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20250121 Regular City Council Meeting - PacketRegular City Council Meeting Agenda January 21, 2025 Page 1 of 5 Agenda City of Vernon Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 9:00 AM City Hall, Council Chamber 4305 Santa Fe Avenue, Vernon, California Judith Merlo, Mayor Melissa Ybarra, Mayor Pro Tem Leticia Lopez, Council Member Jesus Rivera, Council Member Crystal Larios, Council Member The public is encouraged to view the agenda and meeting at CityofVernon.org/publicmeetings. You may address the Council in the Council Chambers, via mail or email to PublicComment@cityofvernonca.gov, include the meeting date and item number in the subject line (mail and/or email must be received at least two hours prior to the start of the meeting). CALL TO ORDER FLAG SALUTE ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT At this time the public is encouraged to address the City Council on any matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. The public will also be given a chance to comment on matters which are on the posted agenda during City Council deliberation on those specific matters. PRESENTATIONS 1. Proclamation Recognizing Retired Employee – Ruben Rodriguez Recommendation: Acknowledge and present a proclamation to retired employee Ruben Rodriguez, Power Resources Settlement Analyst, Senior, in recognition of his dedicated service to the City of Vernon. 2. Proclamation Recognizing Retired Employee – Armando Hinojos Recommendation: Regular City Council Meeting Agenda January 21, 2025 Page 2 of 5 Acknowledge and present a proclamation to retired employee Armando Hinojos, Utilities Dispatcher, in recognition of his dedicated service to the City of Vernon. 3. Employee Service Pin Awards Recommendation: Recognize December 2024 Employee Service Pin Award recipients. 4. Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Awards and Direct Service Grantee Certificates for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Recommendation: A. Receive and file the report; and B. Present Certificates to FY 2024-25 Direct Service Grant Recipients. CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be approved with one motion. Items may be removed from the Consent Calendar for individual consideration. Removed items will be considered immediately following the Consent Calendar. 5. Meeting Minutes Recommendation: Approve the December 17, 2024 Regular, December 30, 2024 Special, and the January 7, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting minutes. 6. Claims Against the City Recommendation: Receive and file the claim submitted by Travelers Commercial Insurance Company, a/s/o Andrea Garcia-Schmidt, Eugenia Schmidt, and Armando Garcia. 7. Operating Account Warrant Register Recommendation: Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 142, for the period of November 17, 2024 through December 21, 2024, totaling $24,671,559.27 and consisting of ratification of electronic payments totaling $23,937,286.16 and ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $734,273.11. 8. Fire Department Activity Report Recommendation: Receive and file the November 2024 Fire Department Activity Report. 9. Police Department Activity Report Recommendation: Receive and file the November 2024 Police Department Activity Report. 10. Appointments to the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Water Management Joint Power Authority (GWMA) Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-002 updating the City staff appointments to the GWMA and repealing Resolution No. 2020-27. 11. Notice of Completion for Contract No. 20240259 – North Parking Security Fencing Regular City Council Meeting Agenda January 21, 2025 Page 3 of 5 Recommendation: A. Find that 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 maintenance, repair, or minor alteration of existing structures and involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use; B. Accept the work of Golden Gate Steel, Inc. as related to City Contract No. 20240259; and C. Authorize the Director of Public Works to execute and submit the Notice of Completion for the project to the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office. 12. Closure of the Net Energy Metering Electric Program Offering to New Customers Recommendation: Approve and recognize that Vernon Public Utilities (VPU) has successfully met its Net Metering obligation of five percent (5%) of the electric utility's aggregate peak demand and authorize the closure of VPU’s three Net Metering (NM) electric rate schedules: “NM-Small”, “NM-Medium”, and “NM-Large” for any new customers as of January 1, 2025. NEW BUSINESS 13. City Council Appointments to Outside Agencies Recommendation: A. Appoint a member of the City Council to serve on the Vernon Solid Waste Hearing Panel; and B. Appoint a member of the City Council to serve as delegate and appoint up to two alternates to represent the City at the Southern California Association of Governments 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly. 14. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Audited Financial Reports Recommendation: A. Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Annual Financial Statements; and B. Extend submission of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Financial Statements and Report to Council to January 20, 2026. 15. Ordinance No. 1305 Amending Chapter 13.24 of the Vernon Municipal Code Regarding the Sewer System Recommendation: A. Find that the proposed action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, because it is general policy and procedure-making activity that is unrelated to any specific project, which must undergo separate CEQA review, and that will not result in direct physical changes or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore does not constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; B. Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 1305 amending Vernon Municipal Code Section 13.24.050 (Definitions) and adding Section 13.24.101 regarding responsibility for the sewer system pipes; and C. Direct staff to schedule second reading and adoption for the February 4, 2025 City Council meeting. ORAL REPORTS 16. City Administrator Reports on Activities and Other Announcements Regular City Council Meeting Agenda January 21, 2025 Page 4 of 5 17. Council Reports on Activities (including AB 1234), Announcements, or Directives to Staff CLOSED SESSION REPORT ADJOURNMENT On January 22, 2025, the foregoing agenda was posted in accordance with the applicable legal requirements. Regular and Adjourned Regular meeting agendas may be amended up to 72 hours and Special meeting agendas may be amended up to 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Agenda January 21, 2025 Page 5 of 5 Guide to City Council Proceedings Meetings of the City Council are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. and are conducted in accordance with Rosenberg's Rules of Order (Vernon Municipal Code Section 2.04.020). Copies of all agenda items and back-up materials are available for review in the City Clerk Department, Vernon City Hall, 4305 Santa Fe Avenue, Vernon, California, and are available for public inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Agenda reports may be reviewed on the City's website at www.cityofvernon.org or copies may be purchased for $0.10 per page. Disability-related services are available to enable persons with a disability to participate in this meeting, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In compliance with ADA, if you need special assistance, please contact the City Clerk department at CityClerk@cityofvernon.org or (323) 583-8811 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to assure arrangements can be made. The Public Comment portion of the agenda is for members of the public to present items, which are not listed on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. The City Council cannot take action on any item that is not on the agenda but matters raised under Public Comment may be referred to staff or scheduled on a future agenda. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker unless a different time limit is announced. Speaker slips are available at the entrance to the Council Chamber. Public Hearings are legally noticed hearings. For hearings involving zoning matters, the applicant and appellant will be given 15 minutes to present their position to the City Council. Time may be set aside for rebuttal. All other testimony shall follow the rules as set for under Public Comment. If you challenge any City action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised during the public hearing, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at or prior to the public hearing. Consent Calendar items may be approved by a single motion. If a Council Member or the public wishes to discuss an item, it may be removed from the calendar for individual consideration. Council Members may indicate a negative or abstaining vote on any individual item by so declaring prior to the vote on the motion to adopt the Consent Calendar. Items excluded from the Consent Calendar will be taken up following action on the Consent Calendar. Public speakers shall follow the guidelines as set forth under Public Comment. New Business items are matters appearing before the Council for the first time for formal action. Those wishing to address the Council on New Business items shall follow the guidelines for Public Comment. Closed Session allows the Council to discuss specific matters pursuant to the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54956.9. Based on the advice of the City Attorney, discussion of these matters in open session would prejudice the position of the City. Following Closed Session, the City Attorney will provide an oral report on any reportable matters discussed and actions taken. At the conclusion of Closed Session, the Council may continue any item listed on the Closed Session agenda to the Open Session agenda for discussion or to take formal action as it deems appropriate. City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Lisette Grizzelle, Interim Director of Human Resources Department:Human Resources Submitted by:Tyler Cashman, Human Resources Analyst Subject Proclamation Recognizing Retired Employee – Ruben Rodriguez Recommendation Acknowledge and present a proclamation to retired employee Ruben Rodriguez, Power Resources Settlement Analyst, Senior, in recognition of his dedicated service to the City of Vernon. Background Historically, the City Council has issued proclamations in honor of retired City employees. Ruben Rodriguez, a Power Resources Settlement Analyst, Senior, retired from the City of Vernon on December 30, 2024, after providing over fifteen (15) years of service to the City. Mr. Rodriguez was hired with the City of Vernon effective August 4, 2009. Throughout his career, Mr. Rodriguez has played an important role in ensuring system reliability, maintaining consistent service, and delivered excellent customer support. His responsibilities included reviewing, verifying, and processing CAISO invoice settlements; reviewing, verifying and settling bilateral gas trades, renewable Power Purchase Agreements, and resource adequacy transactions; and preparing monthly reports for energy cost adjustments and Renewable Portfolio Standard pass-through billings. Mr. Rodriguez began his journey with the City as a Systems Coordinator I. In this position, he contributed significantly to industry-leading system reliability, ensuring uninterrupted service and timely outage restoration. He was dedicated to providing safe and clean water at appropriate pressures while delivering exceptional customer service to both internal and external clients. During his distinguished career with the City of Vernon, Ruben Rodriguez earned the deepest respect of his colleagues through his dedication, contributions, and knowledgeable expertise and commitment to the Public Utilities Department. Mr. Rodriguez was an exemplary employee and will truly be missed. Mr. Rodriguez was hired on August 4, 2009, and met the eligibility requirements under CalPERS to retire from the City effective December 30, 2024. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. Proclamation – Ruben Rodriguez .  .  