20030305 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF
VERNON HELD MARCH 5, 2003,
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 Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held February 19,
2003, be approved and adopted as submitted. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 24, 2003, was
presented, advising that the below listed employee qualified in
the month of January 2003 for a Perfect Attendance Award. This
is awarded to employees on the basis of a minimum of two (2)
years of perfect attendance:
Date of Hire Employee Award
12/05/99 Marisol Trujillo, Deputy City Clerk 2
The Mayor presented an award to the aforementioned
employee and extended congratulations on behalf of the entire
City Council.
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to
present Service Pins.
The Mayor presented Service Pins to the following
employees and extended congratulations on behalf of the entire
City Council.
Jose Alvarez Utilityman III 15 years
Maria Gonzalez Records Clerk 5 years
Antonio Lopez Electronics Technician 5 years
Greg Tsujiuchi Assistant to the
City Administrator 5 years
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 27, 2003, was
presented, advising that the SPIRITS Award Committee, composed
of Department Heads and the Chief Deputy City Clerk, has
selected Cerissa Diaz, Dispatcher in the Police Department, to
receive the 2002 Annual SPIRITS Award for her exemplary
performance during the past year. Based on their review it is
hereby recommended that Cerissa Diaz be awarded the 2002 Annual
City Spirits Award.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that the
aforementioned communication from the City Administrator/City
Clerk, dated February 27, 2003, be received and filed and the
recommendation approved. Motion carried.
Regular City Council Minutes
March 5, 2003
RESOLUTION NO. 8168 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Awarding Cerissa Diaz, a Dispatcher in the
Police Department, the Year 2002 Annual City Spirits Award and
Commending Her for Her Exemplary Services to the City of Vernon
During the Year 2002.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 8168 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Police Department Activity Log for the period
February 16 through 28, 2003, was presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that the
Police Department Activity Log for the period February 16
through 28, 2003, be received and filed. Motion carried.
Fire Department Activity Report for the period
February 16 through 28, 2003, was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
the Fire Department Activity Report for the period February 16
through 28, 2003, 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 advised that the following matter and
respective resolution should be deferred to the City Council
Meeting scheduled for April 2, 2003.
HEARING - To consider Industrial Disability Retirement
Qualification for Mr. Larry Weaver. (Continued from the City
Council Meeting held February 19, 2003.)
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated January 28, 2003, advising that
the City has reviewed Mr. Larry Weaver's personnel file and any
available workers' compensation proceedings in relation to his
case. This review does not appear to justify a determination by
the City Council that Mr. Weaver qualifies for disability
retirement in accordance with Government Code Sections 21154 and
21156.
This has been reviewed by the Risk Manager and it is hereby
recommended that Mr. Weaver's request for disability retirement
be denied. (Continued from the City Council Meeting held
February 19, 2003.)
Page 2 of 10
Regular City Council Minutes
March 5, 2003
RESOLUTION NO. 8136 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Denying the Disability Retirement of Larry
J. Weaver, a Local Safety Member Employed by the City of Vernon
(Government Code Sections 21154 and 21156). (Continued from the
City Council Meeting held February 19, 2003.)
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
aforementioned communication and Resolution No. 8136 be deferred
to the City Council Meeting scheduled for April 2, 2003. Motion
carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 24, 2003, was
presented, advising that on January 25, 2003, this legislative
body approved Resolution No. 8133, inviting sealed proposals or
bids for the purchase of two (2) 2003 Ford F250 XL Regular
Pickup Trucks for the Community Services and Water Department.
On February 18, 2003, the Purchasing Section received the
following bids:
• Don Kott Ford $36,215.06
• Peck Road Truck Center $37,499.98
• Midway Ford $37,744.62
• Wondries Ford No Bid
This has been reviewed by the Community Services and Water
Department and the Purchasing Section and it is hereby
recommended that Bid No. 1426 be awarded to Don Kott Ford, a
vehicle purchase agreement be prepared, and a purchase order be
issued for the purchase of two (2) 2003 Ford F250 XL Regular
Pickup Trucks at an approximate total cost of $36,215.06.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the aforementioned communication from the City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 24, 2003, be received
and filed and his recommendation approved. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 8164 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Accepting the Bid of Don Kott Ford on Bid
No. 1426 for the Purchase of Two 2003 Ford XL Regular Cab Pickup
Trucks for the Community Services & Water Department and
Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Vehicle Purchase
Contract and the Issuance of a Purchase Order Respecting Said
Bid.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 8164 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 24, 2003, was
presented, advising that on the Agenda for the City Council
Meeting held January 8, 2003, a consideration item appeared on
page 7 regarding engineering support and professional services
with Power Engineering. This matter was discussed and approved;
however, a motion that reflected the City Council's approval was
inadvertently omitted from the Minutes of said meeting.
Page 3 of 10
Regular City Council Minutes
March 5, 2003
At this time it is necessary that the January 8, 2003 minutes be
corrected, for the official record, to reflect the Council's
authorizing to enter into two contracts with Power Engineering
for engineering support and professional services in conjunction
with the construction of the Malburg Generating Station.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the aforementioned communication from the City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 24, 2003, be received
and filed and his recommendation approved. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 26, 2003, was
presented, advising that David Seewack & Scott Spiwak on behalf
of Julius & Anita Zelman, have requested a variance from the
2001 California Building Code Table No. 5-A, which states that
openings in the exterior wall are not allowed within five feet
of the property line. Doheny Trading (3360 Fruitland) is
proposing to sublease and expand into 10,000 square feet of the
building located at 3366 Fruitland Avenue (Zelman's property).
Due to the nature of this operation, they will need access
between the two buildings. They are proposing to construct one
standard loading door measuring 121x 14' in size on the west
wall of the building. Submitted herewith is a Staff Report as
prepared by the Community Services and Water Department.
This has been reviewed by the Fire Chief and the Director of
Community Services and Water and it is recommended that the
variance be granted with the following conditions:
1. A three-hour fire rated door assembly shall be
provided at the openings in the property line wall.
The doors shall have fusible links on both sides.
2. Upon any change in occupancy, ownership or use, the
doors shall be removed and the wall shall be
reconstructed under a building permit.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that the
aforementioned communication from the City Administrator/City
Clerk, dated February 26, 2003, be received and filed and his
recommendation approved. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator, dated February 27, 2003, was presented, advising
that Federal Funds in the amount of $282,270.00 were previously
allocated for investigation of the widening & strengthening of
the Atlantic Bridge over the Los Angeles River. In order
receive & expend funds we must execute "Program Supplement No.
M002 to Administering Agency -State Agreement for Federal -Aid
Projects No. 07-5139." This matter has been reviewed by the
Director of Community Services and Water and the City Attorney
and it is hereby recommended that said Program Supplement be
approved and executed.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
aforementioned communication from the City Administrator/City
Clerk, dated February 27, 2003, be received and filed and his
recommendation approved. Motion carried.
Page 4 of 10
Regular City Council Minutes
March 5, 2003
RESOLUTION NO. 8167 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
Program Supplement No. M002 to Administering Agency -State
Agreement for Federal -Aid Projects No. 07-5139 By and Between
the City of Vernon and the State of California, Acting by and
through the Department of Transportation.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 8167 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
The City Clerk advised that the following matter and
respective resolution should be deferred to the next City
Council Meeting.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City
Administrator/City Clerk, dated February 27, 2003, advising that
this legislative body previously agreed to rebate a portion of
Kal Kan Food, Inc.'s personal property tax. This was based on
Kal Kan's intent to expand their manufacturing facility. As a
condition of that agreement a Utility Use Agreement for the
purchase and use of electricity, water, natural gas, and
communication services for a five (5) year period has been
prepared. This has been reviewed by the City Attorney and it is
hereby recommended that the Utility Use Agreement be approved
and executed.
RESOLUTION NO. 8166 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
a Utility Use Agreement By and Among the City of Vernon, the
Redevelopment Agency of the City of Vernon and Kal Kan Foods,
Inc.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that the
aforementioned communication and Resolution No. 8166 be deferred
to the next City Council Meeting. Motion carried.
Communication from Steven Parker, Fire Chief, dated
February 24, 2003, was presented, requesting authority and funds
for the below listed Firefighters to attend the "Emergency
Trench Rescue and Shoring Class" at Anaheim on April 15 and 16,
2003, with an expense allowance of $125.00 each.
• Brian Brown
• Jonathan Flagler
• Frank Quinones
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that
authority and funds be approved for the above listed fire
personnel to attend the aforementioned course with an expense
allowance of $125.00 each. Motion carried.
