20070305 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD
MARCH 5, 2007, AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY HALL
LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE,
VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gonzales, Ybarra, Davis, McCormick
MEMBERS ABSENT: Malburg
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro-Tem
Gonzales.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that the
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held February 20,
2007, be approved and adopted as submitted. Motion carried.
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time to present the Service Pins.
The Mayor Pro-Tem presented Service Pins to the
following employees and extended congratulations on behalf of
the City Council:
Jose Cervantes Utilityman II 25 Years
Victor Vasquez Jr. Utilityman IV 5 Years
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
time for anyone in the audience who wished to address the City
Council on any agenda or non -agenda items 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 who wished to address the City
Council at this time.
ORDINANCE NO. 1129 - An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Amending Sections 2.10 Through 2.16 of
Article III of Chapter 2 of the Code of the City of Vernon,
California, 1959, Relating to Claims and Demands Against the
City 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 Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
Ordinance No. 1129 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Ayes:. Gonzales,
Noes: None
Absent: Malburg
Abstained: None
Ybarra, Davis, McCormick
ORDINANCE NO. 1131 - An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Amending Section 2.6-6(h), Article II of
Chapter 2 of the Code of the City of Vernon, California, 1959,
Pertaining to the Budget and Repealing all Ordinances or Parts
of Ordinances in Conflict Therewith, was read by title for a
second and final reading.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
Ordinance No. 1131 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Ayes: Gonzales, Ybarra, Davis, McCormick
Noes: None
Absent: Malburg
Abstained: None
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time to open the public hearing to consider a conditional
use permit for Santa Fe Equity, LLC to construct and operate a
retail, commercial, and office facility at 4300 Santa Fe Avenue.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, to open
the public hearing to consider a conditional use permit for
Santa Fe Equity, LLC to construct and operate a retail,
commercial, and office facility at 4300 Santa Fe Avenue, the
time being 10:05 a.m. Motion carried.
The Director of Community Services & Water summarized
the staff report on this matter, gave a brief power point
presentation, advised that a traffic study is necessary, and
recommended that the public hearing be continued to the next
meeting.
The Mayor Pro-Tem asked if there was anyone in the
audience who wished to address the City Council on this matter.
Mr. Barry Segal, representing Santa Fe Equity LLC,
introduced himself and offered to answer any questions.
The City Council had no questions at this time.
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 who wished to address the City
Council on this matter.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, to continue
the public hearing to consider a conditional use permit for
Santa Fe Equity, LLC to construct and operate a retail,
commercial, and office facility at 4300 Santa Fe Avenue to the
next meeting, the time being 10:15 a.m. Motion carried.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis that the
following resolution be deferred to the next meeting. Motion
carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9253 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Granting a Conditional Use Permit for
Santa Fe Equity, LLC to operate a
Office/Retail/Commercial/Restaurant Facility Located at 4300
Santa Fe Avenue
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time to open the public hearing to consider an amendment to
the existing conditional use permit for Berdan Holdings to
construct and operate a retail, commercial, and office facility
at 3660 Soto Street.
Page 2 of 12
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, to open the
public hearing to consider an amendment to the existing
conditional use permit for Berdan Holdings to construct and
operate a retail, commercial, and office facility at 3660 Soto
Street, the time being 10:15 a.m. Motion carried.
The Director of Community Services & Water summarized
the staff report on this matter, gave a brief slide
presentation, and recommended the conditional use permit
amendment be approved subject to the modification of condition
"h" of the conditions and mitigation measures approved in
Resolution No. 8061 to read as follows:
h. The project site shall be constructed and
maintained substantially in compliance with the
site plan submitted as part of the conditional use
permit application. The maximum area to be used
for restaurant activities including kitchen and
dining areas shall be 10,411 square feet. Outdoor
dining areas shall not be permitted. There shall
be no limitation on the amount of building space
utilized for any other retail, commercial or office
purposes.
The Mayor Pro-Tem asked if there was anyone in the
audience who wished to address the City Council on this matter.
Mr. Barry Segal asked for clarification of the
unlimited square footage for office space.
The Director of Community Services & Water advised
that the modified condition "h" would be added to Resolution No.
9254 prior to execution.
