20061220 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD
DECEMBER 20, 2006, AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY HALL
LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE,
VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ybarra, Gonzales, Davis, McCormick
MEMBERS ABSENT: Malburg
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro -Tern
Ybarra.
The Acting City Administrator advised that corrections
to the titles of Resolution Nos. 9196 and 9200 were brought to
the attention of the Acting City Clerk after the agenda was
posted and asked that a vote be taken to find that the following
corrections are necessary and to make said corrections to the
agenda.
• Resolution No. 9196 - the word "Granting" should be
replaced with the word "Denying"
• Resolution No. 9200 - after the phrase "Property
Located at 5119" the words "and 5201" should be
added
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
changes to Resolution Nos. 9196 and 9200 be accepted. Motion
carried.
Ayes: Ybarra, Gonzales, Davis, McCormick
Noes: None
Absent: Malburg
Abstained: None
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time to present the Perfect Attendance Awards.
The Mayor Pro-Tem presented Perfect Attendance Awards
for the month of November to the following employees who were in
attendance.
NAME
JOB TITLE
D.O.H.
YEARS
Scott Rigg
Water Operations Supervisor
11/22/99
4
Jose Uriarte
Utilityman III
11/04/02
4
Carol Childers
Computer Aided Drafting Tech.
08/13/79
5
Pin Chan `'.-
Project Engineer
11/19/01
5
Lorenzo Gaytan
Police Officer
01/12/98
5
Todd Painton
Fire Captain
11/02/92
14
James Rodino
Police Lieutenant
11/16/83
16
Martha Valenzuela
Personnel Director
07/25/79
17
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
December 20, 2006
The below listed employees were unable to attend the
meeting and their awards were forwarded to them.
NAME
Ana Quinones
Victor Vasquez, Jr.
Frank Saldana
Bruce Malkenhorst,
John Cusolito
Wenceslao Reynoso
Jeff Smith
Daniel Kimes
William Niesley
Andrew Kroner
Claudia Arellano
Elias Zepeda
Edward Rodriguez
Martin Sanchez
JOB TITLE
D.O.H.
YEARS
Police Officer
11/16/98
4
Utilityman IV
02/24/02
4
Utilityman II
11/08/89
7
Jr. Acting City Clerk/Asst City Atty
11/24/97
9
Fire Captain
08/17/87
11
Plan Checker
07/01/85
11
Fire Engineer
01/07/91
12
Fire Captain
09/18/89
13
Fire Captain
08/17/87
13
Fire Engineer
11/02/92
14
Department Secretary
11/04/91
15
Utilityman II
11/06/89
17
Utilityman II
08/01/83
18
Utilityman III
06/23/85
19
The Mayor Pro -Tern called a short recess at 5:06 p.m.
The City Council reconvened in regular session at 5:08
P.M., all members present before the recess again being present.
The Acting City Administrator advised that the
following proclamation was presented to Mr. James F. Stahl on
December 14, 2006.
A Proclamation of the Mayor and the City Council of
the City of Vernon Commending and Honoring James F. Stahl, Chief
Engineering and General Manager of the County Sanitation
Districts of Los Angeles County, in Recognition of His Service
and Support of the Vernon Community
Fire Department Activity Report for the period of
December 1st through December 15th, 2006, was presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that the
Fire Department Activity Report for the period of December 1st
through December 15th, 2006, be received and filed. Motion
carried.
Police Department Activity Log for the period of
December 1st through December 15th, 2006, was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
Police Department Activity Log for the period of December 1st
through December 15th, 2006, be received and filed. Motion
carried.
Health Department Report for the month of November
2006, was presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
the Health Department Report for the month of November 2006, be
received and filed. Motion carried.
Risk Management Report for the month of November 2006,
was presented.
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December 20, 2006
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that the
Risk Management Report for the month of November 2006, be
received and filed. Motion carried.
Light & Power Department's Resource Procurement Final
Report for the month August 2006, was presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
the Light & Power Department's Resource Procurement Final Report
for the month August 2006, be received and filed. Motion
carried.
The Acting City Administrator 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 hearings that may be listed.
The Mayor Pro-Tem 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 Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time to open the public hearing to consider the adoption of
Ordinance No. 1124.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, to open
the public hearing to consider the adoption of Ordinance No.
1124, the time being 5:10 p.m. Motion carried.
