HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-2023, 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, JULY 17, 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, 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 Public
Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Interim Director of IT Guadagnino,
Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, General Manager Singh, Planning Manager Vizcarra, 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 -WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM Pursuant to
California Government Code, Section 54956.95.
Case Name: Christopher Grant v. City of Azusa; WC Claim No. 40200817F6C0001
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – POSSIBLE INITIATION OF LITIGATION Pursuant to
California Government Code, Section 54956.9 (d)(4).
3 Potential Cases
4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to California Government Code,
Section 54957.
Title: City Manager
5. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to California Government Code,
Section 54957.
Title: City Attorney
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY & SPECIAL UTILITY BOARD 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.
City Council July 17, 2023 Page | 2
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, 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 Public
Works/City Engineer Delgadillo, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Interim Director of IT Guadagnino,
Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, General Manager Singh, Planning Manager Vizcarra, and
Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Azusa Little League Softball team and Diana Reyes-Williams.
Councilmember Avila Jr. recognized the Azusa Little League Softball teams age groups 8-10 and 11-12 for winning
District 19.
The Invocation was led by Ms. Jin Jana, Dhammakaya International Meditation Center.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Martinez reported there was a Closed Session, there were no reportable actions on the Workman’s Comp
claims. Regarding the Public nuisance cases Council Avila Jr. abstained himself from the discussion regarding 125
Heckam due to the property owner being a source of income to his business. City Council directed staff to file a
petition with the court to clean up those properties. Regarding the evaluation processes for the City Manager and City
Attorney, City Council provided direction on the process and there were no reportable actions.
CEREMONIAL
1. Presentation of Certificates to VFW Post 8070, American Legion Post 180, Southland Young Marines, Azusa
Club Scout Pack 777, Azusa Connects, and Azusa Women’s Club – For assisting in the American Flag Exchange and
Retirement Ceremony Events.
Mayor Gonzales introduced the item and presented certifications to VFW Post 8070, American Legion Post 180,
Southland Young Marines, Azusa Club Scout Pack 777, Azusa Connects, and Azusa Women’s Club for assisting in the
American Flag Exchange and Retirement Ceremony Events.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Anthony Banuelos provided comment regarding the non-profit organization End Overdose and the programs they offer
to help end overdose through public awareness and free services.
Mike Inman, Assistant Fire Chief for Los Angeles County, provided public comment to recap the Fourth of July events
and the fire on Hill top on July 14, 2023. There was a brush fire that was quickly contained and burned an acre and a
half. There were 2700 calls on July 4th, 14 were fires within Azusa, along with several calls for medical issues. Please
help yourself to the “Ready Set Go” pamphlets available and online at https://firelacounty.gov/rsg. These will assist in
home hardening tips, defensible space advice, and helping residents create their own wildfire action plan.
Arturo Ortega, AUSD Superintendent, provided public comment regarding highlights for the district for last year’s
graduating classes and thanked the businesses that provided students with internships. Azusa students cumulatively
earned over one million dollars in scholarships and awards. The principal for Sierra High School has officially retired,
Teresa Peterson will be the new principal. The Azusa School district was voted as the favorite school district in San
Gabriel Valley in May by the readers of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. New furniture is being moved into every
classroom of every school, playground equipment is being upgraded at elementary schools, and a new digital marque
will be installed at the Azusa High School East campus. Mr. Ortega thanked City Council for installing a crosswalk
connecting Azusa High School East to Azusa High School West. Photographer Mr. Dennis Hill has been hired to
professionally photograph the high school murals for showcase in Azusa and with the Azusa Historical Society. He
thanked City Clerk Cornejo for taking the time to help him determine the best way to preserve some of the Azusa High
School historical items. The Surplus Property Committee will be holding a public hearing to allow public comment on
their draft advisory report.
Christine Tank of the Dhammakaya International Meditation Center provided public comment regarding the Peace
Point Meditation Center located in Azusa which offers meditation classes and services. The classes are every Thursday
night from 7 – 8 p.m. and every Sunday from 9 – 11 a.m. More information can be found at peacepointmeditation.org
and flyers were provided at the meeting.
City Council July 17, 2023 Page | 3
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. ‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control.
