MINUTES
VERNON CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ybarra called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ybarra led the Flag Salute.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Melissa Ybarra, Mayor
Jesus Rivera, Mayor Pro Tem
Crystal Larios, Council Member
Judith Merlo, Council Member
Monica Rodriguez, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Zaynah Moussa-Milward, City Attorney
Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk
Alice Hui, Finance Director/City Treasurer
Veronica Petrosyan, Health and Environmental Control Director Su Tan, Human Resources Director
Robert Sousa, Police Chief
Dan Wall, Public Works Director-City Engineer
Todd Dusenberry, Public Utilities General Manager
Lisette Grizzelle, Human Resources Manager
Richard Corbi, Public Utilities Assistant General Manager
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Rivera moved and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. City of Vernon Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts Recommendation: A. Conduct a Public Hearing; and B. Receive and file an informational report and presentation on the City of Vernon vacancies, and recruitment and retention efforts pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561/Government Code Section 3502.3.
Human Resources Director Tan presented the staff report and Human Resources Manager Grizelle conducted a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Ybarra opened the public hearing at 9:09 a.m. There being no speakers, Mayor Ybarra closed the public hearing at 9:10 a.m.
Mayor Ybarra invited further Council discussion. There being none, Mayor Ybarra called for a motion.
MOTION
Council Member Larios moved and Council Member Merlo seconded a motion to approve recommendations A and B. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Ybarra invited public comments. There being none, Mayor Ybarra, called for a motion.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Rivera moved and Council Member Rodriguez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
2. Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the May 19, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
3. Operating Account Warrant Register
Recommendation: Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 174, for the period of April 19, 2026 through May 2, 2026, totaling $8,583,363.87 and consisting of ratification of electronic payments totaling $8,373,680.98 and ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $209,682.89.
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4. Public Works Department Monthly Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the April 2026 Building Report.
5. Report on Contract Award to Invoice Cloud Approved by the City Administrator
Recommendation: Receive and file the report on the award of Amendment No. 1 to the Contract with Invoice Cloud for processing of online payments and donations as approved by the City Administrator pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Sections
3.32.110(B)(2) and 3.32.110(B)(3).
6. Annual Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-023 approving an Annual Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and delegating investment authority to the Director of Finance/City Treasurer.
7. Contract with DASH Construction Company Inc. for Citywide Street Tree Planting Project
Recommendation: A. Find that award of the proposed contract is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15304, because the Project consists of only minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation that does not involve removal of healthy , mature, scenic trees is merely to repair existing streets and involves no expansion of existing use; B. Accept the bid proposal from DASH Construction Company, Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and reject all other bids; C. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a contract with DASH Construction Company, Inc. in substantially the same form as submitted, in an amount not-to-exceed $484,900; and D. Authorize a contingency amount of ten percent (10%) or $48,490 in the event of an unexpected changed condition in the Project, and grant authority to the City Administrator to issue change orders for an amount up to the contingency amount, if necessary.
NEW BUSINESS
8. Brown Act Updates Related to Senate Bill 707
Recommendation: A. Receive a presentation on Brown Act updates related to the teleconferencing and accessibility provisions under Senate Bill 707 (SB 707); B.
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-024 Approving a Technology Disruption Policy; and C.
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-025 Determining “reasonable efforts” for outreach to encourage participation in City Council meetings.
City Clerk Rocha presented the staff report.
Mayor Ybarra invited public comments and there were none.
Mayor Ybarra inquired about the steps the City had taken to implement and test the two-way communication system. City Clerk Rocha explained that the remote participation option was used during the COVID-19 pandemic and periodically had been utilized with outside consultants who participated in the meeting remotely.
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Additionally, it had recently been utilized at the Business and Industry Commission meeting.
Mayor Ybarra called for a motion.
MOTION
Council Member Larios moved and Council Member Rodriguez seconded a motion to approve recommendations A, B, and C. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
9. Amendment to Classification and Compensation Plan
Recommendation: A. Approve revised job descriptions and reclassifications; and B. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-026 adopting the Classification and Compensation Plan in accordance with Government Code Section 20636(b)(1) and repealing Resolution No. 2026-004, effective February 17, 2026.
Human Resources Director Tan presented the staff report.
Mayor Ybarra invited public comments. There being none, Mayor Ybarra called for a motion.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Rivera moved and Council Member Merlo seconded a motion to approve recommendations A and B. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
10. Franchise Towing Service Agreement
Recommendation: A. Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 1313 granting Mr. C’s Towing of South Gate, Inc., a franchise towing services agreement for a term of three years; and B. Direct staff to schedule the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 1313 for the June 16, 2026, City Council meeting.
Police Chief Sousa presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued and Council Member Larios requested that Chief Sousa explain the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, and Chief Sousa explained the selection process.
Council Member Larios inquired about whether there was anything that set Mr. C's apart from other companies and the reasoning behind moving from three to a single provider. Chief Sousa commented on Mr. C's proven track record and noted their strong partnership with the department. He mentioned that their fees were typically at or below average, and their response time was excellent compared to other top providers. Additionally, they could accommodate heavy loads, and they had a tow yard next door in Maywood, which made it convenient for staff and Docusign Envelope ID: D00B0739-F494-8CA9-8014-585DD145F418 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9
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residents. Regarding the decision to move to a single operator, Chief Sousa explained that staff found that, with the other two tow providers, the companies did not fully staff the required services, and their response times were slower, whereas Mr. C’s has consistently met the 30-minute response time.
City Attorney Moussa-Milward clarified that the contract with Mr. C’s was not an exclusive franchise agreement. Per the City’s Municipal Code, selected or nonwinning bids can be placed on a list to be used by the City.
Council Member Merlo expressed concern about comments she came across about the service provided by Mr. C’s in neighboring cities and wanted to ensure the City was acting ethically.
Mayor Ybarra asked whether the franchise fees collected by the City cover the City’s administrative costs, and Chief Sousa confirmed that they did.
Mayor Ybarra called for public comment. There being none, Mayor Ybarra called for a motion.
City Clerk Rocha read the title of Ordinance No. 1313 into the record.
Council Member Larios requested that staff provide updates to the City Council regarding Mr. C’s services and inform the City Council of any complaints received.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Rivera moved and Council Member Rodriguez seconded a motion to approve recommendations A and B. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
11. 2026 Military Equipment Use Policy Ordinance and Report Recommendation: A. Review and approve the 2026 Military Equipment Report; and B. Renew Ordinance No. 1282, approving the Police Department’s military equipment funding, acquisition, and use policy.
Police Chief Sousa presented the staff report.
Mayor Ybarra invited public comments. There being none, Mayor Ybarra called for a motion.
MOTION
Council Member Larios moved and Council Member Merlo seconded a motion to approve recommendations A and B. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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12. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Workshop II
Recommendation: Conduct a workshop and provide direction to staff on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 estimated revenues and proposed expenditures in preparation for FY 2026-27 Citywide Budget adoption.
City Administrator Saeki presented the staff report.
City Administrator Saeki provided an overview of the Strategic Plan Expenditures, which were one-time expenditures, and introduced Vernon City Elementary School Principal Leonora Carrillo, who presented a request to the City Council to fund the School Interventionist position. The position was previously funded through a grant, but in the upcoming fiscal year, the school budget cannot sustain it.
School Interventionist Maria Nercessian also provided information about the interventionist program and its positive impact on students.
City Administrator Saeki requested direction from the City Council on whether they wanted to continue with the one-time expenditures for the Strategic Plan Initiatives, which he estimated totaled approximately $540,000.
Mayor Ybarra inquired what the City was doing to reduce expenses and avoid burdening businesses, given that the City was considering an electricity rate increase in addition to other taxes businesses already pay. City Administrator Saeki responded that the City had taken steps to present a balanced budget; the total number of full-time employees had not increased; staff positions were frozen or underfilled; and staff had been reduced where possible without cutting projects.
Mayor Ybarra opined that perhaps some projects could be delayed; she recognized the need for the for the 4% increase in electric rates; however, rising costs were impacting everyone.
There was discussion amongst the City Council regarding potential cuts, funding the requested position for Vernon City Elementary School, providing relief to the local businesses, and funding the one-time expenditures for the Strategic Initiatives.
Mayor Pro Tem Rivera and Council Member Larios both stated they agreed to fund the Interventionist position for Vernon City Elementary.
There was a consensus from the City Council to defer the Library Nook, which was estimated at $38,000.
Mayor Ybarra stated she was not in agreement to fund the school’s request.
Council Member Larios noted the importance of funding the school’s request.
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The City Council asked Principal Carrillo additional questions regarding the student-teacher ratio, the percentage of students assessed and served specifically by the Interventionist, and the school’s plan if funding for the position were not received. Principal Carrillo stated that 1/3 of their students receive the services.
She also explained the impact of losing the position: tutoring would still be provided, but fewer students would be served.
Council Member Larios inquired whether the City could afford to absorb a $200,000 position. Mayor Ybarra asked what the actual cost of the School Interventionist position was, and Principal Carrillo stated it was approximately $180,000, not including future labor negotiations.
Council Member Rodriguez asked what the plan was for the following year if the position is not funded by the School District. Principal Carrillo stated the School District was working on a plan.
City Administrator Saeki stated that the proposed budget could absorb the cost of funding the position because there is a $240,000 surplus, and if the City Council was not comfortable with doing so, they could consider a $3 million surplus from the last fiscal year and allocate it as a one-time expenditure.
Mayor Ybarra asked whether the surplus could be transferred to Vernon Public Utilities to help with the deficit, and City Administrator Saeki stated that it would be a policy decision the City Council would need to make; there could be potential legal issues, it is not a common practice, and staff would need to research further before responding to the question.
Mayor Ybarra stated that she preferred to defer the budget decision until that question could be answered.
Council Member Larios stated she would prefer to provide the requested direction to staff.
MOTION
Mayor Pro-Tem Rivera moved, and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to approve the Interventionist position for Vernon City Elementary. The question was called, and the motion carried 4-1 with Mayor Ybarra voting in opposition.
Finance Director Hui presented an overview of the general budget.
Public Utilities General Manager, Todd Dussenberry, and Assistant Public Utilities General Manager Richard Corbi, presented an overview of the proposed electric rate increase and staff’s recommendation to simplify the utility bill for customers by combining the Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA) and Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) rates to have a base rate that will cover expenses and have one charge for the services provided.
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Mayor Ybarra asked what the Business and Industry Commission's recommendation was. Public Utilities Manager Dusenberry informed the City Council that the sentiment of the Commission was to increase the utility rates by 4% for the fiscal year 2026-27, study the increase for the following year and evaluate over the course of the year whether the increase was needed; set the ECA at 1 cent and the RPS at 1 cent, and keep the ECA and RPS fees separate on the billing statement.
Mayor Ybarra invited public comments.
Cathy Browne, General Manager at Crown Poly, spoke on the impact of increased utility costs on their business operations in Vernon. She stated the company now faces financial challenges due to rising costs, including demands for an 8% utility charge. Browne expressed concern over the company's inability to hire, the need to cut incentives, and plans to halt expansion in Vernon. She urged the council to consider tough budget choices to support local businesses.
Marisa Olguin of the Vernon Chamber stated that the general fund currently stood at $52 million, a significant recovery from a previous deficit. Olguin recalled a decision made in 2018-2019 to outsource fire services to manage a $19.26 million budget due to rising retirement costs. She raised concerns regarding the Police Department’s funding, which exceeded 50%. Olguin noted that an urgent evaluation was needed to ensure the city maintains its safety and budget integrity.
Public Utilities General Manager Dusenberry stated he understood the business community’s concerns. He emphasized the City’s commitment to customer care.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the utility and highlighted a goal of improving service and rates in the upcoming years. Despite past difficulties, he was optimistic about the progress the city would make over the next three to five years, aiming for significant improvements while maintaining cost savings.
Mayor Ybarra recommended accepting the Business and Industry Commission's recommendation to keep the 4% utility rate, maintain the ECA at one cent, and reduce the RPS from 1.5 cents to one cent. The City Council expressed agreement with this approach, leading to a motion and a second from Council members to move forward.
MOTION
Mayor Ybarra moved and Council Member Larios second a motion to direct staff to implement the Business and Industry Commission’s recommendation regarding the utility rates, which was to increase the utility rates by 4% for the fiscal year 2026-27, set the ECA at 1 cent and the RPS at 1 cent, and keep the ECA and RPS fees separate on the billing statement. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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ORAL REPORTS
13. City Administrator Reports on Activities and Other Announcements City Administrator Saeki announced the Business Breakfast information meeting would take place on Wednesday, June 3rd, at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers.
14. Council Reports on Activities (including AB 1234), Announcements, or Directives to Staff
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ybarra adjourned the meeting at 10:53 a.m.
_____________________________
MELISSA YBARRA, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
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