Loading...
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