HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-2023, 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, JUNE 5, 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.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM Pursuant to California
Government Code, Section 54956.95.
Case Name: Jennifer Tangs v. City of Azusa; WC Claim No. 402126A89G0001
2.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government
Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case Name: Walberto Saldivar v. City of Azusa; LA County Superior Court Case No. 20STCV48956
3.CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code,
Section 54956.8.
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: 975 W. Foothill, APNs 8605-019-906 and 907.
Negotiating Parties: Al Cabraloff, Spectrum Properties
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
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
City Council June 5, 2023 Page | 2
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.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Julie Gonzalez.
The Invocation was led by Trisha Pardo, Youth Minister at Saint Frances of Rome Church.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Martinez reported there was a Closed Session, there were no reportable actions.
CEREMONIAL
1.Proclamation proclaiming the Month of June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the City of Azusa.
Mayor Gonzales read the Proclamation proclaiming the Month of June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the City of
Azusa.
2.Swearing-In Ceremony for Police Personnel.
New Hires:
• Cardenas, Jose - Police Officer
• Estrada, Angel – Police Officer
• Ford, Jake – Police Officer
• Garcia, Sergio – Police Officer
• Ortega, Mark – Police Officer
• Sandoval, Kiana – Police Officer
The Police Officers were sworn in by City Clerk Cornejo and received their badges.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Joyce Hsiao provided public comment regarding vandalism by homeless to city property and the occupants of the Rose
Gold Line building.
Alisa D. Lorenza provided comment regarding how the new dog park will impact the City financially, potential
parking challenges, and saving the trees during building.
Stephanie Martinzy provided public comment regarding the dog park and keeping the old trees on the property and the
current plan is a million dollars over the original plan and the future maintenance costs for upkeep.
Emails were received and forwarded to City Council by Maria Amador Velasquez and Pam Ricardo regarding the dog
park.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
*3. ‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control.
Officer Cont reras from Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control presented Mando as the dog of the month and
provided information on the dog and how to adopt him.
Mayor Gonzales thanked them for the presentation remind ed everyone to adopt – not shop and requested Mando be put
on the City’s website.
*2. Azusa Chamber of Commerce Year End Report and Presentation.
Steve Castro, Chamber CEO, presented the Year End Report and financial presentation for the Azusa Chamber of
Commerce and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Gonzales requested the Chamber report out to the Council more than once a year in order to provide better
collaboration between the City and the Chamber of Commerce.
City Council June 5, 2023 Page | 3
*1. City Manager Communications.
City Manager Gonzalez introduced new staff members in the Community Resource department, new lifeguards for the
City pool for the summer and staff for the day camp, and staff members for economic development.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith reported he attended two conferences in the past week for city contracts and International
Convention for Shopping Centers (ICSC), and he attended the Pioneer Cemetery event for Memorial Day. Thank you
to staff for the effort in the 28 Palm Ceremony and Public Works week. Congratulations to the seniors graduating and
the APU women’s track team for winning the Division 2 National Championship. The re-opening of the James Slauson
Community Pool will be on Saturday June 10th with a ceremony at 11 a.m. Lunch and recreation will be provided.
Councilmember Alvarez congratulated all the new hires and police officers. He attended the Foothill Transit meeting,
please check Foothilltransit.org for new routes and updated times. Summer concert series is back, the first one is
scheduled for June 22, the last one will be August 10, it will run for eight weeks. Bands will be playing every Thursday
evening at Memorial Park from 7-9 p.m. Please call 626-812-5280 for more information. The Flag Exchange event will
be Satur day June 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall.
Councilmember Avila Jr. welcomed all the new employees; on June 17 City Council Veteran’s ad-hoc committee,
VFW Post 8070 and American Legion Post 180 will present the American Flag Retirement Ceremony at 11 a.m. at
City hall for the flags collected at the Exchange event, please bring your own lounge chair. The library is kicking off
their summer programs, every Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. a free lunch will be provided for all
children fr om 0 -18 years of age. There will be performances every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park. Scheduled
events will be Arty the Lune Show on June 13, a hula-hoop show on June 20, a magic show on June 27, a puppet show
on July 18 with a magician.
Councilmember Mendez attended the contract cities conference, there was much to be learned and a great opportunity
for networking. Gladstone and Azusa High Schools will be graduating this week. Azusa High will have fireworks show
at approximately 8:10 on Tuesday. Wednesday Gladstone High at 7 p.m. it will be closing. Kids Summer Day Camp
will be providing lunches with weekly field trips, arts and crafts, and swimming options. The admission is zero dollars
for members of Azusa Unified School Districts, it will begin on June 12th through August 11th.
Mayor Gonzales congratulated all the graduates this year. He attended the Contracts City’s Conference and completed
two training sessions. He had the opportunity to network with the CEO of Metro Stephanie Wiggins and discussed the
challenges Azusa has been facing with the Prominade, he was invited to meet with her officially at Union Station on
June 13 at 8 a.m. Please be mindful of children playing outside during the summer and please watch your speeds.
Please also remove standing water to help control mosquitos. Mayor requested the City Manager to schedule a n al
fresco meeting in the courtyard at some point during the summer.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING A LOCAL EMERGENCY
CAUSED BY THE HOMELESS CRISIS.
Recommended Action:
1) Consider and provide direction regarding adopting a resolution declaring a Local State of Emergency Caused by
the Homeless Crisis.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Accou nt No: N/A
Lucy D emirjian, Project Manager , provided a presentation about a resolution in response to the homeless crisis due to
Metro clearing all their trains nightly for cleaning, and responded to Council questions.
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez to approve and adopt Resolution No.
2023-C27 declaring a Local State of Emergency for Azusa.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES, ALVAREZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
City Council June 5, 2023 Page | 4
2.CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF FINAL DOG PARK DESIGN PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE
INTERSECTION OF W. CRECENT DRIVE AT SUNSET AVE.
Recommended Action:
1) Approve final concept design; and
2) Authorize staff to compile a bid package, including plans, specifications, and engineering criteria.
Total Cost: $0 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Community Resources Miki Carpenter introduced the item of the final dog park conc ept design for the
property located at the intersection of W. Crecent Drive as Sunset Avenue with a brief background of the project, cost
estimates , and responded to Council questions.
Doug Grove President RHA Landscape Architects - Planners, Inc gave st aff’s presentation detailing the design and
amenities, explained the differences in cost from the original design and current design, and responded to Council
questions.
Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to approve the d esign of the Dog Park
located at the intersection of W. Crecent Drive at Sunset Avenue.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES, ALVAREZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith pulled item E-9 for Special Call.
Mayor Gonzales pulled item E -10 for Special Call.
Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith and Councilmember Alvarez Abstained from item E-6 due to proximity relative to his
residence.
1. Minutes of the Regular meeting April 3 , 2023 and April 17, 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-C25 authorizing payments of warrants by the City dated May 11 , 2023 through May 25,
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. Authorize the payment to Foothill Transit in the amount of $164,376.37 for the Azusa Intermodal Transit Center
ma intenance invoices for FY19/20, FY20/21 and FY21/22 was approved.
Total Cost: $164,376.37 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Partially ($50,000)
Fund/Account No: 17 -25-521-301-6815
5. Award a professional services agreement to Page & Turnbull for $375 ,405 for architectural design services;
Approve a contingency of $40,000 for additional specialized services that may be required during the design and pre-
construction phase of the project; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, in a form acceptable to
the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved.
Total Cost: $415,405 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Expenditure Account # 46-10-110-000-6645
City Council June 5, 2023 Page | 5
6.Resolution No. 2023-C26 identifying the projects the City will fund with its apportionment of 2023-2024 Road
Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account; and Authorize staff to carryover existing RMRA funds from the 2022 &
2023 Residential Roadway Rehabilitation Project to 2023-24 Fiscal Year budget and CalSMART system was
approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
7.The purchase of High Frequency radio equipment offered through the reimbursable CAL OES High Frequency
Communications Equipment Grant Program using the sole source provider NVIS Communications. Not to exceed
$59,143.59 was approved.
Total Cost: $59,143.59 (Grant Allotment: $60,000) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 28 -20-310-102-7140
8.A Second Amendment to the existing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments for an amount not to exceed $29,979 for the implementation of the San Gabriel Valley Regional VMT
Analysis Model was approved.
Total Cost: Not to exceed $15,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 1035 -611000-6399
Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez to approve the Consent Calendar Items
E-1-5 & E-7-8 and E-6 with the abstentions from Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith and Councilmember Avila Jr.
AYES : COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, MAYOR PRO TEM BECKWITH (ítem E-6)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
SPECIAL CALL ITEMS
9. First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with JLee Engineering, Inc. to provide the Planning
Division support; Extend the term of the agreement by one month: and Authorize the City Manager to execute an
amendment, in a form acceptable to the City attorney on behalf of the City was approved.
Total Cost: $120,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 1035 -611000-6399
Staff responded to Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith’s questions.
Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to approve the Consent Calendar Item E-
9.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
10.Receive and file purchase orders issued with contract agreements executed by the City Manager was approved.
Total Cost: $529,965.20 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Various Accounts in Fund 10 and 48.
City Manager Gonzalez and Director of Community resources Miki Carpenter provided information and responded to
Mayor Gonzales’ questions.
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez for the City Manager to look into terminat ing the
contract with Ray W. Pulver dba Upbeat parade Productions
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
City Council June 5, 2023 Page | 6
Motion passed 3-2-0 (Beckwith and Mendez voted NO)
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to receive and file 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 5-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS.
1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED
MAY 11, 2023 THROUGH MAY 25, 2023.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R07 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds.
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R07
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.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:55 P.M.
* Items heard out of order
________________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-C28 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2023-03
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-R08 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
June 19 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
July 3, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting - Cancelled