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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 - Minutes Special Meeting, April 27, 2020CITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 – 6:30 P.M. The City Council of the City of Azusa, met in Special Session at the above date and time in the Azusa Auditorium, located at 213 E. Foothill Boulevard, Azusa, CA 91702. Meeting was held via teleconference only. Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo. PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ALSO PRESENT Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo. Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Chief of Police Bertelsen, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Clerk Cornejo. PUBLIC COMMENT City Clerk Cornejo announced that two public comments were received, however they did not pertain to the subject of the Special Meeting. The first comment was from Ms. Diana Reyes Williams regarding paint disposal and the other was from Ms. Stephanie Martenzi regarding the City’s social media and outreach. Both of the emails were forwarded to the Council for their review, however since they were not in regards to the Special Meeting, they were not read onto the record. City Manager Gonzalez stated that any public comment will be forwarded to the appropriate Department to be responded to accordingly. COUNCIL COMMENTS City Manager Gonzalez provided a Covid-19 update stating that the number of confirmed cases has risen to 55; the senior meals program delivers approximately 1,225 meals each week and Monday deliveries include essential items; and City Staff is looking into a small business loan program for Council consideration. It is estimated that the City will receive approximately $240k in CDBG funds, how those funds are spent are a Council policy decision. Should the Council wish to partner with the County for testing in the future using CDBG funding, it would have to be approved by the County. Mayor Pro-Tem Macias reminded the public that the City’s website has a link to the SBA Program where people can apply for small business loans. Councilmember Avila inquired about the amount of CDBG funds received by the City to which City Manager Gonzalez stated that the City will receive $240k in addition to what is received annually. Councilmember Mendez inquired about the process for the use of CDBG funds to which City Manager Gonzalez stated that Staff is planning to bring the item to the Council on May 18 for direction. Mayor Gonzales had concerns and inquiries regarding how often the City’s website is updated regarding Covid-19 information; outdoor events such as the Memorial Day Ceremony as the Committee has not been able to meet and the event has not been planned as of this time; Fourth of July celebrations and whether fireworks will be permitted in the City; and the increase in traffic going into the Canyon and whether Senator Rubio has been contacted regarding Highway 39. City Manager Gonzalez responded to Mayor Gonzales stated that the City is making daily updates on social media as well as weekly updates on the website; the City is following the County’s health order, Staff is working on putting together a list of events that will likely be put on hold as large gatherings will likely be discouraged; firework applications are typically processed by May 1, Staff will have a report prepared for the May 18 Council Meeting for official direction on whether fireworks should be sold. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL 5/18/2020 Chief of Police Bertelsen responded to the concerns regarding the canyon and enforcement stating that there has been an increase in traffic; there are no essential businesses in the canyon; the CHP has deployed seven additional units in the canyon; the Sheriffs have three reserve deputies assigned to that area on the weekends; the canyon was closed on Saturday around 4:00 p.m. due to traffic; and the plan is to encourage a road closure in place by CalTrans and only allow local traffic. Mayor Pro-Tem inquired about the guidelines and timeline for reopening. City Manager Gonzalez stated that each Department is working on contingency plans for staffing protocols and installation of barriers such as sneeze guards for counters, should the Safer at Home Order be lifted; the two main drivers to determine which City facilities will reopen and to which extent are density and duration of time spent at the facilities; a full report will be presented to the Council at the next meeting; and Staff does not have any information regarding what types of businesses will be reopening and at what time. SCHEDULED ITEM CONSIDER PARTICIPATION IN A YARD SIGN PROGRAM TO RECOGNIZE GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND ALLOCATE APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION City Manager Gonzalez presented the Staff Report stating that at the last Council Meeting, Mayor Gonzales inquired about whether the Council would be interested in supporting a program recognizing High School Seniors by purchasing and installing yard signs at the homes of the graduates; the School District has been made aware of the program and will be discussing it at their next meeting; and it is anticipated to cost $4,000 for approximately 600 yard signs. In response to questions posed by the Council, the $4,000 can include a banner with the names of graduates should they wish to pursue it; and the placing of a graduate banner at City Hall ended approximately six years ago. City Clerk Cornejo responded to questions posed by the Council stating that a prior school board member was in charge of the graduate banner in front of City Hall, once that member was no longer on the board, the project did not continue; and he is not aware what is done with the banner after it is removed from City Hall. Discussion ensued regarding the banners, concerns regarding congregating, School District participation, and a video message from the Council to congratulate the graduates. Moved by Councilmember, seconded by Councilmember, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to authorize an expenditure of up to $4,000 to purchase banners and yard signs and coordinate delivery and installation. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE CLOSED SESSION The City Council recessed to closed session at 7:04 P.M. to discuss the following: 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.6 City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager and Talika Johnson, Director of Administrative Services Organizations: APOA (Azusa Police Officers Association) 2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8 Property Address: The parcels located at the southeast corner of Azusa Avenue and Ninth Street (APNs 8608-025- 902, 8608-025-907, 8608-025-908, 8608-025-909, 8608-025-910, and a portion of 8608-025- 917) Agency Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager and Matt Marquez, Director of Economic and Community Development Negotiating Parties: Costanzo Investments, LLC Under Negotiation: Price & Terms for amendments to DDA 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUSEL – EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1) 1 Case: Disposition and Development Agreement re Costanzo Investment CLOSED SESSION REPORT The City Council reconvened at 8:27 P.M.; City Attorney Martinez announced the following regarding Closed Session: All Councilmembers were present. Item 1, 2 and 3: No reportable action. PAGE TWO – 4/27/2020 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus of the City Council. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:27 P.M. __________________________________________ CITY CLERK PAGE THREE – 4/27/2020