20110607 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes (2)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
THE CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2011,
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED
AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gonzales, Davis, Newmire, Maisano
MEMBERS ABSENT: McCormick
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Gonzales.
The City Clerk requested a motion to amend the agenda to remove
Kevin Wilson from the Service Pin Awards, and to amend item
5.a.2. under the Consent Calendar to read"Step 3" for Craig
Peltier on both positions. These revisions were brought to the
attention of the City Clerk after the posting of the agenda. It
was moved by Davis, seconded by Newmire, that the agenda be
amended as recommended. Motion carried, 4-0.
The City Clerk announced that this was the time allotted for
public comment. The Mayor inquired whether anyone in the
audience wished to address the City Council. No one in the
audience responded.
Mayor Gonzales presented a proclamation to Robert Kipness for
his many years of service to the City of Vernon.
Mayor Gonzales presented service pins to Gerardo Farias,
Utilityman III, for his 20 years of service, and Wesley Cruz,
Code Enforcement, for his 15 years of service.
The Council also recognized Fernando Rodriguez, Sergeant, for
his 25 years of service, and Anthony Encinas II, Police Officer,
for his 10 years of service. Both were unable to attend the
meeting.
It was moved by Newmire and seconded by Maisano to approve the
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held January 12,
2011. Motion carried, 4-0.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano to approve the
Corrected Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held April
5, 2011. Motion carried, 4-0.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Newmire to approve the
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held April 19, 2011.
Motion carried, 4-0.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Newmire to approve the
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held May 3, 2011.
Motion carried, 3-0. Maisano abstained.
It was moved by Newmire and seconded by Maisano to approve the
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held May 26, 2011.
Motion carried, 4-0.
Cesar Zaldivar-Motts, Executive Director of the Southeast
Community Development Corporation (SCDC), presented an update on
the Mobile Technology Center (MTC) donated and sponsored by the
City of Vernon. Zaldivar-Motts advised that the SCDC is a non-
profit organization formed in 1994 with the assistance of Vernon
and other southeast cities.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2011
Zaldivar-Motts reported that back in 2008, the City committed
$448,649 to sponsor the MTC. The MTC is part of the Southeast
Technology Project which provides computer training, access to
computers, and public awareness of the internet. It is
estimated that about 600 of residents do not have internet
access. The MTC project provides internet access and educates
the community on how to use it.
Zaldivar-Motts stated that the MTC is wheelchair accessible,
with an interactive white board, a multifunctional printer, and
MacBook Pro Laptops that can used as PCs or Macs. The MTC
relies on wireless and satellite service to stay connected, and
runs on environmentally friendly compressed natural gas.
Zaldivar-Motts reported that the SCDC uses the MTC to provide
computer literacy for adults and children, job development
services, health education, financial literacy, and crime
prevention classes. The MTC has participated in various
community events including job fairs, and school events.
Zaldivar-Motts advised that SCDC works with partners to
advertise classes. Classes are free, and the MTC must be booked
3 months in advance for community events. The MTC receives
regular maintenance and has logged over 2,000 hours.
Mayor Gonzales stated that he also participated on the SCDC
board as the Vice Chair. He advised that Vernon has had a close
relationship with the organization since its establishment.
Vernon has been an active member of the community and was able
to make the MTC possible. Mayor Gonzales also advised that the
MTC can be used as a command center by Fire or Police in an
emergency.
Zaldivar-Motts advised that the MTC has received national and
regional media acknowledgement, and Vernon as the sponsor.
Zaldivar-Motts thanked the Council for their efforts.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
At 9:25 a.m., it was moved by Davis and seconded by Maisano, to
open the public hearing to consider the adoption of the proposed
2011-2012 fiscal year appropriation limit for the City of
Vernon. Motion carried, 4-0.
Rory Burnett, Finance Director/ City Treasurer, reported that
every year the City is required by the state to provide an
appropriation limit. The City has recommended a limit of
approximately $626 million. Burnett advised that the City does
not anticipate spending that much, about half of the amount is
expected, but the City is allowed to go up to the limit.
At 9:27 a.m., it was moved by Newmire and seconded by Maisano,
to close the public hearing. Motion carried, 4-0.
Resolution No. 2011-92 - A Resolution of the City Council of the
City of Vernon Adopting an Appropriations Limit for the Fiscal
Year Ending June 30, 2012 Pursuant to Government Code Section
7910
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Davis, that Resolution
No. 2011-92 be approved and adopted. Motion carried, 4-0.
Page 2 of 7
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2011
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Davis, that the matters
on the Consent Calendar be approved as recommended. Motion
carried, 4-0.
1. Warrant Registers
a. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1336, totaling
$1,207,524.75, which covers the period of May 1,0
through May 26, 2011, and consists of the following:
1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling
$211,921.79; and
2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks
totaling $789,317.32; and
3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$206,285.64.
b. Approval of Federal Funds for Street Improvements
Warrant Register No. 10, totaling $24,433.37, which
covers the period of April 12 through May 26, 2011,
and consists of the following:
1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling
$24,433.37.
2. City Administration
a. Acceptance of reimbursement transfer from the
Redevelopment Agency for capital improvement projects
for fiscal years 1996 to 2011; for accounting
purposes.
b. Councilmember attendance report for California
Contract Cities Association Annual Seminar held May
13-15, 2011.
c. Resolution No. 2011-93 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Voluntarily
Relinquishing Eighteen Percent of Each of the City
Council Member's Salary Compensation for the Duration
of Each Member's Term
3. Community Services & Water Department
a. Resolution No. 2011-94 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Accepting the Bid of
Fleming Environmental, Inc. and Approving and
Authorizing the Execution of a Services Agreement By
and Between the City of Vernon and Fleming
Environmental, Inc. for the Maintenance, Testing and
Repair of Underground and Aboveground Storage Tanks,
Fuel Dispensers and Related Facilities
b. Authorization to approve and issue Change Order No. 1
to SAK Construction of CA, LP.
4. Fire Department
Page 3 of 7
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2011
a. Activity Report for the period of May 1 through. May
15, 2011, to be received and filed.
5. Personnel
a. Reclassification of the following personnel in the
Fire Department:
1. Michael Busch from Regional Training Captain
Step 1, to Captain Step 1.
2. Craig Peltier from Captain Step 3, to Regional
Training Captain Step 3.
6. Police Department
a. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrest and
Activities for the period of May 1, through May 15,
2011, to be received and filed.
7. Purchasing
a. Authorization to issue a purchase order to Meridian
Medical Technologies for Auto -Injectors for the Fire
Department.
8. Risk Management
a. Authorization to hold an employee health fair on
Thursday, August 18, 2011, and to extend the lunch
periods by one half hour each.
nPnTWAVOW
1. Ordinance No. 1183 - An Ordinance of the City Council of
the City of Vernon Establishing a Housing Commission
Pursuant to the Provisions of the City Charter of the City
of Vernon and Specifying the Membership and Duties of the
Housing Commission (Second Reading)
It was moved by Newmire and seconded by Maisano, to adopt
Ordinance No. 1183. Motion carried, 4-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services & Water, provided
an update on SB375. Wilson reported that the bill was adopted
in 2008, and became effective January 1, 2009. The bill called
for each California metropolitan area to reduce greenhouse
gasses by 8% by 2020, and 13% by 2025. Wilson advised that a
Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) must be submitted to
Southern California Association of Government Region (SCAG).
The City has joined with Gateway Cities Council of Government
(GCCOG) in order to develop a more local based plan.
Wilson stated that in SCAG region, the average person emits 21.2
lbs of CO2 per day. In the GCCOG region, the average person
emits 16.6 lbs of CO2 per day. This is due to the fact that the
area is more densely populated, there are better transit systems
in place, and household's capacity to own vehicles is much less.
Page 4 of 7
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2011
Wilson advised that five strategies have been developed to
reduce greenhouse emissions:
1. Transportation Strategies, which includes intersection
improvements, park and ride facilities, all designed to
reduce traffic congestion.
2. Transportation Demand Strategies, which includes compressed
work weeks, and ride sharing programs, both of which the
City already participates in.
3. Land Use, 10 cities have chosen density housing around
transit stations.
4. Regional Projects, which includes ramp and freeway
improvements.
5. Interactive Effects between Land Use and Transit Regional
Projects, which encourages people to use the transit
system.
Wilson presented the transportation projects by type which will
provide the City the greatest gains towards the reduction of
greenhouse gases.