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 who wished to address the City
Council on this matter.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, to close
the public hearing to consider an amendment to the existing
conditional use permit for Berdan Holdings to construct and
operate a retail, commercial, and office facility at 3660 Soto
Street, the time being 10:24 a.m. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9254 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Granting a Conditional Use Permit
Amendment for Berdan Holdings to Operate a Retail/Commercial
Restaurant and Office Facility Located at 3660 Soto Street, was
read by title.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9254 be approved and adopted as amended. Motion
carried.
Page 3 of 12
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007
The Consent Calendar was presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council
1. Request for authorization for City Officials to attend the
following:
• "2007 Power -Gen Conference & Exhibition" (2)
City Clerk's Office
2. Request for authorization for personnel to attend the
following:
• "Speed Reading with Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics Seminar"
Community Services & Water Department
3. Request for authorization for personnel to attend the
following:
• "League of California Cities 2007 Planners Institute & Mini
Expo"
Fire Department
4. Fire Department Activity Report for the period of February
16 through February 28, 2007, to be received and filed.
Light & Power Department
5. Request for authorization for a contract consultant to
attend the following:
• "2007 Power -Gen Conference & Exhibition"
6. Request for authorization for personnel to attend the
following:
• "Electrical Meter System Training Course" (2)
7. Resource Procurement Final Report for the month of October
2006, to be received and filed.
Personnel Department
8. Request for authorization for personnel to attend the
following:
• "Speed Reading with Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics Seminar"
Page 4 of 12
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007
Police Department
9. Request for authorization for personnel to attend the
following:
• "Intermediate Power Point Class"
• "Effective Communication Class"
• "Emergency Vehicle Operation Driver Training Course" (10)
• "Communications Training Officer Course"
10. Police Department Activity Log for the period of February
16 through February 28, 2007, to be received and filed.
Risk Management Department
11. Rink Management Report for the month of January 2007, to be
received and filed.
Treasurer's Department
12. Ratification of City of Vernon Requisitions from the Legal
Counsel Disbursement Custody Escrow Account No. 800458 covering
claims and demands presented during the period of February 15
through February 28, 2007, drawn on The Bank of New York Trust
Company, N.A. totaling $153,249.69, which includes Requisition
Nos. LCD064 through LCD069 (inclusive).
Finance Committee
13. Request from the Director of Light & Power that the
execution of the following Work Authorization No(s). of the
contract with Galliera Inc., dba Trico Construction ("Trico") be
ratified at the stated amount(s):
• PM-42D-07-MGS in the amount of $27,601.93 for extended
rental of Atlas Compressor for the Malburg Generating
Station
• PM-114-06-GAS in the amount of $26,350.50 for final leak
assessment of underground natural gas pipelines
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 from the Director of Light & Power to approve
and execute Change Order No. Eight to the contract with
Commonwealth Associates, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of
$40,000.00, was presented.
Councilman Davis questioned whether the above requested
change order could be postponed until the Vernon Power Plant
Project (VPP) enters the construction phase.
The Director of Light & Power explained that the scope
of work provided for in the change order must be completed prior
to the start-up of the VPP construction because it pertains to
California Energy Commission (CEC) application matters and
engineering design.
Page 5 of 12
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, to
approve Change Order No. Eight to the contract with Commonwealth
Associates, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $40,000.00.
Motion carried.
Recommendation from the Director of Light & Power to
approve and execute the Certificate of Acceptance for a fully
executed Easement Deed from 3450 Vernon, LLC for electrical
utility and incidental purposes for the property located along
Vernon Avenue within Parcel 2 of Parcel Map No. 15469, was
presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, to
approve the fully executed Easement Deed from 3450 Vernon, LLC
for electrical utility and incidental purposes for the property
located along Vernon Avenue within Parcel 2 of Parcel Map No.
15469 and authorize the execution of the Certificate of
Acceptance. Motion carried.
Request from the Acting City Attorney that the
termination of the Consulting Services Agreement with Concept
Engineering Group, LLC dated April 1, 2004, be ratified, was
presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, to ratify
the termination of the Consulting Services Agreement with Concept
Engineering Group, LLC dated April 1, 2004. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9252 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Amending Resolution No. 9089 by Amending
Page 13 of Schedule II (Exhibit B) of Said Resolution Regarding
the Compensation, Costs and Benefits of its Employees, was read
by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, that
Resolution No. 9252 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9255 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
a Confidentiality Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon and
BP Alternative Energy North America Inc., was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9255 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9256 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Authorizing the Issuance of Request for
Proposal for Citywide Street Sweeping Services for the Department
of Community Services & Water, was read by title.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that
Resolution No. 9256 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9257 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Adopting an Annual Statement of Investment
Policy for 2007 and Delegating Investment Authority to the City
Treasurer, was read by title.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 9257 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Page 6 of 12
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007
RESOLUTION NO. 9258 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Supporting State Legislation to Amend the
State Water Code to Require that Groundwater Replenishment
Assessments are Based on Actual Cost of Service to Replenish a
Groundwater Basin, was read by title.