Mayor Gonzales introduced the Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control who introduced the Pet of the Month
June, a 13-week-old German Shepherd puppy. She can be found at the Baldwin Park Animal Center at 4275 Elton
Street.
2. City Manager Communications.
City Manager Gonzalez asked for a round of applause for the work staff did to provide the outdoor meeting. City staff
will continue relaying information regarding upcoming events for the City’s 125th Anniversary celebration. The first
kick-off event will be September 30th with a music festival on the front lawn of the City Center. Currently staff is
working on a collaborative event with the Golden Days committee to also celebrate their 75th Anniversary as well as a
Veterans Day concert celebration at the Armory. There will be a commemorating event on December 29th.
3. Recap 4th of July.
Chief of Police Wenrick provided a recap of the 4th of July with a decrease in calls from last year due to a reallocation
of services for crime prevention as a result of prior year’s history of crime activity. Half of the department was
dedicated to fireworks enforcement; many residents have expressed it was a much quieter year from previous years.
There were minor fires due to fireworks. Twenty-two citations were issued between July 1 – July 5. Chief Wenrick
responded to Council questions.
Mayor Gonzales thanked the department for their work over the holiday weekend.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith commented regarding events he attended and thanked the Mayor and staff for putting
together the Three-Banners event for the military. He attended the groundbreaking for the Choke Point Relief Project
at 57/60, and the Gold Line Track Completion Ceremony. It will be some time before the line will be running, however
the track has been completed. Several infrastructure projects are in the works do to the Olympics coming, and Mayor
Pro-Tem Beckwith thanked the police department and LA County Fire Department for helping to keep everyone safe
over the holiday weekend. Thank you to the staff for putting together the El Fresca meeting.
Councilmember Alvarez reported on the Foothill Transit meeting he attended. There is currently a summer sale for
riders of the Foothill Transit that is 50% off on all passes during the summer. The Mount Sac Transit center is now
open. Foothill Transit is moving away from the all-electric buses due to the amount of time it takes to recharge all of
the buses. They are moving towards the hydrogen fueled cell buses. Thirty-three have been delivered thus far. They are
environmentally safe.
Councilmember Avila Jr. thanked the Police Department for their work on the 4th of July. He also did a ride-along, they
worked hard moving call to call and helping the Fire Department with the 14 fires. He met with Cruising Back to
Route 66 Azusa, a local car club looking to help bring back Azusa, and they are considering doing a car show as other
cities do. They inquired about possibly shutting down Azusa Downtown sometime in November for a show.
Councilmember Avila requested that be put on an Agenda for Council discussion with staff’s feasibility of what that
would look like. The event would benefit both veterans and children.
Councilmember Mendez reported the Foothill Gold Line finished their 75% completion for getting the train from
Azusa to Pomona. There are approximately 16 months left before completion. The anticipated completion in Pomona
is January of 2025. Thank you to staff for displaying the American Flags on Foothill Boulevard. He inquired if there
was an economic update on the calendar for the downtown area with an emphasis on Block 36. He too is looking
forward to the discussion about the car show.
City Manager Gonzalez responded there is one scheduled for their next meeting on August 17th. It is generally done
quarterly, and they will also touch on all the major events coming soon.
Mayor Gonzales thanked Public Works for hanging the flags that were donated by the VFW and the Women’s Club for
the flag event. There were extra flags available which are the flags that were used on Foothill Boulevard. Thank you to
Roy Chavez who suggested hanging them on Flag Day through the 4th of July. Also thank you to Public Works and
City staff for cleaning up the corridor on Arrow Highway. It looks amazing. The Vector Control Board has issued
notice that Azusa has seen it’s first case of West Nile in a bird. Please remember to Tip, Toss & Protect yourself and
remove all standing water to help prevent mosquitos. The Vector Control Board will be at the Concert in the Park
providing more information to the public on how to protect from mosquito infestation and West Nile. The 14th annual
Cathy’s Cool Cuts will be on Sunday August 13th, the event was named after his sister who passed away in 2015. It
provides free backpacks and hair cuts and school supplies to kids before they go back to school. Assemblywoman
Blanca Rubio has also teamed up and will be co-sponsoring the event. He would like to put the discussion for the
fireworks program on a future agenda. The program was initiated and discussed several years ago, and nothing has
City Council July 17, 2023 Page | 4
become of it. They need to determine, in conjunction with the non-profits and sponsors, where the City is heading with
regards to fireworks. Thank you to the public for braving the elements and joining the El Fresco meeting.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. DOWNTOWN STREET FURNITURE PALLETE PRESENTATION.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Provide general design feedback on presented items, and consider approving color and style of benches, trash
receptacles, bike racks, bollards, and decorative light poles for the Downtown Area.
