20110825 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
THE CITY OF VERNON HELD THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 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 4:29 p.m. by Mayor Gonzales
City Clerk Willard G. Yamaguchi led the flag salute.
The City Clerk announced that there were no changes to the
agenda.
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.
Senator Kevin de Leon addressed and thanked the Council for the
opportunity to speak on important issues. He advised that he
had made no secret of his concern about what has transpired in
Vernon, but that redemption is a powerful thing; it is a two-way
street. The City is facing extinction; responsibility falls on
the Council's hands. The Senator declared that the people and
children deserve extraordinary actions. Senator de Leon
explained his comprehensive plan which included tough,
aggressive reforms, which were detailed in the City's Staff
Reports.
Senator de Leon believes it is a strong plan, but it is not
punitive. He opined that Vernon is on the cusp of historic
reform, but that it must take appropriate actions. Senator de
Leon thanked Assembly Speaker John Perez for bringing necessary
attention to the issues, but advised that his plan is not in the
best interests of the community.
The Senator pronounced that the first steps would occur tonight,
but action is still needed. Reforms require civil engagement
from all. Their livelihood depends on the Council's actions.
De Leon declared that it was time to turn promise into action.
He emphasized that hard working men and women were trying to put
roofs over their heads, food on the table, and clothes on the
backs of their kids.
Everyone from business to laborer must advocate and be vigilant
for the reforms. The City belongs to everyone. They built this
City into what it is today. De Leon advocated that everyone in
the adjacent communities is a stakeholder. The process will not
take place over night. Senator de Leon foresees Vernon as
becoming a beacon of good governance in the southeast in years
to come.
Senator de Leon thanked the Council for their willingness to
consider his plan. He encouraged the Council to take the first
steps and approve the items on the agenda for the working class.
He advised that the unemployment in states such as Florida,
Rhode Island, Michigan, and Nevada don't add up to the 12%
unemployment rate in California. The livelihood of families
depends on this, and Vernon is on the cusp. Once again, Senator
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
August 25, 2011
de Leon thanked the Council for providing the opportunity to
address the council and urged them to do the right thing.
Josette Espinosa, Director of Parks & Recreation for Huntington
Park, addressed the Council in support of the Good Neighbor
Program. Huntington Park's goal is to expand its parks. It
currently has 32 acres, which is small compared to its
population. The population they serve consists of low income
families, who use the parks on a regular basis as a respite, an
escape, their vacation because they don't have the money to go
to Disneyland. In the month of July alone, 29,000 people
visited the park.
Salt Lake Park gives the community a sense of community, but
it's not enough space. On Tuesdays, there are a thousand people
walking.
The open space is essential to the safety of the community.
Huntington Park is searching for grants not only to improve the
playgrounds, basketball courts, and tennis courts, but they need
money to expand park space. Without money, it's like a third
world country. In the past, the City had been good stewards of
grant funds, but since the downturn in the economy, grants are
difficult to come by. Huntington Park supports the Good
Neighbor Program.
Huntington Park City Council Member Elba Guerrero advised that
today marks an important step for Vernon in resolving some of
the governance issues it faces by addressing the reforms
outlined by Senator de Leon. Guerrero pronounced that she was
pleased with his proposals and viewed them as thoughtful and
comprehensive that move away from disincorporation. Reform
plans that take negatives and turns them into positives not only
for City of Vernon, but for neighboring cities, as well.
The Good Neighbor Program that Senator de Leon has proposed is a
great opportunity to work with the senator and investigate Salt
Lake Park. Many of the community's families live in apartments
where children do not have yards. The parks provide a space for
them. Salt Lake Park is the largest open space, but with a
community made up of working class families and only one park,
recreational activities are limited. Guerrero advised that she
looks forward to working with the Senator and thanked the
Council.
Huntington Park Vice Mayor Andy Molina stated that he was
present to support Vernon, and believes Vernon can be a role
model city in the future. Molina stated that he is saddened to
see that students and families have nowhere to go because the
parks are undersized. Athletic fields are few if any. He
believes that Senator de Leon's alternative proposal is a "win -
win" proposition to help get Vernon back on track. Molina
stated that many people envied Vernon for its quality of life
that it provides to those that work in the city. He encouraged
the council to work together to make the proposal happen.
Huntington Park Mayor, Ofelia Hernandez echoed her colleagues'
remarks. Huntington Park has been a good neighbor to City of
Vernon for over 52 years. Huntington Park provides education
and recreational services for everyone in the area.
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August 25, 2011
Hernandez addressed the air quality, and reported that
Huntington Park has a high percentage of children and adults
with asthma. She wanted to show her support and to work
together. Hernandez concluded by stating that we should work
together for the best quality of life for all.
