HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - September 16, 2019 - CCCITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 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 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo. Councilmember Macias arrived at 6:35 p.m., after roll call.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Duran, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Neighborhood
Services Coordinator Quiroz, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None given.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:33 P.M. to discuss the following:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.6.
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Organizations: AMMA (Azusa Middle Management Association)
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section
54956.8.
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
City Property Address: 600-622 N. San Gabriel Ave. (APNs 8611-004-902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 912, 913)
Successor Agency: 624-630 N. San Gabriel Ave. (APN 8611-004-914)
Negotiating Parties: MW Investment Group, LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section
54956.8.
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: Various City-Owned Properties Adjacent to the 210 Freeway
Negotiating Parties: Mark A. Kudler, President-Bullitin Displays, LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms/License Agreement
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section
54956.8.
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: Vacant lot at Grandview Drive APNs 8614-015-900, 8614-016-908, 910 and Vacant lot at N.
Angeleno Ave. APNs 8608-021-901, 902, and 8608-022-20
Negotiating Parties: San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and The Olson Company
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Sale
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Rocha called the meeting to order at 7:35 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 Duran, Chief of Police Bertelsen, Director of Administrative Services
Johnson, Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez, Director of Information Technology and Library
Services Graf, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of Utilities Robledo, Interim Director of Public
Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Police Captain Grant, Budget Administrator Lam, Economic Development Specialist Campos,
Neighborhood Services Coordinator Quiroz, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the family of Mr. Kent Robins, Long-Time Azusa Resident.
The invocation was given by Pastor Marty Celaya.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Council reconvened at 7:35 P.M.; City Attorney Duran announced the following regarding Closed Session: Item 1 –
all Councilmembers were present, Council provided direction to its negotiator; Item 2 – the City Council provided direction to
its negotiator, no additional reportable action; Item 3 – the City Council provided direction to its negotiator, no additional
reportable action; Item 4 – Mayor Rocha did not participate in the discussion due to avoiding the appearance of a conflict of
interest as he is an employee of the school district, the Council provided direction to Staff; and Item 5 – all Councilmembers
were present, the Council provided direction to Staff, no further reportable action.
CEREMONIAL
1. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to all who contributed to the 2019 Kathy’s Cool Kutz for Kids Event.
2. A swearing-in ceremony for Chief of Police Michael A. Bertelsen took place.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Rita Kwasnick provided an idea for a tri-city transitional shelter to help combat homelessness.
Mr. Greg Benton announced a job fair taking place on October 3, 2019 at the Valleydale Recreation Center.
Ms. Lela Lindsey expressed her support of the Ordinance regarding commercial and oversized parking regulations.
Mr. Andres Altamirano announced a free health event in support of cancer awareness on September 22, 2019 at the Indonesian-
American Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Mr. Ewan Wonoprabowo and Ms. Ida Tampubolon announced a free health clinic on November 17-18, 2019 at the Indonesian-
American Seventh Day Adventist Church.
City Manager Gonzalez responded to a comment made regarding water quality stating that the water quality in Azusa exceeds
State and Federal requirements; the riverbed is not an extraction point for the City’s water.
REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. City Clerk: Commission recruitment update and request for City Council to set a time and date to hold the interviews of
applicants for City Commission
City Clerk Cornejo stated that 19 commission applications were received; and requested that the Council provide direction
regarding a date to hold commission interviews.
It was the consensus of the Council to provide dates to the City Clerk via email and the City Clerk will schedule the interviews
accordingly.
2. Update on The Orchard – Mix-Use Development Project
Mr. Jason Tolleson, Serrano Development Group Representative, provided an update on The Orchard (Block 36) Project stating
that due to the change in the Art House Theater Industry, Laemmle Theater is seeking a partner or buyer for the theater
operation; the Block 36 property is not for sale; a couple of minority partners in Azusa Block 36 are looking to sell their shares;
and once the construction loan is finalized, permits will be pulled and grading will commence.
In response to questions posed by the Council, Mr. Tolleson stated that there were environmental concerns regarding the
possibility of a dry cleaners previously occupying the property which could cause soil contamination; it was later determined
that there was not a dry cleaners on the property and no quantifiable issues with the development of the site.
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Mr. Jeffrey Paul, Azusa Block 36, LLC, responded to questions posed by the Council stating that he and his partner are invested
in the project; the potential sale of Laemmle Theater will not affect the project; should Laemmle Theater be sold, more retail
space will be available; and provided information regarding the loan process.
It was stated by the Council that the project was intended to be entertainment based and was supported based on who the anchor
tenant was. City Manager Gonzalez added that the Disposition and Development Agreement for the anchor tenant calls for
entertainment utilization.
Mr. Tolleson clarified that the project is not requesting to make a change to the anchor tenant at this time; should Laemmle
Theater proceed with the sale, the developer will ensure that the Council is satisfied with the replacement. He responded to
further questions posed by the Council stating that the Laemmle Theater’s operating business is for sale; the project is designed
so that it can be built out for various uses; the construction can still proceed as scheduled; it is believed that the Laemmle
Theater sale process will be concluded by the end of the year; and an overview of the construction process was provided.
3. Summary Results of Community Survey on Essential City Services
Director of Administrative Services Johnson provided a summary of the Essential City Services Community Survey results
stating that majority of residents are concerned about the City’s ability to fund and maintain essential services; 76% of
respondents say that the City has a need for additional funding in order to maintain services; the following seven (7) top
priorities were identified: continuing police anti-gang enforcement programs, addressing homelessness, maintaining police
patrols of neighborhood schools, maintaining police patrols of neighborhood park and recreation areas, preventing reductions to
police officer staffing levels, maintaining city services, and repairing streets and sidewalks.
The survey results are posted on the City’s website; and residents are invited to complete a brief survey to provide input and
service priorities. City Manager Gonzalez added that Staff will be conducting community engagement to share the survey
results and solicit additional community input; and will bring the information back to the Council in late October.
In response to questions posed by the Council, Staff stated the purpose of the research firm was to examine the City’s voter
make-up; survey information was provided to registered voters via phone and e-mail; of the surveys submitted, 363 valid
responses were obtained; and the 363 respondents were representative of the City’s voting demographics. Staff will return to the
Council at a later date to provide a more detailed report of the survey results.
Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez wished the best of luck to Chief of Police Bertlesen.
Councilmember Macias congratulated Chief of Police Bertlesen.
Councilmember Gonzales expressed his support of Chief of Police Bertlesen and extended his congratulations; and announced a
shred-a-thon on September 21 at Azusa Light & Water.
Mayor Rocha announced that the meeting would be adjourned in memory of Mr. Kent Robins, Ms. Mary Luna, Mr. Johnny
Velasco, and Mr. Sammy Ventura, Life-Long Azusa Residents. He announced the following events: September 28 – Azusa
Cares Cyber Bullying Workshop, September 28-29 – Mock-election at Memorial Park, October 6 – Golden Days 2k-5k
walk/run/bike event; and requested that service men and women be kept in daily prayers.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION
PROCESS
Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez presented the Staff Report stating that the current General Plan
Amendment and Zone Change application process requires the Planning Commission to conduct an initial review of the
application and make a recommendation, and then the recommendation goes before the Council for a final decision.
Staff proposed two options to amend the process to include City Council review at an earlier stage in the process. Option 1:
Amend policies and procedures in order to complete a Preliminary Plan Review (PPR) process, present the PPR to Planning
Commission, present the PPR to City Council for comments on the project after its preliminary review. Option 2: Amend the
Municipal Code to only allow for General Plan Amendments and Zone Changes to be initiated by the City Council, Planning
Commission and City Staff; and not allow a property owner to directly apply for a General Plan Amendment or Zone Change.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed options; at the direction of the Council, Staff will amend the proposed options and
bring the item back for approval at a later date.
APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF AZUSA AND THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY (METRO) CONCERNING THE ROLES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE HISTORIC SANTA FE DEPOT LOCATED AT 130 E.
SANTA FE AVENUE (APN 8608-025-801)
Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez presented the Staff Report stating that the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) funded a rehabilitation project of the Santa Fe Depot; the project was ready for permit
issuance in 2016, however, the project was delayed due to the high cost of bids; Metro secured additional funding with a project
completion deadline of 2021; previous plans are outdated and need to be redrawn; the proposed
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Memorandum of Understanding only pertains to planning and construction phases; the City and Metro will negotiate a separate
agreement for the lease of a portion of the building upon completion; Metro will contribute $1.9 million for the construction of
the project; the City will be responsible for architectural and historical design services and permit fees; and the City’s
contribution will be applied as a credit for the eventual lease of space.
In response to questions posed by the Council, he stated that both the outside and inside of the building will be taken into
consideration for the rehabilitation project; the City will be responsible for the creation of the construction drawings; Metro has
requested an estimated 1,000 square feet for storage and the remaining space will be leased out; and Metro currently owns the
building and will continue to own it upon completion of the project.
Moved by Councilmember Macias, seconded by Councilmember Carrillo and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to
approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Azusa and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit
Authority, subject to any non-substantive changes; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of
Understanding, on behalf of the City.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSIDERATION OF AN EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT WITH MW INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC FOR A
HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AT 600-622 NORTH SAN GABRIEL AVENUE, (APNS: 8611-001-902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907,
912, 913) AND 624-630 NORTH SAN GABRIEL AVENUE (APN: 8611-004-914)
Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez presented the Staff Report stating that the City of Azusa is the
owner of several parcels of land located along North San Gabriel Avenue, south of West Foothill Boulevard; the City received a
proposal from MW Investment Group, LLC, for the development of the site as a hotel with required parking; and Staff
recommended that the City inter into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) to allow parties to establish the negotiating
parameters for the development of the site.
Mr. Matt Waken, MW Investment Group, LLC, introduced himself to the Council and expressed his excitement for the project.
He responded to questions posed by the Council stating that should the property directly North of the site become available, it
will be incorporated into the project.
Moved by Councilmember Carrillo, seconded by Councilmember Gonzales and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to
approve an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (“ENA”) with MW Investment Group, LLC which allows for a period of
exclusive negotiations between the City and MW Investment Group, LLC for the purpose of preparing major elements of the
proposed development including, but not limited to: a site plan; design schematics; technical, and economic studies; and, the
pre-development obligations for all parties; and authorize the Mayor to execute the ENA on behalf of the City.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1 SECTION 1-28 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING SERVICE
OF NOTICES
Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia presented the Staff Report stating that Chapter 1 Section 1-28 of the Azusa Municipal Code
requires that Notices of Administrative Violation be mailed via Registered United States mail; Staff proposed to amend the
Municipal Code to require service by Certified United States mail in order to increase efficiency.
Councilmember Gonzales offered Ordinance No. 2019-02 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 1
SECTION 1-28 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING SERVICES OF NOTICES
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to
waive further reading, read by title only and introduce Ordinance No. 2019-02.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
APPROVE ONE-TIME STIPEND AND ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CITY
MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PLAN
CONTRIBUTIONS
Director of Administrative Services Johnson presented the Staff Report stating that the City Manager has been employed by the
City for 18 months and received an evaluation from the City Council in March 2019; the City has concluded labor negotiations
with 5 of the bargaining units and has also adopted changes for executive members; the proposed changes to the City Manager
Employment Agreement are consistent with those changes; the changes include a one-time, non-pensionable compensation of
3% of base salary for each Fiscal Years 2018/19 and 2019/20 and a $54 increase the city paid Flexible Benefit Plan contribution
to be consistent with other bargaining units.
Councilmember Carrillo offered Resolution No. 2019-31 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE FIRST
AMENDMENT TO THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
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Moved by Councilmember Carrillo, seconded by Councilmember Gonzales and carried by unanimous vote of the Council adopt
Resolution No. 2019-31 approving the First Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement; approve the First
Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement to increase the amount of Flexible Benefit Plan contribution; and
approve a one-time, non-pensionable compensation of 3% of base salary for each Fiscal Years 2018/19 and 2019/20.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez and carried by the
following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1 to E-15.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 19, 2019 were approved as written.
2. Resolution No. 2019-C30 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:
Promotions: S. Henry, V. Villagomez, Sr., K. Kenz
New Appointment: A. Bernal Zamora, H. Ayala
Salary Range Adjustments: Electric Crew Supervisor, Electric Distribution Supervisor, Assistant Director of Utilities –
Electric Operations
New Class Specifications: Electric Troubleshooter
Separations: T. Van Dorn, L. Gonzales, K. Paragas.
4. The City Treasurer’s Statement of Cash and Investment Balances for the month of June 2019 was received, reviewed, and
filed.
5. The list of purchase orders issued in August 2019 with contracts executed by the City Manager was received and filed.
6. The issuance of a purchase order to ERMCO for the purchase of two (2) 750 KVA three-phase padmount transformers was
approved in an amount not to exceed $34,383.
7. The issuance of a purchase order to One Source Distributors, LLC for the purchase of underground copper cable was
approved in an amount of $75,401.58 plus applicable increases due to tariffs increases.
8. The grant award from California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) was accepted; and the necessary budget amendments
were approved and the current fiscal year budget was adjusted accordingly.
9. The grant award from the California Library for Family Literacy was accepted; and the necessary budget amendments were
approved and the current fiscal year budget was adjusted accordingly.
10. An amendment to the professional services agreement with Blais & Associates for grant research and development services
extending the term through June 30, 2020 was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the amendment
on behalf of the City.
11. The certified list of consultants for on-call environmental consulting services for future development projects was adopted.
12. A professional services agreement with Gonzalez Goodale Architects to provide consultant services for the rehabilitation of
the historic Santa Fe Depot located at 130 E. Santa Fe Avenue (APN 8608-025-801) was approved in an amount not to
exceed $125,894; and the City Manager was authorized to prepare and execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
13. Resolution No. 2019-C32 was adopted and entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SPECIAL
EVENT PERMIT NO. SE-2019-01 TO ALLOW THE 71ST ANNUAL AZUSA GOLDEN DAYS SERIES OF EVENTS
TAKING PLACE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2019 THROUGH SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019. SOME OF THE
EVENTS INCLUDE A MARATHON, PARADE, CARNIVAL, FOOD VENDORS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT TO
TAKE PLACE ALONG THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY AND CITY PARKS AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT
FROM CEQA (CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT)
14. Purchasing procedures were waived as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2.521 and the purchase of a
backhoe from Turf Star Western was approved in the amount not to exceed $91,105.22; and the City Manager was
authorized to execute a purchase agreement with Turf Star Western for the purchase of the Groundmaster 410-D rotary
mower.
15. A contract was awarded to Ferreira Construction Company for the Traffic Management System Project No. 66117C &
6117I for a not to exceed amount of $7,436,683, which includes a 10% contingency for the potential changes orders as
needed; and the City Manager was authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the City.
PAGE FIVE – 9/16/2019
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
SECOND READING OF AMENDED PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 74 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
COMMERCIAL AND OVERSIZED PARKING REGULATIONS
Councilmember Gonzales offered Ordinance No. 2019-01 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING PORTIONS OF
CHAPTER 74 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING COMMERCIAL AND OVERSIZED VEHICLE
STREET PARKING REGULATIONS
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Macias and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to
read by title only, second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2019-01.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED AUGUST 15,
2019 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
Agencymember Macias offered Resolution No. 2019-R12 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 Macias seconded by Agencymember Carrillo and carried by unanimous vote of the Agency to adopt
Resolution No. 2019-R12.
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. Kent Robins, Ms. Mary Luna, Mr. Johnny
Velasco, and Mr. Sammy Ventura, Life-Long Azusa Residents.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:50 P.M.
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2019-33 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2019-03
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2019-R13 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS: October 7, 2019 and October 21, 2019
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