19970408 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes
I
I
MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON
HELD APRIL 8, 1997 AT 5 P.M. IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY HALL
LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE,
VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Malburg, Ybarra, Davis, McCormick, Gonzales
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Malburg.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
Minutes of the City Council Meeting held March 4, 1997, be
approved as submitted and adopted. Motion carried.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
the Minutes of the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting held
March 25, 1997, be approved as submitted and adopted. Motion
carried.
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to
award Service pins to the following persons:
Richard Lucas, Sr. Building Inspector
Brian Montoya, Meter Reader
Matthew Brown, Police Officer
Stacy Waterfall, Dispatcher
15 Years
5 Years
5 Years
5 Years
Mayor Malburg presented Service Pins to the employees
listed above and extended congratulations on behalf of the entire
City Council.
The Mayor called a recess at 5:05 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 5:06 p.m., all members
present before the recess again being present.
Police Department Activity Log for the period March
16 thru 31, 1997, was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the Police Department Activity Log for the period March 16 thru
31, 1997, be received and filed. Motion carried.
Fire Department Activity Report for the period March
16 thru 31, 1997, was presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that the
Fire Department Activity Report for the period March 16 thru 31,
1997, be received and filed. Motion carried.
The City Clerk advised that now was the time for
anyone in the audience to address the Council on any matter
listed on the Agenda other than with regard to any Public
Hearings that may be listed.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone wishing to
address the City Council at this time.
There was no one in the audience wishing to address
the Council.
5694
I
I
City Council Minutes
page 2
April 8, 1997
Communication from Police Chief Louis Rosenkrantz,
dated March 4, 1997, was presented, requesting authority and
funds for Lt. Jim Wohlt to attend a POST Management Course in
Dana Point, May 5-16, 1997, with an expense allowance of $518 of
which $418 will be reimbursed by POST.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, that
authority be granted for Lt. Jim Wohlt to attend the afore-
mentioned course with an expense allowance of $418. Motion
carried.
Communication from Police Chief Louis Rosenkrantz,
dated March 7, 1997, was presented, requesting authority and
funds for Police Officer Robert Osborne to attend the California
Financial Crime Investigators Seminar in Oxnard, May 7-9, 1997,
with an expense allowance of $571.50.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
authority be granted for Officer Robert Osborne to attend the
aforementioned seminar with an expense allowance of $571.50.
Motion carried.
Communication from Police Chief Louis Rosenkrantz,
dated March 12, 1997, was presented, requesting authority and
funds for Police Officers Mark Dressen, Brian Baker, and Matthew
Saidleman to attend a Field Training Officer Course in Whittier,
May 13-17, 1997, with an expense allowance of $123.30 each of
which $86.80 each will be reimbursed by POST.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
authority be granted for Officers Mark Dressen, Brian Baker, and
Matthew Saidleman to attend the aforementioned course with an
expense allowance of $123.30 each. Motion carried.
Communication from Lewis Pozzebon, Director of
Environmental Health, dated March 20, 1997, was presented,
requesting authority and funds for Paul Manasjan, Environmental
Specialist, to attend a training course entitled "Design and
Operation of Solid Waste Transfer Operation" in San Jose, May 14-
15, 1997, with an expense allowance of $815.80.
authority
to attend
$815.80.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
be granted for Paul Manasjan, Environmental Specialist,
the aforementioned course with an expense allowance of
Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated March 20, 1997, was presented, requesting authority and
funds for Sharon L. Johnson, Budget Auditor, to attend the
California Municipal Treasurers Association 1997 Conference in
Palm Springs, April 14-18, 1997, with an expense allowance of
$815.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that
authority be granted for Sharon L. Johnson, Budget Auditor, to
attend the aforementioned conference with an expense allowance of
$815. Motion carried.
Communication from Fire Chief Dave Telford, dated
March 25, 1997, was presented, requesting authority and funds for
Firefighter Jason McEachran to attend a Hazardous Materials
Instructor Certification Course in Oroville, California, April
22-25, 1997, with an expense allowance of $400.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
authority be granted for Firefighter Jason McEachran to attend
the aforementioned course with an expense allowance of $400.
Motion carried.
~693
I
I
City Council Minutes
page 3
April 8, 1997
Communication from Fire Chief Dave Telford, dated
March 25, 1997, was presented, requesting authority and funds for
Battalion Chief James F. Smith to attend a Health and Safety
Seminar in Long Beach, May 14-15, 1997, with an expense allowance
of $135.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
authority be granted for Battalion Chief James F. Smith to attend
the aforementioned seminar with an expense allowance of $135.
Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated March 27, 1997, was presented, requesting authority and
funds for Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Ybarra, and Councilmen William
Davis and William McCormick, to attend the California Contract
Cities Association 38th Annual Seminar in Palm Springs, May 15-
18, 1997, with an expense allowance of $1190 each.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
authority be granted for the above listed City officials to
attend the aforementioned seminar with an expense allowance of
$1190 each. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated March 27, 1997, was presented, requesting authority and
funds to attend the California Contract Cities Association 38th
Annual Seminar in Palm Springs, May 15-18, 1997, with an expense
allowance of $1290.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
authority be granted for Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk, to
attend the aforementioned seminar with an expense allowance of
$1290. Motion carried.
Communication from Police Chief Louis Rosenkrantz,
dated March 27, 1997, was presented, requesting authority and
funds for Police Officers Brian Baker, Matthew Saidleman, David
Rumley, and Mark Dressen to attend the Field Training Officer
Survival Course in Irvine on May 6, 1997, with an expense
allowance of $140.96 each of which $132.96 each will be
reimbursed by POST.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
authority be granted for Officers Brian Baker, Matthew Saidleman,
David Rumley and Mark Dressen to attend the aforementioned course
with an expense allowance of $140.96 each. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated April 1, 1997, was presented, advising that Vie de France
Yamazaki, Inc. has requested a Variance from the 1994 Edition of
the Uniform Building Code, Table No.5-A: Wall and Opening
Protection of Occupancies Based on Location on Property, for the
properties located at 3046 and 3022 50th Street. The company has
occupied 3046 50th Street for over ten years, and they are
planning to expand their operation to include 3022 50th Street.
They are proposing to make two openings in the adjoining walls,
one 8' wide by 10' high and the other 12' wide by 10' high.
Submitted herewith is an Engineer's Report submitted by the
Department of Community Services. This has also been reviewed by
the Fire Chief and the Director of Community Services, and it is
hereby recommended that the Variance be granted subject to the
Conditions listed below. If the Variance is granted no
additional hazards will be introduced.
1. Three-hour fire rated door assemblies shall be
provided at the openings in the property line
wall. The doors shall have fusible links on
both sides.
5692
I
I
City Council Minutes
page 4
April 8, 1997
2. Prior to occupancy of 3022 50th Street, Vie de
France Yamazaki. Inc. shall obtain a Certificate
of Occupancy.
3. Upon any change in occupancy, ownership or use,
the doors shall be removed and the wall shall be
reconstructed.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
communication from the City Clerk dated April 1, 1997 and all
supporting documents be received and filed, and that the Variance
be granted to Vie de France Yamazaki, Inc. contingent upon their
adherence to the aforementioned Conditions 1 thru 3. Motion
carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated April 1, 1997, was presented, transmitting a Water Right
License and Agreement with pabco Paper Products which would allow
Vernon the rights to extract 800 acre-feet of pabco's allowed
pumping allocation at a cost of $140 per acre-foot or $112,000
total. This has been reviewed by the Director of Community
Services and Water and the City Attorney, and it is hereby
recommended that the agreement be approved and executed.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, that
the communication from the City Clerk dated April 1, 1997, be
received and filed, and that his recommendation be approved.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 6935 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of a Water Right License By and Between the City of
Vernon and Pabco Paper Products, Which Grants the City of Vernon,
a License to Extract 800 Acre-Feet of Pabco's Allowed Pumping
Allocation for the Period July 1, 1997 through June 30, 1998, was
presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 6935 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated April 3, 1997, was presented, advising that Pacific
Pipeline System, Inc. has prepared an Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 20"
insulated oil pipeline and associated fiber optics cable that
will be laid from Kern County to the Los Angeles area refineries.
Approximately 375 feet of the pipeline will be within the City of
Vernon in Alameda Street just south of 25th Street. The Director
of Community Services advises that the pipeline within Vernon, as
proposed, will not interfere with the proposed Alameda Corridor
construction. The Director has reviewed the EIR and the EIS, and
has submitted the attached Findings and Statement of Overriding
Considerations. The Director advises that it is his opinion the
documents address potential impacts and have adequately mitigated
any potential concerns that the City may have. The City, in
accordance with the CEQA, is required to review the Final
Environmental Impact Statement/Subsequent Environmental Impact
Report for the project.
In addition to the above, since the lines will be installed
within the City of Vernon in Alameda Street (375 feet) it is
recommended that a Franchise Agreement be prepared by the City
Attorney's office and that a Public Hearing be set on May 6, 1997
to review the matter of approving a Franchise Agreement by and
between Pacific Pipeline System, Inc. and the City of Vernon.
5<<91
I
I
City Council Minutes
page 5
April 8, 1997
Tom Rooney, an Engineer representing Pacific
Pipeline, asked to address the City Council and advised that
Pacific Pipeline presently has an eminent domain lawsuit with the
City of Los Angeles that was approved in Superior Court on
January 28, 1997. He stated they are now negotiating with the
City of Los Angeles and things are looking much better.
The Mayor asked Mr. Rooney how deep this line was
going to be.
Mr. Rooney stated that in the City of Vernon it will
be according to the permit and he believed it would be 8 feet.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
the communication from the City Clerk dated April 3, 1997, be
received and filed, and that a Public Hearing be set with regard
to a Franchise Agreement with Pacific Pipeline System, Inc. for
May 6, 1997. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 6937 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Declaring Its Intention to Grant a
Franchise to Pacific Pipeline System, Inc. to Install, Maintain
and Operate a Pressurized Steel Pipeline and Appurtenances In and
Under Alameda Street in the City of Vernon, California, was
presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Resolutions No. 6937 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated April 2, 1997, was presented, advising that Dow Jones
PowerHub is offering a program whereby prizes of up to $1,000 per
quarter are awarded to the organization with the most postings
(offers to buy or sell power or transmission) on the Dow Jones
PowerHub Trading System or Bulletin Board Services. The City
currently uses the Western Systems Power Pool Bulletin Board
Service as part of our normal operation. This has been reviewed
by the Director of Light and Power and the City Attorney, and it
is hereby recommended that approval be granted for the City to
participate in the "1997 Dow Jones PowerHub Frequent postings
Program" and that the City Administrator be authorized to execute
the Statement of Eligibility.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that
the communication from the City Clerk dated April 2, 1997, be
received and filed, and that his recommendation be approved.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 6936 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of a Statement of Eligibility to Participate in the
1997 Dow Jones Powerhub "Frequent Posting Program" Being Offered
to Western Systems Power Pool Members, was presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 6936 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
The City Clerk advised the Council that the following
matter should be deferred to the next meeting.
Hearing for the determination of the disability
retirement of Police Captain James E. Mason.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated March 19, 1997, advising that Police Captain James Mason
has filed an application with the Public Employees Retirement
5690
I
I
City Council Minutes
page 6
April 8, 1997
System (PERS) for a disability retirement, and based on the
report of Dr. Richard N. Shaw, it is hereby recommended that
Captain Mason's request be denied.
RESOLUTION NO. 6928 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Denying/Granting the Disability
Retirement of James E. Mason, a Local Safety Member Employed by
the City of Vernon (Government Code Sections 21024 and 21025) .
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
aforementioned matter be deferred to the next City Council
Meeting. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Director of
Personnel, dated April 3, 1997, was presented, transmitting the
Agenda for the Adjourned Regular Personnel Committee Meeting to
be held April 7, 1997, for approval of the recommendations
contained therein.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to
approve the recommendations listed on the Agenda for the
Adjourned Regular Personnel Committee Meeting held April 7, 1997.
Motion carried.
WARRANT REGISTER NO. 960 covering claims and demands
presented during the period of March 21 thru April 3, 1997, drawn
on Wells Fargo Bank totaling $361,644.36, which includes Demand
Nos. 61124 thru 61296 (inclusive), excluding Light and Power
Demands and Void Demand Nos. 61151, 61174, 61184 thru 61186
(inclusive), and 61221 (accounting period April, 1997), was
examined and audited.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
Warrant Register No. 960 be approved and payment authorized for
claims and demands totaling $361,644.36, excluding Light and j
Power Demands. Motion carried.
WARRANT REGISTER NO. 960 covering claims and demands
presented during the period of March 21 thru April 3, 1997, drawn
on Wells Fargo Bank totaling $1,648,970.03, which includes Light
and Power Demand Nos. as listed below (accounting period April,
1997), was examined and audited:
61131
61139
61140
61141
61142
61143
61144
61145
61146
61147
61148
61149
61162
61163
61164
61165
61166
61182
61189
61209
61214
61219
61222
61228
61229
61241
61254
61256
61257
61265
61266
61274
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
Warrant Register No. 960 be approved and payment authorized for
claims and demands totaling $1,648,970.03. Motion carried.
Councilman Davis abstained from voting and disqualified himself
because it is reasonably foreseeable that the decision may have a
material financial effect on his source of income.
Mayor Malburg called a recess at 5:35 p.m.
The Council reconvened in regular session at 5:37
p.m., all members present before the recess again being present.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
the Council go into Closed Session to confer on Item No. 1 listed
below, the time being 5:37 p.m. Motion carried.
All persons were excluded from the Closed Session
with the exception of the City Clerk, City Attorney, Chief Deputy
City Clerk, Director of Community Services, Eduardo Olivo, legal
associate from the City Attorney's office, and the Utilityman.
S689
,.
I
I
City Council Minutes
page 7
April 8, 1997
The Mayor ordered that all communications to and from
the Closed Session be deemed privileged and confidential.
1. With respect to every item of business to be
discussed in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section
54957.
a. EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
The UtilitYffian was excused from the Closed Session at
5:40 p.m.
The Director of Community Services was excused from
the Closed Session at 5:45 p.m.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
the Council go out of Closed Session and resume regular session,
the time being 5:45 p.m. Motion carried.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
the Council go into Closed Session to confer on Items No. 2 and 3
listed below, the time being 5:46 p.m. Motion carried.
All persons were excluded from the Closed Session
with the exception of the City Clerk, City Attorney, Chief Deputy
City Clerk, and Eduardo Olivo, legal associate from the City
Attorney's office.
The Mayor ordered that all communications to and from
the Closed Session be deemed privileged and confidential.
2. With respect to every item of business to be
discussed in Closed Session pursuant to subdivision (a) of
Government Code Section 54956.9.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
Name of Cases:
(a) City of Vernon vs. Central Basin Municipal
Water District, LASC No. BC 121124;
(b) City of Vernon vs. Central Basin, etc.,
Zastrow, et al., LASC No. BC 130693;
(c) City of South Gate, et al. vs. City of
Los Anqeles, et al., LASC No. BC 129447;
2CIV B100019; Supreme Court No. S057753;
(d) City of Vernon v. Board of Harbor
Commissioners of the City of Lonq Beach, et
al., LASC Case No. BC 158591; (Pier T)
(e) The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe
Railway vs. City of Vernon; LASC No.
BC 123510; 2CIV B102025;
(f) The City of Vernon v. The Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe Railway, CPUC Case No.
96-01-019;
(g) Vernon v. Southern California Gas Company,
CPUC No. 96-05-038;
(h) Johnson & Vincent v. Vernon, LASC BS 039646;
(i) Allstate, etc. et al. v. Vernon, Case No.
VC022411;
S- 68 8
I
I
City Council Minutes
page 8
April 8, 1997
(j)
(k)
FERC Docket No. OA-96-76 (Open Access);
FERC Docket Nos. EC96-19-000, ER96-1633
and EL96-48 (Restructuring);
(1 )
Gonzalez, etc., et al v. u.s. Customs
Services, et al., USDC CV96-4361 RJK (Jrx);
(m)
Lynwood v. Vernon, LASC BS 041786;
(n) CPUC Application No. 96-10-038 (SDG&E/
SoCalGas Merger); FERC Docket No. EL97-15
(ENOVA/PACIFIC ENTERPRISES;
(0) City of Oranqe, et al. v. Alabama Treasury,
et al., LASC Case No. BC 106461;
(p) City of Vernon v. Western Motor Exoress
Invoice 09651;
3. With respect to every item of business to be
discussed in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.95.
LIABILITY CLAIMS
Claimant: Safeco Insurance Companies of America
Agency claimed against: City of Vernon
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
the Council go out of Closed Session and resume regular session,
the time being 5:56 p.m. Motion carried.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that the
Utilityroan be disciplined as recommended. Motion carried.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
the City Administrator be authorized to accept the settlement and
sign a release in the matter of City of Vernon v. Western Motor
Exoress Invoice 09651. Motion carried.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
the liability claim of Safeco Insurance Companies of America be
deferred to the next City Council Meeting. Motion carried.
There being no further business to come before the
Council at this time, it was moved by McCormick, seconded by
Ybarra, that the meeting adjourn. Motion carried.
~" r ~
"'Le~g .
yor
ATTEST:
///~
A
I
Bruce V. Malkenhorst
City Clerk
\ ';'\:
8"87
I
I
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON TO BE HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1997
AT 5 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY HALL, LOCATED AT
4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA, WAS ADJOURNED BY ORDER
OF THE CITY CLERK (DUE TO LACK OF QUORUM) TO TUESDAY, APRIL 8,
1997 AT 5 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED
AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA.
a~
co
City Clerk
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES) ss
CITY OF VERNON )
I, GLORIA J. OROSCO, Chief Deputy City Clerk of the City of
Vernon, do hereby certify that I did, on the 2nd day of April,
1997, have posted:
The above Notice of Adjournment for the City
Council Meeting to be held April 1, 1997.
Said Notice was posted at a conspicuous place near the door of
the room at which said meeting was held, within 24 hours of said
adjournment.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is
true and correct.
Dated: q/; / L( --;
(
Gloria J. Orosc
Chief Deputy Cit