20200421 City Council MinutesMINUTES
VERNON CITY COUNCIL
REGULARMEETING
TUESDAY, APRrL 21,2020
COTJNCIL CHAMBER,4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ybarra called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ybarra led the Flag Salute.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:Melissa Ybana, Mayor
LeliciaLopez, Mayor Pro Tem (via remote access)
William Davis, Council Member
Carol Menke, Council Member (via remote access)
Diana Gonzales, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Carlos Fandino, City Administrator
Amold Alvarez-Glasman, Interim City Attomey
Lisa Pope, City Clerk
Scott Williams, Finance Director (via remote access)
Jim Enriquez, Interim Fire Chief
Abraham Alemu, Public Utilities General Manager (via remote access)
Fredrick Agyin, Director of Health and Environmental Control
Michael Earl, Human Resources Director (via remote access)
Arthony Mirand4 Police Chief
Dan Wall, Public Works Director (via remote access)
APPROVAL OFTHE AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Davis moved and Council Member Gonzales seconded a motion to
approve the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Apil21,2020
Page 2 of 7
ELECTION
Results of the City of Vernon April 14, 2020 General Municipal Election
Recommendation:
A. Find that the approval of the proposed action is exempt under the Califomia
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is an administrative activity that will not
result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment and therefore does not
constitute a "project" as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; and
B. Adopt a Resolution reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election held on April
14,2020, declaring the results and such other matters as provided by law.
City Clerk Pope presented the sta{f report.
MOTION
Council Member Davis moved and Mayor Pro Tem Lopez seconded a motion to: A. Find
that the approval of the proposed action is exempt under the Califomia Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) because it is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or
indirect physical changes to the environment and therefore does not constitute a "project"
as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; and B. Adopt a Resolution reciting the
facts ofthe General Municipal Election held on April 14,2020, declaring the results and
such other matters as provided by law The question was called and the motion carried
unanimously.
Designation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore
Recommendation:
A. Find that the approval of the proposed action is exempt under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is an administrative activity that will not
result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment and therefore does not
constitute a "project" as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378;
B. Designate Leticia Lopez as Mayor based on rotation schedule according to year of
election; and
C. Designate Melissa Ybarra as Mayor Pro Tempore based on rotation schedule according
to year of election.
City Clerk Pope presented the staff report.
MOTION
Council Member Davis moved and Council Member Gonzales seconded a motion to: A.
Find that the approval ofthe proposed action is exempt under the Califomia Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) because it is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or
indirect physical changes to the environment and therefore does not constitute a "project"
as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; B. Designate Leticia Lopez as Mayor
based on rotation schedule according to year ofelection; and C. Designate Melissa Ybarra
as Mayor Pro Tempore based on rotation schedule according to year of election. The
question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
April2l,2020
Page 3 of 7
PRESENTATIONS
Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Budget Study Session
Recommendation:
No action required by City Council. This is a presentation only
City Administrator Fandino and Finance Director Williams presented a PowerPoint
regarding the Fiscal Year 202012021 Budget Study Session.
Finance Director Williams responded to Council questions regarding estimated sales tax
revenue and Federal aid due to COVID-19. He explained the impact of the pandemic to
Vemon due to its unique environment.
City Administrator Fandino discussed quarterly reviews ofthe budget, drop in utility load
and goal to present a balanced budget. He addressed the impacts of COVID-I9 on Vemon
businesses.
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra requested deferral of capital improvement projects and a decrease
in anticipated utility revenue.
Public Utilities General Manager Alemu discussed the temporary attrition rate and energy
efficiency rebate programs.
Public Works Director Wall explained the proposed $350,000 for a West Side
Development Plan. City Administrator Fandino discussed the proposed development on
the west side of town.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back the draft budget with a reduction on
utility load forecasting; potential deferral of capital improvement projects; and adjustment
to grant funds.
Employee Service Pin Awards for March 2020
Recommendation:
No action required by City Council. This is a presentation only.
Human Resources Director Earl acknowledged recipients of the Employee Service Pin
Awards for March 2020 including: Allen Castro, Shahram Sharifzadeh, Ronald
Bustamante, Brian Byun, Jessica Davis, and Melissa Ybarra.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Davis seconded a motion to approve
the Consent Calendar. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
April2r,2020
Page 4 of 7
The Consent Calendar consisted ofthe following items:
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1265 - Fund Allocation, Eligibility, and Criteria for
Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grants
Recommendation: Conduct second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1265 amending
Article )O( of Chapter 2, Sections 2.162 and2.l64 through 2.166, of the Vernon Municipal
Code to modi$ Vemon CommUNITY Fund grant fund allocation, eligibility, and criteria.
Second Reading ofOrdinance No. 1266 - First Responders Housing Priority
Recommendation: Conduct second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1266 amending
Section 2.125(b) of Article XVII of Chapter 2 of the Vemon Municipal Code to delete any
reference to a "first responders" priority.
City Payroll Warrant Register
Recommendation: Approve City Payroll Warrant Register No. 766, for the period of March
I through March 31,2020, which totals $3,469,588.34 and consists of ratification ofdirect
deposits, checks and taxes tolaling $2,433,298.83 and ratification ofchecks and electronic
fund transfers (EFT) for payroll related disbursements totaling S1,036,289.51 paid though
operating bank account.
Operating Account Warrant Register
Recommendation: Approve Operating Account Wanant Register No. 43, for the period of
March 22 through April 4, 2020, which totals $4,682,526.89 and consists ofratification of
electronic payments totaling $4,525,694.15 and ratification ofthe issuance of early checks
totaling $156,832.74.
Fire Department Activity Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the February 2020 Report.
Police Department Activity Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the February 2020 Report.
Side Letter to Resolution No. 2020-06 Ratifying Emergency Proclamation 2020-01
(Novel Coronavirus - COVID-19)
Recommendation: A. Find that the approval of the proposed action is exempt under the
Califomia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is an administrative activity that
will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment and therefore does
not constitute a "project" as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; and B. Receive
and file the report.
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NEW BUSINESS
12. Temporary Emergency Moratorium on Evictions at Residential Properties
Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the Califomia 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. Adopt Emergency Ordinance No. 1268, pursuant to Chapter 4.4 of the City Charter,
enacting a Temporary Emergency Moratorium on Evictions for renters and owners of
residential properties in the City, late fee assessments for rent and utility payments, and
service shut-offs.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Apil21,2020
Page 5 of 7
City Administrator Fandino presented the staff report.
MOTION
Council Member Gonzales moved to forgive rent for 90 days to assist residents with
hardship. The motion was withdrawn.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Gonzales seconded a motion to: A.
Find that the proposed action is exempt under the California Environmental Quatity 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; B. Adopt Emergency Ordinance No.
1268, pursuant to Chapter 4.4 ofthe City Charter, enacting a Temporary Emergency Moratorium
on Evictions for renters and owners of residential properties in the City, late fee assessments for
rent and utility payments, and service shut-offs, with a status update in three months; and C. Refer
discussion of rent forgiveness to the Housing Commission. The question was called and the
motion carried unanimously.
13.Grant Agreement with YMCA Metropolitan Los Angeles for COVID-I9 Emergency
Community Services
Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the Califomia 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. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Grant Agreement between
the City of Vemon and YMCA Metropolitan Los Angeles (YMCA) in substantially the
same form as submitted, for a total amount of $60,000 to support YMCA's COVID-I9
cenlric emergency services in the Southeast Los Aageles Area.
City Administrator Fandino presented the staffreport.
In response to Council questions, City Administrator Fandino explained the Community
Grant Fund.
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra expressed concem about whether the proposed services would
benefit Vemon residents.
Mayor Lopez stated meal delivery was beneficial to Vemon residents.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council defened the item to determine the benefits to Vemon residents
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Aprll2l,2020
Page 6 of 7
ORAL REPORTS
City Administrator Fandino provided an update on recent Police Department and Fire
Department activities. He announced that Vemon Public Utilities had received the
American Public Power Association 2019 Certificate of Excellence in Reliability. He
discussed the outages, water system bonds and transition of MGS staff to the Ahemate
Control Center. He summarized the COVID-I9 response and provided an update on LA
County's Project Room Key.
Interim City Attomey Alvarez-Glasman provided an overview of Los Angeles County
Project Room Key, litigation and lack of communication to local jurisdictions.
Chief Miranda discussed law enforcement collaboration on homeless issues.
City Council Reports on Activities, Announcements, or Directives to Staff
None.
RECESS
Mayor Lopez recessed the meeting to Closed Session at l0:40 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION
l.l.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant Exposure to Litigation
Govemment Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Number of potential cases: One
Facts and Circumstances: Pursuant to Govemment Code Section 5a956.9(e)(3), the City
has received written communication threatening litigation on behalf of former employee
Jerrick Torres related to his termination, in the form of a Complaint of Discrimination filed
with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). The DFEH Complaint
(DFEH No. 201910-08099730) is made available for public inspection pursuant to Section
54957 .5.
I5.CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Govemment Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: Carlos Fandino, City Administrator
Employee Organizations: Vemon Professional Firefighters Association and Vemon Fire
Management Association
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section 54957(b)( I )
Title: City Administrator
16.
City Administrator Reports on Activities and other Announcements
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
April21,2020
Page 7 of 7
RECONVENE
At 11:54 a.m., Mayor Lopez adjoumed Closed Session and reconvened the regular
meeting.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Interim City Attomey Alvarez-Glasman reported that the Council met in Closed Session and
discussed all items listed on the agenda and no reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Lopez adjoumed the meeting at 1 l:55 a.m.
CIA LOPEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
LISA POPE, City Clerk
(seal)
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