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20121106 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 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: Martinez The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Davis. Councilmember Maisano led the flag salute. Interim City Clerk, Dana Reed announced that there were no changes to the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENT Interim City Clerk, Dana Reed announced that this was the time allotted for public comment. Mayor Davis inquired whether anyone in the audience wished to address the City Council. No one responded. PRESENTATIONS I.Service Pin Awards Mayor Davis presented Electric Resource Planning and Development Manager Tilahun (Abraham) Alemu with a service pin for his many years of service. Senior Electrical Inspector Jerome Schreiber, Police Officer Richard Hill, and Information Technology Analyst Alex Ly were acknowledged for their years of service as they were not able to attend the meeting. 2. 10851 Award Pin sponsored by California Highway Patrol recognizing Officer Fernando Valenzuela. Interim Police Chief Daniel Calleros reported on Officer Valenzuela's seventh award. He applauded Valenzuela for keeping the community safe. Captain Tim Tompkins of the East Los Angeles Highway Patrol Station presented Officer Valenzuela with the pin and reported on his experience. 3. Resolution No. 2012-202 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Adopting the Pars Trust, Including the Pars Supplementary Retirement Plan, as Part of the City's Retirement Program As part of the City's efforts to address the budget deficit, City Administrator, Mark Whitworth introduced the Public Agency Retirement Services ("PARS") Supplementary Retirement Plan. PARS is offering a program that is supplemental to PERS that will be directed to employees of retirement age. Dennis Yu and Hannah Grady of PARS presented the Supplementary Retirement Plan offered to Vernon. Yu explained that the program offers early retirement incentives to employees and thus lowering City costs. Cost savings are achieved by replacing Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 employees with a lower paid employee or not replacing at all. Yu advised that the program helps avoid layoffs. Yu explained that there is no plan guarantee; rather, authorization to explore the program is being requested. Authorization will provide a 45 day enrollment period after which, based on enrollment, a fiscal analysis will be conducted to determine whether the program is advantages. If the plan proceeds, the employees retire; if not, the offer is rescinded. Yu explained that the proposed design is based on 801 of the annual base pay. He further explained the calculations and presented on various employee plan options. Yu reported on IRC Section 415(b) limits which may affect a small portion of employees. Proposed eligibility requirements for both miscellaneous and safety personnel were presented. It was clarified that Department Heads would not be eligible. There are 63 current employees who qualify under the plan; it is predicted that approximately 18 would participate, for which the potential fiscal savings were presented. Yu concluded by advising that if City Council approves, informational packets will be mailed to the 63 qualifying employees, and individual meetings will be scheduled. Based on enrollment, the City Council will determine whether to move forward with the program by the first meeting in January 2013. In response to Mayor Pro-Tem McCormick, Yu advised that the benefits could continue for the life of the employee if they choose, but that there are other options. In response to Mayor Davis, Yu advised that December 19, 2012, is recommended as the last day for employees to make their final decision, and that a 7 day grace period be allowed. In response to Councilmember Maisano, Yu advised that 20-300 participation is projected. In response to Whitworth, Yu explained that there will always be an employee who just misses the requirements, but that Council has discretion in these cases. However, Yu recommends to Council be firm on a date. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2012-202. Motion carried, 4-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consider the establishment of Vernon's new Transmission Revenue Balancing Account Adjustment and consider the establishment of Vernon's new Existing Transmission Contract Adjustment. Director of Light & Power Carlos Fandino reported that the City participates as a transmission owner ("PTO") in the California Independent System Operator Corporation ("ISO") for which it has annual filing requirements. The Transmission Revenue report is a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") requirement. Page 2 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 As a PTO the City is required to turn over administrative control of its transmission assets to the ISO. The City has three assets which it has turned over to the ISO as required. As a whole, Fandino explained the relationship between the City as a PTO and the ISO, advising that it is at no cost to the City, with the exception of legal and or staffing fees. Though the City is charged for the transmission lines, the ISO provides the City revenue based on said lines. Fandino recommends the establishment of the Transmission Revenue Report and revised appendix, and authorization for outside counsel to submit the documents to FERC as outlined in the resolution. Fandino reported on the Transmission Revenue Balancing Account Adjustment ("TRBAA") which he explained is a mechanism the ISO uses to "true -up" any costs or revenues the City may have, and provided either a charge or credit. Fandino recommends that the TRBAA also be submitted to FERC for approval as outlined in the resolution. In response to Councilmember Ybarra's inquiry on how the recommendations compare to previous years, Fandino explained that the "phasing -in" period for the City has ended and that this will be the first year the City is being charged the full amount. In response to Mayor Davis, Fandino clarified that in order to participate as a PTO the City relinquishes its transmission assets to the ISO, to be used by PTOs as scheduled by the ISO. At 9:34 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to open the public hearing for public comment. Motion carried, 4-0. Steve L'Ecluse of Bandini Truck Terminal, Inc. inquired what the consequences and monetary impact would be should the Council not approve the resolutions. In response, Fandino explained that as a PTO, the City is required and therefore must comply. However, if the City chooses not to participate with the ISO it must find alternative ways to transmit power to the City which will be at a much greater cost. Hearing no other comments, at 9:37 a.m., it was moved by Ybarra and seconded by McCormick to close the public hearing. Motion carried, 4-0. a. Resolution No. 2012-203 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Adopting a New Transmission Revenue Requirement for 2013 in Accordance with Vernon's Transmission Owner Tariff and Providing for Tariff Sheet Changes to Implement the Adjustment b. Resolution No. 2012-204 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Establishing a Transmission Revenue Balancing Account Adjustment for 2013 in Accordance with Vernon's Transmission Owner Tariff and Providing for Tariff Sheet Changes to Implement the Adjustment Page 3 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2012-203 and Resolution No. 2012-204. 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. Minutes Approval a. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held August 21, 2012, to be received and filed. 2. Warrant Registers a. Approval of City Warrant Register No. 1367, totaling $1,038,387.51, which covers the period of October 9, through October 29, 2012, and consists of the following: 1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $288,273.35; and 2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $427,906.64; and 3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $322,207.52. b. Approval of Light & Power Warrant Register No. 332, totaling $5,315,729.15, which covers the period of October 9, through October 29, 2012, and consists of the following: 1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $4,975,194.27; and 2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $8,236.08; and 3.Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $332,298.80. c. Approval of Gas Warrant Register No. 120, totaling $1,474,533.47, which covers the period of October 9, through October 29, 2012, and consists of the following: 1. Ratification of wire transfers totaling $1,410,235.03; and 2. Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $19,784.56; and 3. Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $44,513.88. 3. City Clerk Department a. Commission and Committee Appointments List as required by the Maddy Act. 4. Fire Department a. Activity Report for the period of October 1, through October 15, 2012, to be received and filed. Page 4 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 5. Human Resources a. Resolution No. 2012-205 - A Resolution of the City Council Premiums Benefits of the City of Vernon Approving the Payment of for Insurance for Medical, Dental, and Life, for Employees During the 2013 Calendar Year 6. Police Department a. Activity Log and Statistical Summary of Arrest and Activities for the period of October 1, through October 15, 2012, to be received and filed. RESOLUTION 1. City Administration a. Resolution No. 2012-206 - 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 City Administrator Mark Whitworth noted that now that a Mayor has been elected, Mayor Davis is the Appointed Member for County Sanitation Districts No. 1 and 2, leaving a vacancy for the Alternate in District No. 1. Mayor Davis noted that Councilmember McCormick is the existing Alternate for County Sanitation District No. 2 and shall maintain said position. Mayor Davis nominated Councilmember Ybarra as the Alternate for County Sanitation District No. 1. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2012-206 and appoint Ybarra as the Alternate for District No. 1. Motion carried, 4-0. b. Resolution No. 2012-207 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Amending Resolution No. 2012-115, Regarding the Compensation, Costs and Benefits of its Employees ("Personnel Resolution") By Amending Schedule No. XIII (Office of the City Attorney) of the Personnel Resolution (Amendment No. 2) City Administrator Mark Whitworth advised that the recommendation would address the reorganizational need in the City Attorney's Department. Outside legal counsel has been identified as a substantial cost to the City. Other positions in the City Attorney's Department have been at extremely high salaries. It is important to address the need for additional in-house counsel. Whitworth opined that hiring employees under the proposed Deputy City Attorney position would be at a lower cost, address the department's needs, and minimize outside counsel. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Ybarra to approve Resolution No. 2012-207. Motion carried, 4-0. Page 5 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 2. City Clerks Interim City Clerk, Dana Reed advise 208 through 2012-211, are routine in the calling of the General Municipal 9, 2013. a. Resolution Council of the Holding Election to Election of Provisions b. Resolution Council of Regulations Pertaining Voters at a Election d that Resolution Nos. 2012- nature as they pertain to Election to be held April No. 2012-208 - A Resolution of the City the City of Vernon, California, Calling of an All Mail Ballot General Municipal be Held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, for Certain Officers as required by the of the Charter of the City of Vernon for the No. 2012-209 - A Resolution of the City the City of Vernon, California, Adopting for Candidates for Elective Office to Candidate Statements Submitted to the ny General Municipal or Special Municipal c. Resolution No. 2012-210 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to Render Specified Services to the City Relating to the Conduct of a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 d. Resolution No. 2012-211 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement for Professional Services by and between the City of Vernon and Martin & Chapman Co., for Consulting Services Related to the General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2012-208, Resolution No. 2012-209, Resolution No. 2012-210, and Resolution No. 2012-211. Motion carried, 4-0. e. Resolution No. 2012-212 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Amending Resolution No. 9542 by Amending Section 10 of Said Resolution Respecting Vacation Policies for Employees of the City of Vernon and Repealing All Resolutions in Conflict Therewith Interim City Clerk, Dana Reed explained that in negotiating City Attorney, Nicholas Rodriguez' contract, it was identified that the City's policy for management personnel is less attractive than that of other cities. In an effort to become more competitive, the recommendation is to establish specific vacation, sick leave, and administrative leave for management. Reed clarified that management personnel do not receive overtime and that the proposed policy would not create additional expenditures. The total hours would be capped at 480 with no accruals thereafter. Councilmember Ybarra disagreed with the total hours, and questioned whether more vacation time should be provided considering the City's financial situation. He explaining that Page 6 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 Vernon's four -day work week was an attractive component and inquired whether this was factored into the study. In response, Reed advised that regardless of the work week structure, 40 hours is the regular amount of hours worked per week in all cities. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2012-212. Motion carried, 3-1 with Ybarra in opposition. 3. Community Services and Water Department Resolution Nos. 2012-213 and 2012-214 were addressed at the same time. a. Resolution No. 2012-213 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Authorizing the Director of Community Services & Water to Execute the Right -of - Way Certification on Behalf of the City for Federal and State Funded Projects b. Resolution No. 2012-214 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Authorizing the Issuance of a Notice Inviting Sealed, Competitive Bids for the Replacement of City Hall Chiller Unit Director of Community Services and Water, Kevin Wilson explained that the request to authorizing the Director to execute the Right -of -Way Certification on behalf of the City for federal and state funded projects, stemmed from the state's request that whomever signs be authorized to sign. Secondly, Wilson reported that the air conditioning unit has been out of order for the past two weeks. Repairs for the 30 year -old unit are estimated at $75,000. Wilson recommends the replacement of the unit entirely and is recommending a competitive bid process to obtain quotes. It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2012-2013 and Resolution No. 2012-214. Motion carried, 4-0. 4. Finance Department Resolution Nos. 2012-215 and 2012-216 were addressed at the same time. a. Resolution No. 2012-215 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Amending Resolution No. 2011-203 Concerning the Terms of Repayment of Certain City of Vernon Interfund Loans b. Resolution No. 2012-216 - 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 Macias, Gini & O'Connell, LLP for Professional Auditing Services Finance Director, Rory Burnett explained that the amendment to Resolution No. 2011-203 will place a more realistic payback schedule from the General Fund to the Light & Power Department. The terms of repayment will be extended from 15 months to 120 Page 7 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 months, but advised that the City has many other obligations and the debt needs to be managed. This will provide a reasonable plan for all parties. Burnett reported on the agreement between Macias, Gini & O'Connell, LLP ("MGO"). MGO has been the City's auditing firm since 1999 and are well versed with Vernon. MGO is a leading auditing firm; their fee has been capped at $240,000, which Burnett opined is reasonable. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2012-215 and Resolution No. 2012-216. Motion carried, 4-0. 5. Human Resources Department a. Resolution No. 2012-217 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Amending Resolution No. 2012-188 Regarding the Continued Payment of Premiums for Medical -Dental Insurance for Retired Employees During the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year for the Public Purpose of Reducing the Cost of Government by Encouraging Early Retirement Human Resources Director, Teresa McAllister advised that the previously adopted resolution regarding the continued payment of premiums for medical -dental insurance for retired employees was met with apprehension. The concern.was dependent insurance coverage. It is recommended that the resolution be amended to include dependents. The expense remains at no more than $1,000 towards medical insurance premiums. The recommendation will also be extended to the safety groups, which can choose said option at their discretion in addition to the benefits outlined in their respective Memorandums of Understanding. McAllister specified that the benefits will only apply to those that retire within fiscal year 2012-2013 and are not vested. In response to Vice Chairperson McCormick, McAllister advised that the monetary obligation will be up to the $1,000 per month. McAllister further explained the tiered structure to include those with less than 20 years of service. It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by McCormick to approve Resolution No. 2012-217. Motion carried, 4-0. 6. Light & Power Department Resolution Nos. 2012-218 through 2012-220 were addressed at the same time. a. Resolution No. 2012-218 - 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 Rolls Wood Group (Repair & Overhauls) Ltd for Repair of Rolls-Royce Gas Generator Type 571-KA b. Resolution No. 2012-219 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Accepting the Bid of Enduro Pipeline Services, Inc., and Approving and Page 8 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 Authorizing the Execution of a Services Agreement by and between the City of Vernon and Enduro Pipeline Services, Inc., for the Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline In Line Inspection c. Resolution No. 2012-220 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Amended and Restated Transmission Control Agreement Among the California Independent System Operator Corporation, the Participating Transmission Owners and Prospective New Participating Transmission Owners Director of Light & Power, Carlos Fandino reported that the small turbine at the Malburg Generating Station needs to be rebuilt. Fandino advised that Rolls Wood Group has the ability to make the necessary repairs. It is recommended that the turbine be shipped to Scotland and that Peter Hervish also make the trip to witness and oversee the repairs. The cost is not to exceed $330,407 without written authorization. Fandino explained that the turbine provide fiscal relief to the City, as revenues are provided from the California Independent System Operator. The payback period is estimated at 1.5 years. Fandino reported that Enduro Pipeline Services, Inc. was the lowest bidder for the natural gas transmission pipeline in -line inspection. The request for proposals specified that bids not exceed $100,000; Enduro bid $64,000. Fandino explained that the inspection is a Department of Transportation requirement, which must be conducted every seven years. Enduro would specifically provide the PIG launchers. Fandino reported on the amended and restated Transmission Control Agreement which would add two new participating transmission owners; Valley Electric Associations, Inc. and City of Colton. Fandino clarified that the amendment would have no financial impact to the City. In response to Mayor Davis' inquiry on the shipping time for the turbine, Fandino responded that the shipping will be expedited and that the turbine will arrive within a week. Rebuilding will take approximately a month. Fandino anticipates the repairs will add 15-20 years of life to the turbine. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to approve Resolution No. 2012-218, Resolution No. 2012-219, and Resolution No. 2012-220. Motion carried, 4-0. 7. Police Department Resolution Nos. 2012-221 and 2012-222 will be addressed together. a. Resolution No. Council of the Authorizing the "Avoid the 100 by and between Gardena Police 2012-221 - A Resolution of the City of Vernon Approving and Execution of an Agreement for DUI Campaign (West) Los Angeles the Vernon Police Department an Department City the County" d the Page 9 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 b. Resolution No. 2012-222 - 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 the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Regarding Reimbursement for Overtime and Other Authorized Expenditures for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Interim Police Chief, Daniel Calleros requests authorization tc participate in the "Avoid the 100 DUI Campaign (West) Los Angeles County." He advised that the City receives grant funds through the program as well as reimbursement on overtime costs for staff. The City has participated in previous years. The campaign is an effort to reduce DUI incidents and raise public awareness. Calleros request the approval of the agreement with the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, advising that one detective is currently assigned to the force, and is eligible for overtime reimbursement for up to $25,000. It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by McCormick to approve Resolution No. 2012-221 and Resolution No. 2012-222. Motion carried, 4-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Mayor selection of a Vernon resident to fill the unexpired term for a vacant position on the Vernon Housing Commission, to be ratified by the City Council. City Administrator, Mark Whitworth advised that per the City Code, the Mayor is required to fill vacancies in the Vernon Housing Commission. Whitworth reported that Commissioner Gabriel Early had resigned, and that staff has three potential candidates on file. Mayor Davis selected to appoint John Kriste to fill the vacancy on the Vernon Housing Commission. It was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to ratify the Mayors appointment. Motion carried, 4-0. ORAL REPORTS Interim Police Chief, Daniel Calleros reported on two attempted armed robberies that occurred on October 26, 2012. In both instances the suspect demanded the victims' wallets and cellular phones. The suspect fled on both occasions. Officers located video footage from an adjacent business and will be sharing the information with local police agencies. On November 4, 2012, a strong arm robbery was reported in the McDonalds' parking lot. Two victims where confronted by three suspects, their personal items were taken. Although Officers identified the suspect vehicle, it evaded police until it collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Alameda Street and Vernon Avenue. Suspects then fled on foot. One suspect was apprehended, the remaining two suspects remain at large, The City of Bell reported a similar incident involving the same suspect vehicle. It is believed that the suspects were involved Page 10 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 in other robberies in the southeast area. Information will be shared with local agencies. Calleros reported that on October 30, 2012, three Vernon officers assist Huntington Park Police Department ("HPPD") with service calls in order to allow HPPD staff to attend funeral services for a retired police lieutenant. HPPD was grateful for the assistance. Calleros advised that Officers will be conducting a bait operation, in hopes of arresting suspects committing auto burglaries within the City. He noted a steady increase in auto related burglaries within the last few months. Captain James Rodino reported vandalism at LA Junction on October 22, 2012, that resulted in four arrests. He advised that the two vandalisms previously reported have been resolved. Assistant Fire Chief, Andrew Guth reported that most responses have been routine in nature. The training focus for the month of November is confined space. The Department will be conducting its second night drill as part of the Class 1 rating. Guth reported the completion of the mobile data computer project which was funded through grants. He thanked the Council for the City's participation in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and thanked Mobile Oil for their thousand dollar donation to the paramedics program. Director of Light & Power, Carlos Fandino reported on outages. On October 17, 2012, a bird caused an outage and damages to the power pole were sustained. On October 18, 2012, a vehicle collided with a power pole; the pole had minor damages and there was no interruption of service. On November 5, 2012, another vehicle collision incident involving a power pole was reported. The pole sustained major damages and was subsequently replaced. Fandino reported on his intent to meet with the California Energy Commission to discuss the renewable portfolio standards' Bucket 1 requirements as they relate to bio methane's applicability. He announced that he will not be able to attend the next City Council meeting. Fandino reported on his plan to attract new businesses to Vernon through a rebate program, and the development of a sustainability plan for the next 5 years. A department study, to be conducted by Crossborder, will provide the data to determine how much can be given back without affecting the Department's fixed obligations. Fandino is looking at potentially offering internet and gas services at reduced rates. Fandino reported the commencement of Phase 2 of the Fruitland project. The project was mastermind by Fiber Optics/Internet System Manager, Ali Nour as a way to save money. Fandino announced that the meeting for the Advisory Committee on Electric Rates was adjourned due to a lack of quorum on October 17, 2012. Rather, an informal discussion was held, with present committee members, on ways to subsidize the renewable portfolio standard pass -through cost to customers. Fandino reported that the Department is looking at a potential Rate Stabilizing Fund. The next Committee meeting is scheduled for December 6, 2012. Page 11 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 Chief Deputy Director for the Health Department, David LeDuff reported on the CUPA audit which had favorable reviews but noted some deficiencies. Director of Community Services and Water, Kevin Wilson reported on the comments made on the stormwater permits. The Board's actions were unfavorable in that additional requirements were added. Wilson hopes that the permitting process will not be approved and that the Board considers the financial consequences and makes appropriate revisions. Wilson announced the cancellation of the Advisory Committee on Business Development meeting in November but advised that the regularly scheduled meeting in December will be held. Assistant to City Administrator, Alex Kung reported that the Oversight Board to the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency met on November 1, 2012. The Successor Agency meeting will hold its meeting, immediately following this City Council meeting. Interim City Clerk, Dana Reed announced that the ethics training will be conducted during the next City Council meeting after taking care of regular business items. City Administrator, Mark Whitworth advised that the Vernon Housing Commission will be discussing tenant issues, conducting the housing lottery, reviewing the unit -to -unit transfer policy, and considering the recommendation for a third -party property management firm at its next meeting. Whitworth advised that Public Information Officer, Fred McFarlane is working with staff on the next issue of the Vernon Quarterly. Staff is working on general fund revenue proposals for the April 2013 election, which may include a business license increase, utility user tax, and special parcel tax. Ongoing discussions with stakeholders continue in an effort to alleviate the general fund's reliance on the Light & Power Department. Whitworth announced that bids for the sale of the water rights are due by November 8, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. He reported on the search firm process for the Finance Director and Police Chief. The City later intends to conduct the same process for the City Clerk and Fire Chief positions. He reported that recently elected Councilmember Luz Martinez had prior engagements and was not unable to attend the Council meeting. In response to Councilmember Ybarra's inquiry on the housing lottery, Whitworth advised that if an Expression of Interest Form had been previously submitted, that the party will be included in the December lottery. Assistant to City Administrator, Kristen Enomoto noted that the form is valid for one calendar year, meaning that one will need to be completed in 2013 to be included in the 2013 lotteries. At 10:34 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano to recess the City Council meeting in order to address the matters on the Successor Agency Agenda. Motion carried, 4-0. Page 12 of 13 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 At 11:00 a.m. the Council reconvened to address the remaining matters on the City Council agenda. CLOSED SESSION At 11:00 a.m. it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano that the City Council go into closed session to discuss the items listed under closed session. Motion carried, 4-0. 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - PENDING LITIGATION (2) Government Code Section 54956.9(a) Case Name: Newmire vs. Yamaguchi, et al. Case Number: LASC Case No. BS 137310 Case Name: Bellamy vs. Davis, et al. Case Number: LASC Case No. BS 138899 2. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Public Employee Employment: City Administrator 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL --ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(3)(C) Number of potential cases: 2 The City has received two claims for damages pursuant to the Tort Claims Act. The claims are available for public inspection. At 11:31 a.m. it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Ybarra, that the City Council exit closed session. Motion carried, 4-0. City Attorney, Nicholas Rodriguez reported that there was no reportable action for items nos. 1 and 2; furthermore, two claims were denied under closed session item no. 3: Jose Luis Guerra and Knitsoft, Inc. and Drysoft, Inc. At 11:32 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano, that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. r William J. Davi Mayor A TE T: t ,Y Da Reed Interim City Clerk Page 13 of 13