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Regular City Council Meeting - 3/3/2026 5:00:00 PM
Agenda
City of Vernon
Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 9:00 AM
City Hall, Council Chamber
4305 Santa Fe Avenue, Vernon, California
Leticia Lopez, Mayor
Melissa Ybarra, Mayor Pro Tem
Jesus Rivera, Council Member
Crystal Larios, Council Member
Judith Merlo, Council Member
The public is encouraged to view the meeting at
CityofVernonca.gov/publicmeetings
. In the event of any technical difficulties, you may view the live meeting at www.cityofvernonca.gov/LiveMeeting
.
You may address the Council in the Council Chambers, via mail or email to [email protected]
, include the meeting date and item number in the subject line (mail and/or email must be received at least two hours prior to the start of the meeting).
CALL TO ORDER
FLAG SALUTE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
At this time the public is encouraged to address the City Council on any matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. The public will also be given a chance to comment on matters which are on the posted agenda during City Council deliberation on those specific matters.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Recognizing Retiring Employee – Norma T. Rodriguez Recommendation:
Acknowledge and present a proclamation to retiring employee Norma Teresa Rodriguez, Police Dispatcher, in recognition of her dedicated service to the City of Vernon.
Agenda Report
1. Proclamation - Norma T. Rodriguez
CLOSED SESSION
2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation (1 potential matter)
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar may be approved with one motion. Items may be removed from the Consent Calendar for individual consideration. Removed items will be considered immediately following the Consent Calendar.
3. Meeting Minutes
Recommendation:
Approve the February 17, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
Agenda Report
1. February 17, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
4. Claims Against the City
Recommendation:
Receive and file the claim submitted by Frank Perez, Esq. for Lucia Becerril.
Agenda Report
1.Lucia Becerril by Frank Perez, Esq. Claim
5. Operating Account Warrant Register
Recommendation:
Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 168, for the period of January 18, 2026, through January 31, 2026, totaling $8,386,891.82 and consisting of ratification of electronic payments totaling $8,237,429.89 and ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $149,461.93.
Agenda Report
1. Operating Account Warrant Register No. 168
6. Public Works Department Monthly Report
Recommendation:
Receive and file the January 2026 Building Report.
Agenda Report
1. Public Works Department January 2026 Building Report
7. Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Grant Report
Recommendation:
Receive and file the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Grant Report on the use of City funds to support Vernon residents and workers with legal services, education, and relief programs to mitigate the impacts of federal immigration enforcement activities in and around the City.
Agenda Report
1. CHIRLA Interim Grant Report
2. CHIRLA Final Grant Report
3. CHIRLA Cost Statement
8. 11-11 Systems (iLand Internet Solutions Corp.) Secure Cloud and Disaster Recovery Service Agreements Recommendation:
A. Find that maintaining the Master Services Agreement with 11-11 Systems for iLand Secure Cloud Backup Services is in the best interests of the City and is exempt from competitive selection pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 3.32.110(B)(2)(3); B. Ratify year three of the Master Services Agreement with 11-11 Systems for iLand Secure Cloud Backup Services in the amount of $49,629.60; and C. Approve and authorize a separate Master Services Agreement with 11-11 Systems for a Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) solution, in an amount not-to-exceed $50,410.20 for a one-year term.
Agenda Report
1. 11-11 Systems Invoice INV71245295
2. 11-11 Systems Disaster Recovery Quote 00112934-149377
9. Services Agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc. for City of Vernon Vision Zero Action Plan Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment; and B. Enter into a services agreement with H.W. Lochner Inc., in substantially the same form as submitted, to perform a feasibility study and develop the City of Vernon Vision Zero Action Plan, for a total amount not-to-exceed $163,382.20.
Agenda Report
1. Services Agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc.
10. Services Agreement with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC Recommendation:
Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC, in substantially the same form as submitted, to provide financial and technical review of Southern California Edison transmission rate and wholesale revenue requirement services for a total amount not-to-exceed $32,500, for a three-year term.
Agenda Report
1. Services Agreement with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC
NEW BUSINESS
11. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Financial Update
Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-007 authorizing and approving mid-year budget appropriations and amending the Annual Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Agenda Report
1. Resolution No. 2026-007
12. Potential Local Sales Tax for Placement on a Special Election to be held June 2, 2026 Recommendation:
A. Receive and file a presentation on a potential local 1/4 cent (1/4%) sales tax; B. Take no action on a local sales tax measure and oppose County legislative efforts; OR C. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-008 Declaring a fiscal emergency pursuant to Article XIII C of the Constitution of the State of California; calling and giving notice of the holding of a Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of a proposed ordinance levying a local transaction and use tax (sales tax) to the voters at said election; D. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-009 Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles consolidate the Special Municipal Election with the Statewide Direct Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, pursuant to Elections Code section 10403; and E. Direct the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the measure to the City Attorney for preparation of the impartial analysis; F. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-010 Providing for the filing of primary and rebuttal arguments and setting rules for filing of written arguments regarding a City measure to be submitted at the June 2, 2026, Special Municipal Election; and G. If desired, determine the authors of arguments and rebuttals.
Agenda Report
1. Resolution No. 2026-008
2. Resolution No. 2026-009
3. Resolution No. 2026-010
13. 2025 California Building Standards Code Adoption
Recommendation:
A. Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 1310 Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code; and B. Direct staff to schedule second reading and adoption for the March 17, 2026 City Council meeting.
Agenda Report
1. Ordinance No. 1310
14. Clean Energy Savings Plan for Renewable Energy and Supporting Agreements Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment; and B. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-006 approving and authorizing the City Administrator to (a) execute and deliver those interrelated agreements (Prepay Agreements) to which the City is a party for participation in a clean energy savings renewable energy transaction, in substantially the same form as submitted, with such changes as the City Administrator deems necessary or advisable in furtherance of the purposes of this resolution; (b) execute and deliver any related documents, such as amendments of any of the Prepay Agreements or any agreements necessary to carry out the transactions contemplated by the Prepay Agreements; and (c) take such actions as are necessary or advisable to implement and administer the Prepay Agreements.
The Prepay Agreements include:
1. A Limited Assignment Agreement (Antelope DSR—Vernon) (the Antelope DSR LAA) among Antelope DSR 1, LLC (Antelope DSR), the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) and J. Aron & Company (J. Aron), providing for SCPPA to assign certain of its rights and obligations to receive and pay for renewable energy and associated resources under the Power Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2015 (the Antelope DSR PPA), between Antelope DSR and SCPPA, which rights and obligations relate to the Power Sales Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2015, between SCPPA and the City;
2. A Limited Assignment Agreement (Astoria—Vernon) (the Astoria LAA) among Re Astoria 2 Solar LLC (Astoria), SCPPA and J. Aron, providing for SCPPA to assign certain of its rights and obligations to receive and pay for renewable energy and associated resources under the Power Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014 (the Astoria PPA), among Astoria, SCPPA, Power and Water Resources Pooling Authority, City of Lodi, City of Corona, City of Moreno Valley and City of Rancho Cucamonga, which rights and obligations relate to the Power Sales Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014, between SCPPA and the City;
3. A Limited Assignment Agreement (Daggett—Vernon) (the Daggett Solar LAA) among Daggett Solar Power 2 LLC (Daggett Solar), SCPPA and J. Aron, providing for SCPPA to assign certain of its rights and obligations to receive and pay for renewable energy and associated resources under the Power Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2022 (the Daggett Solar PPA), between Daggett Solar and SCPPA, which rights and obligations relate to the Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2022, between SCPPA and the City;
4. A Limited Assignment Agreement (Desert Harvest—Vernon) (the Desert Harvest LAA) among Desert Harvest II LLC (Desert Harvest), SCPPA and J. Aron, providing for SCPPA to assign certain of its rights and obligations to receive and pay for renewable energy and associated resources under the Power Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2017 (Desert Harvest PPA), between Desert Harvest and SCPPA, which rights and obligations relate to the Power Sales Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2017, between SCPPA and the City;
5. A Limited Assignment Agreement (BP Energy—Vernon/SCPPA) (the BP Energy—Vernon/SCPPA LAA) between the City and SCPPA, assigning to SCPPA certain of the City’s rights and obligations to receive and pay for renewable energy credits under the City’s Confirmation Letter outlining the general terms and conditions of the agreement between the City and BP Energy Company (BP Energy), whose terms are subject to the WSPP Agreement dated October 21, 2024, as amended from time to time (collectively, the BP Energy PPA);
6. A Limited Assignment Agreement (BP Energy—SCPPA/J. Aron) (the BP Energy—SCPPA/J. Aron LAA) and together with the BP Energy—Vernon/SCPPA LAA, the BP Energy LAA), among SCPPA, J. Aron, and the City, assigning to J. Aron certain of SCPPA’s rights and obligations to receive and pay for renewable energy credits under the BP Energy PPA;
7. A Clean Energy Purchase Contract (CEPC) with SCPPA by which SCPPA will sell to VPU at discounted prices the prepaid renewable energy and associated resources generated by the assigned Antelope DSR PPA, Astoria PPA, Daggett Solar PPA, Desert Harvest PPA, BP Energy PPA (together, the PPAs) for a term of up to 30 years;
8. A Custodial Agreement with J. Aron and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, or selected financial institution as selected by J. Aron, as custodian, for a term equal to the CEPC’s term, to establish bank accounts for and administer payments to Antelope DSR, Astoria, Daggett Solar, Desert Harvest and BP Energy in satisfaction of performance under their respective PPAs;
9. A Project Coordination and Governance Agreement with SCPPA and the three other participating SCPPA members (Burbank, Colton, and Pasadena) by which SCPPA will administer this project and allocate administrative direct costs associated with the transaction to all SCPPA project participants, including Vernon Public Utilities (VPU); and
10. A Letter Agreement with SCPPA for a term equal to the terms of the Antelope DSR LAA, the Astoria LAA, the Daggett Solar LAA, the Desert Harvest LAA, and the BP Energy LAA (together, the “LAAs”), providing that the parties may terminate the LAAs only upon certain specified events, such as termination or suspension of performance under the assigned PPAs or suspension or termination of performance under the Clean Energy Purchase Contract.
Agenda Report
1. Resolution No. 2026-006
2. Agenda Report - February 17, 2026
ORAL REPORTS
15. City Administrator Reports on Activities and Other Announcements
16. Council Reports on Activities (including AB 1234), Announcements, or Directives to Staff
ADJOURNMENT
On February 27, 2026, the foregoing agenda was posted in accordance with the applicable legal requirements. Regular and Adjourned Regular meeting agendas may be amended up to 72 hours and Special meeting agendas may be amended up to 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
Guide to City Council Proceedings
Meetings
of the City Council are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. and are conducted in accordance with Rosenberg's Rules of Order (Vernon Municipal Code Section 2.04.020).
Copies
of all agenda items and back-up materials are available for review in the City Clerk Department, Vernon City Hall, 4305 Santa Fe Avenue, Vernon, California, and are available for public inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Agenda reports may be reviewed on the City's website at www.cityofvernonca.gov
or copies may be purchased for $0.10 per page.
Disability-related services
are available to enable persons with a disability to participate in this meeting, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In compliance with ADA, if you need special assistance, please contact the City Clerk department at [email protected]
or (323) 583-8811 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to assure arrangements can be made.
The
Public Comment
portion of the agenda is for members of the public to present items, which are not listed on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. The City Council cannot take action on any item that is not on the agenda but matters raised under Public Comment may be referred to staff or scheduled on a future agenda. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker unless a different time limit is announced. Speaker slips are available at the entrance to the Council Chamber.
Public Hearings
are legally noticed hearings. For hearings involving zoning matters, the applicant and appellant will be given 15 minutes to present their position to the City Council. Time may be set aside for rebuttal. All other testimony shall follow the rules as set for under Public Comment. If you challenge any City action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised during the public hearing, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at or prior to the public hearing.
Consent Calendar
items may be approved by a single motion. If a Council Member or the public wishes to discuss an item, it may be removed from the calendar for individual consideration. Council Members may indicate a negative or abstaining vote on any individual item by so declaring prior to the vote on the motion to adopt the Consent Calendar. Items excluded from the Consent Calendar will be taken up following action on the Consent Calendar. Public speakers shall follow the guidelines as set forth under Public Comment.
New Business items
are matters appearing before the Council for the first time for formal action. Those wishing to address the Council on New Business items shall follow the guidelines for Public Comment.
Closed Session
allows the Council to discuss specific matters pursuant to the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54956.9. Based on the advice of the City Attorney, discussion of these matters in open session would prejudice the position of the City. Following Closed Session, the City Attorney will provide an oral report on any reportable matters discussed and actions taken. At the conclusion of Closed Session, the Council may continue any item listed on the Closed Session agenda to the Open Session agenda for discussion or to take formal action as it deems appropriate.
Attachments