Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - October 19, 2020 - UB, Special MeetingCITY 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. 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, Director of Utilities Robledo, 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 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 San Gabriel Basin Watermaster and purchasing surplus water from other areas to be injected into 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 megawatts instantaneously, which was close to an all-time peak of 72 megawatts; 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 statewide, the State power grid operator will call for utilities to cut power; in order to avoid unplanned power interruptions of regular customers, Azusa Light & Water cuts power to its water operations first; communication plans have been refined to send out email and social media 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 immediately prior to interruption; escrow for the new brewery, which is a subsidiary of Pabst Blue Ribbon 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