Resolution No. 2011-069RESOLUTION NO. 2011-69
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VERNON DESIGNATING CERTAIN STUDIES TO BE PERFORMED
BY CITY STAFF, THE DRAFTING OF A REQUEST FOR
PROPOSAL FOR HOUSING MANAGEMENT AND THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF CERTAIN AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEES
WHEREAS, the City of Vernon ("Vernon") desires to address
certain issues that are of concern to residents and local businesses;
and
WHEREAS, Vernon as an exclusively industrial city possesses
unique capabilities providing opportunities for business and
employees; and
WHEREAS, Vernon's goal is to remain competitive in today's
environment; and
WHEREAS, certain analyses need to be performed in order to
establish revised policies and programs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
finds and determines that the recitals contained hereinabove are true
and correct.
SECTION 2: The City Administrator is directed to undertake
a salary survey for Department head level positions, and report back to
the City Council within 60 days from the date of this resolution with
any recommendations for salary adjustments.
SECTION 3: "The Authority Director of the Housing Authority
in conjunction with the City Administrator shall prepare and return
within 45 days to City Council for review and approval, a City housing
policy for rental of City -owned housing. The policy should consider
priority for first responders and others critical to the region for
the delivery of essential public services. The policy shall provide
for the rental of housing on a first come, first serve non-
discriminatory basis, subject to priority designations.
SECTION 4: The Authority Director of the Housing Authority
in conjunction with the City Administrator shall also prepare a rental
survey for housing in the area and provide recommendations to the City
Council for adjustments to rental housing rates based on the rent
survey.
SECTION 5: The Authority Director of the Housing Authority
in conjunction with the -City Administrator shall also prepare a
request for qualifications for third party property management firms
to take over primary responsibility for the management of City -owned
housing. The Authority Director shall report back to the City Council
with the draft request for proposal for review and approval.
SECTION 6: The City Administrator shall also review term
limit provisions of adjacent jurisdictions, including the City of Los
Angeles and County of Los Angeles. The City Administrator shall
report back to the Council within 90 days and shall include a
recommendation for a term limit proposal for the City of Vernon.
SECTION 7: The City Administrator is directed to undertake
a salary and benefit survey of city council members of charter cities
in the Southern California area that operate electric utility and/or
gas enterprises and report back to the City Council within 60 days on
recommendations for salary and benefit adjustments.
SECTION 8: The City Administrator is directed to retain a
firm with Political Reform Act, Public Records Act and Brown Act
compliance expertise to provide annual Political Reform Act, Public
2
Records Act and Brown Act training for City officials including
Department heads and City Council members. Training for 2011 shall be
completed by June 30. Such firm also shall review City policies for
compliance with the Political Reform Act, Public Records Act and Brown
Act and make recommendations for modifications and improvements to
policies.
SECTION 9: The City Administrator is directed to establish
an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Electric Rates. The Ad Hoc Advisory
Committee on Electric Rates shall include the City Administrator,
three business representatives representing diverse business
interests, including the President of the Chamber of Commerce for
Vernon (or his/her designee), and two labor representatives. Staff
support shall be provided by the Director of Light & Power. The Ad
Hoc Advisory Committee on Electric Rates shall review current electric
rate pricing and shall make recommendations to the City Council for
adjustments to rates to reflect current operating costs and emission
reduction requirements and green house gas regulations. The Ad Hoc
Advisory Committee on Electric Rates shall report back to the City
Council on its recommendations within 60 days. The Director of Light
and Power shall also report back to the City Council his
recommendation for adjustments to rates if they differ from the Ad Hoc
Advisory Committee on Electric Rates.
SECTION 10: The City Administrator is directed to restart
the work program with Gladstein, Neandross & Associates for
development of the Sustainable Industrial Development Plan and Climate
Action Plan. The City Administrator is also directed to establish an
Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Sustainable Development to work with the
City Administrator. The Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Sustainable
- 3
Development shall include City Administrator, three business
representatives representing diverse business interests, including the
President of the Chamber of Commerce for Vernon (or his/her designee),
and two labor representatives. The City Administrator shall report
back to the City Council within 45 days for budget authorization for
implementation of the work plan.
SECTION 11: The City Administrator is directed to establish
an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee for Business Development. The Ad Hoc
Advisory Committee for Business Development shall include the Mayor, a
Councilmember designated by the Mayor, the City Administrator, three
business representatives representing diverse business interests,
including the President of the Chamber of Commerce for Vernon (or
his/her designee), a real estate developer and a real estate broker
with knowledge of the Vernon market, and two labor representatives.
The Ad Hoc Advisory Committee for Business Development shall explore
ways to improve the business climate in the City and make the City of
Vernon more attractive to business and employees. Staff support shall
be provided by Community Services, the Light & Power Department and
Health Services. The Ad Hoc Advisory Committee for Business
Development shall meet monthly and shall report back to the City
Council within 180 days on recommendations.
SECTION 12: Any proposed expenses requiring outside
consultants, other than City Staff, shall be presented to the City
Council for budgetary approval.
SECTION 13: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
authorizes the City Administrator, or his designee, to take whatever
action is deemed necessary or desirable for the purpose of
implementing and carrying out the purposes of this Resolution and the
4
transactions herein approved or authorized.
SECTION 14: The City Clerk of the City of Vernon shall
certify to the passage, approval and adoption of this resolution, and
the City Clerk of the City of Vernon shall cause this resolution and
the City Clerk's certification to be entered in the File of
Resolutions of the Council of this City.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of April, 2011.
Hilario Gonzales
ATTF�T : `
Willard G. Yama/6u,Eh.i, Uty Clerk
Title: Mayor / ayo ro- m
5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
I, Willard G. Yamaguchi, City Clerk of the City of Vernon, do
hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution, being Resolution
No. 2011-69, was duly passed, approved and adopted by the City Council
of the City of Vernon at a regular meeting of the City Council duly
held on Tuesday, April 19, 2011,.and thereafter was duly signed by the
Mayor or Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Vernon.
Executed this e� day of April, 2011, at Vernon, California.
illard G. guc i City Clerk
(SEAL)
6
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 25, 2011
TO: Mark Whitworth, City Administrator/Fire Chief
FROM: Willard Yamaguchi, City Clerk
RE Resolution No. 2011-69 — A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
Designating Certain Studies to be Performed by City Staff, the Drafting of a Request for
Proposal for Housing Management and the Establishment of Certain Ad Hoc Advisory
Committees
Transmitted herewith is a copy of Resolution No. 2011-69 referenced above, which was approved by City
Council on April 19, 2011.
Thank you.
WY:dj
Attachment
c: Resolution No. 2011-69
RECEIVED
APR 14 2011
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 11, 2011
CITY ADMINISTRATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark C. Whitworth, City Administrator
RE: Good Governance Policies and Practices
In continuing efforts toward the establishment and refinement of good governance policies and
practices, it is recommended that the proposed surveys, Ad Hoc Advisory Committees, and
improvements relating to City housing management and municipal government compliance
outlined in the attached resolution be authorized.
The proposed surveys relate to: (i) salaries for department head level positions; (ii) salaries,
benefits, and term limits for Council Members; and (iii) rental rates for City housing.
The Ad Hoc Advisory Committees include those for: (i) electric rates; (ii) business
development; and (iii) sustainable development.
Improvements relating to City housing management include the preparation of: (i) a formal City
housing policy for the rental of City -owned housing; and (ii) a Request for Proposal for qualified
third party property management firms.
Improvements relating to municipal government compliance include the retention of a qualified
firm to: (i) provide annual Political Reform Act, Public Records Act, and Brown Act
compliance training for City officials; and (ii) review and recommend
modifications/improvements to City policies respecting compliance. uk (
,r VJ , P `
CA
t
STAFF REPORT
Office of the City Administrator
DATE: May 23, 2011
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark C. Whitworth, City Administrator
RE: Resolution No. 2011-69, Section 2: Salary Surveys for City Department Heads
On April 19, 2011, the City Council of the City of Vernon enacted Resolution No. 2011-69.
Section2 of the Resolution directed the City Administrator to undertake a "salary survey for department
head level positions," due back to the City Council within 60 days of the Resolution with
recommendations for salary adjustments for department heads. This report provides a comprehensive
survey with schedules of figures. attached and recommendations regarding whether salary adjustments
should be implemented for Vernon's department heads.
Methodology
The survey is comprised of two sets of compensation data from local jurisdictions in Southern
California. The first is a smaller sample that includes Anaheim, Burbank, Los Angeles, Pasadena, and
Riverside. These cities were selected because they have their own electric and water departments.
The second is a larger sample that includes the foregoing cities as well as Alhambra, Bell Gardens,
Commerce, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Huntington Park, Inglewood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey
Park, Pico Rivera, and South Gate, which were selected because they are all within a 5-mile radius of
Vernon. Santa Fe Springs and Irwindale are also included in this sample because they are primarily
industrial. Torrance is included to evaluate the compensation of Vernon's Fire Chief because Torrance,
like Vernon; has a Class-1 Fire Department Rating. Because the County of Los Angeles is one of the few
local entities in Southern California with its own health department, it is included in the survey to evaluate
the salary of the Vernon's Health Officer/Director of Health and Environmental Control. Some of the
jurisdictions surveyed do not have positions that correspond with Vernon's department heads. As a result,
these jurisdictions may not be mentioned in certain survey results.
Our survey used Vemon's department -head salaries as prescribed in the most recent City
resolutions. Where applicable, the report acknowledges that certain of these positions currently are being
1
staffed by interim department heads, who are compensated under different salary schedules.)
For other jurisdictions, we relied on the compensation figures provided in the California State
Controller's'database of local government salaries and compensation. The specific compensation figures
we considered were the reported maximum annual salaries for each employment classification
("Maximum Salary").3 We note that the 2009 figures are the most recent available for the other
jurisdictions in this database.
In preparing our recommendations, we considered whether salary reductions were necessary to
bring Vernon in -line with comparable jurisdictions, while also seeking to ensure that Vernon remained
competitive in attracting and retaining the most qualified department heads. We also took into account that
Vernon's department heads often are tasked with broader responsibilities due to smaller support staffs than
in other jurisdictions. Based on these considerations, we generally focused our review on how Vernon's
department -head salaries compared with the average of the top quartile of surveyed cities in the large and
small samples,4 as well as the average of the cities in the small sample. Where existing salaries exceeded
these amounts, we have generally recommended a reduction in salary. Where existing salaries were at or
below those thresholds, we have not recommended any salary adjustments. Our recommendations are
summarized in Schedule I, and our supporting salary -survey results are provided in Schedule H, both of
which are appended to this report. Finally, we note that this report is intended solely to recommend
salaries for department -head positions; it does not make any recommendations as to whether any current
deputy or interim department -head employee should be advanced to a department -head position.
Survey Results and Recommendations
A. City Administrator
Vernon's current Fire Chief serves as the City Administrator and is compensated as Fire Chief, a
position that receives a resolution -established salary of $199,188. The City of Vernon currently does not
have a resolution -established salary for the position of City Administrator. Among the salaries of City
Administrators in comparable jurisdictions, the average of the top quartile of the large sample is $267,550;
the top city in the small sample is $307,574; and the average of the small sample is $271,852. To ensure
that Vernon provides both a reasonable and competitive salary for its City Administrator relative to
comparable jurisdictions, this report recommends that the City Council set a salary of $267,000 for this
position. However, in light of current budget constraints and other considerations, this report further
recommends that Vernon's current City Administrator continue to be compensated solely as Fire Chief.
Accordingly, it is anticipated that Mark Whitworth will continue to serve as City Administrator and Fire
Chief, but will continue to be compensated solely in his position as Fire Chief.
1 See Vernon Leadership Salaries (Jan. 1, 2011), http://www.cityofvemon.org/assets/docsNernon%2OCity0/02O
Leadership%20Salaries.pdf.
z See California Controller's Database of Local Government Salaries and Other Compensation (May 17, 2011), http://www.
sco.ca.gov/compensation search.html.
s The Controller's database did not provide Maximum Salary figures for the City of Cudahy. Accordingly, we used the
amount provided in Box 5 of the W-2 for the relevant city employee in 2009. This amount represents salary, wages and tips
subject to Medicare tax, which includes deferred compensation, 401k contributions and other fringe benefits that represent a
taxpayer's total compensation.
4 For some positions, the top quartile of the small sample included only one city. In these instances, the salary provided in
that city was used and no "average" was taken.
2
B. Fire Chief
As discussed, Vernon's Fire Chief presently serves as the City Administrator and receives a
resolution -established salary of $199,188.5 As compared to the salaries of other Fire Chiefs, this amount is
22% less than the average of the top quartile of the large sample; 23% less than the average of the top
quartile of the small sample; and 15% less than the average of the small sample. Considering that
Vernon's fire department is only one of 42 Class-1 fire departments in the country, and taking into account
the importance of the fire department in an industrial city and a city with its own utility, the City Council
could consider raising the salary of the Fire Chief. Nonetheless, in light of current budget constraints and
other considerations, this report recommends that the Fire Chief s salary not be adjusted at this time.
C. Police Chief
The current salary for Vernon's Interim Police Chief is $127,356,6 which is the resolution -
established salary for the position of Police Captain. The resolution -established salary for the position of
Police Chief is $185,364. As compared to the salaries of other Police Chiefs, this amount is 29% less than
the average of the top quartile of the large sample; 40% less than the top city in the small sample; and 26%
less than the average of the small sample. Considering that 1,200 businesses and 44,000 workers depend
on only 50 sworn officers in Vernon, the City Council could consider raising the salary of the Police Chief.
Nonetheless, in light of current budget constraints and other considerations, this report recommends that
the Police Chiefs salary not be adjusted at this time.
D. Cfty Clerk
Vernon's Chief Deputy City Attorney presently serves as the Interim City Attorney, City Clerk, and
Risk Manager, and receives a resolution -established salary for the position of Chief Deputy City Attorney, which
is $233,700. The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established salary for the position of City
Clerk, but the previous resolution -established salary for this position was $150,000. As compared to the salaries
of other City Clerks, this amount is 4% less than the average of the top quartile of the large sample;16% less than
the top city in the small sample; and 5% greater than the average of the small sample. Considering each of these
statistical thresholds as a whole, the previous resolution -established salary of Vernon's City Clerk is in -line with
comparable jurisdictions. Accordingly, this report recommends that the salary for the City Clerk be set at
$150,000.
E. Health Officer/Director of Health and. Environmental Control
The resolution -established salary for Vernon's Health Officer and Director of Health and
Environmental Control is $193,440, which is 37% less than that of Los Angeles County's Director of
Public Health and 4% greater than that of Pasadena's Director of Public Health. Because Vernon is the
only industrial city among these cities, and in light of the importance of health and environmental control
in industrial cities, the salary of the Director of Health and Environmental Control appears appropriate in
comparison to the surveyed jurisdictions, and this report recommends that the salary for this position
remain unchanged.
5 This amount does not include an additional 2.5% for holding a fire science certificate; an additional 2.5% for holding a fire
science degree; and haz-mat pay of $125 per month.
6 This amount does not include 20% longevity; an additional 6% for holding a POST Advanced Certificate; and $125
monthly bilingual pay.
3
F. Director of Community Services
The resolution -established salary for Vernon's Director of Community Services is $220,128. As
compared to the salaries of similar positions in comparable jurisdictions, this amount is 6% greater than the
average of the top quartile of the large sample; 2% less than the top city in the small sample; and 8% greater than
average of the small sample. Considering each of these statistical thresholds as a whole, and given that the
Director of Community Services also is in charge of the City's Water Department, the salary of Vernon's
Director of Community Services is in -line with comparable jurisdictions, and this report recommends that the
salary for this position remain unchanged.
G. Director of Human Resources
The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established salary for the position of
Director of Human Resources. The current organizational structure of City departments provides that the
Director of Human Resources oversees the Personnel and Risk Management Departments. The collective
responsibilities of this position are currently being handled independently by the Director of Personnel and
Risk Manager.
Among the salaries of Directors of Human Resources and similar positions in comparable
jurisdictions, the average of the top quartile of the large sample is $196,240; the top city in the small
sample is $223,691; and the average of the small sample is $184,092.
To ensure that Vernon provides both a reasonable and competitive salary for its Director of
Human Resources relative to comparable jurisdictions, as well as to compensate for the collective
oversight of personnel and risk -management responsibilities that fall under this position, this report
recommends that the City Council set a salary of $196,000 for the Director of Human Resources.
H. Risk Manager
As discussed, Vernon's Chief Deputy City Attorney presently serves as the Interim City Attorney,
City Clerk, and Risk Manager, and receives a resolution -established salary for the position of Chief Deputy
City Attorney, which is $233,700. The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established
salary for the position of Risk Manager. Among the salaries of Risk Managers in comparable jurisdictions,
the average of the top quartile of the large sample is $163,652; the top city in the small sample is $162,796;
and the average of the small sample is $144,856. To ensure that Vernon provides both a reasonable and
competitive salary for its Risk Manager relative to comparable jurisdictions, this report recommends that
the City Council set a salary of $163,000 for this position. No change in salary is recommended for the
Chief Deputy City Attorney.
I. Director of Light and Power
The current salary for Vernon's Interim Director of Light and Power is $144,468,' which is the
resolution -established salary for the position of Transmission and Distribution Manager. The City of
Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established salary for the position of Director of Light and
Power, but the previous resolution -established salary for this position was $345,000. As compared to the
salaries of similar positions in other cities, this amount is 6% greater than the top city ($325,686) and 32%
greater than average ($262,127). Because Vernon's prior salary for this position is significantly greater
than in comparable jurisdictions, this report recommends that a new salary for the Director of Light and
This amount does not include additional longevity pay of 20%.
S
Power be set at $262,000.. No change in salary is recommended for the Interim Director of Light and
Power.
J. CitAqgmeX
As discussed, Vernon's Chief Deputy City Attorney presently serves as the Interim City Attorney,
City Clerk, and Risk Manager, and receives a resolution -established salary for the position of Chief Deputy
City Attorney, which is $233,700. The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established
salary for the position of City Attorney, but the previous salary for this position was $341,556. As
compared to the salaries of other City Attorneys, this amount is 35% greater than the average of the top
quartile of the large sample ($252,364); 22% greater than the top city in the small sample ($279,613); and
50% greater than the average of the small sample ($228,054). Because Vernon's previous salary for this
position is significantly greater than in comparable jurisdictions, this report recommends that a new salary
for the City Attorney be set at $252,000. No change in salary is recommended for the Chief Deputy City
Attorney.
K. Finance Director
The resolution -established salary for Vernon's Finance Director is $339,996. As compared to the
salaries of similar positions in other cities, this amount is 68% greater than the average of the top quartile
of the large sample ($202,570); 52% greater than the top city in the small sample ($223,691); and 63%
greater than the average of the small sample ($209,102). Because Vernon's salary for this position is
significantly greater than in comparable jurisdictions, this report recommends that the Finance Director's
salary be adjusted to $210,000.
Recommendation
Adopt the attached resolution to (i) establish salaries for Vernon's City Administrator, City Clerk,
Director of Human Resources, Risk Manager, Director of Light and Power, and City Attorney; (ii) reduce
the salary of Vernon's Finance Director; and (iii) maintain unchanged the salaries of all other department
heads, as well as the salaries of employees presently serving as department heads on an interim basis.
SCHEDULE I:
CURRENT$ AND PROPOSED DEPARTMENT -HEAD SALARIES
WI la
onto
Current
Proposed
Current
Proposed
City Administrator
--
267 000
--
22 250
Fire Chief
$199,188
$ 99,1818
$16,599
$16,599
Police Chief
$185,364
$185,364
$15,447
$15,447
City Clerk
--
$150,000
--
12 500
Health Officer/Director of Health and
Environmental Control
$193,440
$193,440
$16,120
$16,120
Director of Community Services
$220,128
$220,128
$18,344
$18,344
Director of Human Resources
--
$196,000
--
16 333
Risk Manager
$163,000
Director of Light and Power
$262,000
City Attorney
--
$252,000
Finance Director
$339,996
210 000
$28,333
17500
s Many department -head positions do not currently have resolution -established salaries. The responsibilities of these
positions are currently being handled by City employees in other positions.
SCHEDULE H:
DEPARTMENT -HEAD SALARY SURVEY RESULTS9
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Large Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Anaheim
City
Manager
$307,5,74 v,
Pasadena .
City
Manager f y
$284,Q00 ;`
Riverside
r City
Maiage
$5;'004
Gudahy
City
Manager i24�1
1<72 3
ll
Gardens
City
Manager `
$230,0'00` "
Irwindale
City Manager
$223,101
Burbank
City Manager
$220,828
Monterey Park
City Manager
$220,733
Downey
City Manager
$220,480
Santa Fe Springs
City Manager
$203,328
Alhambra.
City Manager
$199,740
Huntington Park
City Manager
$196,392
Montebello
City Administrator
$195,000
Commerce
City Administrator
$193,008
Pico Rivera
City Manager
$187,000
Compton
City Manager
$185,000
Inglewood
City Administrator
$181,571
South Gate
City Manager
$174,996
Maywood
City Manager
$144,000
Ave rage of the Top Quartile
$267,550
9 Highlighted cities fall within the top quartile of the sample. Occasionally, only one city falls into this range.
Ia
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Small Sample
city Position Maximum Salary
Anaheim . City`=Manager < .:. $397;5 74;i,
Pasadena City Manager $284,000
Riverside City Manager $275,004
Burbank City Manager $220,828
Top City
Average
$307,574
$271,852
FmE CxrEF
Large Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Los Angeles;
C1uef=Engineer Fire Departrnerit
$29,997x
R V 741de,
:dire Clue
mm254 388
Torrance
Fire Chief
$241,072
Glendale
Fire Chief
$215,304
Pasadena
Fire Chief & Asst. Dir. Disaster
$212,016
Vernon
Fire Chief
$199,188
Burbank
Fire Chief
$191,328
Downey
Fire Chief
$191,269
Monterey Park
Fire Chief
$171,096
Santa Fe Springs
Fire Chief
$165,048
Alhambra
Fire Chief
$159,300
Montebello
Fire Chief
$144,996
Compton
Fire Chief
$141,648
Average of the Top Quartile
Vernon
$256,193
$199,188
H
FmE CMEF
Small Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
- os Angeles
Chief Etigneer Fire Department
$25�,997
Riverside
-Fire Chief
24 388
Anaheim
Fire Chief
$254194
Torrance
Fire Chief
$241:072
Pasadena
Fire Chief & Asst. Dir. Disaster
$212,016
Vernon
Eire Chie
$199,188
Burbank
Fire Chief
$191,328
Average of the Top Quartile
Average
Vernon
$257,193
$235,499
$199,188
E
POLICE CHIEF
Largeple
City I Position I Maximum Salary
Burbank
Police Chief
$201,275
Monterey Park
Police Chief
$186,264
Vernon
Police Chief
$185, 364
Inglewood
Police Chief
$179,445
Alhambra
Chief of Police
$167,628
Irwindale
Chief of Police
$167,486
Huntington Park
Chief of Police
$166,992
Santa Fe Springs
Director of Police Services
$166,476
Bell Gardens
Police Chief
$165,108
South Gate
Chief of Police
$163,808
Maywood
Chief of Police
$150,000
Montebello
Police Chief
$144,996
Ave rage of the Top Quartile
Vernon
$262,669
1 $185,364
Eel
POLICE CHIEF
Small Sample
city Position Maximum Salary
Los Angeles . Chief of Police ' � 3�07,2a90
Riverside Police Chief $277,176
Anaheim Chief of Police $254,194
Pasadena Police Chief $212,016
Burbank Police Chief $201,275
Vernon Police Chief $185,364
Top City
Average
Vernon
$307,290
$250,390
$185,364
7
CITY CLERK
Large Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Anheirn
City Clerk`
$178,952
Los Angeles`City
Clerk
$�70,004„
Vernon
Ci Clerk
$150,000
Pasadena
City Clerk
043` 006
Riverside
City Clerk
13=5,120
Cudahy
City Clerk
$129,025
Burbank
City Clerk
$125,999
Alhambra
City Clerk
$119,544
Compton
City Clerk
$115,753
Downey
City Clerk
$113,908
Commerce
City Clerk
$113,208
Huntington Park
City Clerk
$113,172
Pico Rivera
City Clerk
$107,868
Inglewood
City Clerk
$94,452
Santa Fe Springs
City Clerk
$83,388
South Gate
City Clerk
$76,560
Ave rage of the Top Quartile
Vernon
$156,771
1 $150,000
io The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution establishing a salary for the position of City Clerk, but the
previous resolution -established salary for this position was $150,000.
8
CITY CLERK
Small Sample
city Position Maximum Salary
Anaheim :City Clerk
Los Angeles City Clerk $170,004
Vernon City Clerk $150, 000
Pasadena City Clerk $143,006
Riverside City Clerk $13 5,120
Burbank City Clerk $125,999
Top City
Average
Vernon
$178,952
$143,532
$150,000
9
HEATH OFFICER/DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND ENviRoNMENTAL CONTROL
Locality Position Maximum
Health Officer/Director Of Health & Environmental
Vernon , $193,440
Pasadena I Director Of Public Health/Health Officer 1 $186,688 1
Top City
Average
Vernon
$309,494
$248,091
$193,440
10
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
Largeple
city Position Maximum Salary
Anaheim Executive D,ector Cornrrunrty .Dever"opmnt „ 5 L $2�691 F,
Vernon Director of Communitv Services 5220.128
Burbank
Community Development Director
$186,552
Monterey Park
Director of Development Services
$151,680
Pico Rivera
Planning Director
$150,096
Downey
Director of Community Services
$141,937
Alhambra
Director of Community Services
$141,120
South Gate
Director of Community Development
$140,928
Commerce
Director of Safety & Community Services
$137,952
Bell Gardens
Director of Community Development
$133,752
Cudahy
Director of Community Development
$133,571
Montebello
Director of Planning
$129,072
Irwindale
Director of Planning & Community Development
$126,489
Inglewood
Community Development Director
$125,419
Compton
Community Development Director
$119,580
Average of the Top Quartile
Vernon
$207,690
$220,128
11
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
Small Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Anaheim
-Executive Director C:ommuiuty Dylpp�net,$223,69t
Vernon
Director of Community Services
$220,128
Los Angeles
Director of Planning
$210,000
Riverside
Community Development Director
$205,008
Pasadena
Director Of Planning & Development
$192,059
Burbank
Community Development Director
$186,552
Top City
Average
Vernon
$223,691
$203,462
$220,128
12
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Large Sample
Citv I Position I Maximum Salary
Riverside
Human Resources Director
$175,524
Monterey Park
Director of Human Resources
$164,508
Burbank
Management Services Director
$156,216
Alhambra
Personnel Director
$147,444
Commerce
Director of Human Resources
$137,952
South Gate
Director of Personnel
$132,264
Inglewood
Human Resources Director
$131,816
Montebello
Director of Personnel/Risk Management
$122,880
Cudahy
Director of Human Resources
$106,123
Compton
Personnel Director
$105,060
Average of the Top Quartile
$196,240
13
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Small Sample
Position
Maximum Salary
-city
Anaheim .:
Human Resources.=Direct
F,$223,691
Los Angeles
General Manager Personnel Department
$185,644
Pasadena
Director Of Human Resources
$179,385
Riverside
Human Resources Director
$175,524
Burbank
Management Services Director
$156,216
Top City
Average
$223,691
$184,092
14
RISK MANAGER
Large Sample
city
Position
Maximum ary
Monterey Park
Director of Hunan Resources and Risk Mnag�r
.z $f16,5Q8
Anaheim
. 1�s1�Manager
�� .,$162,796` �F,.
Burbank
Financial Planning & Risk Manager
$126,916
Montebello
Director of Personnel/Risk Management
$122,880
Compton
Risk Manager
$109,320
South Gate
Risk Manager
$90,804
Inglewood
Risk Manager
$79,356
Average of the Top Quartile
$163,652
15
RISK MANAGER
Small Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Anaheim
Risk 1Vlnager f
$162, 796
Burbank
Financial Planning & Risk Manager
$126,916J
Top City
Average
$162,796
$144,856
16
DIRECTOR OF LIGHT AND POWER
City Position Maximum Salary
Tlernon nirector of Light & Power $345. 000
Anaheim P.U. General Manager $307,574
Riverside Utilities General Manager $250,692
Burbank General Manager - Burbank Water & Power $217,799
Pasadena General Manager - Water & Power $208,882
Vernon
PAverage
,686
1 $262,127
1 $345,000
11 The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution establishing a salary for the position of Director of Light and
Power, but the previous salary for this position was $345,000.
17
CITY ATTORNEY
Large Sample
Maximum
City
Position
Salary
Vernon
City Attomey
$341, 556
Anaheim,
City Attorney2fi79,653
�
_.
Pasadena
City Attorney/City
� � � ''
Prosecutor
s;=
4
� _
Los Angeles
City Attorney
$214,542
Burbank
City Attorney
$212,331
Riverside
City Attorney
$208,668
Inglewood
City Attorney
$196,257
Compton
City Attorney
$170,900
of the To Quartile
Vernon
�t�$252,364
$341,556
lz The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established salary for the position of City Attorney, but the
previous salary for this position was $341,556.
18
CITY ATTORNEY
Small Sample
city Position Maximum Salary
Vernon City Attorney $341, 556
Anaheim City Attorney $29{ 13 x`$7
s > x "'M
Pasadena City Attorney/City Prosecutor $225,114
Los Angeles City Attorney $214,542
Burbank City Attorney $212,331
Riverside City Attorney $208,668
Top City
Average
Vernon
$279,613
$228,054
$341,556
19
DMECTOR OF FINANCE
Large Sample
City Position Maximum Salary
Vernon Director of Finance $339,996
Downey
Finance Director
$178,295
Commerce
Director of Finance
$152,304
Cudahy
Finance Manager
$151,127
Irwindale
Director of Finance
$151,015
South Gate
Director of Finance
$139,140
Inglewood
Finance Director
$133,134
Bell Gardens
Director of Finance
$132,000
Montebello
Director of Finance
$122,880
Monterey Park
Financial Services Manager
$122,700
Compton
City Treasurer
$115,753
Maywood
Finance Director
$90,000
Average of the Top Quartile
Vernon
$202,570
1 $339,996
20
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Small Sample
city Position Maximum Salary
Vernon Director of Finance $339,996
A�iaheim FranceDireeto�
Los Angeles Director of Finance $211,556
Pasadena Director of Finance $192,059
Top City
Average
Vernon
$223,691
$209,102
$339,996
21
RECEIVE®
MAY 2 3 2011
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
DATE: May 23, 2011
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark C. Whitworth, City Administrator
RE: Resolution No. 2011-69: Implementing Resolutions and Ordinance
On April 19, 2011, the City Council of the City of Vernon enacted Resolution No. 2011-69.
That Resolution directed the City Administrator to undertake analyses and make related
recommendations to revise certain policies and programs, including, among others: a review of the
salaries paid to City department heads; the creation of a policy for City -owned housing; consideration
of Councilmember term limits; a review of Councilmember salaries and benefits; and the retention of
a firm to provide political -compliance training and review for City officials.
The five attached staff reports set forth the City Administrator's analyses and
recommendations, as directed by Sections 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 of Resolution No. 2011-69. The staff
reports recommend that the City Council:
• Adopt a resolution establishing and adjusting salaries for certain City department heads in
line with those of comparable jurisdictions, based on a survey that was conducted;
• Adopt an ordinance creating a City of Vernon Housing Commission, which would be
charged with recommending a housing policy for City Council approval;
• Adopt a resolution calling for an election for a charter amendment establishing term limits
for City Councilmembers of two 5-year terms with a lifetime ban thereafter;
• Adopt a resolution reducing Councilmember salaries to $25,000 and eliminating certain
health benefits; and
• Approve the retention of the law firm of Reed & Davidson to provide annual Political
Reform Act, Public Records Act, and Brown Act training for City Officials and reviewing
the City's policies relating to those statutes.
Recommendation
Adopt the recommendations in each of the attached staff reports provided by the City
Administrator, pursuant to Resolution No. 2011-69.
1
STAFF REPORT
Office of the City Administrator
DATE: May 24, 201I
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM Mark C. Whitworth, City Administrator W��c
RE: Revisions to Staff Report dated May 23, 2011 re Resolution No. 2011-69, Section 2:
Salary Surveys for City Department Heads
The staff report dated May 23, 2011 re Resolution No. 2011-69, Section 2: Salary Surveys for
City Department Heads incorrectly referred to Vernon's Director of Light and Power as Interim.
A revised staff report, dated May 24, 2011, correcting those references is enclosed. The
revised staff report replaces and supersedes the May 23, 2011 staff report.
I
1
DATE: May 24, 2011
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark C. Whitworth, City Administrator tn1/r�
RE: Resolution No. 2011-69, Section 2: Salary Surveys for City Department Heads
On April 19, 2011, the City Council of the City of Vernon enacted Resolution No. 2011-69.
Section 2 of the Resolution directed the City Administrator to undertake a "salary survey for department
head level positions," due back to the City Council within 60 days of the Resolution with
recommendations for salary adjustments for department heads. This report provides a comprehensive
survey with schedules of figures attached and recommendations regarding whether salary adjustments
should be implemented for Vernon's department heads.
Methodology
The survey is comprised of two sets of compensation data from local jurisdictions in Southern
California. The first is a smaller sample that includes Anaheim, Burbank, Los Angeles, Pasadena, and
Riverside. These cities were selected because they have their own electric and water departments.
The second is a larger sample that includes the foregoing cities as well as Alhambra, Bell Gardens,
Commerce, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Huntington Park, Inglewood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey
Park, Pico Rivera, and South Gate, which were selected because they are all within a 5-mile radius of
Vernon. Santa Fe Springs and Irwindale are also included in this sample because they are primarily
industrial. Torrance is included to evaluate the compensation of Vernon's Fire Chief because Torrance,
like Vernon, has a Class-1 Fire Department Rating. Because the County of Los Angeles is one of the few
local entities in Southern California with its own health department, it is included in the survey to evaluate
the salary of the Vernon's Health Officer/Director of Health and Environmental Control. Some of the
jurisdictions surveyed do not have positions that correspond with Vernon's department heads. As a result,
these jurisdictions may not be mentioned in certain survey results.
Our survey used Vernon's department -head salaries as prescribed in the most recent City
resolutions. Where applicable, the report acknowledges that certain of these positions currently are being
1
staffed by interim department heads, who are compensated under different salary schedules!
For other jurisdictions, we relied on the compensation figures provided in the California State
Controller's database of local government salaries and compensation.2 The specific compensation figures
we considered were the reported maximum annual salaries for each employment classification
("Maximum Salary").3 We note that the 2009 figures are the most recent available for the other
jurisdictions in this database.
In preparing our recommendations, we considered whether salary reductions were necessary to
bring Vernon in -line with comparable jurisdictions, while also seeking to ensure that Vernon remained
competitive in attracting and retaining the most qualified department heads. We also took into account that
Vernon's department heads often are tasked with broader responsibilities due to smaller support staffs than
in other jurisdictions. Based on these considerations, we generally focused our review on how Vernon's
department -head salaries compared with the average of the top quartile of surveyed cities in the large and
small samples,4 as well as the average of the cities in the small sample. Where existing salaries exceeded
these amounts, we have generally recommended a reduction in salary. Where existing salaries were at or
below those thresholds, we have not recommended any salary adjustments. Our recommendations are
summarized in Schedule I, and our supporting salary -survey results are provided in Schedule U, both of
which are appended to this report. Finally, we note that this report is intended solely to recommend
salaries for department -head positions; it does not make any recommendations as to whether any current
deputy or interim department -head employee should be advanced to a department -head position.
Survey Results and Recommendations
A. City Administrator
Vernon's current Fire Chief serves as the City Administrator and is compensated as Fire Chief, a
position that receives a resolution -established salary of $199,188. The City of Vernon currently does not
have a resolution -established salary for the position of City Administrator. Among the salaries of City
Administrators in comparable jurisdictions, the average of the top quartile of the large sample is $267,550;
the top city in the small sample is $307,574; and the average of the small sample is $271,852. To ensure
that Vernon provides both a reasonable and competitive salary for its City Administrator relative to
comparable jurisdictions, this report recommends that the City Council set a salary of $267,000 for this
position. However, in light of current budget constraints and other considerations, this report further
recommends that Vernon's current City Administrator continue to be compensated solely as Fire Chief.
Accordingly, it is anticipated that Mark Whitworth will continue to serve as City Administrator and Fire
Chief, but will continue to be compensated solely in his position as Fire Chief
' See Vernon Leadership Salaries (Jan. 1, 2011), http://www.cityofvemon.org/assets/docsNemon%2OCity%20
Leadership%20Salaries.pdf.
2 See California Controller's Database of Local Government Salaries and Other Compensation (May 17, 2011), http://www.
sco.ca.gov/compensation search.html.
3 The Controller's database did not provide Maximum Salary figures for the City of Cudahy. Accordingly, we used the
amount provided in Box 5 of the W-2 for the relevant city employee in 2009. This amount represents salary, wages and tips
subject to Medicare tax, which includes deferred compensation, 401k contributions and other fringe benefits that represent a
taxpayer's total compensation.
4 For some positions, the top quartile of the small sample included only one city. In these instances, the salary provided in
that city was used and no "average" was taken.
2
B. Fire Chief
As discussed, Vernon's Fire Chief presently serves as the City Administrator and receives a
resolution -established salary of $199,188.5 As compared to the salaries of other Fire Chiefs, this amount is
22% less than the average of the top quartile of the large sample; 23% less than the average of the top
quartile of the small sample; and 15% less than the average of the small sample. Considering that
Vernon's fire department is only one of 42 Class-1 fire departments in the country, and taking into account
the importance of the fire department in an industrial city and a city with its own utility, the City Council
could consider raising the salary of the Fire Chief. Nonetheless, in light of current budget constraints and
other considerations, this report recommends that the Fire Chief s salary not be adjusted at this time.
C. Police Chief
The current salary for Vernon's Interim Police Chief is $127,356,6 which is the resolution -
established salary for the position of Police Captain. The resolution -established salary for the position of
Police Chief is $185,364. As compared to the salaries of other Police Chiefs, this amount is 29% less than
the average of the top quartile of the large sample; 40% less than the top city in the small sample; and 26%
less than the average of the small sample. Considering that 1,200 businesses and 44,000 workers depend
on only 50 sworn officers in Vernon, the City Council could consider raising the salary of the Police Chief.
Nonetheless, in light of current budget constraints and other considerations, this report recommends that
the Police Chief s salary not be adjusted at this time.
D. Ct Clerk
Vernon's Chief Deputy City Attorney presently serves as the Interim City Attorney, City Clerk, and
Risk Manager, and receives a resolution -established salary for the position of Chief Deputy City Attorney, which
is $233,700. The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established salary for the position of City
Clerk, but the previous resolution -established salary for this position was $150,000. As compared to the salaries
of other City Clerks, this amount is 4% less than the average of the top quartile of the large sample; 16% less than
the top city in the small sample; and 5% greater than the average of the small sample. Considering each of these
statistical thresholds as a whole, the previous resolution -established salary of Vernon's City Clerk is in -line with
comparable jurisdictions. Accordingly, this report recommends that the salary for the City Clerk be set at
$150,000.
E. Health Officer/Director of Health and Environmental Control
The resolution -established salary for Vernon's Health Officer and Director of Health and
Environmental Control is $193,440, which is 37% less than that of Los Angeles County's Director of
Public Health and 4% greater than that of Pasadena's Director of Public Health. Because Vernon is the
only industrial city among these cities, and in light of the importance of health and environmental control
in industrial cities, the salary of the Director of Health and Environmental Control appears appropriate in
comparison to the surveyed jurisdictions, and this report recommends that the salary for this position
remain unchanged.
5 This amount does not include an additional 2.5% for holding a fire science certificate; an additional 2.5% for holding a fire
science degree; and haz-mat pay of $125 per month.
6 This amount does not include 20% longevity; an additional 6% for holding a POST Advanced Certificate; and $125
monthly bilingual pay.
F. Director of Community Services
The resolution -established salary for Vernon's Director of Community Services is $220,128. As
compared to the salaries of similar positions in comparable jurisdictions, this amount is 6% greater than the
average of the top quartile of the large sample; 2% less than the top city in the small sample; and 8% greater than
average of the small sample. Considering each of these statistical thresholds as a whole, and given that the
Director of Community Services also is in charge of the City's Water Department, the salary of Vernon's
Director of Community Services is in -line with comparable jurisdictions, and this report recommends that the
salary for this position remain unchanged.
G. Director of Human Resources
The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established salary for the position of
Director of Human Resources. The current organizational structure of City departments provides that the
Director of Human Resources oversees the Personnel and Risk Management Departments. The collective
responsibilities of this position are currently being handled independently by the Director of Personnel and
Risk Manager.
Among the salaries of Directors of Human Resources and similar positions in comparable
jurisdictions, the average of the top quartile of the large sample is $196,240; the top city in the small
sample is $223,691; and the average of the small sample is $184,092.
To ensure that Vernon provides both a reasonable and competitive salary for its Director of
Human Resources relative to comparable jurisdictions, as well as to compensate for the collective
oversight of personnel and risk -management responsibilities that fall under this position, this report
recommends that the City Council set a salary of $196,000 for the Director of Human Resources.
H. Risk Manager
As discussed, Vernon's Chief Deputy City Attorney presently serves as the Interim City Attorney,
City Clerk, and Risk Manager, and receives a resolution -established salary for the position of Chief Deputy
City Attorney, which is $233,700. The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established
salary for the position of Risk Manager. Among the salaries of Risk Managers in comparable jurisdictions,
the average of the top quartile of the large sample is $163,652; the top city in the small sample is $162,796;
and the average of the small sample is $144,856. To ensure that Vernon provides both a reasonable and
competitive salary for its Risk Manager relative to comparable jurisdictions, this report recommends that
the City Council set a salary of $163,000 for this position. No change in salary is recommended for the
Chief Deputy City Attorney.
I. Director of Light and Power
The current salary for Vernon's Director of Light and Power is $144,468,7 which is the resolution -
established salary for the position of Transmission and Distribution Manager. The City of Vernon
currently does not have a resolution -established salary for the position of Director of Light and Power, but
the previous resolution -established salary for this position was $345,000. As compared to the salaries of
similar positions in other cities, this amount is 6% greater than the top city ($325,686) and 32% greater
than average ($262,127). Because Vernon's prior salary for this position is significantly greater than in
This amount does not include additional longevity pay of 20%.
11
comparable jurisdictions, this report recommends that a new salary for the Director of Light and Power be
set at $262,000. No change in salary is recommended for the current Director of Light and Power.
J. Ci ,y Attorney
As discussed, Vernon's Chief Deputy City Attorney presently serves as the Interim City Attorney,
City Clerk, and Risk Manager, and receives a resolution -established salary for the position of Chief Deputy
City Attorney, which is $233,700. The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established
salary for the position of City Attorney, but the previous salary for this position was $341,556. As
compared to the salaries of other City Attorneys, this amount is 35% greater than the average of the top
quartile of the large sample ($252,364); 22% greater than the top city in the small sample ($279,613); and
50% greater than the average of the small sample ($228,054). Because Vernon's previous salary for this
position is significantly greater than in comparable jurisdictions, this report recommends that a new salary
for the City Attorney be set at $252,000. No change in salary is recommended for the Chief Deputy City
Attorney.
K. Finance Director
The resolution -established salary for Vernon's Finance Director is $339,996. As compared to the
salaries of similar positions in other cities, this amount is 68% greater than the average of the top quartile
of the large sample ($202,570); 52% greater than the top city in the small sample ($223,691); and 63%
greater than the average of the small sample ($209,102). Because Vernon's salary for this position is
significantly greater than in comparable jurisdictions, this report recommends that the Finance Director's
salary be adjusted to $210,000.
Recommendation
Adopt the attached resolution to (i) establish salaries for Vernon's City Administrator, City Clerk,
Director of Human Resources, Risk Manager, Director of Light and Power, and City Attorney; (ii) reduce
the salary of Vernon's Finance Director; and (iii) maintain unchanged the salaries of all other department
heads, as well as the salaries of employees presently serving as department heads on an interim basis.
5
SCHEDULE I:
CURRENT$ AND PROPOSED DEPARTMENT -HEAD SALARIES
FI"y�-'i-v.Y
I
Current
Proposed
Current
Proposed
City Administrator
--
$267,000
--
22 250
Fire Chief
$199,188
$199,188
$16,599
$16,599
Police Chief
$185,364
$185,364
$15,447
$15447
City Clerk
--
$150,000
--
12"500
Health Officer/Director of Health and
Environmental Control
$193,440
$193,440
$16,120
$16,120
Director of Community Services
$220,128
$220,128
$18,344
$18,344
Director of Human Resources
--
$196,000
--
16 333
Risk Manager
$163,000
Director of Light and Power
$262,000
City Attorney
--
$252,000
Finance Director
$339,996
210 000
$28,333
JLZ,500
s Many department -head positions do not currently have resolution -established salaries. The responsibilities of these
positions are currently being handled by City employees in other positions.
SCHEDULE II:
DEPARTMENT -HEAD SALARY SURVEY RESULTS9
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Large Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Anaheim
City Manager'
Pasadena '
City Manager
n$284,OOQ
Riverside-
City Manager .'
$27,004
xCudahy
City Manager
$241,172
Ito
City Manager "
$230 000_
Irwindale
City Manager
$223,101
Burbank
City Manager
$220,828
Monterey Park
City Manager
$220,733
Downey
City Manager
$220,480
Santa Fe Springs
City Manager
$203,328
Alhambra
City Manager
$199,740
Huntington Park
City Manager
$196,392
Montebello
City Administrator
$195,000
Commerce
City Administrator
$193,008
Pico Rivera
City Manager
$187,000
Compton
City Manager
$185,000
Inglewood
City Administrator
$181,571
South Gate
City Manager
$174,996
Maywood
City Manager
$144,000
Average of the Top Quartile
$267,550
9 Highlighted cities fall within the top quartile of the sample. Occasionally, only one city falls into this range.
2
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Small Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Anafieim
City Mariager
$307,574
Pasadena
City Manager
$284,000
Riverside
City Manager
$275,004
Burbank
City Manager
$220,828
Top City
Average
$307,574
$271,852
FmE CxuJF
Largeple
city
Position
Maximum Salary
'Los , geles'
Chie ;Engineer Fire Dep`artmen
$259;99 y
Riverside °
Fire Chief
`F ,
$2�4 388i w
Anaheim _.._
ly ire Chief
Torrance
Fire Chief
$241,072
Glendale
Fire Chief
$215,304
Pasadena
Fire Chief & Asst. Dir. Disaster
$212,016
Vernon
Fire Chie
$199J88
Burbank
Fire Chief
$191,328
Downey
Fire Chief
$191,269
Monterey Park
Fire Chief
$171,096
Santa Fe Springs
Fire Chief
$165,048
Alhambra
Fire Chief
$159,300
Montebello
Fire Chief
$144,996
Compton
Fire Chief
$141,648
Average of the Top Quartile
Vernon
$256,193
$199,188
0
FIRE CHIEF
Small Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Los Ari eles
g
ieChf Eri neer Fire De' artment2=59
997 t ,y
RiversideFire
Chief
�254,388 ;
Anaheim
Fire Chief
$254,194
Torrance
Fire Chief
$241,072
Pasadena
Fire Chief & Asst. Dir. Disaster
$212,016
Vernon
Fire Chief
$199,188
Burbank
Fire Chief
$191,328
Avera a of the Top Quartile
Average
Vernon
$257,193
$235,499
$199,188
POLICE CIIIEF
Large SMle
City I Position I Maximum Salary
Burbank
Police Chief
$201,275
Monterey Park
Police Chief
$186,264
Vernon
Police Chief
$185,364
Inglewood
Police Chief
$179,445
Alhambra
Chief of Police
$167,628
Irwindale
Chief of Police
$167,486
Huntington Park
Chief of Police
$166,992
Santa Fe Springs
Director of Police Services
$166,476
Bell Gardens
Police Chief
$165,108
South Gate
Chief of Police
$163,808
Maywood
Chief of Police
$150,000
Montebello
Police Chief
$144,996
Ave rage of the Top Quartile
Vernon
$262,669
$185,364
POLICE CHIEF
Small Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Los Angeles
Chief of Police
$„3Q7,290
Riverside
Police Chief
$277,176
Anaheim
Chief of Police
$254,194
Pasadena
Police Chief
$212,016
Burbank
Police Chief
$201,275
Vernon
Police Chief
$185,364
Top City
Average
Vernon
$307,290
$250,390
$185,364
VA
CrrY CLERK
Large Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Anaheim
City Clerk
$'178,952`
Los'"Angeles
City Clerk
$1,70,004
Vernon
City Clerk
$150,000
Pasadena `
City Clerk ::.
$.I43,006
Riverside
Gity Clerk
$13 5,120
... ,.., _
Cudahy
City Clerk
$129 025
Burbank
City Clerk
$125,999
Alhambra
City Clerk
$119,544
Compton
City Clerk
$115,753
Downey
City Clerk
$113,908
Commerce
City Clerk
$113,208
Huntington Park
City Clerk
$113,172
Pico Rivera
City Clerk
$107,868
Inglewood
City Clerk
$94,452
Santa Fe Springs
City Clerk
$83,388
South Gate
City Clerk
$76,560
Average of the Top Quartile
Vernon lo
$156,771
1 $150,000
10 The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution establishing a salary for the position of City Clerk, but the
previous resolution -established salary for this position was $150,000.
8
CrrY CLERK
Small Sample
city Position Maximum Salary
Anaheim City Clerk $178,52
Los Angeles City Clerk $170,004
Vernon City Clerk $150, 000
Pasadena City Clerk $143,006
Riverside City Clerk $13 5,120
Burbank City Clerk $125,999
Top City
Average
Vernon
$178,952
$143,532
$150,000
0
HEATH OFFICER/DMECTOR OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Locality Position Maximum
Health Officer/Director Of Health & Environmental
Vernon 1 $193, 440
Pasadena I Director Of Public Health/Health Officer 1 $186,688 1
Top City
Average
Vernon
$309,494
$248,091
$193,440
10
DIRECTOR OF CommuNTTY SERVICES
Large Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Anaheim
Executive Dree�or Commumty Development
'- $2t23?691 zj ,.�Y
Vernon
Director of Community Services
$220,128
Los AngelesDirector
of Punning „a „ `
$2�1O,Q�O
Riverside
Connrnlxmt Develo ment'Dtf ctor
Y..
r 2000„$f
Pasadena
:l „ Director'Of Plannm & Deelo rnenf y
„F` $1920591"
Burbank
Community Development Director
$186,552
Monterey Park
Director of Development Services
$151,680
Pico Rivera
Planning Director
$150,096
Downey
Director of Community Services
$141,937
Alhambra
Director of Community Services
$141,120
South Gate
Director of Community Development
$140,928
Commerce
Director of Safety & Community Services
$137,952
Bell Gardens
Director of Community Development
$133,752
Cudahy
Director of Community Development
$133,571
Montebello
Director of Planning
$129,072
Irwindale
Director of Planning & Community Development
$126,489
Inglewood
Community Development Director
$125,419
Compton
Community Development Director
$119,580
Avera a of the Top Quartile
Vernon
$207,690
$220,128
11
DIRECTOR OF COM W TTY SERVICES
Small Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Anaheim , .
" . ;Executive Director :Coimniuruty D'eveloprnent
Vernon
Director of Community Services
$220,128
Los Angeles
Director of Planning
$210,000
Riverside
Community Development Director
$205,008
Pasadena
Director Of Planning & Development
$192,059
Burbank
Community Development Director
$186,552
Top City
Average
Vernon
$223,691
$203,462
$220,128
12
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Large Sample
City I Position I Maximum Salary
Riverside
Human Resources Director
$175,524
Monterey Park
Director of Human Resources
$164,508
Burbank
Management Services Director
$156,216
Alhambra
Personnel Director
$147,444
Commerce
Director of Human Resources
$137,952
South Gate
Director of Personnel
$132,264
Inglewood
Human Resources Director
$131,816
Montebello
Director of Personnel/Risk Management
$122,880
Cudahy
Director of Human Resources
$106,123
Compton
Personnel Director
$105,060
Average of the Top Quartile
$196,240
13
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Small Sample
city Position Maximum Salary
Anaheim -Human Resources Director $223,691 fi:
Los Angeles General Manager Personnel Department $185,644
Pasadena Director Of Human Resources $179,385
Riverside Human Resources Director $175,524
Burbank Management Services Director $156,216
To CityAverage
$223,691
$184,092
14
RISK MANAGER
Large Sample
city
Position
Maximum Sala
1Vlonterey Park
,.Directors of if m Resources and Risk1Vlanager
$164,508'
Anaheim
Risk
Manager
Burbank
Financial Planning & Risk Manager
$126,916
Montebello
Director of Personnel/Risk Management
$122,880
Compton
Risk Manager
$109,320
South Gate
Risk Manager
$90,804
Inglewood
Risk Manager
$79,356
Average of the Top Quartile
$163,652
15
RISK MANAGER
Small Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Risk 1VIanage�
Burbank
Financial Planning & Risk Manager
$126,916
Top City
Average
$162,796
$144,856
16
DIRECTOR OF LIGHT AND POWER
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Vernon
Director ofLight & Power
$345, 000
Los Angeles
General Manager & Che�ngineer W,aterY&'�owar „t {325686Ya
; e„
Anaheim
P.U. General Manager
$307,574
Riverside
Utilities General Manager
$250,692
Burbank
General Manager - Burbank Water & Power
$217,799
Pasadena
General Manager - Water & Power
$208,882
Top City
Average
Vernon
$325,686
$262,127
$345,000
11 The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution establishing a salary for the position of Director of Light and
Power, but the previous salary for this position was $345,000.
17
CITY ATTORNEY
Large Sample
Maximum
City
Position
Salary
Vernon
City AttoNney
$341,556
Anaheim
City Attorney„
$279;63a
City Attorney, - ity
+<
Pasadena
t
Prosecutor,
$2251
z
k
Los Angeles
City Attorney
$214,542
Burbank
City Attorney
$212,331
Riverside
City Attorney
$208,668
Inglewood
City Attorney
$196,257
Compton
City Attorney
$170,900
Avera a of the To Quartile
Vernon
$252,364
$341,556
12 The City of Vernon currently does not have a resolution -established salary for the position of City Attorney, but the
previous salary for this position was $341,556.
18
CITY ATTORNEY
Small Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Vernon
City Attorney
$341, 556
Anafieim .
City Attorney
$279 613 r
Pasadena
City Attorney/City Prosecutor
$225,114
Los Angeles
City Attorney
$214,542
Burbank
City Attorney
$212,331
Riverside
City Attorney
$208,668
Top City
Average
Vernon
$279,613
$228,054
$341,556
19
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Largeple
city Position Maximum Salaiy
Vernon Director ofFinance $339.996
Downey
Finance Director
$178,295
Commerce
Director of Finance
$152,304
Cudahy
Finance Manager
$151,127
Irwindale
Director of Finance
$151,015
South Gate
Director of Finance
$139,140
Inglewood
Finance Director
$133,134
Bell Gardens
Director of Finance
$132,000
Montebello
Director of Finance
$122,880
Monterey Park
Financial Services Manager
$122,700
Compton
City Treasurer
$115,753
Maywood
Finance Director
$90,000
Average of the Top Quartile
Vernon
$202,570
$339,996
20
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Small Sample
city
Position
Maximum Salary
Vernon
Director o Finance
$339, 996
Anaheim
Finance'Director' °
$2�3 691 k
Los Angeles
Director of Finance
$211,556
Pasadena
Director of Finance
$192,059
Top City
Average
Vernon
$223,691
$209,102
$339,996
21
RECEIVED
MAY 2 3 2011
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
DATE: May 23, 2011
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark C. Whitworth, City Administrator
RE: Resolution No. 2011-69, Section 6: Survey and Recommendation Regarding
Councilmember Term Limits
On April 19, 2011, the City Council of the City of Vernon enacted Resolution No. 2011-69.
Section 6 of the Resolution directed the City Administrator to review "term limit provisions of
adjacent jurisdictions, including the City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles" and to report
back to the City Council within ninety days of the Resolution with a recommendation for a term limit
proposal for the City of Vernon.
This report provides a survey of the different approaches to term limits neighboring
jurisdictions have applied to City Councilmembers. As discussed further below, although only about
20 percent of California cities have term limits for City Councilmembers, a significantly higher
proportion of charter cities and cities neighboring Vernon have enacted term limits. Vernon
Councilmembers currently are elected to five-year terms, without term limits. Based on the results of
our survey, the City Council's stated goals that Vernon remain competitive and establish revised
policies and programs, and consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of term limits, this
report recommends that a Charter amendment be submitted to the voters that would enact term limits
of two terms for Vernon Councilmembers, with a lifetime ban thereafter.
Survey Data/Results
In preparing this report, staff surveyed Councilmember term limits enacted by jurisdictions
within a five -mile radius of the City of Vernon, including the City of Los Angeles and the County of
Los Angeles. Staff also reviewed statewide studies on the popularity of term limits and their relative
merits.
As indicated in Table 1 below, seven of the sixteen (44 percent) jurisdictions within a five -
mile radius of Vernon have enacted term limits. Limits range from two to three four-year terms.
When term limits are reached, the Councilmembers or Supervisors are barred from running for that
office, either for a period of years or for life. The five cities adjacent to Vernon are noted with
asterisks. Three of those cities have enacted term limits. Four of the seven surveyed jurisdictions with
term limits have charters.
Table 1: Term Limits in Neighboring Jurisdictions
Alhambra
3 consecutive 4 year terms;
3 year break thereafter
Charter Art III, § 11.5
Bell*
None
n/a
Bell Gardens
None
n/a
Commerce*
3 consecutive 4 year terms;
lifetime ban thereafter
Term Limits Ord.,
approved Mar. 8, 2011
Compton
None
n/a
Cudahy
None
n/a
Downey
2 consecutive 4 year terms;
lifetime ban thereafter
Charter Art. V,
§ 500.1(a)(1)
Huntington Park*
3 consecutive 4 year terms;
2 year break thereafter
By Ordinance as verified
by City Clerk
Inglewood
None
n/a
Los Angeles City* 1 3 consecutive 4 year terms; I Charter Art. II, §§ 205-06
lifetime ban thereafter
(changed from 2 to 3 term
max in 2006)
Los Angeles County
3 consecutive 4 year terms;
Charter Art. II, § 4; Art.
lifetime ban thereafter
W, § 12
Lynwood
2 consecutive 4 year terms;
Municipal Code § 2-1.6.2
lifetime ban thereafter
(added by 2008
resolution)
Maywood* I None I n/a
Montebello None n/a
2
Monterey Park
None
n/a
Pico Rivera
None
n/a
South Gate
None
n/a
These findings are consistent with those of the City of Thousand Oaks in its recently -issued
Term Limits Initiative Impact Analysis Report! That report found that a total of 383 of California's
481 cities (80 percent) do not have term limits for Councilmembers. For the 20 percent of the cities
with term limits, the term limits ranged from one term for mayor to four consecutive terms for
Councilmembers. The report noted two trends with respect to term limits.
First, the report concluded that term limits are far more common in large cities with fulltime
mayors and Councilmembers. Eight of the ten largest cities in California (Los Angeles, San Diego,
San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Long Beach, Oakland, and Anaheim) have term limits. The report
found that the "lower a city's population, the less likely it is to have term limits." Of the five cities
adjacent to Vernon, only one (Commerce) has apopulation less than 30,000, the approximate median
population for California cities.
Second, the report shows that charter cities are much more likely to adopt term limits than
general law cities. Table 2, below, taken from the Thousand Oaks report, shows that a charter city is
three times as likely to have enacted term limits as a general law city.
Table 2: Charter Cities a General Law Cities
,may > ��y
iE@�tl945C
�---,.-+-�-
ll%@��4e"i'� jji-t"Qb^�i�u@�
1 1
46 1 1
•• 1 1
• 1 1
• • 1 1 1
Analysis
Proponents of term limits argue that they limit the potential for and appearance of abuse of
power by elected officials remaining in power for extended periods, introduce new leadership with
new ideas and policies, broaden the base of potential candidates, increase responsiveness to the public,
1 Memorandum from Scott Mitnick, City Manager, to City Council re: Thousand Oaks Councilmembers Term Limits
Initiative Impact Analysis Report & Scheduling for November 6, 2012 Election (Apr. 12, 2011), available at
www.toaks.org/civica/filebankiblobdload.asp?BlobtD=20230.
2 Populations as of January 1, 2010: Los Angeles (4,094,764); Huntington Park (64,219); Bell (38,867); Maywood
(30,034); Commerce (13,581). State of California, Department of Finance, January 2010 Cities and Counties Ranked by
Size, Numeric, and Percent Change, May 2010, available at
http://www.dof ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/estimates/cities ranked/2010/View.php.
provide voters with more choices and encourage broader representation of different constituencies.
Opponents argue that term limits erode the effectiveness of Councilmembers in their final "lame
duck" term, result in a loss of highly -experienced and responsive leaders, and create incentives for
short-term decision making.
Although term limits are still uncommon statewide (20 percent), a significantly higher
percentage of charter cities have enacted term limits (40 percent). A significantly higher percentage of
cities neighboring Vernon also have enacted term limits. Although smaller cities generally are less
likely to impose term limits on Councilmembers, because capable new leadership often is less
available and cities do not want to lose experienced Councilmembers, Commerce and Lynwood
recently reached the conclusion that the value of term limits outweigh their costs. Commerce enacted
its term limit ordinance in 2011, and Lynwood passed its term limit resolution in 2008.
These survey results demonstrate a growing trend among Vernon's neighboring cities with
charters to adopt term limits as a best management practice for good governance. Based on these
survey results; the City Council's stated goals in Resolution 2011-69 that Vernon remain competitive
in today's environment and establish revised policies and programs; and consideration of the various
arguments in favor of and against term limits, it is believed that the public benefits of term limits
outweigh the costs and that the City Council should initiate the process to submit a charter amendment
to the voters creating term limits for Councilmembers.
Neighboring jurisdictions employ term limits ranging from two to three four-year terms (i.e.,
between eight and twelve years of service). Vernon Councilmembers are elected to five-year terms.
Vernon Charter, Art. III, § 3.4. A two -term limit (i. e., ten years of service), with a lifetime ban
thereafter, would place Vernon squarely in the range of neighboring jurisdictions with term limits.
Recommendation
Adopt the attached resolution ordering the submission to the voters of a proposed amendment
to Chapter 3.4 of the City Charter creating term limits for Councilmembers of two five-year terms,
with a lifetime ban thereafter, commencing upon the expiration of each Councilmember's current
term; and direct the City Administrator to establish a date for the election in accordance with
California law.
9
RECEIVED
MAY .2 3 2011
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Office of the City Administrator
DATE: May 23, 2011
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark C. Whitworth, City Administrator
RE: _ Resolution No. 2011-69, Section 7: Salary and Benefits Surveys for Councilmembers
On April 19, 2011, the City Council of the City of Vernon enacted Resolution No. 2011-69.
Section 7 of the Resolution directed the City Administrator to undertake a "salary and benefit survey of
city council members of charter cities in the Southern California area that operate electric utility and/or gas
enterprises," due back to the City Council within 60 days of the Resolution with recommendations for
salary and benefits adjustments. This report provides a survey and recommendations regarding salary and
benefits adjustments for City Councilmembers. Based on the survey, this report recommends that the
salaries paid to Vernon's Councilmembers be reduced to $25,000 per year and that certain health benefits
be eliminated.
Methodology
The compensation figures in this survey were taken from the California State Controller's Office
website.l The specific compensation figures considered were the reported maxima n annual salaries for
Councilmembers. The 2009 figures are the most recent available, and some of the figures may have
changed since these figures were obtained.2
' See California Controller's Database of Local Government Salaries and Other Compensation (May 17, 2011), http://www.
sco.ca.gov/compensation—search.hftffl.
2 The 2009 salaries for Vernon's Councilmembers remains current as of January 1, 2011. See Vernon Leadership Salaries
(Jan. 1, 2011), http://www.cityofvemon.org/assets/docs/Vernon%o20City%2OLeadership%2OSalaries.pdf.
1
Survey Results and Anah sis
The 2009 salaries for Councilmembers of charter cities in the Southern California area that operate
electric utility and/or gas enterprises were as follows:
Anaheim
$18,000
Burbank
$12,899
Long Beach
$31,349
Los Angeles
$178,795
Pasadena
$16,411
Riverside
$39,408
Excluding the Los Angeles Councilmembers, the average 2009 salary of the other city Councilmembers is
$23,600. Vernon Councilmembers' current salary is $68,052.
In addition, Vernon's Councilmembers are reimbursed for health expenditures that exceed or are
otherwise not covered by insurance or Medicare and are reimbursed for expenses incurred relating to their
PERS long-term healthcare benefit. This primarily accounts for the higher health benefits Vernon
Councilmembers receive compared to other jurisdictions.
