HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-18-2022, Minutes Regular Meeting
CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 18, 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, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION –
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 Properties Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
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: 3.5 acre parcel located north of the Los Angeles County spreading grounds, which are north of Sierra Madre and west of Azusa APNs 8684-013-909,
8684-013-923, and 8684-013-904. Negotiating Parties: Carlos Ramos, NOWON, LLC. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Lease
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957. Title: City Manager
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957. Title: City Attorney
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, GONZALES, MENDEZ
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Linda Escalara.
Invocation was delivered by a representative from Dhamakaya Meditation Center, in Azusa.
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Assistant City Attorney Castillo, Chief of Police Wenrick, Deputy City Manager De Anda-Scaia, Director of Economic and Community
Development Marquez, Community Improvement Manager McMinn, 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 and Item 2 – City Council provided direction to the negotiating
team and no reportable action was taken; Closed Session Item 3 and Item 4 – City Council also initiated a performance evaluation for the City Manager and City attorney, direction provided
and no reportable action was taken.
CEREMONIAL – None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
John Dedonker, a resident of Azusa, shared concerns regarding his rent increase for his mobile home.
Rosemarie Castillo, a resident of Azusa, expressed concerns regarding the increase in her rent.
Michelle Ostick, a resident of Foothill Vista, shared that she would support an RSO in place to protect her rent.
Linda Escalara, a resident of Azusa, expressed that she would also support an RSO to prevent her rent from going up.
A representative from the Dhamakaya International Meditation Center shared that they will be having a free candle light meditation event on Saturday, July 30th and invited everyone to
join.
REPORTS, UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez thanked Staff from the Public Works department and the City Clerk’s Department for their efforts in setting up for the outdoor meeting.
4th of July Recap
Chief of Police Wenrick gave an update on the 4th of July weekend. The department faced an unprecedented staffing shortage at night due to an incident that occurred earlier that day.
Despite the shortage, the police department was able to work with Code Enforcement and keep the community safe. The department looks forward to partnering with the community and working
with neighboring agencies in the future to ensure safety in Azusa.
Council Comments
Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez thanked City staff who assisted in the set up for the outdoor council meeting. He announced that the Azusa Rotary will be hosting a flapjack fundraiser at the Applebee’s,
and funds will go towards the Field of Glory at City Hall. The Cub Scouts are working on restarting their organization in Azusa; meetings will be held on Thursdays and he encouraged
anyone with questions to reach out to him.
Councilmember Alvarez reported on the Foothill Transit meeting he attended. He shared that there is an increase in incidents among the passengers and transits. Due to these incidents,
there are more Sheriffs riding the buses and video surveillance to ensure safety.
Councilmember Alvarez also gave an honorable mention for Tzeitel Paras Caracci, a member of the Foothill Transit board and a councilmember from the neighboring city of Duarte, who had
recently passed away.
He provided an update on the annual Golden Days Parade. The date is set for October 8th and the theme will be Azusa’s Golden Adventure.
Councilmember Avila thanked staff for the outdoor meeting set up. He shared that a Coffee with PD event will be hosted at a new local coffee shop called Pressed + Flower on Thursday
morning July 21st. The City also be having a mini carnival event on July 26th. He reminded residents that the small business grant application deadline is approaching on July 31st.
Councilmember Beckwith shared the upcoming events at the Azusa Library and the last few concerts in the park. He congratulated the graduates from Citrus college.
Mayor Gonzales reminded commuters about the upcoming temporary lane closures on the 210 Freeway and advised them plan ahead and be prepared for traffic. He also announced the performers
for the upcoming concerts in the park. He thanked Senator Rubio and Assemblywoman Rubio for the grant to preserve the historical Old Schoolhouse, the first school site in the city of
Azusa. He shared that Kathy’s Cool Cuts will be providing free haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies for kids before they go back to school on Sunday, August 14th.
Mayor Gonzales asked City Manager for any updates in regards to the Atlantis Gardens project.
City Manager Gonzalez provided an update on the Atlantis Gardens project. The City is working with LA County to have improvements made since they are the owners of the property.
SCHEDULED ITEMS – CITY COUNCIL
1. DISCUSSION: ARTICLE XI, CHAPTER 18 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE: CITY OF AZUSA MOBILEHOME RENT STABILIZATION REGULATIONS.
City Attorney Martinez and Assistant City Attorney Castillo provided a staff report and a summary of the rent stabilization ordinance (RSO).
In response to questions posed by Councilmember Alvarez, City Attorney Martinez clarified that the City’s RSO has two components for rent increase – (1) an increase in CPI using a 12-month
period, not to exceed 7% or ten dollars and (2) any increase that is passed on pursuant to any City special tax benefit, assessment, district, or service charge.
In response to questions posed by Councilmember Alvarez, Community Improvement Manager Rick McMinn stated that mobile home units do not have rental registration, instead they receive
business licenses.
City Attorney Martinez stated that the special taxes are not explicitly defined in the City’s ordinance. He requested direction from Council in regards to what portions of the ordinance
they should review and define.
Mayor Gonzales suggested implementing a hardline number at 5% with a cap at 6.2% for rent increases. He stated this could slow down the large jumps in rent increases, giving tenants
some time to catch up on their payments. If landlords go above the 5%, a consultant would review the increase and ask for justification.
Councilmember Beckwith stated that the current RSO has three different tiers based on income. He suggested eliminating one tier and implementing a simple two-tier option for rental increases.
Option 1 would be a simply 5% cap on rent increases without having to submit any paperwork or verifications. Option 2 would be for those who want to go above 5%, requiring a process
of paperwork, verification, and justification.
Council and Staff discussed the language to include in the RSO, how to implement the 5% cap, other provisions, and the possibility of bringing in a consultant if rent increase review
is necessary.
City Attorney Martinez stated he will work on including the language and defining the special tax benefit terms in the current RSO.
Mayor Gonzales stated the item will be brought back in September.
2. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING NOTICE OF INTENT TO WITHDRAWAL RECEIVED FROM RIVERS MOUNTAINS CONSEVANCY – PROPOSED DRAFT DISSOLUTION AGREEMENT OF THE AZUSA-RMC JPA AND APPROVAL
OF $15,000 TO REPLENISH JPA OPERATING BUDGET.
City Manager Gonzalez provided a staff report.
City Manager Gonzalez explained that the joint powers authority (JPA) has incurred a few expenses since their last meeting in 2020 such as board liability insurance, auditing services,
and weed abatement.
Joseph Gonzales, an analyst from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), clarified that the Watershed Conservation Authority (WCA) is also a joint powers authority. The WCA is a
partnership between the RMC and the LA County Flood Control district.
In response to questions posed by Councilmember Avila Jr., Joseph Gonzales confirmed that dissolving the partnership with the RMC and partnering with the WCA is a matter of receiving
more opportunities for funding and addressing staffing and capacity issues that the RMC is facing.
Mayor Gonzales stated that this partnership would be an opportunity for Azusa to have representation and a seat the table during discussions regarding the City’s hillsides.
Motion to approve Item D-2 - 2) Authorize an amount of $15,000 to replenish the Azusa-RMC JPA operating budget; and 3) Direct the City Manager and City Attorney to work with the Rivers
and Mountains Conservancy on dissolution agreement for future consideration was made by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, and carried by the unanimous roll-call
vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Gonzales pulled Item E-15 for further discussion.
The minutes of the Regular Meetings of April 4, 2022 and April 18, 2022, and Special Meeting of April 16, 2022 were approved as written.
2. Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-C51 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. The City Treasurer’s Report for the month of May 2022 was received, reviewed, and filed.
5. A Randall Lewis Health & Policy Fellowship Memorandum of Agreement with Partners for Better Health to create an internship placement site in the City of Azusa; and Authorization for
the City Manager to execute an Agreement with Partners for Better Health, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City were approved.
6. Award a professional services agreement to Willdan for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $234,561, which includes a 10% contingency for potential change orders as needed, for
the Arrow Highway Street Resurfacing and Highway Safety Improvement Project; and Authorization for the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement, in a form acceptable
to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City were approved.
7. The trade-in of the Glock 22 .40 caliber handguns with LC Action Police Supply in order to obtain trade-in credit for the purchase of additional Glock 17 9mm handguns for Azusa Police
Department sworn personnel was approved.
8. The Third Amendment to the Professional Service Agreement with Govsense, not to exceed amount of $84,000; and Authorization for the Mayor to execute the agreement, in a form acceptable
to the City Attorney were approved.
9. The purchase of four (4) 2023 Ford Police Interceptor SUV vehicles from National Auto Fleet Group in Watsonville, California 95076, in an amount not to exceed $155,528.88; and the
purchase of these vehicles based on the competitive bid process completed by the County of Los Angeles as authorized under AMC Section 2-523, from which they ordered Ford Police Interceptor
Vehicles under the Sourcewell master vehicle contract # 091521-NAF were approved.
10. The purchase of two 2023 BMW R 1250 RT-P716 Motorcycles from Long Beach BMW Motorcycles, 2125 E. Spring St., Long Beach, CA 90806 in an amount not to exceed $68,166.44; and the purchase
of these motorcycles based on the competitive bid process completed by the County of Los Angeles as authorized under AMC Section 2-523, from which they ordered BMW Motorcycles, bid
#RFB-IS-21200889-1 were approved.
11. Acceptance of the grant award from California State Library; and necessary budget amendments and adjust the budgets accordingly were approved.
12. Authorization for Staff to release the proposed Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design services and acceptance of proposals from qualified firms were approved.
13. The project plans and specifications; and Authorization for staff to solicit a Notice of Inviting Bids for the City Parking Lots Pavement Rehabilitation Project were approved.
14. The list of purchase orders issued in June 2022 was received and filed.
15. Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-C52 authorizing one-time Appreciation Pay to employees for continuing service during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic was approved.
16. Rejection of all bids for tenant improvement construction services for the Promenade at Citrus Project (CIP Project #62519A); and Rejection of all proposals for purchase and installation
of furniture, fixtures and equipment for the Promenade at Citrus Project (CIP Project #62519A) was approved.
Motion to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1 to E-14 and Item E-16, was made by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez, and carried by the unanimous roll-call vote of Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., BECKWITH, GONZALES, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Mayor Gonzales requested clarification regarding Consent Calendar Item E-15.
City Manager Gonzales explained that the resolution was slightly modified to cast a wider net of employees who would qualify for appreciation pay due to the number of hours they worked.
Mayor Gonzales offered words of gratitude to City Manager Gonzalez, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, and all city employees who worked throughout the pandemic and adjusted
to curveballs.
Motion to approve Consent Calendar Item E-15 was made by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez, and carried by the unanimous roll-call 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: 9:30 P.M.
* Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-C53
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2022-03
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-R10
NEXT MEETINGS:
August 15, 2022, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting.
September 19, 2022, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting