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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 - Minutes Regular Meeting, February 1, 2021CITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 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 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 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) 2.GRIEVANCE REVIEW – Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 - Review of Employee Grievance and Complaint Pursuant to Sections 15.4 and 15.6 of the City’s Rules of the Civil Service System. 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; Item 2 – City Council voted 4-0 to uphold decision made by Personal Board. CONSENT ITEM E-1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL 2/16/2021 CEREMONIAL None PUBLIC COMMENT Jonathan Hawes, submitted public comment via email concerning City of El Monte. REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL City Manager Communications. City Manager Gonzalez – Reported a Covid-19 update; stating numbers continue to increase but not as rapidly. The Covid-19 testing site is published on social media; they are open 7 days a week. The city’s website has posted the most recent notice from the State and Los Angeles County on regulations regarding outdoor dining and businesses around the city, for any questions or support you can contact Community Development Department. He also reported that Caltrans is currently working on the 210 freeway improvements, the project will consist of repainting shoulder areas, retrofitting bridges and columns and replacing center medium, improvements will be completed by the end of the year. Lastly, reported on recent rains stating there was no major impact to the infrastructure; Highway 39 was closed by Caltrans due to mudflow, and improvements will continue to be intact for a few more years until vegetation grows back. In response to Councilmember Mendez question, City Manager Gonzalez stated there were no power outages reported, stating most of the high danger wind areas have underground structure and are properly insulated, preventative care has also played a huge part. He also encourages residents to clear lines in their property. Director of Utilities Robledo, responded stating that the clearance is kept within a 10 foot to the power line, primary lines are at the top of the pole are as T bar, the lower lines are the phone, it is best kept clear of brush. There have been no interruptions due to winds. Council Comments Councilmember Avila thanked League of California Cities on their Virtual Conference, provided an update on sessions he attended pertaining to conducting an effective intersect Council Meeting and how to relate between City Manager, City Council and Policy Rules. He Congratulated Redeem Life Church for celebrating their 5th year here in Azusa, congratulating Pastor Anderson and Bonnie Powell for their good work in the community. He extended his condolences to the Escobedo Family for their loss. He adjourned the next council meeting in Richard Escobedo a Vietnam Veteran. He would like to extend a get well soon and recovery to Mayor Gonzales. Councilmember Mendez thanked City Staff and City Manager for reaching out to Caltrans, and quickly working on freeway improvements, he also questioned as to when work will get started, discussion was held and it was determined that project will start in April to be completed by November 2021. He addressed that he would like to present a recognition certificate to Recensis Medical Group and No Kid Goes Hungry for helping at the food giveaway in December. He extended well wishes and recovery to Mayor Gonzales. Councilmember Alvarez stated Foothill Transit will be building the Mt. Sac Transit Center, construction will start in May and will be completed in the Fall of 2022. He provided an update on the double decker bus stating it is currently being tested and should be running by February. The double decker bus was ordered from the United Kingdom, whom are the largest bus manufacturer and experienced in double decker busses. He also stated you will be able to pay with both iPhone and Android. Mayor Pro-Tem Macias thanked City Staff and City Manager for the quick response to Caltrans for the cleaning of Southern Quarter of 210 Freeway. He addressed how the Barranca Railroad crossing in Glendora, has opened up, that is part of the Gold Line infrastructure, it will connect to the Ontario Airport in the near future, they have started some closures in Glendora and will move to San Dimas as work continues. He stated that he is part of the Gold Line Committee and is represented by the JPA for Azusa. He addressed a question on the Sierra Madre Park and asked Chief Bertelsen for an update on the park situation. Chief Bertelsen responded to Sierra Madre Park and stated that Lt. Wenrick address some of the residents with their concerns, he communicated with Public Works and stated they have had more patrols visit the area and keeping communication open with resident needs for the park. Director of Public Work Delgadillo addressed the question on the basketball courts being utilized, stated the courts are still restricted under LA County Public Health Order. The hoops have been taken down, he is unaware of any ball playing and will take a look in to it. Director of Public Work, Delgadillo stated that Foothill Transit maintains and has staff that cleans the premises, they will put in a call to Foothill Transit for this matter. He corrected the street on the northwest corner on First and Cerritos stating it was Rock vale and Cerritos and they are waiting for the light vendor to replace a part, discussion was held on the ramp that was damaged due to the accident. PAGE TWO – 2/1/2021 Director of Community Resources, Carpenter responded to question of Covid-19 testing site for Memorial Park, stating they have put in the request. A response is pending. SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM YEAR 2021/2022 – ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CDBG PROGRAM YEAR 2021/2022. Tina Gall CDBG Consultant presented the annual request to allocate the new Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the upcoming fiscal year 2021/2022 staff report. Gall stated the city anticipates approximately $406,969 in CDBG funds. Funds are recommended to be placed in CDBG eligible projects. Tina Gall responded to a question posted by the Council stating the final number for the census has been delayed and a revised date for new information is pending. Sergio Gonzalez added that the city will reach out to their federal representative office for an update on census information. Tina Gall responded to a question posed by the Council stating that they are establishing the capital improvement project again in fiscal year 21/22 with the knowledge that available funding for the project will increase, funds will be transferred to the new sidewalks and ADA projects once they close out the current fiscal year CDBG projects. Tina Gall responded to a question posed by the Council stating eligible sidewalks within census tracts are priority to getting repaired, due to regulations and requirements under CDBG. Mayor Pro Tem Macias declared the hearing open. City Clerk Cornejo read the affidavit of proof of publication published on January 11, 2021, in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Public Comment Jennifer Hicks, Executive Director of Neighborhood Homework House expressed gratitude towards the city for their continuous support and investment, states the 21/22 fiscal year CDBG award is key while serving students, they are currently serving students virtually and will reopen in March. 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 Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila and carried by the following vote of the Council to adopt Resolution No. 2021-C05 and the City Manager was authorized to execute all Contracts and Agreement. Resolution No. 2021-C05 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA ADOPTING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FOR YEAR 2021-2022 AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES CITY’S HOUSING ELEMENT 6TH CYCLE 2021-2029 UPDATE AND DIRECTION OF SUBCOMMITTEE SELECTION. Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez stated that the project is in motion, the city is contracted with MIG Consultants; Marquez added that the funding for the project this year is provided by a Local Early Action Planning Grant. Planning Manager Munoz presented the Housing Element 6th Cycle 2021-2029 staff report; explaining the Housing Element Process, Public Engagement Objectives and Public Engagement Method. City Staff is requesting that the Council select one member to represent in the Housing Element Subcommittee. It was consensus of the City Council to appoint Councilmember Mendez to the Housing Element Subcommittee. PAGE THREE – 2/1/2021 CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Mendez 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 January 19, 2021 were approved as written. 2. Resolution No. 2021-C06 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: C. Parades, M. Bowman, S. Hallimore, G. Rodriguez. Promotions: K. Soliven. 4. Resolution No. 2021-C07 was adopted and entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF AZUSA ACCEPTING THE IRREVOCABLE OFFER OF DEDICATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1303 WEST OPTICAL DRIVE 5. Approved Professional Services Agreements for On-Call Appraisal Services with Moore Real Estate Group and Valbridge Property Advisors in a total combined amount not-to-exceed $20,000 was approved; and the Mayor was authorized to execute Professional Services Agreements. 6. The City Manager was authorized to execute Amendment No. 2 to Funding Agreement Between the City and The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Approve revised funding for the Traffic Management System Project No. 66117C, 66117I, 66118C and 66117J to add an additional $350,000 in Prop C funding and $1,174,352 in Utility Mitigation funding was approved. 7. Accept Grant funding from Los Angeles Regional Park and open space district and approve the purchase and installation of Playground Equipment at both Memorial Park by Miracle Playground Sales, and Veterans Freedom Park by Gametime was approved and the City Manager was authorized to execute two Agreements with RPOSD for utilization of Measure A funds to complete the purchase and installation of playground equipment at Memorial Park and Veterans Freedom Park and approve the purchase and installation of new playground equipment at Memorial Park by Miracle Playground Sales in the amount of $219,596.05, which includes a 10% contingency and approve the purchase and installation of new playground equipment at Veterans Freedom Park by Gametime in the amount of $166,727.47, which includes a 10% contingency was approved. SECOND READING ORDINANCES SECOND 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. Councilmember Mendez offered Ordinance No. 2021-01 entitled: 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 Moved by Councilmember Mendez seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Macias and carried by the following vote of the Council to read by title only, second reading and adoption, Ordinance No. 2021-01. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES PAGE FOUR – 2/1/2021 It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by consensus of the City Council in honor of those Azusans who we’ve lost to Covid-19. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:19 P.M. __________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-C08 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2021-02 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-R04 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: February 16, 2021 and March 1, 2021 PAGE FIVE – 2/1/2021