HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2023, Minutes Regular MeetingCITY 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 6, 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 6:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, MAYOR PRO-TEM BECKWITH,
MAYOR 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 ITEM
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE – Pursuant to California Government Code
Section 54957.
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code,
Section 54956.8.
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: 729 N. Azusa; APN#8608-023-927, 26 and 27.
Negotiating Parties: Rudy Caamano, Windwater, Inc.
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase of Property
3. 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
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
City Clerk Cornejo reported two emails were received in regard to Item number 3 from Philip Campa and
Albert Winchell and those emails were forwarded to City Council.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:31 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, MAYOR PRO-TEM BECKWITH,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
City Council March 6, 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 Ricardo Medina.
The Invocation was led by Bishop Keith Hanks Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Azusa.
Councilmember Avila Jr. provided background information on Ricardo Medina who pitched a no-hitter game for
Azusa High School which led to a 16-0 win on February 16th and presented him with a gift from City Council.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Assistant City Attorney Castillo reported there was a Closed Session with three items and there were no reportable
actions. All members were present for the Closed Session.
CEREMONIAL
1. Proclamation declaring March 2023 as Women’s History Month.
Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith proclaimed March 2023 Women’s History Month.
2. Presentation of checks from the proceeds of the Casino Night Fundraiser to Azusa Little League Baseball,
Azusa Junior All-American Football, and Azusa Little League Softball.
Mayor Gonzales and Councilmember Avila Jr. thanked Azusa Connects and all the supporters and doners who
contributed to the Casino Night 2023 Fundraiser and presented, with City Council, the checks to the Azusa Little
League Baseball, Azusa Junior All-American Football and Azusa Little League Softball in the amount of $2,750 each
to ensure no kids are left out of little league sports due to lack of funds.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Arturo Ortega, Superintendent, Azusa Unified School District (AUSD) provided updates from the Azusa Unified
Board of Education (BOE). Azusa’s Leaders for Learners educational foundation donated the funds that will allow all
Azusa current 10th and 11th grade students to attend the Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance. Three Azusa and
Gladstone high schools made it to the CIF Soccer Championships. Four Azusa students were chosen to participate in
Blanco Rubio’s Young Legislators Program to learn about the legislative process in California, explore various career
pathways, and participate in service related projects in the 48th Assembly District. LA County Department of Public
Health, the Copia organization and AUSD Nutrition Services have partnered together to reduce food waste in the
schools and combat food insecurity within the community. The designer of the new jaguar mascot for Azusa High
School has completed three drafts for consideration. The BOE has elected to allow grades 8-12 input feedback on their
likes and dislikes for each draft, and ultimately vote on their selected new logo. Wednesday March 8 will launch the
Surplus Property Committee, at 5 p.m., and will be introductory. Ultimately, the committee will be making
recommendations of what to do with the properties to the BOE. The website for the new Gladstone middle school is
now up and running. The school will officially open for the 2023-2024 school year. In closing he thanked the
anonymous caller and the Azusa Police Department for how the situation was handled that involved a student on
campus with a gun; it was resolved without incident and provides a good reminder to everyone that if you see
something, say something. The tip line phone number can be found on the BOE website, and is completely
anonymous.
Linda Escalera provided comments regarding the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) that went through for the mobile
home park, and expressed frustrations over the management company who has chosen to ignore the ordinance. They
continue to raise rents higher than the allotted 5%. Community members have attempted to meet with the management
company on many occasions and those requests continue to be ignored. Additionally, a complaint was filed through
Housing Community District (HCD) who state they to not oversee rents. The management company has threatened
tenants into signing a five-year lease by imposing an additional thousand dollar rent increase. Ms. Escalera requested
City intervention for requiring the management company to abide by the RSO.
Roy Torres a property owner in the mobile home provided comments regarding the 5.9% rent increase notice he
received from the same management company, which is higher than the RSO allows, and expressed similar frustrations
in the lack of willingness by the company to communicate with the tenants and refuse to abide by the City Ordinance.
During business hours the manager shows up and locks the windows and doors until they leave for the day.
City Council March 6, 2023 Page | 3
Michelle Ostic provided comments about the management company for the mobile home park who raised her rent
5.4% and continue to ignore repair requests. An inspector needs to visit the property for violations. One mobile home
had a water leak that had not been repaired for three years. You can still smell the mold when you walk by the mobile
home. The laundry facility does not work properly, the managers refuse to take care of the drug trafficking in the park,
which resulted in shots being fired and bullets traveling into her and a neighbor’s home. The management company
refused responsibility for making the repairs from the shots that were fired. The community needs backing before the
seniors are forced to create a senior’s tent city.