Wilson also presented 17 proposed regional projects which will
be funded by Measure R over the next 30 years. Wilson advised
that it is projected that by 2020, the region will have reduced
greenhouse gases by 8.430, and 14.93% by 2025, both below the
required reduction levels.
Wilson advised that contrary to first assumptions, greenhouse
gases can be reduced without changing land use. Wilson reported
that the plans have been forwarded to SCAG for approval.
ORAL REPORTS
Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported that on May 21, 2011,
Officers responded to a man down. The subject was given CPR and
then transported to a local hospital, where he expired later.
It was advised that the subject was feeling sick earlier that
day. The case has been handed over to the Los Angeles Police
Department.
On May 21, 2011, the Police Department assisted Huntington Park
Police Department when their command center was down, and could
not recover calls, including 911 calls. The Huntington Park
Police Department functioned for a day and a half out of Vernon.
On May 23, 2011, there was a strong arm robbery in which two
suspects attacked a victim while he was waiting for the bus.
The suspects stole the victim's wallet and fled on foot. The
City is working with local agencies to address the robbery
issue.
On May 27, 2011, a DUI checkpoint was conducted on Santa Fe
Avenue and 28th Street, resulting in two DUI arrests, one
outstanding warrant arrest, and 17 citations for driving without
a license or with a suspended license. This was a joint effort
between Vernon and Huntington Park. Overtime funding for the
checkpoint was obtained through a grant from the Office of
Traffic Safety.
Calleros advised that a deceased male was discovered at the 5800
Block of 58th Street. There was no evidence of foul play, causes
appear to be related to a medical condition. Calleros advised
that autopsy results are pending.
Page 5 of 7
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2011
On June 3, 2011, as part of the community outreach program,
officers participated in an elementary school Career Day, and at
the Farmer John Health Fair.
Lieutenant Jerry Winegar, reported that on May 24, 2011, there
were five additional acts of vandalism involving a pellet gun.
In talking with other agencies, it was discovered that this is a
reoccurring problem in other cities such as Commerce, as well.
On May 29, 2011, Officers arrested a suspect for vandalism at
Indio Products and an incident of vandalism at. Gloria Tires on
June 5, 2011.
Carlos Fandino, Director of Light & Power, reported that the
Electric Rate Advisory Committee had met three times, and
anticipates a recommendation from the committee on June 15,
2011. Fandino requested a Special Light & Power Agenda Meeting
for June 22, 2011, time to be determined, in order to review the
electric rate increase.
Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Guth reported that the Fire
Department had responded to more than 80 calls since the last
meeting, including 6 fires.
Guth reported that phase 2, the engineers' driving exam, will
take place the weekends of June loth and June 17th. Guth advised
that the training focus for the month of June will be Haz-mat
training, and that they will be conducting on -site visits.
Guth advised that the change over to the Downey dispatch center
is on schedule for July 11, 2011, and that they will be
conducting the final mock-up once final approval is received.
Guth announced that the Department will be participating in the
Fill the Boot charity event in June. Guth also announced the
transition of Captain Busch back into operations, and the
transfer of Craig Peltier who will be taking over Busch's
duties. Peltier's first duty will be to oversee the change over
to the Downey dispatch center.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth thanked Mr. Zaldivar-Motts for
bringing to light the many aspects of the MTC and the City's
involvement. Whitworth stated that it is good to see Vernon's
involvement and positive impact on the community with the MTC,
the aiding of the Huntington Park Police Department, and Light
and Power Department's quick response and hoped to see something
positive reported in the LA Times.
Mark Lorenzo, from the audience, advised that he has two
facilities and has been in the City of Vernon for over 30 years.
Lorenzo commended the City on their professionalism, and wished
there were more cities like Vernon.
CLOSED SESSION
At 9:59 a.m., it was moved by Newmire and seconded by Davis,
that the City Council go into closed session to discuss the item
listed on the closed session agenda. Motion carried, 4-0.
Page 6 of 7
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2011
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL --ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(3)(C)
Number of potential cases: 22
The City Attorney advised that there was no reportable
action.
The City Clerk announced that there were no further items on the
agenda.
At 10:04 a.m., it was moved by Maisano and seconded by Davis,
that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried.
ATTEST:
Willard G! Y guc
City Clerk
Hilario Gonzales
Mayor
Page 7 of 7