HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 - Minutes Regular Meeting, March 20, 2023CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023 – 6:30 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
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 6:32 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, 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, Director of Economic &
Community Development Jimenez, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia, and Planning Consultant Vizcarra.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. 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
Negotiating Parties: Bill Hollman, Rosedale Land Partners
Under Negotiation: Additional Terms for Transfer of Park Property
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE – Pursuant to California Government Code
Section 54957.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM Pursuant to
California Government Code, Section 54956.95.
Case Name: Carlos Plascencia v. City of Azusa; WC Claim No. 4020113DFBC0001.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT ITEM
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City Council March 20, 2023 Page | 2
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, 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, Director of Economic &
Community Development Jimenez, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia, and Planning Consultant Vizcarra.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vanessa Guerra.
The Invocation was led by Kristina Collins of Sanctuary for Spiritual Living.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Assistant City Attorney Castillo reported there was a Closed Session and there were no reportable actions, and all
members were present.
CEREMONIAL
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Pastor Rick McDonald from the Azusa Ministerial Association invited the Council to the Mayors Prayer Breakfast on
April 5 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at La Tolteca. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 on EventBrite.com, $30 at the
door, and there is limited seating.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. City Manager Communications.
City Manager Gonzalez announced City Council will be holding their Goals and Priorities Session following Monday’s
Utility Board meeting. The State of the City is being programmed and will be held in the auditorium on April 20, 2023
at 6:00 p.m. As a reminder to residents, the abundance of rain will bring an abundance of weeds and tall grass and
requested the residents stay on top of that to prevent fire hazards once it dries out and to mitigate neighbor complaints.
Public Works has been diligently working on repairing potholes, please be patient, they have to wait until the ground
dries before they make the repairs.
2. Presentation by San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (COG) regarding the Neighborhood Coyote
Program.
Vanessa Guerra provided a presentation on the neighborhood coyote program for safety and awareness during coyote
denning season.
Mayor Gonzales thanked Mr. Guerra for the important information provided by the COG, as coyotes become more
urbanized; and requested an informational meeting in the next month or two with the COG, rangers and community
members on the importance of safety when coming in contact with coyotes.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith thanked Chief Wenrick for the get together to meet community members. Congratulations
to Councilmember Mendez for completing the LA Marathon.
Councilmember Alvarez requested the public keep Rosie Herrera and Leonard Baca and their families in your prayers.
Councilmember Avila Jr. announced Azusa Beautiful and CalTrans will have a community clean up day on March 25,
2023 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and volunteers are needed to help clean up litter along Highway 39, and must be at least 16
years of age. For more information, please visit azusabeautiful.org. Thank you to the Lieutenant and Chief Wenrick for
hosting the event last Sunday. Thank you to Azusa Little League for inviting them to their season opener. Please keep
Rosie Herrera’s family and the Romero family in your prayers.
Councilmember Mendez offered thanks to Azusa American for the invitation and congratulations for their opening
ceremony. Saturday at 10 a.m. Nectar Azusa on Foothill will be hosting their grand opening at 10 a.m. Condolences to
the families of Leonard Baca and Rosie Herrera who passed too soon.
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Mayor Gonzales announced Saturday Azusa Connects will be hosting the YoungLo event at Memorial Park. April 1
will be the compost and mulch give away. Volunteers are needed. Please bring a trash can, not bags and show proof of
residency. On April 2, at Northside Park will be the Autism awareness walk from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mayor Gonzales
requested a proclamation for April being Autism Awareness month for the next meeting, and requested red lights for
commemoration. Azusa Light and Water did an amazing job of restoring the power outage on the north side of town,
thank you to those crews. Azusa Beautiful will be holding a Seal Beach clean up on April 4, please visit
www.azusabeautiful.org for more information. Senator Rubio contacted Mayor Gonzales and wished to extend her
apologies and ensure she has not forgotten about Azusa; she has seven additional cities that have been added to her
schedule. The line of communication is always welcome. The meeting will be adjourned in memory of Rosie Herrera
and Leonard Baca. He worked with Rosie years ago, she was beloved and prayers and thoughts to her family and Mr.
Baca’s family.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. CONTINUED HEARING FROM FEBRUARY 21, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETING – FOLLOW UP
DISCUSSION AND REQUEST FOR DIRECTION REGARDING PUBLIC NUISANCE AND COST
APPEAL REQUEST OF COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CASE NUMBER 23-H-001-BH FOR THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 300 WEST BANCROFT STREET, AZUSA CALIFORNIA.
