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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - May 03, 2021 - CCCITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MAY 3, 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 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 ALSO PRESENT Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo. Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, Chief of Police Bertelsen, 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. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES –Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957. Consultation with: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager and Mike Bertelsen, Chief of Police Azusa Police Department REGULAR SESSION Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Macias. Invocation was given by Rick Clark, Rising Church. CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo. PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ALSO PRESENT Elected Officials: City Clerk 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 Community Resources Carpenter, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Director of Information Technology and Library Services Graf, 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: Item 1 – All members were present for the discussion, no reportable action. CEREMONIAL 1. A Proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2021 as Older Americans Month in the City of Azusa, was presented. 2. A Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 2-8, 2021 as Public Service Recognition Week in the City of Azusa, was presented. 3. A Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 2-8, 2021 as the 52nd Annual Municipal Clerks Week in the City of Azusa. PUBLIC COMMENT Bobbi Jefferson expressed concerns and frustrations regarding illegal fireworks in Azusa and the increase in their use; and stated that the current firework fine is a gateway. John Jefferson expressed concerns regarding illegal fireworks in the City; encouraged the Council to pass an Ordinance; and suggested methods for citations. Mary Torres expressed concerns regarding the discharge of fireworks on Angeleno Avenue; and requested that the City resolve the issue. Jane White, rental property owner, described incidences in which her tenants made complaints to her about fireworks in Azusa; expressed concerns about the loss of tenants due to fireworks; and requested that the Council provide answers. Christine Peters expressed concerns for the well-being of others as someone could get hurt from illegally discharged fireworks; and inquired about the City’s plan to stop illegal fireworks in the City. REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL City Manager Communications City Manager Gonzalez provided a COVID-19 update stating that as the trend continues toward the least restrictive yellow tier, restrictions will become lighter; the vaccination clinic at Memorial Park will continue through the month of May; Staff is considering increasing clinic hours to include evenings and weekends; Staff will work to combine testing and vaccinations at Memorial Park; pop-up testing sites are being considered; Azusa is approximately 40.7% vaccinated; and announced the Budget Study Session will take place on Monday, May 24 following the Utility Board Meeting. In response to questions posed by the Council, City Manager Gonzalez stated that the May 24, 2021 Utility Board Meeting and Budget Study Session could be held in the Civic Auditorium and be televised for the public. Council Comments Mayor Pro-Tem Avila thanked the public that called to express their views on illegal fireworks; thanked Senator Rubio, Assemblywoman Rubio, and Insurance Commissioner Lara for choosing Azusa for the Senate Bill 85 Press Conference and resident Diane Mallon for sharing her story; thanked Sandals Church for providing free haircuts to children; thanked Assemblywoman Rubio, Azusa Unified School District School Board, and School Board Member Sabrina Bow for hosting a food drive; thanked Azusa American Little League coaches, board members, and parents for their work in getting the children back on the field; recognized Teacher Appreciation Week and thanked all Azusa Unified School District teachers; thanked St. Francis of Rome Church Principal Janice Mendez for all of her work; and wished all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day. Councilmember Macias thanked Sabrina Bow for allowing him the opportunity to assist with the food distribution; wished Godspeed to Javier Manzano, who was recently laid to rest; and wished a Happy Mother’s Day to all. Councilmember Alvarez wished a Happy Mother’s Day to all; recognized the memory of Javier Manzano; reported information about the Foothill Transit meeting he attended; and provided information about the Ad-Hoc Committee recently held, stating that the School District has requested that the City Council participate in the yard sign distribution and the School District is planning a graduation for its students. Councilmember Mendez wished a Happy Mother’s Day to all; thanked Senator Rubio, Assemblywoman Rubio, and Insurance Commissioner Lara for their press conference; congratulated School Board Member Dr. Sabrina Bow for a successful food drive; expressed a concern regarding the District Attorney and inquired about the definition of the term “enhancements” from a police perspective, whether the removal of these enhancements has resulted in charges being dropped or reduced in Azusa, and costs associated with police officers being injured on the job; and requested that an Item and Resolution regarding the impacts of the directives given by the District Attorney be agendized for a future meeting. Chief of Police Bertelsen provided a description of “criminal enhancement” and directives regarding the filing of enhancements issued by the District Attorney; and provided information regarding charges that have been rejected by the District Attorney’s Office as a result of the directives. City Manager Gonzalez explained the effect of employee injury on the city budget. PAGE TWO – 5/3/2021 The members of the Council provided their input on the request brought forward by Councilmember Mendez and directed Staff to prepare a Staff Report and Resolution to be discussed at the May 17, 2021 meeting. Mayor Gonzales expressed appreciation of Senator Rubio, Assemblywoman Rubio, and Insurance Commissioner Lara for giving him the opportunity to participate in the Senate Bill 85 press conference; reported information regarding the Homeless Working Group meeting which took place on April 21 and provided names of individuals in attendance; requested that the City Manager provide the Council with a copy of the agenda for the Homeless Working Group meeting; requested a Certificate of Appreciation for Principal Mendez of St. Francis of Rome School; requested a Proclamation recognizing Pride Month in the City of Azusa; requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Joyce “Tickie” Nasser Moline; and thanked the Councilmembers and residents that attended the Stop Asian Hate Rally. City Manager Gonzalez provided an overview of the discussion that took place with Los Angeles County regarding the homeless in the riverbed and the need to find a location where the homeless can shelter. Councilmember Macias requested a formal update regarding the Homeless Working Group Ad-Hoc Committee. SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING 2021 SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE City Clerk Cornejo presented the Staff Report stating that Staff is requesting that the meetings of July 6, 2021, August 2, 2021, and September 7, 2021, be canceled in accordance to the previously approved summer meeting schedule; and the second meetings of the month will be held as scheduled. City Manager Gonzalez responded to questions posed by the Council stating that City Departments will be returning to their regular operating hours beginning the first week of June. The Council directed Staff to cancel the July 6, 2021, August 2, 2021, and September 7, 2021 City Council meetings. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING FIREWORKS ENFORCEMENT IN THE CITY OF AZUSA Chief of Police Bertelsen addressed the concerns expressed during public participation stating that he was recently made aware of the concerns within the specified neighborhood and extra patrol requests have been placed for that area; will have a meeting scheduled with the neighborhood residents to further discuss their concerns and a resolution; and described when enforcement action can be taken. Chief of Police Bertelsen presented the Item stating that Staff was directed to examine the penalties associated with the discharge of fireworks and explore the possibility of establishing a reward program for the identification of subjects using illegal fireworks; provided information regarding enforcement action and penalties allowed by the Municipal Code; described the issue of illegal firework use in the City, calls for service, enforcement actions taken, and methods for collecting fines; proposed a graduated fine schedule to deter the use of illegal fireworks; and provided information regarding rewards programs utilized by other cities and described the benefits and challenges in implementing such a program in Azusa. Discussion ensued regarding the method of collecting citation fines, the graduated fine schedule, methods for mitigating resident concerns regarding the discharge of illegal fireworks, enforcement actions near the 4th of July, the effectiveness of a rewards program and dollar amount of the reward, the frequency of citations issued to individuals discharging illegal fireworks whom reside outside of the City, the logistics of a rewards program, and the current fines for illegal use of fireworks. The Council provided direction to Staff to prepare an Urgency Ordinance implementing a tiered fine schedule in amounts of $1,000, $2,000, and $5,000; the fine will increase with each citation received over a five year period. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by unanimous vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1 to E-7. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE 1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 19, 2021 and Adjourned Regular Meeting and Special City Council Meeting of April 26, 2021 were approved as written. 2. Resolution No. 2021-C19 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 – 5/3/2021 3. The Third Amendment to Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Azusa and Control Air Enterprises, LLC for HVAC system services was approved per Section 2-539 of the Azusa Municipal Code Waiving of Purchasing Procedures; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the contract amendment on behalf of the City. 4. A request to increase the Black & White Emergency Vehicles Blanket Purchase Order for Fiscal Year 2020/21 to a not-to-exceed amount of $160,300 was approved. 5. Resolution No. 2021-C20 was adopted and entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, TO ESTABLISH THE NUMBER OF TRANSITIONAL FIREWORKS SALES PERMITS AUTHORIZED IN 2021. 6. Resolution No. 2021-C21 was adopted and entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS AT THE 500 BLOCK OF OLD SIERRA MADRE ROAD and the City Manager or his designee was authorized to execute all contracts, reports, and other documents related to associate enforcement of this resolution. 7. Resolution No. 2021-C22 was adopted and entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA EXTENDING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY REGARDING NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). SECOND READING ORDINANCES SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE FOR REPEALING SECTION 78-40 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO A RESERVE FOR STRANDED INVESTMENT WITHIN THE ELECTRIC FUND Councilmember offered Ordinance No. 2021-02 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING SECTION 78- 40 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO A RESERVE FOR STRANDED INVESTMENT WITHIN THE ELECTRIC FUND Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila seconded by Councilmember Alvarez and carried by the following vote of the Council to read by title only, second reading and adoption, Ordinance No. 2021-02. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MACIAS ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED APRIL 1, 2021 THROUGH APRIL 28, 2021 Agency Member Mendez offered Resolution No. 2021-R06 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 Moved by Agency Member Mendez seconded by Agency Member Avila and carried by unanimous vote of the Agency to adopt Resolution No. 2021-R06. AYES: AGENCY MEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA NOES: AGENCY MEMBERS: NONE It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting in memory of Carmen Alvarez Zamora, Elsa Nares, and Victor Martinez, Lifelong Azusa Residents and in solemn honor of those Azusans lost to Covid-19. PAGE FOUR – 5/3/2021 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:55 P.M. __________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-C23 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2020-03 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-R07 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: May 17, 2021 and June 7, 2021 PAGE FIVE – 5/3/2021