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Home My WebLink AboutE-1 - Minutes Regular Meeting, May 17, 2021CITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MAY 17, 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 City Clerk Cornejo. Invocation was given by Pastor James Abraham, Winners Outreach 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 Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, 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 Council Members were present, no reportable action. CONSENT ITEM E-1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL 6/7/2021 CEREMONIAL 1. A Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 16-22, 2021 as National Public Works Week in the City of Azusa, was presented. PUBLIC COMMENT Karen Roseberry stated concerns regarding District Attorney Gascon directives and expressed support in a vote of no confidence. Maria Barron expressed support of the Resolution concerning the directives of District Attorney Gascon and shared her personal story. Alicia Alvarado expressed concerns regarding the directives of District Attorney Gascon and stated her support of the Resolution. Desiree Andrade shared her personal story; stated her concerns regarding the policies of District Attorney Gascon; and requested that the Council issue a vote of no confidence in the District Attorney. Rae Kearney thanked the City, on behalf of the Azusa Rotary Club and the Azusa Rotary Foundation, for its consideration of a co-sponsorship of the Field of Glory event and provided background about the event. Maricruz Avalos requested that the Council expressed concerns regarding District Attorney Gascon and requested that the Council issue a vote of no confidence. Linda Escalera expressed support for victim’s rights and stated concerns regarding District Attorney Gascon. Michael Lin urged the City Council to issue a vote of no confidence in District Attorney Gascon; and expressed concerns regarding vaccine safety and requested that the City distance itself from the promotion of the vaccine. Krystal Degood shared a personal story and expressed concerns regarding District Attorney Gascon. An anonymous caller shared her personal story and expressed concerns regarding District Attorney Gascon. City Clerk Cornejo announced that the following fourteen public comments were submitted via email. Kaveh Shokravi, Edil Vazquez, Sonia Johnson, Jonathan Hatami, Tom, Lacey Levitt, Robert Hansen, Kathy Giordano, Barbara and Joe Jackson, Melissa Zaris, Devon Cormier, Lisa Dare, Michael and Debbie Ramos, and Sandra Rentschler all expressed concerns regarding District Attorney Gascon and requested that the Council take a vote of no confidence in District Attorney Gascon REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL City Manager Communications City Manager Gonzalez provided a COVID-19 update stating that 80% of the 65 and older population of Azusa has received both doses of the COVID vaccine; 51% of the 16 and older population have received their vaccinations; vaccines are made available to the community every Thursday; the May 24, 2021 Utility Board and Special City Council Meeting will be in-person and held in the auditorium; and in accordance with State and County orders, mask and social distancing requirements are still in place. Council Comments Mayor Pro-Tem Avila announced that he attended the Southern California Association of Governments annual meeting and provided information about the event; welcomed Café Cultura to Downtown Azusa; thanked Athens for giving him a tour of the Materials Recovery Facility; provided information about the Canyon City Boxing Club and an event he attended; announced that he assisted with the distribution of lawn signs for high school graduates; announced that yard sales will take place on June 5 and 6; and in honor of Public Works Week, thanked the Public Works Department for all of their hard work. Councilmember Macias announced that he toured The Orchard (Block 36) and provided information about the amenities that will be available. Councilmember Alvarez reminded everyone to travel safely on Memorial Day weekend and asked everyone to keep the fallen soldiers in mind. Councilmember Mendez commended Sarah, Marissa, and Stephanie, of the Community Resources Department for going above and beyond to provide assistance to an individual. PAGE TWO – 5/17/2021 Mayor Gonzales requested that Staff schedule a mosquito abatement and community education presentation for the Council; thanked the School Board for inviting the Council to participate in the yard sign distribution and congratulated the senior class; requested that the Council participate in a joint meeting with the Azusa Unified School District School Board in the near future; and requested the facilitation of vaccination workshops, in conjunction with the County Department of Public Health, to provide information to the community. SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A REFUNDING BOND OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2002-1 (MOUNTAIN COVE) OF THE CITY OF AZUSA FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFEASING AND REFUNDING CERTAIN OUTSTANDING BONDS OF SUCH COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT, APPOINTING A FISCAL AGENT, APPROVING IRREVOCABLE REFUNDING INSTRUCTIONS TO BE EXECUTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF THE REFUNDING BOND AND CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS Director of Administrative Services Johnson presented the Staff Report stating that Staff is requesting authorization to refinance Community Facility District Bonds in order to provide Mountain Cove residents with tax savings. Michael Busch, Urban Futures Inc., provided background information regarding the bonds and gave an overview of the bond refinance. Councilmember Macias offered Resolution No. 2021-C23 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A REFUNDING BOND OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2002-1 (MOUNTAIN COVE) OF THE CITY OF AZUSA FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFEASING AND REFUNDING CERTAIN OUTSTANDING BONDS OF SUCH COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT, APPOINTING A FISCAL AGENT, APPROVING IRREVOCABLE REFUNDING INSTRUCTIONS TO BE EXECUTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF THE REFUNDING BOND AND CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS Moved by Councilmember Macias, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution No. 2021-C23 approving the issuance of a refunding bond to refund outstanding bonds of Community Facilities District 2002-1 Special Tax Bonds (Mountain Cove), appoint a fiscal agent, and approve the execution of necessary financing documents. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CITY OF AZUSA CO-SPONSORSHIP AND WAIVER POLICY AND APPROVAL OF 2021-22 CO-SPONSORSHIPS Director of Community Resources Carpenter presented the Staff Report stating that the Resolution and Policy would formalize the City’s partnership with community organizations, provide transparency regarding the City’s contributions to events and activities, provide Staff with guidance on how to proceed with sponsorship requests, and allows the City to be proactive in minimizing risks. The proposed list of co-sponsorships for 2021-22 and requirements was presented. In response to questions posed by the Council, Director of Community Resources Carpenter stated that the Recreation Division will be the primary point of contact for groups requesting sponsorship, and a list of potential organizations and events that meet the City’s requirements will be presented to the Council annually; and the policy sets expectations of the organizations and co-sponsorships may be revoked by the Council, should the organization fail to meet the requirements. Councilmember Macias offered Resolution No. 2021-C24 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING A CO- SPONSORSHIP AND WAIVER POLICY Moved by Councilmember Macias, seconded by Mayor Gonzales, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution No. 2021-C24, providing for a City of Azusa Co-Sponsorship and Waiver Policy; and approve the proposed co-sponsorships for 2021-22. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE PAGE THREE – 5/17/2021 DISCUSSION REGARDING LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY SPECIAL DIRECTIVES AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION City Attorney Martinez provided an overview of the Staff Report which included information regarding the directives of District Attorney Gascon, cities that have had discussions and adopted resolutions declaring no confidence in the District Attorney, and impacts of the directives on the City of Azusa. Staff also drafted a Resolution for consideration of the Council which included a declaration providing a no confidence vote as well as additional declarations for consideration. In response to questions posed by the Council, Chief of Police Bertelsen provided information regarding the cases rejected by the District Attorney’s Office in relation to the special directives issued; discussed the special directives regarding resisting arrest and injuries sustained during arrests of combative suspects. Discussion ensued regarding the District Attorney’s special directives, vote of no confidence, and the proposed Resolution. Councilmember Mendez offered Resolution No. 2021-C25 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA EXPRESSING CONCERNS REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S SPECIAL DIRECTIVES AND THEIR IMPACT ON CRIMINAL FILING PRACTICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE CITY OF AZUSA Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution No. 20201-C25 with Declaration 2C expressing concerns with the adoption of the Special Directives, requesting their immediate repeal and declaring a “no confidence” vote in the District Attorney. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by Councilmember Mendez seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1 to E-9. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE 1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 3, 2021 were approved as written. 2. Resolution No. 2021-C26 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: A. Bernal Zamora, J. Kolbach, H. Ayala, C. Helvey, K. Pascarella, M. Corona New Appointment: L. Paez Separations/Retirements: L. Salazar, S. Hedrick. 4. An increase to the Trusaic Blanket Purchase Order #033750 for Fiscal Year 2020/21 to a not-to-exceed amount of $31,000, was approved. 5. Project improvements were accepted; and Staff was authorized to file a Notice of Completion for the CDBG-funded Sidewalk and ADA Improvements Project No. 602093-19 located within the area bounded by Hanks Street on the North, First Street on the South, Pasadena Avenue on the West, and Cerritos Avenue on the East. 6. The Agreement between the City of Azusa and Azusa Pacific University granting limited powers of arrest pursuant to California Penal Code 830.7(b) only, was approved; the term of the Agreement shall commence upon execution by both parties and terminate June 30, 2025, unless sooner extended or terminated; the City Manager or designee was authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. 7. The seconded amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. to provided plan review and inspection services was approved; a budget amendment in the amount of $430,516.19 for fiscal year 2020/2021 for plan review and inspection services was approved; a one (1) year extension to the Professional Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute an amendment on behalf of the City. 8. The City Treasurer’s Statement of Cash and Investment Balances for the month of February, 2021 was received, reviewed, and filed. PAGE FOUR – 5/17/2021 9. Specifications for a three year Citywide Tree maintenance Program was approved; and Staff was authorized to issue a Request for bids for citywide tree maintenance services. SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED APRIL 29, 2021 THROUGH MAY 13, 2021 Agency Member Alvarez offered Resolution No. 2021-R07 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 Alvarez seconded by Agency Member Avila and carried by unanimous vote of the Agency to adopt Resolution No. 2021-R07. AYES: AGENCY MEMBERS: GONZALES, CARRILLO, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, ROCHA NOES: AGENCY MEMBERS: NONE It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting in solemn honor of those Azusans lost to Covid-19. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:17 P.M. __________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-C27 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2020-03 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-R08 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: June 7, 2021 and June 21, 2021 PAGE FIVE – 5/17/2021