2016-11-10 BIC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR VERNON BUSINESS AND
INDUSTRY COMMISSION MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON
HELD THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016, AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER, LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE
AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jack Cline, William Davis, Eric Gustafson, Stan Stosel, and Robert
Wendoll
MEMBERS ABSENT: Douglas Pittman and Jack Whalen
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Vice-Chair Gustafson, who also led the flag salute.
There were no changes to the agenda.
City Clerk Maria Ayala, introduced new Directors to the City: Keith Allen (Health), and Kelly
Nguyen (Gas & Electric).
Each Commissioner provided a brief introduction of themselves at this time.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Vice-Chair Gustafson announced that this was the time allotted for public comment and inquired
whether anyone in the audience wished to address the Commission. The public will also be given
a chance to comment on matters which are on the posted agenda during Commission 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
Recommendations
Item A-C:
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 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
Vernon Business and Industry Commission Meeting Minutes
November 10, 2016
Page 2 of 4
B. Elect one of its members as Chairperson for a one year term; and
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Stosel to elect Gustafson as Chair for a
one year term. Motion carried, 5-0.
C. Elect one of its members as Vice Chairperson for a one year term
Commissioner Wendoll nominated Davis for Vice-Chair, however Commissioner
Davis respectfully declined the nomination.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Gustafson to elect Wendoll as Vice-Chair
for a one year term. Motion carried, 5-0.
PRESENTATION
2. Briefing on Moody's Bond Rating
Finance Director, William Fox, provided a PowerPoint Presentation that included
information on Moody’s recent rating of Vernon’s bonds, the impacts of said rating, and
what potential next steps are.
The Commission had questions and held discussion with staff providing responses and
input on the following: the City’s vacancy rate; OPEB funding obligations; credit rating
process for municipalities; information regarding the upcoming Measure Q initiative
(City Administrator, Carlos Fandino, and City Attorney, Hema Patel, also provided
information and input on this point as well); etc.
MINUTES
3. Minutes of the Regular Business & Industry Commission Meeting held May 12,
2016.
It was moved by Wendoll and seconded by Stosel to approve the May 12, 2016
Minutes. Motion carried, 4 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 abstention (Davis).
DISCUSSION ITEMS AND POSIBLE DIRECTIVES TO STAFF
4. Adoption of Amendments to the 2016 California Building Standards Codes, and
Other Uniform and Model Codes
Recommendation
A. Receive and file the information item regarding the adoption of amendments to the
2016 California Building Standards Codes and other uniform and model codes.
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November 10, 2016
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Jim Moore, Electrical Inspector, provided an informative presentation on the
various codes.
The Commission had various questions regarding rebates, etc. Mr. Moore provided
appropriate responses. Derek Wieske, Director of Public Works, as well as also
provided additional information regarding the State’s requirements on these types
of building standards and codes.
5. Support for the Southern California Association of Governments – Sustainability
Planning Grant Application
Recommendation
A. Approve letter of support for the Southern California Association of Governments
– Sustainability Planning Grant Application.
Felix Velasco, Associate Engineer, presented on the proposed.
It was moved by Wendoll and seconded by Davis to approve the letter of support for the
Southern California Association of Governments – Sustainability Planning Grant
Application. Motion carried, 5-0.
ORAL REPORTS
6. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff
Chair Gustafson indicated posed the question to the Commission and staff to be proactive
in working together from a business recruitment perspective. It is a good way to explore
new ideas, and suggested the formation of a subcommittee, or defining a mission
statement for the Commission to really define the goals and roles of the Business and
Industry Commission.
Commissioner Cline also expressed interest in having the City explore alternative forms
of revenue, and building the working relationships with the Commission to help support
this.
Commissioner Davis also expressed interest in looking at new economic development in
the City. City Administrator Fandino responded, and also announced that Popcornopolis
would be coming to the City in Spring of 2017. Chair Gustafson further reiterated the
Commission’s need to understand what economic development contribution and/or
opportunities there are for the Commission to make to the City.
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November 10, 2016
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With no further business, Chair Gustafson adjourned the meeting at 10:53 a.m.
________________________
Eric Gustafson
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala, CMC
Secretary