Planning Manager Vizcarra introduced the item and provided a presentation for choosing the furniture palette for
Downtown Azusa and the Streetscape plan that SWA Group is working on that will be presented to the Planning
Commission and City Council for approval.
City Manager Gonzalez, Planning manager Vizcarra and David Skalka, president of Avalon Amenities, responded to
Council questions regarding attaching and detaching armrests on the public benches.
Councilmember Avila, Jr. commented he would prefer a bench is used that would deter homeless from sleeping on the
benches during the day. He prefers the bronze color palette.
Planning Manager Vizcarra stated there is an option for a bench with an armrest in the center.
Councilmember Alvarez shared Councilmember Avila’s thoughts about wanting the benches with the center armrest,
however his preference would be a bench with two armrests. He did not have a color preference between black or
bronze, they both looked nice.
Councilmember Mendez commented that his first thought was the same exact thing. It’s unfortunate, however realistic;
and inquired about an anti-camp ordinance once the homeless shelter has opened.
City Manager Gonzalez responded that’s part of the tools that the City will need to supply the Police Department and
staff, there cannot be an anti-camp ordinance unless beds have been provided.
Councilmember Mendez inquired of the significance and history to Azusa using cobalt blue. His preference was bronze
as a primary color with black as his secondary choice.
City Clerk Cornejo explained years ago that color came about by accident due to a blue being painted over terracotta
painted poles. Blurple came about because the Japanese thought the color choice was intentional to draw attention to
the City.
Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith commented he prefers the black as it pops a bit more. He appreciated Councilmember Avila
raising the point of the armrests.
City Clerk Cornejo pointed out the middle option on the globe matched what was originally in downtown from the
1930’s, should the Council want to factor in a historical aspect.
Mayor Gonzales stated if bronze was a tougher color to match, his preference would be to keep it black and his
preference would be to take the City Clerk’s recommendation on the light fixtures. He understands the concern of
people taking advantage of the bench for sleeping, as he’s confident that they will be able to enforce the anti-camp
ordinance in the future. If it’s something that can be detached, that would be his option.
All councilmembers agreed with option #1 for the light fixtures.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
2. APPROVAL OF FY 2023-24 CITY OF AZUSA CO-SPONSORSHIPS.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Approve the proposed co-sponsorships for FY 2023-24.
Director of Community Resources Miki Carpenter provided the presentation for the proposed 2023-2024 Co-
Sponsorships for the Councils consideration and responded to Council questions.
City Council July 17, 2023 Page | 5
Mayor Gonzales requested further discussion at a future meeting regarding the City’s responsibilities for who takes the
lead at Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day events that take place on City Hall grounds to ensure the proper invites go
out to district electees.
Councilmember Mendez excused himself from the meeting for a travel deadline.
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 Avila, Jr. to approve the proposed co-
sponsorships for FY 2023-24 with the condition that the Veteran’s Day event will return to City Council on August 17,
2023 for further discussion.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ
Motion passed 4-0-1 (Mendez absent)
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith abstained from items E-12 and due to proximity relative to his residence.
1. Minutes of the Regular meeting May 30, 2023 and June 5, 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-C34 allowing certain claims and demands from May 26, 2023 through July 12, 2023 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. The Side Letter of Agreement between the City and Azusa Police Officers Association (APOA) to add Standby
Time for K-9 Special Assignment; and Approve Side Letter of Agreement between the City and Local 18 of the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to add Troubleshooter classification specification to the
flexible staffing series of Line Mechanic classifications was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Azusa and the San Gabriel Valley
Council of Governments (SGVCOG) for implementing a Regional Edible Food Recovery Program, in a form
acceptable to City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved.
Total Cost: $106,634.00 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 39-40-750-065-6625
5. The purchase of four (4) 2024 Ford Police Interceptors SUV’s vehicles from National Auto Fleet Group in
Watsonville, California 95076, in an amount not to exceed $171,081.76; and Approve the purchase of these vehicles
based on the competitive bid process completed by the County of Los Angeles as authorized under AMC Section2-
253, from which they ordered Ford Police Interceptor Vehicles under the Sourcewell master vehicle contract #091521-
NAF was approved.
Total Cost: $210,194.20 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 4620310000-7135
6. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of April 2023 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 Report for the month of May 2023 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Council July 17, 2023 Page | 6
8. Authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement between the City of Azusa and the State of California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and Accept the funding from
Caltrans for three Dump Day Events in an amount not-to-exceed $10,000 was approved.
Total Cost: $10,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No, reimbursement funding
Fund/Account No: 39407500654450
9. Waive competitive bidding as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2.521(a) and approve lease
agreements with Enterprise Fleet Management for the lease of twelve (12) replacement vehicles through the use of a
bid with TIPS-USA; Authorize the City Manager to execute lease agreements with Enterprise Fleet Management, in a
form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and Authorize staff to utilize the General Fund (Fund 10)
as the funding source for the 2020 Ford F-250 Facilities Division vehicle in lieu of Sewer Funds (Fund 34) was
approved.
Total Cost: $676,037 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Various Accounts, Gas Tax Fund 12-55-661-000-6823, Sewer Fund 34-55-665-6823, General Fund
10-55-420-000-6823/ 10-55-664-000-6823/ 10-55-664-000-6823, AQMD (AB2766) 27-55-523-000-6823
10. Approve Facility Use Agreement with American Red Cross, Los Angeles Region, to permit shelters and other
service delivery sites for disaster victims to be set up, at City of Azusa Facilities; and Authorize the City Manager to
execute the Facility Use 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
11. First Amendment to the agreement authorizing a change in the scope of the project and an increase in the amount
of $13,277.12 for CIP #4680000310 7120 31023B 7120, PD Parking Lot was approved.
Total Cost: $13,277.12 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 4680000310 7120 31023B 7120
12. Professional Service Agreement between the City and Michael Baker International (MBI) to provide third party
review of the Environmental Impact Report and provide consulting services to the City on the Environmental Review
aspect of the project, for an amount not to exceed $64,000; and Authorize the City Manager to prepare and execute the
agreement, 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
13. Resolution No. 2023-C35: A resolution of the City Council of the City of Azusa extending the proclamation of
Local Emergency caused by the Homeless Crisis was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
14. Resolution No. 2023-C36 approving continued participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program by entering into a Three-Year Cooperation Agreement effective July 1,
2024 through June 30, 2027 with the County of Los Angeles; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute
all contracts, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County Development Authority
(LACDA), and to execute any and all documents necessary for participation in the Los Angeles Urban County CDBG
Program was approved.
Total Cost: $380,000 estimated annual allocation for FY2024-25 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 18-35-910-000-XXXX
15. First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. to increase the contract
purchase order (PO 038467) and provide the Planning Division support; 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: $96,570 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 1035611000-6399
16. Resolution No. 2023-C37 to receive $3 Million from The California Department of Water Resources for the
replacement of the City of Azusa South Reservoir; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the grant Agreement
between the City of Azusa and the State of California Department of Water Resources in a form acceptable to the City
Attorney was approved.
City Council July 17, 2023 Page | 7
Total Cost: $3,000,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Fund 28/Grants
17. Accept the $25,000 grant award from California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) was approved.
Total Cost: $25,000 (Grant Award) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: ESL Programs
Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Avila, Jr. to approve the Consent Calendar Items
E-1-17.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH (Consent Item #12 only)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ
Motion passed 4-0-1 (Mendez Absent)
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS.
1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED
MAY 26, 2023 THROUGH JULY 12, 2023.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R09 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds.
Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Avila, Jr. to approve the Successor Agency
Consent Calendar Items E-1.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ
Motion passed 4-0-1 (Mendez Absent)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Abel Andrade, Manuel Carreon and Edward C. Barrios, Life-
Long Azusa Residents.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:20 P.M.
* Items heard out of order
_______________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-C38 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2023-03
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-R10 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
August 7, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting - Cancelled
August 21, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting