19990105 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD JANUARY 5, 1999
AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE
CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Malburg, Ybarra, Gonzales, Davis
MEMBERS ABSENT: McCormick,
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 December 8th and 15th,
1998, be approved as submitted and adopted. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated December 29, 1998, was presented advising that Meter Reader
Brian Montoya has been selected to receive a 1999 Level I SPIRITS
Award for the Utilities Department based on his Superior
Performance for the past 12 months.
Police Department Activity Log for the period
December 15th thru 315t, 1998, was presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that the
Police Department Activity Log for the period December 15th thru
315t, 1998, be received and filed. Motion carried.
Fire Department Activity Report for the period
December 15th thru 31st, 1998, was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
the Fire Department Activity Report for the period December 15th
thru 31st, 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 anyone in the audience wished to
address the Council at this time.
There was no one wishing to address the City Council.
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to
open the PUBLIC HEARING to consider a request from Postal
Freight, Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a trucking
and freight terminal at 2065 Ross Street in the City of Vernon.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, to open
the PUBLIC HEARING to consider a request from Postal Freight,
Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a trucking and
freight terminal at 2065 Ross Street in the City of Vernon, the
time being 5:08 p.m. Motion carried.
Mr. Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services &
Water, addressed the City Council and briefly summarized this
matter.
City Council Meeting Minutes
January 5, 1999
Mr. Wilson, Director of Community Services & Water,
also advised of a change to the conditions and submitted his
letter of January 4, 1999 changing condition "J" to read:
j. A hazardous materials permit shall be obtained
from the City of Vernon Environmental Health Department if
hazardous materials/waste are used handled or stored. Hazardous
materials/waste shall be handled and managed in compliance with
all appropriate federal, state, and local laws.
Communication from Kevin Wilson, Director of
Community Services and Water, dated December 29, 1998, was
presented, advising that Postal Freight, Inc. has applied for a
conditional use permit to operate a trucking and freight terminal
at 2065 Ross Street.
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, copies of notification
letters to owners and tenants in the area and affidavits of
posting and mailing.
The project is categorically exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act because it is an existing
facility with no expansion of use as defined in Section 15301. A
Notice of Exemption will be prepared. In my opinion the proposed
operation will pose no adverse effects to the City of Vernon and
will have no significant effects on the environment.
The project is consistent with the General Plan as
adopted by the City of Vernon.
Based upon staff's review of the application, 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.
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.
It is further 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. All trucking operations, including truck and trailer
parking, shall be limited to the lot located at 2065 Ross Street
in 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.
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City Council Meeting Minutes January 5, 1999
C. All parking and loading facilities shall be paved
with a hard durable surface material and shall be adequately
drained, and kept free of dust, mud, trash and weeds. Where
parking or maneuvering areas adjoin the public street a barrier
wall or landscaping shall be installed and maintained to meet
City standards. Adequate on -site parking shall be maintained so
that no on -street parking will occur.
d. The facility shall be operated in a manner that
will prevent unsanitary conditions, odors or other nuisances.
The property shall be provided with adequate refuse containers
and refuse disposal services.
e. The facility's buildings shall be structurally
maintained to exclude rodents and the property shall be
maintained rodent free.
f. Servicing of vehicles including washing, steam
cleaning and repairing shall be performed in facilities in
compliance with appropriate codes.
g. No equipment or freight shall be stored on the
site other than in buildings, trailers or on the docks.
h. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Permit shall be obtained from the California State Board of Water
Resources, if required.
i. Adequate plans and materials must be available
for handling leaks or spills from vehicles during storage or
transportation.
j. A hazardous materials inventory and
business/contingency, plan shall be submitted and a hazardous
materials permit shall be obtained from the City of Vernon Health
Department. Hazardous materials/waste shall be handled and
managed in compliance with all appropriate federal, state and
local laws.
k. The facility shall be operated in a manner that
will not impede traffic on Ross Street.
1. All existing cracked sidewalk, curb and gutter
adjacent to the site in Ross Street shall be repaired and
maintained to meet City Standards.
M. The site shall not generate more than 14 truck
trips (7 inbound and 7 outbound) per day.
Mayor asked if the City Council had any questions or
comments.
The City Clerk asked how we would monitor the number
of trips inbound and outbound.
Mr. Wilson advised that this is done annually based
on the reports that, by law, must be submitted.
The Clerk asked how the Alameda Project would affect
this.
Mr. Wilson briefly summarized the streets that would
be affected by the Alameda Corridor Project and what alternatives
would be available at that time.
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City Council Meeting Minutes
January 5, 1999
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to close
the Public Hearing pertaining to the request from Postal Freight,
Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a trucking and
freight terminal at 2065 Ross Street in the City of Vernon.
Motion carried.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
communications from the Director of Community Services & Water
dated December 29, 1998 and January 4, 1999 and all supporting
documents submitted as evidence during the Public Hearing, be
received and filed. Motion carried.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
Council determine that the project is consistent with the General
Plan as adopted by the City of Vernon. Motion carried.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
Council determine that the project will not have a significant
effect on the environment. Motion carried.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that the
Council determine 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. 7256 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Granting a Conditional Use Permit
to Postal Freight, Inc. for the Operation of a Trucking and
Freight Terminal at 2065 Ross Street, was presented
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 7256 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
The City Clerk advised the Council that the following
matter should be deferred to the next City Council meeting.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Clerk,
dated'December 10, 1998, advising the Police Department has
applied for and received a 1998 grant from the COPS MORE program
amounting to $165,424.00. One of the requirements of the program
is that the agency must have an Equal Employment Opportunity
Plan. This plan, developed by Risk Management, has been reviewed
by the Chief of Police and the City Attorney, and it is hereby
recommended that Council adopt the City of Vernon Equal
Employment Opportunity Plan to fulfill the requirements of the
COPS MORE 1998 Award program. (Deferred from City Council Meeting
held December 15, 1998.)
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
above mentioned communication be deferred to the next City
Council meeting. Motion carried.
The City Clerk advised the Council that the following
matter and Resolution No. 7255 should be removed from the Agenda
and no further action taken at this time.
Consideration of a Brokering Agreement Between the
City of Vernon and California Polar Power Brokers, LLC. as
submitted by Kenneth J. DeDario, Director of Utilities, dated
December 10, 1998. (Deferred from City Council Meeting held
December 15, 1998.)
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City Council Meeting Minutes
January 5, 1999
RESOLUTION NO. 7255 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of a Brokering Agreement By and Between the City of
Vernon and California Polar Power Brokers, LLC ("CALPOL")
Providing for the Facilitation of Power Transactions on Behalf of
the City of Vernon. (Deferred from City Council Meeting held
December 15, 1998.)
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
the above mentioned communication and Resolution No. 7255 be
removed from the Agenda and no further action taken at this time.
Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce Olson, Chief of Police,
dated December 10, 1998, was presented requesting authority and
funds for Detective Richard Harvison to attend the Informant
Development & Maintenance Course at San Rafael on January 11th
thru 14th, 1999 with an expense allowance of $673.72 of which
$687.12 will be reimbursed by POST.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
authority and funds be granted for Detective Richard Harvison to
attend the Informant Development & Maintenance Course with an
expense allowance of $673.72. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce Olson, Chief of Police,
dated December 22, 1998, was presented requesting authority and
funds for Records Manager Elizabeth Sawickis and Assistant
Records Manager Theresa Nicholas to attend the First Annual
User's Training Conference at Brea on January llth thru 13th, 1999
with an expense allowance of $133.00 each.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
authority and funds be granted for Records Manager Elizabeth
Sawickis and Assistant Records Manager Theresa Nicholas to attend
the First Annual User's Training Conference with an expense
allowance of $133.00 each. Motion carried.