To better align Vernon with similarly situated jurisdictions, it is recommended that Vernon
Councilmember salaries be reduced to $25,000 per year, effective upon the completion of
Councilmembers' current terms. It is further recommended that, effective July 1, 2011, the City eliminate
the reimbursement of health expenditures for Councilmembers that exceed or are otherwise not covered by
insurance or Medicare and other ancillary health benefits.
Recommendation
Adopt the attached resolution to enact salary and health benefits adjustments for each of Vernon's
City Councilmembers.
2
3 Mayor
SCHEDULE OF CITY COUNCILMEMBER SALARIES
C11 ity
Maxim►u'malary
Anaheim
$18,000
$18,000
$18,000
$18,000
$18,000'
Burbank
$12,899
$12,899
$12,899
$12,899
$12,899
Long Beach
$31,349
$31,349
$31,349
$31,349
$31,349
$31,349
$31,349
$31,349
$31,349
$31,349
Los Angeles
$178,795
$178,795
3
4
4 Retired 01/2009
5 Retired 07/2009
6 Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor
.#CEIE
MAY .2 8 2011
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
t:r
STAFF REPORT
Office of the City Administrator
DATE: May 23, 2011
�r-V 9 1.
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark C. Whitworth, City Administrator
RE: Resolution No. 2011-69, Section 3 and Section 4: City Housing Policy and Creation
of Housing Commission; Rental Survey
MEMNON
On April 19, 2011, the City Council of the City of Vernon enacted Resolution No. 2011-69.
Section 3 of the Resolution directed the CityAdministrator to "prepare and return within 45 days to
City Council for review and approval, a City housing policy for rental of Cif -owned housing."
Section 3 of the Resolution also specified that the "policy should consider priority for first responders
and others critical to the region for the delivery of essential public services". Section 4 of the
Resolution directs the preparation of a "rental survey for housing in the area and provide
recommendations to the City Council for adjustments to rental housing rates based on the rent
survey"
This report recommends that the City Council enact a housing policy through a two-step
process: (1) adopt the attached Ordinance establishing a City of Vernon Housing Commission to
oversee the management, leasing and maintenance of City -owned housing; and (2) adopt a housing
policy for City -owned housing following the preparation and adoption of a recommended housing
policy by the Vernon Housing Commission. This report also recommends that the Housing
Commission undertake the responsibility of conducting the rental survey and, based on that survey;
implement any necessary adjustments to rental rates.
Background
The City of Vernon owns 26 housing units within the City's borders. Current tenants include,
among others, first responders, the City's five Councilmembers and employees of business located in
Vernon. The City Council historically has, with the assistance of City staff, overseen the
management, leasing and maintenance of these units.
Over the course of the last several months, the City Administrator's Office has been soliciting
input from community stakeholders, including property owners, business owners, labor
representatives, employees of Vernon businesses and residential tenants, as well as conducting its own
review, regarding the merits of the City Council continuing to manage City -owned housing stock.
Input received, as well as our own review, supported the conclusion that there would be public
benefits associated with transferring direct operations of Vernon's city -owned housing to a housing
commission. Based on this input and analysis, it is recommended that the City Council adopt the
attached Ordinance establishing the Vernon Housing Commission.
Housing Commission
Chapter 7.5 of the City Charter authorizes the City Council to establish by ordinance such
commissions as the Council deems necessary and to provide for the method of selection, tenure,
duties, and any compensation of the individuals on the commissions so established. It is
recommended that the City Council determine that creation of a Housing Commission, with the
members and duties specified in this Ordinance, is necessary and appropriate to more effectively
and efficiently oversee the day to day management, leasing and maintenance of City -owned housing
stock; that having the Commission, with the assistance of City staff, carry out these functions
instead of the City Council would serve the public interest and general welfare; and that
establishment of the Housing Commission is in the best interests of the residents of the City of
Vernon, 2as well as the tens, of thousands of employees who work in the City of Vernon.
As set forth in the attached Ordinance, the Housing Commission would be comprised of
members representing various city constituencies, including three residents (which would include one
Councilmember), three owners of businesses or property within Vernon, and one employee of a
business located in Vernon. The Mayor would appoint the Commissioners, with ratification by the
Council.
As set forth in the attached Ordinance, the Housing Commission would be responsible for
overseeing day-to-day operations of City -owned housing. This would .include entering into leases,
setting and adjusting rental rates, and general repair and maintenance of the units. As part of its
authority to set and adjust rents, the Housing Commission would be responsible for conducting the
rental survey and, based on that survey, determine any necessary adjustments to rental rates.
The Commission also would be charged with recommending a Housing Policy for City
Council approval (as discussed in the section below), make recommendations to the City Council
regarding whether the City should continue to own housing, make recommendations to the City
Council regarding opportunities for the development of new housing within or near the City, and
advise the City Council with respect to matters relevant to the City's Housing Element. The
Ordinance also sets forth the authority of the Commission to incur expenses, term limits for
Commissioners, compensation, designation of officers, and the requirement to adopt a conflict of
interest code.
A dedicated housing commission would more efficiently oversee the day to day management,
leasing, and maintenance of City -owned housing stock than the City Council, which is charged with
substantial other matters related to general City operations. Delegating these duties to a commission
2
with members that represent diverse constituencies also would increase transparency, accountability
and public participation and oversight.
Housing Policy
Once established, the Vernon Housing Commission would be charged with drafting and
recommending for adoption by the City Council within sixty days of the Commission's first meeting a
housing policy, as contemplated by Resolution No. 2011-69. The housing policy would continue to
ensure that housing is made available on a nondiscriminatory basis, subject to priority designations for
"first responders", which shall include City firefighters, policies officers, emergency medical technicians
and similar positions held by employees of businesses located in Vernon. The policy would provide for
the renewal of leases for existing tenants and address prospective tenants' eligibility for admission,
application procedures, waiting lists, and other issues necessary for efficient distribution of limited
City -owned housing.
Recommendation
Adopt the attached Ordinance establishing a City of Vernon Housing Commission to oversee
the management, leasing and maintenance of City -owned housing.
ORDINANCE NO. 1183
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VERNON ESTABLISHING A HOUSING COMMISSION
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CHARTER
OF THE CITY OF VERNON AND SPECIFYING THE
MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the provisions of Chapter 2 of the City Charter of the
City of Vernon state that: "The city shall have full power and authority
to adopt, make, exercise and enforce all legislation, laws, and
regulations and to take all actions in respect to municipal affairs,
without limitation, which may lawfully be adopted, made, exercised, taken
or enforced under the Constitution of the State of California subject only
to such limitations as may be provided by this Charter"; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 7.5 of the City Charter of the City of Vernon
authorizes the City Council to establish by ordinance such commissions as
the City Council deems to be necessary and to provide for the method of
selection, tenure, duties and any compensation of the commissions so
established; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Vernon has determined
that the creation of a Housing Commission is within the power and
authority conferred on the City of Vernon by virtue of its Charter and
the Constitution of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Vernon has determined
that the creation of a Housing Commission with the members and duties
specified in this Ordinance is necessary and appropriate to more
effectively and efficiently oversee the management, leasing and
maintenance of City -owned housing stock and that having the Commission
carry out these functions instead of the City Council would serve the
public interest and general welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Vernon has determined
that the establishment of a Housing Commission with the membership and
duties specified in this Ordinance is in the best interests of the
residents of the City of Vernon as well as the thousands of employees who
work in the City of Vernon.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
finds and determines that the recitals contained hereinabove are true
and correct.
Section 2: Article XV of Chapter 2 of the Vernon Municipal
Code is hereby added to read as follows:
ARTICLE XV
VERNON HOUSING COMMISSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 2.117. Commission Established
Section 2.118. Appointment of Members
Section 2.119. Terms
Section 2.120. Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Officers
Section 2.121. Duties
Section 2.122. Legal & Professional Services
Section 2.123. Authority to Bind the City -of Vernon
Section 2.124. Meetings
Section 2.125. Compensation
Section 2.126. Conflict of Interest
2
Section 2.117. Conminission Established
The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby establishes the
Vernon Housing Commission. For the purposes of this Chapter the Vernon
Housing Commission shall be referred to as the Commission.
Section 2.118. Appointment of Members
The Commission shall be comprised of seven (7) members selected by
the Mayor and ratified by the City Council, including:
(a) Three (3) residents of the City of Vernon, one (1) of whom
shall be a member of the City Council. To be eligible for
appointment, each resident shall not have, at any time within the
five years preceding appointment: (i) been an employee or a
consultant of the City of Vernon, except for the member of the
City Council; or (ii) a financial interest in any contract, other
than the lease of his or her residence or the provision of
municipal services available to the public generally, to which
the City of Vernon is a party.
(b) Three (3) persons, each of whom represents either a person
or entity owning or operating a business located in the City of
Vernon or a person or entity owning non-residential property
within the City of Vernon. To be eligible for appointment, each
representative shall not have, at any time within the five years
preceding appointment: (i) been an employee or consultant of the
City of Vernon; or (ii) a financial interest in any contract to
which the City of Vernon is a party or represented any business or
property owner with a financial interest in any contract, other
than the lease of his or her residence or the provision of
3
municipal services available to the public generally, to which
the City of Vernon is a party.
(c) One (1) person who is an employee of a business located in
the City of Vernon. To be eligible for appointment, the person
shall not have, at any time within the five years preceding
appointment: (i) been an employee or consultant of the City of
Vernon; or (ii) a financial interest in any contract to which the
City of Vernon is a party or been an employee of a business that
has a financial interest in any contract, other than the lease of
his or her residence or the provision of municipal services
available to the public generally, to which the City of Vernon is
a party.
(d) Only one (1) of the seven (7) members of the Commission may
at any time be a member of the City Council. No more than three
(3) members of the Commission may at any time be tenants in City -
owned housing.
Section 2.119. Terms
(a) Commission members shall serve for a term of four (4) years
and may be reappointed. However, so as to permit staggered terms,
the Mayor shall select the one City Councilmember, one resident
and one representative of businesses or property owners to serve
an initial term of only two (2) years. No person shall serve
more than two (2) full four (4) year terms.
(b) In the event any Commission member resigns, no longer
meets the criteria used as the basis for his or her selection
pursuant to Section 2.118, or is unable to serve for any reason,
the position shall be considered vacant and the Mayor shall,
C!
within thirty (30) days after the position becomes vacant, select
for ratification by the City Council a successor with the same
qualifications to serve the unexpired term.
(c) A Commission member shall be considered to have vacated his or
her position on the Commission if he or she misses four or more
consecutive meetings without a valid excuse as determined by the
Commission.
Section 2.120. Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Officers
(a) The Commission shall have a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson,
who shall be from different appointing categories pursuant to
Section 2.118.
(b) The Commission members shall elect the Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson at its first meeting and annually thereafter.
'No Commission member may serve as Chairperson for more than two
consecutive terms. The Chairperson shall preside over all
Commission meetings and shall have the power to appoint
subcommittees and the presiding chairs of those subcommittees. The
Vice Chairperson shall, in the absence of the Chairperson,
perform the duties of the Chairperson.
(c) The officers of the Commission shall be the Secretary,
Treasurer, Commission Counsel and Commission Director.
(d) The Secretary shall keep and maintain the records of the
Commission and the minutes of the Commission meetings and also shall
perform all other duties incident to the office of Secretary of the
Commission. The City Clerk of the City of Vernon shall hold the
position of Secretary of the Commission.
5
(e) The Treasurer shall supervise the fiscal affairs of the Commission,
shall supervise the care and custody of all rent and other monies
collected by the Commission and shall make such payments as authorized
by the Commission. The Treasurer shall cause adequate, correct and
regular accounts of the properties, monies and transactions managed by
the Commission to be kept and maintained. The Treasurer shall render to
the Commission, whenever requested, a Treasurer's report of the
Commission's transactions and the financial condition of the City's
investment in the City -owned dwelling units. The Treasurer of the City
of Vernon shall hold the position of the Treasurer of the Commission.
(f) The Commission Director is charged with the administration,
management and general supervision of the business and affairs of the
Commission. The City Administrator of the City of Vernon shall hold the
position of the Commission Director.
(g) The Commission Counsel shall be in overall charge of the legal
affairs of the Commission and shall advise the Commission on matters
within its jurisdiction, as well as with respect to compliance with the
California Political Reform Act (Government Code Sections 81000, et
seq.) and California Government Code Section 1090 et seq. The City
Attorney of the City of Vernon shall hold the position of Commission
Counsel.
Section 2.121. Duties
The Commission is hereby authorized, on behalf of the City of
Vernon, to do the following:
(a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Ordinance, to take
any and all action with respect to each and every City -owned
dwelling unit that any owner of property in the State of
California would have the authority to take; provided, however,
that the Commission shall have no authority to sell or encumber
any City -owned dwelling unit, acquire ownership in any new
dwelling units on behalf of the City, or non -renew any lease
(whether month -to -month or term) entered into prior to and in
effect as of the effective date of this ordinance unless such
non -renewal is based on grounds that otherwise would qualify for
removal of the tenant for cause. The Commission is, among other
things authorized: (i) to enter into leases or rental agreements
with tenants or prospective tenants; (ii) to take action to
remove tenants for cause when such action is permitted by the
laws of the State of California; (iii) to set, adjust and collect
rents and transmit the funds to the City Treasurer; and (iv) to
repair or reconstruct any dwelling unit that, in the sole discretion
of the Commission is in need of repair or reconstruction, subject to the
expenditure requirements of Section 2.122.
(b) Recommend for adoption by the City Council and, upon adoption by the
City Council, enforce a "Housing Policy" for the tenancy/occupancy of
City -owned dwelling units that ensures that all Commission actions fully
comply with all relevant provisions of State and Federal law. The
Housing Policy shall, among other things, require that the Commission
manage City -owned dwellings in conformance with State and Federal fair
housing laws and provide that "first responders", which shall be
defined in the Housing Policy but which shall include City
firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and
similar positions held by employees of businesses located in Vernon,
shall have first priority in leasing or renting units. The Housing
Policy also shall provide for the renewal of leases for existing
7
tenants (whether such leases are month -to -month or for a term). The
Commission shall recommend a Housing Policy to the City Council within
sixty (60) days of the first meeting of the Commission. If the
Commission has not recommended a Housing Policy for adoption by the
City Council within ninety (90) days of the Commission's first meeting,
the City Council may adopt a Housing Policy without any recommendation
from the Commission. Following its adoption by the City Council,
amendments to the Housing Policy shall be submitted to the Commission
for a recommendation and then to the City Council for approval.
(c) Make recommendations to the City Council regarding the extent to
which City ownership of housing stock continues to provide public
benefits that are sufficiently adequate to merit ownership and whether
the public interest would be served by the City divesting its
ownership in any of the City -owned dwelling units. The Commission
shall within one hundred eighty (180) days of its first meeting make a
recommendation to the City Council regarding whether the City should
divest its ownership of City -owned housing and, if it recommends such
divestiture, provide a recommendation for a procedure that affords
existing tenants a priority right to purchase units they are currently
leasing.
(d) Make recommendations to the City Council with respect to
opportunities for the development of housing opportunities in the City
of Vernon and in other cities and communities in close proximity to
the City of Vernon.
(e) Advise the City Council with respect to all matters relevant to the
Housing Element of the City of Vernon or any City -owned dwelling unit
in the City of Vernon.
9
(f) Perform such other duties as may be delegated by the City
Council.
Section 2.122. Legal & Professional Services
(a) The City Administrator as Commission Director shall be the
primary staff liaison to the Commission and shall provide the
Commission with reasonable staff and support services. In the event
the City Administrator is unable to provide such services for any
reason, the Commission may enter into written contracts for staff
and support services, and the fair and reasonable expenses shall be
considered the obligation of the City and paid accordingly. For
contracts that do not exceed an aggregate of twenty five thousand
dollars ($25,000) over the term of the contract and do not exceed a
term of three (3) years, the Commission may enter into the contract
without prior approval by the City Council of the City of Vernon,
subject to Section 2.122(d). Contracts in excess of these
thresholds shall require prior approval by the City Council of the
City of Vernon
(b) The City Attorney of the City of Vernon as Commission Counsel
shall provide the Commission with reasonable legal services. In the
event the City Attorney is unable to provide those services for any
reason, the Commission may enter into written contracts to retain
counsel, and the fair and reasonable legal expenses shall be
considered the obligation of the City and paid accordingly. For
contracts that do not exceed an aggregate of twenty five thousand
dollars ($25,000) over the term of the contract and do not exceed a
term of three (3) years, the Commission may enter into the contract
without prior approval by the City Council of the City of Vernon,
A
subject to Section 2.122(d). Contracts in excess of these
thresholds shall require prior approval by the City Council of the
City of Vernon.
(c) The Commission shall have the authority to retain the services of
any professional by written contract when necessary or appropriate to
the performance of its duties set forth in Section 2.121, and the
expenses incurred shall be considered the obligation of the City and
paid accordingly. For contracts that do not exceed an aggregate of
twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000) over the term of the
contract and do not exceed a term of three (3) years, the
Commission may enter into the contract without prior approval by
the City Council of the City of Vernon, subject to Section 2.122(d)
Contracts in excess of these thresholds shall require prior
approval by the City Council of the City of Vernon.
(d) Prior approval from the City Council of the City of Vernon
shall be required before the Commission may enter into any contract
that would result in the total value of contracts entered into by
the Commission without Council approval for that calendar year
exceeding $100,000.
Section 2.123. Authority to Bind the City of Vernon
The Commission shall have the authority to enter into, and bind the
City of Vernon with respect to, leases professional .-services Iand other
contracts within the scope of the Commission's duties, as set forth in
Section 2.121. When the Commission enters into contracts, it shall do
so in the name of the City of Vernon. The Commission Director shall
execute all contracts entered into by the Commission on behalf of the
City of Vernon.
10
Section 2.124. Meetings
The Commission shall meet at least bi-monthly, i.e., every
other month, on a date and at a time that is established by the
Commission at its first meeting. The Commission may schedule additional
meetings as necessary or appropriate. The meetings shall be noticed
and conducted in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government
Code Section 54950 et seq.). All meetings shall be open to the
public and regular minutes of each meeting shall be maintained by the
Secretary to the Commission. A majority of Commission members shall
constitute a quorum. Action may be taken by the Commission only upon a
favorable vote of a majority of the Commission.
Section 2.125. Compensation
The Member of the Commission who also serves on the City Council
shall not receive compensation for their attendance at Commission
meetings. All other Commission members shall receive one hundred
dollars ($100.00) per meeting, up to a maximum of two hundred dollars
($200.00) in any calendar month, as well as their actual and necessary
expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties. Travel expenses of
Commission members for travel outside the County of Los Angeles shall
not be reimbursed without prior approval of the City Council. The
Secretary, Treasurer, Commission Counsel and Commission Director shall
receive no compensation as Commission officers, other than
compensation received from their primary employment.
Section 2.126. Conflict of interest
The Commission shall, within thirty (30) days of the Commission's
first meeting, adopt and submit to the City Council of the City of
Vernon for approval a Conflict of Interest Code in compliance with the
11
California Political Reform Act (Government Code Sections 81000 et seq.),
which Code shall also address the obligations of Commissioners under
California Government Code Section 1090 et seq.
SECTION 3: If any part of this Ordinance is held to be
invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the validity of
the remaining portion of this Ordinance, and this City Council hereby
declares that it would have passed the remainder of this Ordinance if
such invalid portion thereof had been deleted.
SECTION 4: Book of Ordinances. The City Clerk shall attest
and certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause this
Ordinance and the City Clerk's certification to be entered in the Book
of Ordinances of the Council of this City. The City Clerk shall cause
this ordinance to be published or posted as required by law.
SECTION 5: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall go into
effect and be in full force and effect at 12:01 a.-m. on the thirty-
first (-3)1st) day after its passage.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of June, 2011.
Name:
ATTEST:
Willard G. Yamaguchi, City Clerk
Title: Mayor / Mayor Pro-Tem
IN
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
ss
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
I, Willard G. Yamaguchi, City Clerk of the City of Vernon, do
hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance, being Ordinance No. 1183
was duly and regularly introduced at a special meeting of the City
Council of the City of Vernon, held in the City of Vernon on Thursday,
May 26, 2011, and thereafter adopted at a meeting of said City Council
held on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers:
NOES: Councilmembers:
ABSENT: Councilmembers:
And thereafter was duly signed by the Mayor or Mayor Pro-Tem of
the City of Vernon.
Executed this day of June, 2011, at Vernon, California.
(SEAL)
Willard G. Yamaguchi, City Clerk
13
Brown Act / Public Records Act Training
September 20, 2011
Presented by: Reed & Davidson, LLP
Daniel K. Abramson and Jerry Margaret Simmons
1
City Council
Mayor Hilario Gonzales
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City Council
Mayor Pro Tem William Davis.•
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City Council
Michael McCormick
4
City Council
Daniel Newmire
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City Council
Richard Maisano
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Department Head
Martha Valenzuela
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Department Head
Daniel Calleros
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Department Head
Lewis Pozzebon
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Department Head
Rory Burnett
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Department Head
Kevin Wilson
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Department Head
Michael B. Montgomery
12
Department Head
Willard Yamaguchi
13
Department Head
Mark Whitworth
14
Department Head
Carlos Fandino
15
Electric Rates Committee
Peter Corselli
16
Electric Rates Committee
Greg N. Longstreet
17
Electric Rates Committee
Robert Gutterman
18
Electric Rates Committee
Edward I Rendon
19
Electric Rates Committee
Stan Stosel
20
Vernon Housing Commission
Hector Garcia
Brown Act / Public Records Act Training
September 20, 2011
Presented by: Reed & Davidson, LLP
Daniel K. Abramson and Jerry Margaret Simmons
21
Vernon Housing Commission
Eric Gustafson
22
Vernon Housing Commission
HenryHaskell
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Vernon Housing Commission
Michael Hughes
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Vernon Housing Commission
Gabriel Early
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Vernon Housing Commission
Reno Bellamy
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