2017-08-15 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2017, IN
COUNCIL CHAMBER OF CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA
FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ybarra, Davis, Martinez, and Lopez
MEMBERS ABSENT: Woodruff-Perez
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Ybarra; Fire Chief Bruce English led the
flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
City Clerk Ayala announced that Presentation Item No. 4 would be taken out of order and heard
firsts, followed by the remaining order of the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Ybarra 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 was provided.
PRESENTATIONS
4. A Proclamation for F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. in Recognition of their 50th Year Anniversary City Clerk Ayala read the proclamation. Lisette and Jose Gaviña were in attendance to receive the
City’s Proclamation. Mr. Gaviña thanked the City for the recognition.
PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Ordinance No. 1244 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vernon
Abolishing the Industrial Development Authority and Repealing Sections 27.20
through 27.23 of Article III of Chapter 27 of the Vernon Municipal Code and Repealing all Ordinances or Parts of Ordinances in Conflict Therewith 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. Conduct a Public Hearing; and
C. Approve the first reading, and adopt at a subsequent meeting, an Ordinance
repealing Sections 27.20 to 27.23 of Article III of Chapter 27 of the Vernon Municipal Code, abolishing the Industrial Development Authority. Mayor Ybarra opened the Public Hearing at 9:05 a.m.
City Clerk Ayala reported on the proposed. No public comment was provided.
Mayor Ybarra closed the Public Hearing at 9:07 a.m.
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It was moved by Davis and seconded by Martinez to approve the first reading, and adopt at a
subsequent meeting, an Ordinance repealing Sections 27.20 to 27.23 of Article III of Chapter 27
of the Vernon Municipal Code, abolishing the Industrial Development Authority. Motion carried,
4-0. Ybarra: Yes
Woodruff-Perez: Absent
Davis: Yes
Martinez: Yes Lopez: Yes
2. Ordinance No. 1245 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vernon
Abolishing the Public Benefits Resource Committee and Repealing Section 2.3 of
Article I of Chapter 2 of the Vernon Municipal Code and Repealing all Ordinances or Parts of Ordinances in Conflict Therewith 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. Conduct a Public Hearing; and
C. Approve the first reading, and adopt at a subsequent meeting, an Ordinance
repealing Section 2.3 of Article I of Chapter 2 of the Vernon Municipal Code,
abolishing the Public Benefits Resource Committee. Mayor Ybarra opened the Public Hearing at 9:08 a.m.
City Clerk Ayala reported on the proposed.
No public comment was provided.
Mayor Ybarra closed the Public Hearing at 9:09 a.m.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Lopez to approve the first reading, and adopt at a subsequent meeting, an Ordinance repealing Section 2.3 of Article I of Chapter 2 of the Vernon Municipal Code, abolishing the Public Benefits Resource Committee. Motion carried, 4-0.
Ybarra: Yes
Woodruff-Perez: Absent Davis: Yes Martinez: Yes
Lopez: Yes
3. Ordinance No. 1246 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vernon, California, Adding Article XVII, Section 24.112 to Chapter 24 of the Vernon Municipal Code to Establish an Expedited Permitting Process for Electric Vehicle
Charging Stations
Recommendation: A. Find that the approval of the proposed action is exempt from California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) review, because such action constitutes an
administrative activity and it will not result in a direct or indirect physical changes to the environment, and therefore does not constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines section 15378; and
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B. Open a Public Hearing and receive any comments from the public regarding the
proposed amendments, and thereafter close the Public Hearing; and
C. Approve the first reading, and adopt at a subsequent meeting, an Ordinance amending Chapter 24 of the City of Vernon Municipal Code by setting forth an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations as
required by Government Code Section 65850.7
Interim Public Works Director Kevin Wilson reported on the proposed. Mayor Ybarra opened the Public Hearing at 9:13 a.m.
Davis inquired if any correspondence was received. Interim Director Wilson stated that no
correspondence was received. No public comment was provided.
Mayor Ybarra closed the Public Hearing at 9:14 a.m.
It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Lopez to approve the first reading, and adopt at a
subsequent meeting, an Ordinance amending Chapter 24 of the City of Vernon Municipal Code
by setting forth an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations
as required by Government Code Section 65850.7. Motion carried, 4-0.
Ybarra: Yes
Woodruff-Perez: Absent
Davis: Yes
Martinez: Yes
Lopez: Yes PRESENTATIONS (CONT’D)
5. Service Pin Awards for July 2017
Presented by: Michael Earl, Director of Human Resources
NAME DEPARTMENT TITLE YEARS
Adam A. Alvarez
Public Works
Senior Street Maintenance
Worker
30
Jonathan E. Flagler
Fire
Firefighter
15
Ana L. Melendez
Public Works
Associate Engineer
15
Roberto Zepeda
Public Works
Senior Water Maintenance
Worker
15
Jerrick T. Torres
Health
Senior Environmental Health Specialist
15
Evangelina Muro
City Attorney
Executive Legal Secretary
10
Linda Johnson
Health
Senior Environmental Health Specialist
10
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Human Resources Director Earl presented the service pins to Linda Johnson, Roberto Zepeda, Ana L. Melendez, Adam Alvarez, and Jonathan Flagler who were in attendance.
6. Swear-In Ceremony for Vernon Police Department Promotions
- Police Corporal, Gustavo Herrera - Police Sergeant, Gabriel Martinez - Police Lieutenant, Brandon Gray
Presented by: Anthony Miranda, Police Chief
Police Chief Anthony Miranda provided a brief introduction about Gustavo Herrera, City Clerk Ayala administered the oath of allegiance.
Police Chief Miranda provided a brief introduction about Gabriel Martinez, City Clerk Ayala
administered the oath of allegiance. Police Chief Miranda provided a brief introduction about Brandon Gray, City Clerk Ayala
administered the oath of allegiance.
7. Administer Oath of Office to Newly Appointed City of Vernon Public Works Director, Daniel Wall
Human Resource Director Michael Earl provided a brief introduction of Daniel Wall, City Clerk
Ayala administered the oath of allegiance.
Mayor Ybarra recessed the meeting at 9:31 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 9:47 a.m.
8. Information Session on the Exide Residential Cleanup Project Presented by: The Department of Toxic Substances Control
Cesar Campos and Sara Chrome, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
representatives, provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
A lengthy dialogue ensued between the City Council and DTSC representatives regarding the
following: amount of mitigated properties; the amount of samples collected; the collection method;
continued outreach efforts; timing of cleanup efforts; the sampling methodology; and landscaping
or irrigation impacts.
Public Comment Marisa Olguin, Vernon Chamber of Commerce, inquired about individual testing results. DTSC
answered her inquiry about testing, stating that the results of personal blood levels would not be
disclosed. 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, 4-0.
Ybarra: Yes
Woodruff-Perez: Absent
Davis: Yes Martinez: Yes Lopez: Yes
Claims Against the City – Received and Filed
9. None
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Warrant Registers 10. Ratification of the following City Warrant Register to record the following voided
checks:
A. City Warrant Register No. 1467 to record voided Check No. 353889 in the amount
of $17.66; and
B. City Warrant Register No. 1467 to record voided Check No. 353926 in the amount
of $36.18; and
C. City Warrant Register No. 1471 to record voided Check No. 354466 in the amount
of $23.52; and
D. City Warrant Register No. 1476 to record voided Check No. 355216 in the amount of $780.73.
11. Ratification of the following Light & Power Warrant Registers to record the
following voided checks:
A. Light & Power Warrant Register No. 433 to record voided Check No. 512579 in
the amount of $47.48.
12. Approval of City Payroll Warrant Register No. 734, totaling $3,373,685.18, which
covers the period of July 1 through July 31, 2017 and consists of the following: A. Ratification of direct deposits, checks and taxes totaling $2,509,623.85; and
B. Checks and electronic fund transfers (EFT) totaling $864,061.33.
13. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1477, totaling $2,216,109.86, which covers the period of July 25 through August 7, 2017, and consists of the following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $850,831.63; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $1,339,188.31; and
C. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $26,089.92.
14. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 442, totaling $1,551,358.83, which covers the period of July 25 through August 7, 2017, and consists of the following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $1,510,595.74; and
B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $40,763.09.
15. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 230, totaling $1,813,816.61, which covers the period of July 25 through August 7, 2017, and consists of the following:
A. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $1,805,565.09; and B. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $8,251.52.
City Administration Department
16. Resolution No. 2017-43 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Amendment No 2. To the Temporary At-Will Employment Agreement by and between the City of Vernon
and Samuel K. Wilson
Recommendation:
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A. Find that approval of the amendment to the agreement proposed in this staff 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; and
B. Adopt the attached resolution approving and authorizing the execution of
Amendment No. 2 to the Temporary At-Will Employment Agreement by and
between the City of Vernon and Samuel K. Wilson. Finance Department
17. Approval of Request for Permit for Mobile Financial Services, Inc., Doing Business
As, Mobile Money, to Operate a Mobile Check Cashing Service within the City Limits of Vernon Recommendation:
Items A- C: A. Find that approval of proposed actions related to the permit for Mobile Financial
Services, Inc. to operate a mobile check cashing service as detailed in this staff
report 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 a significant effect on the environment; and
B. Find that Mobile Financial Services, Inc. (dba Mobile Money) has satisfied all
requirements necessary to obtain a permit to conduct mobile check cashing services within City limits pursuant to Chapter 18 of the Vernon Municipal Code; and
C. Approve the permit application and authorize the issuance of a permit for mobile
check cashing services to Mobile Financial Services, Inc. for the remainder of the
2017 calendar year. Health and Environmental Control Department
18. California Department of Toxic Substances Control Final Environmental Impact
Report & Final Removal Action Plan (Cleanup Plan) Recommendation:
A. Find that receiving a report on the Final Environmental Impact Report and the Final
Removal Action Plan (Cleanup Plan) documents from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”) review, because it is an administrative action 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. Receive and file this report, as it is being provided for informational purposes only.
19. July 2017 Monthly Report
Police Department 20. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrests and Activities for the period of July
16, through July 31, 2017, to be received and filed
21. Federal Equitable Share Agreement and Annual Certification Report
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Recommendation: A. Find that granting authority to execute and submit the above-referenced agreement
and related documents 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 the Federal Equitable Share Agreement and Annual Certification Report, in substantially the same form as submitted herewith; and
C. Authorize the Police Chief and City Administrator to execute the Federal Equitable
Share Agreement and Annual Certification Report and submit to the Department of
Justice and the Department of the Treasury on behalf of the City of Vernon. Public Works Department
22. Building Department Report for the Month of July 2017 23. Acceptance of Electrical Easement at 4210 East 26th St. (APN 5243-020-816)
Recommendation: A. Find that the acceptance of the Electrical Easement proposed in this staff report is
not a “project” as that term is defined under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, and even if it were a project, it would be
categorically exempt in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301
(maintenance, repair or minor alteration of an existing facility and involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use) and 15061(b)(3) (general rule that
CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the
environment); and
B. Accept the Electrical Easement, in substantially the same form as attached to this
staff report, and authorize the Mayor to execute the Certificate of Acceptance.
NEW BUSINESS
Human Resources Department
24. Resolution No. 2017-44 - 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 attached resolution in this staff 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; and
B. Adopt the attached resolution amending and restating the Citywide Fringe Benefits and Salary Resolution, effective August 15, 2017 to reflect the following
provisions:
1) Amend Exhibit A, Classification and Compensation Plan adopting the following revised job descriptions:
Business and Account Supervisor
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Utilities Compliance Administrator
2) Amend Exhibit A, Classification and Compensation Plan by adjusting the
following classification and compensation salary range listed below effective
July 23, 2017:
Classification Title Total Incumbents Current Salary Grade Recommended Salary Grade
Risk Management Assistant 1 14 17
3) Amend Exhibit A, Classification and Compensation Plan by adjusting the following classification and compensation salary range listed below effective July 10, 2016:
Classification Title Total
Incumbents
Current Salary
Grade
Recommended
Salary Grade
Environmental Specialist, Senior 3 28 29
4) Approve the recommended reclassification of a single incumbent in one classification as listed below effective July 23, 2017:
Current Classification Salary Grade Reclassification Recommendation Salary Grade
Administrative Secretary 20 Administrative Analyst 26
Director Earl reported on the proposed.