Communication from Dave Telford, Fire Chief, dated
December 28, 1998, was presented requesting authority and funds
for Captain Dan Kimes and Engineer Rory Moore to attend the Truck
Operations Class at Ben Clark Training Center, Riverside
Community College on January 25th thru February 5th, 1999 with an
expense allowance of $400.00 each.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that
authority and funds be granted for Captain Dan Kimes and Engineer
Rory Moore to attend the Truck Operations Class at Ben Clark
Training Center with an expense allowance of $400.00 each.
Motion Carried.
Communication from Dave Telford, Fire Chief, dated
December 28, 1998, was presented requesting authority and funds
for Firefighters Jeff Graves and Chris Hanson to attend the 1999
California Conference of Arson at San Luis Obispo on January 25th
thru 27th, 1999 with an expense allowance of $676.00 and $379.00
respectively.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that
authority and funds be granted for Firefighters Jeff Graves and
Chris Hanson to attend the 1999 California Conference of Arson
with an expense allowance of $676.00 and $379.00 respectively.
Motion carried.
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City Council Meeting Minutes
January 5, 1999
Communication from Ken DeDario, Director of
Utilities, dated December 29, 1998, was presented requesting
authority and funds for Engineering Aide Timothy F. Bass to
attend the General Orders 95/128 Rules Committee Spring 1999
General Meeting at Palm Springs on February 9th thru 11t', 1999
with an expense allowance of $442.64.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
authority and funds be granted for Engineering Aide Timothy F.
Bass to attend the General Orders 95/128 Rules Committee Spring
1999 General Meeting with an expense allowance of $442.64.
Motion carried.
Communication from Ken DeDario, Director of
Utilities, dated December 29, 1998, was presented requesting
authority and funds for Electronics Technician Antonio Lopez and
Electrical Engineer Ali Nourmohamadian to attend the Quarterly
EUSERC (Electric Utility Service Requirement Committee) Meeting
at Las Vegas on February 3rd thru 5t'', 1999 with an expense
allowance of $402.82 and $397.82 respectively.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
authority be granted for Electronics Technician Antonio Lopez and
Electrical Engineer Ali Nourmohamadian to attend the Quarterly
EUSERC (Electric Utility Service Requirement Committee) Meeting
with an expense allowance of $402.82 and $397.82 respectively.
Motion carried.
Communication from Kevin Wilson, Director of
Community Services and Water dated December 29, 1998, was
presented requesting authority and funds for Engineering Aide
Wenceslao Reynoso to attend the Overview of the Uniform Building
Code at Industry Hills on January 26th & 27t'', 1999 with an
expense allowance of $233.00.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
authority and funds be granted for Engineering Aide Wenceslao
Reynoso to attend the Overview of the Uniform Building Code with
an expense allowance of $233.00. Motion carried.
WARRANT REGISTER NO. 1005 covering claims and demands
presented during the period of December 11th thru December 30t',
1998, drawn on Wells Fargo Bank totaling $332,568.83, which
includes Demand Nos. 69910 thru 70129 (inclusive), excluding
Utility Demands and Void Demands as listed below (accounting
period January, 1999 was examined and audited.
69955 69958 69984 69985
69986 69987 69988 70084
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that
Warrant Register No. 1005 be approved and payment authorized for
claims and demands totaling $332,568.83, excluding Utility
Demands and Void Demands listed above. Motion carried.
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City Council Meeting Minutes January 5, 1999
WARRANT REGISTER NO. 1005 covering claims and demands
presented during the period of December llth thru December 29th,
1998, drawn on Wells Fargo Bank totaling $1,822,043.64, which
includes Utility Demand Nos. as listed below (accounting period
January, 1999) was examined and audited.
69919
69954
70023
70090
69921
69960
70037
70097
69925
69961
70040
70099
69941
69962
70046
70100
69944
69964
70050
70101
69945
69965
70053
70103
69949
69968
70055
70111
69950
69970
70060
70118
69951
69996
70062
70123
69952
70006
70080
70127
69953
70012
70085
70128
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
Warrant Register No. 1005 be approved and payment authorized for
Utility Claims and Demands totaling $1,822,043.64. 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.
