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20110719 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes (2)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA MEMBERS PRESENT: Gonzales, Davis, McCormick, Maisano, Newmire MEMBERS ABSENT: None The meeting was called to order at 9:01 a.m. by Mayor Gonzales. The City Clerk requested a motion to amend the agenda to add the revised resolution approving and authorizing the application for the 2011/2012 Used Oil Payment Program, and the License Agreement and Escrow for BNSF Railway Company. These additions were brought to the attention of the City Clerk after the posting of the agenda. It was moved by McCormick, seconded by Newmire, that the agenda be amended as recommended. Motion carried, 5-0. 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 responded. It was moved by Newmire and seconded by Maisano to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held June 21, 2011. Motion carried, 5-0. It was moved by Davis and seconded by McCormick to approve the Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held June 27, 2011. Motion carried, 5-0. It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Davis to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held July 5, 2011. Motion carried, 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS At 9:04 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire, to open the public hearing to consider a conditional use permit amendment for Stericycle Inc. Motion carried, 5-0. Director of Community Services & Water, Kevin Wilson advised that Stericycle operates a medical waste transfer station and treatment facility. They recently purchased another location from Medserv, Inc., located at 4726th Loma Vista Avenue, and have since requested to treat APHIS waste, which is foreign trash. APHIS waste carries pests and diseases that could affect agricultural products. The waste is treated before it is shipped to landfills. Stericycle would primarily be dealing with the APHIS waste from cruise ships from the ports. Stericycle conducts a similar operation on 26th Street. Wilson reported that a public hearing notice was published, and one agency commented back. AQMD expressed their concerns over the truck traffic. Wilson reported that the project did not increase the facilities, capacity. The department ran the calculations and the impact was less than significant. Wilson recommended that the amendment for the conditional use permit be approved. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2011 At 9:10 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Davis, to close the public hearing. Motion carried, 5-0. Resolution No. 2011-128 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Granting a Conditional Use Permit Amendment to Stericycle, Inc. for the Operation of a Medical Waste Transfer Station and Treatment Facility at 4726 Loma Vista Avenue in the City of Vernon It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Newmire, that Resolution No. 2011-128 be approved and adopted. Motion carried, 5-0. CONSENT CALENDAR Interim City Attorney, Mike Montgomery advised that if Council proceeds with the approval of item 2.a, there will be no modifications of medical benefits. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Davis, that the matters on the Consent Calendar be approved as recommended. Motion carried, 5-0. 1. Warrant Registers a. Approval of Payroll Warrant Register No. 661, totaling $3,899,460.36, which covers the period of May 8 through June 18, 2011, and consists of the following: 1. Ratification of electronic fund transfers (EFTs) totaling $3,859,191.53; and 2. Checks paid through General Fund Warrant Register totaling $40,268.83. b. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1339, totaling $966,153.78, which covers the period of June 28 through July 11, 2011, and consists of the following: 1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $25,227.74; and 2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $576,541.19; and 3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $364,384.85. 2. City Administration a. Resolution No. 2011-129 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Fixing the Compensation, Costs and Benefits of its Employees as of July 1, 2011, and Repealing All Resolutions in Conflict Therewith b. Resolution No. 2011-130 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Authorizing the Execution of Escrow Instructions for the Sale of Real Property Located at 5555 District Boulevard Page 2 of 7 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2011 c. Ratification of payment for Sadler Strategic Media Inc. invoices for media buys during the week of July 11 through July 17, 2011. 3. City Clerk a. Resolution No. 2011-131 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to Render Specified Services to the City Relating to the Conduct of a Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 b. Resolution No. 2011-132 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement for Professional Services by and between the City of Vernon and Martin & Chapman Co., for Consulting Services Related to a Municipal Election c. Authorization to endorse and support the California Cancer Research Act. 4. Fire Department a. Activity Report for the period of June 16 through June 30, 2011, to be received and filed. 5. Health Department a. June 2011 Monthly Report, to be received and filed. 6. Personnel Department a. Resignation of Gustavo Reveles, CAD Technician with Light & Power Department, effective July 14, 2011. 7. Police Department a. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrest and Activities for the period of June 16, through June 30, 2011, to be received and filed. 8. Purchasing Department a. Resolution No. 2011-133 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Advanced Electronics, Inc. for Maintenance of the Radio and Closed -Circuit Television System b. Approval of service proposal with Spectrum Building Services for janitorial services and authorization for the Interim City Attorney, or his designee, to make modifications to the agreement, and take whatever actions are deemed necessary for the purpose of implementing and carrying out the terms thereof. c. Approval of the annual maintenance proposal from SimplexGrinnell for the period of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014, for the fire alarm systems. Page 3 of 7 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2011 9. Additional Item a. Resolution No. 2011-134 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Application for the 2011/2012 Used Oil Payment Program and Superseding Resolution No. 2011-101 DISCUSSION ITEMS Director of Community Services & Water, Kevin Wilson provided an update on regional transportation projects including the I-710, the California High Speed Rail and the Pacific Electric Right -of. Way. Wilson reported that there are different alternatives being looked at for the I-710 project, including an elevated freight lane, use of hybrid trucks, and a toll road. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2020 and completed by 2030. The proposed I-710/Slauson Avenue interchange will include a new interchange at District Boulevard and Slauson Avenue. Wilson has proposed to expand Alamo Street, and opined that it is a good compromise and would limit the impact. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Davis, Wilson advised that Alamo Street is narrow and can accommodate one lane in each direction and that it would never be a major road. Under the proposed option for Atlantic Boulevard and Bandini Boulevard, truck lanes will go over the I-710 and exit onto a new intersection at Washington Boulevard. This option will eliminate a small cluster of homes which would be relocated. The location has yet to be determined, but the option is still being considered. Relocation would lessen the residential community's exposure to diesel emissions. The I-710 is completely being rerouted. There will be a slight impact to Fire Station No. 4. Wilson advised that this is a positive because the project will have to pay for the relocation of the station, and the City has been looking to improve the station for some time. Under a second option, the community at Washington Boulevard will remain, but it will depend on City of Commerce's decision. A draft environmental report is expected by the middle of next year. Wilson reported that the California High Speed Rail is being held up in the legislature. It was first projected that the project would cost $10 billion but new estimates range from $50 to $100 billion. There is a real fear whether there will be adequate funding. Currently, the project is being run by a board with a staff of ten, and many consultants. There is very little oversight. The project may reorganize the authority under Caltrans. Wilson opined that the change will be appropriate considering the magnitude of the project. A route from Los Angeles to Anaheim is being considered. Originally, two segments ran through the City; parallel to the Page 4 of 7 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2011 BNSF right of way. The Gateway Cities has hired a consultant to review a proposal to consolidate all of the rail services. All modes of transportation can operate at 80 mph. Part of the route may run down 26th Street, potentially with elevated structures. The corridor study considered different modes of transportation such as bus lines, light rail, street cars, diesel trains, and maglev trains. Wilson reported that the Pacific Electric Right -of Way will be a route from Santa Ana to Union Station. A street car is being proposed to connect the Regional Transit Center to the right -of way. Wilson reported that a lot of people reside around the area; 441 of jobs in Orange County are around the corridor and 290-. in Los Angeles. LA County cities support the project, but there are two communities in Orange County that are opposed. A bus transit line is being considered but it would be a slow mode of transportation with stops between one-half to one mile. The line would run down Soto Street, and the City would request turn -outs. An alternative route would be on Pacific Avenue to Slauson Avenue to Soto Street, into East Los Angeles. A high speed rail was eliminated as an option due to its high speeds (up to 220 mph) which would only accommodate 2-3 stations. The initial screening summary determined that a low speed maglev option might be the best alternative and it is being pushed by the Orangeline. However, there is a lack of coordination between the High Speed Line and the Orange Line. Wilson advised that there are three options that are being considered, with some variations. The first option has some high speed tracks and a station at Leonis and District Boulevard. The second option would go along the south side of the river but it would impact Farmer John and ExxonMobil. This option has been dropped. The third option would go down Santa Fe Avenue on an elevated structure and eventually tunnel into Los Angeles. Wilson advised that they may have to tunnel through Vernon as well. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEM Interim City Attorney Mike Montgomery advised that the license agreement was a result of BNSF negotiations. The bridge on 26th Street is still a private road, but it has been used as a public street. The City cannot give easement yet because it has adverse possession. Montgomery advised that the license agreement will be sufficient in the interim. BNSF has not provided the executed relocation agreement. Montgomery recommends that the License agreement be approved, exempt from Section 15282(g) under Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 18 of the California Code of Regulations. Montgomery advised that Kevin Wilson will hold the License Agreement until the Easement Relocation Agreement has been received. Montgomery consents to entry under the conditions listed. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Davis to approve the License Agreement and Escrow Instructions between BNSF Railway Company and the City of Vernon, under said conditions. Motion carried, 5-0. Page 5 of 7 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2011 ORAL REPORTS Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported that on July 8, 2011, a grand theft was reported at 4901 Bandini Boulevard. The suspect used a fictitious driver's license to pick up numerous cases of lobster tails. The product was picked up as scheduled but was never delivered to its destination. A week passed before the victim company realized the situation. LAPD has investigated similar cases. The investigation is still ongoing. On July 10, 2011, a robbery was reported in the storage yard at 3030 Atlantic Boulevard. The victim, a security guard, was stationed at the construction storage yard when a male suspect approached the victim and asked for directions. The suspect then produced a handgun and demanded the victim's wallet. The suspect fled the scene on foot with $500. There are very few investigative leads in this case On July 14, 2011, Detectives were assigned to the cargo theft investigation team at 2626 E. 26th Street. The investigation led to the recovery of approximately $900,000 of stolen cargo. The investigation is on -going and a suspect has been identified. On July 16, 2011, a strong arm robbery was reported at 3000 Santa Fe Avenue. Two suspects walked in during the morning hours and assaulted the victim taking some personal property and approximately $600 in currency. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle that was parked nearby. A witness was located and detectives will be following up on evidence collected at the scene. Captain James Rodino advised that there were no incident of vandalism to report. In response to Councilmember McCormick, Rodino advised that he would follow up with the vandalism seen on a Bandini Boulevard stop sign. Battalion Chief David Lazar reported that on July 11, 2011, the conversion over to the Downey dispatch center took place. $900,000 of UASI and FEMA grants will be used to supplement mobile data computers in the fire engines. In response to Councilman Newmire's inquiry regarding the transfer of the houses to Housing Authority, Montgomery advised that he was not prepared to address the questions, and would report back during the August 2nd City Council meeting. Newmire requested an ordinance so that the Council has the authority to add items to the agenda and designate a representative. Montgomery advised that he would address the request during the August 2nd City Council meeting. CLOSED SESSION At 10:24 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire to enter Closed Session. At 10:42 a.m., the Interim City Attorney reported the following: The Council unanimously agreed to hire Nathan Linnert as Utilityman IV. The Council unanimously agreed to have a written reprimand placed in the personnel file of an employee. Page 6 of 7 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2011 The Council unanimously agreed to settle the claim by Donal O'Callaghan. The details of the settlement will be available once finalized by all parties. At 10:42 a.m. it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire, that the City Council exit closed session. Motion carried, 5-0. The City Clerk announced that there were no further items on the agenda. At 10:44 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire, that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. ATTEST: Williard G.' City Clerk zr Hilario Gonzal s Mayor Page 7 of 7