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Home My WebLink About07-19-2021, Minutes Regular MeetingCITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, JULY 19, 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, Director of Economic and Community Development, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia. PUBLIC COMMENT None. CLOSED SESSION The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:33 P.M. to discuss the following: 1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8. City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager Property Address: 624 N. San Gabriel – APN: 8611-004-914; 622 N. San Gabriel – APN: 8611-004- 912 and 913. Negotiating Parties: Martin D. Howard, SteelCraft Long Beach, LP Under Negotiation: Price and Terms 2. 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: 975 W. Foothill, APNs 8605-019-906 and 907. Negotiating Parties: Al Cabraloff, Spectrum Under Negotiation: Price and Terms 3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.6. City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager and Talika M. Johnson, Director of Administrative Services Organization: IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) REGULAR SESSION Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:36 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Macias Invocation was given by Deacon Juan Garcia, Saint Frances of Rome 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, Planning Manager Munoz, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia. CLOSED SESSION REPORT The City Council reconvened at 7:36 P.M.; City Attorney Martinez announced the following regarding Closed Session: Item 1 and 2 - All members were present, No reportable action. Item 3 was not heard. PUBLIC COMMENT Joe Guerrera requested Council to appoint a member for representation in the Golden Days Committee. He added that Azusa Golden Days will take place this year and details are still being discussed. Ryan provided a statement on behalf of Hilda Solis in regards to the importance getting vaccine against Covid-19; he added information on an approved motion from the LA County Board of Supervisors to ensure the provision of Social Security benefits for the youth and foster care. REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL City Manager Communications City Manager Gonzalez provided an update on Golden Days; Golden Days will take place October 2nd through October 9th, every event will take place except the carnival; due to uncertainty and risks the insurance company (JIPA) recommended a carnival not take place; the carnival will be supplemented with other activities. Director of Community Resources Carpenter added that the existing MOU with the Golden Days Committee is dated back on 2005 and needs updates; most non- profits holding fundraiser will go virtual/ hybrid this year; JIPA has flagged the carnival as a high risk event. City Manager Gonzalez introduced newly assigned Acting Assistant Fire Chief, Carlos Flores to Azusa. 4th of July Recap Chief Bertelsen provided a brief recap related to fourth of July activities, enforcement and operations in the city of Azusa; for the period of July 2 through July 5 the Police Department had a total of 198 firework related calls, 128 of those calls were on fourth of July; 5 small fires were report; 29 citations were issued; 32 citations issued on fourth of July; there were 3 repeat offenders; 3 juveniles were citied; approximately 1/3 of citations were given to non-Azusa residents; about 100 pounds of fireworks were seized and handed to the LA County Fire for proper disposal. Speed Humps/Table Policy Discussion Director of Public Works and City Engineer Delgadillo provided a brief presentation regarding a Speed Hump/Table Policy. Speed bumps, speed humps and speed tables were options presented. Delgadillo requested council to provide guidance as to move forward with a draft policy at a future meeting. Delgadillo answered questions posed by the Council stating that Public Works and the Azusa Police Department work on calming traffic solutions when incidents occur by reviewing incident records. Delgadillo added that installing speed humps on streets with a limit of 35 mph or higher is not recommended, as it would be hazardous, discussion was held. Council Comments Mayor Pro Tem Avila extended his condolences to the family of Connie Cornejo Chavarria; Pastor Griffin from Azusa Sandals Church put together a community event with One Day LA; 1,000 volunteers will be provided to assist with 20 different improvement projects throughout the city; reminded the community to mark their calendars for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 3rd. PAGE TWO – 7/19/2021 Councilmember Macias requested a follow up from staff regarding freeway on ramp and off ramp signs; and excessive trash in and around the Gold Line; Macias provided a short video with updates on Foothill Gold line extension to Claremont. Delgadillo answered questions posed by the Council stating request have been submitted to Caltrans regarding freeway signage, response is pending; and efforts to clean up the Metro Gold Line are actively effect. Councilmember Alvarez announced the Library will be hosting, Reading Colors your World Week which will take place July19 – 23rd; the activities taking place are Summer Reading Virtual Bugs Safari for the family, Blast Off Live Stream Stem Craft for kids and Crafts for older teens and adults. Prizes will also be raffled to kids registered; Alvarez asked staff to survey the