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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-6-2022, Minutes Regular MeetingCITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 6, 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: AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, BECKWITH (arrived at 6:32 p.m.), MENDEZ, GONZALES 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 Economic and Community Development Marquez, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia PUBLIC COMMENT - None CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-POSSIBLE INITIATION OF LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9 (d)(4)/ (e)(1). 1 Potential Case 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: 106 South Azusa Avenue (APN: 8611-036-012) and 250 East 1st Street (APN: 8611-036-008) Negotiating Parties: Mark A. Kudler, President, Bulletin Displays, LLC Under Negotiation: Price and Terms 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.95. Case Name: Richard Gomez (Claim #AZUA-1835) 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, AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, GONZALES ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by John. Invocation was delivered by Bishop Keith Hanks, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 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 CLOSED SESSION REPORT The City Council convened at 6:30 P.M.; City Attorney Martinez reported the following regarding Closed Session: Item 1 – no reportable action; Item 2 – Council heard a presentation from the negotiating team, no reportable action; Item 3 – Mayor Gonzales and Councilmember Alvarez abstained from participation due to conflicts of interest, no reportable action. CEREMONIAL 1. Mayor Gonzales presented and read the Proclamation proclaiming the month of June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the City of Azusa. The City recognizes the contributions made by members of the LGBTQ+ community to promote principles of equality and liberty. PUBLIC COMMENT Diego Barbosa-Vásquez, Music and Artistic Director of the Opera Summer Camp, shared information about the music and arts summer program he facilitates. His program provides the opportunity for all residents, students, and professionals to work together as creators and performers, allowing everyone to develop a voice. He expressed that the goal of the program is to display the importance of all voices and cultures. On June 25, 2022 the program will premiere a brand-new Peruvian opera at Azusa Pacific University at 2:00 p.m. Those who run the program work tirelessly to create alliances and partners that allow everyone who is interested to participate. The community is invited to see the premiere of the Peruvian Opera and the significance and impacts of the program. He asked Council and the community to support the program. Arturo Ortega, Superintendent of the Azusa Unified School District, shared some highlights and information about the district. Five seniors from Gladstone High School received recognition from Congresswoman Napolitano’s 2022 Congressional Art Competition. The students’ artwork can be viewed on the school’s website. On May 3, 2022, the Board of Education approved $54M for modernization and construction projects for AUSD school sites. Improvements will include new classroom furniture, front office modernizations, fencing upgrades, playground equipment, security cameras, etc. Out of 76 grants, the California Department of Education awarded AUSD with a $14.725M Community Schools grant, the 12th largest award. This will fund the current community schools program and help provide various integrated support services that will begin in Fall 2022. The District thanked the City of Azusa for collaborating on the congratulatory signs for the graduating seniors. REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL Presentation by San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority Executive Director Randy Schoellerman Executive Director Randy Schoellerman presented a report on the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality. The main focus areas of the Water Quality Authority (WQA) include facilitating a basin clean up, early action, seek state and federal funding, and conduct public outreach. The Monterey Park treatment system undergoing upgrades and a new treatment facility is also being built in the City of Industry. The WQA has obtained $106M in federal funds and $60M in state funds. The WQA’s mission to facilitate the basin cleanup and provide funding for projects will continue beyond July 1, 2030. City Manager Communications City Manager Gonzalez reported he had no updates for the meeting. He introduced Interim Chief of Police Rocky Wenrick to give a few updates in regards to the recent increase in violence. Azusa Police Department will be increasing patrol and using state and federal resources in order to address the issue. Council Comments Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez reminded residents that tomorrow, June 7, 2022, is election day and encouraged everyone to exercise their right to vote. He welcomed Lieutenant Bushy to the City of Azusa; he thanked Chief Wenrick and offered support to the police department in combating the recent increase in violence. He attended the OneLegacy and Donate Life 1K/5K event and acknowledged the great turnout. He gave a shout-out to Mary Dodd and thanked her for the invite to the event and tie-dye shirt. He congratulated all students who were either graduating or being promoted and he also thanked Staff for providing a clear FY 22/23 budget. Councilmember Alvarez provided updates from the Foothill Transit meeting he attended. Foothill Transit has been implementing a “class pass” for local colleges. He also congratulated all the new graduates. Last but not least, he encouraged everyone to go out and vote. Councilmember Avila Jr. reported that on May 19, 2022, Councilmember Alvarez and himself met with Library staff to form the Veterans Resource Ad Hoc Committee. He thanked Director of Community Resources Miki Carpenter and Staff for putting together the All In for Azusa event on May 21, 2022 and he looks forward to it next year. On May 22-24, 2022, he attended the ICSC (Innovating Commerce Serving Communities) Conference in Las Vegas, and he thanked Matt Marquez and Carina Campos for setting up the itinerary for the event. Councilmember Avila Jr. thanked all the Directors and departments for their budget session presentations. He also thanked OneLegacy for hosting their successful event in Azusa on June 4, 2022. Lastly, Councilmember Avila Jr. thanked Arturo Ortega for the invitation and the opportunity to distribute congratulatory signs to the graduates. He wished the principal of Azusa high School, Martin Gomez, the best of luck as he moves on to Upland High School next year. Councilmember Beckwith encouraged everyone to go out and vote and make it count. He also attended the ICSC Conference and expressed appreciation for Matt Marquez, Carina Campos, and the Economic and Community Development team for preparing the meetings. He reported on attending the OneLegacy event and shared that it was a great event. He congratulated all promoting and graduating students. He thanked Chief Wenrick and the entire police department for their efforts. Mayor Gonzales reminded drivers to watch their speed limits due to increased presence of children on the streets as they are on summer break. He thanked residents who maintained their homes and yards to keep the community looking presentable. Mayor Gonzales proposed having a beautification committee. He also suggested recognizing or rewarding homeowners and businesses for maintaining their properties. Mayor Gonzales discussed the upcoming summer meetings in the months of July, August, and September. He suggested doing the first summer meeting in the courtyard in a casual attire. He also proposed adjourning the meeting in memory of Melissa Vera and Richard Tovar. Last but not least, Mayor Gonzales suggested rearranging the agenda for the meeting and going over the scheduled items on the Consent Calendar before beginning the Public Hearing. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Alvarez abstained from Item 11, for the improvement plans and specifications for the 2022 residential roadway rehabilitation project, due to living in close proximity. 1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 22, 2022 and the Regular Meeting of March 7, 2022 were approved as written. 2. Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-C39 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid was approved. 3. Personnel Action Requests in accordance with the City of Azusa Civil Service Rules and applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s) were approved. 4. Request to increase fiscal year 2021/2022 blanket purchase order for frontier communications not-to-exceed amount of $72,000 was approved. 5. Request to increase fiscal year 2021/2022 blanket purchase order for Govsense not-to-exceed amount of $73,500 was approved. 6. Fourth Amendment to professional services agreement between the City of Azusa and Transtech Engineers Inc. to increase the term of their agreement through June, 30, 2023 and provide contract plan review, building official, and inspection services; and Authorization for the City Manager to execute the amendment, subject to any non- substantive revisions approved by the City Attorney, and perform any other obligations of the City under the amendment was approved. 7. The bid results received on April 20, 2022 and award a three-year contract to Mariposa Landscape Inc. for citywide landscape and irrigation maintenance of various city parks, median islands, public facilities, and public right of ways was approved. 8. Resolutions pertaining to the November 8, 2022 general municipal election and requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to render full services to the City relating to the conduct of a general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 were approved. 9. Fiscal Year 2021/2022 third quarter financial report ending March 31, 2022 was received, reviewed, and filed. 10. Professional Services Agreement with LDM Associates, Inc. for a three-year period for administrative and labor compliance services for the City of Azusa Community Development Block (CBDG) Program in an amount not-to- exceed $40,000 for FY 2022-23; and Authorization for the City Manager to execute the agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved. 11. Improvement plans and specifications for the 2022 residential roadway rehabilitation project and authorize staff to solicit a Notice of Inviting Bids were approved. 12. The purchase of one Motorola MCC7500 Dispatch Console Radio not-to-exceed $111,887; and Authorization for the City Manager to execute the Purchasing Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved. 13. The second amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Azusa and the Willdan Engineering Inc. to provide plan review, building administration, and inspection services; a one (1) year extension to the Professional Services Agreement; and Authorization for the City Manager to execute the Amendment, subject to any non-substantive revisions approved by the City Attorney, and perform any other obligations of the City under the amendment was approved. Motion to approve the Consent Calendar Items E-1 to E-12 made by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr., carried by unanimous vote of Council, with Councilmember Alvarez abstaining from Item 11. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ (E-1 – E10, E12), BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ (Consent Calendar Item E-11) ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL 1. PUBLIC HEARING ON PRELIMINARY PLAN REVIEW NO. 2022-01 FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 919 WEST SIERRA MADRE AVENUE (APNS: 8617-001-005, 8684-013-030, 8617-001-013, 8617- 013-001, 8617-011-001, 8684-043-002, AND 8684-013-014 - A REQUEST TO DEVELOP EXISTING GOLF COURSE PROPERTY WITH SIX (6) INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, 250 - 300 RESIDENTIAL HOUSNIG UNITS, AND THE REDESIGN OF THE REMAINING PROPERTY AS A NINE (9) HOLE GOLF COURSE. Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez stated that he will be abstaining from the conversation due to him residing in close proximity to the project. Councilmember Beckwith stated that he will also be recusing himself from the conversation due to a potential conflict of interest as he owns property near the site of the project. City Attorney Martinez clarified that Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez must recuse himself from the conversation due to him owning property within 500ft of the project. City Attorney Martinez explained the different scenario for Councilmember Beckwith who owns property near the project site more than 500ft but less than 1,000ft. Fair Political Practices Committee (FPPC) rules state that an analysis has to be done based on potential impacts of the project on his property ownership interests. Councilmember Beckwith will be recusing himself from the discussion out of an abundance of caution. If and when the sequel analysis is done, Counsel can better advise Councilmember Beckwith as to his participation on the final project. Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez provided a staff report. In response to Councilmember Avila’s inquiry regarding the change in the project from senior living to residential, Economic and Community Development Director Marquez stated that it had been confirmed in a meeting a week prior. Timur Tecimor from Overton Moore Properties gave a presentation on the proposed project. In response to questions asked by Councilmember Alvarez, Mr. Tecimor confirmed that the 300 properties were residential apartments, not for senior living, and they would not be for sale. Councilmember Avila Jr. and Mayor Gonzales expressed concerns about the 300 residential units. Mayor Gonzales suggested Mr. Tecimor and his company do extensive public outreach so the surrounding community is aware of the plans of the proposed project. 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 May 27, 2022. One letter of concern was received. Public Testimony: Linda MacDonald, Patricia Gonzalez, Jackie Swenson, Ronnie Nanning Motion to close the Public Hearing by was made Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Councilmember Alvarez, and carried by 3-0 vote of Council. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE Discussion ensued regarding the changes in the plans that were presented to Council. In response to questions posed by Councilmember Avila Jr. regarding open space, Director of Economic and Community Development Marquez stated that the general plan lumps together recreational space and open space. However, the zoning ordinance separates the two types of spaces. After consulting with legal counsel, a required percentage of open space has not been determined. He explained the project was first bring presented to council instead of the planning commission due to the magnitude of the developments, significant decisions, and the residents it would impact. City Attorney Martinez clarified that council can direct staff to either continue or discontinue processing the subject application. No motion necessary, Council can proceed with consensus. 1) Preliminary plan review No. 2022-01 for the properties located at 919 W Sierra Madre Ave (APNS: 8617- 001-005. 8684-013-030, 8517-001-013, 8617-013-001, 8617-011-001, 8684-043-002, AND 8684-013-014) – A Request to develop existing golf course property with six (6) industrial buildings, 250-300 residential housing units, and the redesign of the remaining property as a nine (9) hole golf course. Mayor Gonzales, Councilmember Avila Jr., and Councilmember Alvarez unanimously directed staff to work with the applicant to take into consideration council’s comments, the public’s comments, and refine the proposed project plan before bringing it back to council. ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting in solemn honor of Melissa Vera, Richard Tovar, and those Azusans who lost their lives to Covid-19. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:30 P.M. * Items heard out of order __________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-C43 NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2022-03 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-R08 NEXT MEETINGS: June 20, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting July 5, 2022, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting has been Cancelled.