20020306 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY
OF VERNON HELD MARCH 6, 2002,
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, McCormick
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Malburg.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
Minutes of the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting held
February 27, 2002 be approved and adopted as corrected. Motion
carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated January 29, 2002, was presented,
advising that the Director of Utilities Kenneth DeDario has
elected to recommend Ms. Deborah R. Medina, Administrative
Associate, to receive a 2001 Level II Department SPIRITS Award.
It is hereby recommended that Ms. Deborah R. Medina be awarded
the Level II Department SPIRITS Award for the Utilities
Department for the year 2001. (Deferred from the Council
meeting held February 27, 2002).
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
aforementioned communication from the City Administrator/City
Clerk, dated January 29, 2002 be received and filed and his
recommendation approved. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 19, 2002, was
presented, advising that the Director of Community Services and
Water Samuel Kevin Wilson has elected to recommend Mr. Juan
Arellano, Utilityman II, to receive a 2001 Level II Department
SPIRITS Award.
It is hereby recommended that Mr. Juan Arellano be awarded the
Level II Department SPIRITS Award for the Community Services and
Water Department for the year 2001. (Deferred from the Council
meeting held February 27, 2002).
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
aforementioned communication from the City Administrator/City
Clerk, dated February 19, 2002 be received and filed and his
recommendation approved. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 26, 2002, was
presented, advising that the Director of Utilities Kenneth
DeDario has selected to recommend Mr. Jose Pereyra, System
Coordinator II, to receive a 2002 Level I Department SPIRITS
Award.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that the
aforementioned communication from the City Administrator/City
Clerk, dated February 26, 2002 be received and filed. Motion
carried.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2002
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to
present a Service Pin.
The Mayor presented the Service Pin to the following
employee and extended congratulations on behalf of the entire
City Council.
Jose Cervantes Utilityman II 20 years
Police Department Activity Log for the period February
16 through 28, 2002, was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the Police Department Activity Log for the period February 16
through 28, 2002 be received and filed. Motion carried.
Fire Department Activity Report for the period
February 16 through 28, 2002, was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
Fire Department Activity Report for the period February 16
through 28, 2002 be received and filed. Motion carried.
The City Clerk announced that now was the time for
anyone in the audience who wished 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 wishing to address the City Council
at this time.
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to open
a public hearing to consider a request from Austin Trucking,
Inc., to operate a trucking terminal at 4528 Bandini Boulevard,
Vernon, California. (Continued from the Council meeting held
February 27, 2002).
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, to open
and continue a public hearing to consider a conditional use
permit application from Austin Trucking, Inc., to operate a
trucking terminal at 4528 Bandini Boulevard, Vernon, California,
the time being 5:08 p.m. Motion carried.
The Director of Community Services and Water addressed
the City Council and gave a brief overview on this matter.
Communication from Kevin Wilson, Director of Community
Services and Water, dated February 21, 2002, was presented,
advising that Austin Trucking, Inc. has applied for a
conditional use permit to operate a truck terminal at 4528
Bandini Boulevard.
Submitted herewith are the following supporting documents:
1. Staff Report.
2. Request for conditional use permit and information
supporting the application.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2002
3. Notice of Public Hearing, 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.
The project is consistent with the City of Vernon Comprehensive
Zoning Ordinance and the City of Vernon General Plan as adopted
by the City of Vernon.
It is hereby 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 be subject to permit fees as adopted
by the City of Vernon. All trucking operations,
including tractor parking, shall be limited to the lot
located at 4528 Bandini Boulevard 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.
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.
The wall or landscape strip shall be placed in
accordance with the City of Vernon setback
requirements. Adequate on -site parking shall be
maintained so that off-street parking will not 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 proposed site shall be structurally maintained to
exclude rodents and be maintained rodent free.
f. Servicing of vehicles including washing, steam
cleaning and repairing shall be performed in
facilities in compliance with appropriate codes.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2002
g. No equipment, freight or materials such as but not
limited to hazardous materials, hazardous waste,
refuse, tires, batteries or abandoned vehicles shall
be stored on -site other than in buildings, trailers or
on the docks approved by the City of Vernon for such
use.
h. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Permit shall be obtained from the California State
Board of Water resources, if required.
i. A hazardous material 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.
j. The facility shall be operated in a manner that will
not impede traffic on Bandini Boulevard.
