20120821 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
THE CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 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 9:02 a.m. by Mayor Pro-Tem
Davis. Councilman Maisano led the flag salute.
The City Clerk announced the correction of the time on item no.
3 of the Minutes. The correct time should be 3:00 p.m. The
Minutes are to be received and filed as this was the Utility
User Tax Workshop and no quorum had been established. It was
moved by McCormick and seconded by Ybarra to approve the changes
to the agenda. Motion carried, 4-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The City Clerk announced that this was the time allotted for
public comment. Mayor Pro-Tem Davis inquired whether anyone in
the audience wished to address the City Council.
President of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Marisa Olguin
advised that the proposed budget amendment reduces the budget
approximately $2.9 million or 6%. During the June 19, 2012,
City Council meeting staff had pledged 5-10%s in budget
reductions. Additionally, the proposed utility user tax allows
for up to 9.896, which the Chamber was under the understanding
would be reduced. Olguin reported on the Chamber's intentions
to work with the City on a five-year plan to equalize the tax
burden. Olguin stated that the Chamber is opposed to the
recommended budget amendment as they believe the City could do
more cuts.
Steve L'Ecluse of Bandini Truck Terminal, Inc. questioned what
reductions the City had made. L'Ecluse argued that businesses
should not have pay for mistakes of the past, nor the $50
million that was promised, to outside communities. L'Ecluse
argued that a small number of businesses pay for approximately
80% of the City's revenue, and that some of the decision making
power should be given to the Vernon businesses.
L'Ecluse recommended that if outsourcing police and fire
services could provide costs savings, then it was a decision the
City had to make to survive. The City should question whether
it can afford to maintain its status quo.
Juliet Goff of Kal-Plastics recalled that only a year ago
businesses united in a celebratory fashion over the defeat of
AB46. Now, a year later, City Council is approving an inflated
budget and considering a rebate program for large utility users.
Goff declared that the only jobs that were saved were City jobs.
Goff reported that information request was provided last minute
and opined that there are more areas that could be cut. Goff
opined that "fluff" cuts were made, but not substantial ones.
She reported on various companies' intentions to move outside of
Vernon or limit expansion. She urged the Council to make the
necessary expense reductions.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
August 21, 2012
Greg Whitman of PWP Industries advised that there is a genuine
desire on the part of businesses to help the City. The City is
comprised on 1,200 businesses, with intelligent people that know
how to balance budgets. Whitman expressed his disappointed, and
opined that a better job could have been done, and that the real
issues have not been addressed.
Whitman recognizes the need for revenue, but opined that
sufficient cuts have not been made. Even if it is not legally
required, Whitman opined that if services are for the
businesses, they should be able to provide input and work
together with the City.
Jose Gavina of F. Gavina & Sons, Inc. opined that there are
excess amounts of expenses that could be cut, and reported on
various businesses' opportunities to leave Vernon. He
encouraged Council to further analyze and scrutinize expenses.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation by Independent Reform Monitor John Van de Kamp
on his report issued on July 31, 2012.
Van de Kamp recalled his first report, issued on July 29, 2011,
and on his recommendation for a public -private partnership,
advising that businesses' involvement has grown. Per the
request of City Administrator, Mark Whitworth, not only will he
report to Sacramento on Brown and Public Records Act compliance
but on the City's internal operations and responses to Senator
Kevin De Leon's reforms.
Van de Kamp spoke on the issue of outsourcing Police and Fire
services. He encouraged Council to consider Matrix Inc.'s
analysis which is due October 31, 2012, before making a
decision. In addition to the proposed budget amendment, Van de
Kamp encourages additional budget amendments in October and
January 2013, and further discussions with businesses to
determine the level of service they want.
Van de Kamp reported on the businesses' concern over the loss of
the competitive edge in Vernon. Van de Kamp stated that the
City kept costs down during the worst part of the recession, but
that the City must now balance itself.
Van de Kamp commended the Vernon Housing Commission on the
establishment of the market rental rates and the new one-year
lease agreements.
Van de Kamp reported on the June and September elections. In
the future Vernon will handle its own elections, and if there
are challenges, the process will be handled in a fair and
objective manner.
In response to the Community Benefit Fund, which would provide
$5 million for the next ten years to outside communities, Van de
Kamp recommended that the Resolution be amended so that it is
consistent with the City's ability to provide funds.
Van de Kamp reported on the Sustainable Development and Energy
Efficiency Commission's adoption of the recycling policy. They
will be addressing Senator De Leon's recommendation on existing
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August 21, 2012
trash hauler franchise agreements, which will expire December
2014.
Van de Kamp advised that once the fifth Council member is
seated, a manual addressing Conflict of Interest Codes and Brown
Act requirements should be distributed.
Van de Kamp reported on the reduction in salaries for the
Council members but noted that the reduction takes effect only
after the expiration of the current term. Van de Kamp
recommended that the issue be revisited.
Additional recommendations included service and professional
contracts with expiration and expense caps, and the rebidding of
services. In terms of legal fees, Van de Kamp encourages the
negotiation of government rates.
Van de Kamp reported on the concerns over the details in the
City Attorney's employment contract, and advised that contracts
can be amended.
Van de Kamp reported on the PERS audit which found that various
employees may have been misclassified. He encouraged the City
to continue working with Ca.1PERS to address the issue. City
employees should not be compensated for multiple positions, nor
have executive pay plus compensation through hourly rate over a
set amount of hours.
Van de Kamp reported on the housing element, and is hopeful that
by 2014, Senator De Leon's recommendation to increase housing
will be met.
Van de Kamp reported on the recommendation in the JLAC audit,
which included the review of personnel and their qualifications,
a layered review process for credit card usage, Statement of
Economic Interest filings for consultants, and the balancing of
the budget. Van de Kamp reported on the building vacancy in
Vernon and on the electrical usage.
In his conclusion, Van de Kamp gave credit to Assemblyman John
Perez for his introduction of AB46 which forced all to see that
Vernon can not continue to business as it has done in the past.
Van de Kamp advised that although a lot has been accomplished,
he recommends that new contract polices be adopted, and that
once the City Attorney starts, outside counsel be eliminated or
reviewed. His next report is due in January 2013.
MINUTES
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve the
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held June 12, 2012.
Motion carried, 4-0.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Ybarra to approve the
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held June 13, 2012,
at 9:30 a.m. Motion carried, 4-0.
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held June 13, 2012,
at 3:00 p.m. were received and will be filed with the City Clerk
Department.
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August 21, 2012
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve the
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held June 19, 2012,
and the Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held June
20, 2012, at 8:OO a.m. Motion carried, 4-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Ybarra, that the
matters on the Consent Calendar be approved as recommended.
Motion carried, 4-0.
1. Warrant Registers
a. Ratification of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 318
to record voided Check No. 509103 in the amount of
$552.14.
b. Ratification of Gas Warrant Register No. 114 to record
voided Check No. 860 in the amount of $105.00.
c. Approval of Payroll Warrant Register No. 674, totaling
$2,781,232.87, which covers the period of June 17,
through July 14, 2012, and consists of the following:
1. Ratification of direct deposits, checks and
taxes totaling $2,064,274.85; and
2. Checks and electronic fund transfers (EFTS)
through the General bank account totaling
$716,958.02.
d. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1362, totaling
$1,317,523.10, which covers the period of July 31,
through August 13, 2012, and consists of the
following:
1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling
$874,361.33; and
2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks
totaling $241,448.97; and
3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$201,712.80; and
4. Recoding voided Check No. 338343 in the amount
of $3,720.00.
e. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 327,
totaling $812,036.10, which covers the period of July
31, through August 13, 2012, and consists of the
following:
1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling
$658,500.15; and
2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks
totaling $24,254.12; and
3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$129,281.83.
f. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 115, totaling
$99,177.09, which covers the period of July 31,
through August 13, 2012, and consists of the
following:
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1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling
$97,293.60; and
2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks
totaling $1,382.39; and
3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling
$501.10.
2. Community Services
a. Building Department Report for the month of July 2012,
to be received and filed.
3. Health Department
a. July 2012 Monthly Report, to be received and filed.
4. Personnel Department
a. Resignation of Michael TenEyck, Resource Planner, with
the Light & Power Department effective August 9, 2012,
to be received and filed.
S. Police Department
a. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrest and
Activities for the period of July 16, through July 31,
2012, to be received and filed.
R T'C OT.TTT T CING
1. City Administration
a. Resolution No. 2012-160 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Amending Resolution No.
2012-99, Which Approved a Budget for the,Fiscal Year
2012-2013, to Reflect Changes (Amendment No. 1)
City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported on staffs' efforts to
reduce budgets. Assistant to City Administrator, Alex Kung
reported that the budget was reduced approximately $2.9 million,
or 6a, primarily due to reductions in capital improvement
projects.
Director of Community Services and Water, Kevin Wilson advised
that the County is proposing maintenance on three of Vernon's
bridges, but that the project would require the City to
contribute $130,000. Wilson recommends to further amend the
proposed budget amendment in order to participate in the
project. Wilson reasoned that the participating in the County
project will be a cost savings to the City since the project's
repairs to the bridges will have to be made in the future.
In response to Councilmember McCormick, Wilson clarified that
the project would address the 26th Street, Bandini Boulevard, and
Soto Street bridges.
Kung noted that the City continues to downsize through
attrition, as most positions are not replaced. Kung reviewed
Exhibit A of the resolution. Legal Counsel Dana Reed noted that
in addition, Exhibit A will reflect the $130,000 increase in
capital projects as presented by Wilson.
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In response to audience member Steve L'Ecluse, Kung explained
that the $12 million in revenue was from the anticipated
proposed utility user tax ("UUT").
Audience member Juliet Goff, noted that the major budget
reductions were in capital improvement projects which only
postponed future costs and were not substantive reductions.
Hearing the audience members' concerns, Councilmember Ybarra
inquired on plans for the future, as the UUT is not guaranteed.
In response, City Administrator Mark Whitworth reported that
quarterly budget reviews will be conducted to address
overspending and/or over budgeting. The City has conducted and
continues to downsize through attrition. Additionally, the City
has engaged the County for possible Fire and Police Department
Services. Matrix Inc. will also be conducting a study on the
Police Department.
In response to Councilmember Maisano, Whitworth advised that all
possible alternatives will be visited.
Councilmember Ybarra noted the importance that City
Administration continues to meet with the business community.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Ybarra to approve
Resolution No. 2012-160 with the additional $130,OOO expense in
the bridge capital improvement project and with the
understanding that the budget will continue to be reviewed.
Motion carried, 4-0.
b. Resolution No. 2012-161 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Repealing Resolution No.
2012-136 Regarding an Amended and Restated Drug and
Alcohol Testing Policy
City Administrator Mark Whitworth advised that the drug policy
previously approved had not been addressed with the Police and
Fire Department under their Memorandum of Understanding. He
requested that the policy be repealed.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-161. Motion carried, 4-0.
2. Community Services and Water
a. Resolution No. 2012-162 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Accepting
the Grant Deed Dedicating in Fee a Portion of the
Property Located at 4366 Alcoa Avenue
Director of Community Services and Water, Kevin Wilson reported
that a portion of the land is used as part of the street right-
of-way. The deed will officially make the property part of the
City's street system.
It was moved by Maisano and seconded by Ybarra to approve
Resolution No. 2012-162. Motion carried, 4-0.
b. Resolution No. 2012-163 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and
Authorizing the Execution of an Amendment Number One
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August 21, 2012
to the Memorandum of Agreement By and Between the City
of Vernon and the Gateway Cities Council of
Governments Regarding the Administration and Cost
Sharing of the Coordinated Monitoring Plan for the Los
Angeles River and Tributaries Metals TMDL
Director of Community Services and Water, Kevin Wilson reported
that the Los Angeles River and Tributaries Metals Total Maximum
Daily Load requires surrounding cities to asses the amount of
metal pollutants in the river. As such, rather than the City
conduct the samples on its own, which could be costly, Wilson
recommends extending the Memorandum of Agreement with the
surrounding agencies for one year. The estimated cost is
$2,000.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by McCormick to approve
Resolution No. 2012-163. Motion carried, 4-0.
3. Light & Power
a. Resolution No. 2012-164 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and
Authorizing the Execution of Task Order No. 2012-2 to
the Standard Master Agreement, By and Between the City
of Vernon and CH2MHILL Engineers, Inc.
b. Resolution No. 2012-165 A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and
Authorizing the Execution of a Phase II Renewable
Development Agreement By and Between the Southern
California Public Power Authority and the Cities of
Anaheim, Azusa, Banning, Burbank, Cerritos, Colton,
Glendale, Pasadena, Riverside, the Imperial Irrigation
District, the City of Los Angeles Acting By and
Through the Department of Water and Power, and the
City of Vernon
Resolution Nos. 2012-164 and 2012-165 were addressed at the same
time.
Director of Light & Power, Carlos Fandino recommended the
continuance of the contract with CH2MHILL Engineers, Inc. with
the amount not to exceed $128,000 without prior authorization
from the City.
Secondly, Fandino reported on the proposed agreement with
Southern California Public Power Authority ("SCPPA") in order
carry forth renewable efforts until 2020 concerning SBX1-2.
It was moved McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-164 and Resolution No. 2012-165. Motion
carried, 4-0.
c. Resolution No. 2012-166 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and
Authorizing the Execution of Interim Interruptible
Service Rate Agreement By and Between the City of
Vernon and Matheson Trigas
Director of Light & Power, Carlos Fandino advised that in
recognizing the importance of its top utility user, a more
competitive interruptible service rate is proposed for Matheson
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August 21, 2012
Trigas. Under the agreement, the customer receives monthly bill
credit per kW -month for all interruptible demand the customer
committed to curtail at a time of interruption.
Fandino reported on the importance of an alternative revenue
source for the general fund. Without the proposed utility user
tax, drastic measures will need to be made.
Councilmember Ybarra inquired why the interruptible rate is a
best practice, when it would decrease revenue. In response,
Fandino explained that Matheson Trigas has already begun to
reduce its load. If reduction continues it will have a spiral
effect, and this will allow the customer to stay competitive.
In response to Mayor Pro-Tem, Fandino explained that if there is
a loss in revenue then the City will no longer be able to make
its bond payments.
In response to Special Counsel Dana Reed, Fandino explained that
Matheson Trigas must sustain a certain load level, in order to
qualify for the credit. They have to be available to shed load,
their operation is geared to accommodate the request. No other
customer has this capability.
Fandino confirmed that if the minimum load level is not met,
they do not qualify for the credit.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Ybarra to approve
Resolution No. 2012-166. Motion carried, 4-0.
4. Police Department
a. Resolution No. 2012-167 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and
Authorizing the Execution of an Equitable Sharing
Agreement and Annual Certification Report with the
U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of the
Treasury for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Enabling Vernon to
Continue to Receive Federal Asset Forfeiture Funds
Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported that the agreement
is approved every year in order for the department to continue
to participate and receive asset forfeiture funds. Calleros
reported that there is currently one investigator assigned to
the Narcotics Division. The money received is placed in a fund
to be used only for police enforcement purposes.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-167. Motion carried, 4-0.
b. Resolution No. 2012-168 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and
Authorizing the Execution of a Mutual Aid Operational
Plan Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon and
the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
c. Resolution No. 2012-169 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and
Authorizing the Execution of a Peace Officer Extent of
Authority Agreement By and Between the City of Vernon
and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
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Resolution Nos. 2012-168 and 2012-169 were addressed at the same
time.
Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros request the approval of
both resolutions as part of yearly request with the Sheriff's
Department.
In response to Councilmember Ybarra, Calleros clarified that the
agreements allows the two entities to share equipment and
resources.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Ybarra to approve
Resolution No. 2012-168 and Resolution No. 2012-169. Motion
carried, 4-0.
5. Purchasing Department
a. Resolution No. 2012-170 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving and
Authorizing the Execution of a Software License
Agreement and System Maintenance Agreement By and
Between the City of Vernon and VisionAir, Inc., a
Subsidiary of TriTech Software Systems for the Vernon
Police Department
Director of Purchasing, Martha Valenzuela reported that the
Police Department has been using VisionAir, Inc. since 1999 and
their services are specific to the Department. Adequate funds
have been budgeted for the request.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-170. Motion carried, 4-0.
b. Resolution No. 2012-171 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving the Purchase
of Twelve Armor X-10GX Tablet Computers Utilizing
Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant Funds and
Authorizing the Issuance of a Purchase Order to Acura
Systems International, Inc.
Director of Purchasing, Martha Valenzuela reported on the
request for 12 tablets to be used by the Fire Department which
will increase response time. The requested vendor is compatible
with other Area E agencies. The Department received grand funds
for the expense; however, the City will have to contribute
$4,400.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve
Resolution No. 2012-171. Motion carried, 4-0.
c. Resolution No. 2012-172 - A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Vernon Approving the Purchase
of Two Fixed Automated License Plate Recognition
Camera Systems for the Police Department Utilizing
2010 Urban Areas Security Initiative Grant Funds and
Authorizing the Issuance of a Purchase Order to
Federal Network Services, Inc. dba Leverage
Information Systems
Director of Purchasing, Martha Valenzuela reported on the
request to purchase two automatic license plate readers,
advising that they will be fully funded by a grant.
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It was moved by Maisano and seconded by McCormick to approve
Resolution No. 2012-172. Motion carried, 4-0.
TTVW PTTQTNTPQQ
1. Authorization to issue purchase orders to the following
vendors for the purchase of overhead transformers:
a. Howard Industries
b. HD - Cooper Power
- c . HD - GE
Director of Light & Power Carlos Fandino reported on the request
to replenish transporters and the importance to have inventory
on hand. He advised that competitive bids were received, and
recommended.
It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to authorize
the issuance of purchase orders for the above referenced
vendors. Motion carried, 4-0.
2. Authorization to purchase a 70" flat panel monitor for the
Police Communications 911 Mapping System from Insight
Public Sector.
Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported that the purchase
is fully funded and will have no fiscal impact to the City.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to authorize the
purchase of the flat panel monitor. Motion carried, 4-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Interim Police Chief report on the cost comparison of the
Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and the Vernon Police
Department on like services.
Interim Police Chief, Daniel Calleros presented a comparison
between the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department ("LASD") and the
Vernon Police Department. Calleros' presentation included an
analysis and breakdown of staffing between the two. Calleros
noted that since LASD shares resources, staff may be called away
from Vernon, increasing the City's response time. Additionally
lack of supervision leads to increased liability.
Calleros also noted that although LASD has many resources, the
County prioritizes requests.
In comparing the budget, Calleros advised that the $11 million
budgeted for the department's costs includes a one time
settlement fee of $700,000. After reducing costs by the
settlement fee and including revenue, Calleros calculated that
the expense is $9.6 million. Furthermore, Calleros advised that
LASD's proposal of $6.7 million did not reflect the annual 2-30
increase established by the County Controller's Office.
Calleros identified 10 performance criterions and presented a
comparison, including response time, personnel selection,
control of costs, priority and goal setting, and executive
accountability.
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As Van de Kamp had stated, once services are outsourced, it is
difficult to go back to self policing; re-establishing would
require the purchasing of new equipment.
Calleros concluded by stating that the Vernon Police Department
provides a range of services and has an excellent working
relationship with the local businesses.
David Prance, Legal Counsel for Red Chamber Company, stated that
the most important thing is their employees' safety. Prance
also stated that Vernon has been a good neighbor to surrounding
communities in that it provides a safe location for businesses
to flourish. He concluded by stating that it would be a
disservice to cut the Police Department.
Business owner Hugo Sanchez reported on Vernon Detectives'
prompt response time to an incident at his company. Sanchez
argued that the County has its own financial crisis, and that
their services would not be comparable. He suggested reducing
costs in other areas.
Calleros reported on his own experience growing up in the East
Los Angeles area, and as an Interim Police Chief would not
recommend County Services.
In response to Councilmember Ybarra, Calleros reported that
currently for mutual aid calls, 500 of the workforce is deployed
but if the resources are not available, Vernon does not respond.
In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Calleros reported that 6-8
retirements are anticipated over the next two -years;
representing a reduction in workforce through attrition.
Mayor Pro-Tem Davis and Councilmember Maisano reported on
conversations they've each had with other cities and their
negative experience with County services. Specifically, Maisano
advised that in one experience, the entry fee was low but that
over 5 years, the expense surpassed the city's previous expense
for its own safety staff. Maisano added that the City must work
to adjust the budget and get the General Fund in order.
Craig Dressen of Dressen Properties announced that he had
initially introduced the idea of outsourcing to County. He
argued that if services are outsourced to County, liability
costs, such as the $700,000 claim would be eliminated. Dressen
stated that the City does not have the means and that businesses
should not have to pay for the City's errors. He advised that
other government agencies face the same issues and have
outsourced some of their services.
In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis' inquiry on the timeline,
City Administrator Mark Whitworth advised that in order to
initiate phase 2 of the County proposal, the cost is $60,000.
After which, it will be up to the Council to agendize, to make a
decision or seek further information. Whitworth advised that
the decision lies with Council, but it would be prudent to
address the issue.
Legal Counsel Dana Reed advised that the Matrix study is due in
approximately 30 days. Councilmember McCormick suggested
waiting until the Matrix study is complete before making a
decision. All were in agreement.
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The Council directed staff to reintroduce the item once the
Matrix study had been completed.
ORAL REPORTS
Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported that on August 7,
2012, patrol officers responded to a theft investigation.
Calleros reported on the new crime trend, theft of catalytic
converter from vehicles, as this is the third in the last month.
On August 13, 2012, an armed robbery was reported at a business
located in the 5000 block of Santa Fe Avenue. The victim
witnessed a male suspect stealing wooden pallets from the
unsecured parking lot. The suspect produced a handgun and
threatened the victim. The victim fearing for his safety, allow
the suspect to drive away with the wooden pallets. Detectives
are reviewing the surveillance video for possible leads.
Calleros advised that on August 13, 2012, there was an attempted
suicide. Vernon Fire Department responded to the scene. The
male subject was transported to a local hospital for a
psychiatric evaluation.
On August 14, 2012, patrol responded to an assault with a deadly
weapon incident that occurred when the suspect tried to run over
the victim with a company vehicle. Detectives will be following
up on the information provided by the victim.
On August 18, 2012, a strong-arm robbery was reported at a bus
stop in the area of Santa Fe Avenue and Pacific Boulevard.
According to a witness, two suspects walked up to the victim,
struck the victim, and removed his gold chain. When the witness
confronted the two suspects, the suspects fled to an awaiting
vehicle that was parked nearby. Partial license plate
information was obtained by the witness. The victim was not
located but an incident report was filed.
Captain James Rodino reported that there had been no acts of
vandalism. Councilmember McCormick reported on two locations.
Battalion Chief, Michael Wilson reported that on August 11,
2012, Fire responded to a mutual aid fire in the City of
Compton. On August 14, 2012, Fire responded to a cement truck
that had rolled over.
Wilson reported that the Department's Administration office had
relocated back to City Hall. He announced the commencement of
the C.E.R.T training course on September 25, 2012.
Wilson reported that the department will be participating in
Area E hazmat training for a simulated ammonia leak.
Additionally, the department will be having a multi casualty
incident drill were local boy scouts will play the victims.
Director of Light & Power Carlos Fandino reported on the recent
internet outage which he anticipates will be fully restored by
the afternoon.
Fandino reported on the proposed utility user tax which would
provide the Light and Power Department an opportunity to provide
a rebate program to large utility users. Fandino advised that
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August 21, 2012
at the next Council meeting a presentation on a possible term of
debt swap will be presented to further assist the potential
rebate program.
Fandino reported on issues with theft at the substation. He
advised that SCPPA would be able to provide on -sight security or
staff that would also be able to aid in capital improvement
projects.
Fandino reported on a power outage that occurred on August 14,
2012. Fandino reported on pending legislature on bio-methane
gas as part of the renewable portfolio standards. He
anticipates having additional information within the month.
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services and Water
Department, reported on the ongoing slurry seal project. He
also announced the closure of the I-710 South on -ramp. He
reported on his intention to contact Caltrans, as short notice
was given and the closure would be effective for 18 months.
Wilson reported on the Business Development Committee's
recommendations on the zoning ordinance. Wilson further
reported on the housing element and advised that three
developers had been interviewed.
Director of Health and Environmental Control Leonard Grossberg
announced the promotion of David LeDuff to Chief Deputy
Director. Grossberg reported on the CUPA audit which is being
addressed by staff. Grossberg further announced the meeting for
the Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Commission on
August 22, 2012, at 6:30 p.m.
Assistant to City Administrator Alex Kung announced the meeting
for the Oversight Board to the Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency on Thursday, September 6, 2012.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth announced that the next Vernon
Housing Commission meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2012,
at 6:OO p.m. Whitworth reported on the election contest
scheduled for September 10, 2012, at 9:30 a.m.
He advised on the Ca1PERS correction to the safety designation,
and on the response to the JLAC audit. He announced that on
September 4, 2012, Teresa McAllister, Human Resources Director,
is scheduled to start. Nicholas Rodriguez, City Attorney, is
scheduled to start on September 18, 2012.
Whitworth advised that search firms will be used for the hiring
of a Finance Director, Police Chief, and Deputy City
Administrator. The quarterly budget review is scheduled for the
next Council meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
At 12:15 p.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by
Maisano, that the City Council go into closed session to discuss
the item listed under closed session. Motion carried, 4-0.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (3)
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Page 13 of 14
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
August 21, 2012
Newmire vs. Yamaguchi, et al.
LASC Case No. BS 137310
Bellamy vs. Davis, et al.
LASC Case No. ES 138899
City of Vernon vs. Carrillo, et al.
LASC Case No. BC 470505
At 12:28 p.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 advised that
there were no reportable actions.
The City Clerk announced that there were no further items on the
agenda.
At 12:29 p.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by
Maisano, that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried.
William-J. D is
Mayor
AT ST:
a Reed
Interim City Clerk
Page 14 of 14