20120403 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes (2)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
THE CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 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.
Boy Scout Nick Delgadillo led the flag salute.
The City Clerk announced changes to the request for proposals
for janitorial services which will be addressed by the Director
of Community Services & Water when the agenda item is called.
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.
Steve Freed, Mount Vernon Industry, LLC, announced that the City
had hired a consultant, without notifying the businesses, in
order to increase revenues but not to cut costs. Freed recalled
the warehouse parcel tax, which he opined was created to drive
warehouse users from the City. He warned that the proposed
special parcel tax will drive manufacturers out of Vernon, and
will not encourage land owners to invest in the property.
Ed Rendon of the Teamsters Union, formerly of the Electric Rates
Committee and now on the Business Development Committee
questioned Councilmen Newmire and Maisano. He stated that with
all of the efforts made to defeat AB46, he was troubled by the
allegations of voter impropriety as reported by the Los Angeles
Times, and meetings between former City Attorney Michael
Montgomery and Eric Fresch.
Marisa Olguin, President of the Chamber of Commerce reported on
the recent increase in registered voters at the household of a
Vernon Housing Commissioner, and former student of Councilman
Maisano. Olguin also reported on the meetings between
Councilman Newmire, Paul Philips, Mike Montgomery, and Curtis
Fresh. She described their actions as disgraceful and
reiterated the Chamber's continued involvement to have a clean
election.
Olguin expressed her concerns over the proposed special parcel
tax. She encouraged the city to listen to its tax paying
constituents, and to cut expenses. She advised that there is
insufficient time to evaluate the Police and Fire Department,
but recommended that their services be reviewed for the next
fiscal year.
Olguin advised that the Chamber is not opposed to a tax, but
that true figures need to be represented and captured. She
requested a commitment from the City to have a formal process
that will encourage a public -private partnership.
Alma Arredondo of the United Steel Fence Company made it clear
that her comments are directed at the City Council and not at
City staff. Arredondo reported on the businesses' efforts to
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2012
save the City from disincorporation, and on the City's request
for a tax to pay for the mismanagement of funds. She encouraged
the Council to be transparent and accountable, and to make
tough, cost cutting decisions. Arredondo expressed her
disappointment to see that Councilman Maisano is associated with
the significant registered voter increase at one Vernon
household, and that Councilman Newmire has been seen with two
controversial, former Vernon employees. Arredondo expressed her
hope that the up coming election would be determined by
legitimate Vernon residents. Arredondo stated that any Council
member not part of the new reform process should step down.
Rob Mauch of Douglass Steel Supply expressed his concerns over
his business' future in Vernon. He estimated the proposed tax
to equate to over $800,000 over the next 10 years. Vernon had
provided an economic advantage, but with the recent electric
rate increases and the proposed special parcel tax, he opined,
businesses will leave.
Mauch advised that the businesses do not have sufficient
information to move forward. He encouraged the City to discuss
different alternatives with businesses. Mauch proposed a one
year tax, at which point the City could evaluate whether it can
afford to maintain its Police and Fire Departments. Mauch
commented on the alleged voter fraud, and advised that
businesses will not stand by and watch idly.
Lissette Gavina-Lopez of Gavina & Sons expressed her opposition
against the proposed special parcel tax, which comes after a
hard year financially and the increasing costs to conduct
business in Vernon.
Gavina-Lopez reported on the City's hiring of a consultant, over
a year ago, without the businesses' input, and advised that the
City has knowingly been running on a deficit, and passed on an
opportunity to allow businesses to vote in City elections.
Gavina-Lopez reported that Senator Kevin De Leon has advised
that the $5 million per year for the public benefit fund is
negotiable. She reported that good ideas were exchanged during
the recent special parcel tax workshops but that key influencers
were not present, indicating the Council members.
Gavina-Lopez recommended that the City postpone the proposed
special parcel tax until actual expense data can be provided.
She encouraged the City to hire a Consultant to make
recommendations on cuts and to postpone transfers to reserves.
Independent Reform Monitor Sohn Van de Kamp reported on the
challenging times for both residents and businesses. He
reported on the business' request for market rent for Vernon
housing and the increased rent residents now face. Van de Kamp
suggested that businesses look back at the audit reports and
observe how the City did not pass on additional costs to
businesses during the recession.
Van de Kamp encouraged healthy discussions; businesses should
have all the information to help the City make decisions.
Van de Kamp reported on discussions with Senator De Leon
concerning the $5 million per year public benefit fund, and
reported that the Senator's office is open to negotiations. Van
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April 3, 2012
de Kamp warned that businesses must also be willing to come to
the table.
Van de Kamp commented on the last contested City election in
2006 where an outside group attempted to take over. He reported
on current efforts to assure a clean election; advising that
investigations are being conducted in order to determine whether
people are properly registered and mentioned that Council
members have been cooperative.
Van de Kamp reported on the importance for candidates to discuss
their vision and how their relationship with businesses will be.
Van de Kamp continues to encourage the public -private
partnership as referenced by Olguin.
Peter Lepe of Preferred Freezer Services reported on his support
for the City against AB46. He described the proposed electric
rate hike and parcel as a "slap in the face." Lepe expressed
his opposition against the proposed tax and encouraged the City
to look within before reaching out.
Patrick Roads of Vivian Inc, encouraged the City to reevaluate
the parcel tax. Roade spoke of an incident where the City had
accused his company of stealing power. Roade reported on the
City's hiring of consultants and advised that there are many
people who are willing to work with the City at no cost. Roade
encouraged the City to accept that help.
1. Service Pin Awards
Mayor Pro-Tem Davis presented service pins to Charles Montoya,
Electronics Technician, for his 20 years of service; Todd
Dusenberry, Systems Supervisor, for his 5 years of service;
Jorrie Estrada, Electronics Technician, for his 5 years of
service; and Jeff Fraga, Systems Coordinator, for his 5 years of
service.
The City Council also recognized Luis Vasquez, Police Officer,
for his 10 years of service who was unable to attend the
meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano, that the
matters on the Consent Calendar be approved as recommended.
Motion carried, 4-0.
1. Warrant Registers
a. Ratification of City Warrant Register No. 1353 to
record voided check No. 1353 in the amount of $44.70.
b. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1354, totaling
$548,476.89, which covers the period of March 13,
through March 26, 2012, and consists of the following:
1.Rati£ication of wire transfers totaling
$116,593.29; and
2.Ratification of the issuance of early checks
totaling $333,075.20; and
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April 3, 2012
3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$98,808.40.
c. Approval of RDA Warrant Register No. 420, totaling
$11,079.30, which covers the period of February 28,
through March 26, 2012, and consists of the following:
1.Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$11,079.30.
2. Community Services
a. Traffic Collision Review for the year 2011, to be
received and filed.
b.Community services and Water Department 2011 Annual
Report, to be received and filed.
3. Police Department
a.Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrest and
Activities for the period of March 1, through March
15, 2012, to be received and filed.
I.Resolution No. 2012-46 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Accepting the Bid of Aegis ITS, Inc.
and Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Services
Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon and Aegis ITS,
Inc. for Citywide Traffic Signal Maintenance
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and Water,
reported on the two bids received for traffic signal
maintenance. He advised that Aegis ITS, Inc. had a lower
monthly cost, but higher emergency response costs. Based on
the historical frequency of emergency calls, it was determined
that Aegis would still have the lower costs.
It was moved by Newmire and seconded by McCormick to approve
Resolution No. 2012-46. Motion carried, 4-0.
2. Resolution No. 2012-47 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Authorizing the Issuance of a Request
for Proposals for Janitorial Services
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and Water,
reported on minor revisions to the Request for Proposals. He
advised that the need to bid the services arose due to the
living wages clause that would increase the costs on the
current service agreement.
It was moved by Newmire and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-47. Motion carried, 4-0.
MF.W AnRTMRRR
l.Authorization for American Appraisal to perform an
appraisal of various city owned buildings.
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April 3, 2012
Willard Yamaguchi, Risk Manager, reported on the need for
appraisals in order to market the property insurance policy to
underwriters.
It was moved by Newmire and seconded by Maisano to authorize
the appraisal. Motion carried, 4-0.
2. Approval to hold an Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling
Event on May 15, 2012 at Fire Station No. 1, and renewal of
the existing agreement with Recycle San Diego.
Leonard Grossberg, Interim Director of Health and
Environmental Control, reported on the yearly event.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
the E-Waste Event. Motion carried, 4-0.
ORAL REPORTS
Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported that a bar fight
occurred on March 24, 2012. Three subjects got into a physical
altercation with the business owner.
On March 26, 2012, patrol officers arrested one subject for
attempted auto theft in the 4300 block of Downey Road. A second
subject fled in a stolen vehicle. Patrol officers later located
the stolen vehicle which was abandon in the area of Downey Road
and Vernon Avenue.
on the same day, Calleros reported on an attempted auto theft at
a Vernon resident in the 3500 block of Vernon Avenue.
Detectives suspect that the two incidents are connected and will
be conducting follow-up investigations.
On March 27, 2012, a suspected child abuse incident was reported
at the Vernon Elementary School. Detectives will be presenting
this case to the District Attorney's Office.
On March 28, 2012, $150,000.00 of meat products was reported
stolen by a local business. The business advised that delivery
of the meat was never made. Detective assigned to the cargo
theft investigation team were able to locate and recover
approximately 70W of the stolen meat the following day.
On April 1, 2012, shots were fired in the 2100 block of 25th
Street. A security guard at the business reported that he heard
noises of an attempted break-in, and while investigating, gun
.shots were heard.
Calleros reported that two officers assisted the Los Angeles
County Sherriff's southeast regional taskforce in conducting
parole checks of recently paroled inmates in the Southeast area.
Captain James Rodino reported that there had been no incidents
of vandalism since the last Council meeting. Councilman
McCormick reported on vandalism at 3340 Fruitland Avenue.
Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Guth reported on the Department's
response to two mutual aid fires. Guth reported that the
training focus for the month of April is ventilation operations.
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April 3, 2012
Guth announced that the St Baldrick's event and Blood Drive will
occur at Fire Station No. 1 on April 12, 2012.
Carlos Fandino, Director of Light & Power, announced that the
next Advisory Committee on Electric Rates meeting will be held
on April 9, 2012, at 8:00 a.m. Fandino reported that the
Committee will be discussing a proposed 12% electric rate
increase.
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and Water,
announced that the regularly scheduled Advisory Committee on
Business Development meeting will be rescheduled an hour later
to coincide with a workshop on the proposed special parcel tax.
Wilson reported that a water main break occurred on the Bandini
Boulevard Bridge. Wilson advised that the break was an isolated
incident, and that the pipe is in good condition.
Interim Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard
Grossberg announced the postponement of the regular Sustainable
Development and Energy Efficiency Commission meeting until April
25, 2012,
Mark Whitworth, City Administrator, announced that the Vernon
Housing Commission meeting will occur on April 12, 2012.
Whitworth advised that the Commission will be discussing the
first responder definition, a potential date for the first
lottery. He also announced that 41 applications had been
received for the lottery.
Whitworth reported on the workshops regarding the proposed
special parcel tax to address the $16 million deficit. He
advised that each department head was directed to look at
potential cuts within each of their departments.
Whitworth reported that all the search firms anticipate
completion to coincide with the beginning of the fiscal year.
He reported on his meetings with Republican Caucus members and
representatives from Kern County.
Whitworth reported on the mailing of the April 10, 2012,
election ballots. He announced that the canvassing of the
ballots will take place on April 10, 2012, in the Council
Chambers after the closing of the polls.
CLOSED SESSION
At 10:30 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by
Newmire, that the City Council go into closed session to discuss
the items listed on the closed session agenda. Motion carried,
4-0.
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE (2)
Government Code Section 54957
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Daniel O'Neil vs. City of Vernon
Case No. BS136243
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April 3, 2012
At 10:52 a.m. it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Newmire,
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 terminate a Vernon Safety
Officer. The City Council unanimously upheld its original
decision to terminate the Police Officer. Staff was directed to
draft the notification letter.
Yamaguchi further reported that the City Council unanimously
agreed to deny the appeal of a Police Officer.
The City Clerk announced that there were no further items on the
agenda.
At 10:53 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by
Newmire, that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried.
ATTES
Wil r#Ygrm'i�g Ch'
City Clerk
William J. Davis
Mayor Pro-Tem
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