20080707 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD
JULY 7, 2008, AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY HALL
LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE,
VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Malburg, Gonzales, Davis, McCormick
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ybarra
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Malburg.
The City Administrator advised that there were no
changes to the agenda.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that the
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held June 16, 2008,
be approved and adopted as submitted. Motion carried.
The City Administrator announced that this was the
time to present the Service Pins.
The City Clerk advised and apologized that the Service
Pins had inadvertently not been brought to the meeting and wpuld
have to be forwarded to the employees.
On behalf of the City Council, the Mayor congratulated
Otis Smith, who was in attendance, on his 10 years of service
with the City.
meeting.
The below listed employees were unable to attend the
1. Alexandra Ronquillo Dispatcher 10 Years
2. Barry Miller Police Officer 5 Years
The City Administrator announced that this was the
time to recognize the Vernon Elementary School "D.A.R.E." (Drug
Abuse Resistance Education) Program essay award -winning
students, their teachers, Mr. Yamaguchi and Mrs. Santa Cruz, and
their Principal, Mr. Martin Sandoval.
Police Captain Rodino introduced Officer Miguel
Zendejas, who provided an overview of the D.A.R.E. Program and
presented awards to the following students.
Runners -Up From Mr. Yamaguchi's Class:
Marc Rios
Karen Diaz de Leon
Sergio Lopez
Runners -Up From Mrs. Santa Cruz's Class:
Victor Osuna
Melody Perez
Joeanna Munoz
Crane Pri7.e Winner
Anel Angel (Mr. Yamaguchi's class)
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
The City Administrator announced that this was time
for anyone in the audience who wished to address the City
Council on any agenda or non -agenda items other that 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 in the audience who wished to address
the City Council at this time.
The City Administrator announced that this was the
time to open the public hearing to consider the appeal made to
the determination of the Director of Community Services that the
property located at 2800 Ayers Avenue may not be used as a truck
terminal.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to open
the public hearing to consider the appeal made to the
determination of the Director of Community Services that the
property located at 2800 Ayers Avenue may not be used as a truck
terminal, the time being 10:10 a.m. Motion carried.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone in the audience
who wished to address the City Council on this matter.
The Director of Community Services & Water summarized
the details regarding his initial determination on this matter
and advised that certain provisions in the City°s Zoning
Ordinance need to be clarified. He recommended that the truck
terminal use be permitted, subject to various conditions, one of
those conditions being that the property owner submit an
application for a conditional use permit.
The Director of Community Services & Water further
recommended that the City Council consider placing a moratorium
on new truck terminals until an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance can be considered.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone else who wished to
address the City Council on this matter.
Mr. John Ernster introduced himself and advised that
Expro Manufacturing, located at 2800 Ayers Avenue, currently
rents parking space to a trucking company, but that said
operation is not a truck terminal as referred to by the Director
of Community Services & Water.
The Director of Community Services & Water advised
that the current trucking use definition does not follow the
Zoning Ordinance permitted on non -permitted uses, therefore, a
conditional use permit is required.
Mr. Ernster advised the City Council that Expro
Manufacturing was in the process of expanding and that the
trucking use would cease within a few months. He asked the City
Council to consider waiving the conditional use permit
requirement for a couple of months.
Council.
The Mayor thanked Mr. Ernster for addressing the City
Page 2 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
The Director of Community Services & Water recommended
that his initial determination to deny the truck terminal use be
overturned, and that Expro Manufacturing be allowed to apply for
a conditional use permit prior to the proposed adoption of a
moratorium on new truck terminal uses.
Mr. Ernster suggested that the City consider
developing trucking use operations to provide better service to
the business community.
The Director of Community Services & Water offered to
meet with Mr. Ernster at a later time to discuss all the
possible resolutions to this matter.
Mayor Pro -Tern Gonzales strongly supported a meeting
between Mr. Ernster and the Director of Community Services &
Water, not only to resolve this particular issue, but also to
explore the possibility of amending the Zoning Ordinance with
regard to truck terminal usage.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone else 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 McCormick, seconded by Davis, to close
the public hearing to consider the appeal made to the
determination of the Director of Community Services that the
property located at 2800 Ayers Avenue may not be used as a truck
terminal, the time being 10:35 a.m. Motion carried.
The City Administrator announced that this was the
time to open the public hearing to consider the adoption of the
City of Vernon 2008-2014 Housing Element.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, to open
the public hearing to consider the adoption of the City of
Vernon 2008-2014 Housing Element, the time being 10:36 a.m.
Motion carried.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone in the audience
who wished to address the City Council on this matter.
The Director of Community Services & Water summarized
the staff report on this matter and advised that the final City
of Vernon 2008-2014 Housing Element submitted to the State was
satisfactory, pending any comments received at this public
hearing.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone else 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 McCormick, to close
the public hearing to consider the adoption of the City of
Vernon 2008-2014 Housing Element, the time being 10:41 a.m.
Motion carried.
Page 3 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
RESOLUTION NO. 9653 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Adopting the Final 2008-2014
Housing Element, Making Findings and Adopting Finding of
Consistency with the Final Environmental Impact Report for the
General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Update in Conformance with the
California Environmental Quality Act, was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 9653 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
The City Administrator announced that this 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 Davis, seconded by McCormick, 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 10:42 a.m. Motion carried.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone in the audience
who wished to address the City Council on this matter.
The Director of Community Services & Water summarized
the staff report on this matter and recommended that the
conditional use permit be granted, subject to the conditions set
forth in Section 3 of Resolution No. 9656, and that a Notice of
Exemption be filed with the County Clerk.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone else 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 Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to close
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 10:45 a.m. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9656 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Granting a Conditional Use Permit for
Santa Fe Equity, LLC to Operate a Commercial/Retail Facility
Located at 4300 Santa Fe Avenue, was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9656 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
The City Administrator announced that this was the
time to open the public hearing to determine whether to take the
following actions in accordance with the Energy Policy Act of
2005:
1. Expand and implement net metering for on -site
customer generation.
2. Adopt a plan for fuel diversity to minimize
dependence on one fuel source and ensure a diverse
range of fuels and generation technologies.
3. Adopt a ten-year plan to increase efficiency in
fossil fuel generation.
Page 4 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to open
the public hearing to determine whether to take the following
actions in accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the
time being 10:45 a.m. Motion carried.
1. Expand and implement net metering for on -site
customer generation.
2. Adopt a plan for fuel diversity to minimize
dependence on one fuel source and ensure a diverse
range of fuels and generation technologies.
3. Adopt a ten-year plan to increase efficiency in
fossil fuel generation.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone in the audience
who wished to address the City Council on this matter.
The Director of Light & Power summarized that staff
reports on this matter and read the individual recommendations
pertaining to Resolution Nos. 9661, 9662, and 9663,
respectively.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone else 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 McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, to
close the public hearing to determine whether to take the
following actions in accordance with the Energy Policy Act of
2005, the time being 10:58 a.m. Motion carried.
1. Expand and implement net metering for on -site
customer generation.
2. Adopt a plan for fuel diversity to minimize
dependence on one fuel source and ensure a diverse
range of fuels and generation technologies.
3. Adopt a ten-year plan to increase efficiency in
fossil fuel generation.
RESOLUTION NO. 9661 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Considering and Approving the Adoption of
a Solar and Wind Net Metering Program Pursuant to the Energy
Policy Act of 2005, was read by title.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 9661 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9662 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Considering the Adoption of a Formal Plan
to Increase Fuel Diversity Pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of
2005, was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 9662 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9663 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Considering the Adoption of a Formal Plan
to Increase Fuel Efficiency of the City's Electrical Generation
from Fossil Fuels Pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, was
read by title.
Page 5 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 9663 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
The Consent Calendar was presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Treasurer's Department
1. Ratification of Warrant Register No. 1238 to record voided
Check No. 319966 in the amount of $6,777.63 issued to Advanced
Electronics, Inc. on April 7, 2008.
2. Ratification of Warrant Register No. 1241 to record voided
Check No. 320638 in the amount of $8,455.00 issued to
Diamondback Tactical on May 19, 2008
3. Ratification of City of Vernon Requisitions from the City
of Vernon Custody Escrow Account No. 800452 covering claims and
demands presented during the period of May 29 through June 30,
2008, drawn on The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation totaling
$8,922,632.31, which includes Requisition Nos. CE337 through
CE339.
4. 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 June 2 through
June 30, 2008, drawn on The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
totaling $1,635,011.75, which includes Requisition Nos. LCD373
through LCD397.
Fire Department
5. Fire Department Activity Report for the period of June 12
through June 30, 2008, to be received and filed.
Police Department
6. Police Department Activity Log for the period of June 12
through June 30, 2008, to be received and filed.
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.
The City Administrator recommended that a public
policy protocol be established to assist the City Council in the
decision -making process with regard to the following two matters
and all similar matters in the future:
I.Request for authorization and funds for three City
Councilmembers and one City Consultant to
participate in the "Countrywide 15th Annual Simi
Valley Police Foundation Golf Tournament" to be held
at Lost Canyons Golf Club on August 25, 2008.
2. Request for authorization and funds for all City
Councilmembers and one City Consultant to attend the
"RETECH (Renewable Energy Technology) 2009
Conference & Exhibition" to be held in Las Vegas,
Nevada on February 25-27, 2009.
Page 6 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales responded that it was in the
best interest of the City Council to maintain a constructive
working relationship with the Vernon business community. He
advised that the City Council would continue to educate
themselves on matters relevant to the business community in
order to best assist said community as it did in the past
through the Overseas Export Program.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
aforementioned two conference request matters be deferred to the
next meeting. Motion carried.
Request from the Director of Community Services &
Water for ratification of the issuance of purchase orders to the
following vendors at the stated amounts for fuel for the City's
fleet vehicles, was presented.
1. G.P. Resources in the amount of $34,016.58
2. Merrimac Energy Group in the amount of $13,480.99
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, to
ratify the issuance of purchase orders to the aforementioned
vendors at the stated amounts for fuel for the City's fleet
vehicles. Motion carried.
Request from the Director of Light & Power for
approval of and authorization to execute the following contract
change orders, was presented.
1.Change Order No. Five to the contract with Wood
Group Services, Inc. in the not -to -exceed amount of
$50,000.00 for additional maintenance and
operational services for the H. Gonzales turbine
units, emergency generators, and miscellaneous plant
equipment.
2. Change Order No. One to the contract with Burns and
Roe Enterprises, Inc. in the not -to -exceed amount of
$140,000.00 to add Task Authorization No. Eight for
an underground feasibility study.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to
approve Change Order No. Five to the contract with Wood Group
Services, Inc. in the not -to -exceed amount of $50,000.00 for
additional maintenance and operational services for the H.
Gonzales turbine units, emergency generators, and miscellaneous
plant equipment, and to authorize the Director of Light & Power
to executed said change order. Motion carried.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, to
approve Change Order No. One to the contract with Burns and Roe
Enterprises, Inc. in the not -to -exceed amount of $140,000.00 to
add Task Authorization No. Eight for an underground feasibility
study, and to authorize the Director of Light & Power to execute
said change order. Motion carried.
Request from the Fire Chief for approval of and
authorization to execute a Service Agreement with GE Ionics,
Inc. for maintenance coverage on the Challenger Mobile
Deionizing Water System at Fire Station No. 1 during the 2008-
2009 fiscal year, was presented.
Page 7 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to
approve the Service Agreement with GE Ionics, Inc. for
maintenance coverage on the Challenger Mobile Deionizing Water
System at Fire Station No. 1 during the 2008-2009 fiscal year,
and to authorize the Fire Chief to execute said agreement.
Motion carried.
Request from the Fire Chief for approval of and
authorization to execute four Preventive Maintenance Agreements
with Reliable Ice Equipment, Inc. for bi-annual maintenance
during the 2008-2009 fiscal year on each of the Manitowoc Ice
Machines located at each of the four Fire Stations, was
presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, to
approve four Preventive Maintenance Agreements with Reliable Ice
Equipment, Inc. for bi-annual maintenance during the 2008-2009
fiscal year on each of the Manitowoc Ice Machines located at
each of the four Fire Stations, and to authorize the Fire Chief
to execute said agreements. Motion carried.
Request from the Personnel Director for approval of
and authorization to execute, as the Principal Signer, a Test
Rental Agreement with Cooperative Personnel Services, dba CPS
Human Resource Services for the rental of employee testing
materials for a one-year term, was presented. Also requested
was authorization to include the Human Resources Director and
Veronica Avendano, Administrative Assistant, as Additional
Signees on said agreement.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to
approve the Test Rental Agreement with Cooperative Personnel
Services, dba CPS Human Resource Services for the rental of
employee testing materials for a one-year term, authorize the
Personnel Director to execute said agreement as the Principal
Signer, and authorize the inclusion of the Human Resources
Director and Veronica Avendano, Administrative Assistant, as
Additional Signees on said agreement. Motion carried.
Request from the Personnel Director for approval of
and authorization to execute a Catering Agreement with Double
Tree Hotel in the estimated amount of $7,924.44 for City of
Vernon Holiday Party to be held at the Double Tree Hotel in
Commerce, California on December 4, 2008, was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, to
approve the Catering Agreement with Double Tree Hotel in the
estimated amount of $7,924.44 for City of Vernon Holiday Party
to be held at the Double Tree Hotel in Commerce, California on
December 4, 2008, and to authorize the Personnel Director to
execute said agreement. Motion carried.
Appointment of a voting delegate and two alternates to
represent the City of Vernon at the "League of California Cities
Annual Conference" to be held in Long Beach on September 24-27,
2008, was made.
It was moved by Malburg, seconded by Davis, to appoint
Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales as the voting delegate and Councilman
Davis and Councilman McCormick as the alternates at the "League
of California Cities Annual Conference" to be held in Long Beach
on September 24-27, 2008. Motion carried.
Page 8 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
RESOLUTION NO. 9654 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Accepting the Bid of Wondries Fleet Group
on Bid No. 1454 for the Purchase of a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe for
the Fire Department, Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
a Vehicle Purchase Contract and the Issuance of a Purchase Order
Respecting Said Bid and Repealing Resolution No. 9538 and
Rescinding Vehicle Purchase Contract Dated February 4, 2008, was
read by title.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9654 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9655 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
a City of Vernon License and Support Agreement Renewal By and
Between the City of Vernon and Decade Software Company, LLC for
Environmental Health Software and Services, was read by title.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9655 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9657 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing a Payment for an
Abandonment of Easement Relating to Property Located at 5119
District Boulevard, was read by title.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 9657 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9658 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
a Generation Tie -Lines Study Agreement By and Between the City
of Vernon and Southern California Edison Company Regarding the
Vernon Power Plant, was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9658 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9659 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Property
from the Following Departments: City Clerk, Community Services &
Water, Fire, and Police Pursuant to Section 2.31 of the Vernon
City Code, was read by title.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 9659 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9660- A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
an Agreement for Professional Consulting Services By and Between
the City of Vernon and Kevin Sales, dba KJ Services, Relating to
2008/2009 Grant Programs, was read by title.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9660 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9664 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Amending Resolution No. 9639 by Amending
Various Sections within the Resolution and Amending Schedules
VIII, XVII and XXII of said Resolution Regarding the
Compensation, Costs and Benefits of its Employees, was read by
title.
Page 9 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 9664 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9665 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
a Telephone Service/Maintenance Agreement By and Between the
City of Vernon and Crosspoint Network Solutions, INC., was read
by title.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that
Resolution No. 9665 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9666 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Adopting a Branding Campaign
Plan for the City and Authorizing the Director of Industrial
Development to take all Actions Necessary to Implement the Plan,
was read by title.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
Resolution No. 9666 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 9667 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Adopting a Community
Outreach Program for the City and Authorizing the Director of
Industrial Development to take all Actions Necessary to
Implement the Program, was read by title.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by McCormick, that
Resolution No. 9667 be approved and adopted. Motion carried.
Ratification of the issuance of early checks for
Warrant Register No. 1244, covering claims and demands presented
during the period of June 12 through June 30, 2008, drawn on
Bank of America totaling $714,850.91, which includes Check Nos.
321142 through 321202 (Accounting period July 2008), was
presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the issuance of early checks for Warrant Register No. 1244,
covering claims and demands totaling $714,850.91, be ratified.
Motion carried. Councilman Davis abstained and disqualified
himself on this matter.
Ratification of wire transfers for Warrant Register
No. 1244, covering claims and demands presented during the
period of June 12 through June 30, 2008, drawn on Bank of
America totaling $5,863,219.99, which includes Wire Nos. 286
through 288 (Accounting period July 2008), was presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that wire
transfers for Warrant Register No. 1244, covering claims and
demands totaling $5,863,219.99, be ratified. Motion carried.
Warrant Register No. 1244, covering claims and demands
presented during the period of June 12 through June 30, 2008,
drawn on Bank of America totaling $708,469.18, which includes
Check Nos. 321203 through 321430 (Accounting period July 2008),
was presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that
Warrant Register No. 1244 be approved and payment authorized for
claims and demands totaling $708,469.18. Motion carried.
Page 10 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
Ratification of the issuance of early checks for Light
& Power Warrant Register No. 209, covering claims and demands
presented during the period of June 12 through June 30, 2008,
drawn on Bank of America totaling $33,684.80, which includes
Check Nos. 505655 through 505672 (Accounting period July 2008),
was presented.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by Davis, that the
issuance of early checks for Light & Power Warrant Register No.
209, covering claims and demands totaling $33,684.80, be
ratified. Motion carried.
Ratification of wire transfers for Light & Power
Warrant Register No. 209, covering claims and demands presented
during the period of June 12 through June 30, 2008, drawn on
Bank of America totaling $1,330,103.68, which includes Wire Nos.
3992 through 4006, (Accounting period July 2008), was presented.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Gonzales, that
wire transfers for Light & Power Warrant Register No. 209,
covering claims and demands totaling $1,330,103.68, be ratified.
Motion carried. Councilman Davis abstained and disqualified
himself on this matter.
Light & Power Warrant Register No. 209, covering
claims and demands presented during the period of June 12
through June 30, 2008, drawn on Bank of America totaling
$102,360.37, which includes Check Nos. 505673 through 505704
(Accounting period July 2008), was presented.
It was moved by Davis, seconded by Gonzales, that
Light & Power Warrant Register No. 209 be approved and payment
authorized for claims and demands totaling $102,360.37. Motion
carried.
The City Administrator announced that this was the
time for elected officials to report on conferences/seminars
attended during the period of June 16 through July 6, 2008.
Councilman Davis reported on the "5th Anniversary
Renewable Energy Finance Forum - Wall Street" he and Mayor Pro-
Tem Gonzales attended in New York on June 18-19, 2008. He
talked about the highlights of the session on Biofuels: Ethanol
and Biodiesel, namely investment opportunities and strategies
with regard to the biofuels sector.
Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales also reported on the "5th
Anniversary Renewable Energy Finance Forum - Wall Street." He
talked about the growing nature of the renewable energy
industry, the high costs related to the construction of
renewable energy plants, energy output projections of said
plants, and attempts by investors to establish an organization
of interested parties for the start-up of renewable energy
plants.
The Mayor did not attend any conferences/seminars
during the period of June 16 through July 6, 2008.
Councilman McCormick did not attend any
conferences/seminars during the period of June 16 through July
6, 2008.
Page 11 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
The City Administrator announced that this was the
time for reports from departments.
Assistant Fire Chief Lazar, who attended the meeting
in place of the Fire Chief, thanked the City Council for
granting July 3, 2008, as an additional holiday. He also
provided an update on the current wild fires and advised that a
City fire engine was due back from Goleta on Tuesday, July 8,
2008.
Police Captain Rodino, who attended the meeting in
place of the Police Chief, thanked the City Council for granting
July 3, 2008, as an additional holiday.
The City Treasurer read an excerpt from the California
Municipal Treasurers' Association (CMTA) newsletter, in which
the City of Vernon was recognized for hosting the Division 2
regular meeting on April 10, 2008.
The Finance Director advised that his department was
preparing for the annual audit.
The Risk Manager advised that he would be holding a
medical insurance coverage workshop for retirees on Wednesday,
July 9, 2008, in the Council Chamber. He also mentioned that
said workshop would include a question and answer session.
The Director of Environmental Health reported on the
positive comments received in response to the recent Haz Mat
workshop hosted by the City of Vernon.
The Director of Community Services & Water reported on
the following matters:
1.26th Bridge Project, which was on schedule.
