2019-03-20 GVC Agenda PacketPage 1
California Public Records Act ("PRA"): In compliance with the PRA, the documents pertaining to agenda
items, including attachments, which are presented to the Green Vernon Commission in open session are available
for public inspection. They may be inspected during regular business hours in the Office of the City Clerk at
Vernon City Hall, 4305 Santa Fe Avenue; Vernon, California 90058, no appointment necessary, and on the
City’s website at www.cityofvernon.org.
Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”): In compliance with the ADA, if you need special assistance to
participate in the meeting, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (323) 583-8811. Notification of at least
48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable
arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service.
Agenda
City of Vernon
Regular Green Vernon Commission Meeting
Wednesday, March 20, 2019, 03:30 PM
City Hall, Council Chamber
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, California
Hector Garcia, Chairperson
Jim Andreoli Jr., Commission Member
Alan Franz, Commission Member
Ron Daerr, Commission Member
Frane Sosic, Commission Member
Vacant, Commission Member (Labor Rep. No. 1)
Vacant, Commission Member (Labor Rep. No. 2)
CALL TO ORDER & FLAG SALUTE
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
At this time the public is encouraged to address the Green Vernon Commission on any matter that is within the
subject matter jurisdiction of 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.
PRESENTATIONS
1.City Administration
Los Angeles River Path Project Presentation
By: Metro Representatives
Recommendation:
A. No action required by the Commission. This is a presentation only.1
Regular Green Vernon Commission Meeting Agenda
March 20, 2019
Page 2
ELECTIONS
2.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 term to expire June 30, 2019; and
C. Elect one of its members as Vice Chairperson for a term to expire June 30, 2019.
MINUTES
3.City Clerk
Minutes of the Regular Green Vernon Commission Meeting Held June 21, 2017
Recommendation:
A. Receive and File
Green Minutes 6-21-2017.doc
4.City Clerk
Minutes of the Joint Special Green Vernon Commission Meeting Held on May, 1, 2018
Recommendation:
A. Receive and File
Joint Special Meeting Minutes 05-01-2018.docx
DISCUSSION ITEMS AND POSSIBLE DIRECTIVES TO STAFF
5.Health and Environmental Control Department
Senate Bill (SB) 1383: Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, Methane Emissions, Dairy and
Livestock, Organic Waste and Landfills
Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”) because the discussion is a continuing administrative activity that will not result in direct or
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Regular Green Vernon Commission Meeting Agenda
March 20, 2019
Page 3
indirect physical changes in the environment and, therefore, does not constitute a "project" as defined
by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, and that even if such were a project, it would be 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
B. Discuss SB 1383 and provide direction to staff regarding potential strategies that may meet
newly imposed regulatory requirements.
ORAL REPORTS
Brief reports, announcements, or directives to staff from the Commissioners and Commission Officers.
Next regular meetings: June 19, 2019 at 3 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing agenda was
posted on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the City of Vernon City Hall, located at 4305 Santa Fe
Avenue, Vernon, California, and on the City’s website, not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting date set forth
on this agenda. Dated this 14th day of March, 2019.
By: ________________________________
Maria E. Ayala
City Clerk
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Green Vernon Commission Agenda Item Report
Agenda Item No. COV-93-2019
Submitted by: Diana Figueroa
Submitting Department: City Administration
Meeting Date: March 20, 2019
SUBJECT
Los Angeles River Path Project Presentation
By: Metro Representatives
Recommendation:
A. No action required by the Commission. This is a presentation only.
Background:
The LA River Path Project is a proposed eight-mile, shared-use bicycle and pedestrian path extension between Elysian
Valley through Downtown Los Angeles to the City of Vernon, closing the longest remaining continuous gap in the Los
Angeles River Bike Path. Metro, along with a number of local and regional organizations, has identified closing the gap
in the Los Angeles River Bike Path between Elysian Valley and Vernon as a high priority walking and biking
infrastructure project. When complete, this facility will provide a seamless 32-mile grade-separated regional corridor for
walking and bicycling through the heart of Los Angeles County, connecting Long Beach to the San Fernando Valley
along the River.
In September 2016, Metro completed a Feasibility Study on the project. The study consisted of conducting an
inventory of the project area, including real estate and right-of-way ownership; conceptual engineering analyses of
alternative alignments; hydraulic analysis of the most constraining alternative; and detailed study of the surrounding
neighborhoods and the infrastructure for walking and bicycling in and through them. The study assumed a path along the
west bank of the river, consistent with the existing paths at the project’s northern and southern termini. The study
demonstrates that although technical challenges and physical constraints exist, closing the 8-mile gap is feasible through
various engineering solutions.
Metro is currently in the Conceptual Design phase of the project development and has been gathering additional
information about existing conditions, engaging the public and stakeholders, and is beginning to identify potential design
alternatives. Metro has hosted numerous community based meetings and is currently conducting an online survey to
gather more public input on the project. In the next project phase, Metro will work to environmentally clear and fulfill all
permitting requirements for this project under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Public outreach and community
engagement will continue throughout this phase of the project.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
ATTACHMENTS
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Green Vernon Commission Agenda Item Report
Agenda Item No. COV-127-2019
Submitted by: Maria Ayala
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: March 20, 2019
SUBJECT
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 term to expire June 30, 2019; and
C. Elect one of its members as Vice Chairperson for a term to expire June 30, 2019.
Background:
It is recommended that the Green Vernon Commission conduct its annual election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
pursuant to the Vernon Municipal Code. The "Elections" for the Chair and Vice-Chair are typically held in the June
Meeting for the Commission. However, due to various vacancies and cancelled meetings, the annual process has not
taken place. The recommendation is to choose a Chair and Vice-Chair, and to administer the Elections process again in
June 2019 (for terms effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020), as normal.
Section 2.148 (a) of the Vernon Municipal Code states that “[t]he Commission shall have a Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson, who shall be from different appointing categories pursuant to section 2.146(a).”
Section 2.148 (b) of the Vernon Municipal Code states that “[t]he Commission members shall elect the Chairperson
and Vice Chairperson annually. No Commission member may serve as Chairperson for more than two (2) consecutive
years. The Chairperson shall preside over all Commission meetings and shall have the power to appoint subcommittees
and the presiding chairs of those subcommittees. The Vice Chairperson shall, in the absence of the Chairperson,
perform the duties of the Chairperson.”
The Chair and the Vice Chair must be from different appointment categories. The members of the three appointment
categories are as follows:
Vernon’s Business Community
1. Jim Andreoli, Jr.
2. Alan Franz
3. Ron Daerr
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Labor Representatives
1. Vacant
2. Vacant
Environmental Representative
1. Hector Garcia
2. Fran Sosic
Fiscal Impact:
None.
ATTACHMENTS
6
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR GREEN VERNON
COMMISSION MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21,
2017, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL
LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON,
CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT:Hector Garcia, David Honda, Jim Andreoli Jr., Jose Lizarraga,
Jaime Villanueva
MEMBERS ABSENT:Michael Gavina, Armando Espinoza
The meeting was called to order at 3:32 p.m. by Chairperson Garcia; he also led the Flag Salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairperson Garcia 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.
Rachel Oster and Erin Merrill, owner & principal of Diversion Strategies, briefly introduced
their company which opened about 3 months ago.
MINUTES – TO BE RECEIVED AND FILED
1. Minutes of the Regular Green Vernon Commission Meeting held March 15, 2017
It was moved by Honda and seconded by Villanueva to approve the March 15, 2017 Minutes.
Motion carried, 5- 0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS AND POSSIBLE DIRECTIVES TO STAFF
1. Sustainability Awards - Sub-Committee Report
Commissioner Honda briefly reported on the activities of the Sustainability Awards Sub-
Committee. He explained the three award categories: Environmental Net Positive, Community
Impact, and Innovation.
2. Worker Safety Education and Outreach - Sub-Committee Report
Commission came to a consensus to Table this item to the next Green Vernon Commission
Meeting.
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Regular Green Vernon Commission Meeting Minutes
June 21, 2017
Page 2 of 2
ORAL REPORTS
3.Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff.
Health & Environmental Control Director Keith Allen briefly reported on the Annual E-Waste
Recycling event held on May 22nd. He also announced that the Department of Toxic Substance
Control (DTSC) has approached the City to put a place holder for the July 18, 2017 City Council
Meeting to present their plan for the final draft Environmental Impact Report on Exide.
Chair Garcia inquired if there would be a presentation and asked if the information would be
available prior to the meeting. Director Allen replied that a presentation would be provided at
the meeting, and that DTSC is working on providing all relevant information.
Commissioner Honda inquired if there was any report about Ordinance 415.
Joy Langford, J & A, Joy Langford & Associates, briefly spoke about Ordinance 415 and South
Coast Air Quality Management District.
Commissioner Honda inquired if there was any update on Exide. A lengthy dialogue ensued
between staff and Commission regarding the Exide outreach event, clean-up, testing of the soil,
mobile blood lead testing and reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health for the clinical health services provided to the City’s residents and
workers.
4.Upcoming Meetings:
A.Next regular meeting: September, 20, 2017 at 3:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, at 3:49 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.
________________________
Hector Garcia
Chair
ATTEST:
________________________
Maria E. Ayala, CMC
Secretary
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Page 1
MINUTES OF THE JOINT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE: THE CITY COUNCIL
AND GREEN VERNON COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018, IN COUNCIL CHAMBER OF CITY HALL
LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
CALL TO ORDER & FLAG SALUTE
The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by City Clerk Maria Ayala; she also led the flag salute.
City Clerk Ayala took roll call and noted that the City Council and Green Vernon Commission were the
only bodies to make up a quorum.
PUBLIC COMMENT
At this time the public is encouraged to address the members of the various governing bodies on any
matter on the posted agenda.
No public comment provided.
TRAINING
Human Resources Director Michael Earl conducted the training.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, at 12:30 p.m., the meeting was adjourned.
________________________
Yvette Woodruff-Perez
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
City Clerk
9
Green Vernon Commission Agenda Item Report
Agenda Item No. COV-130-2019
Submitted by: Fredrick Agyin
Submitting Department: Health and Environmental Control Department
Meeting Date: March 20, 2019
SUBJECT
Senate Bill (SB) 1383: Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, Methane Emissions, Dairy and Livestock, Organic Waste and
Landfills
Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because the
discussion 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 that
even if such were a project, it would be 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
B. Discuss SB 1383 and provide direction to staff regarding potential strategies that may meet newly imposed
regulatory requirements.
Background:
Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) are powerful climate forcers that remain in the atmosphere for a much shorter
period of time than longer-lived climate pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). They include methane, fluorinated
gases including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and black carbon. SLCPs are harmful air pollutants, thus reducing these
emissions can make an immediate beneficial impact on climate change and improve public health. SB 1383 directed the
California Air Resources Board (CARB) to approve and begin implementing a plan to reduce emissions of SLCPs by
January 1, 2018, and set statewide 2030 emission reduction targets for methane, HFCs, and anthropogenic black
carbon. Staff is seeking input from the Green Vernon Commission regarding potential measures the City may need to
implement in order to ensure compliance with SB 1383, such as:
-Increasing education and outreach efforts to Vernon businesses
-Highlighting best practices already being employed by Vernon businesses
-Increasing engagement from City Boards and Community members
Fiscal Impact:
None.
ATTACHMENTS
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