiscal Year
2015/2016. The Committee and staff had a discussion about assessing density figures on the distribution of
funds, visual aids to see where investments are made, and service delivery.
Ms. Jones clarified that a map has been produced only to show who the Committee has awarded grants to.
James Hull, Jemmott Rollins Group, noted that the map they created did not show complete
coverage, nor demographic information. He did note that although the funds distributed were
denser in the Boyle Heights area, coverage was complete throughout the Southeast Los Angeles area.
Ms. Jemmott said she would look into providing a better visual of the fund dispersion.
7. Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Term Renewals and New Appointments Ms. Jemmott provided a brief overview.
City Administrator Carlos Fandino spoke on the appointment process.
Diana Figueroa clarified the application process.
Committee Member Goff noted that potential candidates could be sourced out to the Chamber as
well as through the Jemmott Rollins Group.
City Administrator Fandino stated that the office would move quickly to secure appointments.
8. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff.
Ms. Jemmott provided a brief report on an upcoming scholarship fund presentation.
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2016
Page 4 of 4
Committee Member Veres wanted clarification on how the fund would work. Ms. Jemmott spoke to some aspects of the fund and noted that this would be scheduled at the Nov. 16th
meeting for a more in depth presentation.
Chair Gavina spoke to how the scholarship fund would be distributed. 9. Next regular meeting: November 16, 2016
With no further business, Chairperson Gavina adjourned the meeting at 11:55 a.m.
________________________
Juliet Goff Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala, CMC
Secretary