HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - January 25, 2021 - UBCITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AZUSA UTILITY BOARD
MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021– 6:30 P.M.
Chair person: Uriel E. Macias
Vice Chair person: Jesse Avila , Jr.
Board Member: Robert Gonzales
Board M ember: Edward J. Alvarez
Board Member: Andrew Mendez
Secretary: Jeffrey Lawrence Cornejo, Jr.
The Utility Board/City Council of the City of Azusa met in regular session at the above date and time via Zoom virtual
meeting in accordance with Executive Order N-29-20.
Chair person Macias called the meeting to order at 6:31 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by Secretary Cornejo.
PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS: MACIAS, AVILA, ALVAREZ, MENDEZ
ABSENT: BOARD MEMBERS: GONZALES
Pledge to the flag was led by Chairperson Macias.
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: Secretary Cornejo
City Attorney: Jeff Ferre
Staff Members: Utilities Director Robledo, Assistant Director of Electric Operations Vuong, Assistant Director of
Water Operations Macias, Assistant Director of Customer Care & Solutions Holmes, Assistant Director of Resource
Management Torres, Senior Management Analyst Smith, City Manager Gonzalez, Deputy City Manager DeAnda -Scaia,
Captain Landeros , Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia
A. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None
B. UTILITIES DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Utilities Director Robledo reported the automated metering infrastructure (AMI) project is approximately 95% complete;
almost all meters are being read remotely; the conversion of streetlight lamps is in progress; staff is preparing for a
customer information system (CIS) upgrade; the Azusa substation upgrade is about 90% complete; the line extension on
Motor Avenue is in progress; the water main project on Cypress will begin in February, and the cool roof at the Library
was completed in December 2020. In addition, he participated in Capitol Day in Sacramento.
Utilities Director Robledo responded to questions, stating the life expectancy of the cool roof is approximately 20 years,
and the age of the previous roof is unknown.
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C. UTILITY BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
None
D. SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. Adopt a Resolution to amend the Azusa Light & Water Rules and Regulations to update certain water and electric
utility business practices and requirements.
Utilities Director Robledo indicated the amendments do not change rates and reviewed the amendments.
Utilities Director Robledo responded to questions, stating the rule changes do not require a property owner to install a
separate utility metered service for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), but they may install a separate water service or a
sub-meter to measure the usage of the ADU; SB 998 extends the period before ALW can disconnect service for
delinquent low-income water customers.
Moved by Board Member Alvarez, seconded by Board Member Mendez , to adopt Resolution 2021-UB-01 to amend the
Azusa Light & Water Rules and Regulations to update certain water and electric utility business practices and
requirements pursuant to Section 78-38 of the Azusa Municipal Code.
AYES: BOARD MEMBERS: MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MACIAS
NOES: BOARD MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: BOARD MEMBERS: GONZALES
ABSTAIN: BOARD MEMBERS: NONE
E. CONSENT CALENDAR
Moved by Board Member Mendez, seconded by Vice Chairperson Avila, to approve the Consent Calendar by the
following vote of the Board:
AYES: BOARD MEMBERS: MENDEZ, ALVAREZ , AVILA, MACIAS
NOES: BOARD MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: BOARD MEMBERS: GONZALES
ABSTAIN: BOARD MEMBERS: NONE
1. The minutes of the November 23, 2020 meeting of the Utility Board were approv ed as written.
2. The award of a Professional Services Agreement to SA Associates in a total not-to-exceed amount of $22,000 for
the preparation of the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan was approved; and the Mayor was authorized to
execute the Professional Services Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
3. The Award of C ontract to Paso Robles Tank, Inc. of Paso Robles, California, for the construction of North
Reservoir Rehabilitation Project No. W-356 in an amount not-to-exceed $1,621,829 was approved; and the Mayor
was authorized to execute the contract in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
4. The Certificate of Acceptance of a grant of permanent easement for water utility purposes from property owner
Citrus Crossing Azusa LP for site addresses 307, 345 and 355 N. Citrus Avenue and 854 E. Alosta Avenue in the
City of Azusa was approved; Resolution No. 2021-UB -02 was adopted; and the City Clerk was authorized to file
said easement documents with the Office of the Los Angeles County Recorder.
5. A one-year extension of the January 22, 2018 Maintenance Service Agreement with Sedaru, Inc. (formerly ID
Modeling, Inc.), for Sedaru licenses and maintenance services effective January 25, 2021 and extending through
January 31, 2022 was approved; and the Mayor was authorized to execute amendments to the Maintenance
Service Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
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6. Project No. W-265B plans and specifications were approved; and advertisement and solicitation of bids for
Project W-265B Water Main Replacement between Lark Ellen Avenue and Vincent Avenue were authorized.
7. A Grant of Easement for electric facility purposes for the property at 735-739 N. Georgia Avenue in the City of
Azusa was accepted; Resolution No. 2021-UB-03 was adopted; and the City Clerk was authorized to file said
easement documents with the Office of the Los Angeles County Recorder.
F. STAFF REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
None
G. VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
1. Power Supply Update
Utilities Director Robledo advised that staff is discussing the lack of small hydroelectric power generation in 2020 with
the Metropolitan Water District (MWD); the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has implemented
initiatives to avoid summer power shortages; construction of the Mesa Wind project remains on schedule; and staff is
monitoring the effects of the snowpack on energy markets.
Utilities Director Robledo responded to a question, stating the White Water project is Garnet Wind, which is producing
power.
2. Water Supply Update
Utilities Director Robledo reported the level of the groundwater basin remains at approximately 200 feet; rainfall amounts
are below average; ALW's allocation from the State Water Project is 10%; the level of the Canyon Reservoir has been
reduced in anticipation of rainfall; the key well level is at the bottom of the operating range; and reservoir levels acr oss the
state are below average in anticipation of rainfall.
H. CLOSED SESSION
None
I. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by consensus of the Utility Board.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 7:05 P.M.
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK/SECRETARY