Christina Ramirez, Azusa Connects Foundation provided comments and invited the community to their two upcoming
events. The second annual skateboard competition will be held on Saturday March 25 from 12-3 p.m., at the Canyon
City Skate park in Memorial Park in conjunction with the YoungLo Skate Project who serves underprivileged youth in
the Greater Los Angeles area. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. on the day of the event. The following event will be at
Northside Park for Azusa’s first annual Autism Awareness and Acceptance Walk on Sunday April 2 which is World
Autism Day. The event will be from 12-3 p.m., within check in beginning at 11 a.m. on the day of the event. Both
events are free, and more information can be found at www.azusaconnects.org or on their Facebook page flyer. Art
activities and t-shirts will be made available, and the Air Force Mini Jets programs will be present. The artist works
will be displayed at Preston Park Coffee Shop in downtown Azusa for the remainder of April and Autism Awareness
month.
Mayor Gonzales requested a certificate for the Autism Awareness event that City Council will present on April 2.
City Clerk Cornejo stated one card was submitted after the 7:30 deadline and requested the Council’s discretion for
allowing the speaker. City Councilmembers agreed to allow the speaker.
Stefan Podlitska commented about community problems that are being blamed on COVID, the heroin that can be
found in food and water, doctors not trying to prevent COVID deaths and his travels on the Gold Line and across the
United States.
Mayor requested the City Manager look into the issues with the management company at the mobile home park to see
if there is any recourse of action and requested the tenants to please keep submitting the comments via email as they
are being documented.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. City Manager Communications.
City Manager Gonzalez reported reminders for the upcoming Goals and Priority Session which will take place after the
Utility Board meeting on March 27 and the April 20 State of the City Address which will be held at 6 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers. In closing, he praised the finance department for receiving a recognition award from the
Government Finance Office Association for Transparency for the second year in a row.
2. Presentation on Athens Services update by Iso Nakasato, Director of Government Affairs.
Iso Nakasato, Director of Government Affairs provided City Council with a presentation about Athens Services and
their accomplishments over the past year. They collected 3.3 tons of Christmas trees, 13 tons of diverted materials, 40
tons of compost, 20 cubic yards of mulch, and bulk waste collection is available, as well as Bear Barrels for an
additional cost. They are now an active member of Azusa Chamber of Commerce and participate and sponsor multiple
community events. April 1 is the spring compost and mulch event from 9 a.m. to noon at Memorial Park. Community
members wishing to participate should bring sturdy canvas bags or boxes. The event will be first come first served.
Mayor Gonzales thanked Athens Services for their update and involvement with the community.
Councilmember Mendez commented and commended Athens Services on a situation in which he called for a
community member, and they responded within 19 minutes.
Ms. Nakasato responded by saying senior walk out services are available upon request with a physician’s request.
Councilmember Alvarez stated a community member received a post-it-note stating their cans were too close to a
vehicle, however the note did not indicate how far apart the cans needed to be, and there have been complaints of
barrels being pushed into block walls of alleys and creating divots.
Mr. Valentine responded that there are no space requirements, but they recommend three feet so the collectors can
retrieve the cans using the truck arm, without damaging the vehicles that may be within proximity to the barrels. The
space available in the alley ways determines how far the barrels are pushed back, often times in narrower alley, the
push back of barrels into the wall is unavoidable, but they will investigate the alleys to determine if more can be done
to prevent damage to the block walls.
Ms. Nakasato requested Councilmember Alvarez forward her the customer information for both issues and she will
City Council March 6, 2023 Page | 4
also look into it.
Councilmember Avila Jr. commented and thanked Athens for sponsoring the Casino Night and mentioned he too had
received excellent customer service from Mr. Valentine and inquired from the City Manager if anything had been done
regarding the bulky trash being left out around the city.
City Manager Gonzalez responded that the city has been working with Athens to remove the trash and then following
up with the community development department to circle back to recurring offenders.
Mayor Gonzales reminded that he requested research on possible resolves to the illegal dumping problem and
expressed a hope that staff brings that back sooner than later.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith thanked Athens for the support of the community. He was grateful for participating in the
Readers across America event in which he read to classes. Congratulations to the staff on their budget award. He
thanked Soroptimist Azusa Glendora for their Dream It Be It program designed to assist junior and senior high school
girls with career development, a conference is scheduled for Saturday March 18 at the American Legion in Glendora
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Light lunch and breakfast will be provided. The Azusa Film Academy will be holding classes for
six weeks beginning March 6 on Monday evenings at the youth and family center and will be available for students
ages 12-17.
Councilmember Alvarez announced the Tire Recycling Day will be Saturday March 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for
Azusa residents only. A utility bill or driver’s license with an Azusa address is required for participation with a limit of
eight tires per household. Spring Into Action Pledge Community Day will be March 25 which is designated as Spring
Cleaning Day, registration and information can be found through CalTrans by emailing isagun@azusaca.gov.
Councilmember Avila Jr. announced that on March 25 Gladstone High School will be hosting the Junior Olympics
Track and Field meet. Congratulations to Lemon Zest for their Ribbon cutting event and to Melissa Aravelo and Tina
Gravins for their efforts. Azusa lost Jose “Joe” Torres who was a former school board member and Parks and
Recreation Commissioner, Councilmember Avila Jr. offered his thoughts and prayers to the family. Thanks to Public
Works and the Police Department for their work in clean-up efforts from the recent storms and for addressing the
potholes which resulted from the storms.
Councilmember Mendez thanked everyone involved who made Casino Night the success that it was. There will be
changes to how e-waste will be collected, it will be done by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the
hours of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., please call 626-812-5212 and select option #4 to schedule an
appointment. All In For Azusa event will be held at Memorial Park, which will be a family game night on March 24
from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., drinks and snacks will be provided. Congratulations to Lemon Zest for their Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony. Thank you to Hodges Elementary for inviting City Council to Dr. Suess Day to read to the students.
Councilmember acknowledged Public Works employee Noe Baza who opened up the restrooms for the running group
Azusa Pacers. Thank you to the Superintendent for providing an update and addressing the issue with the student with
a gun and thank you to the anonymous phone caller. The responsibility is on everyone to remedy situations by See
Something Say Something. Condolences to the family of Jose Torres for their loss.
Mayor Gonzales thanked the school district for extending the invitation to City Council to their reading event, it was an
honor to participate in that great event. As a member of Council of Governments (COG), the Coyote Abatement
program will be approaching and the Mayor requested a formal presentation to educate the residents on the aggression
of coyotes during their mating season of April and May. The April 1 mulch and compost event are seeking volunteers,
and requested those who attend bring trash cans, and not bags which was previously suggested. The bags end up being
a big mess, trash cans are much sturdier. Mayor Gonzales has spoken with Councilmember Macias’ family and they
have indicated they are ready to have a tree planted in honor Councilmember Macias, and requested City Manager
Gonzalez work on finding a date in the spring for that ceremony. March 14 at 5:00 p.m. the Azusa Library will be
hosting Creating Connections in the auditorium, which is a workshop for children on the spectrum. Thank you to
Azusa Connects for pushing the endeavor of supporting families of autism. He would like the flyers for the events to be
provided for students within the school district. He will be adjourning the meeting in honor of Jose Torres.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. PUBLIC HEARING - FIRST 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.
City Council March 6, 2023 Page | 5
Recommended Action:
1) Waive further reading, read by title only and introduce 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
Jose Jimenez, Director of Economic and Community Development, introduced Planning Consultant Vizcarra who
presented a brief summary on Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Unit projects.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing for Public Comments.
City Clerk Cornejo provided proof of publication in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on February 23, 2023 and that
there have been no public comments on the item.
Motion by Councilmember Avila, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to close the Public Hearing.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to approve Waive further reading, read by
title only and introduce 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.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
2. FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW AND ADJUSTMENTS
Recommended Action:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-C12, a Resolution of the City Council 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;
2) 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
3) Receive, review and file Fiscal Year 2022/23 Second Quarter Budget-to-Actual report ending
December 31, 2022.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Administrative Services Talika Johnson thanked the Council for the congratulations on the award, provided
staff’s presentation for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 mid-year budget review and budget adjustments and responded to
Council questions.
Motion by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila to adopt Resolution No. 2023-C12, a
Resolution of the City Council 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.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
City Council March 6, 2023 Page | 6
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez 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, MAYOR 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 staff clarify how and when City Council would waive competitive bidding
processes and the circumstances in which it would be allowed.
1. Minutes of the Regular meeting January 23, 2023 were 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-C13 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same
are to be paid was approved.
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); Approve Side of Letter of Agreement with the Local 18 of the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers related to Special Assignment Pay and salary increases for
Water Field Staff due to additional duties from installation and implementation of Water Advanced Metering
Infrastructure (AMI) System; and Approve Side of Letter of Agreement with the Local 18 of the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers related to removal of Maintenance of Membership language was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. City Council Accepted $208,485 in Prop 68 Per Capita Grant Program funds; and Waived the competitive bid
process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2.521(a); and the purchase and installation of new
playground equipment at Pioneer Park by Innovative Playgrounds Co. in the amount of $290,276.62, which
includes a 10% contingency was approved.
Total Cost: $290,276.62 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Per Capita State Grant (no account number yet) and Fund 19 Quimby
Director of Public Works and City Engineer Robert Delgadillo provided information clarifying the
circumstances in which competitive bidding processes are waived through cooperative agreement practices for
pre-determined rates.
City Manager Gonzalez added that this was funded by a grant and Quimby and would not be utilizing General
Funds.
Motion by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr. to approve the Consent Calendar Items E-
1-4.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, AVILA Jr., MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Jose L. Torres, Parks and Recreation Commissioner and in
solemn honor of those Azusans who lost their lives to Covid-19.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:14 P.M.
City Council March 6, 2023 Page | 7
* Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-C14 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2022-03
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-R05 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
March 20, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting