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• Monitors City operations, analyzes operational information, evaluates trends, and develops plans to meet City goals and future needs; presents status reports to City Council, and assures effective communication of operational and technical issues; assures all operational, legal, technical, and financial issues are properly addressed and resolved
• Attends and coordinates City Council meetings and work sessions, and researches issues for the City Administrator, Mayor, and City Council; assures effective communication of major project and policy issues
• Develops and presents status and summary reports; reviews and approves City staff reports
• Attends and coordinates internal and external stakeholder meetings; collaborates in management of public information and community relations activities; meets with City committees, commissions, and residents to discuss and resolve issues; coordinates projects and regional issues with local officials, agencies, community organizations, and advocates
• Collaborates with City staff and officials on community relations issues; represents the City amongst local civic and service organizations, and ancillary boards and agencies; remains abreast of local and regional issues; cultivates relationships with the community; advocates for City programs and philosophies
• Maintains relationships with federal, state, county, regional, and local government officials and staff decision makers regarding public policies and legislative or regulatory activities that may have an impact on the City of Vernon and the City’s private sector constituency; prepares reports on public policy or governmental matters that may impact the City; prepares analysis, develops content in response to legislation
• Serves as the liaison between other agencies to coordinate with members of executive staff; supports internal communication efforts with the agency between executive staff and employees
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Public Administration or related field; AND five years of progressively responsible administrative or managerial experience in municipal administration.
Knowledge of:
• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures • Federal and state laws and regulations governing municipalities, and City rules and ordinances
• Duties, powers, authorities, and limitations of a City Administrator Resolution No. 2026-019
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• Principles and practices of local government administrative management, including personnel rules, procurement, finance, budgeting, contract and risk management, performance management, and evaluation of public sector programs, policies, and operations
• Strategic planning techniques for the economic, financial, and environmental needs of the City
• Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for municipal government officers
• Current political and economic trends in state and federal government • Techniques and practices for efficient and cost effective management of resources
• Business computers, and standard and specialized software applications Skill in:
• Analyzing complex administrative and operational issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating alternatives, and developing recommendations, strategies, and operational improvements
• Analyzing City needs, and prioritizing and promoting operational strategies to meet future needs
• Preparing, tracking, and administering budgets
• Interpreting and applying municipal policies and procedures • Presenting and defending operational reports and information in public meetings
• Analyzing problems, resolving disputes and conflicts, and developing effective solutions
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands • Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City employees, elected officials, community groups, advocates, and representatives from other local, state, and federal agencies • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California State Driver’s License may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office environment and required to attend meetings and events at various City facilities and/or outside the City. Position requires the ability to work hours outside of the normal duty hours in order to complete assigned responsibilities.
Resolution No. 2026-019
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Pursuant to California Government Code §3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.
JOB SERIES:
Administrative Assistant, Senior
Executive Assistant to the City Administrator
Management Analyst
Management Analyst, Senior
Communications and Public Information Manager
Assistant to the City Administrator
Deputy City Administrator
City Administrator
Resolution No. 2026-019
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City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: May 5, 2026
From: Su Tan, Director of Human Resources
Department: Human Resources
Submitted by: Lisette Grizzelle, Human Resources Manager Subject
Appointment of Veronica Petrosyan as Director of Health and Environmental Control Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-020 appointing Veronica Petrosyan to serve as the Director of Health and Environmental Control of the City of Vernon effective May 6, 2026, and approving and authorizing the execution of a related at-will employment agreement.
Background
Recruitment Process
The Human Resources Department conducted a promotional recruitment to fill the vacant Director of Health and Environmental Control position. The recruitment period to fill this vacancy began on March 30, 2026, and ran through April 8, 2026. One application packet was received. Following an in-depth review of the application packet, the candidate was deemed qualified and was invited to participate in a selection panel interview process on April 13, 2026. The selection panel consisted of six department heads and the City Administrator. The City Administrator has recommended the appointment of Veronica Petrosyan to serve as the Director of Health and Environmental Control for the City of Vernon.
At-Will Employment Agreement
The At-Will Employment Agreement for the Director of Health and Environmental Control has been presented to Ms. Petrosyan and is included as Exhibit B to Resolution No. 2026-020. The agreement establishes an effective start date of May 6, 2026, and a starting salary of $18,116 per month, plus all benefits provided to executive personnel.
The proposed agreement is consistent with other City of Vernon executive employment agreements.
Candidate Summary
Veronica Petrosyan has over 21 years of experience working in the public sector Environmental Health field with over seven of those years serving in the City of Vernon Health and Environmental Control Department. Ms. Petrosyan began her career at the Los Angeles County Department of Health – Environmental Health where she held professional and management level positions ranging from Environmental Health Specialist I, II and III, and Chief Environmental Health Specialist, to Environmental Health Services Manager. During her career with the City of Vernon, she has held the following management level positions: Environmental Health Program Administrator and (currently) Deputy Director of Health and Environmental Control.
Ms. Petrosyan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Occupational Health, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge. She also possesses the following certifications:
• Public Safety Leadership Program Certification from USC – Sol Price School of Public Policy
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• Registered Environmental Health Specialist – State of California Department of Public Health
• California Under Water Storage Tank Inspector – International Code Council (ICC) Given Ms. Petrosyan’s qualifications and considerable experience in the public sector Environmental Health field, she is well suited to meet the needs of the City and lead the Health and Environmental Control Department.
At its regular City Council meeting on May 5, 2026, prior to taking final action to approve this resolution, the City Council received an oral report summarizing the recommended appointment and compensation, in accordance with Government Code Section 54953(d)(3).
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is estimated at $4,770 for the remaining Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26. The Director of Health and Environmental Control position was approved in the adopted FY 2025-26 budget and is currently vacant. Additionally, the Deputy Director of Health and Environmental Control will be defunded from the budget for the upcoming year.
Attachments
1. Resolution No. 2026-020 – Director of Health and Environmental Control .
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RESOLUTION NO. 2026-020
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON
APPOINTING VERONICA PETROSYAN TO SERVE AS THE DIRECTOR
OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL OF THE CITY OF
VERNON AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF
A RELATED AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
SECTION 1. Recitals.
A. The Director of Health and Environmental Control position was recently vacated.
B. In March2026, the City Administrator requested a promotional recruitment process to fill this vacancy.
C. Human Resources advertised the recruitment flyer announcing a promotional opportunity for the position (attached hereto as Exhibit A). The recruitment opened effective March 30, 2026 and ran through April 8, 2026.
D. One application packet was received and carefully evaluated. The candidate was deemed qualified and invited to participate in a selection panel interview process on April 13, 2026.
E. The selection panel consisted of six department heads and the City Administrator.
The City Administrator has determined Veronica Petrosyan (Petrosyan) to be the most qualified candidate for the position of Director of Health and Environmental Control and desires to appoint Petrosyan to serve as the Director of Health and Environmental Control, effective May 6, 2026.
F. At its regular City Council meeting on May 5, 2026, prior to taking final action to adopt this resolution, the City Council received an oral report summarizing the recommended appointment and compensation, in accordance with Government Code Section 54953(d)(3).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby finds and determines that the above recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby appoints Veronica Petrosyan to serve as the Director of Health and Environmental Control of the City of Vernon, effective May 6, 2026.
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby approves and authorizes the execution of .
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Resolution No. 2026-020
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the At-Will Employment Agreement with Veronica Petrosyan to serve as Director of Health and Environmental Control of the City of Vernon, in substantially the same form as attached hereto as Exhibit B.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk, or any authorized officer, shall administer the Oath of Office prescribed in the Constitution of the State of California to Petrosyan and shall have her subscribe to it and file it with the Human Resources Department.
SECTION 6. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby directs the City Clerk, or the City Clerk’s designee, to give a fully executed Agreement to Petrosyan.
SECTION 7. All resolutions or parts of resolutions not consistent with or in conflict with this resolution are hereby repealed.
SECTION 8. Severability. If any provision of this Resolution or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications, and to this end, the provisions of this Resolution are declared to be severable.
SECTION 9. The City Clerk, or Deputy City Clerk, shall certify the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED May 5, 2026.
LETICIA LOPEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ZAYNAH MOUSSA-MILWARD,
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Resolution No. 2026-020
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CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF VERNON )
I do hereby certify that the attached is a true copy of Resolution No. 2026-020 that was passed and adopted at the Regular Meeting held on May 5, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
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GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
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Resolution No. 2026-020
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Exhibit A
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AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (NON-SAFETY)
BETWEEN THE CITY OF VERNON AND VERONICA PETROSYAN
This At-Will Employment Agreement (Agreement) is between the City of Vernon (City) and Veronica Petrosyan (Employee).
Recitals
City desires to employ Employee as an at-will employee in the position of Director of Health and Environmental Control. Employee desires to be the Director of Health and Environmental Control and acknowledges that such employment is at-will.
The City Administrator, pursuant to the authority granted by the City of Vernon Charter and City Council, agrees to hire Employee, as an at-will employee, subject to the terms and conditions identified below.
AGREEMENT
Section 1: TERM
The effective date of this Agreement shall be May 6, 2026. Either party may terminate this Agreement pursuant to the provisions set forth below. Employee is an atwill employee and may be terminated, with or without cause, upon thirty (30) days written notice. Employee may resign with thirty (30) days advance notice as set forth in Section 8 below.
Section 2: DUTIES
A. City engages Employee as the Director of Health and Environmental Control to perform the functions and duties specified in the job description for the position (Attachment “A”, incorporated herein by this reference), as the same may be modified by the City Administrator, from time to time, and to perform such other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as the City Administrator shall, from time to time, assign.
B. Employee agrees that to the best of her ability and experience that she will at all times conscientiously perform the duties and obligations required, either express or implied, by the terms of this Agreement, the ordinances, resolutions and adopted policies of the City of Vernon and the laws and regulations of the State of California and the United States.
C. As a public employee, Employee is required to work a full and complete work week pursuant to the established work schedule as determined by the City Administrator, and devote whatever time is necessary to fulfill the employment responsibilities and duties as identified in this Agreement.
Resolution No. 2026-020
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D. During the term of this Agreement, Employee is required to have and maintain a valid California Driver’s license.
E. Employee acknowledges that in connection with the performance of her duties, she will obtain information from City employees and third parties that is of a confidential nature. Employee agrees that she will not disclose such confidential information other than to officers and employees of the City who have been authorized to have access to such information. Employee further agrees that if she has a question as to the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of her employment, she will contact the City Attorney for advice.
Section 3: EXCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT
Employee agrees to focus her professional time, ability and attention to City business during the term of this Agreement. Consequently, Employee agrees not to engage in any other business pursuits, whatsoever, directly or indirectly, render any services of a business, commercial, or professional nature to any other person or organization, for compensation, without the prior written consent of the City Administrator. This does not preclude Employee from volunteering her services to other entities or individuals as long as such volunteer services are not in conflict with the services to be provided by Employee under this Agreement.
Section 4: COMPENSATION
As compensation for the services to be rendered by Employee, City agrees to pay Employee a base starting salary of no less than $217,392, per year, payable in twenty-six (26) biweekly installments at the same time as other employees of the City are paid and subject to customary withholding. Salary adjustments (merit increases), if any, in Employee’s salary during the term of this Agreement shall be at the sole discretion of the City Administrator based upon the City Administrator’s evaluation of Employee’s job performance and within the base salary range established by the City Council or as otherwise approved by the City Council. Employee shall receive cost of living adjustments (COLAs) that are received by City executive staff, if any. Any and all adjustments shall be in accordance with City personnel policies and procedures.
Employee’s salary shall be reflected in the City’s publicly available salary schedule.
Section 5: BENEFITS
A. Retirement
As an employee of the City of Vernon, Employee will be enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan, as such plan may be amended by the City Council. As of the date of this employment agreement, such plan includes the 2.7% at 55 benefit formula for “classic” miscellaneous employees or the
2.0% at 62 benefit formula for “new” miscellaneous employees. The Employee pays for Resolution No. 2026-020
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the employee contribution to PERS. Classic CalPERS member employees currently pay an 8% employee contribution and a 3% share of the employer contribution. PEPRA CalPERS member employees currently pay a 7% employee contribution.
B. Other Executive Management Benefits
Employee shall receive all benefits specified by the then current Resolutions of the City Council of Vernon for Executive Management Staff, including, without limitation, those related to Vacation, Executive Leave, Holidays, Sick Leave, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Retiree Health benefits, Life Insurance, Flexible Benefits Plans, Other Leaves, Deferred Compensation at employee cost, and other types of leave in accordance with the Citywide Fringe Benefits Policy and Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. The benefits set forth in the City’s current Citywide Fringe Benefits Policy, shall be the minimum benefits provided to Employee, subject to any future enhancements or increases as may be approved and adopted by the City Council.
Upon Employee’s hire date, Employee shall receive credit for all previous fulltime years of service in other CalPERS public agencies for purposes of determining Employee's eligibility for Retiree Health benefits and in determining Employee’s accrual rate and eligibility for Sick Leave and Vacation time, as provided in the Citywide Fringe Benefits Policy.
Section 6: TERMINATION AND SEVERANCE PAY
A. Employee is an at-will employee and serves at the will and pleasure of the City Administrator and may be terminated at any time, without cause, subject to the conditions of paragraphs B and C of this section.
B. In the event that Employee is terminated by the City Administrator for reasons other than physical or mental incapacity, and other than those reasons noted in paragraph E, below, the City agrees to pay the employee a severance amount equal to six (6) months of base salary.
C. To be eligible for severance pay, as identified in paragraph B, of this section, Employee shall fulfill all of her obligations under this Agreement and shall sign a severance agreement and release of all claims against the City.
D. All severance payments shall be paid within thirty (30) calendar days of the date Employee executes the severance agreement and release of claims against the City.
E. Notwithstanding paragraphs A, B and C, above, if Employee resigns or retires, or is terminated due to insubordination, incapacity, dereliction of duty, violation of the City’s Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Policy III-1, conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or involving personal gain to her or abuse of her office or position or any felony or for a breach of this Agreement, City shall have no obligation to pay any severance provided in this section.
Furthermore, Employee agrees that any severance provided shall be fully reimbursed to the City if the Employee is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of her office or position.
Resolution No. 2026-020
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F. Upon termination, Employee shall be paid for all earned, but unused, vacation time and any sick leave if Employee meets the eligibility criteria for this type of leave payout.
Section 7: ABUSE OF OFFICE OR POSITION
If Employee is paid leave salary during a pending investigation, any salary provided for that purpose shall be fully reimbursed to the City if Employee is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of her office or position.
If Employee is provided funds for any legal criminal defense during her employment with the City, any funds provided for that purpose shall be fully reimbursed to the City if the Employee is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of her office or position.
If this Agreement is terminated, any cash settlement related to the termination that Employee may receive from the City shall be fully reimbursed to the City if Employee is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of her office or position.
Section 8: CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROHIBITION
Employee understands and agrees that because of the duties of Employee within and on behalf of the City of Vernon, Employee shall not, during the term of this Agreement, individually, as a partner, joint venture, officer or shareholder, invest or participate in any project, development, or venture conducting business within the corporate limits of the City of Vernon or within real property owned by the City of Vernon, except for stock ownership in any company whose capital stock is publicly held and regularly traded, without prior written approval of the City Council and compliance with all applicable state and local regulations governing financial conflicts of interest.
Employee further agrees not to invest in any real estate or property improvements within the corporate limits of the City of Vernon or on real property owned by the City of Vernon without prior written consent of the City Council.
Section 9: RESIGNATION / RETIREMENT
Employee may resign at any time. Employee may retire, provided she is eligible for retirement, at any time. Employee agrees to provide thirty (30) calendar days advance written notice of the effective date of her resignation or retirement.
In the event Employee retires or resigns, Employee shall be entitled to payment for earned, but unused, vacation time, and any sick leave if Employee meets the eligibility criteria for this type of leave payout, but not to severance pay as delineated in Section 6, paragraph B, above.
Section 10: DISABILITY
Resolution No. 2026-020
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If Employee is permanently disabled or otherwise unable to perform her duties because of sickness, accident, injury, mental incapacity or health for a period of thirty (30) calendar days beyond any earned sick leave, City shall have the option to terminate this Agreement; however, the City’s option to terminate under this Section shall be limited by its obligation to engage in the interactive process for reasonable accommodations and to provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.
Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit or restrict Employee’s benefits or rights under workers’ compensation or the Public Employees Retirement System (“PERS”).
However, as delineated in Section 6 of this Agreement, an employee terminated under this section is not eligible for severance pay.
In cases of disability, Employee shall be compensated for any earned, but unused, vacation leave, and any sick leave if Employee meets the eligibility criteria for this type of leave payout.
Section 11: GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. Notice
Any notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and either delivered in person or by first class, certified, return receipt requested U.S. Mail with postage prepaid. Such notice shall be addressed as follows:
TO CITY: City Administrator
City of Vernon
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, CA 90058
TO EMPLOYEE: Veronica Petrosyan
[Deliver to last updated address in personnel file]
B Entire Agreement
The text of this Agreement shall constitute the entire and exclusive agreement between the parties. All prior oral or written communications understanding or agreements between the parties, not set forth herein, shall be superseded in total by this Agreement. No Amendment or modification to this Agreement may be made except by a written agreement signed by the Employee and the City Administrator and approved as to form by the City Attorney.
C Assignment
Resolution No. 2026-020
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This Agreement is not assignable by either the City or Employee.
D Severability
In the event that any provision of this Agreement is finally held or determined to be illegal or void by a court having jurisdiction over the parties, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless the parts found to be void are wholly inseparable from the remaining portions of this Agreement.
E. Effect of Waiver
The failure of either party to insist on strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants, or conditions in this Agreement by the other party shall not be deemed a waiver of that term, covenant or condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power at any one time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of that right or power for all or any other time or times.
F. Jurisdiction
Any action to interpret or enforce the terms of this Agreement shall be held exclusively in a state court in Los Angeles County, California. Employee expressly waives any right to remove any such action from Los Angeles County.
G. Effective Date
This Agreement shall take effect on May 6, 2026.
[Signatures Begin on Next Page].
Resolution No. 2026-020
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of Vernon has caused this Agreement to be signed and executed on its behalf by its City Administrator, and executed by the Employee.
City of Vernon, a California charter City and
California municipal corporation
Dated: By:
Brian Saeki, City Administrator
ATTEST:
Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Zaynah Moussa-Milward, City Attorney
Resolution No. 2026-020
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In signing this Agreement, Employee understands and agrees that her employment status is that of an at-will employee and that her rights to employment with the City are governed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement rather than the ordinances, resolutions, and policies of the City of Vernon which might otherwise apply to employees of the City. Employee further acknowledges that she was given the opportunity to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement.
Signed:
Dated:
Employee
Resolution No. 2026-020
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ATTACHMENT A
Job Description
Resolution No. 2026-020
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Director of Health and Environmental Control
Date
Prepared:
Date
Revised:
March 2014
July 2025
Class Code: 2010
SUMMARY: Under limited supervision, the Director of Health and Environmental Control is responsible for the development, research, administration and execution of a complex and comprehensive public and environmental health program. Program areas include food safety; solid waste management; sustainability program coordination; rodent and vector control; water and sewage surveillance; cross connection control; hazardous materials and underground storage tank monitoring; above ground storage tanks; storm water; CalARP; garment manufacturing; site mitigation; land use; emergency response; housing and institutions; occupational health; industrial hygiene; communicable disease prevention; rabies and animal control in the City of Vernon.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Manages the Health Department through effective planning and fiscal management; provides leadership, direction and guidance in health and environmental strategies and priorities; evaluates and analyzes issues, and recommends and implements solutions; monitors and assures public and environmental activities and procedures are in compliance with all laws, policies, and regulations.
Resolution No. 2026-020
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• Conducts analyses and evaluations of environmental and public health programs in terms of present and future needs of the community.
• Acts as the Health Officer in conformance with State and local laws. • Manages Health Department staff, prioritizes projects, evaluates performance, and resolves workload and technical issues; assures that appropriate services are provided.
• Provides leadership and direction for all health and environmental control programs and activities.
• Coordinate programs with other City of Vernon departments and with regional, State and Federal agencies.
• Responds to environmental health complaints, coordinates environmental risk assessments, and directs the resolution of environmental health issues. • Responds to emergency incidents involving hazardous materials and disease vectors; coordinates inter-agency investigations of environmental health hazards and emergencies.
• Monitors changes in proposed legislation and makes recommendations affecting public and environmental health matters.
• Represents the City of Vernon and acts as Commission Director of the Sustainability Development and Energy Efficiency Commission. • Keeps abreast of current principles and practices of environmental health including regional public health protocols, environmental protection issues, and regulatory enforcement standards.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Biological Science, Chemistry, or related science field; AND five years of experience at an upper management level involving program planning, training and supervision of field activities in a California public health/environmental regulatory agency.
Master’s Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, or a related field is desirable.
Knowledge of:
• City policies and procedures.
• Federal and state laws, codes, rules, and regulations related to public/environmental health.
• Techniques and practices for efficient and cost effective management of resources.
• Regional public health protocols, environmental protection issues, and regulatory enforcement standards.
Resolution No. 2026-020
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• Techniques of investigating and resolving complex environmental health problems and conditions.
• Physical and biological science standards and guidelines used in environmental quality controls.
• Environmental research and statistical evaluation principles and methods. • Techniques of investigating, inspecting, and resolving public health issues. • Customer service and public relations methods and practices. • Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
Skill in:
• Interpreting and applying state and federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance
• Working effectively with others to develop solutions for public/environmental health problems.
• Applying environmental health and safety principles and practices in a regulatory environment.
• Inspecting, testing, and analyzing complex multidisciplinary environmental health issues.
• Interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables. • Following and applying scientific principles and procedures for public/environmental health investigations.
• Collecting and analyzing data, and making appropriate recommendations. • Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands. • Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software. • Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers. • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California State Driver’s License is required. Certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist from the California State Department of Health, and additional specific technical certifications are preferred and may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office environment, and in internal and external environments throughout the City, with possibility of exposure to hazardous materials.
Resolution No. 2026-020
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Pursuant to California Government Code §3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.
JOB SERIES:
Environmental Health Intern
Environmental Health Technician
Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist Trainee Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist I
Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist II
Deputy Director of Health and Environmental Control
Director of Health and Environmental Control
Resolution No. 2026-020
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City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: May 5, 2026
From: Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
Submitted by: Sandra Dolson, Deputy City Clerk
Subject
Results of the City of Vernon April 14, 2026, General Municipal Election and City Council Reorganization
Recommendation
A. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-021 reciting the facts and declaring the results of the General Municipal Election held on April 14, 2026;
B. Acknowledge and present a proclamation and ten-year service pin to retiring Mayor Leticia Lopez;
C. Administer the Oath of Office to Council-Elect Monica Rodriguez and present Certificate of Election; and
D. Conduct the City Council reorganization.
Background
On November 18, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-031 calling the General Municipal Election on April 14, 2026, to fill one Council seat. On April 14, 2026, the General Municipal Election was held in conformance with the City Charter, Vernon Municipal Code, California Elections Code, and the Federal Voting Rights Act.
A semi-official count of the returned All-Mail Ballots was conducted on April 14, 2026, immediately following the close of voting at 8:00 p.m. A second count was conducted on April 22, 2026, following the signature verification process of ballots not counted on election night and those received by April 21, 2026, the deadline to receive postmarked ballots.
Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10263, the City Council must adopt a resolution reciting the facts of the election. Attached to the resolution are the Official Results, which detail the total votes cast for each candidate. The final ballot count was as follows:
Candidate Votes
Monica Rodriguez 38
Carol Menke 16
Based on the results, candidate Monica Rodriguez was elected to the City Council for a full fiveyear term that will expire in April 2031.
Following adoption of the resolution reciting the election results, and the recognition of outgoing Mayor Lopez, the Oath of Office will be administered to Council-Elect Rodriguez, and City Council will reorganize.
Retirement Proclamation and Ten-Year Service Pin
Historically, the City Council has issued proclamations in honor of retired City Council Members.
The Honorable Mayor Leticia Lopez has reached her term limit on the City Council and is retiring effective May 5, 2026, after ten years of service to the City. .
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Mayor Lopez was elected to serve on the City Council as a write-in candidate in April of 2016 and was re-elected to serve a second term in April 2021. While on Council, Council Member Lopez was appointed to serve as Mayor in April 2020, April 2022, and June 2025, each time serving as Mayor for a yearlong term. Council Member Lopez served as Mayor Pro Tempore from April 2019 to April 2020.
While on the City Council, Mayor Lopez represented the City as an appointed member on various external boards, including the Board of Directors of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, the Independent Cities Finance Authority, and the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. Mayor Lopez also served on City boards including the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, the Board of Library Trustees, and served as the City Council representative on the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee (Grant Committee) and the Vernon Housing Commission.
Mayor Lopez’s leadership on the City Council has been instrumental in guiding the City towards fiscal stability, continued commitment to good governance, increased public engagement and increased services for residents, and making investments in public infrastructure to better serve the business community, including the purchase of the Malburg Generating Station. Mayor Lopez consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Vernon residents and the surrounding community. Her service on the Grant Committee supported the creation of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Scholarship Program, providing scholarships to high school students pursuing post-secondary education opportunities. As a member on the Library Board of Trustees Ad Hoc Committee, Mayor Lopez aided in the development of the Little Free Libraries and the Vernon Reads! Programs to encourage literacy in the community. Also, during her tenure, the City Council established the Sports Access Community Alliance (SACA) Program, ensuring fair and equitable access to sports programming for youth in the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) area.
During her distinguished public service career on the Vernon City Council, Mayor Lopez earned the deepest respect of her colleagues, employees, residents, and the business community through her dedication, commitment, and leadership.
Mayor Lopez holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from California State University Long Beach and a Master of Arts in Human Development: Leadership in Education from Pacific Oaks College.
Mayor Lopez was sworn in to office as a Council Member on May 26, 2016, and will retire from the City Council effective May 5, 2026.
In addition to receiving a proclamation, Mayor Lopez is eligible to receive a ten-year service pin based on the number of service years with the City of Vernon.
City Council Reorganization
In accordance with the City of Vernon Charter Article III, Chapter 3.4, the City Council will reorganize.
Pursuant to the City of Vernon Charter Article III, Chapter 3.5, Council Member Melissa Ybarra, entering her fifth year on the City Council, will be seated as the Mayor. In the event any Council Member scheduled to be Mayor is unable or desires not to be the Mayor, the position of Mayor shall be filled by Council Members in descending order if necessary. .
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Item 16 Page 2 of 46
Pursuant to the City of Vernon Charter Article III, Chapter 3.6, Council Member Rivera, entering his fourth year on the City Council, will be seated as the Mayor Pro Tempore. In the event any Council Member scheduled to be Mayor Pro Tempore is unable or desires not to be the Mayor Pro Tempore, the position shall be filled by the Council Members in descending order if necessary.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Resolution No. 2026-021
2. Proclamation – Leticia Lopez
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Item 16 Page 3 of 46
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-021
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON,
CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE ALL MAIL-BALLOT
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON APRIL 14, 2026,
DECLARING THE RESULTS AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS
PROVIDED BY LAW
SECTION 1. Recitals.
A. An all-mail ballot General Municipal Election was held and conducted in the City of Vernon, California, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as required by law.
B. Notice of the Election was given in time, form and manner as provided by law; candidates were nominated to fill the vacancy as required by law; election officers were appointed; and in all respects the election was held and conducted and the votes were cast, received and canvassed and the returns made and declared in the time, form and manner as required by the provisions of the City Charter and Elections Code of the State of California for the holding of elections in charter cities.
C. The City Clerk canvassed the returns of the election and has certified the results to the City Council, which certification and results are received, attached, and made a part hereto as Exhibit A.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby finds and determines that the above recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 3. The total number of ballots legally cast in the General Municipal Election on April 14, 2026, was 54 ballots.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk canvassed the returns of the election and certified the results to the City Council, which certification and results are received and accepted, attached and made a part hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 5. That the names of persons and the office for which they were voted are as follows:
Member of the City Council Votes
Monica Rodriguez 38
Carol Menke 16
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Item 16 Page 4 of 46
Resolution No. 2026-021
_______________________
SECTION 6. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby declares that Monica Rodriguez was elected as member of the City Council for the full term of five (5) years.
SECTION 7. The City Clerk shall enter on the records of the City Council of the City, a statement of the result of the election, showing: (1) the whole number of votes cast in the City; (2) The names of the persons voted for; (3) For what office each person was voted for; (4) The number of votes given to each person.
SECTION 8. The City Clerk shall execute a Certificate of Election.
SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall immediately make and deliver to the person so elected a Certificate of Election signed by the City Clerk and authenticated.
SECTION 10. The Oath of Office prescribed in the Constitution of the State of California shall be administered to the person elected and the City Clerk shall have him or her subscribe to it and file it in the Office of the City Clerk. The person so elected shall then be inducted into the respective office to which he or she has been elected.
SECTION 11. Severability. If any provision of this Resolution or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications, and to this end, the provisions of this Resolution are declared to be severable.
SECTION 12. The City Clerk, or Deputy City Clerk, shall certify the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED May 5, 2026.
LETICIA LOPEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ZAYNAH MOUSSA-MILWARD,
City Attorney
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Item 16 Page 5 of 46
Resolution No. 2026-021
_______________________
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF VERNON )
I do hereby certify that the attached is a true copy of Resolution No. 2026-021 that was passed and adopted at the Regular Meeting held on May 5, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
__________________________
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
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Item 16 Page 6 of 46
CITY OF VERNON
APRIL 14, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
OFFICIAL RESULTS
I, Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk of the City of Vernon, California, do hereby certify that I have canvassed the April 14, 2026 General Municipal Election ballots returned as of April 22, 2026, and find the number of votes cast as follows:
TO ELECT ONE
COUNCIL MEMBER
1st Count
April 14, 2026
2nd Count
April 22, 2026 Total
Monica Rodriguez 27 11 38
Carol Menke 11 5 16
Total Votes 38 16 54
VOTER TURNOUT
These results are official and reflect all ballots received.
Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk
April 22, 2026
Registered Voters 108
Total Ballots Cast 54
Voter Turnout 50%
Resolution No. 2026-021
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Exhibit A
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Item 16 Page 7 of 46
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VERNON
C: ~1 t 1 F U R N i
A PROCLAMATION OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF VERNON COMMENDING AND HONORING
LETICIA LOPEZ FOR HER MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY WHEREAS, Leticia Lopez has resided in the City of Vernon since 2014 and faithfully served her fellow citizens and the City for ten years in her capacity as a Council Member; and WHEREAS, after a decade of public service, and having reached the term limit, Leticia Lopez will retire from the City Council effective May 5, 2026, following the completion of her second full term in office; and
WHEREAS, Leticia Lopez was first elected to serve on the City Council as a write-in candidate on April 12, 2016 and was re-elected to serve a second term on April 13, 2021; and WHEREAS, during her tenure on the City Council, Leticia Lopez served as Mayor of the City of Vernon from April 21, 2020 through April 20, 2021; a second time from April 19, 2022 through May 2, 2023 and again from June 17, 2025 through May 5, 2026; and served as Mayor Pro Tempore from April 16, 2019 through April 21, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Leticia Lopez represented the community and the City on various boards for area organizations including the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, Independent Cities Finance Authority and the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District; and WHEREAS, as a member of the Vernon City Council, Leticia Lopez also served as a member of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency; Vernon's Board of Library Trustees, the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee, and Vernon Housing Commission; and WHEREAS, Leticia Lopez has served as a dedicated public servant, steadfast in her commitment to the City's progress and good governance; whose leadership has been instrumental in guiding the City towards fiscal stability, increasing public engagement and services for residents, and making investments in public infrastructure to better serve the business community, including the purchase of the Malburg Generating Station; and
WHEREAS, Leticia Lopez consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Vernon residents and those in surrounding communities through her support of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Scholarship Program, providing scholarships to high school students pursuing post-secondary education opportunities; the establishment of the Little Free Libraries Program and Vernon Reads! Programs to encourage literacy; and the creation of the Sports Access Community Alliance (SAGA) Program, ensuring fair and equitable access to sports programming for youth in the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) area; and
WHEREAS, during her distinguished career with the City of Vernon, Leticia Lopez has won the deepest respect of her colleagues, employees, residents and the business community through her dedication, leadership, and exceptional public service; and WHEREAS, it is an honor to express our appreciation to Leticia Lopez for her exemplary service to the City of Vernon and wish Ms. Lopez good health upon her retirement from the City Council and for continued success in life's pursuits.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON, ON BEHALF OF
ITS EMPLOYEES, RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES HEREBY COMMEND AND CONGRATULATE LETICIA LOPEZ FOR HER MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY. THIS PROCLAMATION IS BEING PRESENTED TO LETICIA
LOPEZ BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR PRO TEMPORE MELISSA YBARRA FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON THIS 5TH DAY OF MAY TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-SIX.
CITY OF VERNON
MELISSA YBARRA, Mayor Pro Tempore
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