The Mayor Pro-Tem asked the Director of Community
Services & Water to summarize the details of this matter.
The Director of Community Services & Water provided a
brief summary of this matter and advised of the potential cost
savings to the City by supporting said state legislation.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9258 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9259 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
an Employment Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon and
Jeff A. Harrison, was read by title.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that
Resolution No. 9259 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9260 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Appointing Jeff A. Harrison to Serve as the
City Attorney of the City of Vernon, was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, that
Resolution No. 9260 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9261 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Rescinding Amended General Counsel
Agreement Dated August 3, 2005 and Rescinding Part of Amended
General Counsel Agreement Dated December 13, 2006 with Karns &
Karabian, was read by title.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9261 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9262 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
a Letter Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon and Bond
Logistix LLC for Financial Advisory Services, was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9262 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9263 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
an Amendment No. One to Employment Agreement By and Between the
City of Vernon and Bruce V. Malkenhorst, Jr. for Legal Services,
was read by title.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9263 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9264 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
a Notice of Consent to use of Land Until Revoked Regarding
Property Located at 4855 E. 52nd Place in the City of Vernon, was
read by title.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007
The Director of Community Services & Water advised that
public access to the private street would be limited.
The Mayor Pro-Tem asked if the City of Maywood had any
concerns regarding this matter.
The Director of Community Services & Water advised that
there had been no concerns as the City of Vernon owns said
street.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, that
Resolution No. 9264 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9265 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Adopting a Form Access Agreement with
Customers for the Installation, Maintenance and Repair of Gas
Lines, Meters and Related Equipment, was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9265 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9266 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Adopting a Jury Duty Policy and Repealing
Resolution No. 4021, was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9266 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9267 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Adopting a Sick Leave Policy, Terminating
the Perfect Attendance Incentive Program and Repealing all
Resolutions or Parts of Resolutions in Conflict Therewith, was
read by title.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Ybarra, that
Resolution No. 9267 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9268 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Terminating the Gas System Maintenance
Agreement with Petrelli Utilities, Inc. and Repealing all
Resolutions or Parts of Resolutions in Conflict Therewith, was
read by title.
Councilman Davis asked if there was a replacement in
place to perform gas connections.
The Director of Light & Power advised that City
personnel had been trained to perform gas connections.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 9268 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Ratification of the issuance of early checks for
Warrant Register No. 1212, covering claims and demands presented
during the period of February 15 through February 28, 2007, drawn
on Bank of America totaling $49,039.51, which includes Check Nos.
314973 through 315010, excluding void Check Nos. 314988 and
314992 (Accounting period March 2007), was presented.
Page 8 of 12
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that the
issuance of early checks for Warrant Register No. 1212, covering
the payment of claims and demands totaling $49,039.51, be
ratified. Motion carried.
Ratification of wire transfers for Warrant Register No.
1212, covering claims and demands presented during the period of
February 15 through February 28, 2007, drawn on Bank of America
totaling $1,001,991.45, which includes Wire Nos. W00205 through
W00208, (Accounting period March 2007), was presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, that
wire transfers for Warrant Register No. 1212, covering the
payment of claims and demands totaling $1,001,991.45, be
ratified. Motion carried.
Warrant Register No. 1212, covering claims and demands
presented during the period of February 15 through February 28,
2007, drawn on Bank of America totaling $281,468.87, which
includes Check Nos. 315011 through 315132, excluding void Check
Nos. listed below, (Accounting period March 2007), was presented.
315011 through 315028
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by Davis, that Warrant
Register No. 1212 be approved and payment authorized for claims
and demands totaling $281,468.87. Motion carried.
Councilman Davis excused himself from the meeting at
10:50 a.m.
Ratification of the issuance of early checks for Light
& Power Warrant Register No. 177, covering claims and demands
presented during the period of February 15 through February 28,
2007, drawn on Bank of America totaling $248,910.26, which
includes Check Nos. 503922 through 503915 (Accounting period
March 2007), was presented.