The Director of Community Services & Water summarized
the details regarding this matter.
The Mayor Pro-Tem asked if there was anyone who wished
to address the City Council on this matter.
There was no one wishing to address the City Council
on this matter.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, to
close the public hearing to consider the adoption of Ordinance
No. 1124, the time being 5:14 p.m. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1124 - An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Amending Article II of Chapter 7 of the
Code of the City of Vernon and Repealing all Ordinances and
Parts of Ordinances in Conflict Therewith, was read by title for
a second and final reading.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
Ordinance No. 1124 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Ayes: Ybarra, Gonzales, Davis, McCormick
Noes: None
Absent: Malburg
Abstained: None
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December 20, 2006
ORDINANCE NO. 1126 - An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Amending Various Sections of the Code of
the City of Vernon, California, 1959, Pertaining to the City
Administrator; Adding Article X, Sections 2.69 and 2.69-1, to
Chapter 2 of said Code; and Repealing all Ordinances or Parts of
Ordinances in Conflict Therewith, was read by title for a second
and final reading.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
Ordinance No. 1126 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Ayes: Ybarra, Gonzales, Davis, McCormick
Noes: None
Absent: Malburg
Abstained: None
The Acting City Administrator advised that, in
accordance with Government Code Section 7507, future annual
costs of proposed CalPERS contract amendments need to be made
public at a public meeting at least two weeks prior to the
adoption of the ordinance approving said amendment. He stated
that future Employer Contribution required pursuant to the
proposed contract amendment will be an additional $5.10 per
covered active member per month to the City's normal cost. He
distributed copies of the Actuarial Valuation Report, dated
November 21, 2006, prepared for the City of Vernon by CalPERS
and copies of the proposed amendment to the City Council and
advised that a copy of said report is available for review by
the general public.
The Acting City Administrator recommended that the
Actuarial Valuation Report be accepted and that approval be
granted to proceed with an amendment to the contract with
CalPERS.
ORDINANCE NO. 1127 - An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing an Amendment to
the Contract Between the City Council of the City of Vernon and
the Board of Administration of the Public Employees' Retirement
System, was read by title for a first reading.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Ordinance No. 1127 be approved for a first reading. Motion
carried.
Ayes: Ybarra, Gonzales, Davis, McCormick
Noes: None
Absent: Malburg
Abstained: None
ORDINANCE NO. 1128 - An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Amending the Code of the City of Vernon,
California, 1959, by Amending Section 2.1 of said Code Regarding
City Council Meetings and Repealing all Ordinances
Ordinances in Conflict Therewith, was read by title
reading.
or Parts of
for a first
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December 20, 2006
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Ordinance No. 1128 be approved for a first reading. Motion
carried.
Ayes: Ybarra, Gonzales, Davis, McCormick
Noes: None
Absent: Malburg
Abstained: None
RESOLUTION NO. 9181 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Amending Resolution No. 9089 by Amending
Schedule II (Exhibit B) of said Resolution Which Fixed the
Compensation for Certain Employees of said City and Authorized
Certain Expense Allowances, was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 9181 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time to open the public hearing to consider a conditional
use permit application from GeoGreen Biofuels to operate a
recycled materials processing facility at 6017 Malburg Way.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, to open
the public hearing to consider a conditional use permit
application from GeoGreen Biofuels to operate a recycled
materials processing facility at 6017 Malburg Way, the time
being 5:15 p.m. Motion carried.
The Director of Community Services summarized the
details regarding this matter, asked that public testimony be
taken at this time, and advised that he would provide his
recommendation on said matter at the next meeting.
The Mayor Pro -Tern asked if there was anyone in the
audience who wished to address the City Council on this matter.
Mr. Barry Siegel, representing GeoGreen Biofuels,
asked the City Council for their support in this matter.
The Director of Community Services & Water further
advised that the following two conditions of the conditional use
permit have been amended to read as follows:
g. Prior to construction all underground piping systems
shall be approved by the Vernon Environmental Health
and Building Departments. All underground piping
shall be double -walled, secondary containment of
double -walled piping shall be equipped with 24 hour
leak detection equipment connected to an above
ground alarm system. All primary and secondary
underground piping shall be testable. The spill
containment vessel shall be liquid tight and
testable. The delivery system shall be designed and
constructed so as to prevent backflow of product and
prevent the possibility of spills or hazards. The
above ground storage tank system (including piping)
is required to be secondarily contained.
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December 20, 2006
q. Any expansion beyond a production of 250,000 gallons
per month of biodiesel fuel or any change in use
shall require a new conditional use permit.
The Mayor Pro-Tem asked if there was anyone else in
the audience who wished to address the City Council on this
matter.
There was no one else wishing to address the City
Council matter.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to close
the public hearing to consider a conditional use permit
application from GeoGreen Biofuels to operate a recycled
materials processing facility at 6017 Malburg Way, the time
being 5:30 p.m. Motion carried.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that the
following resolution be deferred. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9195 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Granting a Conditional Use Permit to
Greenstar Biofuels, LLC dba GeoGreen Biofuels for the Operation
of a Recycled Materials Processing Facility at 6017 Malburg Way
in City of Vernon
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time to open the public hearing to consider a variance
application from On Santa Fe Partners, LLC for a variance from
Section 26.4.6-7, automatic expiration of a non -conforming
building, which has been vacant for at least one year.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to open
the public hearing to consider a variance application from On
Santa Fe Partners, LLC for a variance from Section 26.4.6-7,
automatic expiration of a non -conforming building, which has
been vacant for at least one year, the time being 5:31 p.m.
Motion carried.
The Director of Community Services & Water summarized
the details regarding this matter and recommended that the
variance be denied based on the findings.
The Mayor Pro-Tem asked if there was anyone in the
audience who wished to address the City Council on this matter.
Mr. Bill Christopher, on behalf of On Santa Fe
Partners, LLC, advised the City Council of the company's
problems, which began in November 2004, stated that the owner
has done a great deal to resolve these problems, and explained
the reasons for the owner's delay in making the required repairs
addressed by the Director of Community Services & Water. Mr.
Christopher referred to the damage as a catastrophic loss, which
could lead to potential litigation.
Councilman Gonzales asked the Director of Community
Services & Water to define catastrophic.
The Director of Community Services & Water explained
the requirements under the City's Code.
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December 20, 2006
The Acting City Administrator asked the Director of
Community Services & Water if the City Attorney had reviewed
this matter.
The Director of Community Services & Water stated that
the City Attorney had reviewed this matter and advised that the
variance be denied.
The Mayor Pro-Tem asked if there was anyone else in
the audience who wished to address the City Council on this
matter.
There was no one else wishing to address the City
Council matter.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, to close
the public hearing to consider a variance application from On
Santa Fe Partners, LLC for a variance from Section 26.4.6-7,
automatic expiration of a non -conforming building, which has
been vacant for at least one year, the time being 5:50 p.m.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9196 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Denying a Variance to On Santa Fe Partners
LLC from Section 26.4.6-7 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance,
for the Property Located at 2825 Santa Fe Avenue in the City of
Vernon, was read by title.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9196 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time for the presentation of the Five -Year Capital
Improvement Plan.
The Director of Community Services & Water gave a
brief presentation of the proposed Five -Year Capital Improvement
Plan and advised the City Council of the staffing requirements
necessary to accomplish the goals of said plan.
The Consent Calendar was presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Light & Power Department
1. Ratification of City of Vernon Requisitions from the Citi
Gas Custody Escrow Account No. 800457 covering claims and
demands presented during the period of December 7 through
December 13, 2006, drawn on The Bank of New York Trust Company,
N.A. totaling $29,092.79, which includes Requisition No. CG005.
2. Request for authorization for personnel to attend the
following:
• "ABB University Advant Course"
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December 20, 2006
Police Department
3. Request for authorization for personnel to attend the
following:
• "Dispatch/Assess Suicidal Call Course"
• "California Chapter of the National Emergency Number
Association 2007 Conference"
Treasurer's Department
4. Ratification of the issuance of checks for Payroll Warrant
Register No. 606 covering claims and demands presented during
the period of October 15 through November 11, 2006, drawn on
Bank of America totaling $2,352,595.13, which includes Check
Nos. 9116 through 9232 (inclusive), (Accounting period November
2006).
Personnel Committee
5. Request to grant a merit step increase to Norma Rodriguez,
Dispatcher, from step 2 to step 1, effective January 7, 2007
(Last increase January 8, 2006).
End of Consent Calendar
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that the
matters on the Consent Calendar be approved as recommended.
Motion carried.
