2017-03-07 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017, IN COUNCIL
CHAMBER OF CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE
AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Davis, Martinez, Ybarra, and Lopez
MEMBERS ABSENT: Woodruff-Perez
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Davis; Police Captain Michael Gillman led
the flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
City Clerk Maria Ayala announced that there were no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Davis 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.
Marisa Olguin, Vernon Chamber of Commerce, spoke about a collaborative event with Huntington Park and efforts to recognize John Van de Kamp. PUBLIC HEARING
City Clerk Ayala noted that this item was pulled and will be address at a future meeting. 1. Public Hearing of Ordinance No. 1240 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vernon amending various sections of the Vernon Municipal Code to
implement reorganization and renaming of certain departments within the City; and repealing all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict therewith (First Reading)
Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) review, because it is an 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. Conduct a Public Hearing; and C. Approve the first reading, and adopt at a subsequent meeting, an ordinance
amending various sections within Chapters 1, 2, 5, 7, 16, 17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27,
28, and 30 of the Vernon Municipal Code to Reorganize and Rename the Gas and
Electric Department and the Public Works, Water, and Development Services Department. City Administrator Carlos Fandino reported on the proposed.
A discussion ensued between staff and Council about fund allocation and the reorganization effects on department functions and performance.
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing at 9:13 a.m.
No public comment was provided. Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing at 9:13 a.m.
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March 7, 2017
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It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Ybarra to approve the first reading and adopt at a subsequent meeting, Ordinance 1240. Motion carried, 4-0.
Davis: Yes
Woodruff-Perez: Absent Martinez: Yes Ybarra: Yes
Lopez: Yes
PRESENTATION
2. A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon Declaring the Month of March 2017 as “American Red Cross Awareness Month”
City Clerk Ayala read the proclamation.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Lopez to approve all matters listed under the Consent
Calendar under one motion as presented. Motion carried, 4-0. Davis: Yes
Woodruff-Perez: Absent
Martinez: Yes
Ybarra: Yes Lopez: Yes Claims Against the City – Received and Filed
3. Claim for Damages from Ramtin Mahgerefteh received February 23, 2017 in the amount of $557.00
Warrant Registers
4. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1467, totaling $1,754,856.55, which covers the period of February 14 through February 27, 2017, and consists of the following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $998,497.89; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $710,294.28; and
C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $46,064.38.
5. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 432, totaling $6,269,151.08, which
covers the period of February 14 through February 27, 2017, and consists of the following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $6,248,982.86; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $19,756.94; and
C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $411.28.
6. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 220, totaling $1,903,254.35, which covers the
period of February 14 through February 27, 2017, and consists of the following: A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $1,887,961.78; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $15,292.57.
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7. Approval of RDA Obligation Retirement Fund Warrant Register No. 34, totaling $15,405.25, which covers the period of January 04 through February 27, 2017, and consists of the following:
A. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $15,405.25. City Administration Department
8. Report on Emergency Purchase Secured by the City Administrator
Recommendation: A. Find that the filing of this report is exempt from California Environmental Quality
Act (“CEQA”) review because it is an 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. As to the
emergency repairs themselves, that action is statutorily exempt from CEQA review,
in accordance with CEQA Guidelines § 15269, because the work is for emergency
repairs to service facilities necessary to maintain service essential to the public
health, safety, or welfare; and
B. Receive and file this report on an emergency purchase in the amount of $98,500 to
repair seven active roof leaks at the City-owned property located at 2716 Leonis
Boulevard to avoid potential damage of valuable property; and to mitigate the threat
of mold, mildew, and other harmful agents that could potentially pose a health risk to personnel working on the premises. This report is being provided for
informational purposes only, pursuant to Section 2.17.36 of the Vernon Municipal
Code.
9. City Administrator Determination of Consultants Required to File Annual Statements of Economic Interests (Form 700) for Calendar Year 2016 Recommendation:
A. Receive and file the attached report entitled “Consultants Required to File Statements of Economic Interests (Form 700) Under the Vernon Conflict of Interest Code for Calendar Year 2016” in accordance with the requirements of the
California Political Reform Act and the Master Conflict of Interest Code for the
City of Vernon and all City of Vernon agencies, boards, and commissions.