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that the
issuance of early checks for Light & Power Warrant Register No.
177, covering claims and demands totaling $248,910.26, be
ratified. Motion carried.
Ratification of wire transfers for Light & Power
Warrant Register No. 177, covering claims and demands presented
during the period of February 15 through February 28, 2007, drawn
on Bank of America totaling $3,452,787.43, which includes Wire
Nos. W03428 through W03446, (Accounting period March 2007), was
presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, that
wire transfers for Light & Power Warrant Register No. 177,
covering claims and demands totaling $3,452,787.43, be ratified.
Motion carried.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007
Light & Power Warrant Register No. 177, covering claims
and demands presented during the period of February 15 through
February 28, 2007, drawn on Bank of America totaling $191,432.78,
which includes Check Nos. 503923 through 503956, excluding void
Check Nos. listed below, (Accounting period March 2007), was
presented.
503923 through 503928
It was moved by Ybarra, seconded by McCormick, that
Light & Power Warrant Register No. 177 be approved and payment
authorized for claims and demands totaling $191,432.78. Motion
carried.
Councilman Davis re-entered the Council Chamber and
resumed the meeting in regular session at 10:51 a.m.
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time for elected officials to report on conferences/seminars
attended during the period of February 21 through March 5, 2007.
Elected officials had nothing to report at this time.
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time for reports from departments.
The Fire Chief, the Acting Chief of Police, the
Director of Personnel, the City Treasurer, the Director of
Environmental Health, the Director of Community Services & Water,
and the Director of Light & Power individually thanked the City
Council on behalf of their personnel for approving the Jury Duty
and Sick Leave policies.
The Director of Environmental Health stated that the
adoption of the Jury Duty and Sick Leave policies would help
facilitate recruiting in the future. He also congratulated the
new City Attorney on his appointment and updated the City Council
on the department's sweep process to uncover wholesale vehicles
operating without health permits.
The Director of Community Services & Water also
congratulated the new City Attorney and updated the City Council
on Fire Station No. 2 and the water tower sandblast project.
The Director of Light & Power congratulated the new
City Attorney and updated the City Council on the recent pole
replacement performed by Southern California Edison (SCE) under
the terms of a Joint Powers Agreement with SCE. He also provided
an update on two recent power shortages and informed the City
Council of a generator issue at the Malburg Generating Station in
which Siemens had to be contacted to resolve the issue.
The Acting City Administrator announced that now was
the time to go into closed session.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that the
City Council go into closed session, the time being 11:06 a.m.
Motion carried.
Everyone was excluded from closed session with the
exception of the Acting City Administrator, the City Attorney,
members of the City Attorney's office, and outside legal counsel.
Page 10 of 12
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007
The Mayor Pro -Tern ordered all communications to and
from closed session deemed privileged and confidential.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Ybarra, that the
City Council go out of closed session and resume regular session,
the time being 11:34 a.m. Motion carried.
It was reported out that the City Council had a
conference in closed session regarding an Employee
Discipline/Dismissal/Release matter pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957, and direction was given to the City Attorney on
said matter.
It was reported out that the City Council had a
conference in closed session regarding Public Employment matters
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, and the following
requests were approved:
I.Hiring of Jorrie Estrada as Systems Coordinator I,
step 5, effective March 12, 2007.
2. Hiring of Todd Dusenberry as Systems Coordinator I,
step 5, effective March 12, 2007.
3. Hiring of Jeff Fraga as Field Crew, step 8,
effective March 26, 2007.
It was reported out that the City Council had a
conference in closed session regarding Employee Appointment
matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, and the
following requests were approved:
I.Reclassification of Adriano Marki from Generation
Coordinator, step 4, to Power Plant Instrument and
Electrical and Distributive Control System Engineer,
effective March 18, 2007.
2. Reclassification of Erik Knutson, from Generation
Coordinator, step 6, to Power Plant Performance
Engineer, step 7, effective March 18, 2007.
It was reported out that the City Council had a
conference in closed session with legal counsel regarding
existing litigation case nos. LASC No. BC 331516 and LASC No. BS
101423, and no action was taken on said cases.
There being no further business to come before the City
Council at this time, it was moved by McCormick, seconded by
Ybarra, that the meeting be adjourned, the time being 11:34 a.m.
Motion carried.
AKTEST :
& 1
Manuela Giron t 3
Acting City Clerk
v
Hilario Gonzales
Mayor Pro-Tem.
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