20120501 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes (2)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
THE CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012,
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED
AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Davis, McCormick, Maisano, Ybarra
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Pro-Tem
Davis.
Councilman Ybarra 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.
Marisa Olguin, President of the Chamber of Commerce reported on
an article in the Los Angeles Times regarding the Ca1PERS Audit.
She opined that the discoveries were old news, and that some
funds may be reimbursed back to the City.
Olguin reported on public officials improperly classified. She
encouraged the Council to be diligent and properly classify city
officials. She looked forward to the Joint Legislative Advisory
Committee audit due later in May.
Craig Dressman of Dressman Properties reported on his review of
the City's budget along side four other industrial cities:
Compton, Commerce, Santa Fe Springs, and City of Industry. He
reported on the contracting of services conducted by the cities
and reported that Los Angeles County can do a 30 day assessment
on Fire and Police Department services.
Dressman advised that City Council would need to approve the
assessment and send a written request and that the City Council
would make the final determination on whether to outsource these
services. Dressman forecasted $10 million per year in cost
savings. He encouraged the Council to consider these
alternatives. He spoke on his credentials and reported that he
had been advised that the City needs only three fire stations,
not four.
1.A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Vernon
Commending and Honoring George Miller Construction Company
on its 100 Years in Business
Mayor Pro Tem Davis, on behalf of the City Council, presented a
proclamation to Greg Antonovich, on behalf of George Miller
Construction, for being in business for 100 years. Antonovich
thanked the City, and gave a brief description of the company's
history in Vernon.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2012
2. Service Pin Awards
The City Council recognized Richard Villegas, Police Officer,
for his 10 years of service, and Fernando Valenzuela, Police
Officer, for his 10 years of service who were unable to attend
the meeting.
MINUTES
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve the
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held February 7,
2012. Motion carried, 3-0-1, with Ybarra abstaining.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by McCormick to approve the
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held February 21,
2012. Motion carried, 3-0-1, with Ybarra abstaining.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Ybarra, 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. 1356, totaling
$924,167.51, which covers the period of April 10,
through April 23, 2012, and consists of the following:
1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling
$607,988.82; and
2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks
totaling $122,893.14; and
3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$193,285.55.
b.Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 321,
totaling $1,262,430.69, which covers the period of
April 10, through April 23, 2012, and consists of the
following:
1.Ratification of wire transfers totaling
$1,137,461.90; and
2.Ratification of the issuance of early checks
totaling $48,956.11; and
'-- 3.Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$76,012.68.
c. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 109, totaling
$6,764.29, which covers the period of April 10,
through April 23, 2012, and consists of the following:
1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $850.00;
and
2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks
totaling $5,780.79; and
3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$133.50.
d.Approval of RDA Successor Agency Warrant Register
No. 1, totaling $20,656.93, which covers the period of
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May 1, 2012
April 10, through April 23, 2012, and consists of the
following:
1. Ratification of the issuance of early checks
totaling $20,656.93.
2. Fire Department
a. Activity Report for the period of March 16, through
March 31, 2012, to be received and filed.
- b.Activity Report for the period of April 1, through
April 15, 2012, to be received and filed.
3. Police Department
a.Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrest and
Activities for the period of April 1, through April
15, 2012, to be received and filed.
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1. Resolution No. 2012-53 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Authorizing the Issuance of a
Request for Proposals for the Review of the I-710 EIR/EIS
on Behalf of the City of Vernon
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and Water,
reported on the ongoing project to potentially widen the 710
Freeway and construct a freight corridor. Wilson reported
that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA') has
agreed to fund a consultant to assist the City in the review
of the environmental impact reports ("EIR"). Wilson
recommended that the Council take advantage of the offer and
authorize the request for proposals ("RFP").
In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Wilson advised that the
EIR is due to be released June 1, 2012, and that the City will
have 60 days to review the same. He anticipates getting the
RFP in May which would allow at least 45 days for the
consultant to review them.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Ybarra to approve
Resolution No. 2012-53. Motion carried, 4-0.
2. Resolution No. 2012-54 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Authorizing the Issuance of a
Request for Proposals for Structural Plan Check Services
for the Building and safety Division of the Community
Services & Water Department
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and Water,
reported on the historical use of an outside consultant, since
there is insufficient work to hire a full time employee and
that the consultant is paid from building fees.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-54. Motion carried. 4-0.
Wilson requested that the resolution for the License Agreement
be heard first, as the item relates to the subsequent
resolution.
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May 1, 2012
3. Resolution No. 2012-56 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of a License Agreement By and Between the City
of Vernon and the Los Angeles Department of Water and
Power for the Construction of a Fire Access Roadway
Wilson Director of Community Services and water reported that
the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power ("LADWP") would
grant an access agreement to a private business to construct
the fire access roadway, but would to the City. In working
with the Fire Department, a need for a second fire access road
was determined due to the flammables stored at the site.
Wilson advised that if the license agreement is approved, a
third party will be hired to construct the fire access road.
He reported that once the work is complete the license will be
terminated.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-56. Motion carried, 4-0.
4. Resolution No. 2012-55 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of an Agreement By and Between the City of
Vernon and Lubricating Specialties Company for the
Construction of a Fire Access Roadway on the Los Angeles
Department of water and Power Right of Way
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-55. Motion carried, 4-0.
5. Resolution No. 2012-57 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Accepting the Bid of Cannon
Corporation and Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
a Services Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon and
Cannon Corporation for Engineering Design and Construction
Support Services for Well 21
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and Water,
reported that the subject well was located on the Smurfit
site, and could be used for drinking water. The Cannon
Corporation was determined to be the most qualified bidder to
design the components to the well. It was determined that
Cannon has the quality, expertise, and price to do the work.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Ybarra to approve
Resolution No. 2012-57.
6. Resolution No. 2012-58 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Appointing Members to Represent the
City of Vernon on the Board of Directors of County
Sanitation District No. 23 and Restating and Confirming
the Appointment of Members and Alternate Members to
Represent the City of Vernon on the Board of Directors of
County Sanitation District Nos. 1 and 2
Administrator Mark Whitworth reported that District No. 23
lies solely in Vernon, and that the Council needed to appoint
a member to District No. 1 and No. 2.
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It was moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Davis to nominate Councilmen
Maisano to District No. 1. He was seconded by Councilman
Ybarra. A role call vote was taken.
- Councilman Ybarra, Yes
- Councilman McCormick, Yes
- Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Yes
- Councilman Maisano, Yes
Motion carried, 4-0.
It was moved by Councilman Maisano to nominate Councilman
McCormick to maintain his representation in District No. 2.
He was seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Davis. A role call vote was
taken.
- Councilman Ybarra, Yes
- Councilman McCormick, Yes
- Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Yes
- Councilman Maisano, Yes
Motion carried, 4-0
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-58 with said nominations. Motion carried,
4-0.
7. Resolution No. 2012-59 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Adopting a
whistleblower Policy
City Administrator Whitworth reported that the policy is in
line with the reforms. Independent Reform Monitor John Van de
Kamp and Cynthia Kurtz' research of the policy was found to be
consistent with other agencies.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by McCormick to approve
Resolution No. 2012-59. Motion carried, 4-0.
8. Resolution No. 2012-60 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Authorizing the Issuance of a
Request for Proposals for Electric System Maintenance for
the City of Vernon
Carlos Fandino, Director of Light & Power, reported that the
request for proposals is due on June 7, 2012.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-60. Motion carried, 4-0.
9. Resolution No. 2012-61 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of a Speed Trailers Vehicle Joint Use Agreement
Between Area E Agencies Regarding the Cooperative Use of
the Speed Trailers
Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported that Area E had
received funds for a Speed trailer to be used with other
agencies and that the unit would be maintained by South Gate.
The monthly maintenance fee is $50.00.
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It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-61. Motion carried, 4-0.
10. Resolution No. 2012-62 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of an Application for an Enforcement Assistance
Grant from the California Department of Resources
Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)
Interim Director of Environmental Health Leonard Grossberg
reported that the Health Department had been purchasing
equipment and safety items since 1998 from this grant.
Grossberg advised Councilman McCormick that the grant was
separate from the Recycle Oil Calendar that is also obtained
through CalRecycle.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by McCormick to approve
Resolution No. 2012-62. Motion carried, 4-0.
11.Resolution No. 2012-63 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Authorizing the Issuance of a Notice
Inviting Sealed Proposals or Bids for Natural Gas
Transmission Pipeline Modifications and Construction of
Launcher and Receiver for In -Line Testing Instruments,
Contract No. GD-0013
Ali Nour, Engineering Manager, reported that the engineering
department handles the high pressure and low pressure
transmission distribution lines of natural gas. As outlined
by the Department of Transportation, areas of high
consequences are required to be inspected every 7 years. Nour
reported that there are two methods to conduct the assessment
and that Dan Bergmann would provide additional information.
Consultant Dan Bergmann of Interstate Gas Services, Inc.,
spoke of his involvement in developing the rules and rates for
the natural gas system.
Bergmann reported that an external assessment of the gas
system would require drilling and excavation every ten feet.
However, an in -line assessment was determined to be a better
approach. In conjunction, he reported that the Department
will be making idol the eastern ends of the lines. At this
point, customer's need for natural gas is not anticipated in
this area. This will in turn decrease costs and increase
safety.
Bergmann presented the proposal for a portable pipeline
inspection gauge ("PIG") launcher and receiver. He explained
the use of various PIGS to measure bends in the line,
corrosion, and other defects.
In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Bergmann confirmed that
the assessment will only be done for the main transmission
line.
In response to Councilman Ybarra's inquiry on the costs,
Bergmann explained that the old external method could cost up
to $500,000 each time, but that the portable receiver and
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May 1, 2012
launcher can be used over and over to conduct the assessment,
thus, lowering costs over the course of time.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-63. Motion carried, 4-0.
Assistant to City Administrator Alex Kung requested that
resolution relating to Kane, Ballmer & Berkman be heard first.
12. Resolution No. 2012-64 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Acting as the Successor Agency of
- the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Vernon Approving
and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement for Legal
Services By and Between the City of Vernon and Kane,
Ballmer & Berkman
Kung reported on the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency,
the City as the Successor Agency, and the selection of the
Oversight Board. Kung reported on the need for legal
services, and advised that the funds would come from the
County, not the General Fund.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Ybarra to approve
Resolution No. 2012-64. Motion carried, 4-0.
13. Resolution No. 2012-65 - A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Vernon Acting as the Successor Agency of
the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Vernon Approving a
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for the Period of
July 2012 through December 2012 and Authorizing
Transmittal to the Los Angeles Auditor -Controller for an
External Audit Pursuant to ABix 26
Assistant to City Administrator Kung reported on the
obligations to pay on bonds and other expenditures related to
the dissolution of Redevelopment Agency. He advised that the
payments will be submitted to the Oversight Board, and
anticipates a quorum at a rescheduled meeting.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-65. Motion carried, 4-0.
ORDINANCE
1. ORDINANCE No. 1193 - An Ordinance of the City Council of
the City of Vernon Amending Section 2.1 of the Vernon City
Code Relating to the Time and Place of City Council
Meetings (first reading)
City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported on the request by
several Council members to consolidate the Light & Power and
City Council Agenda meetings. He opined that the City's
business can be addressed at one meeting, and recommended to
hold the one meeting at 9:00 a.m. that would incorporate Light
& Power matters.
City Clerk Willard Yamaguchi further added that future Light &
Power meetings would be cancelled until the proposed ordinance
took effect.
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It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to approve the
first reading of Ordinance No. 1193. A role call vote was
taken.
- Councilman Ybarra, Yes
- Councilman McCormick, Yes
- Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Yes
- Councilman Maisano, Yes
Motion carried, 4-0.
nPAT. PAPnPTP
1. Quarterly staff report on budget status.
As part of the reforms, Assistant to City Administrator Kung
gave a brief presentation on the quarterly budget. In response
to Councilman Maisano, Kung confirmed that City Council will be
presented a quarterly report.
2. City Administrator Reports - brief reports on activities
and other brief announcements.
Carlos Fandino, Director of Light & Power, reported on the
Advisory Committee on Electric Rates meeting, held April 30,
2012. Fandino reported that the Committee discussed the use of
AB1890 funds to offset renewable portfolio standards ("RPS"),
and potential rate increases. Fandino anticipates the proposal
for a rate increase to be presented to the City Council in June.
His goal was to get approval of a rate increase for two fiscal
years so that businesses can forecast.
Fandino confirmed Mayor Pro-Tem Davis' statement that Vernon is
not the only utility increasing its rates, and referenced the
presentation by Michael Bell comparing other local utilities.
Fandino noted that the presentation included only the rate
increases which have been noticed, but that Bell had opined that
there will most likely be more increases.
In response to Peter Corselli, Vice Chairperson to the Advisory
Committee, Fandino clarified that Bell was given a years worth
of data to conduct his comparison.
Fandino reported on a 30 minute power outage on April 17, 2012,
due to atruck hitting a guy wire.
Fandino reported on three incidents involving Mylar balloons,
reporting that Mylar debris are the cause of most power outages
in the City.
Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on an arrest for
possession of stolen copper wire on April 19, 2012. Further
investigation will be done to identify the location of where the
copper wire was taken from.
On April 24, 2012, patrol officers responded to an attempted
jumper off the Atlantic Bridge. At the scene, two good
Samaritans prevented the subject from jumping into the Los
Angeles River. The subject was subsequently transported to a
local hospital for treatment and evaluation.
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On April 26, 2012, subjects in a vehicle used a BB gun to
shatter the rear window of a delivery truck driving west on
Bandini Boulevard. The victim was able to provide a brief
description of the two suspects and the vehicle.
Calleros reported on staff's participated in the annual LAURA
Unity and Peace Resource Fair. The police provided information
on crime victim resources, crime prevention, and general
information about law enforcement.
Captain James Rodino reported that there had been no incidents
of vandalism since the last Council meeting.
Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Guth reported that the calls were
mostly routine in nature. Guth reported that the training focus
for the month of May is wild land fire fighting.
Guth announced that it was the first day of the C.E.R.T.
training, and the second day of the Fill the Boot event. Guth
announced the breakfast for retired firefighters at Fire Station
No. 2.
Interim Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard
Grossberg reported on the Sustainable Development and Energy
Efficiency Commission meeting held April 25, 2012 which included
discussions regarding mandatory recycling, the sustainability
plan, and the commission work plan and budget.
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and Water,
announced the next Advisory Committee on Business Development
meeting was scheduled for May 9, 2012, at 8:00 a.m. He reported
that the Committee will be looking at the recommendation on the
Sanitation District to City Council on unused capacity units.
Wilson also plans on presenting the Zoning Ordinance to the
Committee in the future.
Wilson reported on the letter sent to various developers on
potential City housing. He reported on the pre -submittal
meeting scheduled for June and announced that proposals are due
in July.
Mark Whitworth, City Administrator, announced that the Oversight
Board for the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency was
scheduled to meet April 30, 2012, but did not have a quorum.
The meeting was adjourned to May 3, 2012.
Whitworth announced the Special Vernon Housing Commission
meeting at 3:30 p.m. Whitworth anticipates that the Commission
will hold its first lottery for City housing.
Whitworth reported on the Ca1PERS audit reported in the Los
Angeles Times, and advised that the report is available in the
City Clerk's office. He noted that the City cooperated fully
with the audit and that there are a few items that might bring
money back to the City. Whitworth announced that the Joint
Legislative Advisory Committee is due to have a report out
within the next few months. He advised that the negative
findings in the Ca1PERS audit dated back to 2004 and beyond, and
that there were no negative findings on a go forward basis.
Whitworth announced that the MOU negotiations with labor are
ongoing and would be presented in June. Staff will be
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May 1, 2012
submitting a proposed budget to the City Council by May 31,
2012.
Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp recommended that
when the City hires a City Attorney and if an outside firm is
used, government rates be negotiated.
Van de Kamp reported on the resignation of Eric Fresch effective
May 1, 2012. He advised that the request for proposals ("RFP")
is an important part of the Senator Kevin De Leon reforms. He
emphasized the importance of a larger electorate.
Van de Kamp reported on the RFP for a study on the Police
Department to determine whether its size is appropriate. He
encouraged the Council to review its progress on a quarterly
basis.
Van de Kamp announced that the CalPERS report was based on
ancient history and that the City has made important changes to
correct the sins of the past.
Van de Kamp opined that Mr. Dressman had made a good
recommendation to look at both Police and Fire Department with
respect to staffing, and suggested that the City look further
into it. Don't want to lose the level of service so that it
drives business insurance premium costs up. He cautioned that
it has to be done carefully.
Van de Kamp congratulated Ybarra as the new Council member and
thanked Newmire for his services as City Councilman.
CLOSED SESSION
At 10:58 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by
Maisano, that the City Council go into closed session to discuss
the items listed on the closed session agenda. Motion carried,
4-0.
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: Part-time Computer Aided Drafting Technician
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
Existing Facts and Circumstances (1)
Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(3)(A)
At 11:05 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 approved the hiring of a part-time
computer aided drafting technician.
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The City Clerk announced that there were no further items on the
agenda.
At 11:06 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by
Maisano, that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried.
Willard G.
City Clerk
William J. Davis
Mayor Pro-Tem
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