HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 - Minutes Regular Meeting, May 15, 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, MAY 15, 2023 – 6:30 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Azusa met in Closed and Regular session at Azusa Auditorium 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 Castillo, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of Public
Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, Director of Community Resources Carpenter,
Interim Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, and Chief Deputy
City Clerk Garcia.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
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
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY
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: MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, MAYOR PRO-TEM BECKWITH,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
City Council May 15, 2023 Page | 2
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Castillo, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of Public
Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, Director of Community Resources Carpenter,
Interim Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, and Chief Deputy
City Clerk Garcia.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Gabriel Fernandez.
The Invocation was led by Pastor Cesar Hernandez, Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer de Azusa.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Martinez reported there was a Closed Session, there were no reportable actions.
CEREMONIAL
1. Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 21-27, 2023 as ‘National Public Works Week’ in the City of
Azusa.
Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith read the Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 21-27, 2023 as ‘National Public Works
Week’ in the City of Azusa and it was received by Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Gerald Delker, President of Duarte Elks Lodge #1427, provided public comment regarding the merge of the Elk
Lodges and their programs and services they provide for the community in Azusa and the offer to donate bicycle
helmets to residents in Azusa, and their programs and services for Veterans and it being their 75th Anniversary of their
programs for Veterans, and offered pens for the members of City Council.
Dora Gomez and Kathy Navara provided public comments regarding their Food Bank in Covina and the services they
provide on Fridays and invited City Council and staff members to their Open House on Wednesday June 7, 2023 from
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 418 N. Second Avenue.
Unified School District Superintendent Arturo Ortega provided public comment regarding updates from the Azusa
USD.
Mayor Gonzales stated he will definitely be attending the food bank open house and encouraged the other members of
Council to join as well, and requested staff make contact with Gerald Delker regarding the generous offer of bicycle
helmets for Azusa youth.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. City Manager Communications.
City Manager Gonzalez reported there will be a Budget Study Session on Tuesday May 30th from 6:30 p.m. at the
Light and Water building. This will be the second phase of adopting a two-year budget and to see how the Budget
holds up to Council’s goals and priorities from the first phase. For those who can’t make it, it will be streamed as well
as recorded and posted on the City’s website.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith reported he attended the Southern California Area Governments (SCAG) conference. Thank
you to staff and the power staff for setting up the visit to the Mesa Wind Farm, which will become pivotal to Azusa’s
transition to Green and Energy Efficient; thank you to all those who contributed to putting together all the events
during public service week.
Councilmember Alvarez thanked staff for setting up the tour at Mesa Wind Farm. He has had several complaints
regarding high weeds in the area of Northrop Grumman and asked the City to take a look at that. VFW Post 8070 abd
American Legion Post 180 will be hosting a flag exchange on Saturday June 10th from 11 p.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall
for tattered flags.
Councilmember Avila Jr. reported there will be an American Flag retirement ceremony on Saturday June 17th at 11
a.m. in front of City Hall for the flags exchanged during the June 10th Flag Exchange event. Please bring your own
lawn chairs. Thank you to Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith for attending SCAG in his absence. Many thanks of appreciation
and gratitude for the overwhelming response of support and condolences from Council, Staff, and members of the
community during the difficult time after the loss of his son.
Councilmember Mendez thanked staff for the appreciation week events. Condolences to former County Supervisor
Gloria Molina’s family during this time of grief and loss.
City Council May 15, 2023 Page | 3
Mayor Gonzales extended condolences for Gloria Molina’s family during this difficult time. On May 27th at 10 a.m.
there will be a recognition of Memorial Park, the City’s first memorial park. There will be yellow ribbons tied around
the 28 Palm Trees, please convene in front of the gym. On June 9th will be the graduation for Christ Bridge Academy
and requested congratulatory certificates for their graduating class. It’s time to start moving the creation of the dog
park forward. He would like to create a pet of the month club for the second meeting of each month in support of
finding homes for animals in the shelter to begin on June 17th.
Mayor Gonzales would like a discussion added to the agenda of the next meeting regarding the benefits for creating a
State of Emergency for Azusa in response to the influx of homeless and unsheltered that are coming into Azusa and the
Riverbed area due to the State of Emergency in Los Angeles.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION AND
WAIVER OF FEES BY AZUSA HIGH SCHOOL TO ALLOW FOR A PUBLIC FIREWORKS
DISPLAY IN CONJUNCTION WITH A COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY ON JUNE 6, 2023.
Recommended Action:
1) Consider and approve Azusa High School’s request for a Special Event Permit to allow for a one-time
firework display in conjunction with commencement activities on June 6, 2023.
2) Determine that the request is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), also known
as the “general rule” exemption,
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Special Event Permit Agreement with Azusa High School in a
form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and
4) Make a finding that the community at large will receive a public benefit from the expenditure of funds for
the recommended items and waive associated costs.
Total Cost: $5,750 (Waived Fees) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Economic & Community Development Jose Jimenez provided the staff presentation and responded to
Council questions and comments.
Unified School District Superintendent Arturo Ortega spoke regarding the high school’s request and responded to
Council questions.
Gabriel Fernandez, Principal of Azusa High School responded to Council questions.