street light sensors. Councilmember Mendez requested staff to look into two signal lights on Azusa Ave. by Target and 9th Street and Pasadena Ave. stating the timing of the traffic lights are off which contributes to long wait times. Director of Public Works and City Engineer Delgadillo responded to questions posed by Council stating the City of Azusa does not have the authority to make any changes to the traffic lights by the Metro tracks; staff will reach out to Metro and an update will be provided at a later date. Mayor Gonzales congratulated the Community Resources Department on a job well done on organizing Drive-in Concerts in the Park; National Night Out is an annual event and walk against crime, 20 agencies will be present and will be highlighting the services that we provide for the community; on August 15th, the 12th Annual Kathy’s Cool Kutz will take place, volunteers from local salons and barbershops will be providing kids with a free haircut and school supplies; thanked and wished good luck to city staff, Sylvia and Annette on their new career endeavors. SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING – 2021 REFUSE AND ORGANICS RATE ADJUSTMENT. Environmental Programs Specialist Sagun presented the Staff Report stating that it is a contractual rate adjustment as part of the City’s contract with Athens; due to Proposition 218 Right to Vote Act, it must be considered as a public hearing; annual rate adjustments are allowed based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the services provided and landfill provider costs; rate increases are modes at $4.71 for single family, $1.29 for multi-family, and -$6.00 for commercial; and rates are competitive when compared to other cities. Mayor Gonzales declared the hearing open. City Clerk Cornejo read the affidavit of proof of publication published on July9, 2021, in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Three letters of opposition were received and provided to the Council. Public Comment None. Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila and carried by the unanimous vote of the Council to close the public hearing. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Mayor Pro-Tem Macias offered Resolution No. 2021-C33 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE TWENTY-FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH ARAKELIAN ENTERPRISES TO AMEND THE REFUSE RATES AND THE MONTHLY ORGANIC RECYCLING FEES EFFECTIVE RETROCATIVE TO JULY 1, 2021 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022 Moved by Councilmember Macias, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution No. 2021-C33. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTION 2 -1 OF ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE, CHANGING THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION DATE FROM MARCH OF EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS TO THE STATEWIDE AND PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION, COMMENCING WITH THE NOVEMBER, 2022 ELECTION. Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia presented the Staff Report. PAGE THREE – 7/19/2021 Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila, seconded by Mayor Gonzales and carried by the following vote of the Council to introduce first reading of Ordinance No. 2021-04: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTION 2-1 OF ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE, CHANGING THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION DATE FROM MARCH OF EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS TO THE STATEWIDE AND PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION, COMMENCING WITH THE NOVEMBER, 2022 ELECTION AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALEZ, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE RECEIVE PRESENTATION ON TAX INCREMENT FEASIBILITY (TIF) STUDY OUTCOME AND PROVIDE STAFF DIRECTION ON NEXT STEPS. Economic Development Specialist Campos and Joseph Dieguez with Kosmont Companies presented the Staff Report and answered related questions. Council directed staff to release a Request for Proposal to retain a consultant to assist the City in the formation of a financing district. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. City Attorney Martinez presented the Staff Report and proposed amendments to City Manager’s Employment Agreement. Mayor Pro-Tem Avila offered Resolution No. 2021-C34 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (SERGIO GONZALEZ) Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution No. 2021-C34; and approve Second Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement (Sergio Gonzalez). 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 the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1-E-8 & E-10, E-11. Items E-9 and E-12 under Special Call. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE 1. The minutes of the Special Meeting May 24, 2021 were approved as written. 2. Resolution No. 2021-C35 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: A. MERIT INCREASE(S) AND/OR REGULAR APPOINTMENT(S): PAGE FOUR – 7/19/2021 B. NEW APPOINTMENT(S) C. SALARY RANGE ADJUSTMENT(S) CLASSIFICATION RANGE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 FINANCE MANAGER Current 3213 7,633.89$ 8,015.59$ 8,416.37$ 8,837.18$ 9,279.04$ FINANCE MANAGER Effective 7/1/21 3412 8,532.57$ 8,959.19$ 9,407.15$ 9,877.51$ 10,371.39$ ASST DIR OR UTL- RESOURCE MGMT Current 3570 11,594.78$ 12,174.52$ 12,783.25$ 13,422.41$ 14,093.53$ ASST DIR OR UTL- RESOURCE MGMT Effective 7/1/21 3570 12,754.26$ 13,391.97$ 14,061.57$ 14,764.65$ 15,502.88$ SENIOR POWER RESOURCES PLANNER Current 3460 8,875.69$ 9,319.49$ 9,785.46$ 10,274.35$ 10,788.07$ SENIOR POWER RESOURCES PLANNER Effective 7/1/21 3460 9,763.26$ 10,251.43$ 10,764.00$ 11,302.20$ 11,867.31$ HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Current 3213 7,633.89$ 8,015.59$ 8,416.37$ 8,837.18$ 9,279.04$ HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Effective 7/1/21 3412 8,532.57$ 8,959.19$ 9,407.15$ 9,877.51$ 10,371.39$ D. SEPARATION(S)/RETIREMENT(S) DEPARTMENT NAME CLASSIFICATION EFFECTIVE DATE Police Jason Poulos Police Sergeant 06/26/2021 Administration Christina Cravens Executive Assistant to the City Manager 06/30/2021 Public Works George DuBois Street Maintenance Crew Supervisor 06/30/2021 PAGE FIVE– 7/19/2021 DEPT NAME CLASSIFICATION TYPE OF ACTION / EFFECTIVE DATE RANGE/STEP BASE MO. A Economic and Community Development Anthony Meyers Building Official Merit Increase 06/05/2021 3435/05 $8,824.37 B Police Maria Veronica Vega Training Coordinator Merit Increase 06/04/2021 9192/03 $5,874.95 C Police Michael DeAnda Police Officer Merit Increase 04/19/2021 6101/03 $7,134.55 D Police Vianney Garcia Police Officer Merit Increase 05/06/2021 6101/02 $6,791.87 E Police Spencer Shepard Police Officer Merit Increase 05/06/2021 6101/02 $6,791.87 F Utilities Maurice de Graaf Water Distribution Services Specialist Merit Increase 06/11/2021 5186/05 $7,082.34 G Utilities Nicole Hisey Customer Service Representative I Reg Appt/Merit Increase 06/14/2021 5154/04 $4,624.27 H Utilities Eliana Estrada Customer Service Representative I Reg Appt/Merit Increase 06/14/2021 5154/02 $4,194.36 I Utilities Richard Torres Assistant Director of Utilities – Resource Management Merit Increase 06/03/2021 3570/04 $12,907.32 J Utilities Alicia Holmes Assistant Director of Utilities – Customer Care and Solutions Merit Increase 06/03/2021 3557/04 $11,371.72 K Administrative Services Adriana Garcia Purchasing Agent Merit Increase 06/03/2021 5187/05 $6,756.88 DEPARTMENT NAME CLASSIFICATION EFFECTIVE DATE RANGE/STEP BASE MO. Police Lidia Gomez Police Administrative Technician TBD – Pending Background 4174/01 $4,525.78 Police Michelle Garcia Community Service Officer - Field TBD – Pending Background 9170/01 $4,251.20 Utilities Samuel Soria Electric Troubleshooter 07/26/2021 5256/05 $10,493.34 4. The City Treasurer’s Report of cash and investment balances for the month of March 2021 was received, reviewed, and filed. 5. The City Treasurer’s Report of cash and investment balances for the month of April 2021 was received, reviewed, and filed. 6. The City Treasurer’s Accounting of All Receipts, Disbursements and Funds Balances for the Months of March and April 2021 was received, reviewed, and filed. 7. The Azusa Unified School District and Azusa Police Department School Resource Officer Contract for August 1, 2021-June 30, 2022 was approved and the City Manager was authorized to sign Contract. 8. Execution of Agreement for the City of Azusa to Extend Contract Services for Crossing Guards with All City Management Services (ACMS) was approved and the City Manager was authorized to sign Professional Services Agreement. 9. Special Call 10. The Contract to Remodel Azusa Light and Water Building, Suite 2B for Relocation of Public Works Engineering Division was approved in the amount not-to-exceed $107.000 ($97,275 contract amount + 10% contingency for change orders) to RS Construction and Development, Inc and the City Manager was authorized to sign Contract. 11. Request to Increase Fiscal Year 2020/21 Blanket Purchase Order for Best Best & Krieger was approved. 12. Special Call Special Call 9. Amendment No. 1 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and the City of Azusa for continued participation in the San Gabriel Valley Neighborhood Coyote Program was approved and the City Manager was authorized to sign Agreement. Moved by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila and carried by the following vote of the Council. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE 12. The Lateral Police Officer and Police Dispatcher Recruitment Incentive Pilot Program was Adopted. Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila and carried by the following vote of the Council. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS. Moved by Agency Member Avila, seconded by Agency Member Mendez and carried by unanimous vote of the Agency to approve Successor Agency Consent Calendar Items F-1 and F-2 AYES: AGENCY MEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ NOES: AGENCY MEMBERS: NONE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED JUNE 3, 2021 THROUGH JULY 14, 2021. Resolution No. 2021-R10 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 REQUEST TO APPROVE AN EXCLUSIVE SALES LISTING AGREEMENT FOR 975 WEST FOOTHILL BOULEVARD WITH CBRE INC. Listing Agreement with CBRE Inc., was approved and City Manager was authorize to execute Agreements. PAGE SIX– 7/19/2021 It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting in memory of Connie Chavarria, Lifelong Azusa Resident and in solemn honor of those Azusans lost to Covid-19. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:17 P.M. ______________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-C37 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2020-04 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-R11 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: August 16, 2021 and September 20, 2021 PAGE SEVEN – 7/19/2021