Fire Department 10. Activity Report for the period of February 1 through February 15, 2017, to be
received and filed
Police Department 11. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrests and Activities for the period of
February 1, through February 15, 2017, to be received and filed
12. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrests and Activities for the period of February 16, through February 28, 2017, to be received and filed
NEW BUSINESS
City Administration Department
13. Resolution No. 2017-09 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
repealing Resolution No. 2017-05
Recommendation:
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March 7, 2017
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A. Find that approval of the proposed action is exempt from California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”) review because it is an 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. Adopt a resolution to repeal Resolution 2017-05 pertaining to the Development
Agreement with National Ready Mixed Concrete Company which was approved
by City Council on February 21, 2017.
City Administrator Fandino reported on the proposed.
Councilmember Ybarra inquired as to why the ordinance was necessary, versus resolution. City
Administrator Fandino explained that the development agreement requires an ordinance; Public
Works Interim Director Kevin Wilson further explained the state law requirements of said ordinance.
Councilmember Ybarra inquired as to why this was not addressed prior to it being previously
agendized as a resolution; City Administrator Fandino stated it was an oversight.
It was moved by Lopez and seconded by Martinez to approve Resolution No. 2017-09. Motion
carried, 4-0.
Davis: Yes
Woodruff-Perez: Absent Martinez: Yes
Ybarra: Yes
Lopez: Yes
Public Works, Water and Development Services Department
14. Authorize Purchase of One Caterpillar Model 420F2 HRC Backhoe Loader
Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) review, because it is an 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. Grant authorization to staff to issue a purchase order for one 2017 Caterpillar Model 420F2 HRC Backhoe Loader from Quinn Group in an amount not to exceed
$107,464.19.
Interim Director Kevin Wilson reported on the proposed. A discussion ensued between staff and Council about the current/old model and the proposed use
of the previous model.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Martinez to authorize staff to issue a purchase order for one 2017 Caterpillar Model 420F2 HRC Backhoe Loader from Quinn Group in an amount not to
exceed $107,464.19. Motion carried, 4-0.
Davis: Yes Woodruff-Perez: Absent Martinez: Yes
Ybarra: Yes
Lopez: Yes
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ORAL REPORTS
15. City Administrator Reports – brief reports on activities and other brief announcements by
the City Administrator and Department Heads.
Police Captain Gillman reported on the following: a March 16th burglary near the 5800 block of
District Blvd.; a March 3rd vandalism near the 4700 block of District Bld.; Mayor Davis
commended the City on handling the graffiti issues around the City.
Fire Chief Bruce English reported on the following: a March 5th Alameda Corridor drill; Hazardous Materials Unit responded to a white powdery substance Alhambra; the City incident report; and an upcoming April fundraiser.
Public Works, Water and Development Services Interim Director Kevin Wilson reported on
Measure M formula change; a proposed parcel purchase; and development projects around the City.
Vernon Gas and Electric Kelly Nguyen briefly mentioned her participation in the legislative rally
and Moody’s bond rating meeting. Mayor Davis noted a street light out on Atlantic Blvd.
Finance Director William Fox reported on the Moody’s bond rating meeting in New York. City Administrator Carlos Fandino stressed the importance of Measure Q and the effect it has on the
City’s bond rating.
Health and Environmental Control Director Keith Allen reported on the upcoming e-waste event and mosquito abatement services within the City. Mayor Davis inquired about an update on Exide, Director Allen stated there was a Department of Toxic Substances Control closure plan and the
residential clean up.
Human Resources Director Michael Earl reported on the recruitment of the new Police Chief. City Clerk Maria Ayala reported on the following: the FPPC Form 700 filing period and deadline;
Election update (possible overseas voter); SB 415 update; and an update on the Records
Management Program.
City Administrator Carlos Fandino reported on the following: recent passing of a new City employee; the March 15th Community Event; the Washington DC legislative rally;
Congresswoman Roybal-Allard meeting; Moody’s bond meeting; Business and Industry
Commission meeting; update on the hiring of a new Public Information Officer; suggested
remodeling for Fire Station Four; and the State Supreme Court ruling on communications on private devices being disclosable. City Attorney Hema Patel elaborated on the ruling of the Court.
Mayor Davis inquired about the 710 project encroaching on Fire Station Four. City Administrator
Fandino explained that the 710 project will be long term and the upgrade will be beneficial for the
time being before the property acquisition.
16. City Council Reports – brief AB1234 reports, or report on: activities, announcements, or
directives to staff.
Mayor Davis recessed the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION
At 9:50 a.m., the City Council entered into closed session to discuss the following agendized items:
17. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
Government Code Section 54957
At 10:01 a.m. the City Council exited closed session. City Attorney Hema Patel announced that one item was discussed and that there was no reportable action.
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With no further business, at 10:01 a.m., Mayor Davis adjourned the meeting.
________________________ Melissa Ybarra
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
City Clerk