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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - January 19. 2021 - CCCITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 – 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. This meeting was held via teleconference only. Mayor Pro-Tem Macias called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo. PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES ALSO PRESENT Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo. Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia. PUBLIC COMMENT None. CLOSED SESSION The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:31 P.M. to discuss the following: 1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8. City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager Property Address: 624 N. San Gabriel – APN: 8611-004-914; 622 N. San Gabriel – APN: 8611-004-912 and 913. Negotiating Parties: Martin D. Howard, SteelCraft Long Beach, LP Under Negotiation: Price and Terms REGULAR SESSION Mayor Pro-Tem Macias called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro-Tem Macias. CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo. PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES 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 Information Technology and Library Services Graf, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, 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: Mayor Gonzales was absent; Item 1 –No reportable action; CEREMONIAL None PUBLIC COMMENT James, expressed his concern about the crime in the Rosedale Community in Azusa; requesting extra patrol. Lita Abella, expressed concern about the crime in the Rosedale Community in Azusa; requesting extra patrol in Sierra Madre and Summit Park. She expressed her opposition for an active park. She is requesting that the Great Park and the 23 homes be built at the same time. Cathy Bushy, expressed her concern about the crime in the Rosedale Community in Azusa; requesting to have restricted parking in the Rosedale Community. Philp Campa, inquired about the Great Park Project and amenities, and expressed his concern regarding the timeline of the project; requested the Great Park be built before the 23 homes, requested actions be taken to reduce crime at the metro station. REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL City Manager Gonzalez addressed two concerns from the residents on the safety condition on Old Sierra Madre Road and Sierra Madre Park. Police Chief Bertelsen responded with some of the improvements to the Sierra Madre Park, by adding speed bumps and painting the red curbs, as well as having extra patrolling in the area, and surveillance operations within the park. Chief Bertelsen stated that during operations there were very little activity and low violent crimes. They will be meeting with Lt. Wenrick and Old Sierra Madre residents by Zoom to discuss concerns. Chief stated that he is working with Public Works Director Delgadillo on providing additional trash cans, frequent street cleaning, and additional lighting. Director of Public Works Delgadillo responded to a question posed by council stating that they will need to find the balance as well as the placement of the light fixtures. They are working on having the park maintenance staff maintain litter control at the park and place additional trash cans on the north west corner of the park. City Manager Gonzalez responded to a question posed by the council stating the Great Park is part of the Housing Development however; it is a standalone park. There are three different options, passive park, a middle ground and active park. There was discussion on the types of park. He also stated that he has been working with Director of Community Resources Carpenter and the Parks and Recreation Commission, and will determine based on the survey that was conducted from the citizens. Recommendations from Planning will be submitted to council as part of the process. City Manager Communications. City Manager Gonzalez responded with an update on Mayors condition. He addressed the recent winds and expressed his gratitude towards our Light & Water Department; stating there has been no power outages due to the winds and the proactive trimming of trees. He stated the Covid-19 update; 5,288 Covid-19 cases with 73 deaths in Azusa. The testing site at the North Recreation Center (NRC) continues to stay busy; there is a new operator and they will be increasing their capacity; we are looking to convert the NRC to a vaccination center. However, the Los Angeles County is looking to use a larger scale location where they can vaccine five to ten thousand people a day. Council Comments Councilmember Mendez expressed gratitude on Mayor Gonzales update. He addressed Caltrans; expressing concern regarding potholes on the Westbound 210 freeway between Citrus and Azusa. He requested an update on the Dhammakaya International Meditation Center (DIMC) approval on building process. He also addressed Public Works Director Delgadillo in regards to southbound San Gabriel Avenue and First Street; right turn/straight lane traffic merging together. City Manager Gonzalez responded with update on Dhammakaya International Meditation Center, the project has been approved for six to seven years, it has all the entitlements to move forward; it recently had a design change that has been approved, and has no significant effect to the original project that was approved. Councilmember Avila addressed regarding the people that were lost during Covid-19, he stated they will be closing in memory of two long term Azusa Residents, Gianna Marie Gaytan and Adriana Norzagaray. He addressed the well-being of Mayor Gonzales. He expressed his gratitude to the Light and Water Department for responding quickly to the situation due to the winds. He is asking everyone to have a contingency emergency plan in preparation for heavy winds. He stated Azusa Beautiful recently donated $1,000 to Azusa Light and Water to assist residents. According to Manny Robledo the funds will be available next month. He would like to wish Jack Monreal and Sister, Sally Aguilar a Happy Birthday. PAGE TWO – 1/19/2021 Councilmember Alvarez addressed all those who were affected by Covid-19, He stated that he would really like to see Memorial Park become one of the vaccination destinations, and expressed the importance of getting the vaccination. He reiterated the concern of traffic on Southbound San Gabriel Avenue and First Street. In reference to the Sierra Madre Park he expressed concern and stated they will do their best to remedy the situation. Mayor Pro-Tem Macias wished everyone a Happy New Year and hoping 2021 brings much needed relief from Covid-19 and better times ahead. He stated the project on Foothill and Alosta is complete and looks great. He expressed concern on the homeless encampment on the south side of the 210 freeway; he would like the city to reach out to Caltrans to help cleaning up the area and provide resources to the homeless. He congratulated the Light and Water Department for the recent upgrades. The Police Department is actively working on the Sierra Madre Park concern. He addressed the issue at Gladstone Park; Public Works, Parks Division will continue to monitor. SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING - FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE FOR CODE AMENDMENT NO. 249 ADDING SECTION 88.42.240 TO THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE AND AMENDING SECTIONS 88.22.065, 88.24.005, 88.26.005, AND 88.70.020 TO REGULATE TOBACCO AND VAPING SHOPS/RETAILERS. Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez presented the tobacco and vape shop proposed ordinance staff report; The proposed ordinance will provide definitions such as tobacco or vaping shops, electronic smoking devices, etc.; allow vape or tobacco establishments to obtain approval of (minor use permit) MUP; create distance requirements from sensitive uses, 1,000 ft. from schools, playgrounds, recreation facilities, parks, childcare facilities, etc.; create distance requirements from similar uses, not permissible within 1,000 ft. of another and only 1 per parcel; establish development and operational standards, no smoking on premises, etc.; limit the number of tobacco/vape retailers in the city, 7 maximum (1/8,000 residents); provide an amortization period for nonconforming retailers not located in permitted zones. Mayor Pro Tem Macias declared the hearing open. City Clerk Cornejo read the affidavit of proof of publication published on January 8, 2021, in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Public Comment Rima Khoury, expressed opposition to item D-1 stating it would cause loss of jobs. She also requested that the city grandfather existing tobacco retailers that are complying with the laws and consider a tobacco retail license program. Ronnie, expressed his appreciation towards the city for being understanding and allowing retailers to operate. Mayra, expressed opposition to item D-1; requested that the city work closely with retailers and continue to have communication so the revenue and integrity is not lost; wished the mayor well. Jamie Rojas, expressed opposition to item D-1 stating retailers are protecting their business as well as the community from illegal sales and are in full compliance with regulations; states youth purchase illegal product online. Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez and carried by the following vote of the Council to close the Public Hearing. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila and carried by the following vote of the Council to introduce First Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-01 by title only; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 249 ADDING SECTION 88.42.240 TO THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE AND AMENDING SECTIONS 88.22.065, 88.24.005, 88.26.005, AND 88.70.020 TO REGULATE TOBACCO AND VAPING SHOPS AND DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES PUBLIC HEARING – ADOPTION OF UPDATED CITYWIDE SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES. Budget Administrator Lam presented the Schedule of Fees and Charges for review and approval; the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation adjustment is 3%; fees were adjusted by 3% with the exception of external agencies fees; Staff is requesting approval of 12 new fees, 11 fees which are higher than the 3% CPI adjustment, and the removal of 5 fee. PAGE THREE – 1/19/2021 Director of Administrative Services Johnson explained the proposed revisions to the recreational swimming program; proposing 1 new fee of a monthly swimming pass to replace current season pass; new monthly pass will result in 50% reduction in cost to residents; proposing to increase day passes; $1.00 to all age groups; create efficient handing of coin handling for staff. Director of Community Resources Carpenter responded to a question posed by the council, stating that the Community Resources Department is unable to charge a non-resident fee for recreational swimming because the facility was built with prop 8 funds. Mayor Pro Tem Macias declared the hearing open. City Clerk Cornejo read the affidavit of proof of publication published on January 6, 2021, in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Public Comment None. Moved by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Avila and carried by the following vote of the Council to close the Public Hearing. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES Councilmember Mendez offered Resolution Nos. 2021-C01 and C02. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-C01 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING A REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR VARIOUS MUNICIPAL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES RESOLUTION NO. 2021-C02 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING A REVISED SCHEDULE FOR CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FEES AND SERVICE CHARGES Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez and carried by the following vote of the Council to adopt Resolution No. 2021-C01 and Resolution No. 2021-C02. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES 1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 21, 2020 were approved as written. 2. Resolution No. 2021-C03 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: Merit Increases/Regular Appointments: R. Gardea. L. Salazar. New Appointments: T. Blanco, B. Gonzales Promotions: J. Beaver, A. Solache Separation/Retirement: M. Gomez, J. Kimes, M. Orta, J. Velasco. 4. Joint Resolution No. 2021-C04 was adopted and entitled: A JOINT RESOLUTION BETWEEN THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, THE CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, AND THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, AND THE GOVERNING BODIES OF PAGE FOUR – 1/19/2021 THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MOSQUITO VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT, THE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 22 OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, AND THE UPPER SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT, AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF AZUSA, APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE NEGOTIATED EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUE RESULTING FROM ANNEXATION 2018-06 TO THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MOSQUITO VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT 5. Approve the purchase of a New Caterpillar Inc. Model: 920 Wheel Loader with 4-in-1 Bucket and Fork attachments was approved. 6. City Treasurer’s Statement of Cash and Investment Balances for the Month of October 2020 was approved. 7. Approval of four Professional Services Agreements for Revenue Compliance Audit and Discovery Services with MuniServices for Business License Tax compliance audit and discovery services in a not to exceed amount of $25,000 for the balance of fiscal year 2020-2021; and for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) compliance audit and discovery services in a not to exceed amount of $25,000 for the balance of fiscal year 2020-2021; and for Utility User Tax (UUT) compliance audit and discovery services in a not to exceed amount of $25,000 for the balance of fiscal year 2020-2021; and for the State Video Franchise fee/PEG compliance audit and discovery services in a not to exceed amount of $25,000 for the balance of fiscal year 2020-2021 was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute Professional Services Agreements. 8. Approve Purchase of Network Infrastructure Equipment with ConvergeOne, not to exceed amount of $441,000 was approved; and the Mayor was authorized to execute Professional Services Agreement. 9. Approve Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Inc. to provide Planning and Environmental Consultant Services for the Great Park and Residential Project Located at 807 The Promenade in an amount not to exceed $96,043.20 was approved and the City Manager was authorized to execute Professional Services Agreement. SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS Items 1 and 2 were taken simultaneously. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED NOVEMBER 12, 2020 THROUGH JANUARY 13, 2021. APPROVAL OF RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR JULY 1, 2021 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022 AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS Agencymember Alvarez offered Resolution No. 2021-R01 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 And offered Resolution No. 2021-R02 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF AZUSA APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2021 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022 PURSUANT TO AB x1 26 AS AMENDED BY AB 1484 And offered Resolution No. 2021-R03 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF AZUSA APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2021 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022 PURSUANT TO AB x1 26 AS AMENDED BY AB 1484 Moved by Agencymember Alvarez seconded by Agencymember Mendez and carried by the following vote of the Agency to adopt Resolution Nos. 2021-R01, 2021-R02 and 2021-R03. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by consensus of the City Council in memory of Adriana Norzagaray and Giana Gaytan, Longtime Azusa Resident and adjourn in solemn honor of those Azusans who we’ve lost to Covid-19. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:57 P.M. PAGE FIVE – 1/19/2021 __________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-C05 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2021-02 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-R04 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: February 1, 2021 and February 16, 2021 PAGE SIX – 1/19/2021