Item 1 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 1 Page 1 of 1 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Lisette Grizzelle, Director of Human Resources Department:Human Resources Submitted by:Tyler Cashman, Human Resources Analyst Subject Proclamation Recognizing Retired Employee – Armando Hinojos Recommendation Acknowledge and present a proclamation to retired employee Armando Hinojos, Utilities Dispatcher, in recognition of his dedicated service to the City of Vernon. Background Historically, the City Council has issued proclamations in honor of retired City employees. Armando Hinojos, a Utilities Dispatcher, retired from the City of Vernon on December 30, 2024, after providing over thirty (30) years of service to the City. During his career with the City of Vernon, Mr. Hinojos held various positions such as: Utility Man, Utility Man IV, Systems Coordinator I, Systems Coordinator II, and Utilities Dispatcher. Mr. Hinojos has played an integral role in system reliability, sustained continuity of service, system and city emergency response, outage restoration, and customer service over the course of his distinguished tenure. Spending the majority of his career involved in the utility system and field related departments, most recently and majority of his years with the City in the Vernon Public Utilities – Transmission & Distribution Operations Division. The City and more specifically, Vernon Public Utilities commend and thank Mr. Hinojos for his dedication and longevity in the care and support of the utility systems that underlie the safety and economy of the Vernon Community. Mr. Hinojos was an exemplary employee and will truly be missed. Mr. Hinojos was hired on October 16, 1994, and met the eligibility requirements under CalPERS to retire from the City effective, December 30, 2024. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. Proclamation – Armando Hinojos .  .  Item 2 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 2 Page 1 of 1 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Lisette Grizzelle, Director of Human Resources Department:Human Resources Submitted by:Veronica Avendano, Human Resources Specialist Subject Employee Service Pin Awards Recommendation Recognize December 2024 Employee Service Pin Award recipients. Background The following employees are eligible to receive their service pin based on the number of service years with the City of Vernon: THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE Carlos Gudino, Street Maintenance Worker, Senior, Hired December 1994 FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Daniel A. Guerra Carrillo, Electric Operator, Hired December 2019 Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments None. .  .  Item 3 Page 1 of 1 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Daniel Calleros, Interim City Administrator Department:City Administration Submitted by:Diana Figueroa, Senior Management Analyst Subject Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Awards and Direct Service Grantee Certificates for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Recommendation A. Receive and file the report; and B. Present Certificates to FY 2024-25 Direct Service Grant Recipients. Background At its Regular meeting on November 20, 2024, and at a Special meeting on December 11, 2024, the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee (Grant Committee) awarded 18 Direct Service Grants to the applicants recommended (listed below) for a combined total of $280,000. 1) Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters - $10,000; 2) Dolores Mission School - $15,000; 3) Family Health Care Centers - $15,000; 4) Helping Hands Society of Los Angeles - $15,000; 5) Jovenes, Inc. - $15,000; 6) Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice - $20,000; 7) Mental Health Advocacy - $15,000; 8) Newstart Housing Corporation – $15,000; 9) Project Return Peer Support Network - $15,000; 10) Proyecto Pastoral - $15,000; 11) PUENTE Learning Center - $15,000; 12) So'oh- Shinálí Sister Project - $15,000; 13) Southeast Community Development Corporation - $10,000; 14) Southeast Community Foundation – $25,000; 15) Southeast Rio Vista Family YMCA - $15,000; 16) Vernon City Elementary School – $25,000; 17) Woodcraft Rangers - $15,000; and 18) Youth Champions, Inc. - $10,000. Section 2.48.130 of the Vernon Municipal Code requires the Grant Committee Executive Director (City Administrator) provide the City Council a report of grant related actions taken by the Grant Committee. A representative from each of the organizations awarded grants has been invited to the January 21, 2025 Council meeting to be presented with a commemorative certificate. Fiscal Impact The fiscal impact is $280,000. Sufficient funds are available in the City’s General Fund, Community Promotion Department, Good Neighbor Program Account No. 011-010-140- 529715 for the current fiscal year. Attachments None. .  .  Item 4 Page 1 of 1 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk Department:City Clerk Submitted by:Sandra Dolson, City Clerk Specialist Subject Meeting Minutes Recommendation Approve the December 17, 2024 Regular, December 30, 2024 Special, and the January 7, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting minutes. Background Staff has prepared and submits the minutes for approval. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. December 17, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 2. December 30, 2024 Special City Council Meeting Minutes 3. January 7, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes .  .  Item 5 Page 1 of 1 MINUTES VERNON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024 COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE CALL TO ORDER Mayor Merlo called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. FLAG SALUTE Mayor Merlo led the Flag Salute. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Judith Merlo, Mayor Melissa Ybarra, Mayor Pro Tem Leticia Lopez, Council Member Jesus Rivera, Council Member Crystal Larios, Council Member STAFF PRESENT: Daniel Calleros, Interim City Administrator Angela Kimmey, Deputy City Administrator Mark Austin, Legal Counsel Zaynah Moussa, City Attorney Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk Gigi Decavalles-Hughes, Interim Finance Director Veronica Petrosyan, Health and Environmental Control Deputy Director Lisette M. Grizzelle, Interim Human Resources Director Robert Sousa, Police Chief Manuel Garcia, Public Works Deputy Director Todd Dusenberry, Public Utilities General Manager APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT Stephano Padilla, Air Quality Management District reported there is $4 million in grant funds available for construction, agricultural and industrial equipment for projects set to start within 18 months. .  .  Item 5 Page 1 of 4 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4 December 17, 2024 PRESENTATIONS 1. Employee Service Pin Awards Interim Human Resources Director Grizzelle announced the November 2024 Employee Service Pin Award recipient and Council recognized Street Maintenance Supervisor, Elias Zepeda. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION Council Member Rivera moved and Council Member Larios 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. Meeting Minutes Recommendation: Approve the December 3, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. 3. Ordinance No. 1304 Granting Amendment No. 2 to the Solid Waste Non- Exclusive Franchise Agreement Recommendation: Conduct second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1304 granting Amendment No. 2 to the Solid Waste Non-Exclusive Franchise Agreement for Commercial Solid Waste Collection. 4. Operating Account Warrant Register Recommendation: Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 141, for the period of November 3, 2024 through November 16, 2024, totaling $4,917,668.64 and consisting of ratification of electronic payments totaling $4,729,570.47 and ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $188,098.17. 5. Fire Department Activity Report Recommendation: Receive and file the October 2024 Fire Department Activity Report. 6. Police Department Activity Report Recommendation: Receive and file the October 2024 Police Department Activity Report. 7. Amendment No. 3 to Services Agreement with Allied Universal Janitorial Services, Contract No. CS-1414 Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Services Agreement with Universal Building Maintenance, LLC dba Allied Universal Janitorial Services, in substantially the same form as submitted, for a one (month) term in an amount not-to-exceed $12,180.25. .  .  Item 5 Page 2 of 4 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 December 17, 2024 ORAL REPORTS 8. City Administrator Reports on Activities and Other Announcements. Deputy City Administrator Kimmey announced the following: The City is accepting tax deductible donations for the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Scholarship Program. Every dollar can assist students in the Vernon Area achieve their goals of post-secondary education. City Administration wished the City Council, staff, and the public the Happiest of Holidays!. City Hall will be closed on December 24, 25, 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025. 9. City Council Reports on Activities (including AB 1234), Announcements, or Directives to Staff. None. RECESS Mayor Merlo recessed the meeting to Closed Session at 9:07 a.m. 10. Public Employment Government Code Section 54957 Title: City Administrator 11. Conference with Labor Negotiators Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Designated Representatives: Zaynah Moussa, City Attorney and Gary Phillips, Bob Murray & Associates Unrepresented Employee: City Administrator RECONVENE At 1:46 p.m., Mayor Merlo adjourned the Closed Session and reconvened the regular meeting with Council Member Larios absent. CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney Moussa reported that Council met in Closed Session and conducted interviews with final candidates for the City Administrator position. Council provided direction to staff and the City’s recruiter regarding next steps in the recruitment process. .  .  Item 5 Page 3 of 4 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 December 17, 2024 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Merlo adjourned the meeting at 1:46 p.m. _____________________________ JUDITH MERLO, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ YONNIE PARKER, Deputy City Clerk (seal) .  .  Item 5 Page 4 of 4 MINUTES VERNON CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2024 COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE CALL TO ORDER Mayor Merlo called the meeting to order at 9:25 a.m. FLAG SALUTE Mayor Merlo led the Flag Salute. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Judith Merlo, Mayor Melissa Ybarra, Mayor Pro Tem Jesus Rivera, Council Member ABSENT: Leticia Lopez, Council Member Crystal Larios, Council Member STAFF PRESENT: Daniel Calleros, Interim City Administrator Zaynah Moussa, City Attorney Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk Gary Phillips, Executive Vice President, Bob Murray & Associates, via Zoom APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Rivera seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried 3-0, Council Members Larios and Lopez absent. PUBLIC COMMENT None. .  .  Item 5 Page 1 of 3 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 December 30, 2024 ORAL REPORTS 1. City Administrator Reports on Activities and Other Announcements. City Administrator Calleros wished everyone a Happy New Year. 2. City Council Reports on Activities (including AB 1234), Announcements, or Directives to Staff. Members of the Council wished everyone a Happy New Year. CLOSED SESSION RECESS Mayor Merlo recessed the meeting to Closed Session at 9:27 a.m. 3. Public Employment Government Code Section 54957 Title: City Administrator 4. Conference with Labor Negotiators Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Designated Representatives: Zaynah Moussa, City Attorney and Gary Phillips, Bob Murray & Associates Unrepresented Employee: City Administrator RECONVENE At 10:39 a.m., Mayor Merlo adjourned the Closed Session and reconvened the special meeting. CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney Moussa reported that Council met in Closed Session and provided direction and authorization to staff to continue negotiating an employment agreement with the top candidate identified in the City Administrator recruitment. .  .  Item 5 Page 2 of 3 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 December 30, 2024 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Merlo adjourned the meeting at 10:40 a.m. _____________________________ JUDITH MERLO, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ YONNIE PARKER, Deputy City Clerk (seal) .  .  Item 5 Page 3 of 3 MINUTES VERNON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025 COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. FLAG SALUTE Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra led the Flag Salute. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Melissa Ybarra, Mayor Pro Tem Leticia Lopez, Council Member Jesus Rivera, Council Member Crystal Larios, Council Member ABSENT: Judith Merlo, Mayor STAFF PRESENT: Daniel Calleros, Interim City Administrator Zaynah Moussa, City Attorney Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk Joaquin Leon, Deputy City Treasurer Frederick Agyin, Health and Environmental Control Director Lisette M. Grizzelle, Interim Human Resources Director Robert Sousa, Police Chief Daniel Wall, Public Works Director APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA MOTION Council Member Lopez moved and Council Member Rivera seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Mayor Merlo absent. PUBLIC COMMENT None. .  .  Item 5 Page 1 of 3 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 January 7, 2025 NEW BUSINESS 1. Appointment of Brian Saeki to Serve as City Administrator Interim City Administrator presented the staff report. MOTION Council Member Lopez moved and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to Adopt Resolution No. 2025-001 appointing Brian Saeki to serve as the City Administrator of the City of Vernon, effective February 24, 2025, approving and authorizing the execution of a related at-will employment agreement. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Mayor Merlo absent. Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra stated on behalf of the City Council she welcomes Brian Saeki as the new City Administrator. His appointment comes with a unanimous vote of the City Council. We are confident that he will approach our challenges with innovative solutions. Together we will build on our successes and maintain a positive trajectory for the years to come. We look forward to your continued support as we advance Vernon’s goals under Brian’s leadership. Brian Saeki thanked the City Council for their trust and the opportunity to be with the City of Vernon. ORAL REPORTS 2. City Administrator Reports on Activities and Other Announcements. City Administrator Calleros announced the following: A General Municipal Election will be held on April 8, 2025 to elect one Council Member for a full term of 5 years and consider two ballot measures. Nomination period closes Tuesday, January 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. City Hall will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of the Martin Luther King holiday. 3. City Council Reports on Activities (including AB 1234), Announcements, or Directives to Staff. None. .  .  Item 5 Page 2 of 3 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 January 7, 2025 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra adjourned the meeting at 9:08 a.m. _____________________________ JUDITH MERLO, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ YONNIE PARKER, Deputy City Clerk (seal) .  .  Item 5 Page 3 of 3 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk Department:City Clerk Submitted by:Sandra Dolson, City Clerk Specialist Subject Claims Against the City Recommendation Receive and file the claim submitted by Travelers Commercial Insurance Company, a/s/o Andrea Garcia-Schmidt, Eugenia Schmidt, and Armando Garcia. Background The City received the claim and, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 2.32.040, the claim is being presented to the City Council as soon after filing the claim as practical. Name of Claimant Amount Demanded Date Received Travelers Commercial Insurance Company a/s/o Andrea Garcia-Schmidt, Eugenia Schmidt, and Armando Garcia $10, 959.94 December 26, 2024 Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. Travelers Commercial Insurance Company a/s/o Andrea Garcia-Schmidt, Eugenia Schmidt, and Armando Garcia Claim .  .  Item 6 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 6 Page 1 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 2 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 3 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 4 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 5 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 6 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 7 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 8 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 9 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 10 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 11 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 12 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 13 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 14 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 15 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 16 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 17 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 18 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 19 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 20 of 21 .  .  Item 6 Page 21 of 21 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Gigi Decavalles-Hughes, Director of Finance Department:Finance Submitted by:Angela Melgar, Finance Manager Subject Operating Account Warrant Register Recommendation Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 142, for the period of November 17, 2024 through December 21, 2024, totaling $24,671,559.27 and consisting of ratification of electronic payments totaling $23,937,286.16 and ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $734,273.11. Background Vernon Municipal Code Section 2.32.060 indicates the City Treasurer, or an authorized designee, shall prepare warrants covering claims or demands against the City which are to be presented to City Council for its audit and approval. Pursuant to the aforementioned code section, the Interim City Treasurer has prepared Operating Account Warrant Register No. 142 covering claims and demands presented during the period of November 17 through December 21, 2024, drawn, or to be drawn, from East West Bank for City Council approval. Fiscal Impact The fiscal impact of approving Operating Account Warrant Register No. 142, totals $24,671,559.27. The Finance Department has determined that sufficient funds to pay such claims/demands, are available in the respective accounts referenced on Operating Account Warrant Register No. 142. Attachments 1. 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Background Attached is a copy of a Fire Department Activity Report which covers the period of November 1 through November 30, 2024. The report is provided by Los Angeles County Fire and consists of incident details and a summary for the month. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. Fire Department Activity Report – November 2024 .  .  Item 8 Page 1 of 1 . . Item 8Page 1 of 14 . . Item 8Page 2 of 14 . . Item 8Page 3 of 14 . . Item 8Page 4 of 14 . . Item 8Page 5 of 14 . . Item 8Page 6 of 14 . . Item 8Page 7 of 14 . . Item 8Page 8 of 14 . . Item 8Page 9 of 14 . . Item 8Page 10 of 14 . . Item 8Page 11 of 14 . . Item 8Page 12 of 14 . . Item 8Page 13 of 14 . . Item 8Page 14 of 14 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Robert Sousa, Chief of Police Department:Police Submitted by:Donna Aggers, Records Manager Subject Police Department Activity Report Recommendation Receive and file the November 2024 Police Department Activity Report. Background The Vernon Police Department’s activity report consists of activity during the specified reporting period, including a summary of calls for service, and statistical information regarding arrests, traffic collisions, stored and impounded vehicles, recovered stolen vehicles, the number of citations issued, and the number of reports filed. As of November 19, 2024, the Department transitioned to a different dispatch and records software system resulting in a new format for daily activity reports. The daily activity reports still contain pertinent response time information. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. November 2024 Police Department Activity Report .  .  Item 9 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 9 Page 1 of 45 .  .  Item 9 Page 2 of 45 .  .  Item 9 Page 3 of 45 .  .  Item 9 Page 4 of 45 .  .  Item 9 Page 5 of 45 . . Item 9Page 6 of 45 . . Item 9Page 7 of 45 . . Item 9Page 8 of 45 . . Item 9Page 9 of 45 . . Item 9Page 10 of 45 . . Item 9Page 11 of 45 . . Item 9Page 12 of 45 . . Item 9Page 13 of 45 . . Item 9Page 14 of 45 . . Item 9Page 15 of 45 . . Item 9Page 16 of 45 . . Item 9Page 17 of 45 . . Item 9Page 18 of 45 . . Item 9Page 19 of 45 . . Item 9Page 20 of 45 . . Item 9Page 21 of 45 . . Item 9Page 22 of 45 . . Item 9Page 23 of 45 . . Item 9Page 24 of 45 . . Item 9Page 25 of 45 . . Item 9Page 26 of 45 . . Item 9Page 27 of 45 . . Item 9Page 28 of 45 . . Item 9Page 29 of 45 . . Item 9Page 30 of 45 . . Item 9Page 31 of 45 . . Item 9Page 32 of 45 . . Item 9Page 33 of 45 . . Item 9Page 34 of 45 . . Item 9Page 35 of 45 . . Item 9Page 36 of 45 . . Item 9Page 37 of 45 . . Item 9Page 38 of 45 . . Item 9Page 39 of 45 . . Item 9Page 40 of 45 . . Item 9Page 41 of 45 . . Item 9Page 42 of 45 . . Item 9Page 43 of 45 . . Item 9Page 44 of 45 . . Item 9Page 45 of 45 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Freddie Agyin, Director of Health and Environmental Control Department:Health and Environmental Control Submitted by:Dulce Gonzalez, Management Analyst Subject Appointments to the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Water Management Joint Power Authority (GWMA). Recommendation Adopt Resolution No. 2025-002 updating the City staff appointments to the GWMA and repealing Resolution No. 2020-27. Background The City of Vernon is a member of the GWMA, a watershed-based coalition comprised of multiple cities, water agencies, and the Port of Long Beach. Per Section 3 of the GWMA bylaws, the City is required to appoint staff members via the adoption of a resolution. On August 4, 2020, Council adopted Resolution No. 2020-27 appointing the Director of Public Works as the City’s delegate to GWMA and Public Works staff to serve as alternates. In 2024, the administrative responsibilities for the GWMA were transitioned from the Public Works Department to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Due to this transition, new staff appointments are required. Staff recommends adoption of Resolution No. 2025-002, to appoint Fredrick (Freddie) Agyin, Director of DHEC, as the City’s delegate and designate Veronica Petrosyan, DHEC Deputy Director, Dulce Gonzalez, DHEC Management Analyst, and Joanna Hurtado Moreno, Public Utilities Civil Engineer as the City’s alternates. Resolution No. 2025-002 also repeals Resolution No. 2020-27. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. Resolution No. 2025-002 Appointments to GWMA .  .  Item 10 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 10 Page 1 of 2 .  .  Item 10 Page 2 of 2 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works Department:Public Works Submitted by:Carlos Velazquez, Engineering Aide Subject Notice of Completion for Contract No. 20240259 – North Parking Security Fencing Recommendation A. Find that 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 maintenance, repair, or minor alteration of existing structures and involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use; B. Accept the work of Golden Gate Steel, Inc. as related to City Contract No. 20240259; and C. Authorize the Director of Public Works to execute and submit the Notice of Completion for the project to the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office. Background On June 18, 2024, following a formal bid process, the City Council awarded City Contract No. 20240259 – North Parking Security Fencing (Project) to Golden Gate Steel, Inc., in the amount of $283,480 with a 10% contingency in the amount of $28,348. This contract involves the furnishing and installation of 8-ft high fencing, vehicle access gates, detection loops, pedestrian access gates, and staircase enclosures for the north parking structure of City Hall. One Change Order was issued for additional work required for the total amount of $3,737.50. The final cost of the project totaled $287,217.50. It was completed on September 20, 2024, in accordance with the specifications and City Staff expectations. The Notice of Completion has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. Notice of Completion – Contract No. 20240259 .  .  Item 11 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 11 Page 1 of 1 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Todd Dusenberry, General Manager of Public Utilities Department:Public Utilities Submitted by:Adriana Ramos, Senior Management Analyst Subject Closure of the Net Energy Metering Electric Program Offering to New Customers Recommendation Approve and recognize that Vernon Public Utilities (VPU) has successfully met its Net Metering obligation of five percent (5%) of the electric utility's aggregate peak demand and authorize the closure of VPU’s three Net Metering (NM) electric rate schedules: “NM-Small”, “NM-Medium”, and “NM-Large” for any new customers as of January 1, 2025. Background California Public Utilities Code (PUC), Section 2827 states that “every electric utility shall develop a standard contract or tariff providing for net energy metering (NEM), and shall make this standard contract or tariff available to eligible customer-generators, upon request, on a first- come-first-served basis until the time that the total rated generating capacity used by eligible customer generators exceeds five percent of the electric utility's aggregate peak demand.” In 1995, California Senate Bill (SB) 656, mandated that all electric utilities in the state, including municipal utilities providing residential electrical services, develop a standard contract or tariff for net energy metering, regardless of their jurisdiction under the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Consequently, Vernon Public Utilities (VPU) established the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program