19980922 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD SEPTEMBER 22, 1998
5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE
CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Malburg, Ybarra, McCormick, Gonzales, Davis
MEMBERS ABSENT:
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Malburg.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that
the minutes of the City Council Meeting held August 18,1998 and
September 8, 1998 be approved as submitted and adopted. Motion
carried.
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to
present the Service Pins.
The Mayor presented a Service Pin to Ana Bedoy,
Police Dispatcher, and extended congratulations on behalf of the
entire City Council.
Mauro Trujillo, Utilityman III, was unable to attend
the meeting and his Service Pin was accepted by Kevin Wilson,
Director of Community Services & Water.
The Mayor called a short recess, the time being 5:09
p.m. Council reconvened at 5:10 p.m., all members present before
the recess again being present.
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to
present the Perfect Attendance Awards.
The Mayor presented Perfect Attendance Awards to the
following employees and extended congratulations on behalf of the
entire City Council.
Andrew Thompson, Utilityman
Larry Weaver, Administrative Fire Captain
Ana Bedoy, Police Dispatcher
Robert Kipness, Foreman
William Wilson, Engineering Aide
Manuel Garcia, Systems Manager
The following employees were unable to attend the
meeting and their Perfect Attendance Awards were accepted by
their respective department head:
Gregory Bringhurst, Firefighter
Vito Gaxiola, Police Officer
Benjamin Potter, Vernon Service Officer
The Mayor called a short recess, the time being 5:12
P.M. Council reconvened at 5:13 p.m., all members present before
the recess again being present.
Police Department Activity Log for the period
September 1s' thru 15th, 1998, was presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
the Police Department Activity Log for the period September 1st
thru 15th, 1998, be received and filed. Motion carried.
Page 1 of 11
City Council Minutes
September 22, 1998
Fire Department Activity Report for the period
September 1st thru 15th, 1998, was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
Fire Department Activity Report for the period September 1st thru
15th, 1998, be received and filed. Motion carried.
Health Department Report for the month of August,
1998, was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the Health Department Report for the month of August, be received
and filed. Motion carried.
Risk Management Report for the month of August, 1998,
was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
Risk Management Report for the month of August, 1998, be received
and filed. Motion carried.
The City Clerk announced that now was the time for
anyone in the audience to address the City Council on any item on
the Agenda other than with regard to any Public Hearings that may
be listed.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone in the audience
who wished to address the City Council at this time.
There was no one in the audience who wished to
address the City Council at this time.
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to
open the Public Hearing to consider a request from B. H.
Investments, LLC., for a Variance to utilize one non -conforming
truck loading space at 2425 30th Street, Vernon.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, to open
the Public Hearing pertaining to the request from B. H.
Investments, LLC., for a Variance, the time being 5:15 p.m.
Motion carried.
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and
Water, addressed the City Council and briefly summarized this
matter. Mr. Wilson also advised that he submitted a
communication dated September 21, 1998 which addressed a change
to condition "T.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated September 17, 1998, was presented, advising that B. H.
Investments, LLC. has requested a variance from the Comprehensive
Zoning Ordinance Section 26.4.2-8, Development Standards, for the
property located at 2425 30th Street in the City of Vernon. B.
H. Investments, LLC., is the owner of the property and is
requesting to utilize one non -conforming truck loading space.
The building is currently occupied by Premier Textiles (formerly
known as Mellinneer Fibers) for manufacturing yarn.
Herewith is the following evidence:
1. Staff report.
2. Application for variance.
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City Council Minutes
September 22, 1998
3. Notice of Public Hearing, copies of notification
letters to owners and tenants in the area and
affidavits of posting and mailing.
It is recommended that the variance be granted with
the following conditions:
a) The number of conforming truck loading spaces on
the property shall not be reduced.
b) The usage of all non -conforming truck loading
spaces shall be limited so that no trucks parked at or using the
loading space shall extend into the existing street right-of-way
as shown on the Master Plan of Streets, dated June 16, 1992.
c) All existing and future tenants shall be notified
of these restrictions and a condition stating this shall be
placed in all future leases.
d) This variance shall automatically expire at the
time of any expansion or structural alteration of the building,
or on August 19, 2009, whichever occurs first. At that time, use
of the parking, access or loading area(s) allowed by this
variance shall be discontinued unless brought into compliance
with all applicable standards for parking, access, and loading
areas set forth in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. It is the
intent of the City Council that said parking, access, or loading
area(s) be treated in the same manner as a legal nonconforming
use subject to section 26.4.E-4(b).
Communication from Kevin Wilson, Director of
Community Services & Water, dated September 21, 1998, was
presented, advising that the following condition be amended for
the Variance for B. H. Investments, LLC., at 2425 30th Street:
(d) This variance shall automatically expire at the
time of any expansion or structural alteration of the building,
or on Autust 19, 2009, whichever occurs first. At which time the
use of the parking, access or loading area(s) allowed by this
variance shall be discontinued unless brought into compliance
with all applicable standards for parking, access and loading
areas set forth in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. It is the
intent of the City council that said parking, access or loading
area(s) be treated in the same manner as a legal nonconforming
use subject to section 26.4.E-4(b).
The Mayor asked if the City Council or anyone from
the audience had any questions or comments.
There were no questions or comments from the
audience.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick to
close the Public Hearing pertaining to the request from B. H.
Investments, LLC., for a Variance to utilize one non -conforming
truck loading space at 2425 30th Street, Vernon, the time being
5:21 p.m. Motion carried.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
communication from the City Clerk dated September 17, 1998, the
communication from the Director of Community Services & Water
dated September 21, 1998, and all supporting documents submitted
as evidence during the Public Hearing, be received and filed.
Motion carried.
Page 3 of 11
City Council Minutes September 22, 1998
RESOLUTION NO. 7214 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Granting a Variance to B. H.
Investments, LLC., from Section 26.4.2-8, Development Standards,
of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, for the Property Located
at 2425 30th Street in the City of Vernon was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 7214 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to
open the Public Hearing to consider a request from AirSep
Systems, Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a recycled
materials processing facility at 4405 Fruitland Avenue, Vernon.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, to open
the Public Hearing pertaining to the request from AirSep Systems,
Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a recycled materials
processing facility at 4405 Fruitland Avenue, Vernon, the time
being 5:22 p.m. Motion carried.
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and
Water, addressed the City Council and briefly summarized this
matter. Mr. Wilson also advised that he submitted a
communication dated September 21, 1998 which addressed a change
to conditions "d" and "j".
Communication from Kevin Wilson, Director of
Community Services and Water dated September 16, 1998, was
presented, advising that AirSep Systems, Inc. has applied for a
Conditional Use Permit to operate a recycled materials processing
facility at 4405 Fruitland Avenue in the City of Vernon. After
review of the application by the Community Services Department,
it is recommended that the Conditional Use Permit be granted.
Herewith for your consideration are the following
supporting documents:
1. Staff Report
2. Request for Conditional Use Permit and
information supporting the application.
3. Notice of Public Hearing, Notice of Intent,
copies of notification letters to owners and tenants in the area
and affidavits of posting and mailing.
4. Environmental Checklist Form and Initial Study.
5. Proposed Negative Declaration.
6. Mitigation Monitoring Program
An initial study has been conducted for the project
in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) which identifies potentially significant impacts on the
environment from the project. A mitigation monitoring program
has been proposed to mitigate any potentially significant
effects. The project is consistent with the General Plan as
adopted by the City of Vernon.
Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council
determine:
1. That the project is consistent with the General
Plan as adopted by the City of Vernon.
Page 4 of 11
City Council Minutes
September 22, 1998
2. That the project will not have a significant
effect on the environment.
3. That the project will not individually or
cumulatively have an adverse effect on wildlife resources.
