City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: August 6, 2024
From: Michael Earl, Director of Human Resources
Department: Human Resources
Submitted by: Lisette Grizzelle, Human Resources Program Manager Subject
Proclamation Recognizing Retired Employee - Carlos R. Fandino Jr.
Recommendation
Acknowledge and present a proclamation to retired employee Carlos R. Fandino Jr., City Administrator, in recognition of his dedicated service to the City of Vernon.
Background
Historically, the City Council has issued proclamations in honor of retired City employees. Carlos R. Fandino Jr., City Administrator retired from the City of Vernon on July 11, 2024, after providing over thirty-five (35) years of service to the City.
Mr. Fandino was hired as a System Operator effective January 23, 1989; effective July 16, 1989 became a Water and Power Dispatcher; effective July 29, 1990 became a Senior Dispatcher; effective July 1, 1997 became a Systems Supervisor; effective July 1, 2001 became an Engineering and Operations Project Manager; effective July 1, 2003 became a Systems Manager; effective September 17, 2006 became a Transmission & Distribution Manager; effective August 2, 2010 appointed to serve as Interim Director of Light and Power; effective September 16, 2010 appointed as Director of Light & Power; effective April 20, 2014 became Director of Gas and Electric; and effective March 15, 2016 promoted to City Administrator.
As City Administrator, Mr. Fandino set the City on a path towards better financial health through the implementation of cost saving measures including the transition of fire protection services to the Los Angeles County Fire District, the re-acquisition of the Malburg Generating Station (MGS) and adoption/renewal of key tax assessments including the Utility Users Tax, Sales Tax, and Public Safety Tax. Mr. Fandino’s leadership was also instrumental in the City’s increased engagement with its residents and local Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) communities, as well as the City’s commitment to increasing its residential population through the adoption of new mixed used zoning.
Prior to his appointment as City Administrator, Mr. Fandino served as the Director of the Public Utilities Department (formerly known as the Light and Power Department). Mr. Fandino was on the team tasked to commandeer the Vernon electrical system after the City successfully negotiated a settlement with Southern California Edison to reinstate operating rights, as well as on the team charged with constructing the MGS power plant. Over the years, Mr. Fandino participated in almost every aspect of the Department’s operations.
During his distinguished career with the City of Vernon, Carlos Fandino earned the deepest respect of his colleagues and community through his leadership, dedication, contributions, commitment, and extensive knowledge of the City. Mr. Fandino was an exemplary employee and will truly be missed. Mr. Fandino was hired on January 23, 1989, and met the eligibility requirements under CalPERS to retire from the City effective July 11, 2024.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Proclamation – Carlos R. Fandino, Jr.