Marisa Olguin, President of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce,
advised that they have been a long and loud advocate in the
effort to implement reforms. Together with labor they have
fought against AB46 and AB781. Olguin commended Senator de Leon
for taking a strong stand for the 1,800 businesses and their
employees in his well thought out plan to make Vernon a model
city for the Southeast region, and thanked the Council for their
quick response.
She encouraged the Council to approve the items on the agenda in
addition to the recommendations of Independent Ethics Advisor
John Van de Kamp. She encouraged the Council to do this for all
that work in the City with the purpose to end this battle so
that companies can get back to work and begin hiring more
people. Olguin advised that the Chamber will continue to work
with the City and remain engaged to strengthen Vernon. Olguin
encouraged the Council not to miss out on this opportunity to
create a better, healthier Vernon.
Maria Lou Calanche of Legacy LA, advised that she supports the
new reforms proposed by Senator de Leon. She described the
reforms as good for Vernon and a benefit to the surrounding
communities. Marlene Arazo, a youth at Legacy LA echoed
Calanche's support. As a youth who has experienced the air
quality issues, she supported Senator de Leon's proposals.
Ed Rendon of Teamsters Joint Council 42, advised that he had
been engaged in this issue for the last to months. He was happy
to see Senator de Leon's plan come forward and opined that this
is a good way to go.
Stan Stosel of IBEW reflected on the names on the plaque on the
side of the building, and concluded that those names will not be
as important as those who saved the City. He said that everyone
had been working side by side, doing everything they could, but
now it was up to the Council. Stosel encouraged the Council to
support Senator de Leon's plan.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth advised that the purpose of
the Special Council Meeting was to consider the comprehensive
package of good governance reforms. It is a direct response to
Senator de Leon's letter received on Monday, August 22, 2011.
The letter outlined critical path reforms as an alternative to
disincorporation. Whitworth reported that he and staff worked
around the clock to determine how the City can best address the
issues. The letter made good sense for the City of Vernon. it
will help modernize the City and make it more transparent.
Three sets of staff reports and resolutions were submitted. The
first states the City's general support, the second establishing
an electorate Charter amendments based on his recommendations,
and the third addressing the swift implementation of additional
reforms.
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August 25, 2011
Whitworth thanked Senator de Leon for challenging Vernon to be
better and for his leadership in this path. Vernon supports
Senator de Leon in this path.
Mayor Gonzales advised that this marks an important day in City
of Vernon history; the adoption of a comprehensive package which
will bring the City a giant leap forward in becoming a model
city. we heard the cry for change within our own borders, from
Sacramento, and from our neighbors. Still there are those who
would have our cityhood stripped from us.
On Monday Senator de Leon's letter was received. In his wisdom
he concluded, and we hope others will also reach the same
conclusion, that City of Vernon can be a model city. Senator de
Leon challenged the City to increase its accountability and
transparency, and be subject to his ongoing review, by doubling
the city's electorate, being better neighbor, and a steward of
the environment.
Mayor Gonzales stated that he supports these resolutions, and
thanks the Council and Senator de Leon for fighting for the
citizens. Gonzales thanked Senator de Leon for displaying that
true leadership is about building cities not tearing them down.
CONSENT CALENDAR -
It was moved by Davis and seconded by McCormick, that the
matters on the Consent Calendar be approved. Motion carried,
5-0.
1. Resolution No. 2011-147 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Ordering the Adoption and
Implementation of Governance Reform Measures Recommended by
Senator Kevin De Leon
2. Resolution No. 2011-148 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Calling a Special Mailed Ballot
Election to be Held on November 22, 2011 and submitting to
the Voters of the City Certain Governance Reform Measures
Requiring Amendments to the City Charter
3. Resolution No. 2011-149 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Affirming the City's Commitment to
Continued Adoption and Implementation of Reform Measures
ORnTWAWrRS
1. ORDINANCE NO. 1185 - An Ordinance of the City Council of
the City of Vernon Amending Chapter 2 of the Code of the
City of Vernon Relating to Special Municipal Election Dates
(first and final reading)
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Ordinance No. 1185. Motion carried, 5-0.
Maisano moved to reschedule the September 6, 2011, Council
Meetings to September 13, 2011. The other Council members
echoed Maisano's request since they will be out of town. It was
seconded by Newmire. Motion carried, 5-0.
The City Clerk announced that there were no further items on the
agenda.
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At 5:00 p.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire,
to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
ATTEST:
Will rd G. Yaua h'
City Clerk
&
Hilario Gdnzal s
Mayor
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