Loading...
20120221 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes (2)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA MEMBERS PRESENT: Davis, McCormick, Maisano, Newmire MEMBERS ABSENT: None The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Pro-Tem Davis. Councilman Maisano 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 Pro-Tem inquired whether anyone in the audience wished to address the City Council. Peter Corselli of U.S. Growers Cold Storage opined that the proposed special parcel tax is a horrible idea in that it imposes a tax on the same businesses that supported the City of Vernon against AB46. Independent Reform Monitor John van de Kamp challenged everyone to come up with alternatives to the proposed special parcel tax, including looking at the city's finances and what services can be cut. Marisa Olguin, President of the Chamber of Commerce expressed the Chamber's opposition to the proposed special parcel tax. She argued that the tax would increase the City's revenues, but does not address a reduction in expenses. Olguin argued that the special parcel tax placed an unequal burden on manufacturers and cold storages that already support the City through utility uses. She stated that the challenge is to balance the budget and still remain competitive. Olguin encouraged the Council members to attend the workshops, listen to the businesses, and be open to alternatives. Don Pennell of The Ligature opined that the proposed special parcel tax will drive businesses out of Vernon and destroy revenue sources. He estimated the cost of the parcel tax to his business would be approximately $31,000.00, which would result in the raising of his prices. Pennell opined that Vernon is still a good place to do business but that the special parcel tax was not a good solution. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire, that the matters on the Consent Calendar be approved as recommended. Motion carried, 4-0. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes February 21, 2012 1. Warrant Registers a. Approval of Payroll Warrant Register No. 668, totaling $2,651,868.73, which covers the period of December 18, 2011, through January 14, 2012, and consists of the following: 1.Ratification of direct deposits, checks and taxes totaling $1,921,723.10; and 2.Ratification of electronic fund transfers (EFTs) totaling $730,145.63. b.Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1351, totaling $1,100,725.17, which covers the period of January 31 through February 13, 2012, and consists of the following: 1.Ratification of wire transfers totaling $297,739.22; and 2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $563,355.07; and 3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $239,630.88. 2. City Administrator a.Councilmember attendance report on the Independent Cities Association Twenty -Fourth Annual Winter Seminar held February 3-4, 2012, to be received and filed. 3. Community Services a.Building Department Report for the month of January 2012, to be received and filed. 4. Fire Department a. Activity Report for the period of January 16 through January 31, 2012, to be received and filed. S. Health Department a.January 2012 Monthly Report, to be received and filed. 6. Police Department a.Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrest and Activities for the period of January 16, through January 31, 2012, to be received and filed. 1.Resolution No. 2012-33 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Amendment to the Cooperative Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments for Phase 11 of the Truck Impacted Intersection Project Contract No. CS-0020 Director of Community Service & Water Kevin Wilson reported that this resolution was by Gateway Cities to extend the Page 2 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes February 21, 2012 agreement for one year in order to process reimbursement for the 26`h Street improvement project. It was moved by Newmire and seconded my Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2012-33. Motion carried, 4-0. 2.Resolution No. 2012-34 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Accepting the Bid of George Chevrolet on Bid No. 1463 for the Purchase of Two 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe's for the Police Department, Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Vehicle Purchase Contract and the Issuance of a Purchase Order Respecting Said Bid Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported that forfeiture funds, not general fund money, would be utilized to purchase two vehicles to replace the K9 fleet. It was moved by Newmire and seconded by McCormick to approve Resolution No. 2012-34. Motion carried, 4-0. 3. Resolution No. 2012-35 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Master Rental Lease Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon and Pacific Mobile Structures, Inc. for the Lease of Two Mobile Trailer Units Located at Fire Station No. 1 Fire Chief Mark Whitworth stated that this was a renewal of the lease agreement for two trailers used at Fire Station 2. It was moved by McCormick and Seconded by Newmire to approve Resolution No. 2012-35. Motion carried, 4-0. 4. Resolution no. 2012-36 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of Amendment No. 2 to the Municipal Database License Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon and Thomas Bros. Maps d/b/a Rand McNally Providing a License for a Geographical Information Systems Digital Database for use by the Vernon Police Department It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2012-36. Motion carried, 4-0. ORDINANCES 1.ORDINANCE No. 1192 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vernon Repealing Section 2.90 of the Vernon City Code Relating to City Council Elections and the Appointment of Council Members in Uncontested Elections (second reading) It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to adopt Ordinance No. 1192. A role call vote was taken: Councilman Newmire: Yes Councilman McCormick: Yes Mayor Pro Tem Davis: Yes Councilman Maisano: Yes Motion carried, 4-0. Page 3 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes February 21, 2012 2. ORDINANCE No. 1182 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vernon Adding a New Section 17-17 to Chapter 17, Offenses -Miscellaneous, of the Code of the City of Vernon Relating to the Sale of Fireworks By Nonprofit Organizations, Adopting Rules and Regulations for the Sale, Use and/or Manufacture of Fireworks in the City of Vernon and Repealing Ordinance No. 644 (first reading) Fire Marshall Jed Hulsey reported on the ordinances past introduction. Mayor Pro-Tem inquired whether anyone in the audience had any comments. Steve Freed of Mt. Vernon Industry reported that last year he had opposed this ordinance due to the timing of AB46, and advised that he is now in support of the ordinance as it raises money for non-profit organizations and does not increase the risk in the City. John Kelly of TNT Fireworks advised that he is in full support of the ordinance and will comply with any requirements. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1182. A role call vote was taken: - Councilman Newmire: Yes - Councilman McCormick: Yes - Mayor Pro Tem Davis: Yes - Councilman Maisano: Yes Motion carried, 4-0. NEW BUSINESS 1.Appointment and reclassification of members to the Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission (SDEEC) and authorization for Interim Health Director to appoint an environmental justice representative should Hector Garcia not be able to serve. Category Recommendation Business Representative Jim Andreoli Jr. Business Representative Avid Halimi Business Representative Peter Corselli Labor Representative Armando Espinoza Labor Representative Jaime Villanueva Environmental Representative Michael Gavina Environmental Justice Representative Hector Garcia City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported on the appointment process of members to the Commission and reclassification of some of the members in order meet the category needs. Assistant to City Administrator Kristen Enomoto reported on the inability of two original members to serve and the need to appoint new members and reclassify others. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve the appointment and reclassification of members to the SDEEC. Motion carried. 4-0. Page 4 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes February 21, 2012 2. Appointment of William Davis and Mark Whitworth to the RDA successor agency oversight board. Councilman Newmire moved to remove Mark Whitworth and have Michael McCormick serve as the second appointment. The motion was seconded by McCormick. Motion carried, 4-0. Legal Counsel Dana Reed advised that if meeting stipends are instituted, that there may be a conflict with interest for self appointments, and it may be necessary for Council members to waive their stipends. 3. Set a Public Hearing April 17, 2012, City Council meeting regarding a proposed special parcel tax at the April 17, 2012 City Council meeting. Counsel Reed clarified that this was not to set an election date or approve the proposed special parcel tax, but rather, to simply set a public hearing date. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire to set a public hearing April 17, 2012. Motion carried, 4-0. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Design concepts for the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge aesthetic relief panels. Director of Community Services & Water Kevin Wilson gave a presentation on the bridge aesthetics conceptual designs and frame relief panels for the rehabilitation of the Atlantic Bridge over the Los Angeles River. Wilson reported that the project was largely funded by the state. Councilman McCormick suggested a design using the Vernon city seal. Wilson advised that he would have the design drawn -out and brought back to City Council for review. 2. Recommendation from the Vernon Housing Commission that the City consider divestment of the Huntington Park units as they become vacant. City Administrator, Whitworth reported on the Ordinance requirement for the Vernon Housing Commission to make a recommendation on the Huntington park units. Whitworth reported that the appraised value of the units was between $135,000 to $185, 000. Mayor Pro-Tem Davis opined that the units need to be kept as they were originally intended, that is, to accommodate first responders and City employees. Councilman Maisano advised that since the renovation of various City housing still needed to be completed, the units should be kept for the displacement of the residents during the renovation period. Whitworth advised that staff could come back with additional information. No action was taken. Page 5 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes February 21, 2012 3. Recruitment of a Gas Systems Superintendent Director of Light & Power, Carlos Fandino reported that the current position was on contract basis and recommended that the position be made full time with a person from the outside. ORAL REPORTS Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported that on February 8, 2012, Vernon's canine officer assisted Huntington Park Police with the search and arrest of a robbery suspect. On February 15, 2012, a sexual battery was reported at 4580 Pacific Boulevard. Detectives will be following up on the allegations. Calleros reported of four commercial vehicle battery thefts within the past 2 weeks. He advised that detectives will be sharing information with local agencies in hopes of identifying the suspects involved in the thefts. In response to Councilman Newmire, Calleros reported that with the early release of inmates, there has been a general increase in property theft in the area. On February 11, 2012, Captain James Rodino reported a tagging incident that resulted in an arrest. Councilman Newmire reported of graffiti on a handicap parking sign at the Bank of America. Assistant Chief Andrew Guth thanked all that attended the Fire Department luncheon, and reported that there have been no major incidents, with all calls routine in nature. Guth reported on the promotional exams for Fire Captain and that the current C.E.R.T.S. class was nearly completed. Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and Water Department, reported that the Advisory Committee for Business Development had met and discussed the proposed special parcel tax, the zoning ordinances, and general plan, along with a presentation by the LAEDC. Public Information Officer Fred MacFarlane reported that the first issue of the Vernon Quarterly was in production with a special segment on the parcel tax. City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported on Van de Kamp's second report and the distribution to various interested parties. Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp commended Vernon for remarkable progress with its reforms, but warned that more needed to be done. Van de Kamp recommended the reduction of City Council salaries, staggered elections, and the hiring of a new City Attorney and Human Resource Director. Van de Kamp also recommended a study of the Police Department and staffing needs. Van de Kamp reported on the city's budget and Community Benefit Fund. He suggested that the money could stay in Vernon while still benefiting surrounding communities. Page 6 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes February 21, 2012 Van de Kamp reported that Whitworth's term as City Administrator will end on April 17, 2012. He recommended that Whitworth stay in the capacity of City Administrator until a new appointment was completed. Van de Kamp expressed his concern over the proposed special parcel tax. He recommended that the Advisory Committee for Business Development look at how to improve the business climate while limiting expenditures. He emphasized the importance of a public -private partnership. City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported of his plans to meet with Cal Vet Housing and Habitat For Humanity for the possible development of additional Vernon housing in order to increase the city's electorate. Whitworth announced that the Vernon Housing Commission had set market rates for the housing units and that the quarterly advertisement for expression of interest forms for Vernon housing are available in the City Clerk's Department or on the City's website. Whitworth reported that due to the recent changes in members the first meeting for the Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission has been rescheduled to February 29, 2012. Whitworth reported on Roberts Consulting Group, Inc. as the selected search firm for the City Attorney position. Whitworth reported that The Hawkins Company was assigned to conduct the search for the Human Resource Director and that Alliance Resource Consulting Inc. was assigned to conduct the Health Director search. Whitworth reported on the anticipated closing of sale for the Matheson Tri Gas site. Whitworth announced that Mr. Van de Kamp is the featured speaker at the Vernon Chamber of Commerce installation luncheon and that the Chamber was sponsoring a candidate's night on February 23, 2012, at the Holy Angels Church. CLOSED SESSION At 10:21 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire, that the City Council go into closed session to discuss the item listed on the closed session agenda. Motion carried, 4-0. l.PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Title: Electronics Technician At 10:23 a.m. it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano, that the City Council exit closed session. Motion carried, 4-0. Chief Deputy City Attorney Willard G. Yamaguchi reported that the City Council unanimously agreed to hire an Electronics Technician. Page 7 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes February 21, 2012 The City Clerk announced that there were no further items on the agenda. At 10:28 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire, that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Wil4Lard G. City Clerk William J. Davis Mayor Pro-Tem Page 8 of 8