Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 01, 2021 - CCCITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 1, 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 zoom 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, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS ALSO PRESENT Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo. Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia. PUBLIC COMMENT None. CLOSED SESSION The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:30 P.M. to discuss the following: 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.6. City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager and Talika Johnson, Director of Administrative Services Organizations: PMA (Police Management Association) and Unrepresented Employees. 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1). Case Name: Mission Fitness Center, LLC et al. v. Gavin Newsom et al. U.S.D.C., Central District of California Case No. 2:20-cv-09824-CAS-KS REGULAR SESSION Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Mendez. CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo. PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS 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. Invocation was given by Pastor Richard L. MacDonald, Azusa Police Chaplain CLOSED SESSION REPORT The City Council reconvened at 7:30 P.M.; City Attorney Martinez announced the following regarding Closed Session: Mayor Pro Tem Macias was absent; Item 1 –No reportable action; Item 2 – No reportable action. CEREMONIAL None PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Jorge V. Rosales, requested for staff to expand on the mid-year budget review staff report. Rosales is asking for staff to reference, new layers of pension depth; give specific examples and meaning of aging infrastructure and what the evolving community growth and needs are. Rosales also wished Mayor Pro-Tem Macias well. REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL City Manager Communications. City Manager Gonzalez announced that a vaccine center in the city is still pending, he also mentioned that a reopening plan is being worked on so the public can have access to city services. Director of Community Resources Carpenter gave an update on the reopening of recreational activities. Carpenter anticipates the Community Resources office to open within the next two weeks and youth sports to start sometime in April, following state protocol; Kids camp, Slauson pool, adult sports, field rentals and picnic shelter reservations are also anticipated to begin with some restrictions, guidelines and details are still pending. An update will be given at next meeting. There have also been some discrepancies regarding protocols, city is seeking clarification by the County; public will be updated as soon as possible. Mayor Gonzales stated he is happy to hear we are working with the Azusa American League in regards to getting back up and running. He looks forward to getting things back to somewhat normal. Gonzales also mentioned he received an email from a Rosedale resident inquiring about the timeframe or progress of the Great Park. Director of Community Resources Carpenter addressed a question posed by the Mayor on timeline of new Great Park. Carpenter stated a survey was sent out asking residents the types of amenities they would like to see in the park; 600 surveys were received. Survey will be summarized and used for community meetings. Survey and community meeting results will be summarized and given to the Parks and Recreation Commission for any changes or suggestions. Results will also be handed to the Planning Commission for additional suggestions. Carpenter was happy to have received so many responses from the survey. City Manager Gonzalez added that he wants to keep our residents and participants safe during the reopening. The city is currently looking to get access to vaccines for staff that have immediate contact with individuals. As changes begin to happen, the Human Resources department will be posting changes and updates on social media. As for the Great Park, the city is currently only gathering types of amenities residents would like to see in our park, once all information needed is gathering it will be synthesized to the Parks and Recreation Commission for input. Lastly, the Planning Commission will review and make sure the requests fit with the plan and financially. Council Comments Councilmember Alvarez is glad to see things are opening up, he posed a question to City Manager regarding the testing site, asking if the number of individuals testing has dwindling or remain the same. City Manager Gonzalez answered the question stating demand for Covid-19 testing has gone down considerably at the local testing site. Gonzalez added that it will also play a role in how long the testing site remains open or whether or not it can be a quick pivot to a vaccination site. Councilmember Avila states it is good news to hear things are opening back up. He thanked pastor Rick McDonald for praying to those suffering from Covid-19. Avila encourages the community to give those that have Covid-19 a call, and make sure they are okay. It has been a year since he has been elected, he thanked all who support him. He wished WBC 1990 Super-Bantamweight Champion, Paul Banke and his Fiancé, Annette Campos a Happy Birthday. Councilmember Mendez sent well wishes to Councilmember Macias. He was glad to hear from Mr. Jorge Rosales and thanked him for being engaged. He thanked City Manager Gonzalez and staff for their efforts in trying to get Covid-19 vaccines available locally. Mendez looks forward to switching from a testing site to a vaccine distribution site. He is exciting to see things dwindle down and reopen. He addressed staff regarding an update on the Housing Element Advisory Committee workshop. PAGE TWO – 3/1/2021 Planning Manager Munoz responded to a question posed by Councilmember Mendez, regarding the Housing Element update kickoff, a workshop scheduled for next Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 3:00 p.m., the following Wednesday they will be having the first Housing Element Advisory update meeting at 7:00 p.m. both are public meetings. You can visit azusaca.gov/azusahousingforall were you can get updates, sign up for emails, and also take a survey. Mayor Gonzales thanked the City Manager for communicating with State and Los Angeles County Representatives and possibly getting vaccinations available. As a representative on the Sanitation Board, Gonzales asked his colleagues to chime in regarding a current issue, he stated that there is a litigation between Los Angeles County and Sanitation District that will not be heard until 2023. Gonzales is scheduled to go into a closed session on March 24 and as he represents the city of Azusa, he is seeking direction from colleagues as how to vote. Gonzales would like to agendize the item for the upcoming meeting. Lastly, he wished Mayor Pro-Tem Macias a speedy recovery. SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL FISCAL YEAR 2020-21 GENERAL FUND MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW AND ADJUSTMENTS. Director of Administrative Services Johnson presented the annual mid-year budget review staff report for the current fiscal year 2020-21. Johnson reviewed the general fund operations, proposed the mid-year adjustments and amended financial forecast and gave a preview of the general fund significant budget impacts. City Manager Gonzalez presented staff report regarding planning for infrastructure and facility needs and addressed impacts of growing community stating that staff always look for grants and opportunities to address facility and infrastructure needs, but at times the city cannot qualify for grants it makes sense to spend general fund dollars to improve facilities and offer more programs to residents. Chief of Police Bertelsen answered a question posed by Council stating that the vacant Police Aide position and currently occupied Crime Analyst position are the two part-time positions they are looking to eliminate. The two part-time positions do not completely offset the cost of the new full-time position. There will be a cost savings, however number is unknown at the moment. Bertelsen also stated that the Police Department would benefit by having the position filled sooner than later, discussion was held. Director of Administrative Services Johnson added that Council would only be approving allocation to fund the position. The job specifications for the position would need approval by the Personnel Board at a later time. Johnson also added that there would be a $87,000 deficit if the new full-time position is approved due to certain benefits through MOU’s that full-time employees receive and part-time employees currently do not. City Manager Gonzalez addressed Council stating it would be advantageous and beneficial to have a person dedicated for emergency response. Gonzalez added that it would be very unlikely that the city spends $89,000 in the upcoming months however, wanted to be transparent as far as what the position would be costing as they move forward to next fiscal year. The budget study session is tentatively scheduled for May 24 with the final budget adoption on June 14. Councilmember Mendez offered Resolution No. 2021-C10 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE MID- YEAR BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR THE CITY OF AZUSA Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila, and carried by the following vote of the Council to receive, review and file Fiscal Year 2020-21 second quarter budget-to-actual report ending December 31, 2010; and adopt Resolution No. 2021-C10 approving the proposed budget amendments. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS Moved by Councilmember Avila, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, and carried by the following vote of the Council to approve addition of 1.0 full-time budgeted position, Emergency Services Coordinator, in the Police Department. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF AZUSA AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSIT (METRO) AUTHORITY CONCERNING THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE HISTORIC SANTA FE DEPOT LOCATED AT 130 EAST SANTA FE AVENUE (APN 8608-025-801). Planning Manager Munoz presented the Santa Fe Depot Memorandum of Understanding staff report stating separate lease agreement are required; $500,000 minimum contribution by the City of Azusa; 1.9 million contributions by Metro; return of investment would be approximately $372,000 over 10 years with possible extension; 10-year max credit which would give exclusive lease rights to the city; control of tenant; possibility of outdoor dining and public art; creation of micro- mobility hub with scooters, bikes and rideshare hot spots. PAGE THREE – 3/1/2021 Planning Manager Munoz addressed a question posed by the Council stating that the Rideshare Hotspot would be a designated pick up and drop off location for Uber and Lyft. Munoz added that the city will sub-lease the 1,550 square foot space. Moved by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Avila, and carried by the following vote of the Council to approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Azusa and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) and the City Manager was authorized to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS 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: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS 1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 16, 2021 were approved as written. 2. 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: New Appointment(s): I. Timmons, D. Gutierrez, G. Juarez. Merit Increases/Regular Appointments: B. Parra, J. Bitonti, J. Landa, T. Richardson, A. Hernandez. Promotions: E. Cardoso, J. Picazo. 3. Amendment No. Two to Agreement with Bateman DBA Trio Community Meals for Elderly Nutrition Catering Program at the Senior Center was approved, and the City Manager was authorized to execute Agreement and necessary budget amendment(s) and adjust the Current fiscal year budget and blanket purchase order accordingly was authorized. 4. 2021 Legislative Platform and State and Federal Legislative Priorities were adopted. ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by consensus of the City Council in memory of Emma Aguirre, Longtime Azusa Residents. We also adjourn in solemn honor of those Azusans who we’ve lost to Covid-19 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:02 P.M. __________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-C11 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2021-01 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-R05 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: March 15, 2021 and April 5, 2021 PAGE FOUR – 3/1/2021