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20250318 Regular City Council Meeting - PacketRegular City Council Meeting Agenda March 18, 2025 Page 1 of 5 Agenda City of Vernon Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 18, 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. Employee Service Pin Awards Recommendation: Recognize January and February 2025 Employee Service Pin Award recipients. CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed on the Consent Calendar may 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. Regular City Council Meeting Agenda March 18, 2025 Page 2 of 5 2. Meeting Minutes Recommendation: Approve the March 4, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. 3. Claim Against the City Recommendation: Receive and file the claim submitted by Jodi Ichiyama. 4. Operating Account Warrant Register Recommendation: Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 146, for the period of February 2, 2025 through February 15, 2025, totaling $7,918,625.83 and consisting of ratification of electronic payments totaling $7,190,696.17 and ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $727,929.66. 5. Fire Department Activity Report Recommendation: Receive and file the January 2025 Fire Department Activity Report. 6. Police Department Activity Report - January 2025 Recommendation: Receive and file the January 2025 Police Department Activity Report. 7. Support Agreement Purchase Order with AT&T for VESTA 9-1-1 System Maintenance and Additional Funds for AT&T Network Services Recommendation: A. Approve and authorize issuance of a Purchase Order to AT&T for an amount not-to- exceed $44,020.67, for a one-year term extension of the Support Agreement for the VESTA 9-1-1 system from April 16, 2025 to April 15, 2026 and; B. Approve supplemental funds in the amount of $176,000 for Contract No. 20230186 with AT&T for anticipated invoice payments for various telecommunications and network services through the termination of the Contract on January 16, 2026. 8. Managed Print Services with MRC Smart Technology Solutions and Xerox Recommendation: A. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with MRC Smart Technology Solutions, in substantially the same form as submitted, for a three-year term in an amount not-to-exceed $206,360 ($68,786.67 per year) for Managed Print Services (MPS) with an effective date of April 1, 2025; and B. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a related Lease Agreement with Xerox, in substantially the same form as submitted, for a three-year term in an amount not- to- exceed $83,640 ($27,880 per year) for MPS with an effective date of April 1, 2025. 9. Services Agreement with Keenan & Associates Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Keenan & Associates, in substantially the same form as submitted, to provide Health Benefits Brokerage and Consulting Services, effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2028, for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,500, for a three-year term. Regular City Council Meeting Agenda March 18, 2025 Page 3 of 5 10. 4419 Pacific Boulevard Plan Check and Inspection Fee Waiver Recommendation: A. Find that granting a fee waiver for building plan check and inspection for the construction of the first private housing in Vernon to be built in 40 years provides a substantial benefit to the public because it will start the implementation of Mixed-Use Zoning along Santa Fe Avenue; and B. Waive the Building Plan Check and Inspection fees for the construction of an apartment building at 4419 Pacific Boulevard. 11. Amendment No. 3 to Services Agreement with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc., Contract No. CS-1442 Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Services Agreement with lnterwest Consulting Group, Inc., in substantially the same form as submitted, for on-call building plan checks and inspection services provided for a total amount not-to-exceed $148,429.10 (increasing the total contract cost to $998,429.10). NEW BUSINESS 12. City Hall Plaza Design Recommendation: Receive presentation and provide feedback on the City Hall Plaza design presented by Architerra Design Group. ORAL REPORTS 13. City Administrator Reports on Activities and Other Announcements 14. Council Reports on Activities (including AB 1234), Announcements, or Directives to Staff CLOSED SESSION 15. Public Employment Government Code Section 54957 Title: Finance Director 16. Conference With Labor Negotiators Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Designated Representative: Brian Saeki, City Administrator Employee Organizations: Teamsters Local 911, IBEW Local 47, Vernon Police Management Association, and Vernon Police Officers’ Benefit Association Unrepresented Employees: Regular City Council Meeting Agenda March 18, 2025 Page 4 of 5 Confidential, Management, and Executive classifications 17. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Initiation of Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of potential cases: 1 CLOSED SESSION REPORT ADJOURNMENT On March 13, 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 March 18, 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:March 18, 2025 From:Lisette Grizzelle, Interim Director of Human Resources Department:Human Resources Submitted by:Veronica Avendano, Human Resources Specialist Subject Employee Service Pin Awards Recommendation Recognize January 2025 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: TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Belinda Arellano, Police Dispatcher, Hired January 2000 FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Teresa Flores, Police Officer, Hired January 2020 Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments None. .  .  Item 1 Page 1 of 1 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 18, 2025 From:Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk Department:City Clerk Submitted by:Sandra Dolson, City Clerk Specialist Subject Meeting Minutes Recommendation Approve the March 4, 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. March 4, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes .  .  Item 2 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 2 Page 1 of 7 .  .  Item 2 Page 2 of 7 .  .  Item 2 Page 3 of 7 .  .  Item 2 Page 4 of 7 .  .  Item 2 Page 5 of 7 .  .  Item 2 Page 6 of 7 .  .  Item 2 Page 7 of 7 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 18, 2025 From:Deborah Harrington, City Clerk Department:City Clerk Submitted by:Yonnie Parker, Deputy City Clerk Subject Claim Against the City Recommendation Receive and file the claim submitted by Jodi Ichiyama. Background The City received the following claim and pursuant to Municipal Code Section 2.32.040, the claim is being presented to the City Council as soon after filing of the claim with the City as practical. Name of Claimant Amount Demanded Date Received Jodi Ichiyama $345 March 6, 2025 Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. Jodi Ichiyama Claim .  .  Item 3 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 3 Page 1 of 8 .  .  Item 3 Page 2 of 8 .  .  Item 3 Page 3 of 8 .  .  Item 3 Page 4 of 8 .  .  Item 3 Page 5 of 8 .  .  Item 3 Page 6 of 8 .  .  Item 3 Page 7 of 8 .  .  Item 3 Page 8 of 8 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 18, 2025 From:Joaquin Leon, Deputy City Treasurer Department:Finance Submitted by:Kathryne Magana, Accountant Subject Operating Account Warrant Register Recommendation Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 146, for the period of February 2, 2025 through February 15, 2025, totaling $7,918,625.83 and consisting of ratification of electronic payments totaling $7,190,696.17 and ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $727,929.66. 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 Deputy City Treasurer has prepared Operating Account Warrant Register No. 146 covering claims and demands presented during the period of February 2, 2025 through February 15, 2025, 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. 146, totals $7,918,625.83. 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. 146. Attachments 1. Operating Account Warrant Register No. 146 .  .  Item 4 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 4 Page 1 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 2 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 3 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 4 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 5 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 6 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 7 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 8 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 9 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 10 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 11 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 12 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 13 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 14 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 15 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 16 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 17 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 18 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 19 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 20 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 21 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 22 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 23 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 24 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 25 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 26 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 27 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 28 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 29 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 30 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 31 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 32 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 33 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 34 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 35 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 36 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 37 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 38 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 39 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 40 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 41 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 42 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 43 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 44 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 45 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 46 of 47 .  .  Item 4 Page 47 of 47 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 18, 2025 From:Brian Saeki, City Administrator Department:City Administration Submitted by:Diana Figueroa, Senior Management Analyst Subject Fire Department Activity Report Recommendation Receive and file the January 2025 Fire Department Activity Report. Background Attached is a copy of a Fire Department Activity Report which covers the period of January 1 through January 31, 2025. 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 – January 2025 .  .  Item 5 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 5 Page 1 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 2 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 3 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 4 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 5 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 6 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 7 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 8 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 9 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 10 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 11 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 12 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 13 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 14 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 15 of 16 .  .  Item 5 Page 16 of 16 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 18, 2025 From:Robert Sousa, Chief of Police Department:Police Submitted by:Donna Aggers, Records Manager Subject Police Department Activity Report - January 2025 Recommendation Receive and file the January 2025 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. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. January 2025 Police Department Activity Report. .  .  Item 6 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 6 Page 1 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 2 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 3 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 4 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 5 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 6 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 7 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 8 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 9 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 10 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 11 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 12 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 13 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 14 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 15 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 16 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 17 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 18 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 19 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 20 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 21 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 22 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 23 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 24 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 25 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 26 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 27 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 28 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 29 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 30 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 31 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 32 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 33 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 34 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 35 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 36 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 37 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 38 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 39 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 40 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 41 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 42 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 43 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 44 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 45 of 46 .  .  Item 6 Page 46 of 46 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 18, 2025 From:Brian Saeki, City Administrator Department:City Administration Submitted by:Sara Sandoval, Senior Administrative Assistant Subject Support Agreement Purchase Order with AT&T for VESTA 9-1-1 System Maintenance and Additional Funds for AT&T Network Services Recommendation A. Approve and authorize issuance of a Purchase Order to AT&T for an amount not-to-exceed $44,020.67, for a one-year term extension of the Support Agreement for the VESTA 9-1-1 system from April 16, 2025 to April 15, 2026 and; B. Approve supplemental funds in the amount of $176,000 for Contract No. 20230186 with AT&T for anticipated invoice payments for various telecommunications and network services through the termination of the Contract on January 16, 2026. Background The Vernon Police Department (VPD) Dispatch relies on the VESTA 9-1-1 emergency call handling system provided by AT&T. The existing maintenance agreement for the VESTA system is set to expire on April 15, 2025. AT&T has provided a quote to renew the support agreement for an additional year (Attachment 1). The Support Agreement extends coverage from April 16, 2025 through April 15, 2026 at a cost of $23,291.97 and is essential to guarantee uninterrupted support and timely system updates as outlined in the Extended Maintenance Scope of Work (Attachment 2). The quote provided by AT&T also includes the cost of replacing existing power supply (UPS) units. The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has agreed to reimburse Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for the additional years of maintenance support as well as the purchase of new UPS units. Due to the age of the current UPS units, the replacement of these components is necessary to ensure uninterrupted operation of the 9-1-1 system. The cost of replacing the five existing UPS units is $18,759 plus tax. Although tax has been calculated at a rate of 10.25% on the quote, staff anticipates paying the new tax rate of 10.50% that goes into effect on April 1, 2025 as a result of the County’s Measure A approved by voters in November 2024. Anticipated tax for the UPS units is $1,969.70 for a total cost of $20,728.70. The State does not allow AT&T to bill Cal OES directly for the maintenance services, however PSAPs can be reimbursed for the funds spent on maintenance and UPS replacements. The City would issue a purchase order (PO) referencing the attached quote, and AT&T would invoice the City accordingly. The City would then seek reimbursement from Cal OES for the total cost of the extended maintenance and replacement of UPS units of $44,020.67. The renewal of the maintenance agreement with AT&T for the VESTA 9-1-1 system is essential to ensuring the continued reliability of emergency services provided by the VPD. The State’s reimbursement for maintenance services and UPS replacement ensures that this necessary upgrade can be completed with minimal cost to the City. Approval of the maintenance renewal will allow the City to maintain uninterrupted 9-1-1 services while complying with the State’s reimbursement processes..  .  Item 7 Page 1 of 2 Supplemental Funds for Contract No. 20230186 In 2023, the City executed an Authorization to Order (ATO) with AT&T for various telecommunications and network services for a 3-year period ending on January 16, 2026 (Contract No. 20230186). The agreement was for a total amount not-to-exceed $294,000 for the 3-year term. However, additional funds are needed due to a rise in telecommunication service usage, such as higher call volume and data usage, inflation, and price increases in equipment and services, which have resulted in higher than anticipated invoice totals. Based on usage over the last two years, the IT Division is requesting $176,000. in additional funds to be added to Contract No. 20230186 to pay all upcoming AT&T invoices from now until the termination of the Contract on January 16, 2026. Pursuant to VMC Section 3.32.030(B), City Council approval is required if, in the 12 months preceding the effective date of the proposed new, renewed, or otherwise amended contract, the City has paid or awarded the proposed vendor more than $100,000 pursuant to contract(s) with the vendor. Within the past 12 months, the City has paid AT&T approximately $210,753.79. The Support Agreement quote, and related Scope of Work from AT&T have been reviewed and approved-as-to-form by the City Attorney. Fiscal Impact The total fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $220,020.67. Sufficient funds are available for the $44,020.67 for the AT&T VESTA 9-1-1 System in General Fund - IT Department - Repairs and Maintenance - IT 011-010-110-529110 (Project No. IT00230009-0200-0200) for the current fiscal year (FY). Staff expects to receive reimbursement for the VESTA related expenditures from Cal OES. Sufficient funds for the supplemental funds of $176,000 for Contract No. 20230186 are available in the General Fund - IT Department - Utilities - IT 011-010-110-526010 (Project No. IT00230009-0190-0190). Funds will be budgeted accordingly in FY 2025-2026 for both projects. Attachments 1. AT&T Vesta Maintenance Renewal Quote 2.Extended Maintenance VESTA SOW .  .  Item 7 Page 2 of 2 .  .  Item 7 Page 1 of 1 .  .  Item 7 Page 1 of 1 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 18, 2025 From:Brian Saeki, City Administrator Department:City Administration Submitted by:Sara Sandoval, Senior Administrative Assistant Subject Managed Print Services with MRC Smart Technology Solutions and Xerox Recommendation A. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with MRC Smart Technology Solutions, in substantially the same form as submitted, for a three-year term in an amount not-to-exceed $206,360 ($68,786.67 per year) for Managed Print Services (MPS) with an effective date of April 1, 2025; and B. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a related Lease Agreement with Xerox, in substantially the same form as submitted, for a three-year term in an amount not-to- exceed $83,640 ($27,880 per year) for MPS with an effective date of April 1, 2025. Background The Information Technology Division (IT) is requesting approval to award a Services Agreement to MRC Smart Technology Solutions (MRC) for an MPS solution that will maximize efficiency and reduce overall printing costs. In addition to the Service Agreement with MRC, IT is requesting approval of a related Lease Agreement with Xerox for 12 Xerox copiers. MRC is a subsidiary of Xerox and, as a standard practice, the company requires the execution of separate agreements for its services and leased copiers. The primary objectives for acquiring the expertise of a vendor to manage print services are as follows: Reduce total cost to the City Reduce print volume Reduce burden rates (staff time for managing print supplies & repairs) Optimize device utilization Streamline equipment maintenance and repair Maintain high levels of user satisfaction Continuing with a managed print services model will allow the City to maintain its control and oversight of print usage, thus resulting in reduced operating costs associated with print output while still meeting business needs. In order to select a firm to provide the aforementioned services, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was published on the City’s PlanetBids website on or about August 22, 2024, pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code 3.32.080. Responses were required by September 30, 2024 and the City received eight (8) responsive proposals. A review panel composed of staff from the IT Division evaluated the eight (8) proposals received from qualified respondents in order to determine the vendor best suited to provide the services requested. A comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of proposals was conducted in accordance with the specifications set forth within the RFP document. Established criteria were used in reviewing and comparing the proposals to determine the most suitable firm. Additionally, references provided by the proposers were contacted. At the conclusion of the assessment, including reference checks, it was determined that MRC was the most compatible choice for the award of the City’s Services Agreement .  .  Item 8 Page 1 of 2 for Managed Print Services. MRC was the top-ranked respondent due to their years of experience in the industry, exceptional qualifications, and their ability to offer quality technology and service at a competitive price. Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code 3.32.030(A), where all contracts shall be approved by only the City Council except contracts with a total value over the lifetime of the contract of up to $100,000.00, it is, therefore, recommended that the City Council approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with MRC and the related lease agreement with Xerox. The proposed Services Agreement contains revisions to the City’s template agreement requested by MRC as redlined in their proposal. The requested revisions were reviewed and deemed acceptable by the City Attorney and Risk Management staff. The Services Agreement with MRC and related Master Lease Agreement and Master Lease Schedule have been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney's Office. Fiscal Impact The total combined not-to-exceed value of the agreements with MRC Smart Technology Solutions and Xerox is $290,000 for a three-year term ($96,666.67 per year). Sufficient funds are available in the General Fund, Information Technology Department, Repairs and Maintenance- IT Account No. 011-010-110-529110 for the current fiscal year and will be budgeted in subsequent years. Attachments 1. Services Agreement with MRC Smart Technology Solutions 2. Master Lease Agreement with Xerox 3. Master Lease Schedule with Xerox .  .  Item 8 Page 2 of 2 .  .  Item 8 Page 1 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 2 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 3 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 4 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 5 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 6 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 7 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 8 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 9 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 10 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 11 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 12 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 13 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 14 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 15 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 16 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 17 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 18 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 19 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 20 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 21 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 22 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 23 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 24 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 25 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 26 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 27 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 28 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 29 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 30 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 31 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 32 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 33 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 34 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 35 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 36 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 37 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 38 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 39 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 40 of 40 .  .  Item 8 Page 1 of 3 .  .  Item 8 Page 2 of 3 .  .  Item 8 Page 3 of 3 .  .  Item 8 Page 1 of 1 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 18, 2025 From:Lisette Grizzelle, Interim Director of Human Resources Department:Human Resources Submitted by:Tyler Cashman, Human Resources Analyst Subject Services Agreement with Keenan & Associates Recommendation Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Keenan & Associates, in substantially the same form as submitted, to provide Health Benefits Brokerage and Consulting Services, effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2028, for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,500, for a three-year term. Background The Human Resources Department utilizes the services of a professional Health Benefits Brokerage and Consulting firm to provide health benefit consulting services and to assist with the acquisition, implementation, maintenance, communication, and improvement of employee and retiree health and welfare benefits. In accordance with Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.080 and in order to select an appropriate firm to provide the aforementioned services, the Human Resources Department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on December 19, 2024, for Health Benefits Brokerage and Consulting Services with an extended submission deadline of January 17, 2025. Pursuant to VMC Section 3.32.130 which requires notice be provided to at least five potential vendors, the RFP notification was sent to six (6) brokerage firms likely to qualify to submit a proposal. Further outreach was conducted by advertising the RFP on Planetbids. Following these outreach efforts, three (3) responses to the RFP were received by the January 17 deadline. A committee comprised of four (4) City staff members from a cross section of management, supervisory, analytical, and human resources staff, conducted an initial review of the proposals submitted and three (3) firms were invited to further participate in the selection process which included a presentation and interview before the committee. The three (3) firms provided very competitive proposals; however, Keenan & Associates, consistently ranked the highest among committee members. Keenan & Associates is a recognized leader in the public agency arena, providing services to more than 1,100 public sector entities. They have more than 52 years of experience consulting to public sector entities. Their niche focus on the unique requirements of public sector entities, bringing a comprehensive understanding of the select customers and markets they serve. Keenan & Associates requested a few revisions to the City’s standard services agreement related to section 10.0 Insurance which were review by the City Attorney’s Office and accepted by Risk Management. Pursuant to VMC Section 3.32.030 (A), City Council approval is required as the total value over the lifetime of the services agreement with Keenan & Associates exceeds $100,000. It is recommended that City Council approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute the .  .  Item 9 Page 1 of 2 proposed Services Agreement with Keenan & Associates for Health Benefits Brokerage and Consulting Services. Based on the options provided in the services agreement fee schedule, for the first year of service, which will commence on April 1, 2025, staff elected a flat fee that will be prorated not- to-exceed $37,481 for calendar year 2025. For year two and three of this services agreement, Staff may elect to convert the flat fee to a commission with a cap based on benefits renewal marketing results which may result in a lower payment or will not exceed $49,975 per calendar year. For the last three months of the agreement from January 1, 2028, through March 31, 2028, the cost would be approximately $13,069. Thus, the total amount requested for the agreement is not-to-exceed $150,500 over the three-year term. The proposed agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office. Fiscal Impact The fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $150,500 for a three-year term. Sufficient funds are available in the General Fund, Human Resources Department, Professional Services – Administration Account No. 011-010-120-529220 for the current fiscal year and sufficient funds will be budgeted in subsequent years. Attachments 1. 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Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works Department:Public Works Submitted by:Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works Subject 4419 Pacific Boulevard Plan Check and Inspection Fee Waiver Recommendation A. Find that granting a fee waiver for building plan check and inspection for the construction of the first private housing in Vernon to be built in 40 years provides a substantial benefit to the public because it will start the implementation of Mixed-Use Zoning along Santa Fe Avenue; and B. Waive the Building Plan Check and Inspection fees for the construction of an apartment building at 4419 Pacific Boulevard. Background On August 1, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1293 allowing Mixed Use Industrial Zoning along Santa Fe Avenue. Over the past 18-months, Public Works staff have engaged with property owners within the mixed-use zone. Despite significant interest in residential development, the development community has been hesitant to make initial investments due to uncertainties in residential demand and market rents in Vernon. The owners of 4419 Pacific Boulevard are now prepared to pioneer residential development in the mixed-use zone. They have requested that the City waive plan check and inspection fees to help reduce the total investment required and incentivize this initial project. Below is a breakdown of all fees included in the waiver request based on a $8,760,000 valuation: Green Standard Fee $351.00 Permit Energy Fee $3,885.04 Permit Fee $38,850.40 Plan Check Fee $25,252.76 Total fees to be waived $68,339.20 In evaluating potential implications of granting the fee waiver request for the proposed apartment building, City staff examined whether providing the fee waiver would turn it into a “public work” subject to prevailing wages. Specifically, the City Attorney’s office evaluated applicability of California Labor Code Sections 1720(c)(3)(A) and (B) regarding public subsidies to private development projects and prevailing wage requirements. Staff determined that the proposed subsidy would qualify under the Labor Code de minimis exception as long as the public subsidy is less than 2 percent of the total project cost. If the fee waiver is granted, the developer will be required to confirm in writing that they agree to defend and indemnify the City for any claims that may arise related to the waiver including prevailing wages actions in the event the project costs are off. .  .  Item 10 Page 1 of 2 Vernon is committed to residential development in the mixed-use zones. Supporting this pioneering effort will encourage other developers to build additional housing in the City. Fiscal Impact The fiscal impact is a waiver of General Fund permit and charges for services revenue of $68,339.20. It should be noted that if this project were not to move forward this revenue would not be received. Attachments None. .  .  Item 10 Page 2 of 2 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 18, 2025 From:Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works Department:Public Works Submitted by:Rosemary Lozada, Management Analyst Subject Amendment No. 3 to Services Agreement with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc., Contract No. CS-1442 Recommendation Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Services Agreement with lnterwest Consulting Group, Inc., in substantially the same form as submitted, for on-call building plan checks and inspection services provided for a total amount not-to-exceed $148,429.10 (increasing the total contract cost to $998,429.10). Background As required by Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.080, on February 24, 2021, the City advertised and received proposals for on-call building plan check and inspection services. On May 4, 2021, the City awarded Contract No. CS-1442 to lnterwest Consulting Group, Inc. (lnterwest) for on-call building plan check and inspection services for the period of May 17, 2021, through May 17, 2024, for a total amount not-to-exceed $600,000. In April 2024, the City entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Services Agreement with lnterwest extending the agreement through August 17, 2024. In June 2024, the City entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Services Agreement with lnterwest to provide additional support for on-call services for the additional amount not-to-exceed $250,000 (increasing the total contract cost to $850,000). Typically, lnterwest performs building plan check and inspection services as necessary with the majority of plan checks and inspections performed by City staff. However, due to an influx of large, complex building projects, the City has relied more often on lnterwest than it had in the past. lnterwest has demonstrated the ability to meet the City's needs and performed the additional plan check and inspection work delegated to the firm’s team. Due to the increased work assigned to lnterwest, staff is requesting an additional amount of $148,429.10 to cover the extra costs incurred from increased workload. The bulk of the funds are needed for plan review fees charged by Interwest, as the firm’s fee structure requires that Interwest collect a percentage of the City’s Plan Review Fee charged to the customer. Thus, larger complex projects with higher plan review fees result in larger fees payable to Interwest. While the additional services provided were performed within the Services Agreement term period, City staff received invoices after the contract expiration date The funds requested would cover five outstanding invoices for plan reviews conducted in February 2024 and building inspection services, plan reviews, building and safety plan reviews, and engineering plan reviews all performed in July 2024. Amendment No. 3 requires City Council approval pursuant to VMC Section 3.32.030(A) as the total value over the lifetime of the contract with lnterwest Consulting Group, Inc. exceeds $100,000. The proposed amendment has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney's Office. Fiscal Impact .  .  Item 11 Page 1 of 2 Much of Interwests’s fees for service are offset by the permit and inspection fees collected from developers. Funds for on-call plan check and inspection services were included in the FY 2024- 25 General Fund, Public Works Department, Building Regulations Division, Professional Services Account No. 011-040-405-529225 in the amount of $200,000. However, approval of this action would require an additional appropriation of $148,429.10 in General Fund, Public Works Department, Building Regulations Division, Professional Services Account No. 011-040- 405-529225 from General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance. Attachments 1. Amendment No. 3 with lnterwest Consulting Group, Inc. .  .  Item 11 Page 2 of 2 .  .  Item 11 Page 1 of 2 .  .  Item 11 Page 2 of 2 City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 18, 2025 From:Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works Department:Public Works Submitted by:Lissette Melendez, Project Engineer Subject City Hall Plaza Design Recommendation Receive presentation and provide feedback on the City Hall Plaza design presented by Architerra Design Group. Background The City of Vernon hosts multiple community events throughout the year in the area in front of City Hall. As events have gained in popularity, attendance has reached as many as 600 people. Given the increased community participation in such events, the existing space configuration and landscaping could be improved upon to better accommodate large public gatherings. To that end, following a Request for Proposals process, on February 20, 2024, the City Council awarded a Services Agreement to Architerra Design Group (Architerra) to design, produce preliminary plans, cost estimates and present a final conceptual design that addresses all of the City requirements for a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing, and functional Civic Plaza. Architerra worked with a committee of City staff to develop a design that incorporates hardscape with low maintenance climate-appropriate landscape, an outdoor congregation area with a stage, lighting and sound systems to better accommodate community events and enhance the appearance of City Hall. A member of Architerra’s design team will present the final design at the March 18, 2025 Council Meeting. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Attachments 1. 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