for eligible customers capable of generating on-site electricity through renewable technologies such as solar or wind, with a maximum system size of 1 MW, in accordance with California PUC, Section 2827. Additionally, the program stipulated that renewable technology must be interconnected to function in parallel with VPU’s electrical distribution network. The “special conditions” section of the City’s NM electric rate schedule, specifically Section C, indicates that “this schedule will be closed to all new customers once the aggregate capacity of all residential and commercial solar or wind turbine electrical generating facilities or hybrid of both exceeds five percent (5%) of Vernon’s aggregate customers’ peak demand”. This criterion aligns with the provisions outlined in the California PUC, Section 2827. According to the stipulations in California PUC Section 2827, five percent (5%) of VPU’s aggregate peak demand puts the NEM limit at 8.78 MW. As of January 2025, the total rated generating capacity of eligible customer-generators in the VPU distribution system has not only officially met but it has exceeded the five percent (5%) aggregate peak demand. As VPU has met its obligations under the California PUC Section 2827, staff recommends that the three existing NM electric rate schedules be closed to new customers, effective January 1, 2025. VPU has received further confirmation from outside legal counsel, Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer, & Pembroke, P.C., that VPU can discontinue the program for new customers once the state mandate has been fulfilled. Existing rate schedules will remain unchanged, and three NM rates will continue to apply to existing customers whose solar photovoltaic systems were installed prior to the effective date of the program closure. Looking ahead, VPU will continue to support .  .  Item 12 Page 1 of 2 customers interested in installing solar, while maintaining its commitment to providing competitive electric rates and ensuring high reliability for its utility customers. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments None. .  .  Item 12 Page 2 of 2 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Deborah Harrington, City Clerk Department:City Clerk Submitted by:Deborah Harrington, City Clerk Subject City Council Appointments to Outside Agencies Recommendation A. Appoint a member of the City Council to serve on the Vernon Solid Waste Hearing Panel; and B. Appoint a member of the City Council to serve as delegate and appoint up to two alternates to represent the City at the Southern California Association of Governments 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly. Background Vernon Solid Waste Hearing Panel The Vernon Solid Waste Hearing Panel (VSWHP) meets as needed. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 44308, three Council Members may be appointed. The Vernon Health and Environmental Control Department serves as the Local Enforcement Agency for Solid Waste Facilities in the City of Vernon. The hearing panel is available to convene and provide resolution to solid waste related issues and conflicts that may arise from within the Local Enforcement Agency’s purview. Council Member Lopez, Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra and Mayor Merlo are the current representatives. Mayor Merlo’s term will expire on April 1, 2025 on the VSWHP and on the City Council in April 2025. The hearing officer appointment does not require terms or term limits and as such, their appointments run congruent with city council terms of office. It is recommended Council appoint a representative to the VSWHP. Southern California Association of Governments The Southern California Association of Government (SCAG) Regional Conference and General Assembly is scheduled for May 1-2, 2025, in Palm Desert, California. The voting delegate and up to two alternates must be designated by action of the City Council. The City’s delegate will vote on items pertaining to the General Assembly at the business meeting and help set the Association’s course for the coming year. Those attending the conference are required to file a Statement of Economic Interest Fair Political Practices Form 700. It is recommended Council appoint a delegate and up to two alternates to the SCAG 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. Correspondence from CalRecycle, Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery 2. Correspondence from Southern California Association of Governments 3. SCAG 2025 Regional Conference & Assembly Tentative Agenda .  .  Item 13 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 13 Page 1 of 2 .  .  Item 13 Page 2 of 2 .  .  Item 13 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 13 Page 1 of 1 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:January 21, 2025 From:Gigi Decavalles-Hughes, Director of Finance Department:Finance Submitted by:Jessica Alcaraz, Financial Services Administrator Subject Fiscal Year 2023-24 Audited Financial Reports Recommendation A. Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Annual Financial Statements; and B. Extend submission of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Financial Statements and Report to Council to January 20, 2026. Background City Charter Article VIII, Chapter 8.11 requires City Council to appoint a California certified public accounting firm to provide an independent, annual audit of all City accounts, including the accounts of all departments, officers and employees who receive, handle or disburse public funds. Audits are to be performed in accordance with the generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) set forth for financial audits by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Auditing Standards Board (ASB) and the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Government Auditing Standards. Additionally, the Charter requires the final audit to be submitted to Council 120 days after the end of the fiscal year but allows Council to extend the deadline. Accordingly, on February 20, 2024 the City Council extended the deadline for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Final Audit and Report to Council to January 21, 2025. The FY 2023-24 financial audit was conducted by the City’s independent auditors, The Pun Group LLP, Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors, which issued an unmodified opinion, otherwise known as a “clean opinion” finding nothing of material concern in the City’s internal controls, financial condition, or operations. Over the months preceding the issuance of the financial statements, staff worked closely with the auditors to provide them access to all financial records requested, including the City’s accounting software, to form the basis for their clean opinion. The independent auditors’ unmodified opinion provides assurance that the financial statements, and the audited information within, present the City’s financial position fairly to Council, residents, current and future businesses, grant entities, creditors, bond investors, rating agencies and other interested parties for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. A representative from The Pun Group LLP will provide a presentation on the results of the FY 2023-24 audit. As noted above, Charter 8.11 requires that the final audit to be submitted to Council within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year. With the City’s fiscal year ending on June 30, FY 2024-25 audited financial statements would need to be submitted to Council by late October 2025. However, 120 days after the end of the fiscal year (June 30) is not feasible as it can take several months to receive all documents from outside contractors and vendors to accrue all expenditures related to the prior year, finalize journal entries, reconciliations and for the auditors to complete their audit and produce the final audited financial reports. Additionally, industry best practice is 18 months after a budget is adopted, which places finalization of the audited financial reports by end of the calendar year and presentation to Council soon after. As such, staff is seeking an extension for submission of the final audit and report to Council for FY 2024-25 Annual Financial Statements to January 20, 2026. Pursuant to Charter Chapter 8.11, the City .  .  Item 14 Page 1 of 2 Council may extend the deadline for submission of audited financial statements beyond 120 days after the end of the fiscal year. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. FY 2023-24 Audited City-wide Financial Statements 2. FY 2023-24 Audited VPU Financial Statements 3. FY 2023-24 Audited Electric Financial Statements 4. 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Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works Department:Public Works Submitted by:Rosemary Lozada, Management Analyst Subject Ordinance No. 1305 Amending Chapter 13.24 of the Vernon Municipal Code Regarding the Sewer System Recommendation A. Find that the proposed action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, because it is general policy and procedure-making activity that is unrelated to any specific project, which must undergo separate CEQA review, and that will not result in direct physical changes or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore does not constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; B. Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 1305 amending Vernon Municipal Code Section 13.24.050 (Definitions) and adding Section 13.24.101 regarding responsibility for the sewer system pipes; and C. Direct staff to schedule second reading and adoption for the February 4, 2025 City Council meeting. Background Chapter 13.24 of the Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) contains regulations and provisions governing the Sewer System. The Public Works Department is requesting modifications to existing VMC language to incorporate definitions of the City’s sewer main line and sewer lateral and clarify the differences between the separate and distinct pipelines. Proposed revisions will also identify the responsible owner for the various pipelines associated with the Sewer System. Staff recommend adopting said changes to prevent any discrepancies and potential disagreements moving forward, as policy clarification will ensure a consistent practice is implemented and responsibilities of service provider and customer will be concisely delineated. VMC Section 13.24.050 does not currently define the sewer main line and sewer lateral. The sewer main line is the main pipeline that collects and carries wastewater from properties to a treatment plant; and the sewer lateral is the private pipe extending from a given property or parcel conveying wastewater to the City’s sewer main line. The current code language does not include a section that specifies responsibility for maintenance and repair of the main sewer line (which is owned and maintained by the City) and lateral sewer lines (which are owned and maintained by respective property owners). Many surrounding municipalities and utility agencies clearly define the sewer main line and sewer lateral, their ownership and, accordingly, who is responsible for their maintenance. Amending the VMC will ensure there is no question as to who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of sewer lines. The proposed changes to the VMC that would be accomplished through adoption of Ordinance No. 1305 are summarized below. Amending VMC Section 13.24.050 of Chapter 13.24 to add the following definitions: “Sewer main line” means the principal public pipeline that collects and carries wastewater from multiple properties or parcels to a wastewater treatment plant. .  .  Item 15 Page 1 of 2 “Sewer lateral” means the private pipe extending from a property or parcel conveying wastewater to the City’s sewer main line. Adding Section 13.24.101 to Chapter 13.24 (Sewer Systems) of the VMC to read as follows: Maintenance of Sewer Main and Lateral The sewer main line is owned and maintained by the City. The sewer lateral between the property and the sewer main line is owned, and shall be maintained, by the owner of the property served by the lateral. Staff recommends that Council introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 1305 on January 21, 2025 and direct staff to schedule second reading and adoption of the Ordinance for February 4, 2025. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. Ordinance No. 1305 .  .  Item 15 Page 2 of 2 .  .  Item 15 Page 1 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 2 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 3 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 4 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 5 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 6 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 7 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 8 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 9 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 10 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 11 of 12 .  .  Item 15 Page 12 of 12