Recommended Action:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-C14, in conformance with Article XIV and more specifically Section(s) 14-
417, 14-422 of the Azusa Municipal Code, and uphold the Community Improvement Division Hearing
Officer’s decision regarding the Notice of Confirmed Cost, and Intent to Record Tax Lien against property
at 300 West Bancroft Street, Azusa, California 91702.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez introduced Senior Improvement Inspector Brent Hill who
provided staff presentation of the findings that City Council requested at the February 21, 2023 Public Hearing
regarding the condition of the property located at 300 West Bancroft Street and responded to Council questions.
Only eight of the twenty-four violations from the public nuisance declaration were resolved at the time of inspection on
March 15, 2023. Several safety hazards remained. Construction continued without permits. Due to the severity of the
safety hazards and the inaccurate information the property owner relayed to City Council in February, staff
recommended that City Council adopts Resolution No. 2023-C14, in conformance with Article XIV and more
specifically Section(s) 14-417, 14-422 of the Azusa Municipal Code, and uphold the Community Improvement
Division Hearing Officer’s decision regarding the Notice of Confirmed Cost, and Intent to Record Tax Lien against
property at 300 West Bancroft Street, Azusa, California 91702. Photos were attached to the staff report. Should the
Council wish to provide the property owner with more time, staff recommends no more than 60 days to comply.
Mayor Gonzales continued the Public Hearing for Public Comments.
Property owner Mr. Gonzalez provided updated information on the condition of the property and responded to Council
questions.
Motion by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to close the Public Hearing.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez to adopt Resolution No. 2023-C14, in
conformance with Article XIV and more specifically Section(s) 14-417, 14-422 of the Azusa Municipal Code, and
uphold the Community Improvement Division Hearing Officer’s decision regarding the Notice of Confirmed Cost, and
Intent to Record Tax Lien against property at 300 West Bancroft Street, Azusa, California 91702.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
City Attorney explained City Council adopted a motion that confirms the Community Improvement Division Hearing
Officer’s decision that this is indeed a public nuisance and at this point the resolution with the order of abatement will
be mailed to the property owner, he will have another thirty days with which to clean up the outstanding items. At the
end of the thirty days, there will be an inspection and if it is not cleaned up at that point, the Community Development
City Council March 20, 2023 Page | 4
Director is then empowered to seek abatement warrant through the courts to get a contractor to do the abatement on the
property and the charges for that contractor would be assessed through a Tax Lien against the property to pay the
contractor. It also empowers the Community Development Director to get the other nuisances abated. The owner of the
property has thirty days after the abatement order is mailed to clean up the property.
2. PUBLIC HEARING - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA
APPROVING A PLAN OF FINANCE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS BY THE
CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $55,000,000 TO FINANCE AND REFINANCE A 61-UNIT MULTIFAMILY
HOUSING FACILITY FOR THE BENEFIT OF A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OR OTHER
OWNERSHIP ENTITY TO BE CREATED BY BOLD COMMUNITIES, A CALIFORNIA
NONPROFIT PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA LANDMARK GROUP, A
CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, OR AN AFFILIATE OF EITHER, AND CERTAIN OTHER
MATTERS RELATING THERETO. PROPERTY LOCATED AT 745 E. 5TH STREET, AZUSA
CALIFORNIA.
Recommended Action:
1) Conduct the public hearing under the requirements of the Tax and Equity Fiscal
Responsibility Act (“TEFRA”) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”);
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-C15 approving the issuance of the Bonds by the CMFA for the benefit of
the Borrower, to provide for the financing of the Project, such adoption is solely for the purposes of
satisfying the requirements of TEFRA, the Code and the California Government Code Section 6500 et
seq.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Administrative Services Talika Johnson provided the staff report and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo provided proof of publication in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on March 13, 2023 and no
correspondence was sent to the City Clerk’s office and there are no public comment cards.
Michael Miller President of BOLD Communities responded to Council questions.
Motion by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to close the Public Hearing.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to adopt Resolution No. 2023-R04, a
Resolution of the Successor Agency of the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Azusa adopting mid-year
budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023; and
Receive, review and file Fiscal Year 2022/23 Second Quarter Budget-to-Actual report ending December 31, 2022.
.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Gonzales called for any items on the Consent Calendar to be pulled for Special Call.
Councilmember Mendez requested Item 10 be pulled for Special Call.
1. Minutes of the Regular meeting February 6, 2023 was approved as written.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Council March 20, 2023 Page | 5
2. Resolution No. 2023-C16 authorizing payments of warrants by the City dated March 3, 2023 through March
15, 2023 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
3. Approve the following 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. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of January 2023 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
5. Receive and file the list of purchase orders was approved.
Total Cost: $237,659.60 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Various Accounts in Fund 10, 24, and 33
6. The proposal for Police Department range upgrade; Authorize the City to enter into a Professional Services
Agreement with InVeris to complete the department range upgrade; and Authorize a budget amendment for an
increase of $2,622.73 to cover the cost of the contract with InVeris in the amount not to exceed one hundred
eight-four thousand one hundred ninety-four dollars and seventy-three cents. ($184,194.73) was approved.
Total Cost: $184,194.73 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: CIP #46 80 000 310 7125 31023A
7. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Alarm Program
Systems (APS) for alarm management and billing services; and Pursuant to the Azusa Municipal Code Section
2-538 regarding the awarding of contracts, authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services
agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, with Alarm Program Systems was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
8. Accept the grant award from the California Library Association; and necessary budget amendments and adjust
the fiscal year budget accordingly was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
9. Waive the competitive bidding process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code section 2- 517(38)
Solicitation and Bidding exceptions; Computers, Computer Components; and the purchase of the node for
Hyperconverged Virtual Appliance and installation services from ConvergeOne, not to exceed amount of $
61,000 was approved.
Total Cost: $61,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 4649930000-7142 and 4649942000-7142
11. Mayor to accept the funding from Board of State and Community Corrections for Officer Wellness and Mental
Health Grant Program for $36,508.30 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Motion by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to approve the Consent Calendar Items E-
1-9 and E-11.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
City Council March 20, 2023 Page | 6
SPECIAL CALL
10. Resolution No. 2023-C14, authorizing the City Manager to enter into the Settlement Agreements; Opt into
settlement agreement with opioid distributor, Walgreens Co., and direct the City Manager to execute any
documents necessary to implement the action; Opt into settlement agreement with opioid distributor, Walmart,
Inc. and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action; Opt into
settlement agreement with opioid distributor, CVS Health Corporation/CVS Pharmacy, Inc. and direct the City
Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action; Opt into settlement agreement with
opioid manufacturer, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and direct the City Manager to execute any
documents necessary to implement the action; and Opt into settlement agreement with opioid manufacturer,
Allergan Finance, LLC/Allergan Limited and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to
implement the action was approved.
Total Cost: $0 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: Grants Fund 28
Director of Administrative Services Talika Johnson and City Manager Gonzalez responded to Council questions
regarding historical information and how the settlement amount was determined.
Motion by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to approve the Consent Calendar Item E -
10.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
1. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AZUSA CITY COUNCIL AMENDING
SECTION 88.42.190 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO ACCESSORY DWELLING
UNITS (ADUs) AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (JADUs) AND REPEALING SECTION
(88.51.034) OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO DISCRETIONARY ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNIT (ADU) PERMITS IN ITS ENTIRETY, AND DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO
BE EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Read by title only, second reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-02.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA AMENDING SECTION 88.42.190
AND REPEALING SECTION 88.51.034 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS, AND DETERMINING THE
ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Motion by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to approve the Read be title only, second
reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-02.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Rosie Herrera and Leonard Baca, and in solemn honor of those
Azusans who lost their lives to Covid-19.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:28 P.M.
* Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
City Council March 20, 2023 Page | 7
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-C18 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2022-03
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-R05 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
April 3, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
April 17, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2023 – 6:30 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Azusa met in Special session at Azusa Light & Water located at 213 E. Foothill Blvd.,
Azusa, CA 91702 following the Utility Board meeting.
SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 6:51 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
City Attorney: Marco Martinez
Staff Members: City Manager Sergio Gonzalez, General Manager Singh, Assistant General Manager of Electric
Operations Hien Vuong, Assistant General Manager Power Resources Richard Torres, Assistant General Manager
Water Operations, Environmental Programs Manager Paul Reid, Administration and Finance Manager Daniel Smith,
Chief of Police Wenrick, Chief Deputy City Clerk Adrian Garcia.
Meeting recessed from 6:51 p.m. to 6:58 p.m.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Diana Reyes Williams, President of Azusa’s Women’s Club, provided public comments regarding repairs
and maintenance needed for the City Historic Landmark at 1003 N. Azusa Avenue and location of the Azusa
Women’s Club meetings; the roof which has a leak, drapes are stained and soiled, and often the doors won’t
stay locked.
Phillip Campa spoke regarding Great Park and requested City Council make choosing a developer a priority
for the residential project at the park.
City Manager Gonzalez commented that there are items not on the list for the City Council Goals and
Priorities but are still part of the City’s Work Plan. The development for Great Park is moving forward.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Review the status of existing goals and priorities; and
2) Provide input and direction regarding possible expansion of existing and/or introduction of new programs.
City Manager Gonzalez provided staff’s presentation for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year goals and priorities for City
Council, updated the status of projects previously approved by City Council, discussed potential timeline for current
projects pending, requested input of for disbursement of funds available for potential new programs, and requested
funding for the 125th Anniversary celebration. Staff received Council input and responded to Council questions.
CONSENT ITEM
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City Council March 20, 2023 Page | 2
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in solemn honor of those Azusans who lost their lives to Covid-19.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:26 P.M.
* Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK