HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-17-2023, 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, JANUARY 17, 2023 – 7:30 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Azusa met in Closed and Regular session at Azusa Auditorium located at 213 E.
Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702.
CLOSED SESSION
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, MAYOR PRO-TEM MENDEZ,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, Assistant City Attorney Castillo, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of
Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-
Scaia, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, IT and Library Services Director Graf, General Manager Singh,
Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia, Economic Development
& Housing Coordinator Campos, and Budget & Revenue Manager Lam.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
City Clerk Cornejo stated there were no public comments.
Mayor Gonzalez recessed to the Closed Session.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California
Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case Name: Chris Grant, Jorge Sandoval, Bertha Parra v. City of Azusa;
Case No. 22STCV39267
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government
Code, Section 54956.8.
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: APN#8625-005-053 and 8625-005-053
Negotiating Parties: Bill Hollman, Rosedale Land Partners
Under Negotiation: Additional Terms for Transfer of Park Property
REGULAR MEETING
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, MAYOR PRO-TEM MENDEZ,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
City Council January 17, 2023 Page | 2
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, Assistant City Attorney Castillo, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of
Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-
Scaia, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, IT and Library Services Director Graf, General Manager Singh,
Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia, Economic Development
& Housing Coordinator Campos, and Budget & Revenue Manager Lam, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Housing & Economic Development Coordinator Carina Campos.
The Invocation was led by Pastor Daniel Simonson, Christbridge Immanuel Church.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Marco Martinez reported there was a Closed Session with no reportable actions at this time.
CEREMONIAL
Recognition of City of Azusa Police Department 125th Year Anniversary/Celebration
Officer Stephen Spahr, President of the Police Officer Association the City of Azusa, provided comments and brief
history of the rich tradition of the City of Azusa Police Department for 125 years, and presented each City Council
member with the anniversary ceremonial badge as a thank you for all that City Council does for the city and it’s police
department.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Stephanie Martenzie spoke regarding the planning fees item on the Agenda and expressed her concerns regarding the
fees in comparison to fees in other nearby cities.
Trish Gonzalez provided comments about the fee schedule under Agenda Item 1, the lack of enforcement for
implementing the fees, how the fees will be used and expressed concerns regarding how high the fees will be.
Emily Wall, Student Government Senator for Azusa Pacific University, commented regarding university news and
upcoming events for the Spring Semester 2023 and Fall 2023 and thanked the City Council for the work that they do.
Phillip Compah regarding street work at Foot Hills and Citrus and requested the City Council disclose any ex parte
with any towing companies that will be coming forth on a future agenda for full transparency.
City Manager Gonzalez commented regarding the increases that generate a million dollar or more for Azusa Light and
Water stating those concerns spoke about in public comments will be covered in staff’s presentation during the public
hearing.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. City Manager Communications.
City Manager Gonzalez spoke about the ceremonial badges presented by the Police Department and stated every event
this year will have a tie-in in some fashion about the 125th anniversary, including Golden Days and summer concert
series. The community meeting held recently regarding gang violence was well attended, however the video is not
available, as such the audio file for the meeting has been posted on the City’s website. The meeting was a non-action
meeting, if City Council has take-aways from that meeting, they will be acted upon and included in the budget process
for Fiscal Year 2023/24.
City Manager Gonzalez introduced the new Economic & Community Development Director Jose Jimenez who has
over twenty years’ experience and will be heading the department of Economic Development and Planning.
Mr. Jimenez greeted City Council and expressed his excitement at working for Azusa to achieve the goals and
objectives for the City and all its’ communities.
2. Economic Development Update
Housing & Economic Development Coordinator Carina Campos provided a presentation regarding current economic
development projects, where residents can find information on those projects, and provided 2022 permit and
application data and responded to Council member questions regarding with City Manager Gonzalez and acting
Planning Manager.
Mayor Gonzales commented about a meeting he had with Jason Tolleson, the owner of Serrano Group who confirmed
filling the Orchard remains high priority. The economy remains difficult, however they are still on track for completing
City Council January 17, 2023 Page | 3
the residential projects. Mr. Tolleson has invited any Council member (only) to call and speak with him about any
questions they may have.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez wished everyone a Happy New Year and is excited to go to the water Board meeting and
thanked the Police Association for the badge and inquired about when budgeting conversations will begin and
welcomed Mr. Jimenez.
City Manager Gonzalez stated Budget process kicks off in March.
Councilmember Alvarez wished everyone Happy New Year and welcomed Mr. Jimenez. St. Frances of Rome school
will be having an In and Out burger fund raiser on January 30th at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $5.00, the phone
number is 626.334.2018, tickets are available in advance only.
Councilmember Avila Jr. wished everyone a Happy New Year. There is a lot on development department’s plate in
the coming year, welcome Mr. Jimenez and get ready! Thank you to APO for the badge, and American Legion Post
180 will be celebrating 97 years of existence on February 18th. Council will be invited and requested City Clerk create
a certificate for them.
Councilmember Beckwith welcomed everyone to 2023 and welcome to Mr. Jimenez. There are a lot of opportunities in
the coming year. He attended the Gold Line Tact, most of the hard bridges are almost finished. There are still traffic
issues, however they are still on schedule. Highway 39 reopening will have community engagement activities that may
interest residents. The teen center has a bingo night this coming Friday night, the Library has a family craft hour on
January 24th and the senior center is reopening for in person activities.
Mayor Gonzales wished everyone a Happy New Year and looks forward to the upcoming work. Thank you to staff for
helping to get the senior center fully operational as of next Monday January 23rd. Mayor Gonzales requested staff look
at creating a master calendar for local community events, including events for other organizations. Pre-pandemic there
used to be one available, he would like to see that implemented again in some fashion. He has received many
communications regarding a non-Azusa bandit towing company that has been extorting money out of residents by
unlawful practices and requested staff look into any possible way the City can help curb that problem and bring it forth
on a future agenda. The community meeting was well attended, one of his concerns was why the School District does
not allow hard copy advertisements regarding local youth programs and requested staff inquire again with the School
Board and inquired about the 460 and 700 form due dates.
City Clerk Cornejo explained Form 700 – Statement of Economic Interest is due April First for the prior calendar year.
The Form 460 – Campaign Contribution forms are done semi-annual, those will be due January 31st for the prior
election and then again July 31st.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. PUBLIC HEARING – ADOPTION OF UPDATED CITYWIDE SCHEDULE OF FEES AND
CHARGES.
Recommended Actions:
1) Receive, review, and file the updated Citywide Fee and Charges Schedule; and
2) Open the Public Hearing, receive public testimony, and close the Public Hearing; and
3) Authorize staff to update the fee schedule annually (Including the attached latest proposed fee schedule
with a 7.8% CPI adjustment for the majority of the fees) based on the percentage change from the Bureau
of Labor Statistic (BLS) Los Angeles area consumer price index (CPI); and
4) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-C01, regarding various municipal activities and services, to be effective on
January 17, 2023; and
5) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-C02, regarding development project services fees, to be effective 60 days from
January 17, 2023 (March 18, 2023)
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Administrative Services Talika Johnson introduced Budget & Revenue Manager Lam who responded to
public comments regarding reviewing the line items of fee schedules and explained it’s an extensive process that takes
several months and their regulatory fee study will also be happening during 2023. There is State regulation regarding
Conceal and Carry laws, applications go through the California Department of Justice.
Mr. Lam provided a presentation with information about updates on the current inflation environment and provided
details regarding the raising of fees and permits rates in Azusa and responded to Council questions with supporting
staff members.
City Council January 17, 2023 Page | 4
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing at 8:55 p.m.
City Clerk Cornejo confirmed Public Hearing Notice requirements on December 26, 2022 in the San Gabriel Valley
Tribune newspaper and that there are no public comments.
Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr. to close the Public Hearing.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Mayor Gonzales closed the Public Hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Councilmember Alvarez to approve staff recommendations and
adopt Resolution No. 2023-C01 and Resolution 2023-C02 with the recommendation that staff return to Council with
further information regarding city comparisons on minor and major use permits to determine feasibility and
competitiveness, if there could be a phasing of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU permits), and the fees pertaining to the
Planning Commission appeals process and real property reports for separate policy discussions.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
2. REVIEW AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON RESOLUTION NO. 2010-C20 RELATING TO
SELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON ASSIGNMENT OF CITY
COUNCIL MEMBERS TO OUTSIDE AGENCY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
Recommended Action:
1) Review and Provide Staff Direction on Resolution No. 2010-C20 Relating to Section of Mayor Pro
Tem;
2) Review and Provide Staff Direction on Assignment of City Council Members to Outside Agency
Board and Committees
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Clerk Cornejo introduced Chief Deputy City Clerk Adrian Garcia who provided details pertaining to the
current selection process of electing Mayor Pro Tem and explained staff’s recommendation to adjust the
election of Mayor Pro Tem to coincide with election cycles and assignments of Council members to outside
agency Boards and Committees.
After Board discussion, direction was provided for staff to bring back a new resolution changing Mayor Pro Tem
selection to the second meeting in January, and for the selection process to be the first meeting in February so not to
coincide with the passing of the resolution.
3. REQUEST FOR FUNDING FOR PREVENTION AND DIVERSION PROGRAM
Recommended Action:
1) Approve funding for the Prevention and Diversion Plan in the amount of $50,000 for FY 22-23
Total Cost: $50,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: General Fund/1030511000-6399
IT and Library Services Director Ann Graf provided information about funding for the Prevention and Diversion Plan
for Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 and responded to Council questions.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Mendez, Councilmember Alvarez seconded to approve funding for the Prevention and
Diversion Plan in the amount of $50,000 for FY 22-23.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
City Council January 17, 2023 Page | 5
4. ADOPTION OF REVISED BUDGET POLICY (BIENNIAL BUDGET)
Recommended Action:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-C03 approving a revised Budget Policy establishing a Biennial Budget
process
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Administrative Services Talika Johnson introduced the revised budget policy and provided background
information of a biennial cycle approach and responded to Council questions. City Manager Gonzalez provided the
budget process timeline.
Motion by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith to adopt Resolution No. 2023-C03
approve funding for the Prevention and Diversion Plan in the amount of $50,000 for FY 22-23.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Councilmembers Alvarez and Beckwith abstained on item E-14 due to potential conflict of property.
Item E-15 was pulled for Special Call by Mayor Gonzales.
1. Minutes of the Regular meetings October 17, 2022, November 17, 2022 AND December 5, 2022 was
approved as written.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
2. Resolution No. 2023-C04 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which
the same are to be paid date December 1, 2022 through January 11, 2023 was adopted.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
3. Personnel Action Requests in accordance with the City of Azusa Civil Service Rules and applicable
Memorandum of Understanding(s) was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-C05, ratifying the proclamation of a State of Emergency by Governor
Newsom (March 4, 2020), and authorizing remote teleconference meetings of the Legislative Bodies of
the City of Azusa pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
5. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of October 2022 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
6. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of November 2022 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
7. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Reports of Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances for
the months of October 2021 through June 2022 was approved.
City Council January 17, 2023 Page | 6
Total Cost: $17,524.05 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 24-40-739-085-6625/Market-6625 = $8,762.03; 39-40-750-065-6625 = $8,762.02.
8. An increase of $17,524.05 to PSA Print Group purchase order #036686 for printing and distribution
of the spring/summer and fall/winter city guides was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
9. The Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreements between the City of Azusa and
Willdan Engineering, KOA Corporation, and TKE Engineering Inc.; and Authorize the City Manager
to execute the contract amendment, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City
was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 1055651000-6399
10. The Fourth Amendment to the Professional Service Agreement with Govsense, not to exceed amount of
$90,000; and Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney
was approved.
Total Cost: $90,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Internal Services Fund/4849930000-7142
11. An increase to the Frontier Communications Blanket Purchase Order for Fiscal Year 2022/23 to a not-to-
exceed amount of $175,000 was approved.
Total Cost: $135,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: Internal Services Fund/4849930000-6915
12. Award a contract in the amount of $3,024,277, which includes a 10% contingency for potential change
orders as needed, to Toro Enterprises, Inc; and Authorize the City Manager to execute contracts, in a form
acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved.
Total Cost: $3,024,277 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Federal HSIP Grant Fund 28 (28-80-000-662-7120/66222A-7120) - $422,700
Azusa L&W Grant Funds (28-80-001-662-7120) - $50,000
Senate Bill 1 (SB1 - Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Account) Funds - $840,000
Measure M (Fund # 04) - $1,711,577
13. Authorize staff to issue a Request For Proposals to provide traffic signal maintenance services was
approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: No
14. Approve the project plans and specifications; and Authorize staff to solicit a Notice of Inviting Bids
for the 2022 and 2023 Residential Roadway Rehabilitation Project was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
15. ITEM PULLED FOR SPECIAL CALL by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendez.
16. Receive, review, and file the FY 2022/23 First Quarter Financial Report ending September 30, 2022 was
approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
17. Authorize the City Manager to accept the funding from Department of Justice for COPS Hiring
Program for $375,000 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Council January 17, 2023 Page | 7
Motion by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr. to approve the Consent Calendar Items E -1 – E-14
and Items E-16 and E-17.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: Alvarez and Beckwith (Item E-14 only)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR - SPECIAL CALL ITEM
15. APPROVE PROPOSAL AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF AZUSA TO ENTER INTO A NEW
CONTRACT WITH ALL CITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES (ACMS) FOR CROSSING GUARD
SERVICES was approved.
Total Cost: $303,947.52 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: account #10-20-333-000-6615 -$150,000
account #10-25-410-100-6493 $25,000
account #10-25-543-000-6493 $40,000
account #10-25-410-000-6493 $40,000
Chief of Police Wenrick responded to the Mayor’s question regarding the increase for crossing guards, and if they
would be adjustments for the schools that will be closing for the school year 2023 and stated he would look into
utilizing other crossing guards for the changes in school.
Motion by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr. to approve the Consent Calendar item E10.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS
1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
DATED SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2022.
Recommended Action:
1) Resolution No. 2023-R01 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency
Funds was approved.
2. APPROVAL OF RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND ADMINISTRATIVE
BUDGET FOR JULY 1, 2023 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024 AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION.
Recommended Action:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R02, approving and adopting the “Recognized Obligation Payment
Schedule” for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 (ROPS 23-24) pursuant to AB x1 26
as amended by AB 1484; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R03, approving and adopting the proposed Administrative Budget for
July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Motion by Councilmember Beckwith, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mendez to approve the Successor Agency
Consent Calendar Items F-1 and F-2.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
City Council January 17, 2023 Page | 8
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Consuelo C Chavira Sr. and in solemn honor of those Azusans
who lost their lives to Covid-19.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:20 P.M.
* Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-C06 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2023-01
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-R04 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
February 6, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
February 21, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting