MINUTES
VERNON CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lopez called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Lopez led the Flag Salute.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Leticia Lopez, Mayor
Melissa Ybarra, Mayor Pro Tem
Jesus Rivera, Council Member
Judith Merlo, Council Member (arrived at 9:05 a.m.)
ABSENT:
Crystal Larios, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Zaynah Moussa-Milward, City Attorney
Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk
Alice Hui, Finance Director/City Treasurer
Su Tan, Human Resources Director
Robert Sousa, Police Chief
Dan Wall, Public Works Director-City Engineer
Todd Dusenberry, Public Utilities General Manager
Richard Corbi, Public Utilities Assistant General Manager
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 4-0, Council Member Larios absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
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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.
Police Chief Sousa read the proclamation and the City Council acknowledged and presented the proclamation to retiring employee, Police Dispatcher, Teresa Rodriguez, in recognition of her dedicated service to the City of Vernon.
RECESS
At 9:09 a.m., Mayor Lopez recessed the meeting to Closed Session.
CLOSED SESSION
2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation (1 potential matter)
RECONVENE
At 9:24 a.m., Mayor Lopez adjourned the Closed Session and reconvened the regular meeting, Council Member Larios absent.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Moussa-Milward reported that the City Council met in Closed Session, discussed the item on the agenda, and took no reportable action.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Lopez invited public comments. There being none, Mayor Lopez called for a motion.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Rivera seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The question was called and the motion carried 4- 0, Council Member Larios absent.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
3. Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the February 17, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
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4. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Receive and file the claim submitted by Frank Perez, Esq. for Lucia Becerril.
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.
6. Public Works Department Monthly Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the 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.
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.
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-toexceed $163,382.20.
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.
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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.
Finance Director Hui presented the staff report and accompanying PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Lopez invited public comment. There being none, Mayor Lopez called for a motion.
MOTION
Council Member Rivera moved, and Council Member Merlo seconded a motion to 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. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Council Member Larios absent.
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.
City Administrator Saeki presented the staff report and accompanying PowerPoint presentation.
The City Council addressed concerns regarding the uncertainty surrounding the ballot measure, the costs associated with a special election, and the risks involved in declaring a fiscal emergency. They expressed a preference to receive and file the presentation without taking any action today.
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MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Rivera seconded a motion to approve recommendations A and B. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Council Member Larios absent.
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.
Public Works Director Wall presented the staff report.
Mayor Lopez invited public comments. There being none, Mayor Lopez called for a motion.
City Clerk Rocha read the title to Ordinance No 1310.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Mayor Lopez seconded a motion to approve to:
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. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Council Member Larios absent.
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 Docusign Envelope ID: 243E11AB-770C-434A-ADB0-B96D35F4066F Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8
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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 Docusign Envelope ID: 243E11AB-770C-434A-ADB0-B96D35F4066F Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8
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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.
Public Utilities General Manager Dusenberry presented the staff report and the accompanying PowerPoint presentation, along with Public Utilities Assistant General Manager Corbi.
Mayor Lopez invited public comments.
Marisa Olguin with the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged the complex and technical nature of the energy plan, her support for the City’s continued partnership with SCPPA. She expressed her preference for providing more time for public review and raised concerns about the 30-year term. She stated that the Chamber supports the plan's outlined savings. However, the Chamber does not take a strong position on the item.
The City Council continued its discussion and expressed concern over the risk of a 30-year term and acknowledged the 10-year review periods. The Council recommended that the City hold future workshops for both the Council and the business community to discuss large and complex issues, such as the Energy Savings initiative. These workshops would provide an opportunity to review and understand the extensive information over a longer period of time.
Mayor Lopez invited additional comments and questions. There being none, Mayor Lopez called for a motion.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Merlo seconded a motion to approve recommendations A and B. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Council Member Larios absent.
Mayor Lopez reintroduced Item 12 Local Tax Ballot Measure and invited public comments on the item.
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Marisa Olguin of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce spoke on the item, acknowledged the need for Vernon to capture local dollars to support the General Fund and expressed support to capture ¼ percent sales tax and favor in revisiting the item in November.
ORAL REPORTS
13. City Administrator Reports on Activities and Other Announcements City Administrator Saeki announced the City Council would attend a Strategic Planning meeting on March 3, 2026, at 5:30 at the City Hall Finance lobby, led by the City’s strategic planning consultant to discuss feedback received from businesses and residents at previous community meetings.
He reminded the City Council that the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee had allocated $150,000 for awards of scholarships this year. Applications would be due March 26, 2026, for eligible high school students planning to attend trade school, community college, or university after graduation.
City Administrator Saeki also reminded that the City would be holding an All-MailBallot General Municipal Election on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, to elect one member of the City Council for a full term of five years and ballot materials should be received mid-March. He noted the last day for Vernon residents to register to vote in the upcoming election would be March 30, 2026, and the candidate write-in period would run through April 1, 2026.
14. Council Reports on Activities (including AB 1234), Announcements, or Directives to Staff
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Lopez adjourned the meeting at 10:06 a.m.
_____________________________
LETICIA LOPEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
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