20180501 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF
VERNON HELD TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018, IN COUNCIL CHAMBER OF CITY
HALL LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ybarra, Woodruff -Perez, Davis, Martinez, and Lopez
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
CALL TO ORDER & FLAG SALUTE
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by Mayor Woodruff -Perez; she also led the flag salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
City Clerk Maria Ayala announced no changes were made.
PUBLIC COMMENT
At this time the public is encouraged to address the City Council on any matter that is within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the City Council. The public will also be given a chance to comment on matters
which are on the posted agenda during City Council deliberation on those specific matters.
No public comment was provided.
BUDGET STUDY SESSION
1. City Administration
Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Budget Study Session Presentations
Recommendation:
No action required by City Council. This is a presentation only.
City Administrator Fandino provided a PowerPoint Presentation and reported on the initial budget overview.
Finance Director William Fox provided additional information on unfunded pension liability and OPEB
liabilities.
Human Resources Director Michael Earl also provided input on OPEB liability.
Meeting went into brief recess at 7:50 a.m. to address an electrical issue on the dais.
Meeting Reconvened at 7:51 a.m.
Councilmember Davis inquired as to why there is a projected dip in debt services, City Administrator
Fandino explained that bond obligation would be paid off in the inquired time frame.
Director Fox spoke about alternative methods to supplement the revenue without causing adverse effects
on the business community. He noted that the State's transportation tax revenue takes population into
account.
City Clerk Maria Ayala provided a PowerPoint Presentation on the City Clerk Department Budget.
Councilmember Ybarra inquired as to the 10% cut in budget expenditures, City Clerk Ayala explained the
decrease is a result of cuts in two areas: training and professional services..
Director Fox provided a PowerPoint Presentation on the Finance Department Budget.
Health and Environmental Control Director Keith Allen provided a PowerPoint Presentation on the Health
and Environmental Control Department Budget.
Human Resources Director Michael Earl provided a PowerPoint Presentation on the Human Resource
Department Budget.
Information Technology Manager Ernesto Smith provided a PowerPoint Presentation on the Information
Technology Budget.
Page 1
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
May 01, 2018
Meeting went into Recess at 8:47 a.m.
Meeting Reconvened at 8:55 a.m.
PRESENTATIONS
2. Human Resources
Recognition of Retiring Employee - Anthony Shawn Rotell, Firefighter/Paramedic
Recommendation:
A. It is recommended that the City Council acknowledge and present a proclamation to
retiring employee Anthony Shawn Rotell, Firefighter/Paramedic in recognition of his
dedicated service to the City of Vernon.
City Clerk Ayala read the Proclamation.
Councilmember Davis presented the proclamation to Anthony Shawn Rotell.
Fire Chief Bruce English said a few words about Anthony Shawn Rotell and commended him
on his service to the City.
Mr. Rotell said a few words about his time serving the City of Vernon.
Fire Department
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Fill the Boot Fundraiser Presentation by
Heather Harvin
Recommendation:
No action required by City Council. This is a presentation only.
Chief English introduced Heather Harvin, Representative for the Muscular Dystrophy
Association.
Ms. Harvin spoke about the association and the upcoming "Fill the Boot" fundraising
campaign.
PUBLIC HEARING
4. Public Works
Ordinance Amending, Adding, and Renumbering Various Sections of the Vernon
Zoning Code to Allow and Regulate Fitness and Recreational Facilities and Spectator
Events Related Thereto Within the City of Vernon
Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act
("CEQA") review, because it is general policy and procedure -making activity that is
unrelated to any specific project, which must undergo separate CEQA review, and that will
not result in direct physical changes or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical changes in the
environment, and therefore does not constitute a "project" as defined by CEQA Guidelines
section 15378; and
B. Conduct a Public Hearing; and
C. Approve the first reading, and adopt at a subsequent meeting, an ordinance amending,
adding and renumbering various sections within Chapter 26 of the Vernon Municipal Code
("VMC") to allow and regulate Fitness and Recreational Facilities and spectator events
related thereto within the City of Vernon.
Mayor Woodruff -Perez opened the public hearing at 9:12 a.m.
Public Works Director Daniel Wall reported on the proposed.
Public Comment
Page 2
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
May 01, 2018
Marisa Olguin, Vernon Chamber of Commerce, inquired as to how this ordinance was produced
and inquired about benefit analysis in holding these type of events in the City.
Director Daniel Wall spoke about how the ordinance amendment was initiated, the City was initially
approached by a non-profit roller derby group. City Administrator Fandino clarified some points about the
benefits of the ordinance amendment.
Mayor Woodruff -Perez opened the public hearing at 9:17 a.m.
It was moved by Davis and seconded by Martinez to approve the first reading, and adopt at a subsequent
meeting, an Ordinance Amending, Adding, and Renumbering Various Sections of the Vernon Zoning Code
to Allow and Regulate Fitness and Recreational Facilities and Spectator Events Related Thereto Within the
City of Vernon. Motion carried, 5-0.
Ybarra: Yes
Woodruff -Perez: Yes
Davis: Yes
Martinez: Yes
Lopez: Yes
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be approved with one motion. Items may be removed
from the Consent Calendar by any member of the Council. Those items removed will be considered
immediately after the Consent Calendar.
No public comment was provided.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Lopez to approve all matters listed under the Consent Calendar
under one motion as presented. Motion carried, 5-0.
Ybarra: Yes
Woodruff -Perez: Yes
Davis: Yes
Martinez: Yes
Lopez: Yes
5. City Clerk
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held April 17, 2018
Recommendation:
A. Receive and File
6. Finance/ Treasury
Ratification of Warrant Registers to Record Voided Checks
Recommendation:
A. Ratify the following warrant registers to record voided checks:
1) General Account Warrant Register No. 1479 to record voided Check No. 355671 in the
amount of $5.35.
2) General Account Warrant Register No. 1480 to record voided Check No. 355805 in the
amount of $22.98.
3) General Account Warrant Register No. 1481 to record voided Check No. 355920 in the
amount of $14.45.
4) General Account Warrant Register No. 1481 to record voided Check No. 355925 in the
amount of $21.93.
5) General Account Warrant Register No. 1486 to record voided Check No. 356520 in the
amount of $75.41.
6) General Account Warrant Register No. 1487 to record voided Check No. 356783 in the
amount of $36.46.
Page 3
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
May 01, 2018
7) General Account Warrant Register No. 1490 to record voided Check No. 357135 in the
amount of $3,369.65.
7. Finance/ Treasury
Approval of General Account Warrant Register No. 1493 Covering the Period of April
10 through April 23, 2018
Recommendation:
A. Approve General Account Warrant Register No. 1493 which totals $898,169.86 and
consists of the following:
1) Ratification of electronic payments totaling $595,849.92.
2) Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $229,186.89.
3) Authorization to issue pending checks totaling $73,133.05.
8. Finance/ Treasury
Approval of Public Utilities Account Warrant Register No. 458 Covering the Period of
April 10 through April 23, 2018
Recommendation:
A. Approve Public Utilities Account Warrant Register No. 458 which totals $8,606,612.95
and consists of the following:
1) Ratification of electronic payments totaling $8,521,224.21.
2) Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $85,388.74.
9. Finance/ Treasury
Approval of Gas Account Warrant Register No. 246 Covering the Period of April 10
through April 23, 2018
Recommendation:
A. Approve Gas Account Warrant Register No. 246 which totals $1,032.11 and consists of
the following:
1) Ratification of electronic payments totaling $445.58.
2) Ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $586.53.
10. Finance/ Treasury
Approval of RDA Obligation Retirement Account Warrant Register No. 43 Covering
the Period of February 27 through April 23, 2018
Recommendation:
A. Approve RDA Obligation Retirement Account Warrant Register No. 43 which totals
$4,864.00 and consists of the following:
1) Ratification of electronic payments totaling $4,864.00.
2) Voided check No. 16 totaling $1,500.00.
11. City Administration
Ratification of Lease Agreement with the Vernon Chamber of Commerce for a Portion
of 2724 Leonis Boulevard in Vernon, CA
Recommendation:
A. Find that ratification of the lease agreement with the Vernon Chamber of Commerce
(Chamber) is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") review, because
it is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the
environment, and therefore does not constitute a "project" as defined by CEQA Guidelines
section 15378; and
Page 4
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
May 01, 2018
B. Ratify the City Administrator's execution of a lease agreement with the Chamber for a
portion of the property located at 2724 Leonis Boulevard, Vernon CA with a term beginning
May 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019.
12. Fire Department
Fire Department Activity Report for the period of March 16 through March 31, 2018
Recommendation:
A. Receive and file.
NEW BUSINESS
13. Public Works
A Sub -Recipient Agreement Regarding the Environmental Clearance Phase of the West
Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor Between Gateway Cities Council of Governments
and the City of Vernon
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the Sub -Recipient Agreement proposed in this staff report is exempt
under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it is an administrative
activity that will not affect the environment and therefore is not a "project" as defined in
CEQA Guidelines section 15378, and to the extent approving the Sub -Recipient Agreement
can be deemed a "project," is consistent with the City's role as a responsible agency and in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act; and
B. Approve the Sub -recipient Agreement between Gateway Cities Council of Governments
and the City of Vernon for the purpose of the Environmental Clearance Phase of the West
Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor project in order to receive reimbursement up to $28,000
for staff time spent on this phase of the project; and
C. Authorize the City Administrator to execute the Subrecipient Agreement on behalf of the
City of Vernon.
Director Wall reported on the proposed.
No public comment was provided.
Councilmember Ybarra inquired about the reimbursement of funds, Director Wall responded
with the technical information.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Lopez to approve all matters listed under the Consent
Calendar under one motion as presented. Motion carried, 5-0.
Ybarra: Yes
Woodruff -Perez: Yes
Davis: Yes
Martinez: Yes
Lopez: Yes
14. Police Department
Award of Services Agreement with JRM, a Division of S&S Labor Force Incorporated,
for Vernon City Hall Security Services
Recommendation:
A. Find that the approval of the services agreement proposed in this staff report is exempt
from California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") review, because such action is an
administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the
environment, and therefore does not constitute a "project" as defined by CEQA Guidelines
section 15378; and
Page 5
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
May 01, 2018
B. Approve a Services Agreement with JRM, a Division of S&S Labor Force Incorporated
("JRM"), in substantially the same form as submitted herewith, for a three-year term in an
amount not -to -exceed $263,392 per year for the provision of security services for Vernon
City Hall; and
C. Authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with JRM with an
effective date of May 1, 2018.
Police Chief Anthony Miranda reported on the proposed.
No public comment was provided.
A lengthy dialogue ensued between the Council and staff regarding the logistics, security
measure details, implementation, the origin of the proposal, costs, evaluation, and alternative
options if the contact was not approved.
The dialogue switched to the suggestions to lower the cost of the proposal and other options if
this proposal was not approved.
Councilmember Davis inquired as to how the Petrelli Electric yard was being secured, City
Administrator Fandino responded that the same security group being proposed was currently
employed to secure the Petrelli Electric yard.
Mayor Woodruff -Perez stated that she felt the proposal was excessive and wanted to peruse
other options. Mayor Woodruff -Perez then suggested to table the item to the next meeting in
order to gather more information.
The Council came to a consensus to table the item until the next City Council Meeting. Staff
would provide the additional informational resources Council requested.
ORAL REPORTS
City Administrator Reports — brief reports on activities and other brief announcements.
City Administrator Fandino reported on the following: various power outages throughout the City; May
2nd Integrated Resource Plan Customer Outreach meeting; Vernon City Elementary School on a tour of
the City's Water Facilities; April 17th Vernon Regional Training Center Open House; Fire Department
visits to Vernon City Elementary School; April 19th St. Baldrick's "Shaving for Cancer" and Children's
Hospital blood donation event; Muscular Dystrophy Association "Fill the Boot" event in May; ICMA
week long training; continuation of budget study sessions; May 3`d Southern California Association of
Governments 2018 Regional Conference; Police Officer of the Year and Fire Fighter of the Year Awards
Luncheon; California Contract Cities Association 59th Annual Municipal Seminar on May 17 -20th; and
various parking issues around the City and a projected plan to mitigate the issues.
Councilmember Ybarra inquired as to the locations and dates of the "Fill the Boot" campaign, Fire Chief
English provided the location and date information.
City Council Reports — brief AB 1234 reports, or report on: activities, announcements, or directives to staff.
No report provided.
At 9:41 a.m., the City Council entered into closed session to discuss the following agendized items:
CLOSED SESSION
15. City Attorney
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation.
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Number of potential cases: 2
Page 6
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
May 01, 2018
16. City Attorney
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Garcia -Martinez vs. City of Vernon, et al.
Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC689446
At 10:21 a.m. the City Council exited closed session. City Attorney Hema Patel reported that three items
were discussed and that no reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, at 10:21 a.m., Mayor Woodruff -Perez adjourned the meeting.
ATTEST:
Mari E. Ayala
City Clerk
Page 7
Yvette Woodruff -Perez
Mayor