Consideration for the City of Vernon to act as the
Scheduling Coordinator for Sunlaw as submitted by the Director of
Utilities, Ken DeDario on December 29, 1998.
Ken DeDario, Director of Utilities, addressed the
City Council and briefly summarized this matter.
RESOLUTION NO. 7259 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of Agreement for Vernon to Serve as the Scheduling
Coordinator for Sunlaw Cogeneration Partners I and to Authorize
the Director of the Utilities Department to be the City's
Representative to Approve and Execute Procedures and a Power Sale
Arrangement, was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 7259 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Director of
Finance, dated December 28, 1998, was presented transmitting the
Agenda for the Adjourned Finance Committee Meeting to be held
January 4, 1999 for approval of the recommendations contained
therein.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
recommendations listed on the January 4, 1999 Agenda for the
Adjourned Finance Committee meeting be approved. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 7257 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of Amendment No. 11 to the Administrative Services
Agreement (GUSI-2R04, GUSI-2R05 and GUSI-9V57) By and Between the
City of Vernon and United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, was
presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 7257 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 7258 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Renewal and Execution of the Master Stop Loss Policy (GUG-2R03)
By and Between the City of Vernon and United of Omaha Life
Insurance Company, was presented.
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City Council Meeting Minutes
January 5, 1999
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 7258 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Director of
Personnel, dated December 28, 1998, was presented transmitting
the Agenda for the Personnel Committee Meeting to be held January
4, 1999 for approval of the recommendations contained therein.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that the
recommendations listed on the January 4, 1999 Agenda for the
Personnel Committee meeting be approved. Motion carried.
The Mayor called a recess at 5:47 p.m.
The Council reconvened in regular session at 5:49
p.m., all members present before the recess again being present.
The City Clerk advised that there was nothing to be
discussed in 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
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
Council go into Closed Session, Item Nos. 2 & 3, the time being
5:48 p.m. Motion carried.
All persons were excluded from Closed Session except
the City Clerk, City Attorney, and Chief Deputy City Clerk.
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 -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
(a) City of Vernon vs. Central Basin, etc., Zastrow,
et al. LASC No. BC 130693;
(b) The City of Vernon v. The Atchison, Topeka and
Santa Fe Railway, CPUC Case No. 96-01-019;
(c) FERC Docket Nos. OA-96-76, OA97-602, OA97-604,
ER96-222; (Open access);
(d) FERC Docket Nos. ER97-2355, EC96-19-000, ER96-
16,33 and EL96-48 (Restructuring);
(e) CPUC Application No. 96-10-038 (SDG&E/SoCalGas
Merger); FERC Docket No. EL97-15 (ENOVA/PACIFIC
ENTERPRISES); FERC Docket No. EC97-12-000;
(f) 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;
(g) Vernon Sem v. City of Vernon, WC No. POM 0187239,
VNO Unassigned;
(h) 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;
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City Council Meeting Minutes January 5, 1999
(i) FERC Docket No. ER98-3594 (ISO);
(j) CPUC Application No. 98-07-005;
(k) FERC Docket No. ER98-3760 (ISO);
(1) Unicare Insurance Co. vs. City of Vernon,
Case No. VCO26942
3. With respect to every item of business to be
discussed in closed session pursuant to subdivision (c) of
Government Code § 54956.9.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation: One (1) potential case
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
Committee go out of Closed Session and resume Regular Session,
the time being 6:07 p.m. Motion carried.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
City Attorney's actions in intervening in FERC Docket No. ER99-
896-000 (California Independent System Operator) are hereby
ratified. Motion carried.
There being no further business to come before the
Council at this time, it was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis,
that the meeting adjourn. Motion carried.
1:Leyor
onis C. Ma urg
ATTEST:
Bruce V. Malkenhorst
City Clerk
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