■ Replacing wire that was stolen from pumps.
2.26th Street Widening and Storm Drain Construction
Project, in which the concrete replacement at the
intersection of Bonnie Beach Place and 26th Street
had been completed.
3.City Housing Renovation Project, which was expected
to be completed by the end of July 2008.
4. Soil remediation process of the District Boulevard
Thermador site demolition project, in which the
removal of the contaminated soil was scheduled to be
completed by July 11, 2008.
5. Smurfit -Stone site demolition project, in which the
building on the property was currently in the
process of being demolished.
Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales informed the Director of
Community Services & Water that the construction workers working
on the Furlong Place houses had been leaving their lunch trash
in the street.
The Director of Community Services & Water responded
that he would address the littering issue with the contractor.
Page 12 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
The Director of Light & Power reported on the
following matters:
1. Gas Prepay financing and available opportunities.
2. Establishment of protocols to assist Bicent with
management of the Malburg Generating Station (MGS).
3. Forthcoming preliminary decision of the South Coast
Air Quality Management District (AQMD) on the
Southeast Region Energy Project (SREP).
4. Benefits of the new financial management system,
which allows for up-to-date financial reporting and
the separation of capital projects from revenues.
Further, the Director of Light & Power agreed with
Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales that the City Council should have a good
understanding of the current issues regarding renewable energy,
but recommended that the City Council be selective in the
conferences it elects to attend on said matter. The Director
offered to assist the Council in making determinations on which
renewable energy conferences to attend.
The Human Resources Director had nothing to report in
open session.
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
The City Clerk had nothing to report at this time.
The Mayor reported on the grand opening of Reynaldo's,
which he attended, and the company's intent to expand the
business.
Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales asked the City Administrator to
look into any possibility of assisting Reynaldo's with its
expansion.
Eric replied that he would look into the possibility
of assisting Reynaldo's.
time.
Councilman Davis had nothing to report at this time.
Councilman McCormick had nothing to report at this
The Mayor called a short recess at 12:01 p.m.
The City Council reconvened in regular session at
12:09 p.m., all members present before the recess again being
present.
The City Administrator announced that this was the
time to go into closed session.
It was moved by Gonzales, seconded by McCormick, that
the City Council go into closed session, the time being 12:09
p.m. Motion carried.
Everyone was excluded from closed session with the
exception of the Human Resources Director, City Administrator,
City Attorney, and members of the City Attorney's office.
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
The Mayor ordered all communications to and from
closed session deemed privileged and confidential.
It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Davis, that the
City Council go out of closed session and resume regular
session, the time being 12:51 p.m. Motion carried.
It was reported out that the City Council had a
conference in closed session regarding six Employee
Discipline/Dismissal/Release matters pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957, and the recommendations of the respective
Department Head for each of the six matters were approved.
It was reported out that the City Council had a
conference in closed session regarding four Public Employment
matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, and approval
was granted to hire the following individuals:
1. Angela Melgar, as a Staff Accountant, step 6,
effective July 8, 2008.
2. Lorenzo Ortega Jr., as a Utilityman IV, step 5,
effective July 8, 2008.
3. Brian Linnert, as a Utilityman IV, step 5, effective
July 8, 2008.
4. Javier Valdez, as a Business & Account Clerk, step
5; effective July 14, 2008.
It was reported out that the City Council had a
conference in closed session regarding one Employee Evaluation
matter pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, and merit step
increase was granted to Linda Johnson, Environmental Specialist,
from step 8 to step 7, effective July 20, 2008.
It was reported out that the City Council had a
conference in closed session with legal counsel regarding the
following existing litigation cases pursuant to subdivision (a)
of Government Code Section 54956.9.
a. LASC No. BC 331516
b. VNO Nos. 0525065 and 0525080
No action was taken with regard to case LASC No. BC
331516. Settlement authority was granted to the City Attorney
with regard to cases VNO Nos. 0525065 and 0525080.
There being no further business to come before the
City Council at this time, it was moved by McCormick, seconded
by Gonzales, that the meeting be adjourned, the time being 12:51
p.m. Motion carried.
AT EST:
Manuela Giron
City Clerk
Na Leonis C.\Malburg
Title: Mayor
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