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20040915 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD SEPTEMBER 15, 2004, 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: 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 September l; 2004, be approved and adopted as submitted. Motion carried, Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Administrator/City Clerk, dated September 7, 2004, was presented, advising that the=below listed employees qualified in the month of August 2004 for a Perfect Attendance Award.This is awarded to employees on the basis of a minimum of two (2) years of perfect attendance: 09/20/00 Irene Castillo Account Clerk 08/13/01 Troy Durbin Firefighter 07/05/88 David Alvarez Utility Clerk 11/0,1/76 Elizabeth Sawickis Assistant Records Manager 08/17/87 Michael Wilson Battalion Chief 08/11/97 Roberto Sousa Sergeant 09/18/89 Gregory Bringhurst Firefighter 08/23,/93 Ana Bedoy Administrative Assistant 09/01/78 Robert Kipness Foreman 08/27/84 William Wilson Code Enforcement Inspector 05/27/84. Manuel Garcia Generation Operations Manager The Mayor presented the awards to the aforementioned employees and extended congratulations on behalf 'of the entire City Council. The following employee's were unable to attend the meeting and their awards were accepted by their respective department heads. 08/13/Q1 James Espalin Firefighter 08/13/01 Scott Metz Firefighter 08/13/01 Jason Rosa Firefighter 08/13/01 Larry Walker Firefighter 08/14/00 Jeffrey Coburn Systems Coordinator 'I" 05/16/88 Steve Ruffoni Captain 02/01/70 Daniel Simon. Captain 08/02,/99 Cerissa Diaz Dispatcher 06/18/90 Benjamin Potter Police Officer The Mayor called a short recess at-5:05 p.m. The City Council reconvened in regular session at 5:06 p.m., all members present before the recess again being present. 1'8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September'15, 2`004 Police Department Activity Log for the period September 1 through 14, 2004, was presented. It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that the Police Department Activity Log for the period September 1 through 14, 2004,,be received and filed. Motion carried. Fire Department Activity Report for the period September 1 through 14, 2004, was presented. It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the Fire Department Activity Report for the period September 1 through 14, 2004, be received and filed. Motion carried. Risk Management Report for the month of August 2004, was presented. It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that the Risk Management Report for the month of August 2004, be received and filed. Motion carried. Health Department Report for the month of August 2004, was presented-. It was moved by Davis, seconded -by Ybarra, that the Health Department Report for the month of August 2004, be received and filed. Motion carried. The 'City Clerk announced that now was 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 hearing that may be listed: The Mayor asked if there was 'anyone in -the audience who wished to address the Council at this time, Ronald. Garcia, Region Manager of Southern California Edison, addressed the City Council and provided an update on AB2006, the recent blackouts, and on California Department of Water Resources current financial negotiations,, There was no one else who wished to address the Council. Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Administrator/City Clerk, dated September '7, 2004, was presented, advising that Masterfoods USA is requesting that the City vacate a portion of Packers Avenue for the purpose of expanding their property. This has been reviewed by the Director of Community Services and Water Department and the City Attorney. It is hereby recommended that a public hearing be; scheduled on October 20, 2004, in accordance with the Public Streets Code Section 8300 It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that the aforementioned communication from theCityAdministrator/City' Clerk, dated September 7, 2004 be received :and filed and his recommendation approved. Motion carried. Page 2 of 7 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 1S, 2004 RESOLUTION NO, 8534 - A Resolution of the'City Council of the City of Vernon Declaring its Intention to Vacate a Portion of Packers Avenue, was presented. It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that Resolution No. 8534 be approved and adopted. Motion carried Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Administrator/City Clerk, dated September 7, 2004, was presented, advising that the construction of the Alameda Corridor has been completed and it is hereby recommended that a Maintenance Agreement with the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority be approved and executed. It is also recommended that a Reciprocal Grant Easement Deeds and Assignments for that portion of the Alameda Corridor located within the city's boundary be.approved with the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, the City of Los Angeles, and the City of Long Beach and the Mayor be authorized to execute. It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that the aforementioned communication from the City-Administrator/City Clerk, dated September 7, 2004 be received and filed and his recommendation approved. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 8532 - A Resolution of the City -Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of (i) a Maintenance Agreement By and Between the. City of Vernon and the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority; and (ii) Reciprocal Grant Easement Deeds and Assignments By and Among the City of Vernon, the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, the City of Los Angeles and the City of Long Beach, was presented. It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that Resolution No. 8582 be approved and adopted'. Motion carried. Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst,.City Administrator/City Clerk, dated September 8, 20D4, was presented, advising that the Independent Cities Lease Finance Authority (ICLFA) Board of Directors (Board), of which the City is member of, is requesting that Amendment No. 4 to the ZCLFA Joint Powers Agreement be approved to include::, • Provide down payment and closing cost,assistance to qualified families to aid them in purchasing homes in member cities; • Provide funding through nonprofits for the purchase of multi -family residential projects, including manufactured home communities (otherwise known as mobile home parks), • Will soon be remarketing a new concept in lease finance programs for citiesto utilize in purchasing equipment and funding capital projects,; This has been reviewed by the City Attorney and it is hereby recommended that Amendment No. 4 to the ICLFA Joint Powers Agreement be approved and executed; Page 3 of 8. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 15, 2004 It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that the aforementioned communication from t'he,City Administrator/City Clerk, dated September 8, 2004 be received and filed and his recommendation approved. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 8540 = A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving Amendment No. 4 to Joint Powers Agreement Creating the Independent Cities Lease Finance Authority :and Providing Other Matters Properly Related Thereto, was presented. It was moved by'Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that Resolution No. 8540 be approved and adopted. Motion carried. Communication from Sol Benudiz, Acting Chief of Police, dated August 6, 2004,.was presented, requesting authority and funds for Lieutenant Daniel Calleros to attend the "Grant Writing Workshop" at Las Vegas on October 4,and 5, 2004, with an expense allowance. of $712.68. It,was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that authority and funds be approved for Lieutenant Daniel Calleros to attend the aforementioned workshop with an expense allowance of $712.68, Motion carried,. Communication from Sol Benudiz, Acting Chief of Police, dated August 20, 2004, was presented, requesting authority and funds for Lieutenant James Wohlt to attend the "Correctional Facilities Administrators Seminar" at Santa Clara" on November 1 through 4, 2004, with an expense allowance of $1, 053.. 60. It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, ,that authority and funds be approved for Lieutenant James Wohlt to attend the aforementioned seminar with an expense allowance of $1,053.60,: Motion carried. Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, City Administrator/City Clerk, dated September 1, 2004, was presented, requesting authority and funds for Deputy City Clerk Manuela Giron to attend the "City Clerk's' Nuts & Bolts Seminar" at Brea on October 7 and 8, 2004, with an expense allowance of $298.40. It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that authority and funds be approved for Manuela Giron to attend the aforementioned seminar with an expense allowance of $298.40. Motion carried. Communication from Steve Parker, Fire Chief, dated September 2, 2004, was presented., requesting authority and funds for Fire Captain Rory Moore to attend the "California OSHA Safety Training" at Carson on October 16 and 19, 2004, with an expense allowance of $501.00. It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that authority and funds be approved for Rory Moore to attend the aforementioned training with an expense allowance of $501.00.. Motion carried. Page 4 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 15, 2004 Communication from Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and Water, dated September 7, 2004, was presented, requesting authority and funds for the below listed personnel to attend the "People Skills Seminar" at Torrance on November 17, 2004, with an expense allowance of $189.00 each. • Art Reynoso, Utilityman I • Victor Modesto, Utilityman II It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that authority and funds be approved for the above listed personnel to attend the aforementioned seminar with an expense allowance of $189.00 each. Motion carried. Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhors<t, Director of Finance, dated September 8, 2004, was presented, transmitting the Agenda for the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting - Finance Committee Section, to be held on September 15, 2004, for approval of the recommendations contained therein, It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, -that the recommendations on the Agenda for the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting Finance Committee Section, held, on September 15, 2004, be approved. Motion carried_ RESOLUTION N0; 8533 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Ratifying the Execution of an Engagement Letter Agreement for Services By and Between the City of Vernon and Macias'Gini & Company LLP, was presented. I't was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that Resolution No. 8533 approved and adopted. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 8535 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a First Amendment to Equipment Purchase and Professional Services Contract By and Between the City of Vernon and Galliera, Inc.i dba Trico Construction, was presented;. It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that Resolution No. 8535 approved and adopted. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 8536 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Professional Services Contract By and Between the City of Vernon and Thomason Mechanical Corporation and the af Vernen for 'the Malburg Generating Station Project, was presented. It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that Resolution No. 8536 approved and adopted. Motion carried, RESOLUTION NO. 8537,- A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Professional Services Contract By and Between the'City of Vernon and EDM Services, Inc, for the Malburg Generating Station Project, was presented. It was moved by Ybarra; seconded by Davis, that Resolution No. 8537 approved and adopted. Motion carried. Page 5 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 15, 2004, RESOLUTION NO. 8538 - A Resolution of.the City Council of the City of Authorizing the Issuance of Request for Proposal °for City Hall East -Wing, Second Floor Remodeling, was presented. I:t was moved by 'Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that Resolution No. 8538 approved and adopted. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 853-9 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of ,a Professional Services Contract By and Between the City of` Vernon and North American Energy Services for the Malburg Generating Station Project, was presented. It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that Resolution No. 8539 approved and adopted. Motion carried. Communication from Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Director of Personnel, dated September 8, 2004, transmitting the Agenda for the Regular City Council Meeting - Personnel Committee Section, to be held on September 15, 2004, 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 City Council Meeting - Personnel Committee Section, held September IS, 2004, be approved.Motion carried. City of Vernon Warrant Register No. 1148 covering claims and demands presented during the.period of AUGUST 26, 2004, through SEPTEMBER 08, 2004 drawn on Bank of America totaling $769,943.56, which includes demand Nos. 3`02375 through 302560 (inclusive), and also excluding, Void demands as listed below. (Accounting period SEPTEMBER 2004), was presented: 302382 302378 302400 302432 30243 - 302434 302435 302436 302437 It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the City of Vernon Warrant Register No. 1148 be approved and payment authorized for claims and demands totaling $769,943.56, excluding voided checks as listed above, Motion carried. Light &.Power of the City of Vernon Warrant Register No. 113 covering claims and demands presented during the period of_August 26, 2004 through September 8, 2004 drawn on Bank'of America totaling $2,097,436.,50, which includes Demand Nos. 500655 through 500695, also excluding void demands nos.,, as listed below (Accounting period September 2004), was presented: 500665 500666 500667 500668 500669 500670 It was 'moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales,, that the Light & Power of the City of Vernon Warrant Register No.113 be approved and payment authorized for Light & Power's claims and demands totaling $2,097,436.50. 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. Page 6 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 15-, 2004 Payroll Warrant Register No,. 579 covering claims and demands presented during the period of JULY 11,. 2004, through AUGUST 07, 2004, drawn on Bank of America totaling $2,268,216.16, which includes demand nos. 8637 through 8,649 (inclusive). (Accounting period AUGUST 2004), was presented. It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Gonzales, that the Payroll City of Vernon Warrant Register No. 579 be approved and payment authorized for claims and demands totaling $2.,268,216.16. Motion carried. The Mayor called a short recess at 5:30 p.m-. The City Council reconvened in regular session at 5:36 p.m., all members present before the recess again being present; The City Clerk announced that now was the time to go into closed session with respect to existing litigation pursuant to subdivision (a) of Government Code 54956.9. It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, to go into closed session with respect to existing litigation matters, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Government Code 54956.9,'the time being 5:36 p.m. Motion carried, All persons were excluded from closed session with the exception of the_City Administrator/City Clerk, City Attorney, and the Deputy City Clerk. The Mayor ordered all communications to and from closed session deemed privileged and confidential., It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis; that the City Council go out of closed session with respect to existing litigation matters pursuant to subdivision (a) of Government Code 54956.9, and resume regular session, the time being 5:39 p.m. Motion carried. It was reported out that the City Council had a conferencewith the City Attorney in closed session and direction was given to the City Attorney to take appropriate action in the matter of FERTC Docket No. ER00-2019/EL00-105,•, EL00-95 cons. W/EL00-98; EL09-54. No action was taken on the remaining of the existing litigation matters,, The Mayor advised Council that a matter had been brought to his attention and due to its urgency itmustbe discussed at tonight's meeting. Mayor: "The City Council members have received a document with attached exhibits from Eddie Olivo. After reviewing the document, it is my opinion that this matter should be looked into byoutside counsel and specifically by Kirkpatrick & Lockhart. If the Council agrees, I would ask that Mr. Richard Crane of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart be directed to immediately begin a review of this matter, with direction that the firm reports directly to the City Council." All other City Council members indicated their concurrence. Page 7 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 15, 2004 Mayor: "This appears to be a matter that has been exhaustively investigated and the work of a disgruntled employee. If I remember correctly, Mr. Olivo was directed, in writing, to stop using City ,letterhead and stop referring to himself as .Legal Counsel. This memorandum from Mr. Olivo is on City letterhead and Mr. Olivo refers to himself as Legal Counsel. Again, with the concurrence of the City Council, it would seem prudent to have Mr. Olivo removed from any and all matters as legal counsel for the City All other City Council members indicated their concurrence, Mayor: "Mr. Crane, can we substitute in our Deputy City Attorney in all pending litigation matters and have Mr. Olivo return all file's of any other matters he is working on?" Crane: 'Yes.If Mayor: "Mr. Crane I direct -you to notify Mr. Olivo to turn over all original files on all matters"to Deputy City Attorney' Willard Yamaguchi." Mayor: "Mr. Crane, direct Mr. Olivo to cease using all City of Vernon stationery and return it to you." Mayor: "Mr. Crane, the City Council appreciates your assistance in this matter and will expect to hear from you directly with respect to your progress." There being no further business to come before the City Council at this time, it was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Ybarra, that the meeting be adjourned, the time being 5>:42 p.m. Motion carried. Page 8 of 8 -