20200519 City Council MinutesMINUTES
VERNON CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY,MAY 19,2020
COUNCIL CHAMBER,4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lopez called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. 1
FLAG SALUTE
City Administrator Fandino led the Flag Salute.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Leticia Lopez, Mayor(via remote access)
Melissa Ybarra, Mayor Pro Tem
William Davis, Council Member
Carol Menke,Council Member
Diana Gonzales, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Carlos Fandino, City Administrator
Arnold Alvarez-Glasman, Interim City Attorney
Lisa Pope, City Clerk
Scott Williams, Finance Director
Jim Enriquez, Interim Fire Chief
Abraham Alemu, Public Utilities General Manager
Fredrick Agyin, Health and Environmental Control Director
Michael Earl, Human Resources Director
Anthony Miranda, Police Chief
Dan Wall,Public Works Director
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Davis seconded a motion to approve
the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8
May 19, 2020
PUBLIC HEARING
1.Finance/Treasury
General Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2020-2021
Recommendation:
A. Find the approval of the proposed action is not subject to the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA)pursuant to Guidelines section 15273 and Public Resources Code
Section 21080(b)(8), because CEQA does not apply to the establishment, modification,
structuring, restructuring, or approval of rates, tolls, fares, and other charges by public
entities for the purpose of meeting operating expenses and financial needs; and
B. Adopt a resolution approving and adopting a General Fee Schedule for the Fiscal Year
2020-2021.
Finance Director Williams presented the staff report.
In response to Council questions, Health and Environmental Control Director Agyin
explained the increase in trash hauler and expedited fees.
Mayor Lopez opened the Public Hearing.
There being no speakers, Mayor Lopez closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Ybarra moved and Council Member Davis seconded a motion to: A. Find
the approval of the proposed action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) pursuant to Guidelines section 15273 and Public Resources Code Section
21080(b)(8),because CEQA does not apply to the establishment,modification,structuring,
restructuring, or approval of rates, tolls, fares, and other charges by public entities for the
purpose of meeting operating expenses and financial needs; and B. Defer action on the
General Fee Schedule for the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and directed staff to review fees in
January 2021. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Council Member Davis moved and Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra seconded a motion to approve
the Consent Calendar. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
2.Approval of the Minutes
Recommendation:
Approve the May 5, 2020 Regular City Council meeting minutes.
3.Operating Account Warrant Register
Recommendation:
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8
May 19, 2020
Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 45, for the period of April 19 through
May 2,2020,which totals$9,677,280.62 and consists of ratification of electronic payments
totaling$9,266,721.47 and ratification of the issuance ofearly checks totaling$410,559.15.
4. City Payroll Warrant Register
Recommendation:
Approve City Payroll Warrant Register No. 767, for the period of April 1 through April
30,2020,which totals$2,968,610.04 and consists of ratification of direct deposits,checks
and taxes totaling $1,933,925.29 and ratification of checks and electronic fund transfers
EFT) for payroll related disbursements totaling $1,034,684.75 paid through operating
bank account.
5. Fire Department Activity Report
Recommendation:
Receive and file the March 2020 Report.
6. Police Department Activity Report
Recommendation:
Receive and file the March 2020 Report.
7. Council Appointments to Outside Agencies
Recommendation:
A) Find that approval of the proposed action is exempt from California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) review because it is an administrative activity that will not result in
any direct or indirect changes in the environment and is therefore not a"project"as defined
by CEQA Guidelines section 15378;
B)Appoint delegates and alternates to outside agencies as follows:
a. California Contract Cities Association - Council Member Davis, delegate; and Mayor
Pro Tern Ybarra, alternate;
b. Central Basin Water Association - Council Member Menke, delegate; and Council
Member Davis and Vernon Public Utilities representative,alternate;
c. City Selection Committee-Mayor Lopez,delegate;and the remainder of the Council as
alternate;
d. County Sanitation District #1 - Mayor Lopez, delegate; and Council Member Davis,
alternate;
e. County Sanitation District #2 - Mayor Lopez, delegate; and Council Member Davis.
alternate;
f. County Sanitation District#23 - Entire Council;
g. Gateway Cities Council of Governments-Council Member Davis, delegate; and Mayor
Pro Tern Ybarra, alternate;
h. Independent Cities Association-Council Member Davis,delegate; and Council Member
Menke,alternate;
i. Independent Cities Finance Authority - Mayor Lopez, delegate; and Council Member
Gonzales, alternate;
j. Southern California Association of Governments - Council Member Menke, delegate;
and Council Member Davis,alternate;
k. Southeast Water Coalition - Mayor Pro Tern Ybarra, delegate. and Mayor Lopez,
alternate; and
1. Vernon Solid Waste Hearing Panel - Mayor Lopez, Mayor Pro Tern Ybarra and Council
Member Menke; and
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8
May 19, 2020
C) Adopt a resolution repealing Resolution No. 2019-13 related to City Council outside
agency appointments.
8. Purchase Contract with Priority Building Services, LLC for COVID-19 Related
Janitorial Services
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the proposed action 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 is not a "project' as
defined by CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378; and
B. Authorize the issuance of a purchase contract to Priority Building Services, LLC, for
COVID-19 related janitorial services, in the form of porters, at a total not-to-exceed cost
of 103,920 for one year($8,660/month), effective May 18,2020.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Lopez reordered the agenda to hear Item 10 prior to Item 9.
10. Services Agreement with the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles
County for Fire Protection,Paramedic and Incidental Services
Recommendation:
A. Find that the 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;
B. Adopt a joint resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, as
the governing body of the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County
LA County Fire")approving and accepting that there will be no exchange ofproperty tax
revenues resulting from the City of Vernon's annexation to LA County Fire; and
C.Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the execution ofa final services agreement
with LA County Fire for the provision of fire protection,paramedic,and incidental services
in the City of Vernon with a target conversion date of November 1,2020.
City Administrator Fandino presented the staff report.
In response to Council questions, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Osby and Chief of Staff
Aguirre discussed transportation of patients. Chief Enriquez explained ambulance service
fees and response times. Human Resources Director Earl explained the transfer of sick
leave for Vernon Firefighters. City Administrator Fandino discussed maintenance of
facilities following transfer to LA County.
MOTION
Council Member Menke moved and Council Member Gonzales seconded a motion to: A.
Find that the adoption ofthe 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;B.Adopt a joint resolution of the
Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, as the governing body of the
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8
May 19, 2020
Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County ("LA County Fire")
approving and accepting that there will be no exchange of property tax revenues resulting
from the City of Vernon's annexation to LA County Fire; and C. Adopt a resolution
approving and authorizing the execution of a final services agreement with LA County Fire
for the provision of fire protection,paramedic,and incidental services in the City of Vernon
with a target conversion date ofNovember 1,2020. The question was called and the motion
carried unanimously.
9. Mixed-Use Specific Plan and Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Preparation Request for Proposal
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 physical changes in the environment,and therefore does not constitute
a"project"as defined by CEQA Guidelines section 15378.As indicated in the Staff Report,
one goal of the proposed action is to solicit proposals for the development of a Program
Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for potential project(s), and any required
environmental impact analysis will be conducted at the appropriate project phase; and
B. Approve and authorize advertisement of the Mixed-Use Specific Plan and Program EIR
Preparation Request for Proposal (RFP).
Public Works Director Wall and City Administrator Fandino presented the staff report.
MOTION
Council Member Menke moved and Council Member Gonzales seconded a motion 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 physical changes in the environment,and therefore does not constitute
a"project"as defined by CEQA Guidelines section 15378.As indicated in the Staff Report,
one goal of the proposed action is to solicit proposals for the development of a Program
Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for potential project(s), and any required
environmental impact analysis will be conducted at the appropriate project phase; and B.
Approve and authorize advertisement of the Mixed-Use Specific Plan and Program EIR
Preparation Request for Proposal (RFP). The question was called and the motion carried
unanimously.