Request to grant Milani Group, Inc. a variance from
the 2001 California Building Code, Table No. 5-A, for the
properties located at 2111 and 2035 49th Street, was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to grant
Milani Group, Inc. a variance from the 2001 California Building
Code, Table No. 5-A, for the properties located at 2111 and 2035
49th Street. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9162 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Adopting Guidelines and a
Form Employee Tuition Reimbursement Agreement Regarding
University Education Program, was read by title.
it was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 9162 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9197 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Ratifying the Execution of
an Access Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon and Baker
Commodities, Inc. for Property Located at 4020 Bandini
Boulevard, was read by title.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 9197 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9198 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Appointing Steve Towles to Serve as the
Acting Chief of Police of the City of Vernon, was read by title.
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It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 9198 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9199 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Authorizing City of Vernon Departments to
Establish Certain Employee Procedures, was read by title.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 9199 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9200 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
an Assignment Work Authorization/Notice-to-Proceed to Galliera,
Inc., dba Trico Construction for Property Located at 5119 and
5201 District, was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 9200 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9201 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Establishing a Written Policy for the
Reimbursement of Certain Expenses of City Council Members, was
read by title.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 9201 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Ratification of the issuance of early checks for
Warrant Register No. 1207, covering claims and demands presented
during the period of December 7 through December 13, 2006, drawn
on Bank of America totaling $19,908.18, which includes Check
Nos. 314043 through 314055 (inclusive), (Accounting period
December 2006), was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the issuance of early checks for Warrant Register No. 1207,
covering the payment of claims and demands totaling $19,908.18,
be ratified. Motion carried.
Ratification of wire transfers for Warrant Register
No. 1207, covering claims and demands presented during the
period of December 7 through December 13, 2006, drawn on Bank of
America totaling $11,339.40, which includes Wire No. W00194,
(Accounting period December 2006), was presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that wire
transfers for Warrant Register No. 1207, covering the payment of
claims and demands totaling $11,339.40, be ratified. Motion
carried.
Warrant Register No. 1207, covering claims and demands
presented during the period of December 7 through December 13,
2006, drawn on Bank of America totaling $734,021.33, which
includes Check Nos. 314056 through 314232 (inclusive), excluding
void Check Nos. listed below, (Accounting period December 2006),
was presented.
314056 through 314061
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December 20, 2006
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
Warrant Register No. 1207 be approved and payment authorized for
claims and demands totaling $734,021.33. Motion carried.
Councilman Davis excused himself from the meeting at
6:04 p.m.
Ratification of the issuance of early checks for Light
& Power Warrant Register No. 172, covering claims and demands
presented during the period of December 7 through December 13,
2006, drawn on Bank of America totaling $18,947.80, which
includes Check Nos. 503639 through 503645 (inclusive),
(Accounting period December 2006), was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the issuance of early checks for Light & Power Warrant Register
No. 172, covering claims and demands totaling $18,947.80, be
ratified. Motion carried.
Ratification of wire transfers for Light & Power
Warrant Register No. 172, covering claims and demands presented
during the period of December 7 through December 13, 2006, drawn
on Bank of America totaling $97,770.50, which includes Wire Nos.
W03338 through W03343 (inclusive), (Accounting period December
2006), was presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
wire transfers for Light & Power Warrant Register No. 172,
covering claims and demands totaling $97,770.50, be ratified.
Motion carried.
Light & Power Warrant Register No. 172, covering
claims and demands presented during the period of December 7
through December 13, 2006, drawn on Bank of America totaling
$254,332.65, which includes Check Nos. 503646 through 503688
(inclusive), excluding void Check Nos. listed below, (Accounting
period December 2006), was presented.
503646 through 503651
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
Light & Power Warrant Register No. 172 be approved and payment
authorized for claims and demands totaling $254,332.65. Motion
carried.
Councilman Davis re-entered the Council Chamber and
resumed the meeting in regular session at 6:05 p.m.
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time for elected officials to report on conferences/seminars
attended during the period of December 13 through December 20,
2006.
Elected officials had nothing to report at this time.
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December 20, 2006
There being no further business to come before the
City Council at this time, it was moved by Davis, seconded by
Gonzales, that the meeting be adjourned, the time being 6:15
p.m. Motion carried.
ATTEST
Bruce V.-Malkenhorst, Jr.
Acting City Clerk
-anwvalvjev�
Thomas A. Ybarra
Mayor Pro -Tern
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