HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 04, 2019 - CCCITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2019 – 6:30 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Azusa met in regular session at the above date and time in the Azusa Auditorium located
at 213 E. Foothill Boulevard, Azusa, CA 91702.
Mayor Rocha called the meeting to order at 6:32 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Chief of Police Hunt, Police Captain Grant, Police
Captain Bertelsen, Director of Human Resources & Risk Management Bragg, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Bobadilla, Police Lieutenant Landeros, Police Sergeant Covarrubias, Police Sergeant Poulos, Police Corporal Bailey,
Police Corporal Martinez, Police Corporal Aguirre, Police Officer Carrillo, Police Officer Hildebrandt, Neighborhood
Services Coordinator Quiroz, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia.
CEREMONIAL
The following Police Officers were sworn into office:
Lieutenant Robert Landeros, Sergeant Nick Covarrubias, Sergeant Jason Poulos, Corporal Brandon Bailey, Corporal
Richard Martinez, Corporal Richard Aguirre, Officer Jesus Carrillo, and Officer Brandon Hildebrandt.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None given.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 7:03 P.M. to discuss the following:
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code,
Section 54956.8.
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: Southeast Corner of Azusa Avenue and 9th Street (826, 830, 832 and 858 N. Azusa Avenue)
Negotiating Parties: Chris Costanzo, Costanzo Investments, LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Rocha called the meeting to order at 7:31 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Chief of Police Hunt, Director of Public Works/City
Engineer Bobadilla, Director of Recreation and Family Services Carpenter, Director of Economic & Community
Development Marquez, Director of Utilities Robledo, Police Captain Bertelsen, Police Captain Grant, Senior Planner
Munoz, Neighborhood Services Coordinator Quiroz, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Hector Elizalde.
The invocation was given by Reverend Kristina Collins, Sanctuary for Spiritual Living.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Council reconvened at 7:31 P.M.; City Attorney Martinez announced the following regarding Closed Session:
Item No. 1: City Council heard a presentation from Staff, no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Bruce Knoles, San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District Division 5 Director, provided information on the region’s
water supply.
Mr. Antonio Tapia expressed concerns regarding alley parking near Dalton Avenue between 2nd Street and 3rd Street.
Ms. Minerva Mosca, Gladstone High School Teacher, requested a financial donation to pay for the cost of transportation
for a school field trip.
City Manager Gonzalez responded to the comments regarding alley parking stating that he would coordinate with the Police
Department and Code Enforcement Division to look at the area and find ways to address the concerns.
REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
Mayor Rocha: Request for Proclamation declaring April 2019 as “Donate Life Month” in the City of Azusa.
Moved by Councilmember Carrillo, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales and carried by unanimous vote of the Council
to approve the request for a Proclamation.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Mr. David Leon Morales.
Mayor Rocha announced that the meeting would be adjourned in memory of Mr. Ray Lugo Ayon, Korean War Veteran,
and Mr. David Leon Morales, Lifelong Azusa Residents. He announced the following events: March 28 – Clean-up of
Azusa Avenue, and March 16 – Azusa Cares Workshop on Community Safety; inquired about the status of the recent
Permanent Daylight Saving Time Measure; and asked that everyone keep the service men and women and first responders
in their daily prayers.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF CALIFORNIA GRAND VILLAGE AZUSA GREENS PROJECT
ENTITLEMENTS: (1) CERTIFICATION OF THE CALIFORNIA GRAND VILLAGE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT (SCH. NO. 2018061063) AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN; (2)
SPECIFIC PLAN (SP-2017-02); (3) GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA-2017-02); (4) ZONE CHANGE (Z-
2017-01); (5) SENIOR HOUSING DESIGN REVIEW (DR-2017-20); (6) GOLF COURSE DESIGN REVIEW
(DR-2018-04); AND (7) TENTATIVE TRACT MAP (TTM-81336) LOCATION: 1100 NORTH TODD AVENUE
AZUSA (FORMERLY 919 WEST SIERRA MADRE AVENUE. CEQA: A Final Draft Environmental Impact Report
for the project was released for public review on November 28, 2018 to January 28, 2019. The Final Environmental
Impact Report (SCH No. 2018061063) was released on February 21, 2019.
City Attorney Martinez stated that Staff recommends the Council receive a brief report from Staff and the Consultant
regarding the project, formulate questions about the project, that the Mayor then open the public hearing, receive a
presentation from the applicant, take any testimony that members of the public wish to present, and continue the public
hearing to either April 8, 2019 or April 15, 2019. It was further stated that although the public hearing will take place over
two meetings, members of the public have one opportunity to speak.
Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez introduced the project stating that project applicant
California Grand Village Azusa, LLC is requesting approval of seven items: certification of an Environmental Impact
Report, a Specific Plan, a General Plan amendment, a zone change, a senior housing design review, a golf course design
review, and a tentative tract map. The applicant’s proposal calls for the construction of a four-story, 253 unit, senior
village on the south east corner of Sierra Madre Avenue and Todd Avenue.
Consultant Ms. Lisa Brownfield, MIG, provided a summary of the proposed California Grand Village Azusa Greens
Project stating that the applicant would reconfigure the southwest portion of the Golf Course (Holes 3-6) and install
fencing; construct a 253-unit Senior Housing Village on 4.48 acres; the following infrastructure improvements will be
constructed: restripe Todd Avenue, stop sign/red flashing light/lighted crosswalk at Todd/Sierra Madre Avenues
intersection, curb adjacent sidewalks and street trees, Todd Avenue cart path, curb/gutter replacements, street lights, and
PAGE TWO – 3/4/2019
electric, water, and sewer upgrades. The first Design Review is for the Senior Village itself which consists of 253 Senior
Units, of which 199 are designated for independent living, 28 for assisted living, and 26 for memory care; there are 253
proposed parking spaces of which 250 are within an interior parking structure. The second Design Review is for the golf
course reconfiguration which includes new netting. An overview of the following analyses was provided: Land Use Shift,
Private Open Space, Parking, and Loss of Open Space.
Ms. Frances Yau, Michael Baker International, presented the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) stating that the Draft
EIR was released for a 60 day public review period beginning November 28, 2018 through January 28, 2019 and six
comment letters were received; responses to the comment letters were provided; the Final EIR was made available on
February 21, 2019; no significant and unavoidable impacts were identified; the following less than significant impacts
with mitigation were identified: land use, biological resources, tribal and cultural resources, traffic and circulation, air
quality, and noise; the following less than significant impacts were identified: aesthetics, geology and spoils,
hydrology/water quality, hazards and hazardous materials, greenhouse gas emissions, and public services and utilities.
Council expressed concerns regarding pedestrian safety at the street crossing and requested that red/green crosswalk
lighting be used instead of the proposed flashing yellow lights.
Mayor Rocha declared the hearing open.
City Clerk Cornejo read the affidavit of proof of publication published on February 22, 2019, in the San Gabriel Valley
Tribune; and stated that two letters of support and two letters of opposition were received.
Mr. Peter Carlson, California Grand Villages representative, presented the proposed project stating that the California
Grand Villages would bring housing for seniors, provide the City with a net fiscal benefit of over $213,000 annually in
perpetuity; reconfigure the Golf Course in order to maintain the same 18-hole course; the Alternative Housing Model is a
benefit to the City; the compatible location is consistent with Senior Villages in other areas; and there are no significant
environmental impacts. The proposed Senior Village is luxury independent living apartments; the facilities and grounds
are similar to a resort hotel; monthly rent includes gourmet meals, utilities, housekeeping, concierge, security, high-tech
movie theater, computer café, art studio, salon, pool and spa, gym, entertainment, and transportation. There is a higher
fiscal benefit with a Senior Village than a Light Industrial area which comes from property tax and sales tax.
He addressed the concerns regarding pedestrian safety and stating that they are open to suggestions.
An overview of parking was provided stating that the proposed project provides 1 parking space per dwelling and
provided parking space data from comparable senior housing communities. A further overview of comparable Senior
Village locations was provided. He also requested that the public hearing be continued in two weeks rather than four
weeks. A copy of the presentation will be provided to the Council.
In response to questions posed by the Council, Mr. Carlson stated that California Grand Villages will be paying a $50,000
Public Art In-Lieu Fee; new sidewalk will be added to the south side of Sierra Madre Avenue, the east side of Todd, and
the north side of 10th Street; and a locked gate will be placed near the open area on Sierra Madre, other pedestrian gates
will be locked as well, residents will have key fob access.
Public Comment
Ms. Jenee Corum, Ed.D, expressed concerns regarding the location of the project due to the loss of open space; obstructed
views of the golf course from her residence; and increased traffic and noise. She made the following inquires: whether
there are plans to convert more of the golf course to commercial/residential space; whether 4.4 acres of open space needs
to be replaced in another part of the City; whether the plan meets the requirement of affordable housing stock; and the
reason why other vacant/abandoned properties were not considered.
Mr. Steven Castro, representative of the Azusa Chamber of Commerce, expressed his support of the project stating that
the owner of the Golf Course is also in full support of the project and urged the Council to move forward with it.
Mr. Stephen Beaulieu, representative of the Golf Course, expressed his support of the project as it will allow the
reconstruction of Holes 3, 4, 5, and 6; will bring a $1 million investment to the Course which will greatly enhance it; and
requested that the project be approved.
Ms. Mercedes Castro, expressed her support of the project stating that it is important to remember the aging population as
there are many seniors that have large homes that are difficult to take care of; the City needs a place for active seniors to
reside; and the $1 million investment into the Azusa Greens Golf Course will attract more golfers.
Ms. Jennifer Hicks, Neighborhood Homework House Executive Director, expressed her support of the project stating that
it would provide a source for the Homework House to recruit volunteers.
Ms. Cheryl Kohorst, Azusa Chamber of Commerce Chair, expressed her support of the project on behalf of the Chamber
of Commerce stating that it would be a wonderful addition to the City of Azusa.
Mr. John Centrofranchi, Sierra Village Homeowners Association Representative, expressed his appreciation of the
information provided and stated that he would be bringing the information back to his Association.
Mr. Dave McDonough, Marie Callender’s Restaurant Co-owner, expressed his support for the project stating that that
commitment to upgrading the Golf Course is a positive for the City; Senior Housing is a future trend; and it would be an
increase in business for the restaurant.
PAGE THREE – 3/4/2019
Mr. Juan P. Carreon, expressed his opposition of the project stating that many Azusans would not be able to afford the
high cost of rent to live in the Senior Village; it would gentrify the City of Azusa; and only residents north of Foothill
Boulevard were surveyed for the project. He further stated concerns with speeding on Sierra Madre Avenue, balconies, no
sidewalks, and lack of parking.
Mr. Jim Taite expressed his opposition of the project stating that the City does not need more apartments, high-end luxury
living, or less open space; and suggested that the project be placed at the Edgewood Center site. He also provided a
petition containing 151 signatures.
Mr. Jorge V. Rosales expressed concerns regarding traffic on Todd Avenue and Sierra Madre Avenue, the lack of a cap on
assisted living and memory care units, and the loss of open space.
Ms. Maria Cristina Cardelas expressed her opposition of the project due to the increase in traffic, loss of open space, the
cost to live in the Senior Village, and the possibility that rent would be increased in the future.
In response to questions posed by the Council, City Manager Gonzalez stated that Staff spends numerous amounts of
hours to prepare the documents provided to the Council.
Discussion ensued regarding the amount of time needed to review a project of this size.
The Council inquired about which sites were considered for the project, what the $1 million would be used for, whether a
light industrial project was considered on the site as mentioned in the applicant’s presentation, when the area was zoned,
and whether a shuttle service for employees would be provided. They also expressed concerns regarding the placement of
a residential business in a light industrial area, the speed and increase of traffic on Sierra Madre Avenue, and the type of
signal that was proposed.
Mr. Peter Carlson responded to the questions posed by the Council stating that shuttle services will be provided to both
residents and employees and incentives would be offered to employees for using public transportation. California Grand
Villages met with the Police Department regarding pedestrian safety and are willing to provide reasonable safety warning
lights for pedestrian crossings; an analysis of Sierra Madre and Todd was completed and traffic movements are not
opposing one another; the best design for that area is a round-about as a traffic signal may cause confusion; and will
consider the suggestion of the red/green pedestrian signal.
Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Carrillo and carried by unanimous vote of the Council
to keep the public hearing open and continue the Public Hearing and the consideration of the Project to April 15, 2019.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1 to E-8, with the exception of Item E-5, which was
handled under the Special Call portion of the agenda.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 19, 2019 were approved as written.
2. Resolution No. 2019-C07 was adopted and entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
3. The Human Resources Action Items, in accordance with the City of Azusa Civil Service Rules Section 5.75 and
applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), were approved as follows:
Merit Increase and/or Regular Appointment: R. Wenrick, A. Hernandez, J. Soberanis
New Appointment: B. Zuniga.
4. The project improvements for the West Wing Ceiling Abatement Project, Location: 213 E. Foothill Blvd., were
accepted; and Staff was authorized to file a Notice of Completion for the Project.
5. Special Call.
6. The competitive bidding, as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2.521(a) was waived; and the purchase
and installation of (3) EPD, USA manufactured, high rate sand filtration filters for the James Slauson Aquatics Center
located at 501 E. 5th Street was approved to Knorr Systems, Inc. in the amount of $49,383.14.
7. Staff was authorized to circulate a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Historic Context Statement and Update Citywide
Historic Survey.
8. A Capital Reserve Fund expenditure, equal to $329,733.04, for items relating to library sewer spill, located at 729 N.
Dalton Ave., was authorized for the total amount of the project with a reimbursement of $173,746.00 from the CJPIA.
PAGE FOUR – 3/4/2019
Special Call
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF (2) POOL HEATERS FOR THE JAMES SLAUSON
AQUATICS CENTER LOCATION: 501 E. 5TH STREET
Director of Recreation and Family Services Carpenter responded to questions posed by the Council stating that the current
pool heaters are dysfunctional and are primarily used in the summer for the children’s pool.
Moved by Councilmember Macias, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzales and carried by unanimous vote of the Council
to authorize the purchase and installation of (2) Raypak MVB heaters by Commercial Aquatics Services in the amount of
$36,563.30.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED JANUARY
31, 2019 THROUGH FEBRUARY 27, 2019
Agency Member Gonzales offered Resolution No. 2019-R05 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY
OF AZUSA ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS TO BE PAID OUT OF SUCCESSOR AGENCY
FUNDS
Moved by Agency Member Gonzales, seconded by Agency Member Macias and carried by unanimous vote of the
Council to adopt Resolution No. 2019-R05 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency
Funds.
AYES: AGENCY MEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: AGENCY MEMBERS: NONE
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned by consensus of the City Council in memory of Mr. Ray Lugo Ayon, Korean War Veteran,
and Mr. David Leon Morales, Lifelong Azusa Residents.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:21 P.M.
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2019-08 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2019-01
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2019-R06 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS: March 18, 2019 and April 1, 2019.
PAGE FIVE – 3/4/2019