HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 - Minutes Regular Meeting, June 20, 2022 DraftCITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2022 – 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.
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE.
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Chief of Police Wenrick, Deputy City Manager
DeAnda-Scaia, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Community Resources Miki Carpenter, and
Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
1.CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code,
Section 54956.8. City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager and Matt Marquez, Director of Economic
& Community Development Property Address: Southeast Corner of Azusa Avenue and 5th Street (APN:
8611-014-900) Negotiating Parties: Antoine Morillo, Morillo Construction Under Negotiation: Price and
Terms
2.PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to California Government Code,
Section 54957. Title: City Manager
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, MENDEZ, GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Mayor Gonzales called for a moment of silence to honor the two El Monte Police Department officers, Corporal Michael
Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana, who lost their lives on June 14, 2022.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Marie Taylor.
Invocation was delivered by Pastor Tim Driscoll, of the Calvary Chapel San Gabriel Valley, in Azusa.
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Chief of Police Wenrick, Deputy City Manager
DeAnda-Scaia, Director of Economic & Community Development Marquez, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL
9/19/2022
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Council convened at 6:30 P.M.; City Attorney Martinez reported the following regarding Closed Session: Item 1
– Councilmember Alvarez Abstained from the discussion due to possible conflict of interest, Council heard a presentation
from the negotiating team and received direction, no reportable action; Item 2 – Council began the process of a City
Manager Evaluation, no reportable action.
CEREMONIAL – None
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez offered kudos to the City’s Finance Department, commended Director of Administrative Services
Talika Johnson and Staff on their hard work on the budget, and congratulated them for receiving the Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.
He also reported that the Small Business Support program start next month; applications will be accepted from July 1,
2022 through July 28, 2022.
City Clerk Communications
City Clerk Cornejo reported that the City Commissioners/Board Members’ terms of office will expire on September 30,
2022. The following positions will be open: 4 positions for the Cultural & Historic Preservation Commission, 2 positions
for the Library Commission, 3 positions for Parks & Recreation Commission, 2 positions for Planning Commission, and 2
positions for the Personnel Board. All applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.
Council Comments
Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez reported that the Foothill Goldline Construction Authority reached the 50% completion mark on
their current project. The end goal is to have the Goldline reach the cities of Pomona, Montclair, and Ontario.
In response to a question posed by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez, City Attorney Martinez reported that the RSO update related
to the mobile home community and senior community would be brought back at the next council meeting in July.
In response to a question posed by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez, City Manager Gonzalez clarified that the City did not
observe Juneteenth, despite it being a federal holiday, because the State has not recognized it as a holiday, therefore it was
not recognized in the MOUs for City employees.
Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez acknowledged the tragedy that took place in El Monte that took the lives of two police officers
and offered condolences.
Councilmember Alvarez reported on upcoming events and free meals for children at the Azusa Library. He also offered
condolences to the two El Monte police officers who lost their lives and their families.
Councilmember Avila commended Azusa Police Department for assisting and supporting the El Monte Police Department
in a time of need.
Councilmember Beckwith reported on attending the candlelight vigil for the two El Monte police officers and expressed
condolences to their families. He reported on attending the Juneteenth event in Baldwin Park, held by Supervisor Hilda
Solis’s office. He congratulated Director of Administrative Services Talika Johnson, Budget Administrator Richard Lam,
Junior Accountant Jesus Jaimes, and Staff on their GFO Award.
Mayor Gonzales reminded Azusa residents to have a safe Fourth of July Holiday and to use safe and sane fireworks only.
He reported that Concerts in the Park will be back starting next month in July at Memorial Park.
SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL
1. PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF THE CALIFORNIA
MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY REFUNDING REVENUE BONDS (AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
PROJECT), TAX-EXEMPT AND TAXABLE, IN ONE OR MORE SERIES IN BOTH FIXED AND VARIABLE
RATE FORM AND IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $90,000,000, FOR THE
PURPOSES OF REFINANCING AND REFUNDING BONDS PREVIOUSLY ISSUED TO FINANCE CERTAIN
FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY, FINANCING AND
REFINANCING ADDITIONAL FACILITIES OF AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY AND CERTAIN OTHER
PURPOSES, AND MATTERS RELATING THERETO.
Director of Administrative Services Johnson provided a staff report.
In response to a question posed by Mayor Gonzales, Director Johnson explained that the City holds a public hearing
approximately once a year for the California Municipal Finance Authority.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo stated all noticing requirements had been met and held the proof of publication in the San Gabriel
Valley Tribune on June 10, 2022.
There were no public communications or comments.
Public Testimony: None.
Motion to close the Public Hearing made by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, carried by
unanimous vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Mayor Gonzales stated the Public Hearing is closed.
Motion to approve Agenda Item D-1 – 2) Resolution No. 2022-C43 approving the issuance of the Obligations by the
CMFA for the benefit of the University, to provide for the financing of the Project, such adoption is solely for the
purposes of satisfying the requirements of TEFRA, the Code and the California Government Code Section 6500 et seq.
made by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez, and carried by unanimous vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
2. ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE PARS POST-EMPLOYMENT
BENEFITS TRUST PROGRAM TO BE ADMINISTERED BY PUBLIC AGENCY RETIREMENT SERVICES
(PARS) AND U.S. BANK, APPOINTING THE CITY MANAGER AS THE CITY’S PLAN ADMINISTRATOR,
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE DOCUMENTS TO IMPLEMENT THE
PROGRAM.
Director of Administrative Services Johnson provided a staff report.
In response to questions posed by Council, Director Johnson clarified details on annual payments, return rates, additional
terms of the PARS program, and how Council set policy parameters each year.
Mayor Gonzales thanked Director Johnson for her thorough presentation.
Motion to approve Agenda Item D-2 – 1) Resolution No. 2022-C44 to establish the PARS Post-Employment Benefits
Trust Program; 2) Authorize the City Manager, subject to the review and approval of the City's legal counsel, to sign all
necessary documents; and 3) Authorize the use of $1.5 million in General Fund Reserves as an initial deposit into the
PARS Post-Employment Benefits Trust Program specifically for retiree health care made by Councilmember Beckwith,
seconded by Councilmember Avila, Jr., and carried by the unanimous vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
3. ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2022/23 CITY, UTILITIES, PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND
SUCCESSOR AGENCY OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN BUDGETS AND GENERAL
FUND RESERVE POLICY.
Director of Administrative Services Johnson gave kudos to Budget Administrator Richard Lam and Junior Accountant
Jesus Jaimes for their efforts and working feverishly on the City Budget which allowed them to receive the GFO Award.
She provided a presentation of changes made to the budget since the Budget Study Session on May 31, 2022.
In response to questions posed by Councilmember Avila, Director Johnson clarified that the $157,000 for Rosedale
Maintenance for landscape maintenance services was omitted from the Budget Study Session and has since been included
in the budget updates.
In response to questions posed by Councilmember Beckwith, Director Johnson noted that the FY2022-23 General Fund
Proposed Revenue chart does not show the $4M Excess Reserves that will be utilized to cover a small portion of the
City’s proposed expenditures.
In response to questions posed by Council, City Manager Gonzalez stated that the proposed Senior Management Analyst
position would manage the capital projects and ad-hoc committees amongst other duties within the department. With the
caliber of the projects and the scope of responsibilities that would be assigned, the role requires a candidate with years of
experience and advanced skills.
In response to questions posed by Councilmember Alvarez, Director Johnson stated that the salary adjustments for the
City’s mid-management personnel are based on internal alignment and market rate salaries for the respective positions at
other agencies.
Discussion ensued regarding salary adjustments for staff and maintaining a balanced financial reserve.
Motion to approve Agenda Item D-3 – 1) Approve Resolution No. 2022-C45, A Resolution of the City Council of the
City of Azusa adopting the budget and approving appropriations for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July
1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023 and 5) Approve Resolution No. 2022-C46, A Resolution of the City Council of the City
of Azusa adopting a Revised General Fund Reserve Policy made by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Mayor Pro-
Tem Mendez, carried by a vote of 4-1.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion to approve Agenda Item D-3 – 2) Approve Resolution No. 2022-UB03, A Resolution of the Utility Board of the
City of Azusa adopting the budget and approving appropriations for Utilities for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2022
and ending June 30, 2023 made by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, carried by a
unanimous vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion to approve Agenda Item D-3 – 3) Approve Resolution No. 2022-P01, A Resolution of the Azusa Public Financing
Authority of the City of Azusa adopting the budget and approving appropriations for the Authority for the fiscal year
commencing July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023 made by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Councilmember
Beckwith, carried by a unanimous vote of City Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion to approve Agenda Item D-3 – 4) Approve Resolution No. 2022-R08, A Resolution of the Successor Agency for
the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Azusa adopting the budget and approving appropriations for the
Agency for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023 made by Councilmember Avila Jr.,
seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez, carried by a unanimous vote of Council.
4. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED INCREASES TO SOLID WASTE RATES EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2022 AND APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TWENTY-EIGHTH TO THE AMENDED AND
RESTATED FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH ARAKELIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. (DBA ATHENS
SERVICES).
Azusa Light & Water General Manger Tikan Singh introduced Environmental Programs Specialist, Liza Sagun who
provided a presentation regarding contract changes with Arakelian Enterprises (dba Athens Services) due to SB 1383.
In response to questions posed by Councilmember Alvarez, Elizabeth Ramirez from Athens Services provided
clarification on the waste collection rates adjustments based on CPI.
Discussion ensued regarding Athens’ community outreach tools and discounts for senior citizens.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo stated all noticing requirements had been met and held the proof of publication in the San Gabriel
Valley Tribune on June 2, 2022.
Nine letters of concern were received.
Public Testimony: Karen Dancy, Stacy Kent, Robert D. Anderson, Rosadenelia Cruz, gentleman from Foothill Gardens,
Allison Russell
Motion to close the Public Hearing made by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila, carried by
unanimous vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Discussion ensued regarding waste barrels, meeting requirements set by CalRecycle, the classification of apartment
complexes, and the impacts of the rate increases.
Motion to approve Agenda Item D-4 – 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2022-C47 approving the annual refuse collection and
organic waste recycling rate adjustment for Arakelian Enterprises, Inc. dba Athens Services effective July 1, 2022 and if
approved to be adjusted by Consumer Price Index (CPI) beginning July 1, 2022 and every July 1st thereafter for a five-
year period, through and including adjustments on or after July 1, 2026; and 3) Approve the Twenty-Eighth Amendment
to the Amended and Restated Franchise Agreement with Arakelian Enterprises, Inc. (dba Athens Services) for refuse
collection, recycling and disposal services in a form acceptable to the City Attorney was made by Councilmember Avila
Jr., seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, and carried by a unanimous vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
5. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING DELINQUENT TRASH COLLECTION FEES.
Director of Administrative Services Johnson provided a staff report.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo stated all noticing requirements had been met and held the proof of publication in the San Gabriel
Valley Tribune on June 9, 2022.
There were no public communications or comments.
Public Testimony: None.
Motion to close the Public Hearing made by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez., and carried
by unanimous vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion to approve Agenda Item D-5 – 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2022-C48 approving the list of delinquent account list to
be placed on special assessment for inclusion to the property tax roll by the Los Angeles County Assessor on the FY
2022-2023 tax bill; and 3) Approve the Director of Administrative Services, or her designee, to turn over to the Los
Angeles County Assessor the delinquent account list after adoption of Resolution No. 2022-C48 was made by Mayor Pro-
Tem Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, and carried by a unanimous vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Beckwith abstained from Item E-1, for the regular meeting minutes of November 1, 2021 due to his
absence from the meeting.
Mayor Gonzales pulled Item E-12 from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 1, 2021 and the Regular Meeting of March 21, 2022 were approved
as written.
2. Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-C49 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the
same are to be paid.
3. Personnel Action Requests in accordance with the City of Azusa Civil Service Rules and applicable Memorandum of
Understanding(s) were approved.
4. The Maintenance Agreements with “The Orchard” listed, Memorandum of Maintenance Agreements, Landscape and
Sidewalk Maintenance Agreement, Maintenance Agreement for Projecting Signs into the Public Right-of-Way,
Maintenance Agreement for Public Art in the Public Right-of-Way; and Authorize the City Manager to execute, in a
form acceptable to City Attorney, on behalf of the City were approved.
5. The Amended and Restated Facilities Use Agreement Amendment No. 2 for use of city facilities for COVID testing,
by and between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Azusa; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the
Amended and Restated Facilities Use Agreement Amendment No. 2 for use of City Facilities, in a form acceptable to
the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved.
6. The Professional Services Agreement with Global Urban Strategies, Inc. for grant research and development services
through June 30, 2023; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City
Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved.
7. A $20,000 increase to the blanket purchase order for Crosstown Electrical & Data, Inc. to $120,000 was approved.
8. Adoption Resolution No. 2022-C49, approving and adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for the Fiscal Year
2022-23 in the Amount of $404,239,897 was approved.
9. The issuance of Blanket Purchase Orders detailed on the attached schedule, for amounts in excess of $50,000 as
outlined in Sec. 2-518 (a) of the Azusa Municipal Code was approved.
10. Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-C50, ratifying the proclamation of a State of Emergency by Governor Newsom
(March 4, 2020), and authorizing remote teleconference meetings of the Legislative Bodies of the City of Azusa
pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 was approved.
11. The release of the proposed Request for Proposal (RFP) for unarmed security services was approved.
12. Letter of Agreement (Agreement) with the Azusa Unified School District to fund seven weeks of summer
programming for the 2022 summer, with an option to extend through the summer of 2023; and Authorize the City
Manager to execute the Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City, subject to non-
substantive changes made by City Manager and City Attorney was approved.
13. Authorization for the City Manager to execute the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the San Gabriel Valley
Council of Governments (SGVCOG) for $50,000 for the program described in attachment A was approved.
14. The City Treasurer’s report for the month of April 2022 was received, reviewed, and filed.
Motion to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1 to E-11, E-13, and E-14 made by Councilmember Beckwith, seconded by
Councilmember Alvarez., carried by a unanimous vote of Council, with Councilmember Beckwith abstaining from the
Minutes of November 1, 2021 from Item E-1 (not sure how to word this part).
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH (Minutes of November 11, 221 from Consent Calendar Item E-1)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
In response to questions posed by Mayor Gonzales, Director of Community Services Carpenter clarified that the Day
Camp Program is independent of the District’s funding. To alleviate some costs, the agreement with AUSD would cover
the cost of attending the program for AUSD students. Students who do not attend AUSD schools are also eligible to
attend the Day Camp Program.
Motion to approve Consent Calendar Item E-12 was made by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith,
and carried by a unanimous vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR – Successor Agency Related Business
1. Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-R09 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency
Funds.
Motion to approve Consent Calendar Item F-1 made by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez,
carried by a unanimous vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ADJOURNMENT
It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting in solemn honor of Azusans who lost their lives to Covid-19.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:30 P.M.
* Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-C51
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2022-03
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-R10
NEXT MEETINGS:
August 1, 2022, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting has been Cancelled.
August 15, 2022, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting