[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[9:07] Good morning. I now call the April 2nd, 2024, regular city council meeting to order. May you please rise as Vernon Police Department Honor Guard presents the colors over
[10:17] your heart during the honor guard.
[10:18] The pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
[10:26] and to the Republic for which it stands,
[10:28] that nation, and the God, and the people,
[10:31] for the liberty and justice for all.
[10:34] Forward, march,
[10:41] right,
[10:45] forward, march!
[10:47] Left, march, left, march, left, march, left, march!
[11:08] Thank
[11:19] you.
[11:23] Deputy City Clerk please call the roll.
[11:26] Mayor Larios.
[11:27] Here.
[11:28] Mayor Pro Tem Merlowe is not here.
[11:31] Council Member Ibarra.
[11:32] Here.
[11:33] Council Member Lopez is not present.
[11:35] Council Member Rivera.
[11:36] Here.
[11:37] You have a quorum.
[11:39] Thank you.
[11:39] May I have a motion to approve the agenda?
[11:41] I'll move Ibarra.
[11:42] I'll second Ibarra.
[11:43] Motion by Council Member Ibarra.
[11:45] Seconded by Council Member Rivera to approve the agenda.
[11:48] I'll call the roll.
[11:49] Mayor Larios.
[11:50] Yes.
[11:51] Council Member Ibarra.
[11:52] Yes.
[11:52] Council Member Rivera.
[11:53] Yes.
[11:54] Motion carries.
[11:54] Thank you.
[11:55] We will now take public comments from members of the audience.
[11:57] If you would like to provide a public comment, please come to the podium.
[12:03] And there are none.
[12:05] We will now go to presentations.
[12:06] Agenda item number one is a swearing-in ceremony for various personnel in the police department.
[12:11] Chiefs also will present the item. Good morning.
[12:13] Good morning, Honorable Mayor, members of City Council, family, and friends.
[12:17] When a new police officer is hired, the City Council hosts a public swearing-in ceremony
[12:22] in part to introduce the newest members of the department to our community,
[12:26] in front of their family, friends, and coworkers.
[12:29] There have been police officer positions vacated due to retirements
[12:32] and promotions in the police department.
[12:34] leaving these positions vacant would negatively impact patrol deployments and would increase
[12:38] overtime costs to cover the staff shortages. To fill these vacancies, the police department
[12:43] with assistance from the HR department conducted a recruitment process. Based on a review of
[12:48] the qualifications for each eligible candidate and the completion of an extensive background
[12:52] investigation, it was determined that Kevin Caballero and Rafael Sepulveda were the
[12:57] best qualified candidates to fill the vacant police officer positions. I now ask that
[13:02] Kevin and Raphael come forward to take the oath of office this morning that will be administered
[13:07] by Deputy City Clerk Yanni Parker.
[14:30] Now before we bring up each of them individually to have their badges pinned this morning,
[14:35] We are reminded that though it is the officer that wears his or her badge proudly, it is
[14:40] our families that carry the weight of that badge, the weight of long nights, missed family
[14:44] gatherings, and the constant worry that they are safe on their way back home to them.
[14:50] To those families, I thank you, and the City of Vernon thanks you as well.
[14:56] Officer Kevin Cabrero, please step forward.
[14:58] officer
[15:00] Caballero was born and raised in the city of Huntington Park. Kevin attended the Cal State
[15:03] Northridge and obtained a bachelor's degree in criminology and justice studies. Kevin
[15:08] attended the Orange County Sheriff's Academy Class II, VIII, and probably graduated this
[15:13] past Thursday. Attending today's ceremony are Kevin's mother, Ambrosia Caballero, father
[15:18] Julio Caballero, and sister Areli Caballero. Attending officer Caballero's badge this
[15:24] morning will be his mother and sister.
[16:14] Officer Sepulveda. Officer Sepulveda was born in Los Angeles and raised in the city of Linwood.
[16:20] Rafael also attended the Orange County Sheriff's Academy with his classmate, Kevin, and graduated proudly this past Thursday.
[16:28] Attending today's ceremony are Kevin's mother, Rosario Alvarez, stepfather Javier Alvarez, and girlfriend Stephanie O'Neill.
[16:35] Pending officer Sepulveda's badge this morning will be his mother, Rosario Alvarez.
[17:21] This concludes our oath of office ceremony, and on behalf of myself, the men and women that make up the Vernon Police Department, thank you for your attendance.
[17:28] Thank you. We will now go to agenda item number two is a presentation of the Police Department's 2023 Police Officer and Employee of the Year Awards. Police Chiefs also represent the item.
[17:39] Good morning again, Honorable Mayor, members of City Council, family and friends.
[17:43] The police department's police officer employee of the year awards are awarded annually to one police officer and one professional staff member who have demonstrated professionalism, outstanding service and dedication to the department's mission and values.
[17:57] What makes this award truly special is that the recipients are nominated by their peers and then selected by a committee of both sworn and professional employees who carefully review each nominee's accomplishments, contributions and performance over the past year.
[18:10] I am proud to announce that the recipient of the Vernon Police Department's 2023
[18:15] Officer of the Year Award is Officer Teresa Flores and the recipient of the 2023 Employee
[18:20] of the Year Award is Lead Dispatcher, Sarissa Diaz. Now, before I have them come up to receive
[18:26] their awards, I'd like to share a few of the comments made by their peers and supervisors
[18:31] on the nomination forms that were submitted on their behalves.
[18:34] Lead Dispatcher, Sarissa Diaz.
[18:37] Dispatcher Diaz is a true leader.
[18:39] Her work ethic, dedication, and professionalism inspire her colleagues to strive for excellence.
[18:44] Dispatcher Diaz's proficiency in her field not only benefits our team, but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of our emergency response efforts.
[18:53] Whether assisting her colleagues, providing support to officers in the field, or helping community members seeking assistance,
[18:59] Serissa consistently demonstrates a commitment to service that sets her apart.
[19:04] Serissa is a caring person, has a soft heart, is compassionate, and will help you whenever you need it. No questions asked.
[19:14] Officer Teresa Flores. Officer Flores constantly ranks at the top of the department's arrest statistics.
[19:22] Her dedication to enforcing the law and maintaining public safety is commendable and reflects her commitment to excellence.
[19:28] One of Officer Flores' outstanding qualities is her proactive approach to professional development.
[19:33] She takes the initiative to enhance her skills and knowledge by attending training classes on her own time, reflecting on her commitment to stay updated on the latest advancements in law enforcement practices.
[19:45] Officer Flores generously volunteers her time to contribute to community events.
[19:49] Her active involvement in these events not only strengthens the bond between law enforcement and the community, but it also highlights her genuine care for the well-being of those she serves.
[20:01] Lastly, Teresa is a member of the Department's Homeless Services team, and her empathetic approach and dedication to providing support to those with mental health challenges contributes significantly to the overall effectiveness of our community policing efforts.
[20:16] I ask that the two of them come forward to receive their award this morning.
[20:34] Thank you.
[20:34] I'm going to get the middle here.
[20:39] Hey, cheese.
[20:53] Okay.
[20:58] Thank you.
[21:02] Oh,
[21:05] my one job.
[21:11] That's good.
[21:12] One more.
[21:15] Thank
[21:20] you.
[21:33] Okay.
[21:34] Congratulations and welcome to the new police officers.
[21:37] We now ask that you please help us exit quietly.
[22:27] Thank you.
[22:28] We'll now go to agenda item number three is a proclamation for sexual assault awareness month and denim day.
[22:34] Deputy city clerk Parker will read the proclamation.
[22:37] Good morning.
[22:38] Agenda item number three is a proclamation of the mayor and the city council of the city of Vernon declaring the month of April.
[22:44] April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 24, 2024 as Denim Day, whereas April
[22:54] 2024 commemorates 25 years of Denim Day, the longest-running sexual violence prevention
[23:01] education campaign, and whereas the City Council of the City of Vernon recognizes
[23:07] April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 24, 2024 as Denim Day and whereas
[23:17] Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day are intended to draw attention to the fact
[23:22] that rape and sexual assault can continue to be serious issues in our society and both
[23:29] events were instituted to call attention to the misconceptions and misinformation
[23:33] information about rape and sexual assault and the problem that many in society remain
[23:39] uninformed with respect to issues of assault and forcible rape and whereas Denim Day originated
[23:46] in 1999 after women in the Italian parliament protested the Italian Supreme Court's overturning
[23:53] of a rape conviction and whereas the city council of the city of Vernon encourages
[23:59] employees, residents and members of the business community to participate in Sexual Assault
[24:05] Awareness Month in support of this awareness campaign to educate all people in our community
[24:11] about the true impact of rape and sexual assault and to wear jeans on April 24, 2024
[24:19] as a visible means of awareness against misconceptions that surround sexual assault.
[24:26] Now, therefore, the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Vernon, on behalf of its employees, residents and businesses, hereby declares the month of April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 24, 2024 as Denim Day.
[24:45] This proclamation has been created to bring awareness to this campaign by the Honorable Mayor, Crystal Larios, for and on behalf of the City Council of the City of Vernon, the second day of April, 2024.
[25:00] Thank you.
[25:02] Thank you.
[25:04] We'll now go to agenda item number four is the City Administrator Report. Deputy City Administrator Kimmy will present this item.
[25:28] We have a, thank you,
[25:34] this month's report, we will cover our annual, our traditional
[25:38] new business welcome, an update on our graffiti hotline, the Vernon police e-bike team, an
[25:45] update on the body worn cameras, well 22 construction project, community partner engagement and
[25:52] an update on business and community events.
[25:59] Approximately 14 new businesses moved into the city over the last two months.
[26:04] Did I say 14?
[26:05] Excuse me, four.
[26:07] That's a lot of new business.
[26:09] Four new businesses moved into the city over the last couple of months.
[26:13] The slide represents some of these enterprises.
[26:17] 12 certificates of occupancy were issued in February, 13 in March,
[26:22] and these are for businesses that are expanding or relocating within the city.
[26:27] The businesses range from an art showroom, very nice addition,
[26:33] garment warehousing and distribution, food processing, manufacturing, embroidery and sewing, home decor, warehousing and fabric printing.
[26:46] Our graffiti hotline is up and running.
[26:53] The community can call or text to report the locations of graffiti.
[26:59] Public Works Department will be immediately notified and our commitment is to respond as soon as possible, but at least within 72 hours.
[27:09] New signage is being placed in strategic areas around the city and information on the hotline has been added to the city's website and we'll soon be promoting it also on social media.
[27:20] Vernon
[27:25] PD plans to deploy the e-bike team on a regular basis to patrol areas that are inaccessible to police cars and also increase contact with the community, helps establish relationships of trust between the community and the department.
[27:42] The e-bike team will regularly patrol, they will do traffic enforcement, parking control, and address citywide hotspots, such as areas that are known for graffiti or illegal dumping.
[27:56] In preparation for the deployment, PDE's e-bike team completed a five-day rigorous training that included obstacle courses, slow-speed maneuvers, and shooting from a dismounted bike.
[28:09] The service has been well received by officers and members of the community.
[28:19] On March 14, PD went live with its new body worn cameras.
[28:23] They'll be used to record interactions between our community members and law enforcement officers.
[28:29] In addition, new in-car mobile audio-video recording systems were also installed.
[28:36] Both digital recording systems are being managed on a cloud-based,
[28:40] secured server for easier evidence management.
[28:44] The video and audio recordings from the cameras will be used to demonstrate transparency with the community.
[28:50] Not only will the cameras enhance officer safety, body-worn cameras have been shown to deter unprofessional, illegal,
[28:57] and inappropriate behavior by both law enforcement and the public.
[29:00] Well
[29:06] 22, VPU has completed construction of well 22 and has received an operating permit from the
[29:14] state water board. The well is one of VPU's eight active groundwater sources. This is the first well
[30:00] 2100 gallons per minute at a depth of 1100 feet below ground. Burning customers
[30:07] benefit by having the lowest rates by the use of groundwater versus imported
[30:13] water. May is Water Awareness Month and to commemorate the development of the
[30:29] Many thanks to council for your support of the utilities aggressive capital improvement plan and bond financing. We've completed important work to give us sustainable, reliable and affordable Vernon based water well into the future.
[30:48] Got to liven it up.
[30:53] Here's another photo, well 22,
[31:00] and on community partner engagement.
[31:03] City Administrator Fandino and the Vernon Police Department attended the annual law enforcement
[31:07] torch run gala on February the 29th.
[31:10] The torch run for Southern California law enforcement agencies serves as another means
[31:16] to raise money for the Special Olympics.
[31:18] We are happy to report that the torch will travel through Vernon again this year.
[31:22] We
[31:28] continue to strengthen relationships with local agencies and our community partners.
[31:33] The CELA collab hosts an event on March 15th to address homelessness, and city admin staff was in attendance.
[31:40] Another CELA collab event, the CELA Electeds convening was held on March 21st, hosted here at Vernon City Hall,
[31:48] to bring elected leaders together to discuss the future of the region.
[31:53] We look forward to attending more events and connecting with our SELA neighbors.
[32:02] Business events.
[32:03] So March 27th, the Vernon Chamber of Commerce hosted its board installation luncheon.
[32:08] The Chamber acknowledged council members Lopez and Ibarra as COVID-19 champions for
[32:16] their contributions during the pandemic.
[32:18] Several COVID-19 business heroes were recognized with Chamber plaques and four certificates
[32:24] from the city were awarded to
[32:26] Govina Coffee Company,
[32:28] Red Chamber Company,
[32:29] Rose & Shore, and Stacey Medical
[32:32] for their inspirational leadership,
[32:34] initiative, and adaptability
[32:36] during such an unprecedented time.
[32:39] The event was well attended
[32:40] and offered a great opportunity
[32:41] for city staff to network with
[32:43] businesses, developers, and
[32:45] community members.
[32:50] Our annual spring eggs
[32:52] was also well attended.
[32:55] We had about 160 participants on our March 21st event here at the City Hall lawn.
[33:03] Guests enjoyed the habit, raffle prizes, family activities, and an Easter egg hunt.
[33:10] The City's next community outreach event will be coming this summer.
[33:17] And we have some photos,
[33:26] and of course the Easter bunny.
[33:31] And finally, as noted earlier in the presentation, the 2024 Special Olympics Torch Run
[33:36] We'll come through Vernon again this year on June 4th.
[33:41] Details will be posted on the city's website as soon as they're available.
[33:46] To learn about this event and all other upcoming meetings, activities, and community outreach.
[33:51] Or for additional information on topics included in today's presentation, please visit cityofvernon.org.
[33:58] And that completes my presentation.
[34:01] Thank you.
[34:01] We will now go to public hearings.
[34:04] Agenda item number five is a general fee schedule for fiscal year 2024-25, financial services
[34:10] administrator Alcarazzo present item.
[34:13] Good morning, honorable mayor and members of city council.
[34:16] Thank you for the opportunity to present the council's consideration for the general
[34:21] fee schedule for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25 for review and adoption.
[34:26] It is best practice as part of the annual budget process to review the schedules to ensure that fees are set in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
[34:35] City departments review each of their fee for services and make recommendations to add, change, and or delete existing fees and make needed changes and updates.
[34:46] From there, Finance reviews the changes and prepares the draft schedule to present to
[34:52] the Business Industry Commission, then to Council and members of the community for review.
[34:57] This year it was recommended to add the fire prevention services fees on pages 10-16 of
[35:03] Attachment 2.
[35:05] These services are established and performed by the Los Angeles County Fire Department
[35:09] and are provided for transparency and compiling a comprehensive schedule of all fees that
[35:18] may apply when conducting business in the city.
[35:21] On March 14, 2024, staff present to the BIC the proposed schedule and no other changes
[35:27] were recommended.
[35:28] City staff is currently working with will down financial services to conduct a city
[35:33] comprehensive study that encompasses a review and evaluation of the user fee for services
[35:40] provided by the city. Once the study is complete, staff will have a well-documented and transparent
[35:46] cost-of-service analysis and will prepare it of data schedule for the city's services to
[35:52] present to the BIC, City Council, and members of the public for consideration and possible
[35:58] adoption for fiscal year 2526. This concludes the reports and I'm available for any questions.
[36:05] Thank you. I now open the public hearing. If any member of the public would like to speak on
[36:10] this matter, please come to the podium. Comments should be limited to three minutes. Please state
[36:15] your name, business, and affiliation if any.
[36:20] And there are no comments.
[36:23] Okay. Seeing that there
[36:25] are no questions, I hereby close the public hearing and open council deliberations.
[36:29] Once the deliberations are complete, I will entertain a motion.
[36:33] I have a couple of questions.
[36:35] A lot of the red lines all in fire, is that to bring us to standard with going into county?
[36:41] So currently all of them are collected and performed by LA County.
[36:46] So we just wanted a comprehensive schedule that encompassed like if a business comes,
[36:51] they'll know exactly what fees are paying.
[36:53] So these were established and updated in November 1 of 2018 by LA County Fire.
[37:01] So we just wanted to compile them and put them in our schedule so everyone's aware of any fees.
[37:07] Of course.
[37:10] I don't have any questions.
[37:12] Can we have a motion?
[37:14] I'll move Ibarra.
[37:14] I'll second Ibarra.
[37:16] Motion by Council Member Ibarra and seconded by Council Member Rivera to adopt Resolution 2024-04,
[37:24] authorizing and adopting the general fee schedule for fiscal year 2024-25.
[37:29] I'll call the roll. Mayor Larios. Yes. Councilmember Ibarra. Yes. Councilmember Ibarra. Yes.
[37:35] Motion carries. Thank you. We will now go to the consent calendar. All matters listed on the
[37:41] consent calendar may be approved with one motion. Items that may be removed from the
[37:45] consent calendar by any member of the council. Those items removed will be
[37:48] considered immediately after the consent calendar. If you wish to pull any item.
[37:55] Are there any public comments for the consent calendar?
[37:59] No.
[38:00] You may have a motion for the consent calendar items number 6 through 13.
[38:03] I'll move Ibarra.
[38:04] I'll second Ibarra.
[38:06] Motion by Council Member Ibarra, seconded by Council Member Rivera to approve the
[38:11] consent calendar.
[38:12] I'll call the roll.
[38:13] Mayor Larios?
[38:13] Yes.
[38:15] Council Member Ibarra?
[38:16] Yes.
[38:16] Council Member Rivera?
[38:17] Yes.
[38:18] Motion carries.
[38:18] Thank you.
[38:19] We will now go to new business, agenda item number 14 is the amendment to the southeast
[38:23] Rio Vista family YMCA services agreement. Deputy City Administrator Kimi will present the item.
[38:30] Hello again. The implementation of programs that promote social educational and recreational
[38:36] well-being can empower people and help communities thrive. To ensure that the city sustains such
[38:43] programming for Vernon residents, staff is proposing an amendment to its existing services
[38:48] agreement with the Southeast Rio Vista family YMCA to maintain no cost access to valuable services.
[38:55] Following the March 5, 2024 Council meeting, staff revised proposed amendment number one
[39:01] in accordance with Council's direction, including, one, an itemized list of items that may be
[39:08] eligible for funding under the where and tear section of the cost and fees portion of the
[39:13] agreement.
[39:14] Two, added language to ensure that expenses for uniforms for Vernon residents would be
[39:20] covered by the city.
[39:21] And three, language that requests that the Y provide visual recognition for city-funded
[39:28] supplies and equipment when feasible.
[39:31] With amendment number one, staff proposes the addition of funds in the amount of $120,000,
[39:36] which would be sufficient to cover the significant increase in Y membership and participation
[39:41] cost, including uniforms, perven in residence, and to facilitate replacement or resupply
[39:49] of selected equipment at the wise facilities in Maywood used for programming for the remainder
[39:55] of the agreement term, which expires February the 2nd, 2026.
[40:01] Additionally, staff modified its recommendations to include a contribution not to exceed
[40:07] paid $10,000 to sponsor, excuse me, non-vernon resident uniforms for youth athletes to be
[40:15] paid by the city on a reimbursement basis.
[40:19] The $10,000 sponsorship would cover costs for approximately 350 participants for one year.
[40:26] It's recommended that council find that best practices of the city are served by a direct
[40:30] award of additional funds to the YMCA and that council approve and authorize the city
[40:35] administrator to execute amendment number one. That concludes my report, and I will defer to
[40:42] management analyst Diana Figueroa for any follow-up questions. Thank you. I do have a question.
[40:49] How many residents use the YMCA services?
[40:55] Good morning, Council. Good morning,
[41:05] Council.
[41:05] Thank you for the question. So the participation has ranged from when we initially started
[41:12] the agreement. I want to say there was approximately 30 participating households, excuse me. Last
[41:21] year we got up to about 60 to 70, which is one of the reasons why we want to increase the dollar
[41:28] value for the agreement because we want to be able to cover those costs since there is such
[41:33] an upsurge in enrollment. Okay, thank you. And what type of reach, like how do residents,
[41:41] And how are they aware that they can participate in this program?
[41:44] So we do offer reminders in our newsletters that would go out.
[41:48] The Y is frequently participating in our community outreach events.
[41:52] They set up their table there.
[41:54] And I just recently discussed with them making another visit out to the Vernon Village
[42:00] Park Apartments because we understand that there's some new residents there that might
[42:04] not know of their services.
[42:05] So they're planning to make a trip over there to advertise.
[42:09] Thank you.
[42:10] Welcome.
[42:10] Welcome.
[42:12] Are there any more questions for staff?
[42:15] Thank you.
[42:16] May I have a motion?
[42:17] I'll move Ibarra.
[42:18] I'll second Ibarra.
[42:19] Motion by Councilmember Ibarra and seconded by Councilmember Rivera.
[42:22] I'll call the roll.
[42:24] Mayor Larios.
[42:25] Yes.
[42:26] Councilmember Ibarra.
[42:27] Yes.
[42:28] Councilmember Rivera.
[42:28] Yes.
[42:29] Motion carries.
[42:30] Thank you.
[42:31] We'll now go to agenda item number 15 is a contract with Southland Roofing Inc.
[42:35] for city hall roof replacement.
[42:37] but Deputy Public Works Director Garcia represents the item.
[42:41] Good morning, Armour Mayor and members of City Council.
[42:45] The roofing on the East Wing of City Hall was installed in 2004.
[42:49] The roof is in very poor condition,
[42:51] with leaks occurring throughout the East Wing
[42:53] during recent rains.
[42:55] This item will award a contract $411,500
[42:59] to Southland roofing to remove the old roof
[43:02] and replace it with a new roof with a 20-year manufacturer's
[43:07] This item will also authorize the city administrator to issue change orders for the amount of up to $41,150 in case of any unforeseen conditions requiring additional work.
[43:19] This concludes my report.
[43:22] Thank you.
[43:24] Does council have any questions for staff?
[43:26] No.
[43:28] Okay.
[43:29] Are there any public comments?
[43:32] And then may I have a motion?
[43:34] I'll move Rivera. I'll second Ibarra. Motion by Councilmember Rivera and seconded by
[43:40] Councilmember Ibarra. I'll call the roll. Mayor Larios. Yes. Councilmember Ibarra. Yes. Councilmember
[43:46] Rivera. Yes. Motion carries. Thank you. We'll now go to our reports. Deputy City Administrator
[43:51] Kim, do you have a report? On behalf of City Administrator Fandino, I do.
[44:01] Last alarm,
[44:02] excuse me.
[44:21] Last alarm for Jonathan Van Ofelen is with great sadness that I
[44:27] report the active duty death of LA County fire firefighter Jonathan Van
[44:32] Ofelen on March the 24th. Ofelen was a former Vernon fire department
[44:38] firefighter who transitioned to LA County Fire in 2020. We extend our deepest condolences and
[44:47] prayers to the family, friends, and colleagues of firefighter Van Ofelen and hope for healing
[44:53] during this difficult time. A memorial service is being planned for Monday, April the 8th,
[45:01] That's here at city hall. LA county fire is working with Vernon PD to coordinate the logistics, including possible lane or road closures, as approximately 150 people are anticipated to attend.
[45:15] As soon as details of the location are confirmed, Carlos will inform the city council.
[45:20] Okay, thank you. Are there any reports from council?
[45:23] Done.
[45:24] Thank you.
[45:25] With no further business, I adjourn the City Council meeting at 9.36.
[45:29] Thank you.
[45:29] Thank you.