2018-12-18 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018, IN
COUNCIL CHAMBER OF CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE
AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
CALL TO ORDER & FLAG SALUTE
Members Present:Yvette Woodruff-Perez, William Davis, Melissa Ybarra
Members Absent:Luz Martinez, Leticia Lopez
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Woodruff-Perez, City Administrator Carlos
Fandino led the flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
City Clerk Maria Ayala announced that there are no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No Public Comment provided.
PRESENTATION
1.Presentation of Grantee Certificates and Report on FY 2018/2019 Docket II
Grants Awarded by Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee
Recommendation:A. Find that receiving this report on grants awarded by
the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee 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. Present Certificates to FY 2018/2019 Docket II Grant Recipients; and
C. Receive and file this report, as it is being provided for informational
purposes only pursuant to Section 2.167(e) of the Vernon Municipal Code.
City Clerk Maria Ayala introduced the Grant Recipients: Alzherimeer’s Greater Los Angeles,
Terry Garay, Director of Greater East Los Angeles Region; Los Angeles Derby Dolls, Kristal
Carmona, Board Treasurer; Eco Center, Sofia Teodoro, Program Manager; Girls Scouts of Greater
Los Angeles, Danielle Portnoy, Director of Development; Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County,
Molly Snow, Executive Director.
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December 18, 2018
Page 2
Mayor Yvette Woodruff-Perez presented the Grantee Certificates to all Grant Recipients
2.Presentation by Nicole Soghomonian of Limitless Dance Company
Recommendation:No action required by the City Council. This is a
presentation item only.
City Administrator Carlos Fandino introduced the item.
Nicole Soghomonian, President of Limitless Dance Company, conducted the PowerPoint
Presentation and showed a short video.
CONSENT CALENDAR
3.Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held November 20, 2018.
Recommendation:A. Receive and File
4.Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held December 4, 2018.
Recommendation:A. Receive and File
5.Approval of an Agreement with AT&T Corp. for the Provision of Internet
Service to City Hall
Recommendation:A. Find that approval of the proposed action is exempt
under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") review, because it
is 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 proposed Agreement with AT&T Corp. (AT&T) in the
amount not to exceed $51,622.00 for a two year period from January 1, 2019
through December 31, 2021; and
C. Authorize the City Administrator to execute the proposed Agreement with
AT&T, in substantially the same form as submitted herewith, for the provision
of internet service to City Hall.
6.Approval of City Payroll Warrant Register No. 750 Covering the Period of
November 01 through November 30, 2018
Recommendation:A. Approve City Payroll Warrant Register No. 750 which
totals $2,950,309.65 and consists of the following:
1) Ratification of direct deposits, checks and taxes totaling $2,340,871.56.
2) Checks and electronic fund transfers (EFT) paid through General bank
account totaling $609,438.09.
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December 18, 2018
Page 3
7.Approval of Operating Account Warrant Register No. 13 Covering the Period
of November 27 through December 10, 2018
Recommendation:A. Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 13
which totals $4,234,683.30 and consists of the following:
1) Ratification of electronic payments totaling $3,891,221.28.
2) Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $319,448.56.
3) Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $24,013.46.
8.Approval of Federal Funds for Street Improvements Account Warrant
Register No. 24 Covering the Period of November 27 through December 10,
2018
Recommendation:A. Approve Federal Funds for Street Improvements
Account Warrant Register No. 24 which totals $68,850.16 and consists of the
following:
1) Ratification of electronic payments totaling $68,850.16.
No public comment provided.
It was moved by William Davis and seconded by Melissa Ybarra to approve Consent Calendar
ttems 3 through 8. Motion carried, 3 - 0.
Yes:Yvette Woodruff-Perez, William Davis, Melissa Ybarra
No:None
ORDINANCE
9.Ordinance No. 1258 - An Ordinance Adding Sec. 16.23-1 to Article I of
Chapter 16 of the Vernon Municipal Code to Establish Parking Rules for
Furlong Place, a Private City-Owned Street
Recommendation:A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) review because it is a
continuing administrative activity that will not result in any direct or indirect
changes in the environment and therefore does not constitute a “project” as
defined by CEQA Guidelines section 15378. Further, even if the
establishment of parking rules for Furlong Place were considered a “project,”
it would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with Section
15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may
have a significant effect on the environment; and
B. Approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1258 adding Sec.
16.23-1 to Article I of Chapter 16 of the Vernon Municipal Code to Establish
Parking Rules for Furlong Place, a Private City-Owned Street.
City Clerk Maria Ayala read the proposed Ordinance.
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December 18, 2018
Page 4
Director of Public Works Daniel Wall reported on the proposed.
No Public Comment provided.
City Administrator Carlos Fandino addressed Council Member Ybarra and inquired as to the
impact of the proposed on Furlong residents.
Councilmember Melissa Ybarra indicated that approval of the proposed will be a positive for the
residents. Dialogue ensued between Council and staff regarding the impact, enforcement and
residents’ perception of the soon-to-be established parking rules for Furlong Place.
It was moved by Melissa Ybarra and seconded by William Davis to: A. Find that the proposed
action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) review because it is
a continuing administrative activity that will not result in any direct or indirect changes in the
environment and therefore does not constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines
section 15378. Further, even if the establishment of parking rules for Furlong Place were
considered a “project,” it would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with Section
15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant
effect on the environment; and B. Approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1258
adding Sec. 16.23-1 to Article I of Chapter 16 of the Vernon Municipal Code to Establish
Parking Rules for Furlong Place, a Private City-Owned Street. Motion carried, 3 - 0.
Yes:Yvette Woodruff-Perez, William Davis, Melissa Ybarra
No:None
NEW BUSINESS
10.A Resolution Submitting Two Measures to the Voters of the City of Vernon at
the April 9, 2019 General Municipal Election to Amend Chapters 3.5 and 3.6
of Article III of the City Charter
Recommendation:A. Find that adoption of the proposed resolution 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. Adopt a Resolution Submitting to the Voters of the City of Vernon at the
City’s April 9, 2019 General Municipal Election Two Measures, Measure S
and Measure T respectively, to Amend Chapters 3.5 and 3.6 of Article III of
the City Charter; and
C. Authorize the Mayor to prepare and file a written argument in favor of
Measure S, on behalf of the City Council, pursuant to California Elections
Code Section 9282; and
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December 18, 2018
Page 5
D. Authorize the Mayor to prepare and file a written argument in favor of
Measure T, on behalf of the City Council, pursuant to California Elections
Code Section 9282.
City Administrator Carlos Fandino reported on the proposed.
Council Member Melissa Ybarra inquired as to the City Council’s authority to prepare a written
argument in favor of a Measure and on behalf of the City Council. A dialogue ensued between
Council and staff with respect to the Measures’ outcome and impact if approved or defeated by
the voters of the City of Vernon.
No public Comment provided.
It was moved by Melissa Ybarra and seconded by William Davis to: A. Find that adoption of the
proposed resolution 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. Adopt a Resolution Submitting to the Voters of the City of Vernon at the
City’s April 9, 2019 General Municipal Election Two Measures, Measure S and Measure T
respectively, to Amend Chapters 3.5 and 3.6 of Article III of the City Charter; and C. Authorize
the Mayor to prepare and file a written argument in favor of Measure S, on behalf of the City
Council, pursuant to California Elections Code Section 9282; and D. Authorize the Mayor to
prepare and file a written argument in favor of Measure T, on behalf of the City Council,
pursuant to California Elections Code Section 9282. Motion carried, 3 - 0.
Yes:Yvette Woodruff-Perez, William Davis, Melissa Ybarra
No:None
11.A Resolution Adopting an Amended and Restated 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, to Amend Exhibit A, Classification and
Compensation Plan adopting the following:
1. New classification and associated salary range of Utilities Operations
Trainee, Salary Grade 23 (Monthly Salary $5718 - $6,950)
C. Approve the job description for:
1. Utilities Operations Trainee
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December 18, 2018
Page 6
Director of Human Resources Michael Earl reported on the proposed.
No public comment provided.
Council Member Melissa Ybarra asked for clarification regarding the monthly rate. Director
Michael Earl responded accordingly.
It was moved by William Davis and seconded by Melissa Ybarra 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, to Amend Exhibit A, Classification and
Compensation Plan adopting the following: 1. New classification and associated salary range of
Utilities Operations Trainee, Salary Grade 23 (Monthly Salary $5718 - $6,950) C. Approve the
job description for: 1. Utilities Operations Trainee. Motion carried, 3 - 0.
Yes:Yvette Woodruff-Perez, William Davis, Melissa Ybarra
No:None
12.A Resolution approving the City of Vernon Public Utilities Department
Amended Economic Development Rate Program and the General Form of
Agreement for Economic Development Incentive on electric service regarding
electrical rates to be charged for electrical energy distributed and supplied by
the City within its boundaries
Recommendation:A. Find that the adoption of the proposed resolution is
exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), because is
not in reference to a “project” subject to the CEQA Guidelines under Section
15378 because it involves an administrative activity and (b) even if this
approval were a “project” subject to CEQA, the approval requested is exempt
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 any construction that may occur by a private party in the
future in reliance on this approval would be subject to CEQA review by
another governmental agency at that time when actual details of any physical
proposal would be more than speculative; and
B. Adopt a Resolution approving the City of Vernon Public Utilities
Department Amended Economic Development Rate Program and the general
form of Agreement for Economic Development Incentive on electric service
regarding electrical rates to be charged for electrical energy distributed and
supplied by the City within its boundaries.
General Manager of Public Utilities Department Kelly Nguyen reported on the proposed.
No Public Comment provided.
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December 18, 2018
Page 7
It was moved by Melissa Ybarra and seconded by William Davis A. Find that the adoption of the
proposed resolution is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), because
is not in reference to a “project” subject to the CEQA Guidelines under Section 15378 because it
involves an administrative activity and (b) even if this approval were a “project” subject to CEQA,
the approval requested is exempt 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 any construction that may occur by a private party in the future in reliance on
this approval would be subject to CEQA review by another governmental agency at that time when
actual details of any physical proposal would be more than speculative; and B. Adopt a Resolution
approving the City of Vernon Public Utilities Department Amended Economic Development Rate
Program and the general form of Agreement for Economic Development Incentive on electric
service regarding electrical rates to be charged for electrical energy distributed and supplied by the
City within its boundaries. Motion carried, 3 - 0.
Yes:Yvette Woodruff-Perez, William Davis, Melissa Ybarra
No:None
ORAL REPORTS
City Administrator Carlos Fandino reported on power outages throughout the City and provided a
presentation; Fire Department responded to traffic collision; this past week 50 students from Loma
Vista Elementary visited Fire station 76 for a tour; on December 6th, Vernon US&R 78 with
Battalion 76 participated in a mobilization exercise for Regional Task Force; report on various
Vernon Police Department incidents throughout the City; on December 11
th Vernon PD delivered
a soccer ball to each student at the Vernon Elementary School; December 13
th Vernon PD
responded to six separate companies regarding bomb threats emails; L.A. County Sheriff’s
Department Bomb Squad was contacted; on December 21
st Vernon PD will host an Office of
Traffic Safety Driver Checkpoint; on January 14
th from 6 pm-8 pm, L.A. County’s “Voting
Solutions for all People”, known as VSAP, will be holding a meeting at the Huntington Park at the
NewStart Housing Corp. to introduce residents to the future of voting in elections in Los Angeles
County starting in 2020.
City Clerk Maria Ayala encouraged all to attend the VSAP Meetings. She further explained the
future process and provided a short VSAP video.
City Clerk Ayala announced that a representative of Southern California Gas Company was
present and has requested permission from City Council to provide a public comment.
Mayor Woodruff-Perez permitted the public comment.
Denise Campos, Public Affairs Manager for Southern California Gas Company covering the area
of City of Vernon provided an update on legislation regarding emission reduction goals.
City Administrator Fandino continued the Oral Reports by announcing that Vernon Police and Fire
Departments will participate in the 2
nd Annual Operation Santa in the City Hall Council Chamber;
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December 18, 2018
Page 8
Fire Department is still collecting Christmas presents for Toys for Tots and Operation Santa; and
reported the January 1st City Council Meeting has been cancelled.
CLOSED SESSION
The City entered closed session at 9:59 a.m.
13.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation.
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Number of potential cases: 3
At 10:10 a.m. the City Council exited closed session. Senior Deputy City Attorney Brian Byun
reported three cases were discussed with no reportable action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, at 10:10 a.m. Mayor Yvette Woodruff-Perez adjourned the meeting.
________________________
Yvette Woodruff-Perez
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
City Clerk