11. Vernon Resident COVID-19 Stimulus Grant Program
Recommendation:
A. Find that the approval of the proposed action is exempt under the 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. Approve implementation of the Vernon Resident COVID-19 Stimulus Grant Program,
in substantially the same form as submitted, with the objective of offering financial relief
to Vernon residents experiencing hardship related to the COVID-19 crisis.
Administrative Analyst Figueroa presented the staff report.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8
May 19, 2020
City Clerk Pope read the letter from Marisa Olguin, Vernon Chamber of Commerce.
The Council discussed the proposed program including requirements, application process,
amount and form of grants, and exclusion of City Council from the program.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Ybarra moved and Council Member Gonzales seconded a motion to: A.
Find that the approval of the proposed action is exempt under the 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. Approve implementation
of the Vernon Resident COVID-19 Stimulus Grant Program, providing $1000 to each
household (and sublessee), except the household of City Council Members, in either
groceries(Food for Less gift card)or rent paid directly to landlord. The question was called
and the motion carried unanimously.
12. Amendment No. 1 to Grant Agreement with AltaMed Health Services Corporation
for COVID-19 Screening/Testing
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the proposed action is exempt under the 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. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Grant
Agreement between the City of Vernon and AltaMed Health Services Corporation
AltaMed) in substantially the same form as submitted, granting an additional amount of
125,000 to support AltaMed's COVID-19 screening/testing services in the Southeast Los
Angeles Area.
City Administrator Fandino and Health and Environmental Control Director Agyin
presented the staff report.
Jennie Carreon, Assistant Vice President Civic Engagement, AltaMed, explained the
program and services provided to residents and Federal and County funding to health
centers.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Ybarra moved and Council Member Davis seconded a motion to: A. Find
that approval of the proposed action is exempt under the 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. Approve and authorize the City
Administrator to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Grant Agreement between the City of
Vernon and AltaMed Health Services Corporation (AltaMed) in substantially the same
form as submitted, granting an additional amount of $125,000 to support AltaMed's
COVID-19 screening/testing services in the Southeast Los Angeles Area. The question was
called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Menke dissenting.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8
May 19, 2020
13. Services Agreement with S&S Labor Force Inc., dba JRM for Unarmed Security
Guard Services
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the proposed action 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 §15378; and
B. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with
S&S Labor Force Inc., dba JRM for unarmed security guard services, in substantially the
same form as submitted, for a total amount not-to-exceed $1,809,000 over the three-year
term of the agreement, effective May 20, 2020.
Public Utilities General Manager Alemu presented the staff report.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Ybarra moved and Council Member Gonzales seconded a motion to: A.
Find that approval ofthe proposed action 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 §15378; and B. Approve and authorize the City
Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with S&S Labor Force Inc., dba JRM for
unarmed security guard services, in substantially the same form as submitted, for a total
amount not-to-exceed$1,809,000 over the three-year term ofthe agreement,effective May
20, 2020. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
ORAL REPORTS
City Administrator Reports on Activities and other Announcements
City Administrator Fandino provided an update on recent Police Department, Fire
Department and Vernon Public Utilities activities;City Hall open to the public: and update
on the YMCA services; and May 21, 2020 Meal Distribution event.
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra stated she was working with staff on how to distribute meals to
residents. Council Member Menke expressed disappointment with her name being on the
flyer for the event, without her prior approval.
City Council Reports on Activities, Announcements, or Directives to Staff
In response to Council Member Menke, Interim City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman provided
an overview of the decision in the case of Petrovich Development Co. LLC v. City of
Sacramento.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8
May 19, 2020
RECESS
Mayor Lopez recessed the meeting to Closed Session at 11:41 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION
14. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: Carlos Fandino, City Administrator
Employee Organizations: Vernon Professional Firefighters Association, and Vernon Fire
Management Association
RECONVENE
At 11:50 a.m., Mayor Lopez adjourned Closed Session and reconvened the regular meeting.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Interim City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman reported that the Council met in Closed Session,discussed
the item listed on the agenda and no reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Lopez adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
TICI LOPEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
P?rie'L
LISA POPE, City Clerk
seal)