Page 5 of 10
Regular City Council Minutes
March 5, 2003
Communication from Samuel Kevin Wilson, Director of
Community Services and Water, dated February 25, 2003, was
presented, requesting authority and funds for the below listed
personnel to attend the "Pesticide Applicator Seminar" at
Anaheim on April 8, 2003, with an expense allowance of $68.20
and $70.60, respectively.
• Andrew Thompson, Utilityman II
• David Muniz, Utilityman III
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
authority and funds be approved for the above listed Community
Services and Water personnel to attend the aforementioned
training with an expense allowance of $68.20 and $70.60,
respectively. Motion carried.
Communication from Samuel Kevin Wilson, Director of
Community Services and Water, dated February 25, 2003, was
presented, requesting authority and funds for Utilityman II
Andrew Thompson to attend the 1115th Annual CAL/OSHA Update" at
Anaheim on April 3, 2003, with an expense allowance of $390.36.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
authority and funds be approved for Utilityman II Andrew
Thompson to attend the aforementioned course with an expense
allowance of $390.36. Motion carried.
Communication from Lewis Pozzebon, Director of
Environmental Health, dated February 26, 2003, was presented,
requesting authority and funds for Environmental Specialist
David LeDuff to attend the "California Environmental Health
Association, 52nd Annual Educational Symposium" at Napa Valley on
April 2 through 4, 2003, with an expense allowance of $1,000.22.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
authority and funds be approved for Environmental Specialist
David LeDuff to attend the aforementioned seminar with an
expense allowance of $1,000.22. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Director of
Finance, dated February 27, 2003, was presented, transmitting
the Agenda for the Adjourned Regular Finance Committee Meeting
to be held March 4, 2003, for approval of the recommendations
contained therein.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that the
recommendations on the Agenda for the Adjourned Regular Finance
Committee Meeting held March 4, 2003, be approved. Motion
carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 8162 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Adopting an Annual Statement of Investment
Policy for 2003 and Delegating Investment Authority to the City
Treasurer.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 8162 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Page 6 of 10
Regular City Council Minutes
March 5, 2003
RESOLUTION NO. 8163- A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing Notice Inviting
Sealed Proposals or Bids for the Purchase of One 2003 Chevrolet
Tahoe for the Fire Department.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 8163 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 8165 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Authorizing the Issuance of Request for
Proposals from Qualified Environmental Consultants to Perform
Soil Investigation and Remediation of Property for the I-710
Atlantic/Bandini Interchange Improvement Project.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 8165 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Director of
Personnel, dated February 27, 2003, was presented, transmitting
the Agenda for the Regular Personnel Committee Meeting to be
held March 4, 2003, for approval of the recommendations
contained therein.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the recommendations on the Agenda for the Regular Personnel
Committee Meeting held March 4, 2003, be approved. Motion
carried.
Warrant Register No. 1109 covering claims and demands
presented during the period of February 13, 2003 through
February 26, 2003, drawn on Wells Fargo Bank totaling
$392,010.30, which includes demand nos. 209131 through 209420,
(inclusive), excluding Utilities' demands and voided check nos.
as listed below: (Accounting period March 2003).
209131 209132 209133 209134 209135
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that
Warrant Register No. 1109 be approved and payment authorized for
claims and demands totaling $392,010.30, excluding Utilities'
demands and voided check as listed above. Motion carried.
Warrant Register No. 1109 covering claims and demands
presented during the period of February 13, 2003 through
February 26, 2003, drawn on Wells Fargo Bank totaling
$6,396,309.86, which includes Utilities' demands nos. as listed
below: (Accounting period March 2003).
209142 209143 209144 209149 209151 209154
209156 209165 209166 209171 209178 209186
209190 209191 209192 209196 209198 209205
209207 209231 209238 209239 209245 209247
209265 209286 209303 209307 209329 209346
209357 209359 209360 209374 209401 209402
209404 209407 209420
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Regular City Council Minutes
March 5, 2003
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
Warrant Register No. 1109 be approved and payment authorized for
Utilities' claims and demands totaling $6,396,309.86. Motion
carried. Councilman Davis abstained from voting and
disqualified himself because it is reasonably foreseeable that
the decision may have material financial effect on his source of
income.
The Mayor called a short recess at 5:45 p.m. The City
Council reconvened in regular session at 5:50 p.m., all members
present before the recess again being present.
The City Clerk announced that there was nothing to be
discussed under closed session Items No. 1 and 2.
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
2. With respect to every item of business to be
discussed in closed session pursuant to subdivision (a) of
Government Code Section 54957.
a. Conference with Labor Negotiator
Agency negotiator: City Administrator
Unrepresented classification
The City Clerk announced that now was the time to go
into closed session on Items No. 3, 4, and 5.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
City Council go into closed session on Items No. 3, 4, and 5,
the time being 5:51 p.m. Motion carried.
All persons were excluded from closed session with the
exception of the City Administrator/City Clerk and City
Attorney.
The Mayor ordered all communications to and from
closed session deemed privileged and confidential.
3. 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) FERC Docket Nos. ER97-2355, EC 96-19-000 and ER96-1663
(Restructuring);
(b) David Venegas, et al. v. City of Vernon, LASC No. BC
207136;
(c) Vernon v. All Persons; LASC No. BC 222145; CA B148676;
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Regular City Council Minutes
March 5, 2003
(d) 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);
(e) Vernon v. Regional Water Quality Control Board; Nos.
A-1280, A1280(a) and A-1280(b);
(f) 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;
(g) FERC Docket No. ER98-3594 (ISO), FERC Docket No. ER98-
3760 (ISO); FERC Docket No. ER00-2019-000 (ISO); FERC
Docket No. ER00-105 (Vernon); FERC Docket No. ER01-313
(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. ER01-1579 (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); 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.
ER02-651 (ISO); FERC Docket No. ER02-922 (ISO); FERC
Docket No. ER02-1656 (ISO); EL02-103 (Vernon); FERC
Docket No. ER02-2321 (ISO); FERC Docket No. EL03-20
(Riverside); FERC Docket No. EL03-21 (Banning); FERC
Docket No. ER03-142 (SCE); FERC Docket No. EL03-31
(Vernon TRBA); FERC Docket No. ER03-219 (ISO); ER03-
338 (SCE)
(h) The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company
v. City of Vernon; USDC No. CV-00-12891 NM (AJWx);
(i) Sterling Davis v. City of Vernon, et al., USDC No. CV-
01-01602 DDP (AJWx);
(j) Cities of Arcadia, et al. v. The California Regional
Water Quality Control Board, etc., et al., LASC No BC
245633;
(k) 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);
(1) FERC Docket No. EL01-34 (SCE, PG&E, SDG&E);
(m) Central and West Basin Water Replenishment District,
etc., v. Charles E. Adams, et al, LASC No. C 786656;
(n) Department of Water Resources v. ACN Energy, Inc., et
al., Case No. 01AS05497;
(o) FERC Docket No. ER02-455 (PG&E); FERC Docket Nos.
ECO2-31, EL02-36 and CP02-38 (PG&E, et al.);
(p) Winston Hayes v. Glenn Finley, et al., USDC No. CV-02-
01247 DT
(q) Jose N. Irias v. Vernon; LASC No. 02CO2359 (East
District -Covina);
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Regular City Council Minutes
March 5, 2003
(r) Aucensio Saucedo Lopez v. Vernon; LASC No. 02C00862
(H.P. District);
(s) Vernon v. SoCalGas, E1 Paso Natural Gas, et al., Case
No. BC 265905;
(t) Randy Bohlander v. Vernon, Workers' Compensation Claim
Nos. 013-01-00007 & 013-02-00002;
4. 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.
5. With respect to every item of business to be
discussed in closed session pursuant to subdivision (b) of
Government Code 54956.9.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation: One (1) potential case.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that the
City Council go out of closed session and resume regular session,
the time being 6:03 p.m. Motion carried.
It was moved by Gonzales, second by Davis, that the
actions by Channing Strother of McCarthy, Sweeney & Harkaway in
intervening in FERC Docket No. PA02-2-001 (Fact -Finding
Investigation into Possible Manipulation of Electric and Natural
Gas Prices) are hereby ratified. Motion carried.
It was moved by Gonzales, second Ybarra, that the letter
retainer agreement with Loeb & Loeb, LLP be approved and the Mayor
be authorized to execute same. Motion carried.
There being no further business to come before the City
Council at this time, it was moved by McCormick, seconded by
Gonzales, that the City Council Meeting adjourn, the time being
6:10 p.m. Motion carried.
,,Leonis C. Ma burg
Mayor
ATTEST:
Bruce V. Malkenhorst
City Clerk
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