MINUTES
VERNON CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Merlo called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Merlo led the Flag Salute.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Judith Merlo, Mayor
Melissa Ybarra, Mayor Pro Tem
Leticia Lopez, Council Member (Arrived at 8:35 a.m.)
Jesus Rivera, Council Member
ABSENT: Crystal Larios Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Daniel Calleros, Interim City Administrator
Zaynah Moussa, City Attorney
Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk
Michael Earl, Human Resources Director
Fredrick Agyin, Health and Environmental Control Director
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Rivera seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried 3-0 Council Members Larios and Lopez absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Marisa Olguin, Vernon Chamber of Commerce, spoke about involving former City Administrator Fandino in the transition and options available for his continued involvement.
Jack Cline, President of Lee & Associates and founder and Chairman of non-profit Youth Champions and Vernon Commissioner, spoke about the unique qualities of Vernon, the exceptional capabilities of former City Administrator Fandino and his gratitude for what he has done for Vernon. He would like to see Carlos Fandino return to the City.
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July 2, 2024
Richard Lucas, Vice President of CEG Construction, spoke praising Vernon’s unique qualities, stating he would like to see former City Administrator Fandino return to the City.
Brian Bailey of Pabco Paper, spoke on behalf of his and other industry businesses praising City Administrator Fandino’s plan and growth of the City, stating he would like to see the former City Administrator brought back to the City for stability and to stay with the plan.
CLOSED SESSION
RECESS
Mayor Merlo recessed the meeting to Closed Session at 8:44 a.m.
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Kent Stevenson v. City of Vernon
Workers Compensation Appeals Board Case No.: ADJ15371535
2. Public Employment
Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Administrator/Interim City Administrator
RECONVENE/RECESS
At 9:13, Mayor Merlo reconvened then recessed the Special Meeting to the Regular City Council Meeting.
RECONVENE/RECESS
At 9:19 a.m., Mayor Merlo reconvened the Special Meeting and recessed to Closed Session.
At 10:09 a.m., Mayor Merlo adjourned Closed Session and reconvened the Special Meeting.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Moussa reported that Council met in Closed Session, discussed Closed Session Item 1 and voted unanimously to ratify a Worker's Compensation Claims settlement related to retired employee Kent Stevenson in the amount of $20,445 with the provision of future Medical, as needed.
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July 2, 2024
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Merlo adjourned the meeting at 10:09 a.m.
_____________________________
JUDITH MERLO, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
YONNIE PARKER, Deputy City Clerk
(seal)
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