It was moved by Martinez and seconded by Lopez to approve Resolution 2017-44. Motion carried,
4-0.
Ybarra: Yes Woodruff-Perez: Absent
Davis: Yes
Martinez: Yes
Lopez: Yes Public Utilities Department
25. Contract Award to Virginia Transformer Corp for Bid Specification TR3-2017-LS:
Furnishing, Delivering, and Commissioning Three-Phase Power Transformers for the Vernon Public Utilities Department Recommendation: A. Find that approval of the proposed action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") review, because accepting and awarding a bid 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 replacement of electrical distribution transformers, the proposed action is exempt from CEQA review, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines § 15302, because the proposed project consists of the
replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new
structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have
substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced; and B. Accept the bid from Virginia Transformers Corp as the lowest responsive and
responsible bidder and reject all other bids; and
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C. Approve the labor and materials contract with Virginia Transformer Corp, in substantially the same form as attached herewith, to furnish, deliver, and
commission requested power transformers (Bid Specification TR3-2017-LS) for a
three (3) year term for a not to exceed amount of $3,660,000.
Utilities Operations Manager Todd Dusenberry reported on the proposed.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Lopez to accept the bid from Virginia Transformers Corp
as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and reject all other bids and approve the labor and
materials contract with Virginia Transformer Corp, in substantially the same form as attached herewith, to furnish, deliver, and commission requested power transformers (Bid Specification TR3-2017-LS) for a three (3) year term for a not to exceed amount of $3,660,000. Motion carried,
4-0.
Ybarra: Yes Woodruff-Perez: Absent Davis: Yes
Martinez: Yes
Lopez: Yes
Public Works Department 26. Atlantic Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation and Widening Project, Preliminary
Engineering Agreement with BNSF
Recommendation: A. Find that the approval of the proposed reimbursement agreement in this staff report
are within the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15063 of the CEQA Guidelines; and
B. Approve Reimbursement Agreement, Rehabilitation of Atlantic Blvd. Bridge Over
Los Angeles River Federal Aid Project No. DBPL-5139(010), in substantially the same form as submitted herewith, for the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation and Widening Project which compensates Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
Company, (“BNSF”), for their costs in reviewing the plans for the subject project
at a cost not to exceed $50,000; and
C. Authorize the City Administrator to execute the Reimbursement Agreement with BNSF.
Interim Director Wilson reported on the proposed.
It was moved by Lopez and seconded by Davis to approve Reimbursement Agreement, Rehabilitation of Atlantic Blvd. Bridge over Los Angeles River Federal Aid Project No. DBPL-
5139(010). Motion carried, 4-0.
Ybarra: Yes Woodruff-Perez: Absent Davis: Yes
Martinez: Yes
Lopez: Yes
ORAL REPORTS
5. City Administrator Reports – brief reports on activities and other brief announcements.
City Administrator Carlos Fandino reported on the following: various incidents involving Vernon Police since August 1st; State Department of Finance to transfer $22.6 million from the Vernon
Successor Agency to the City; August 10th Fire at 2900 S. Sunol Dr.; completion of outstanding
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JLAC recommendation for reform; proposed Measure R; Business and Industry Commission, impacts of the High Speed Rail project; August 0th Gavina 50th anniversary event; and he
welcomed Daniel Wall to the City of Vernon.
6. City Council Reports – brief AB1234 reports, or report on: activities, announcements, or directives to staff.
With no further business, at 10:32 a.m., Mayor Ybarra adjourned the meeting.
________________________
Melissa Ybarra
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
City Clerk