Councilmember Alvarez and Mayor Gonzales commented regarding the reason for the request, Gladstone is being
allowed to do fireworks after their graduation because it will be the last graduating glass of the school. Allowing other
high schools to do fireworks because they feel left out, opens up pandora’s box for every graduating class of every high
school for years to come. Additionally, there will be impacts to neighbors and there is no public benefit.
Councilmember Mendez commented regarding the request of having fireworks for schools in the future will likely be
curtailed due to costs.
Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith commented regarding the public benefits of allowing the fireworks and the costs associated
with waiving the fees are minimal.
Motion: by Pro Tem Mayor Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to approve Azusa High School’s request
for a Special Event Permit to allow for a one-time firework display in conjunction with commencement activities on
June 6, 2023, with Council recommendation’s regarding minimum notification for neighbors within 500 feet at least
five days before the event.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., MENDEZ,
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MAYOR GONZALES, ALVAREZ
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 3-2-0 (Gonzales, Alvarez voted No)
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Pro Tem Mayor Beckwith to approve that the request is exempt
from CEQA pursuant to Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), also known as the “general rule” exemption, with Council
recommendation’s regarding minimum notification for neighbors within 500 feet at least five days before the event.
City Council May 15, 2023 Page | 4
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., MENDEZ,
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MAYOR GONZALES, ALVAREZ
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 3-2-0 (Gonzales, Alvarez voted No)
Motion: by Pro Tem Mayor Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to approve and Authorize the City
Manager to execute the Special Event Permit Agreement with Azusa High School in a form acceptable to the City
Attorney, on behalf of the City, with Council recommendation’s regarding minimum notification for neighbors within
500 feet at least five days before the event.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., MENDEZ,
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MAYOR GONZALES, ALVAREZ
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 3-2-0 (Gonzales, Alvarez voted No)
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Pro Tem Mayor Beckwith to approve that the community at large
will receive a public benefit from the expenditure of funds for the recommended items and waive associated costs, with
Council recommendation’s regarding minimum notification for neighbors within 500 feet at least five days before the
event.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., MENDEZ,
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MAYOR GONZALES, ALVAREZ
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 3-2-0 (Gonzales, Alvarez voted No)
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Avila Jr. pulled item E-7 for Special Call.
Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith and Councilmember Mendez pulled item E-10 for Special Call.
1. Minutes of the Regular meeting March 20, 2023 and Special Meeting March 27, 2023 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-C16 authorizing payments of warrants by the City dated April 27, 2023 through May 10,
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. Mayor Robert Gonzales to sign the attached State Homeland Security Grant Program Subrecipient Agreement
Grant Year 2022 between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Azusa; and Approve the purchase of
Cybersecurity software and prevention resources offered through the reimbursable State of California FY2022
Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) in an amount not-to-exceed $45,577 was approved.
Total Cost: None Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: Grant money to be received by the City
5. Waive the competitive bidding process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section. 2-517(a) (7) –
Reimbursement of Expenses; and Approve an increase of Blanket Purchase Order 038369 with J Lee
Engineering Inc. in the amount not-to-exceed $100,000 was approved.
Total Cost: $100,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 1035611000-6399
City Council May 15, 2023 Page | 5
6. Authorize staff to utilize the $940,00 in LACMTA Local-Return Funds approved for Phase II to Phase I in
exchange for $940,000 in Measure M Funding from Phase I to Phase II was approved.
Total Cost: $940,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: LACMTA Local-Return Funds and Measure M Fund 04-80-000-662-7120/66218B-7120
8. An Internship Partner Agreement with Cal Poly, Pomona to create an internship placement site in the City of
Azusa; and Authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement with Cal Poly, Pomona, 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? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
9. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Reports of Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances for the
month of March 2023 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A.
11. Accept the grant award from Community Partners/CA Department of Public Health; and Authorize the City
Manager to execute the Grant Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City,
subject to non-substantive changes made by the City Manager and City Attorney was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez to approve the Consent Calendar Items
E-1-6, E-8. E-9, and E-11.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-1
SPECIAL CALL ITEMS
7. Approve Letter of Agreement with Helm & Sons to operate a three-day carnival for weekend of October 20-
22, 2023; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the Letter Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City
Attorney, on behalf of the City, subject to non-substantive changes made by the City Manager and City
Attorney was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Community Resources Miki Carpenter provided information and responded to Council questions.
Motion: by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to approve the Consent Calendar Item
E-7.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-1
10. Authorize Staff to solicit a Notice of Inviting Bids for construction services related to tenant improvements of
the Promenade at Citrus Project (CIP Project #62519A), subject to minor modifications; and Authorize Staff to
solicit a Request for Proposals for the purchase and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E)
related to the Promenade at Citrus Project (CIP Project #62519A), subject to minor modifications was
approved.
Total Cost: $246,180 (City contribution limit) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 46-80-000-625-7140-62519A-7140
City Council May 15, 2023 Page | 6
Deputy City Manager Nico DeAnda-Scaia provided information and responded to Council questions.
City Manager Gonzalez responded to Council questions.
Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to approve the Consent Calendar Item E-
10.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-1
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS.
1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED
MARCH 30, 2023 THROUGH MAY 10, 2023.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R06 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency
Funds.
Motion: by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr. to Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R06
allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Gabriel Ray Romero, a lifelong Azusa resident.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:55 P.M.
* Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-C25 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2023-03
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-R07 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
June 5 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
June 19, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting