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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - June 21, 2021 - CCCITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING AND SPECIAL AZUSA UTILITY BOARD AND JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 21, 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. 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. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957. Title: City Manager 2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.6. Title: City Manager – Unrepresented Employee 3. 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 Planning Commissioner Castro. The 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 UTILITY BOARD ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by Secretary Cornejo. PRESENT: BOARDMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ ABSENT: BOARDMEMBERS: NONE PLANNING COMMISSION ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo. PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: DONNELSON, RAMIREZ, ALLEN, CASTRO, MARTINEZ ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: 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 Utilities Robledo, Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, Planning Manager Munoz, 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: Regarding Item 1 and 2 – The City Manager continued the discussion regarding the performance evaluation and also discussed and provided direction to its labor negotiator, no reportable action; Item 3 – No reportable action. All members of the City Council were present for these discussions. CEREMONIAL 1. Certificates of Recognition were presented to retirees: • Tina Cravens – Executive Assistant to the City Manager/City Council – 6/22/1988 – 33 years of service • George DuBois – Street Maintenance Crew Supervisor – 02/25/1991 – 30 years of service PUBLIC COMMENT Tracey Bartholome inquired about requirements for enforcing laws that are being violated by the homeless; inquired about the possibility of fining the Gold Line for allowing unpaid riders; and requested that the City hold other organizations accountable when enforcing violations. Kim Antol expressed concerns regarding homelessness and shared information regarding a recent trespassing incident which cost hundreds of dollars in repairs. Steven Childs discussed a contract between Los Angeles County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding maintenance and regulations of the Santa Fe Dam; expressed concerns regarding homelessness; and shared an experience regarding an encounter with the homeless. Carol Shim and Rick Shim expressed concerns regarding homelessness and public safety; and requested that the Council consider all options in addressing the issue. Libertad Rodriguez acknowledged the progress that has been made regarding homelessness; and requested that the Council focus their attention on Item 4B of the affordable housing plan. Diane Mallon shared a personal story and expressed concerns regarding homelessness. Nancy Kelel expressed concerns regarding the fires ignited within the riverbed; and expressed concerns regarding homelessness. Alejandro Lazo shared a personal story; expressed a desire to find solutions to the homelessness issue; and expressed concerns regarding the riverbed. Kevin Dunbar expressed concerns regarding homeless in the riverbed and Lario Park. Dr. Sabrina bow encouraged the city to work with other organizations to provide resources to unhoused residents and continue to find solutions for illegal encampments in the Riverbed. Christine Robles shared a personal story and expressed concerns regarding the threat of fires in the riverbed. Denis Recendez read a passage from the San Gabriel Valley River Group and thanked the Council for recent progress med regarding homelessness. Diana Reyes Williams thanked the Community Resources Department for opening up their aquatics classes; thanked the Council for proclaiming June as Pride month; and expressed concerns regarding the homeless. Mercedes Castro discussed the stimulus that will be received by the City and suggested that a portion of the funds be utilized for housing the homeless. PAGE TWO – 6/21/2021 Maricela Cueva expressed concerns regarding homeless encampments and fires in the riverbed. City Clerk Cornejo announced that the following public comment was submitted in writing: Janice Powers expressed concerns regarding speeding and loud cars on Azusa Avenue, the discharge of illegal fireworks in barrels, and the need for traffic signals at N. Azusa Avenue and Tenth Street. JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT STUDY SESSION #2 FOR THE CITY’S HOUSING ELEMENT 6TH CYCLE 2021-2029 UPDATE Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez introduced the Item stating that the City’s Draft Housing Element will cover years 2021-2029; and Staff is working with MIG to create the Draft Housing Element. Genevieve Sharrow, MIG, described the Housing Element requirements; provided information regarding the public input received; presented the draft Housing Element and its goals; and provided a timeline of the Housing Element process. ADJOURNMENT OF JOINT STUDY SESSION The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:30 p.m. REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL City Clerk: Notice of Vacancies City Clerk Cornejo announced that the terms of office for the following City Commissions will expire on September 30, 2021. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. 1 position - Library Commission 1 position - Personnel Board Presentation: Mosquitos and West Nile Virus Levy Sun, Public Information Officer at San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District presented information regarding mosquitos and West Nile Virus. A proclamation proclaiming the week of June 20 – June 26, 2021 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week was presented. City Manager Communications City Manager Gonzalez announced a vaccination educational workshop on June 26, 2021; and discussed vaccinations in the City. Council Comments Mayor Pro-Tem Avila wish a belated Father’s Day to all fathers; congratulated the Christbridge Academy graduates and thanked them for their invitation to the ceremony; commended the Committee that planned the retirement party for Tina Cravens; announced One Day L.A. on July 24 when volunteers will be working on projects in the City of Azusa; expressed his condolences to the family of Liliana Miranda. Councilmember Macias congratulated Tina and George on their retirement; requested that Staff contact CalTrans to have the freeway on and off ramp signs cleaned or replaced; requested a formal discussion regarding speed bumps at the following Council meeting; and wished everyone a happy first day of summer. Councilmember Alvarez congratulated George DuBois and Tina Cravens on their retirement; and hoped that all of the dads enjoyed Father’s Day. Councilmember Mendez congratulated Tina and George on their retirement and thanked them for their service; and inquired about active enforcement measures taken to mitigate the fireworks issue. Chief of Police Bertelsen provided an update on firework enforcement. Mayor Gonzales thanked Tina and George for their service; reminded everyone to use safe and sane fireworks on the 4th of July and that fines for illegal fireworks have increased; and announced a Covid-19 candlelight vigil on June 26. PAGE THREE – 6/21/2021 SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2021/22 CITY, UTILITIES, PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN BUDGETS AND GENERAL FUND RESERVE POLICY Director of Administrative Services Johnson presented the Fiscal Year 2021/22 operating and capital improvement budget plans for both the General Fund and Citywide Funds stating that the proposed budget was presented to the Council on May 24; based on direction provided by the Council, Staff added $200K to the Downtown Improvements CIP, all department’s personnel requests, and added in all department’s capital outlay requests, as presented. General Fund highlights include a forecasted a balanced budget of $52.0M, resulting in a projected surplus of $178k. General Fund proposed revenues include a projected 5.6% increase from the current budget; General Fund expenditures are proposed at $52M and a projected 10% increase which includes the removal of $2.5M in budgeted salary savings; and General Fund major operations include an increase in the Fire Safety Contract costs and underfunded reserves for claims payoff. FY 2021/22 Citywide Budget is $173,995,237; major funds include Internal Services, Special Revenues, Debt Service, and Enterprise; Citywide revenues and transfers-in is $165,887,030; and Citywide budget personnel requests are $773,786. A review of the Reserve Policy was provided: Budget Stabilization and Catastrophic Event from 20% to 25% of budget or $13.0M, Capital and Infrastructure Replacement reserve from $1.5M to $2.0M, Insurance reserve from $1.5M to $2.5M, and Retiree Benefits category at $2.0M; should the changes be approved, it is projected that FY 2021/22 would end with $25.9M in reserves. The Citywide Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Program budget is $29M of which $900k is funded from the General Fund, $4.3M are funded from non-General Fund sources, and $2.4M are unfunded. In response to questions posed by the Council, City Manager Gonzalez stated that our Downtown Improvements include sidewalk furniture, new color scheme and sidewalk/median improvements; improvements are expected to be completed FY 21/22. In response to questions posed by Council, Chief of Police Bertelsen mentioned that with the Councils approval of the budget, 3 Police Officer positions will be unfrozen; incentives will be offered in order to receive lateral candidates Councilmember Alvarez offered the following Resolution entitled: Resolution No. 2021-C28 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, 2021 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2022 Moved by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Macias, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution 2021-C28. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Councilmember Mendez offered the following Resolution entitled: Resolution No. 2021-UB08 A RESOLUTION OF THE UTILITY BOARD OF THE CITY OF AZUSA ADOPTING THE BUDGET AND APPROVING APPROPRIATIONS FOR UTLITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2021 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2022 Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution 2021-UB08 AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE PAGE FOUR – 6/21/2021 Councilmember Macias offered the following Resolution entitled: Resolution No. 2021-P01 A RESOLUTION OF THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF AZUSA ADOPTING THE BUDGET AND APPROVING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE AUTHORITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2021 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2022 Moved by Councilmember Macias, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution No. 2021-P01. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Councilmember Macias offered the following Resolution entitled: Resolution No. 2021-R09 A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY FOR THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF AZUSA ADOPTING THE BUDGET AND APPROVING APPROPRIATIONS FOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2021 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2022 Moved by Councilmember Macias, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution 2021-R09. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Councilmember Alvarez offered the following Resolution entitled: Resolution No. 2021-C29 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF AZUSA ADOPTING A REVISED GENERAL FUND RESERVE POLICY Moved by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution 2021-C29. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE REPORT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH SB 970 AND DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REQUIRED TO CHANGE MUNICIPAL ELECTION DATES Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia presented staff report stating the City must change its general municipal election date in order to comply with the provisions of SB 415; two options were provided. Option I: Amend the Municipal Code to state the general municipal election would be held on the same date as the statewide primary. Option II: Amend the Municipal Code to state the general municipal election would be held on the same date as the statewide and Presidential general elections. In response to questions posed by Council, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia stated that it is anticipated that the County election expenses will be approximately 90k for the June 2022 election and 85k for the November 2022 election, amounts may be less due to potential cost-sharing. City Manager Gonzalez added if Option II is chosen the cost would decrease significantly because of the cost savings between three entities. Discussion was held and Council decided to go towards Option II. PAGE FIVE – 6/21/2021 REPORT ON NORTH SAN GABRIEL RIVER WORKING GROUP AND DISCUSSION IN REGARDS TO ONGOING SAFETY CONCERNS RELATED TO HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS IN THE RIVERBED AND SERVICES PROVIDED AT LARIO PARK City Manager presented staff report stating the San Gabriel Valley has seen a tremendous increase in homelessness; Azusa’s numbers increased in 2016 when Gold Line service began. The City provides services to those experiencing homelessness such as, Neighborhood Connections, Homeless Assistance Liaison Officer (HALO) program and Homeless Outreach Services Teams (HOST) program. There has been a growing concern with the increase in fires and criminal activity in the Riverbed and Lario Park, In the last 18 months the Los Angeles County responded to more than 70 fires; in the first six months of 2021 there were 98 calls for service in the riverbed, several arrests have been made. While within Azusa city limits, the riverbed is owned by the federal government and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE). Lario Park is also within the limits of the City of Azusa, the land is owned by the feral government and through a lease from ACE, it is managed and operated by Los Angeles County. Clearing the riverbed and terminating services at Lario Park requires discussion about shelter and/or hosing for those who will be displaced. The North San Gabriel River Working Group is asking each participating city to report back to discuss and provide recommendations. In response to questions posed by Council, Chief of Police Bertelsen stated that there is a variety of agencies providing Gold Line vouchers to the homeless to seek resources; enforcement action towards the homeless in the riverbed can only be enforced if housing option is available. Discussion was held; Council is asking ACE to patrol and control their private property; communicate with Los Angles Sheriff to patrol and reduce access to Lario Park; inform the Los Angeles County services are not to be provided at Lario Park; work with the city of Irwindale and Duarte and identify beds. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by Councilmember Alvarez seconded by Councilmember Macias, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items F-1 to F-23. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ F-17, AVILA F-23 1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 7, 2021. 2. Resolution No. 2021-C30 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 and/or Regular Appointments: M. DeAnda, V. Garcia, S. Shepard, M. de Graaf, Flex Staffing Promotion: A. Garcia New Appointments: A. Mercado, G. Lira, S. Fultz, J. Gonzales, A. Ojeda Separations/Retirements: J. Arevalo, M. Ruiz, D. Limon, S. Huval 4. Purchasing procedures were waived under Municipal Code Section 2-539 – Waiving of Purchase Procedure in best interest of the City; a Professional Service Agreement with Michael Baker International to provide planning and environmental consultant services for the California Grand Villages Azusa Greens Project in an amount not-to-exceed $113,776.00 plus a 10 contingency of $11,377.60, was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to prepare and execute the agreement on behalf of the City. 5. Staff was authorized to circulate a Request for Proposals for Citywide Objective Design Standards. 6. The issuance of Blanket Purchase Orders for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 (City and Successor Agency), in an amount of $25,000 or more as outlined in Sec. 2-518 (a) of the Azusa Municipal Code was approved. 7. The City Treasurer’s Reports of Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances for the months of July 2020 through February 2021 was received, reviewed, and filed. 8. The “Lunch at the Library” grant award from the California Library Association was accepted; necessary budget amendments were approved; and the fiscal year budget will be adjusted accordingly. 9. The report of results of Community Facilities District No. 2002-1(Mountain Cove) Refunding Bond was received, reviewed, and filed. PAGE SIX – 6/21/2021 10. Resolution No. 2021-C31 was adopted and entitled: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,549,999. 11. The improvement project plans and specifications for the Alosta Avenue Road Rehabilitation Project No. STPL- 5112(020) were approved; and Staff was authorized to solicit a Notice of Inviting Bids. 12. An Agreement with Bateman DBA Trio Community Meals in an amount not-to-exceed $225,000 for the Elderly Nutrition Catering Program at the Senior Center, was approved; the City Manager was authorized to execute the agreement; and necessary budget amendments and adjustment of the current fiscal year budget and blanket purchase order was approved. 13. The Amended and Restated Facilities Use Agreement for the use of city facilities for COVID testing, by and between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Azusa was reviewed and approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. 14. A Third Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Project Dimensions, Inc. to extend the term for an additional one (1) year term was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the amendment on behalf of the City. 15. The waiving of purchasing procedures under Municipal Code Section 2.539 – Waiving of Purchase Procedure in best interest of the City was approved; the Professional Services Agreement with Special District Financing & Administration, LLC in the amount of $32,700 annually plus any additional services as outlined in “Exhibit B” of the Professional Services Agreement was approved; the City Manager was authorized to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City; and the City Manager was authorized to use Special District Financing and Administration for special services and or formation or modification of new and existing CFDs. 16. A contract in the amount of $95,499.60 was awarded to CT&T Concrete Paving, Inc. for the Citywide Concrete Improvements Project; and the City Manager was authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the City. 17. Resolution No. 2021-C32 was adopted and entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, IDENTIFYING THE PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED WITH ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION ACCOUNT FUNDS 18. The competitive bidding process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code section 2-517(38) Solicitation and Bidding exceptions Computers, Computer components was waived; the purchase of Unitrends Recovery appliance and Could services from Pivotal Solutions in the amount of $79,922.00 was approved; and the appropriation of $80,000 for the purchase of the system was approved. 19. A 1-year extension agreement between the City of Azusa and Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. for parking enforcement services in an amount not to exceed $177,946.72 annually, was approved; the City Manager, or designee, was authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City subject to non-substantive changes approved. 20. The bid was accepted and a contract was awarded to West Coast Arborists, Inc., for a three-year term, with two one- year extension options, in the amount of $953,376 per year, for the Citywide Tree Maintenance Program for park, parkways, median islands, and utility right of way trees maintenance; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the contract. 21. The competitive bidding process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-520 (b) sole sources purchased due to proprietary equipment was waived; a three-year Service Level Agreement with Spectrum Communications in a not-to-exceed amount of $26,560 was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. 22. A first amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering Inc. to provide plan review and inspection services was approved; a one (1) year extension to the Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering Inc. was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute an amendment on behalf of the City. 23. A contract in the amount of $987,056.95, which includes a 10% contingency for potential change orders as needed, was awarded to All American Asphalt; a contract in the amount of $45,631.00 was awarded to Willdan for Construction Management and Inspection Services; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. PAGE SEVEN – 6/21/2021 ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting in solemn honor of those Azusans lost to Covid-19. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:24 P.M. __________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-C33 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2020-04 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-R10 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: July 19, 2021 and August 16, 2021 PAGE EIGHT – 6/21/2021