MINUTES
VERNON CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lopez called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m.
FLAG SALUTE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Leticia Lopez, Mayor
Melissa Ybarra, Mayor Pro Tem
Jesus Rivera, Council Member
Crystal Larios, Council Member
ABSENT:
Judith Merlo, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Mark Austin, Legal Counsel
Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk
Alice Hui, Finance Director/City Treasurer
Veronica Petrosyan, Health and Environmental Control Deputy Director Su Tan, Human Resources Director
Robert Sousa, Police Chief
Dan Wall, Public Works Director-City Engineer
Todd Dusenberry, Public Utilities General Manager
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Council Member Merlo absent
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
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April 7, 2026
PRESENTATIONS
1. Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day
Recommendation:
Proclaim April 2026 as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” and April 29, 2026 as “Denim Day” in the City of Vernon in support of the Peace Over Violence sexual violence education campaign.
City Clerk Rocha read the proclamation, and the City Council proclaimed April 2026 as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” and April 29, 2026, as “Denim Day” in the City of Vernon in support of the Peace Over Violence sexual violence education campaign.
2. Southeast Los Angeles Area (SELA) Cultural Center Presentation Recommendation:
No action required by City Council. This is a presentation only.
City Administrator Saeki introduced Esmeralda Garcia of the SELA Cultural Center, and she provided a presentation to the City Council.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. New Regulations for the Discharge of Fats, Oils, And Grease to the City's Sewer System
Recommendation: A. Conduct a Public Hearing; and B. Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, because the adoption of the ordinance is not a “project” pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14 section 15378(b)(2) as the ordinance is a general policy and procedure making activity; C. Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 1312, adding Chapter 13.25 to the Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) regulating the discharge of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to the City's Sewer System; and D. Direct staff to schedule the second reading and adoption for the April 21, 2026, City Council meeting.
Public Works Director Wall presented the staff report.
Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing at 9:17 a.m. There being no speakers, Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing at 9:17 a.m.
Mayor Lopez invited further Council questions. There being none, Mayor Lopez called for a motion.
City Clerk Rocha read the title to Ordinance No. 1312 into the record.
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April 7, 2026
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Rivera seconded a motion to approve recommendations A, B, C, and D. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Council Member Merlo absent.
4. Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 General Fee Schedule
Recommendation: A. Conduct a Public Hearing; and B. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-013 authorizing and adopting the FY 2026-27 General Fee Schedule.
Public Works Director Wall presented the staff report.
Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing at 9:20 a.m. There being no speakers, Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing at 9:20 a.m.
Mayor Lopez invited further Council questions. There being none, Mayor Lopez called for a motion.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to approve recommendations A and B. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Council Member Merlo absent.
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 and pull Item No. 10 for questions. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Council Member Merlo absent.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
5. Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the March 17, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
6. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Receive and file the claim submitted by Kemper Insurance as subrogee of Jackeling Mendoza Valle.
7. Operating Account Warrant Register
Recommendation: Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 170, for the period of February 15, 2026 through February 28, 2026, totaling $9,177,841.11 and consisting of ratification of electronic payments totaling $8,828,848.09 and ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $348,993.02.
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April 7, 2026
8. Public Works Department Monthly Report
Recommendation:
Receive and file the February 2026 Building Report.
9. Report on Vehicle Purchase Approved by the City Administrator Recommendation: Receive and file a report on the City Administrator approved vehicle purchase of one 2026 Chevy Suburban Z71 from Chevrolet of Simi Valley for a total amount of $97,952.73.
11. Sidewalk Vending Regulations
Recommendation:
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378, as an action for which there is no possibility that the ordinance will have any significant effect on the environment; and
B. Adopt Ordinance No. 1311 amending Chapter 12.10 (Sidewalk Vending) of Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places) of the Vernon Municipal Code pertaining to the regulation of sidewalk vending.
12. Purchase Order with A-Best Industrial, Inc.
Recommendation: A. Find that the proposed action is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, because the project consists of the maintenance, repair or minor alteration of existing facilities and equipment and involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use; and
B. Approve and authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order with A-Best Industrial, Inc. for the purchase of gas regulators, for a total amount not-to-exceed $75,193.22.
The following item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for individual consideration:
10. Memorandum of Understanding for the Maintenance and Operations of the John Anson Ford Park Infiltration Cistern Project
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute the Memorandum of Understanding by and between the Cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, and Vernon, in substantially the same form as submitted, for the maintenance and operations of the John Anson Ford Park Infiltration Cistern Project.
In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra regarding Vernon’s higher cost share in comparison to other larger cities, Health and Environmental Control Deputy Director Petrosyan explained that the administrative fee was shared equally; however, the Pro-Rata cost share was based on the available square footage of land and since the City of Vernon possessed more industrial land than green space, the City had the second highest Pro-Rata share.
In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra regarding the duration of the City’s participation, Health and Environmental Control Deputy Director Petrosyan explained funding for the operation and maintenance of the cistern is Docusign Envelope ID: 96105E64-C6C7-8E5B-826A-A9FEEB782B00 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7
April 7, 2026
provided through Measure W and the seven cities would continue to participate in the regional project to maintain the cistern for as long as it is viable and operational.
Mayor Pro Tem Ybarra moved and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute the Memorandum of Understanding by and between the Cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, and Vernon, in substantially the same form as submitted, for the maintenance and operations of the John Anson Ford Park Infiltration Cistern Project. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Council Member Merlo absent.
NEW BUSINESS
13. Citywide Fringe Benefits Policy (Revisions to Holiday Section) Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-014 adopting the Citywide Fringe Benefits Policy and repealing Resolution No. 2026-005.
Human Resources Director Tan presented the staff report.
Mayor Lopez invited public comments. There being none, Mayor Lopez called for a motion.
MOTION
Council Member Rivera moved and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-014 adopting the Citywide Fringe Benefits Policy and repealing Resolution No. 2026-005. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0, Council Member Merlo absent.
14. Side Letters of Agreement with Various Bargaining Groups Regarding a Holiday Name Change
Recommendation: A. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-015 approving Side Letter of Agreement No. 2 by and between the City of Vernon and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 47 (IBEW) regarding a holiday name change; B. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-016 approving Side Letter of Agreement No. 2 by and between the City of Vernon and the Teamsters Local Union 986 (Teamsters) regarding a holiday name change; C. Adopt Resolution No. 2026- 0017 approving Side Letter of Agreement No. 3 by and between the City of Vernon and the Vernon Police Management Association (VPMA) regarding a holiday name change; and D. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-0018 approving Side Letter of Agreement No. 3 by and between the City of Vernon and the Vernon Police Officers’ Benefit Association (VPOBA) regarding a holiday name change.
Human Resources Director Tan presented the staff report.
Mayor Lopez invited public comments. There being none, Mayor Lopez called for a motion.
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April 7, 2026
MOTION
Council Member Larios moved and Council Member Rivera seconded a motion to adopt recommendations A, B, C, and D. The question was called and motion carried 4-0, Council Member Merlo absent.
ORAL REPORTS
15. City Administrator Reports on Activities and Other Announcements City Administrator Saeki reported that Moody’s upgraded the City of Vernon’s Utilities’ Revenue Bond Credit Ratings from A3 to Baa1, and revised the Utilities’ outlook to stable. He indicated the well-deserved upgrade reflects the Utilities’ strong financial performance in fiscal year 2025 and is important as it is indicative or fiscal stability and directly determines interest rates paid when borrowing funds for infrastructure projects. City Administrator Saeki also provided reminders related to the City’s General Municipal Election such as where the ballots could be dropped off and reminding residents to ensure mailed ballots are postmarked on the date mailed by requesting a manual postmark at the USPS retail counter, and he also stated the first Official Canvass would begin at 8:01p.m. at the City Council Chamber on April 14, 2026.
16. Council Reports on Activities (including AB 1234), Announcements, or Directives to Staff
None.
RECESS
At 9:29 a.m., Mayor Lopez recessed the meeting to Closed Session.
CLOSED SESSION
17. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Initiation of Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
Number of potential cases: 1
RECONVENE
At 9:42 a.m., Mayor Lopez adjourned the Closed Session and reconvened the regular meeting.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Legal Counsel Austin reported that the City Council met in Closed Session, discussed the item on the agenda, and took no reportable action.
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April 7, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Lopez adjourned the meeting at 9:43 a.m.
_____________________________
LETICIA LOPEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
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