k. All existing cracked sidewalk, curb, and gutter
adjacent to the site in Bandini Boulevard shall be
repaired and maintained in compliance with City
Standards.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, to
close the public hearing for Austin Trucking, Inc., the time
being 5:10 p.m. Motion carried.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
aforementioned communication from the Director of Community
Services and Water, dated February 21, 2002 and all supporting
documents submitted as evidence during the public hearing be
received and filed and his recommendation approved. Motion
carried.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that
City Council determines that the project is consistent with the
General Plan as adopted by the City of Vernon. Motion carried.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
City Council determines that the project will not have a
significant effect on the environment. Motion carried.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
City Council determines that the project will not individually
or cumulatively have an adverse effect on wildlife resources.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 7917 - A Resolution Of The City Council
Of The City Of Vernon Granting A Conditional Use Permit For
Austin Trucking, Inc., For The Operation Of A Trucking Terminal
At 4528 Bandini Boulevard. (Deferred from the Council meeting
held February 27, 2002), was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 7917 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
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March 6, 2002
Communication from Bruce Olson, Chief of Police, dated
February 20, 2002, was presented, requesting authority and funds
for Detective Joseph Rodriguez to attend the "Interview and
Interrogations Training" at San Pedro on April 2 through 6,
2002, with an expense allowance of $594.00, of which POST will
reimburse $574.40.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
authority and funds be approved for Detective Joseph Rodriguez
to attend the aforementioned training with an expense allowance
of $594.00. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce Olson, Chief of Police, dated
February 21, 2002, was presented, requesting authority and funds
for Sergeant Rex Hill to attend the "Management of the Field
Training Officer Program" at Newport Beach on April 1 through 3,
2002, with an expense allowance of $550.60, of which POST will
reimburse $523.80.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that
authority and funds be approved for Sergeant Rex Hill to attend
the aforementioned program with an expense allowance of $550.60.
Motion carried.
Communication from Kenneth J. DeDario, Director of
Utilities, dated February 20, 2002, was presented, requesting
authority and funds for Electrical Engineer Jose Lugo to attend
the "Management and Leadership Skills Seminar" at Pasadena on
April 3 and 4, 2002, with an expense allowance of $453.00.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that
authority and funds be approved for Electrical Engineer Jose
Lugo to attend the aforementioned seminar with an expense
allowance of $453.00. Motion carried.
Communication from Lewis Pozzebon, Director of
Environmental Health, dated February 26, 2002, was presented,
requesting authority and funds for Environmental Health
Specialist Lyndon Ong Yiu to attend the "Managing Food Allergens
Seminar" at Costa Mesa on April 25, 2002, with an expense
allowance of $211.80.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
authority and funds be approved for Environmental Health
Specialist Lyndon Ong Yiu to attend the aforementioned seminar
with an expense allowance of $211.80. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 28, 2002, was
presented, requesting authority and funds for Utility Clerk
Michelle J. Tolmasoff to attend the "Managing the Front Desk
Seminar" at Glendale on April 18, 2002, with an expense
allowance of $157.40.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
authority and funds be approved for Utility Clerk Michelle J.
Tolmasoff to attend the aforementioned seminar with an expense
allowance of $157.40. Motion carried.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2002
Communication from Bruce Olson, Chief of Police, dated
February 26, 2002, was presented, requesting authority and funds
for the below listed police officers to attend the "Police
Bicycle Patrol Seminar" at Santa Ana on April 2 through 4, 2002
with an expense allowance of $139.40 of which POST will
reimburse $75.48 each.
• Anthony Encinas
• Gustavo Herrera
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
authority and funds be approved for the above listed police
personnel to attend the aforementioned seminar with an expense
allowance of $139.40. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce Olson, Chief of Police, dated
February 22, 2002, was presented, requesting authority and funds
for Vernon Service Officer Arturo Padilla to attend the
"CPR/First Aid and OC Chemical Agents Seminar" at Pasadena on
March 29, 2002, with an expense allowance of $19.00 of which
Standards in Training for Corrections Program will reimburse
entire amount.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
authority and funds be approved for Vernon Service Officer
Arturo Padilla to attend the aforementioned seminar with an
expense allowance of 19.00 each. Motion carried.
Communication from Steven E. Parker, Fire Chief, dated
February 14, 2002, was presented, requesting authority and funds
for the below listed personnel to attend the "Swift Water
Operational Technician I Course" at Anaheim on April 1 through
3, 2002, with an expense allowance of $200.00 each.
• Michael Roche, Fire Captain
• Kevin Greenway, Firefighter
• Michael Rogers, Fire Engineer
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
authority and funds be approved for the above listed fire
personnel to attend the aforementioned course with an expense
allowance of $200.00 each. Motion carried.
Communication from Steven E. Parker, Fire Chief, dated
February 28, 2002, was presented, requesting authority and funds
for the below listed fire captains to attend the "Eleventh
Company Officer Academy Seminar" at Burbank on April 22 through
26, 2002, with an expense allowance of $200.00 each.
• John Cusolito
• James Dunn
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that
authority and funds be approved for the above listed fire
captains to attend the aforementioned seminar with an expense
allowance of $200.00 each. Motion carried.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2002
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 28, 2002, was
presented, advising that The Consulting Services Agreement with
Charles W. Montoya expired on February 21, 2002. At this time
it is hereby recommended that the agreement for services related
to the development of electrical projects for the City be
extended effective February 22, 2002.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the aforementioned communication from the City
Administrator/City Clerk be received and filed and his
recommendation approved. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 7921 - A Resolution Of The City Council
Of The City Of Vernon Approving And Authorizing An Amendment No.
Two To The Consulting Services Agreement By And Between The City
Of Vernon And Charles W. Montoya, was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that
Resolution No. 7921 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 28, 2002, was
presented, recommending that the 3/12 work -schedule for Police
Group 2 employees be approved and accepted. Said acceptance
does not preclude the City from adjusting said schedule if
necessary. If approval is granted, this shall be effective
March 1, 2002.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
aforementioned communication from the City Administrator/City
Clerk, dated February 28, 2002 be received and filed and his
recommendation approved. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 7920 - A Resolution Of The City Council
Of The City Of Vernon Approving And Authorizing The Execution Of
An Amendment To Fifth Side -Letter Agreement By And Between The
Municipal Employee Relations Representative ("MERR") Of The City
Of Vernon And The Vernon Police Officers' Benefit Association
("VPOBA") (Employee Group 2), was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 7920 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Director of
Personnel, dated February 28, 2002, was presented, transmitting
the Agenda for the Regular Personnel Committee meeting to be
held March 4, 2002 for approval of the recommendations contained
therein.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that the
recommendations on the Agenda for the Regular Personnel
Committee meeting held March 4, 2002 be approved. Motion
carried.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2002
Warrant Register No. 1085 covering claims and demands
presented during the period of February 21 through February 27,
2002, drawn on Wells Fargo Bank totaling $249,476.07, which
includes demand nos. 203202 through 203376, (inclusive),
excluding Utilities demands and voided check no. 203204.
(Accounting period March 2002).
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that
Warrant Register No. 1085 be approved and payment authorized for
claims and demands totaling $249,476.07 excluding Utilities
demands. Motion carried.
Warrant Register No. 1085 covering claims and demands
presented during the period of February 21 through February 27,
2002, drawn on Wells Fargo Bank totaling $1,282,075.16, which
includes Utilities demands nos. as listed below: (Accounting
period March 2002).
203206 203207 203217 203218 203219 203220
203221 203223 203226 203227 203228 203229
203235 203260 203286 203288 203295 203304
203305 203331 203333 203341 203357 203376
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
Warrant Register No. 1085 be approved and payment authorized for
Utilities claims and demands totaling $1,282,075.16. Motion
carried. Councilman Davis abstained from voting and
disqualified himself because its is reasonably foreseeable that
his decision may have material financial effect on his source of
income.
The Mayor called a short recess at 5:23 p.m. The City
Council reconvened in regular session at 5:32 p.m., all members
present before the recess again being present.
The City Clerk announced that there was nothing to be
discussed in closed session on 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
b. EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to go
into closed session on Item Nos. 2 and 3.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that the
City Council go into closed session on Item Nos. 2 and 3, the
time being 5:33 p.m. Motion carried.
All persons were excused from closed session with the
exception of the City Clerk, Chief Deputy City Clerk, and the
City Attorney.
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March 6, 2002
The Mayor ordered all communications to and from
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
§ 54956.9.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION
(a) The City of Vernon v. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa
Fe Railway, CPUC Case No. 96-01-019;
(b) FERC Docket Nos. ER97-2355, EC 96-19-000 and ER96-1663
(Restructuring);
(c) David Venegas, et al. v. City of Vernon, LASC No. BC
207136;
(d) Vernon v. All Persons; LASC No. BC 222145; CA B148676;
(e) Cal Compact Landfill Site, Carson, California; EPA No.
Unassigned; Shell Chemical Company, et al. v. County
of Los Angeles, et al., USDC Case No. 00-01917 MRP
(MANx); Phillips Petroleum Company, et al., v. County
of Los Angeles, et al., USDC Case No. CV00-01938 MRP
(MANx);
(f) Vernon v. Regional Water Quality Control Board; Nos.
A-1280, A1280 (a) and A-1280 (b) ;
(g) City of Torrance, et al v. State Compensation
Insurance Fund, Case Number Unknown;
(h) Kelly Pipe Co., etc. v. Valley Engineers, Inc., etc.,
et al; Valley Engineers, Inc., etc. v. City of Vernon,
etc. et al., LASC Case No. BC 227815;
(i) Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, etc. v.
City of Vernon, etc., et al., LASC Case No. BC 238846
cons. with City of Vernon v. Alameda Corridor Transp.
Auth., LASC Case No. BC 238841;
(j) FERC Docket No. ER98-3594 (ISO), FERC Docket No. ER98-
3760 (ISO); FERC Docket No. ER00-2019-000 (ISO); FERC
Docket No. EL00-105 (ISO); FERC Docket No. EL01-14-000
(Vernon v. ISO); FERC Docket No. ER01-313 (ISO); FERC
Docket No. ER01-315 (SCE/ISO); FERC Docket No. ER01-
724 (ISO); FERC Docket No. EL01-41 (Strategic Energy v
ISO); FERC Docket Nos. EL00-95-022/EL00-98-021
(SDG&E); FERC Docket Nos. EL00-95-023/EL00-98-022
(ISO); FERC Docket Nos. EL00-95-024/EL00-98-023
(PG&E); FERC Docket Nos. EL00-95-025/EL00-98-024
(SCE); FERC Docket No. EL01-1579 (ISO); FERC Docket
No. EL01-57-000 (_Reliant Energy, etc. et al. v. ISO);
EL01-75 (Vernon v. ISO); USCA No. 01-1187
(consolidated with 01-1190) (PG&E v. FERC); USCA No.
01-1193 (Modesto v. FERC); FERC Docket No. EL00-95
(SDG&E v. Sellers of Energy, et al.) consolidated with
FERC Docket No. EL00-98; FERC Docket Nos. RT01-82
(SDG&E), RT01-83 (PG&E), RT01-85 (ISO) and RT01-92
(SCE); SRP v. ISO, FERC Docket No. EL01-84; City of
Anaheim, et al. v. ISO/Vernon/SCE/SDG&E, Case No. 71-
198-00758-00 04 JTJ-R; FERC Docket No. ER02-599
((ISO); FERC Docket No. ER02-635 ((SDG&E); FERC Docket
No. ER02-636 (SCE); FERC Docket No. ER02-637 (PG&E);
FERC Docket No. ER02-651 (ISO);
(k) The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company
v. City of Vernon; USDC No. CV-00-12891 NM (AJWx);
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2002
(1) Sterling Davis v. City of Vernon, et al., USDC No. CV-
01-01602 DDP (AJWx);
(m) City of Corona v. All Persons, etc. et al., RSC Case
No. 351283;
(n) Cities of Arcadia, et al. v. The California Regional
Water Quality Control Board, etc., et al., LASC No BC
245633;
(o) FERC Docket No EL01-33 (SCE/PX); FERC Docket No. EL01-
36 (Coral Power, L.L.C., et al. v. PX); FERC Docket
No. EL01-37 (SRP & SMUD v. PX);
(p) FERC Docket No. EL01-34 (SCE, PG&E, SDG&E);
(q) FERC Docket No. EL01-42 (Universal Studios v. Southern
California Edison Company;
(r) A-1 Steel Fence Co., Inc. v. Amelco Construction, et
al., LASC (SE District) No. 01000602;
(s) Central and West Basin Water Replenishment District,
etc., v. Charles E. Adams, et al, LASC No. C 786656;
(t) Department of Water Resources v. ACN Energy, Inc., et
al., Case No. Case No. 01AS05497;
(u) FERC Docket No. ER02-455 (PG&E); FERC Docket Nos.
ECO2-31, EL02-36 and CP02-38 (PG&E, et al.);
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: Two (2) potential cases.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that the
City Council go out of closed session and resume regular
session, the time being 5:41 p.m. Motion carried.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that the
actions by Channing Strother of McCarthy, Sweeney & Harkaway in
intervening in FERC Docket No. ER02-922 (California Independent
System Operator Corporation) are hereby ratified. Motion
carried.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that the
actions by Channing Strother of McCarthy, Sweeney & Harkaway in
intervening in FERC Docket No. ER02-925 (Southern California
Edison Company) are hereby ratified. Motion carried.
There being no further business to come before the
City Council at this time, it was moved by McCormick, seconded
by Davis, that the meeting adjourn, the time being 5:43 p.m.
Motion carried.
ATTEST:
Bruce V. Malkenhorst
City Clerk
Leonis C. Mal urg
Mayor
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