HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 - Minutes Regular Meeting, October 19, 2020CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING, AND
UTILITY BOARD SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2020 – 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 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
UTILITY BOARD ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by Secretary Cornejo.
PRESENT: BOARDMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ
ABSENT: BOARDMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:35 P.M. to discuss the following:
1.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to California Government
Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Case Name: Praxedes E. Running et al v. Covina Irrigating Company et al.; L.A. County Sup. Court Case No.
BC623542; Appellate Case No. B293638.
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Alvarez.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
UTILITY BOARD ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by Secretary Cornejo.
PRESENT: BOARDMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ
ABSENT: BOARDMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk/Secretary Cornejo.
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL
11/02/2020
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Chief of Police Bertelsen, Director of Economic and
Community Development Marquez, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Utilities Robledo, Director
of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Economic Development
Specialist Campos, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Council reconvened at 7:30 P.M.; City Attorney Martinez announced the following regarding Closed Session:
Item 1 – City Council heard an update regarding the legal status of the case, no further reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jorge V. Rosales commented on Item C-3 stating that he was not in favor of the creation of the position; and stated that
the newly appointed Deputy City Manager was previously employed by the same organization where the City Manager
was previously employed.
REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
COVID-19 STATUS UPDATE (Oral Report)
City Manager Gonzalez provided an update on Covid-19 stating that there are 1,659 positive cases and 23 lives lost in the
City of Azusa; and an update on the testing center will be provided at the next meeting.
Economic Development Specialist Campos provided an update on which businesses are allowed to reopen and which will
continue to remain closed; announced the COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certificate Program; and presented the City’s
Open for Business App.
City Manager Gonzalez stated that at the next meeting he will also be providing an update on the small business grants
and emergency utility program.
RANCH 2 FIRE AND MOUNTAIN COVE MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo provided the update stating that Staff is working with other agencies to
develop a mitigation plan for the protection of the Mountain Cove Homeowner’s Association in the event of heavy
storms; the plan is pending environmental approval and once approval is given, Staff will have 14 days to implement the
mitigation measures; and upon completion, Staff will enter into a reimbursement agreement the Mountain Cove
Homeowner’s Association. In response to questions posed by the Council, he estimated that k-rail will be installed in
early to mid-November.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW DEPUTY CITY MANAGER – NICO DEANDA-SCAIA
City Manager Gonzalez provided background on the newly created Deputy City Manager position; stated that Mr. Nico
DeAnda-Scaia worked for him at the City of Hermosa Beach and provided information on his background.
Mr. Nico DeAnda-Scaia introduced himself and provided a brief background on his career.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macias welcomed Mr. DeAnda-Scaia to the City; requested the consideration of either allowing the
public to attend the meetings in person or hold the meetings entirely via Zoom; requested that Staff continue to publicize
the ballot drop off box in front of the City Library and inquired about collection times.
City Clerk Cornejo announced that ballots are collected every 72 hours and as the election gets closer, ballots will be
collected every 24 hours.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macias announced the 1st Annual Azusa Canyon City Halloween Bike Ride to take place on Halloween
and include costume contests and a bike ride; and wished everyone a Happy Halloween.
Councilmember Alvarez welcomed Mr. DeAnda-Scaia to the City; thanked Economic Development Specialist Campos
for her work in supporting Azusa businesses; encouraged the public to purchase from the small business that rely solely
on take-out orders; and provided an update on the virtual League of California Cities conference that he attended stating
that California cities have lost $7 billion due to a loss in sales tax and occupancy tax revenues; and encouraged the public
to read the voter guide to understand the measures on the ballot.
Councilmember Avila welcomed Mr. DeAnda-Scaia to the City; requested an updated organization chart with the Deputy
City Manager position included; stated that he also attended virtual the League of California Cities Conference and
attended sessions regarding homelessness, housing, leadership, and municipal revenues among others; requested that any
items that must be voted on at the Conference be brought before the Council prior to the vote in order to determine the
City’s official position; thanked Community Resource Specialist Sandra Serna for helping the community; expressed his
condolences to the family of this aunt Rosemary Avila, lifelong Azusa resident.
PAGE TWO – 10/19/2020
Councilmember Mendez announced the Azusa Police Department’s Pink Patch Project fundraiser benefiting breast cancer
research; and inquired about the communication methods being used to reach out to local businesses regarding the Open
for Business program.
Economic Development Specialist Campos stated that information regarding the program is being emailed to local
businesses, additionally; they can register for the program via the Open for Business website.
Councilmember Mendez welcomed Mr. DeAnda-Scaia to the City; and requested clarification on the COVID-19 Local
Emergency and tow-truck item from the previous meeting.
City Manager Gonzalez provided an explanation regarding the tow truck company item which was approved as part of the
COVID -19 Declaration of Local Emergency. Chief of Police Bertelsen added that all three tow truck companies are
current on their payments and are not in need of the available 90-day extension; and provided information regarding tow
response times.
Mayor Gonzales stated that, based on the number of COVID-19 cases, he would be open to allowing the public to attend
the Council Meetings to provide public comment.
Discussion was held regarding the format for public comment at future meetings; the Council directed Staff to allow the
public to comment in person and then exit the auditorium, allow the public to comment via Zoom, and allow the public to
submit written comments as well.
Mayor Gonzales inquired about whether the Council wishes to place an item on a future item to discuss the changing the
City’s recognition of Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day
The Council directed Staff to provide a Memorandum regarding Columbus Day to the Council and the Council can decide
whether they wish to hold a discussion at a future meeting.
Mayor Gonzales announced that Pastor Marty with Encouragement Community Church will be holding a Thanksgiving
Drive-Thru which would provide meals to 100 families in Azusa; invited each of the Councilmembers to help identify ten
families that need assistance; and reminded everyone to celebrate Halloween responsibly.
SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING VAPE SHOPS, TOBACCO STORES, HOOKAH LOUNGES AND
OTHER SIMILAR USES IN THE CITY OF AZUSA
Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez provided regulation information on vape shops, tobacco
stores, hookah lounges, and other similar uses; a 2017 moratorium prohibiting these establishments has expired and
another moratorium addressing the same issues cannot be adopted; and options for future regulations were presented.
In response to questions posed by the Council, Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez stated that
hookah lounges were included in this report because they were part of the original 2017 moratorium; these establishments
are considered general retail use; there are 13 vape shops in the City; a regulation Ordinance is approximately a three
month process.
Discussion ensued regarding the options for regulation of these establishments.
The Council directed Staff to prepare business regulations for these establishments to be presented to the Council and then
prepare zoning regulations to be presented to the Planning Commission.
CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Macias and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1 to E-9, Item E-10 was held under the Special Call
Portion of the Agenda.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 5, 2020 were approved as amended.
2. Resolution No. 2020-C64 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.
PAGE THREE – 10/19/2020
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, J. Sandoval, B. Parra, A. Gomez, Z. Chadwick, J. Bird, L.
Jaime, J. Kroner, D. Smith, C. Helvey, A. Mercado, A. Qadeer, B. Zuniga, E. Sandoval
Flex Staffing Promotion: G. Enriquez
Reclassification: A. Mercado
Transfer: A. Solis
New Appointments: M. Cortez, G. Garnica II
Promotion: V. Garcia, S. Shepard
Separation/Retirements: K. Kenz
New Class Specification: Senior Recreation Leader
A revision was made to IBEW MOU Section 14.2 – Rubber Gloving.
4. An Operational Agreement between the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the City of Azusa for
August 1, 2020 – July 31, 2025 was approved; the City Manager, or designee, was authorized to execute the
agreement; and approved subject to non-substantive changes approved by the City Attorney and City Manager.
5. The City Treasurer’s Statement of Cash and Investment Balances for the month of August 2020 was received,
reviewed, and filed.
6. Resolution No. 2020-C65 was adopted and entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA APPROVING THE BLANKET
AUTHORITY TO FILE APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR MEASURE A FUNDING FOR PROJECTS AND
PROGRAMS.
7. A three-year Lease, with two potential one-year extensions to Options for Learning for Space and Modular Trailers at
328 N. Orange Place was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the Lease Agreement on behalf
of the City.
8. An agreement amendment in the amount of $175,286, which includes a 10% contingency for potential change orders,
increasing the not-to-exceed amount to $874,487, for the Traffic Management System Project was approved; and the
City Manager was authorized to execute the agreement amendment on behalf of the City.
9. An increase to the Emergency Response Crime Scene Cleaning Blanket Purchase Order for Fiscal Year 2020/21 to a
not-to-exceed amount of $70,000 for emergency Covid-19 cleaning was approved.
10. Special Call.
SPECIAL CALL
APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF SPORTAFENCE WHEELED SYSTEMS PORTABLE FENCE SECTIONS
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo responded to questions posed by the Council stating that the removal
of the existing fence at Memorial Park has begun.
City Manager Gonzalez added that as part of the Strategic Plan, the Council wished to have a designated field for the girls
softball program; Northside Park was identified as the ideal location, however there is no homerun fence; roll away fences
provide flexibility for multiple sports to be played at the field; the moving of the Azusa Raiders to Memorial Park
provides them the opportunity for a larger playing field.
Director of Community Resources Carpenter responded to questions posed stating the roll away fences allow Staff to
maximize use of all fields; adult leagues will have fields available for use, however, the youth sports leagues and
recreation programming will take priority; rollaway fences will be installed at both Memorial Park and Northside Park.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo provided information regarding the assembly and removal of the
rollaway fences; the fences can be secured to the stationary fence to prevent theft.
Moved by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council
to waive purchasing procedures as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2.520(b), Sole source purchases, and
approve the purchase of the SportaFence Wheeled Systems portable fence sections in the amount not-to-exceed
$75,068.96 from SportaFence Marketing Enterprises, LLC; and authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase
agreement.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
PAGE FOUR – 10/19/2020
ADJOURNMENT – CITY COUNCIL
RECONVENE - UTILITY BOARD
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/BOARD
UTILITIES DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Director of Utilities Robledo reported that electrical and water systems are being maintained; protocols have been
established to keep Staff healthy; rotating outages during the heat wave were avoided; Staff is proceeding with the Capital
Improvement Projects for the expansion of the electric substation on Angeleno, and the replacement of a large water main
in southern Azusa, both are proceeding well; and 115 cars participated in the September Shred-A-Thon.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Chairman Macias thanked Light & Water Staff for the tour of the Light & Water facilities and water filtration plant.
WATER SUPPLY UPDATE
Director of Utilities Robledo reported that the water year has been normal; a new water year is about to begin and Staff is
hopeful for more rain; water supply is tracked using the ground water table which is at 202 feet; conservation measures
are being continued; and Statewide reservoirs are about half-full and ready to take on storage when it does rain.
He responded to questions posed by the Board stating that we are at the bottom of the water table due to years of drought;
Staff has been raising water levels by purchasing water through the water master and purchasing surplus water from other
areas to be distributed at the Azusa spreading grounds; and due to the climate of Southern California Staff will continue to
recommend conservation efforts without punishment of customers.
POWER SUPPLY UPDATE
Director of Utilities Robledo reported that power contracts are all performing well; renewable energy targets are being
met; one-third of the energy is from renewable resources; on August 18, power reached 71 mega-watts instantaneously,
which was close to an all-time peak of 72 mega-watts; and Statewide hydro-electric resources are slightly below normal.
He responded to questions posed by the Board stating that when there is not enough power generation to meet demand,
the State will call for utilities to cut power; in order to avoid unplanned power interruptions of regular customers, Azusa
Light & Water cuts power to water operations first; communication plans have been refined to send out email and social
alerts, however when the State calls for a cut in power it must be done immediately which doesn’t allow time for
customers to be notified; escrow for the new brewery, which is a subsidiary of Pabst Brewing is scheduled to close in
November and operations will resume next year; and the new brewery will utilize approximately half of the water supply
utilized by Miller-Coors.
CONSENT CALENDAR – UTILITY BOARD Moved by Boardmember Gonzales, seconded by Boardmember Alvarez
and carried by unanimous vote of the Board, to approve Consent Calendar Items I-1 – I-7.
AYES: BOARDMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ
NOES: BOARDMEMBERS: NONE
1. The minutes of the Special Utility Board Meeting of September 21, 2020 were approved as written.
2. Project W-356 North Reservoir Rehabilitation Capital Improvement Project plans and specifications were approved;
and the advertisement and solicitation of bids was authorized.
3. A one-year extension of the professional services agreement with Stetson Engineering, Inc., for on-call professional
engineering and construction management services was approved; a one-year extension of the professional services
agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., for on-call professional engineering and construction management
services was approved; a one-year extension of the professional services agreement with NV5, Inc. (formerly known
as CivilSoure, Inc.) for on-call professional engineering and construction management services was approved; and the
Mayor was authorized to execute the amendments to the professional services with each of the above firms.
4. Task Order 11 for Well 7 Rehabilitation was awarded to General Pump Company under the existing Master
Maintenance Services Agreement, for a not-to-exceed amount of $456,802.39.
5. A construction contract for Project LD2020-5 Furnishing and Installing Underground Electric Substructures along
West Gladstone Street & South Mother Avenue was awarded to Teichert Energy & Utilities Group, Inc. in an amount
not-to-exceed $749,764.76; and the Mayor was authorized to execute the Contract.
PAGE FIVE – 10/19/2020
6. It was found that TSR Construction & Inspection has completed the Aerojet conduit extension with plans and
specifications for Project LD2020-2 Furnishing and Installing of Underground Electric Substructures on Aerojt
avenue; the Notice of Completion was approved; the Mayor was authorized to execute the Notice of Completion on
behalf of the City; and the City Clerk was authorized to submit the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Office
of the County Recorder of Los Angeles County, within ten days of the Utility Board approval, as required by Section
3093 of the California Civil Code.
7. The Utility Board regular meeting on October 26, 2020 was cancelled.
It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:22 P.M.
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2020-C66 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2020-07
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2020-R16 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS: November 2, 2020 and November 16, 2020.
PAGE SIX – 9/21/2020