HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-7-2022, Minutes Regular MeetingCITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING AND
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE UTILITY BOARD
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2022 – 7:30 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 Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702.
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: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, MAYOR PRO-TEM AVILA Jr., MAYOR
GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Luna.
Invocation was delivered by Dr. Daniel Simonson, Pastor at Christbridge Emanual Church.
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Marco, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of Administrative
Services Johnson, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, and Chief
Deputy City Clerk Garcia, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of Economic & Community
Development Marquez, Economic Development Specialist Campos, Director of Administrative services Johnson.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Gonzales reported there was no Closed Session, there for no closed session report.
CEREMONIAL
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Sergio Palmieri provided comments regarding the General Plan Amendment GPA-2022-01 Cycle housing of the Housing
Element should utilize local labor.
Griffin Harrel provided comments about the “Dear California” projects for Azusa and surrounding communities.
Erick/Rick provided comments and submitted a petition regarding the use of speed bumps as speed calming devices on N.
Pasadena Avenue and 11th.
City Manager Gonzalez reported the City Council and staff can consider some type of traffic calming, however, are not
allowed under State Regulations to put speed bumps on collector streets. Public works and the Police department are
collaborating on researching different areas that need to be addressed and ensured the public that he will circle back to
them to confirm Pasadena and 11th is included in that study.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. City Manager Gonzalez reported on calendar reminders that April 18th City Council meeting will be hosting a light
reception in honor of the outgoing Chief of Police Bertelsen’s retirement. On April 20th at 6:00 p.m. State of the City will
start in the courtyard and wrap up with a formal presentation in the Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. Following the Utility Board
City Council Meeting March 7, 2022 – Page | 2
meeting on April 25th will be the Golden Priority Session. The health order for wearing masks has been modified.
Individual establishments may still require masks, he is working with the executive staff to determine the requirements for
staff versus visitors and will have an additional update from the Health Department on Thursday.
2. City Council Request for Proclamation declaring March 2022 as “Women’s History Month: in the City of Azusa.
City Clerk Cornejo read part of the Proclamation as requested by Mayor Gonzales.
Mayor Gonzales commented that honoring women in the community is always a privilege thanked his colleagues for
allowing the Proclamation
City Council Communications
Mayor Pro-Tem Avila Jr. commented about the visit to One Legacy to see the progress of the work and his excitement to
see that project completed and open. Friday March 11th is the sixteenth annual Casino Night hosted by the Mayor, Mayor
Pro-Tem, and the Chamber of Commerce in which all proceeds go to youth organizations through out the city that include
Azusa Little League Baseball, Azusa Softball, Azusa Raiders Football, and Azusa Parks and Recreation. The entry fee is
$20 dollars, begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 11:00 p.m. There will be gambling, and raffle tickets for those who do not
wish to gamble but still want to participate. Mayor Pro-Tem Avila Jr. thanked the Mayor for including him in this vision
that started sixteen years ago and hopes to see everyone there.
Councilmember Alvarez provided comments about the Flag exchange event in February and stated it was very successful,
with one-hundred-forty-eight (148) flags that were turned in. Part of the flags went to the Boy Scouts to be used in
training Scouts on how to properly retire an American Flag. Some of the flags went to the local VFW and some went to
the American Legion who will work hand in hand with the Fire Department to properly retire them. They will look at
doing other events periodically.
Councilmember Mendez mentioned the Golden Priority Session and commented that he serves as a delegate on the Joint
Powers Authority (JPA) for the Gold Line Construction Authority Board and they are looking for support regarding
funding to extend the construction of the Gold Line from Azusa to Mont Clare. The current amount needed is estimated to
be $748 million dollars and have specifically requested a piece of the $46 billion dollar surplus of California, which is in
line with legislative goals, the city sent a letter in support of that funding which went to the Governor.
Mayor Gonzales asked Council if they were favor of sending a letter in support of the request and stated it was unanimous
for the City to draft and send the letter in support of JPA’s request.
Councilmember Beckwith commented that his Alma Mater Azusa Pacific University (APU) is having a ribbon cutting
ceremony of March 17th for Lee Youngs Center for Financial Accountability and invited the community to join him in
learning what that program is about. Dr. Adam Morris was just named as the 18th President of APU.
Councilmember Beckwith thanked Sandals for continuing the desire to serve the community and expanding upon those
efforts.
Mayor Gonzales reported that he and Councilmember Alvarez attended the Riverbed Working Group meeting and emails
were sent out from the City Manager about the clean up that is taking place there. The Army Corps of Engineers used
sixteen (16) dumpsters and cleaned out sixty (60) acres of trash in the past 10-days. Funds in the amount of $1.6 million
have been secured for future clean ups over the next couple of years. It used to be one clean up per year and since 2020
there’s been an average of four to five cleanups per year or more. It is a tri-City effort of Azusa, Duarte, and Irwindale.
City Manager Gonzalez shared photos. Mayor thanked all those involved with helping with this project.
Mayor Gonzales heard from the Legion that they will be conducting a Retired Flag burning ceremony, the date is yet to be
determined.
The City is still waiting for the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to be signed by the School District.
Mayor Gonzales thanked all those who have been involved with and donated for the Casino night. He is looking forward
to that event taking place.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. PUBLIC HEARING – GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA-2022-01) TO UPDATE THE CITY’S
HOUSING ELEMENT FOR THE 2021-2029 PLANNING PERIOD AND AMENDING CHAPTER 3 –
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT – MOBILITY SECTION OF THE CITY OF AZUSA GENERAL PLAN
BY ADOPTING THE AZUSA WALKS PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN.
Housing Element
The City of Azusa has prepared a Negative Declaration for the project (Adoption and Implementation of the
City of Azusa 2021-2029 Housing Element) in accordance with guidelines implementing the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Government Code Section 15000 et seq.).
City Council Meeting March 7, 2022 – Page | 3
Azusa Walks Pedestrian Master Plan
This project is statutorily exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review pursuant to
Section 15262 – Feasibility and Planning Studies of the California Code of Regulations.
1) Open the Public Hearing, receive public testimony and close the Public Hearing;
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2022-C17 approving a General Plan Amendment and a Negative Declaration as
the appropriate environmental document (GPA-2022-01) to adopt the City of Azusa 2021-2029
Housing Element, which represents an update to the 2014-2021 Housing Element of the City of Azusa
General Plan, including any additional non-substantive changes made by the Economic & Community
Development Director and City Attorney to respond to comments received from the Department of
Housing and Community Development on the adopted Housing Element; and
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2022-C18 approving a General Plan Amendment (GPA-2022-01) adopting the
Azusa Walks Pedestrian Master Plan.
Genevieve Sharrow (consultant with MIG) and City Planner Manuel Muñoz provided presentations for the Azusa 2021-
2029 Housing Element, as required by the State, and the implementation plan to reach those goals. Mr. Muñoz also
responded to the earlier public comment regarding utilizing local labor for the Housing Element construction projects,
reporting that the Carpenter’s Union attended the Planning Commission meeting and following discussions with the
Commission, it was decided that moving forward they would be looking into more comprehensive policies around
workforce development.
Economic Development Specialist Carina Campos gave a presentation for the General Plan Amendment (GPA-2022-01)
for the Azusa Walks Pedestrian Master Plan. They work together towards the goal of creating a more livable city and help
form the segue to the General Plan update, which will be the next major long range planning effort.
In reply to Council questions Ms. Sharrow explained that State Housing Element law requires that fulfilling the State
Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers can only be on property zoned to allow residential housing. Only
schools with underlying residential zoning could be considered. Any surplus land does have to go through a First Right of
Refusal with affordable housing developers. City Attorney Martinez explained the process that will take place to ensure
the City stays in compliance with the Housing Element once it’s been passed and then State Certified. In addition, there is
an annual California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) required housing tracking report
which is required by the State. Once the program goes live there will be a portal for residents and developers to track
projects and submit information online for permits, which is currently in the testing phase.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo stated he holds proof of publication in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on February 25, 2022 for the
Housing Element and Azusa Walks. There are no public comments received and two public speakers.
Teresa Wilson, an Azusa resident, commented about the area being considered for the Housing Element residential
projects.
Juan Hernandez, a canyon resident, spoke regarding using local union labor for the community development projects.
Motion to close the Public Hearing by Pro-Tem Avila Jr., seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, and carried by
unanimous vote of City Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion by Councilmember Mendez to adopt Resolution No. 2022-C17 approving a General Plan Amendment and a
Negative Declaration as the appropriate environmental document (GPA-2022-01) to adopt the City of Azusa 2021-2029
Housing Element seconded by Councilmember Beckwith and carried by unanimous vote of City Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion by Councilmember Beckwith to adopt Resolution No. 2022-C18 approving a General Plan Amendment (GPA-
2022-01) adopting the Azusa Walks Pedestrian Master Plan seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by
unanimous vote of City Council.
City Council Meeting March 7, 2022 – Page | 4
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
JOINT ITEM CITY COUNCIL AND AZUSA UTILITY BOARD
2. PUBLIC HEARING - FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW AND
ADJUSTMENTS.
1) Open the Public Hearing, receive public testimony, and close the Public Hearing regarding Fiscal
Year 2021/22 mid-year budget adjustments; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2022-C19, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Azusa adopting
mid-year budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2021 and
ending June 30, 2022; and
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2022-UB01, 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, 2021 and
ending June 30, 2022; and
4) Receive, review and file Fiscal Year 2021/22 Second Quarter Budget-to-Actual report ending
December 31, 2021.
Director of Administrative services Johnson provided a presentation on the mid-year budget adjustments for the City of
Azusa for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 and the budget and approving appropriations for Utilities for fiscal year ending
June 30, 2022.
Director of Administrative services Johnson responded to Council questions stating that electricity is purchased based
upon expected demand, which allows them to sell off any surplus. Additional water does not allow for selling of
additional water. The citywide phone system was budgeted at $1.3 million dollars and the City began budgeting for this
project over three years ago. The entire city will need to be rewired and the servers must be upgraded. The two department
head positions utilizing temporary outside services are for the impending retirement of the Chief of Police and the
retirement of the Utilities Director in December 2021. The City Manager chose to use a head-hunting service to fill those
vacancies which allowed for a nationwide search.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo stated he holds proof of posting on February 24, 2022 at the City Clerk’s department, the Police
Department, Civic Auditorium, City Library, and the City’s website www.azusa.ca.gov. No public comments were
received and there are no public speakers.
Motion by Councilmember Mendez to close the Public, seconded by Pro-Tem Avila Jr., and carried by unanimous vote of
City Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion by Councilmember Beckwith to adopt Resolution No. 2022-C19, a Resolution of the City Council of the City
of Azusa adopting mid-year budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2021
and ending June 30, 2022, seconded by Council Mendez, and carried by unanimous vote of City Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila Jr. to adopt Resolution No. 2022-UB01, 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, 2021
and ending June 30, 2022, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, and carried by unanimous vote of City Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
City Council Meeting March 7, 2022 – Page | 5
Motion by Councilmember Mendez to Receive, review and file Fiscal Year 2021/22 Second Quarter Budget-to-Actual
report ending December 31, 2021, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila Jr., and carried by unanimous vote of City Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Field Service Representative under Item E3(d) will be pulled to be voted on a future date yet to be determined.
1. Minutes of the City Council Meeting on November 8, 2021 was approved as written.
2. Resolution No. 2022-C20 was adopted authorizing payments of warrants by the City dated February 18,
2022 through March 2, 2022.
3. Personnel Action Requests in accordance with the City of Azusa Civil Service Rules and applicable
Memorandum of Understanding(s) was approved.
4. Authorize staff to circulate a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Community Development Block Grant
Administrative and Labor Compliance Services was approved.
5. Authorize staff to circulate a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for City Branding and a comprehensive
update to the City’s General Plan was approved.
6. Receive and file the list of purchase orders issued in February 2022 with contracts executed by the City
Manager was approved.
Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Avila Jr. to approve the Consent Calendar Items E1-E6, seconded by Councilmember
Beckwith, and carried by unanimous vote of City Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ADJOURNMENT
It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting in memory of Elia Carreon, Lifelong Azusa Resident and
Javier Adrian Meza, long-time Azusa Resident. We adjourn in solemn honor of those Azusans who we’ve lost to Covid-
19.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:10 P.M.
* Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-C21 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2022-08
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-R05 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
March 21, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
April 4, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting