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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-01 - Minutes Regular Meeting - November 4, 2019CITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 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. REGULAR SESSION Mayor Rocha called the meeting to order at 7:30 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, City Treasurer Vasquez. Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Chief of Police Bertelsen, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Interim Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Police Captain Grant, Community Improvement Manager McMinn, Building Official Meyers, Neighborhood Services Coordinator Quiroz, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Art Vasquez. The invocation was given by Pastor Rick Clark, Rising Church. CEREMONIAL 1.An Employee of the Quarter certificate was presented to Mr. Rick McMinn, Community Improvement Manager. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Jorge V. Rosales addressed the Council regarding Item D-2 to inquire about the difference in the budget shortfall that was presented in March versus the information presented at the current meeting; discussed the survey results in regards to those in favor of a proposed sales tax increase; and commented on the cost saving measures presented. REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL 1. Information concerning complaints of tenant evictions and impact from AB 1482 City Attorney Martinez provided information regarding the impacts of Tenant Protection Act of 2019; some cities have received complaints of evictions prior to the new law taking effect; in order for landlords to be successful in these evictions, tenants must have received notice before October 31; Staff will be providing information regarding tenant’s rights organizations to anyone that needs it. Councilmember Carrillo discussed his 15 years of serving on the City Council and everything that was accomplished in that time; announced that he will not be seeking reelection in March 2020; and thanked everyone for their trust and support over the years. Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez thanked Councilmember Carrillo for his years of service; wished all veterans a Happy Veteran’s Day; and announced the Veteran’s Day Ceremony on November 11. Councilmember Macias addressed the increase in violence stating that the City is being proactive in putting an end to it; congratulated Community Improvement Manager McMinn on his award; congratulated Councilmember Carrillo and wished him luck in his future endeavors. CONSENT ITEM E-1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL 11/18/2019 Councilmember Gonzales expressed his appreciation of Councilmember Carrillo and thanked him for his service to the community; and discussed the increase in violence and inquired about the possibility of a K-9 program. Chief of Police Bertelsen responded to the inquiry stating that he is currently waiting for a proposal of a K-9 program in order to be able to make an informed decision about pursuing it. Mayor Rocha announced that donations for Azusa soldier care packages will be accepted until November 29; provided information about the comprehensive ranking of cities based on fiscal health which was published by the California State Auditors; announced the following events: November 7 –Salute to Our Veterans at the Senior Center, November 7 – Citrus College Veterans Recognition, November 11 – Veterans Day Ceremony at City Hall, November 17-18 – Free Health Clinic at the Indonesian American Church; reminded everyone that the winter watering schedule takes effect from November through March; and asked that everyone keep service men and women in their daily prayers. SCHEDULED ITEMS PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTION OF 2019 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE. Building Official Meyers presented the Staff Report to request the amendment of the Municipal Code and adopt the 2019 California Building Standards Code. Mayor Rocha declared the hearing open. City Clerk Cornejo read the affidavit of proof of publication published on October 14, 2019 and October 21, 2019, in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Public Comment None. Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Carrillo and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to close the Public Hearing. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Councilmember Gonzales offered Ordinance No. 2019-03 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE, BY AMENDING ARTICLE VI.5 AND SECTIONS, 14-1, 14-51, 14-53, 14-55, 14-57, 14-62, 14- 201; AND 14-466; AND DELETING 14-202, 14-203 AND 14-69; AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2019 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24), INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE VOLUMES 1 & 2 (2019 EDITION, INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE); THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE INCLUDING CHAPTER 1 (2019 EDITION, INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE); THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (2019 EDITION); THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE INCLUDING CHAPTER 1 (2019 EDITION, INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2018 UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE); THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE INCLUDING CHAPTER 1 (2019 EDITION, INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2018 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE); THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE INCLUDING ARTICLE 89 (2019 EDITION, INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2017 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE); THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE (2019 EDITION), TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS, INSERTIONS, DELETIONS AND CHANGES THERETO; AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL SPA AND HOT TUB CODE. Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to waive further reading, and adopt Ordinance No. 2019-03, an Ordinance of the City of Azusa amending Chapter 14 of the Azusa Municipal Code adopting the 2019 California Building Standards Code. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE PAGE TWO – 11/4/2019 FOLLOW-UP TO FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT City Manager Gonzalez introduced the item by discussing the upcoming budget shortfalls and the importance of spending efficiently; three areas need to be considered in order to close the budget gap: spend down reserves, cut services, and/or consider extraordinary measures. Director of Administrative Services Johnson provided an update of the Fiscal Sustainability Assessment stating that the General Fund budget is structurally imbalanced and five-year forecasts project deficits ranging from $2.1M to $3.3M annually; a major part of the budget is personnel costs. In response to questions posed by the Council, she stated that the Fire Safety Contract is 12% of the City’s budget and contains fire personnel costs. Director of Administrative Services Johnson provided a recap of the projected reserves balances; she responded to the questions posed by Mr. Rosales regarding the difference in budget projections stating that Staff was in the early stages of developing the 2019/20 budget, and the projections have changed based on new information that has become available. There are three options to address the projected budget deficits: 1) use reserves to cover projected deficits, 2) make budget cuts by reducing services offered to the community, 3) enhance revenues, including consideration of extraordinary measures; an overview of the Fiscal Sustainability Assessment was provided; Staff solicited community feedback on: city service priorities, willingness to reduce services to bridge budget shortfalls and willingness to consider revenue enhancements via ballot measures in order to maintain services; an overview of the contract/franchise agreement review was provided, Staff believes that modifying the assessed hazardous waste facilities tax rate would be a viable option for enhancing revenues; and Staff has increased efficiencies and reduced costs in the following areas: restructuring departments to create Administrative Services, replacement of gas vehicles with electric vehicles, and freezing a vacant position in the City Manager’s Office. The results of the Community Survey and Join the Conversation initiative were presented; two potential options to enhance long-term revenues were presented to Council: Utility Users Tax modernization, which did not poll well in the Community Survey, and Transaction and Use (Sales) Tax which 60% of respondents reported that they would support; revised financial projections which include recommended actions from the Fiscal Sustainability Assessment were provided. In response to questions posed by the Council, Staff responded that the Senior Management Analyst position has been temporarily frozen at this time; the current Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) is currently at 10% and an increase would require voter approval; a recap of the increased efficiencies was provided; the TOT was increased from 7.5% to 10% in 2015 and TOT revenues have doubled, partly; and an increase to the TOT is a potential option to increase revenues but not enough to cover projected budget deficits. Discussion ensued regarding the projected budget shortfalls, potential sales tax measure, and the need to find more ways to cut costs. Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Carrillo and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to direct Staff to return to Council on November 18, 2019 to recommend a future local revenue option for voter consideration; direct Staff to return to Council on November 18, 2019 with a resolution to update the percentage of tax assessed on offsite multiuser hazardous waste facilities in the City as permitted by Azusa Municipal Code, Sec. 18-707. – Offsite, multiuser hazardous waste facilities tax; and direct Staff to return to Council in the near future at a special study session to receive direction on a plan for reducing long-term retirement liabilities. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by Councilmember Macias, seconded by Councilmember Carrillo and carried by unanimous vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1 to E-13. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE 1. The minutes of the Regular Meetings of October 7, 2019 and October 21, 2019 were approved as written. 2. Resolution No. 2019-C352 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. A $200 special assistance funds request from the Azusa High School Cross Country Program for associated expenses with a year-end banquet to honor student athletes was approved; and a finding was made that the community at large will receive a public benefit from the expenditure of funds for the recommended item. PAGE THREE – 11/4/2019 4. A Short Form Construction Contract was awarded to X-Act Technologies for structured cabling infrastructure replacement in a total not-to-exceed amount of $406,693, which includes a 10% contingency for potential change orders as needed, and the Mayor was authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the City. 5. An agreement for the 2019/20 school year between Azusa Unified School District and the Azusa Library, for professional library services was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. 6. A grant award from California State Library for the California Libraries Cultivating Racial Equity and Inclusion Initiative was accepted; and the adjustment of the current fiscal year budget was approved. 7. A grant award from Canyon City Foundation to the Azusa City Library in the amount of $40,000 was accepted; and the adjustment of the current fiscal year budget was approved. 8. An increase to the contract purchase order for Computer Service Company to $125,000 was approved. 9. Project improvements were accepted; and Staff was authorized to file a Notice of Completion for the Newburgh Street Pavement Preservation Project. 10. A grant award in the amount of $50,000 from Canyon City Foundation to the Community Resources Department was accepted; and the adjustment of the current fiscal year budget was adjusted accordingly. 11. The City Treasurer’s Statement of Cash and Investment Balances for the month of August 2019 was received, reviewed, and filed. 12. The City Treasurer’s Statement of Cash and Investment Balances for the month of September 2019 was received, reviewed, and filed. 13. Resolution No. 2019-C53 was adopted and entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PART-TIME EMPLOYEES TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 17, 2019. SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED OCTOBER 18, 2019 THROUGH OCTOBER 30, 2019 Agencymember Gonzales offered Resolution No. 2019-R15 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 Agencymember Gonzales seconded by Agencymember Macias and carried by the following vote of the Agency to adopt Resolution No. 2019-R15. AYES: AGENCY MEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA NOES: AGENCY MEMBERS: NONE ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by consensus of the City Council. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:53 P.M. __________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2019-54 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2019-04 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2019-R16 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: November 18, 2019 and December 2, 2019. PAGE FOUR– 11/4/2019