MINUTES
VERNON CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ybarra called the meeting to order at 9:04 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
Angela Kimmey, Public Utilities Deputy General Manager
Richard Corbi, Public Utilities Assistant General Manager Joanna Hurtado-Moreno, Water Administrator
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Rivera moved and Council Member Rodriguez seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Docusign Envelope ID: 834B3FA3-A90E-8E5A-825A-EAD1B6BB08F6 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9
June 16, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Rocha announced that a written comment was received from Edward Hernandez concerning data centers, and that a copy had been provided to each member and that the comment was available online for public review.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Employee Service Pin Awards
Recommendation: Recognize May 2026 Employee Service Pin Award recipients.
Human Resources Director Tan presented the staff report, and the City Council recognized the May 2026 Employee Service Pin Award recipients: Building and Planning Supervisor, Wesley Cruz; Police Sergeant, Anthony Encinas; Water Maintenance Worker, Daniel Gomez; Police Records Technician, Ailin Huynh; and Procurement Specialist, Efren Peregrina.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Ybarra invited public comments. There being none, Mayor Ybarra, asked if any member wished to pull any item. Council Member Larios indicated that she would like to discuss Item No. 11. Mayor Ybarra called for a motion.
MOTION
Council Member Larios moved and Council Member Rodriguez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item No. 11. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
2. Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the June 2, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
3. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Receive and file the claim submitted by Adam Willis.
4. Operating Account Warrant Register
Recommendation: Approve Operating Account Warrant Register No. 175, for the period of May 3, 2026 through May 16, 2026, totaling $7,453,726.95 and consisting of ratification of electronic payments totaling $7,276,593.36 and ratification of the issuance of early checks totaling $177,133.59.
5. Franchise Towing Services Agreement
Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance No. 1313 granting a Franchise Towing Services Agreement to Mr. C’s Towing of South Gate, Inc.
6. Fire Department Activity Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the April 2026 Fire Department Activity Report.
Docusign Envelope ID: 834B3FA3-A90E-8E5A-825A-EAD1B6BB08F6 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 9
June 16, 2026
7. Police Department Activity Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the April 2026 Police Department Activity Report.
8. Property and Casualty Insurance Placements for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute all related documents to procure the City’s annual insurance coverage for Fiscal Year 2026-27, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, for a total amount not-toexceed $5,587,684.
9. City Housing Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the City Housing Report presented at the Special Vernon Housing Commission Meeting on April 28, 2026.
10. Application for 2026 Tree City USA Designation
Recommendation: Authorize the Mayor to sign and the Public Works Department to submit a 2026 Tree City USA Application to the Arbor Day Foundation.
12. Blanket Purchase Order with The Home Depot
Recommendation: Approve the issuance of a blanket Purchase Order with The Home Depot in an amount not-to-exceed $234,250 to procure supplies for the Public Works Department and Vernon Public Utilities for operational needs and special projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
13. Master Sales Agreement with Itron, Inc.
Recommendation: A. Find that the best interests of the City are served by a direct award of an agreement with Itron, Inc. (Itron) without a competitive selection process, pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section (VMC) 3.32.110(B)(2); B.
Pursuant to Sections 3.32.220(B) and 3.32.110(B)(3) of the VMC, find that it is commercially unreasonable to rebid the proposed agreement for support and maintenance every three years, as Software as a Service (Saas), software license, firmware, and equipment, and maintenance services for existing City utility meters are only available through Itron; and C. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Master Sales Agreement with Itron, in substantially the same form as submitted, for utility metering hardware, software, and maintenance services in an amount not-to-exceed $285,229.68 for a five-year term.
14. Support and Maintenance Agreement with Advanced Utility Systems Recommendation: A. Pursuant to Sections 3.32.220(B) and 3.32.110(B)(3) of the Vernon Municipal Code (VMC), find that it is commercially unreasonable to rebid the proposed agreement for support and maintenance every three years, as a substantial upgrade to the billing system has recently been completed, the software platform is proprietary to Advanced Utility Systems, a division of N. Harris Computer Corporation (Advanced), and continuity of support is critical for maintaining the reliable operation of the City’s utility billing system; and B. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Support and Maintenance Agreement with Advanced, in substantially the same form as submitted, to provide software support and maintenance to the Infinity Customer Information System (CIS) billing system in an amount not-to-exceed $446,604.60 for a five-year term.
Docusign Envelope ID: 834B3FA3-A90E-8E5A-825A-EAD1B6BB08F6 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9
June 16, 2026
The following item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for individual consideration:
11. Amendment No.1 to Services Agreement with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc., Contract No. 20250081
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute Amendment No.1 to the Services Agreement with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc., in substantially the same form as submitted, for On-Call Building Plan Checks and Inspection Services, for a total amount not to exceed $2,500,000 in additional funds.
Public Works Director Wall presented the staff report.
Council Member Larios inquired whether there would be an extension of cost and time, or just of cost, and requested clarification on the reason. Public Works Director Wall explained that there would only be an increase in costs. Interwest Consulting Group collects a portion of the fees charged, and the increase is due to the volume of development activity in the City over the last two years, which has required extensive coordination between applicants and Interwest Consulting Group. Because the projects were high-value, the funds were exhausted.
MOTION
Council Member Larios moved and Mayor Pro Tem Rivera seconded a motion to approve the recommendations for Item No. 11. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
15. Public Safety Special Parcel Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommendation: A. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-027 determining the Public Safety Special Parcel Tax levied for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27, pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 3.20.020; and B. Approve and authorize the Director of Finance to execute an Agreement for Billing Direct Assessments (Public Safety Special Parcel Tax) with the County of Los Angeles Auditor-Controller’s Office, in substantially the same form as submitted, for the collection and distribution of the Public Safety Special Parcel Tax for FY 2026-27.
Finance Director Hui presented the staff report.
Mayor Ybarra invited public comment, there being none, and no discussion from the City Council, Mayor Ybarra invited 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.
Docusign Envelope ID: 834B3FA3-A90E-8E5A-825A-EAD1B6BB08F6 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9
June 16, 2026
16. Warehouse Special Parcel Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommendation: A. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-028 determining the Warehouse Special Parcel Tax levied for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 3.20.010; and B. Approve and authorize the Director of Finance to execute an Agreement for Billing of Direct Assessments (Warehouse Special Parcel Tax) with the County of Los Angeles Auditor-Controller’s Office, in substantially the same form as submitted, for the collection and distribution of the Warehouse Special Parcel Tax for FY 2026-27.
Finance Director Hui presented the staff report.
Mayor Ybarra invited public comment, there being none, and no discussion from the City Council, Mayor Ybarra invited a motion.
MOTION
Council Member Merlo moved and Council Member Rodriguez seconded a motion to approve recommendations A and B. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
17. Electric Rate Schedules, Energy Cost Adjustment Billing Factor, and Renewable Energy Cost Adjustment Factor
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-029 to Amend Electric Rate Schedule Nos. CS, D, GS-1, GS-2, LS-1, LS-2, OL-1, PA-1, PA-2, PA-TOU, TC-1, TOU-I, TOU GS-1, TOU GS-2, TOU PA-1, TOU-D, TOU-G, TOU-V, TOU-Vt, and GP regarding electrical rates to be charged for electrical energy distributed and supplied by the City within its boundaries.
Public Utilities General Manager Dusenberry presented the staff report.
Mayor Ybarra inquired how City staff notified customers of the increase in RPS rates, and Public Utilities Assistant General Manager Corbi stated that the City has maintained a stable rate and most recently informed customers during the information meetings held.
Mayor Ybarra inquired whether staff were seeing an increase or decrease in prices since tariffs were being removed and how staff were recovering costs. Public Utilities Assistant General Manager Corbi responded that staff had rejected any billings with tariff-associated costs, since the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs were unconstitutional, and that they were looking into recovering those costs.
Mayor Ybarra invited public comment, there being none, Mayor Ybarra invited a motion.
MOTION
Council Member Larios moved and Council Member Rodriguez seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-029 to Amend Electric Rate Schedule Nos. CS, D, GS-1, GS-2, LS-1, LS-2, OL-1, PA-1, PA-2, PA-TOU, TC-1, TOU-I, TOU GS-1, Docusign Envelope ID: 834B3FA3-A90E-8E5A-825A-EAD1B6BB08F6 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 9
June 16, 2026
TOU GS-2, TOU PA-1, TOU-D, TOU-G, TOU-V, TOU-Vt, and GP regarding electrical rates to be charged for electrical energy distributed and supplied by the City within its boundaries. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
18. Amendments to Natural Gas Rule No. 14
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-030 Amending Natural Gas Rule No. 14 (Service Connections and Facilities on Customer’s Premises) regarding the Rules for Gas Service for gas distributed and supplied by the City within its boundaries.
Public Utilities General Manager Dusenberry introduced the Public Utilities Deputy General Manager Kimmey, who presented the staff report.
The Mayor invited public comment, there being none, and no discussion from the City Council, Mayor Ybarra invited a motion.
MOTION
Council Member Larios moved and Council Member Merlo seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-030 Amending Natural Gas Rule No. 14 (Service Connections and Facilities on Customer’s Premises) regarding the Rules for Gas Service for gas distributed and supplied by the City within its boundaries.
19. Commission and Committee Appointments
Recommendation: A. Appoint two (2) Business Representatives, one (1) Employee/Labor Representative, and (1) Real Estate Representative to full fouryear terms (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030) to the Business and Industry Commission; B. Appoint one (1) Business Representative, and one (1) Vernon Area Representative to full four-year terms (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030) and one (1) City Council Representative and one (1) Vernon Area Representative to a partial term (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029) to the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee; C. Appoint two (2) Business Representatives to full four-year terms (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030) to the Green Vernon Commission; and D. Appoint one (1) Resident (Council Member) to a partial term (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029) to the Vernon Housing Commission.
City Clerk Rocha presented the staff report.
Mayor Ybarra invited public comment, there being none, discussion ensued amongst the City Council regarding the appointments.
Council Member Larios suggested that applicants be encouraged to submit a resume with their applications to provide more information for the City Council to consider.
Docusign Envelope ID: 834B3FA3-A90E-8E5A-825A-EAD1B6BB08F6 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 9
June 16, 2026
Mayor Ybarra and Council Member Rodriguez abstained from proposing appointments to the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Vernon Area Representative due to relatives having submitted applications for consideration.
The remainder of the City Council proposed appointing Ronit Edry, Leticia Lopez, and Brenda Orellana to the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee.
Mayor Ybarra invited a motion at the conclusion of the proposed appointments to all Commissions and Committees.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Rivera moved and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to appoint Catherine Browne and Ronit Edry as the Business Representatives, Jacquie Cabrera as the Employee/Labor Representative, and Miles Solomon as the Real Estate Representative to full four-year terms (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030) to the Business and Industry Commission; B. Appoint Ronit Edry as the Business Representative, and Leticia Lopez as Vernon Area Representative to full four-year terms (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030), and Judith Merlo as City Council Representative and Brenda Orellana as Vernon Area Representative to a partial term (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029) to the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee; C. Appoint Catherine Browne and Ronit Edry Business Representatives to full four-year terms (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030) to the Green Vernon Commission; and D. Appoint Monica Rodriguez as the Resident (Council Member) to a partial term (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029) to the Vernon Housing Commission. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously. City Clerk Rocha reaffirmed Mayor Ybarra and Council Member Rodriguez’s abstention from the appointments to the Vernon CommUnity Fund Grant Committee Area Representative.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
20. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Citywide Annual Operating Budget, Capital Improvement Plan, and Appropriations Limit (Gann)
Recommendation: A. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-031 approving and adopting the Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2026- 27; and B. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-032 adopting the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-27 pursuant to Government Code Section 7910.
City Administrator Saeki presented the staff report. He informed the City Council that staff was able to identify cost savings by deferring the hiring of the Public Works Superintendent for ½ year, defer the Health Department's Cross Connection Program, and the purchase of a vehicle for the police department Detective Bureau, which results in a surplus for the General Fund of $324,958, including the Vernon City Elementary Interventionist position.
Docusign Envelope ID: 834B3FA3-A90E-8E5A-825A-EAD1B6BB08F6 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 9
June 16, 2026
Mayor Ybarra opened the public hearing at 9:49 a.m. There being no speakers, Mayor Ybarra closed the public hearing at 9:49 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 defer the following costs savings identified by staff: hiring the Public Works Superintendent for ½ year, defer the Cross Connection Program, and the purchase of a vehicle for the police department Detective Bureau. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Rivera moved and Council Member Larios seconded a motion to approve recommendations A, and B. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
21. 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
Recommendation: A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with California Water Code Section 10652, which exempts the preparation and adoption of Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP), collectively referred to herein as the 2025 UWMP, from CEQA requirements, and CEQA Guideline Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to activities that may have a significant effect on the environment, because the plan referenced herein is merely an update of the existing 2020 UWMP; and B. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-033 Adopting the 2025 UWMP.
Public Utilities General Manager Dusenberry introduced Water Administrator Hurtado-Moreno, who presented the staff report.
Mayor Ybarra opened the public hearing at 9:55 a.m. There being no speakers, Mayor Ybarra closed the public hearing at 9:56 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 Rodriguez seconded a motion to approve recommendations A, and B. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
ORAL REPORTS
22. City Administrator Reports on Activities and Other Announcements Docusign Envelope ID: 834B3FA3-A90E-8E5A-825A-EAD1B6BB08F6 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 9
June 16, 2026
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.
23. Council Reports on Activities (including AB 1234), Announcements, or Directives to Staff
None.
CLOSED SESSION
At 9:55 a.m., Mayor Ybarra recessed the meeting to Closed Session.
24. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation (1 potential matter)
RECONVENE
At 10:41 a.m., Mayor Ybarra adjourned the Closed Session and reconvened the regular meeting.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Moussa-Milward reported that the City Council met in Closed Session, discussed the item on the agenda, provided direction, and took no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ybarra adjourned the meeting at 10:41 a.m.
_____________________________
MELISSA YBARRA, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: 834B3FA3-A90E-8E5A-825A-EAD1B6BB08F6