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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 Minutes Special Meeting June 4, 2020CITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 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. REGULAR SESSION Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 6:32 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 and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Clerk Cornejo. PUBLIC COMMENT Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, public comments were submitted by email and read onto the record by City Clerk Cornejo. Jeremiah Riley expressed support for the continuation of fireworks permits in the City in order give residents the opportunity to celebrate and be thankful. Jacqueline Sain stated the importance of fundraising dollars generated by the sale of fireworks to the Azusa High School Band; and expressed support of allowing the sale of safe and sane fireworks in the City. Nena Davis requested the reconsideration of allowing firework sales in the City; expressed support of fireworks in the City; and stated the importance of the funds raised by the sale of fireworks. John Kelly, TNT Fireworks Vice President, expressed support of the continued sale and use of fireworks in Azusa; protocols for operating stands were developed; and other local cites will be allowing the sale of safe and sane fireworks. Harold Terrell expressed his opposition of allowing the sale of fireworks in the City stating that illegal fireworks are being discharged daily, and fireworks scare animals. Nick Rosales expressed support of fireworks sales in the City and stated the importance of the funds raised by nonprofit organizations. Robert L. Donnelson expressed opposition to the sale of safe and sane fireworks in the City because of the current pandemic which would potentially allow the lack of social distancing and increased risk to residents. Danielle Sierra expressed support of the fireworks in the city as a way to celebrate at home. Lourdes Chavez, Calvary Chapel San Gabriel Valley, expressed gratitude that firework sales are being reconsidered as CDC guidelines change; stated how the funds raised through firework sales are of great benefit; and requested that the Council consider a vote in favor of firework sales. James Sierra expressed support of the sale of fireworks in the City stating that the profits fund the football team’s equipment, uniforms and trips; and there have been discussions about how to safely run the booth. CONSENT ITEM E-1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL 6/15/2020 Jorge V. Rosales stated that at the May 18 meeting, the Council referenced June 1 as the last day to allow ample time for the City to issue firework sales permits and there was a 3 to 2 vote against the issuance of sales permits due to COVID-19 concerns; on Friday, Los Angeles County announced that restrictions would be relaxed even though the County remains the epicenter of California’s COVID-19 outbreak; inquired about who would enforce proper distancing and facemasks; and stated that COVID-19 will remain until a vaccine is discovered. Diana Reyes Williams inquired about what has changed since the May 18 meeting when the Council voted to not issue firework sales permits; the time spent discussing permits and firework sales, staff time spent working on an ordinance, and legal expenses could have been avoided had the urgency been delayed to thoroughly understand what would need to take place to enact a temporary ban; and inquired whether the issue carefully considered before bringing it before the Council, whether large crowds are permitted; and whether COVID-19 cases are decreasing. SCHEDULED ITEMS DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE ISSUANCE OF FIREWORKS STAND SALES PERMITS IN THE CITY OF AZUSA FOR 2020 City Manager Gonzalez provided a recap of the firework permit process and actions taken at the May 18, 2020 City Council Meeting stating that each year, at the second meeting in May, the City Council ratifies the number of firework sales permits issued; at that meeting, the Council decided not to issue any permits and Staff did not commence the processing of applications submitted by the nonprofits; Mayor Gonzales called a special meeting to bring the issue back for Council consideration; during a normal timeline, Staff would have a month to process permit applications; should the Council wish to reconsider their vote and allow the sale of fireworks, there will be enough time to process applications; the current health order is modified and firework sales are allowed to move forward; the congregating of large groups is still prohibited; the Board of Supervisors and Health Department are looking to have a full Phase 3 opening by the 4th of July; and because the Council had decided not to issue sales permits, Staff was prepared to present an Urgency Ordinance to the Council on June 15 should the Council decide to prohibit the discharge of fireworks. Mayor Gonzales stated that he called the meeting because of the information that has been received recently; and restrictions are being loosened up rather quickly and on May 18, that information was not available yet. Discussion ensued regarding the new information available; and changing of restrictions. In response to a question posed by the Council, City Manager Gonzalez stated that the City currently has 209 positive Covid cases. Further discussion ensued regarding the target date of fully opening the economy by July 4; whether or not nonprofits will decide to sell should they be allowed to; not penalizing the nonprofits that choose not to sell fireworks this year; payment of permit fees; time frame of processing applications, inspections, and permits; and concerns regarding the calling of the special meeting. In response to a question posed by the Council, Chief of Police Bertelsen provided an update on illegal firework use in the City and how the Police Department handles the issue. City Manager Gonzalez and City Attorney Martinez responded to questions posed by the Council stating that the City Attorney has not yet worked on the Ordinance which was to have been drafted for the June 15 meeting; and any research that was conducted is covered under the Retainer Agreement and not billed separately. Moved by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Avila and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to direct Staff to prepare a Resolution for consideration at the next Regular City Council meeting establishing the number of transitional firework stands sales permits for 2020. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Pro-Tem expressed that he was glad that the Council is allowing the tradition to continue in the City; the community is responsible enough to enjoy it with the family; he is appreciative that the item was brought back for reconsideration; and wished everyone a Happy 4th of July. Councilmember Alvarez stated that a few days after the last meeting, the health official announced that everything would be opening back up by July 4 and he glad that the item was brought back; and emphasized that the previous vote was not for a permanent ban on fireworks, but rather for this year only due to the virus. Councilmember Avila stated that he was glad that the item was revisited; he stands by his decision on May 18, however things have changed since then; it is up to the citizens whether they would like to purchase fireworks or not; and thanked the residents that sent emails to express their opinions. Councilmember Mendez stated that he was grateful that the item was put back on the agenda; residents should still take reasonable precautions; and he is looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July with his family. PAGE TWO – 6/4/2020 Mayor Gonzales apologized to Mayor Pro-Tem Macias for the heated discussion regarding comments made during the meeting; thanked his colleagues for attending the peaceful protest on Tuesday; and encouraged residents to refrain from bringing people from other communities to Azusa as the pandemic is still active. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus of the City Council. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 7:40 P.M. __________________________________________ CITY CLERK PAGE THREE – 6/4/2020