2018-03-14 VHC MinutesPage 1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR VERNON HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
HELD WEDNESDAY MARCH 14, 2018, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF
THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON,
CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT:Melissa Ybarra, Kyle Cooper, Steven Froberg, Steven Florman, and Carol
Menke
MEMBERS ABSENT:Hector Garcia and Frank Gavina
The meeting was called to order by Chair Ybarra at 6:00 p.m. and Chair Ybarra also led the flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
City Clerk Maria Ayala announced that there were no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Ybarra announced 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.City Clerk
Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to serve until the next annual election
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 explained the election process.
It was moved by Menke and seconded by Ybarra to: 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
Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2018
Page 2
effect on the environment; and B. Elect Member Cooper as Chairperson for a one year term. Motion
carried, 5 - 0.
Yes: Melissa Ybarra, Kyle Cooper, Steven Froberg, Steven Florman, and Carol Menke
No:None
It was moved by Froberg and seconded by Cooper to: 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 C. Elect Member Ybarra as Vice Chairperson for a one year term.. Motion
carried, 5 - 0.
Yes: Melissa Ybarra, Kyle Cooper, Steven Froberg, Steven Florman, and Carol Menke
No:None
Newly elected Chair Cooper took control of the meeting.
MINUTES
2.City Clerk
Minutes of the Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting held on December 13,
2017
Recommendation:
A. Receive and File
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Menke to receive and file Minutes of the Regular Vernon
Housing Commission Meeting held December 13, 2017. Motion carried, 5-0.
Yes: Melissa Ybarra, Kyle Cooper, Steven Froberg, Steven Florman, and Carol Menke
No:None
NEW BUSINESS
3.Public Works
Establish Lease-Up Procedures for New Tenants for City of Vernon Housing Units
Recommendation:
A. Find that the actions recommended in this staff report do not constitute a “project”
pursuant to Section 15378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality
Act (“CEQA”), because such recommendations constitute an administrative activity; and
even if the adoption of the proposed items 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
Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2018
Page 3
B. Adopt the proposed Vernon Housing Commission Lease-Up Procedures for New Tenants
for Units Located Within the City of Vernon.
Administrative Analyst Anthony Zarate reported on the proposed.
Vice Chair Ybarra inquired about the timeline of the application process, Administrative
Analyst Zarate responded with details about the application process.
A lengthy dialogue ensued between staff and the commission regarding details of the lottery
procedure, application process, and contacting previous applicants.
The dialogue continued regarding the application form setup and format, bolding certain
language, confirmation and reiteration of rules, and some proposed language changes.
Vice Chair Ybarra recommended an amendment to the language by adding the phrase "I
acknowledge that it is my responsibility" and deleting the phrase "understand and I will have
to".
Commissioner Menke recommended an amendment to the ADA question, and stated it's need
for clarification.
Special Counsel Stewart Leviton recommended amending the format of the form by adding
the language "as applicable" to Section 2 questions.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Menke to: A. Find that the actions recommended in
this staff report do not constitute a “project” pursuant to Section 15378(b)(2) of the
Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), because such
recommendations constitute an administrative activity; and even if the adoption of the
proposed items 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. Adopt the proposed Vernon Housing Commission Lease-
Up Procedures for New Tenants for Units Located Within the City of Vernon, with
Commission noted amendments included. Motion carried, 5-0.
Yes: Melissa Ybarra, Kyle Cooper, Steven Froberg, Steven Florman, and Carol Menke
No:None
4.Public Works
Summary of Annual Maintenance Inspection Results for City of Vernon-Owned
Housing Units
Recommendation:
A. Receive and file a summary report of the 2018 Annual Maintenance Inspection Results for
City-owned housing units.
Administrative Analyst Zarate reported on the proposed.
Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2018
Page 4
A lengthy dialogue ensued between the Commission and Staff regarding the completion and
necessity of maintenance, cost of labor, timeline of repairs, outreach and communication of
repairs, inspections, and standards of the housing stock.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Froberg to receive and file a summary report of the
2018 Annual Maintenance Inspection Results for City-owned housing units. Motion carried,
5-0.
Yes: Melissa Ybarra, Kyle Cooper, Steven Froberg, Steven Florman, and Carol Menke
No: None
ORAL REPORTS & COMMENTS FROM STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
Quarterly Housing Report to be presented by Public Works Staff.
Administrative Analyst Zarate provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
A lengthy dialogue ensued between the Commission and Staff regarding outreach and communication, the
frequency of inspections, and the summary of calls received.
The dialogue continued regarding restrictive parking, feedback and recommendations on parking, and the
bid process.
Administrative Analyst Zarate briefly spoke about the resident newsletter.
Brief reports, announcements, or directives to staff from the Commissioners and Commission
Officers.
Public Comment
Marissa Olguin, Vernon Chamber of Commerce, briefly spoke about the resident newsletter.
Next regular meeting: June 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, at 10:08 a.m., Chair Cooper adjourned the meeting.
________________________
Kyle Cooper
Chair
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala, CMC
Secretary