Further, it is recommended that the conditional use
permit be granted subject to the following conditions:
a. The facility shall be operated, in accordance
with and made, to conform with all current codes, rules,
regulations, and subject to permit fees as adopted by the City of
Vernon.
b. All required federal, state, local, and regulatory
agency permits shall be obtained prior to operation. Prior to
occupancy a business license and occupancy permit shall be
obtained.
c. All required frontage improvements in the City of
Vernon shall be constructed and all existing cracked sidewalk,
curb and gutter adjacent to the site on Fruitland Avenue and
Everett Court, in the City of Vernon shall be repaired and
maintained to meet City Standards.
d. The facility shall be operated in a manner which
will not impede traffic on Everett Court or Fruitland Avenue and
parking and loading shall occur in either the lot located at 4405
Fruitland Avenue/5050 Everett Court or the additional parking lot
located on Fruitland Avenue in the City of Maywood. No on -street
parking or loading shall occur.
e. The proponent shall submit quarterly reports to
the Environmental Health Department on diversion and disposal
tonages.
f. All recyclable product waste containers which are
used to transport product to or from the facility shall be water
tight.
g. All transport vehicles used to deliver recycled
product to the facility shall be permitted by the City of Vernon.
h. There shall be no storage of materials outside of
the AirSep Systems, Inc. building at 4405 Fruitland Avenue.
i. The authorized use shall be conducted at all times
with due regard for the character of the surrounding area and
shall not cause a nuisance to the neighboring residences or
businesses.
j. The facility shall be operated in compliance with
the "Mitigation Monitoring Program for AirSep Systems, Inc.,
Recycled Material Processing Facility Located at 4405 Fruitland
Avenue, Vernon, California" dated August 25, 1998.
Communication from Director of Community Services &
Water, dated September 21, 1998, recommending that the following
conditions be amended for the conditional use permit for AirSep
Systems, Inc. to operate a recycled materials processing facility
at 4405 Fruitland Avenue:
Page 5 of 11
City Council Minutes September 22, 1998
d. The facility shall be operated in a manner which
will not impede traffic on Everett Court or Fruitland Avenue.
Truck parking and loading shall only occur in the lot located at
4405 Fruitland Avenue/5050 Everett Court while automobile parking
may occur in either the said lot or the lot located on Fruitland
Avenue in the City of Maywood. No on -street parking or loading
shall occur.
j. The facility shall be operated in compliance with
the "Mitigation Monitoring Program for AirSep Systems, Inc.,
Recycled Material Processing Facility Located at 4405 Fruitland
Avenue, Vernon, California" dated September 17, 1998.
Mayor asked if anyone in the audience or the City
Council had any comments or questions.
Mr. Wilson advised the City Council of a letter
received this date from Mr. E. W. Dunsmoor, Jr., Vice President
and General Manager of Jefferson Smurfit Corporation dated
September 22, 1998. Mr. Dunsmoor expressed their support of this
facility and advised that this facility would be utilized by his
firm and that they felt that this is an excellent opportunity for
the City to lead the way in the reduction of such recycled waste.
Bill Davis asked how many employees were at this
location.
Kevin Wilson replied that there were no more than
ten.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, to
close the Public Hearing pertaining to the request from AirSep
Systems, Inc. fora Conditional Use Permit to operate a recycled
materials processing facility at 4405 Fruitland Avenue inthe City
of Vernon, the time being 5:34 p.m. Motion carried.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
communications from the Director of Community Services & Water
dated September 16, 1998 and September 21, 1998, and all
supporting documents submitted as evidence during the Public
Hearing, be received and filed. Motion carried.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
City Council hereby determines that the project is consistent
with the General Plan as adopted by the City of Vernon. Motion
carried.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
the City Council hereby determines that the project will not have
a significant effect on the environment. Motion carried.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that the
project will not individually or cumulatively have an adverse
effect on wildlife resources and that the conditional use permit
be granted subject to conditions listed on the communication
submitted during the Public Hearing. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 7215 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Granting a Conditional Use Permit
to AirSep Systems, Inc. for the Operation of a Recycled Materials
Processing Facility at 4405 Fruitland Avenue in the City of
Vernon, was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 7215 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Page 6 of 11
City Council Minutes September 22, 1998
Communication from Bruce Olson, Chief of Police,
dated August 27, 1998 requesting authority and funds for Sergeant
Daniel Calleros and Detective Mathew Saidleman to attend the
Interview & Interrogations Course at San Bernardino on October
27th thru 31st, 1998 with an expense allowance of $459.80 each.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, that
authority and funds be granted for the Police personnel listed
above to attend the aforementioned course with a total expense
allowance of $459.80 each. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce Olson, Chief of Police,
dated August 13, 1998 requesting authority and funds for Police
Officer Donald Vanover to attend the Report Writing Course at
Newport Beach on October 13th thru 15th, 1998 with an expense
allowance of $297.80 of which $261.60 will be reimbursed by POST
was presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that
authority and funds be granted for Police Officer Donald Vanover
to attend the aforementioned course with a total expense
allowance of $297.80. Motion carried.
Communication from Dave Telford, Fire Chief, dated
July 22, 1998 requesting authority and funds for Fire Captain
John Cusolito to attend the Confined Space Rescue Operational
Conference at North Net Fire Training Center on October 26th thru
30th, 1998 with an expense allowance of $325.00 was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
authority and funds be granted for Fire Captain John Cusolito to
attend the aforementioned conference with a total expense
allowance of $325.00. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce Olson, Chief of Police,
dated July 16, 1998 requesting authority and funds for Elizabeth
Sawickis, Records Manager, to attend the C.L.E.A.R.S annual
training conference at Palm Springs on October 27th thru 30th, 1998
with an expense allowance of $606.85 was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
authority and funds be granted for Records Manager Elizabeth
Sawickis to attend the aforementioned conference with a total
expense allowance of $606.85. Motion carried.
Communication from Kevin Wilson, Director of
Community Services and Water, dated August 25, 1998 requesting
authority and funds for Art Cervantes, Engineering Aide I, to
attend the Public Works Construction Contracting II Seminar at
Anaheim on October 15, 1998 with an expense allowance of $295.00
was presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
authority and funds be granted for Engineering Aide I Art
Cervantes to attend the aforementioned seminar with a total
expense allowance of $295.00. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Director of
Personnel, dated September 17, 1998, was presented, transmitting
the Agenda for the Personnel Committee Meeting to be held
September 21, 1998 for approval of the recommendations contained
therein.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
recommendations listed on the September 17, 1998 Agenda for the
Personnel Committee meeting be approved. Motion carried.
Page 7 of 11
City Council Minutes September 22, 1998
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Director of
Finance, dated September 16, 1998, was presented, transmitting
the Minutes of the Finance Committee meeting held September 15,
1998 for approval of the recommendations contained therein.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
recommendations listed on the September 15, 1998 Minutes of the
Finance Committee meeting, be approved. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Director of
Finance, dated September 16, 1998, was presented, transmitting
the Agenda for the Adjourned Finance Committee Meeting to be held
September 21, 1998 for approval of the recommendations contained
therein.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
recommendations listed on the September 21, 1998 Agenda for the
Adjourned Finance Committee, be approved. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 7218 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of a Collectible Work Authorization By and Between the
City of Vernon and Southern California Gas Company for the
Installation of Two New 10" Service Lines and Two Meter Set
Assemblies at Bandini and Downey and Downey and Fruitland was
presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that
Resolution No. 7218 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
The Mayor abstained from voting on this matter.
RESOLUTION NO. 7216 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Revising Its Fees and Procedures
for Public Inspection and Examination of Public Records, and for
Obtaining Copies of Public Records of the City of Vernon and
Repealing Resolution No. 6678 was presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 7216 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
WARRANT REGISTER NO. 998 covering claims and demands
presented during the period of September 4, 1998 thru September
17, 1998, drawn on Wells Fargo Bank totaling $433,187.69, which
includes Demand Nos. 68506 thru 68705 (inclusive), excluding
Utility Demands and Void Demands as listed below (accounting
period September, 1998), was examined and audited.
68506
68549
68585 68622
68507
68560
68586
68508
68580
68587
68509
68581
68588
68510
68582
68589
68534
68583
68590
68535
68584
68591
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Warrant Register No. 998 be approved and payment authorized for
claims and demands totaling $433,187.69, excluding Utility
Demands and Void Demands as listed above. Motion carried.
Page 8 of 11
City Council Minutes September 22, 1998
WARRANT REGISTER NO. 998 covering claims and demands
presented during the period of September 4, 1998 thru September
17, 1998, drawn on Wells Fargo Bank totaling $449,145.41, which
includes Utility Demand Nos. as listed below (accounting period
September, 1998), was examined and audited.
68511
68562
68623
68681
68512
68564
68629
68682
68513
68568
68632
68691
68514
68569
68641
68696
68515
68572
68646
68699
68524
68573
68648
68703
68525
68577
68651
68554
68592
68652
68555
68600
68654
68558
68601
68667
68561
68617
68670
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
Warrant Register No. 998 be approved and payment authorized for
Utility claims and demands totaling $449,145.41. 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.
PAYROLL WARRANT REGISTER NO. 507 covering claims and
demands presented during the period of July 19, 1998 thru August
15, 1998, drawn on Wells Fargo Bank totaling $1,761,641.89 which
includes Demand Nos. 5867 thru 5903 (inclusive) (accounting
period August, 1998) was examined and audited.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that
Payroll Warrant Register No. 507 be approved and payment
authorized for claims and demands totaling $1,761,641.89. Motion
carried.
Consideration of a Gas Sales Agreement Between PG&E
Energy Services and the City of Vernon for gas supply for the
turbines as submitted by Kenneth J. DeDario, Director of
Utilities on September 16, 1998 was discussed.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the Gas Sales Agreement Between PG&E Energy Services and the City
of Vernon be approved and adopted. Mayor Malburg abstained from
voting. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 7217 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of a Gas Sales Agreement (Power Plant Only) By and
Between the City of Vernon and PG&E Energy Services Corporation
was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 7217 be approved and adopted. The Mayor abstained
from voting on this matter. Motion carried.
The Mayor called a recess at 5:58 p.m.
The Council reconvened in Regular Session at 6:00
p.m., all members present before the recess again being present.
The City Clerk advised that there were no issues for
Closed Session, Item No. 1.
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
Page 9 of 11
City Council Minutes
September 22, 1998
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that
Council go into Closed Session, Item No. 2, the time being 6:01
p.m. Motion carried.
All persons were excluded from Closed Session except
the City Clerk, Chief Deputy City Clerk, and the City Attorney.
The Mayor ordered all communications to and from the
Closed Session 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
(a) City of Vernon vs. Central Basin, etc., Zastrow,
et al. LASC No. BC 130693;
(b) City of Vernon v. Board of Harbor Commissioners
of the City Of Long Beach, et al., LASC Case No.
BC 158591; 2CIV B112374 (Pier T)
(c) The City of Vernon v. The Atchison, Topeka and
Santa Fe Railway, CPUC Case No. 96-01-019;
(d) Johnson & Vincent v. Vernon, LASC BS 039646;
(e) FERC Docket Nos. OA-96-76, OA97-602, OA97-604,
ER96-222; (Open access);
(f) FERC Docket Nos. ER97-2355, EC96-19-000, ER96-
16,33 and EL96-48 (Restructuring);
(g) CPUC Application No. 96-10-038 (SDG&E/SoCalGas
Merger); FERC Docket No. EL97-15 (ENOVA/PACIFIC
ENTERPRISES); FERC Docket No. EC97-12-000;
(h) Alex Mendrin (Al's Plastics) v. City of Vernon;
Norwalk Superior Court No. VC 025592 consolidated
with Scottsdale Insurance Company, et al, v.
Vernon; Norwalk Superior Court No. VC 025888;
(i) Vernon Sem v. City of Vernon, WC No. POM 0187239,
VNO Unassigned
(j) City of Vernon v. All Persons Interested in the
Matter of the Validity of City of Vernon
Ordinance No 1057 etc., Los Angeles Superior
Court No. BC 190791;
(k) FERC Docket No. ER98-3594 (ISO);
(1) CPUC Application No. 98-07-005;
(m) FERC Docket No. ER98-3760 (ISO);
(n) Donald Glaze v. City of Vernon, WCAB No. AHM
027019, 027021, 039637
(o) James Mason v. City of Vernon, WCAB No. MON
0215293
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that
the Council go out of Closed Session and resume Regular Session,
the time being 6:10 p.m. Motion carried.
Page 10 of 11
City Council Minutes
September 22, 1998
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
the City enter into a Stipulation at 57 1/4% permanent disability
in the matter of James Mason vs. the City of Vernon, WCAB No. MON
0215293. 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.
ATTEST:
Bruce V. Malkenhorst
City Clerk
L onis C. Malbu g
M or
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