20210921City Council MinutesMINUTES
VERNON CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ybarra called the meeting to order at 10:12 a.m.
FLAG SALUTE
Since the Flag Salute was conducted during the Special meeting, it was not conducted during the
Regular meeting.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Melissa Ybarra, Mayor
William Davis, Mayor Pro Tem
Leticia Lopez, Council Member (via remote access)
Crystal Larios, Council Member
Judith Merlo, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Carlos Fandino, City Administrator
Zaynah Moussa, Interim City Attorney
Lisa Pope, City Clerk
Scott Williams, Finance Director
Abraham Alemu, Public Utilities General Manager
Michael Earl, Human Resources Director
Fredrick Agyin, Health and Environmental Control Director
Robert Sousa, Police Chief
Dan Wall, Public Works Director
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Davis moved and Council Member Lopez seconded a motion to approve
the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
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PRESENTATIONS
1. Recognition of Retiring Employee - Victor Vasquez
Recommendation: Acknowledge and present a proclamation to retiring employee Victor
Vasquez, Meter Reader, Lead, in recognition of his dedicated service to the City of Vernon.
City Clerk Pope read the proclamation and Mayor Ybarra presented the proclamation to
Mr. Vasquez.
2. Employee Service Pin Awards for August 2021
Recommendation: No action required by City Council. This is a presentation only.
Human Resources Director Earl acknowledged Alexis Hwang, Senior Administrative
Assistant, and Patrick W. Cam, Police Officer, as recipients of the Employee Service Pin
Awards for August 2021.
3. Presentation on Pension Obligation Bonds
Recommendation: No action required by City Council. This is a presentation only.
Finance Director Williams and Ira Summer, GovInvest, presented the item.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Council Member Lopez moved and Mayor Pro Tem Davis 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:
4. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the August 17, 2021 Regular City Council meeting minutes.
5. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Receive and file the claims submitted by Phoenix Law Firm, on behalf
of Theresa Rodriquez, in the amount in excess of $25,000; and Marvin Rodas in the amount
of $1,176.25.
6. Conflict of Interest Code (Statement of Economic Interests)
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2021-29 establishing a conflict of interest code
for all agencies, boards, commission, committees, designated City personnel and officials,
and repealing Resolution No. 2020-33.
7. Operating Account Warrant Register
Recommendation: Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 73, for the period of
August 1 through September 4, 2021, totaling $20,337,916.38 and consisting of ratification
of electronic payments totaling $19,695,271.53, ratification of the issuance of early checks
totaling $642,644.85 and voided Check Nos. 607774 and 607834 totaling $1,028.86.
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8. City Payroll Warrant Register
Recommendation: Approve City Payroll Warrant Register No. 783, for the period of
August 1 through August 31, 2021, totaling $2,442,887.19 and consisting of ratification of
direct deposits, checks and taxes totaling $1,629,586.75 and ratification of checks and
electronic fund transfers (EFT) for payroll related disbursements totaling $813,300.44 paid
through operating bank account.
9. Fire Department Activity Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the July 2021 Fire Department Activity Report.
10. Police Department Activity Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the July 2021 Police Department Activity Report.
11. Public Works Department Monthly Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the July 2021 Building Report.
12. City Housing Quarterly Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the September 2021 City Housing Quarterly Report.
13. Acceptance of Electrical Easement at 2638 East Vernon Avenue (APN 6308-005-015)
Recommendation: A. Find that the proposed action is categorically exempt from California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3),
the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities that have the potential for causing a
significant effect on the environment; accepting a utility easement does not have the
potential for significant effect on the environment, and therefore is exempt from CEQA;
and B. Accept the Electrical Easement and authorize the Mayor to execute the Certificate
of Acceptance.
14. Award of City Contract No. CS-1349 Americans with Disabilities (ADA)
Improvements at the Intersection of Pacific Blvd./ Vernon Ave. and Santa Fe Ave.
Recommendation: A. Find that the proposed action is categorically exempt under the
California Environmentally Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines
Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), part (c) (existing highways, streets and sidewalks),
because the project consists of the maintenance, repair, or minor alteration of existing
streets for ADA improvements and involves no expansion of an existing use; B. Accept
the bid proposal from EBS General Engineering, Inc., as the lowest responsive and
responsible bidder for the ADA Improvements at the Intersection of Pacific Blvd./Vernon
Ave. and Santa Fe Ave. project and reject all other bids; C. Approve and authorize the City
Administrator to execute Contract No. CS-1349 in the amount of $90,281 for the ADA
Improvements Project at Pacific Blvd./Vernon Ave. and Santa Fe Ave. project, in
substantially the same form as submitted, for a period not to exceed 30 calendar days; and
D. Authorize a contingency of $15,000 in the event of an unexpected changed condition in
the project and grant authority to the City Administrator to issue a change order for an
amount up to the contingency amount if necessary.
15. Agreement with Cintas Uniform Rental Services (Cintas)
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a three-year
Facilities Solutions Agreement with Cintas, in substantially the same form as submitted,
for an amount not to exceed $50,000.
16. Acceptance of Work of Siemens Mobility Inc. for the Traffic Signal Maintenance FY
2018 Project (Contract No. CS-0915)
Recommendation: A. Affirm that this project was previously evaluated for environmental
impacts and found to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15301, because this project only consisted of
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maintenance and repair of the City’s traffic signals and did not involve any expansion of
existing facilities; and B. Accept the work of Siemens Mobility, Inc. as part of the Traffic
Signal Maintenance FY 2018 Project, Contract No. CS-0915, and authorize staff to submit
for recordation a Notice of Completion for the project.
17. Tentative Parcel Map No. 83466 for Torrance Logistics Company, LLC Located at
2709 East 37th Street
Recommendation: A. Find that the proposed action is categorically exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15315, Class 15 “Minor land
division of industrial property into four or fewer parcels,” of the CEQA guidelines, because
the proposed division of property is in an area zoned Industrial, it is in conformance with
the General Plan and zoning, no variances or exceptions are required, all services and
access to the proposed parcels to local standards are available, the parcel was not involved
in a division of a larger parcel within the previous two years, and the parcel does not have
an average slope greater than 20 percent. Therefore, a Notice of Exemption will be filed
with the County Clerk’s office; and B. Adopt Resolution No. 2021-30 granting Tentative
Parcel Map No. 83466 to Torrance Logistics Company, LLC to subdivide the parcel
located at 2709 East 37th Street.
18. Amendment No. 1 to Measure R Funding Agreement for the Atlantic Boulevard
Bridge Rehabilitation and Widening Project between City of Vernon and The Los
Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Recommendation: A. Find that the approval of the proposed Amendment to Measure R
Funding Agreement is consistent with the initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
prepared for this project by the City of Vernon pursuant to the provisions under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15063; and
B. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Measure R
Funding Agreement in substantially the same form as submitted.
19. Agreement between the Cities of Maywood and Vernon for Traffic Signal
Maintenance at the Intersection of Downey Road and Slauson/Malburg Way
Recommendation: A. Find that the proposed action is categorically exempt under the
California Environmentally Quality Act (“CEQA”) review in accordance with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15301, because the project consists of the maintenance, repair or minor
alteration of existing facilities and involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use;
and B. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement between the
Representative Cities of Maywood and Vernon for Traffic Signal Maintenance, in
substantially the same form as submitted, for a term of five years.
20. North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) Base Contract for Sale and
Purchase of Natural Gas
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute NAESB
Contracts with (1) Citadel Energy Marketing LLC, (2) DTE Energy Trading, and (3) Twin
Eagle Resource Management, LLC., in substantially the same form as submitted, for the
purpose of buying and selling natural gas as needs dictate and in compliance with the
general terms established in the contracts.
21. 2020 Power Source Disclosure Program Annual Report and Power Content Label
Recommendation: A. Ratify the submission to the California Energy Commission (CEC)
of the attestation signed by Vernon Public Utilities’ General Manager, of the veracity of
the 2020 Power Source Disclosure Program Annual Report; and B. Approve the 2020
Power Content Label and authorize its submission to the CEC.
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22. Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test
Battery Security Agreement
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the Director of Human Resources to execute a
one-year Security Agreement with the California Commission on POST, in substantially
the same form as submitted, in order to acquire the right to use the POST Entry-Level
Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB).
23. Services Agreement with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a three-year
services agreement with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. (Alliant), in substantially the same
form as submitted, to perform professional Health Benefits Brokerage and Consulting
Services, effective October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2024, for a total not to exceed
$222,000 ($74,000 per year) over the three-year term.
24. Application for Funding and Agreement of Community Development Block Grant
Program - Coronavirus Response Round 2 and 3 (CDBG-CV2 and CV3) Allocation
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2021-31 approving an application for funding
and the execution of a grant agreement and any amendments thereto from the 2020
Community Development Block Grant Program - Coronavirus Response Round 2 and 3
notice of funds available dated December 18, 2020 to cover most of costs incurred in the
AltaMed Services for COVID-19 Screening and Testing Grant.
25. Drug Enforcement Administration Agreement
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Surge
Program - Funded State and Local Task Force Agreement with the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA), Los Angeles Field Division, in substantially the same form as
submitted, for continued participation in the Southwest Border Initiative (SWBI) taskforce
with an effective date of October 1, 2021.
26. Police Department Vehicle Purchase
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the issuance of a purchase order to Wondries
Fleet Group/National Auto Fleet Group for a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse through the
Sourcewell Master Vehicle Contract (120716-NAF) for approximately $43,071.41 to
replace one administrative vehicle in the Police Department fleet.
27. Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant
Agreement
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator, Police Chief, and Police
Sergeant to execute an agreement between the City of Vernon and the Office of Traffic
Safety, in substantially the same form as submitted, for a one (1) year term, for participation
in the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) with an effective date of October 1,
2021.
28. Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Businesses in the City of Vernon
Recommendation: Approve an indefinite hold on further action regarding regulation of
commercial cannabis businesses.
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NEW BUSINESS
29. Contract Award for City Contract No. CS-1345: City Hall Basement Cooling System
Update
Recommendation: A. Find that approval of the proposed action is categorically exempt
from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, in accordance with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15301, because the project consists of the restoration or rehabilitation
of deteriorated existing equipment and involves negligible or no expansion of an existing
use; B. Accept the bid proposal from Western Allied Corporation, as the lowest responsive
and responsible bidder for the City Hall Basement Cooling System Update and reject all
other bids; C. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute Contract No. CS -
1345 in the amount of $275,200 for the City Hall Basement Cooling System Update
Project, in substantially the same form as submitted, for a period not to exceed 180 calendar
days; and D. Authorize a contingency amount of $15,000 in the event of an unexpected
changed condition in the project and grant authority to the City Administrator to issue
Change Orders for an amount up to the contingency amount, if necessary.
Public Works Director Wall presented the staff report.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Davis moved and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to: A. Find
that approval of the proposed action is categorically exempt from California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) review, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, because
the project consists of the restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated existing equipment
and involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use; B. Accept the bid proposal from
Western Allied Corporation, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the City
Hall Basement Cooling System Update and reject all other bids; C. Approve and authorize
the City Administrator to execute Contract No. CS-1345 in the amount of $275,200 for the
City Hall Basement Cooling System Update Project, in substantially the same form as
submitted, for a period not to exceed 180 calendar days; and D. Authorize a contingency
amount of $15,000 in the event of an unexpected changed condition in the project and grant
authority to the City Administrator to issue Change Orders for an amount up to the
contingency amount, if necessary. The question was called and the motion carried
unanimously.
30. Amendment to Vernon Municipal Code Chapter 22 to Regulate Sidewalk Vendors
Recommendation: A. Find that the proposed action is categorically exempt under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, in accordance with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), because there is no possibility that regulation of sidewalk
vending will have a significant effect on the environment; B. Waive full reading and
introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 1276 adding Article X to Chapter 22
of the Municipal Code regulating sidewalk vending; and C. Direct staff to schedule second
reading and adoption for the October 5, 2021 City Council meeting.
Public Works Director Wall presented the staff report.
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In response to Council questions, Public Works Director Wall explained the purpose of the
ordinance and permitting costs.
MOTION
Council Member Lopez moved and Mayor Ybarra seconded a motion to: A. Find that the
proposed action is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) review, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), because there
is no possibility that regulation of sidewalk vending will have a significant effect on the
environment; B. Waive full reading and introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance
No. 1276 adding Article X to Chapter 22 of the Municipal Code regulating sidewalk
vending; and C. Direct staff to schedule second reading and adoption for the October 5,
2021 City Council meeting. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
31. Services Agreement with Port Canaveral Power Consultants, Inc., for Technical
Consulting Services Regarding Electrical Generation
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services
Agreement with Port Canaveral Power Consultants, Inc. (Port Canaveral), in substantially
the same form as submitted, for a three-year term in an amount not-to-exceed $786,000
effective September 21, 2021, to provide technical advice and recommendations for all
matters involving and related to electrical generation.
Public Utilities General Manager Alemu presented the staff report.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Davis moved and Council Member Merlo seconded a motion to approve
and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with Port Canaveral
Power Consultants, Inc. (Port Canaveral), in substantially the same form as submitted, for
a three-year term in an amount not-to-exceed $786,000 effective September 21, 2021, to
provide technical advice and recommendations for all matters involving and related to
electrical generation. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
ORAL REPORTS
City Administrator Reports on Activities and other Announcements.
City Administrator Fandino reported on the success of National Clean-Up Day on
September 18, 2021; Career Day on September 22, 2021, at 5 p.m.; City of Vernon Blood
Drive on September 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; DUI Check Point on August 20 and 27, 2021;
and results of the September 14, 2021 Special Municipal Election to be presented on
October 5, 2021.
City Council Reports on Activities (including AB1234), Announcements, or Directives to
Staff.
None.
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ybarra adjourned the meeting at 10:59 a.m.
______________________________
MELISSA YBARRA, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
LISA POPE, City Clerk
(seal)
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