HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-2023, Minutes Regular MeetingCITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 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, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, Chief of
Police Wenrick, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Interim
Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Garcia, Library Services Manager Hassen, Principal Civil Engineer Cabanas, and Economic Development Specialist
Hinojos.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to California Government Code,
Section 54957.
Title: City Manager
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section
54957.6.
City Negotiator: Marco Martinez, City Attorney
Organizations: Unrepresentative Employee/City Manager
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government
Code, Section 54956.8.
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: Monrovia Nursery Headquarters, 817 E Monrovia Pl, Azusa, CA 91702
Negotiating Parties: Miles Rosedale, Monrovia Nursery Company
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION – Pursuant to California
Government Code, Section 54956.9(D)(2).
One Potential Case: BKK Working Group v. City of Azusa, et al. (Related to disposal actions at the former BKK
Landfill, West Covina)
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None
City Council convened for closed session.
City Council August 21, 2023 Page | 2
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 7:30 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, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, Chief of
Police Wenrick, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Interim
Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Garcia, Library Services Manager Hassen, Principal Civil Engineer Cabanas, and Economic Development Specialist
Hinojos.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Pastor Gilbert Becerril.
The Invocation was led by Dale Nelson of the Azusa House of Prayer.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Martinez reported that City Council met in closed Session for the Items listed above with no actionable
items to report on Closed Session Items 1-3, with direction provided by City Council regarding real property at 817 E.
Moroga Place Ave. Regarding Item 4: BKK Working Group v. City of Azusa, by a vote of 5-0-0-0 City Council
authorized the City Attorney to enter into a tolling agreement that would extend the time period by which they would
file a lawsuit to September of 2026. There’s a current tolling agreement in place that was entered into in 2017, that’s
about to expire. There is no further reportable action.
CEREMONIAL
1. Presentation of a Check by SoCalGas and the California Restaurant Foundation to Café Cultura on receiving the
2023 Restaurant Resilience Grant.
Economic Development Director Linda Hinojos introduced Lanae O’Shields, Public Affairs Manager with SoCalGas
and the California Restaurant Association, who spoke about the grant award presented to Café Cultura for their 2023
Restaurant Resilience Grant. The owners of Café Cultura sent a presentation that was displayed via video.
2. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Azusa Youth Boxing Club Boxers Justin Calleja, Joshua Calleja
and Sam Isak for qualifying and participating in the 2023 USA Boxing National Summer Festival.
Mayor Gonzales and Councilmember Alvarez presented the Certificates of Recognition to Justin and Joshua Calleja
and Sam Isak for qualifying and participating in the 2023 USA Boxing National Summer Festival.
Mayor Gonzales requested on a future agenda the City Manager include what it would look like for the Azusa Parks
and Recreation to hold a boxing exhibition to showcase all the boxing clubs in the community.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Kathy Cherry provided public comment regarding Soldano Senior Village and the problem they are facing with drug
activity on property. It used to be a safe environment and they are now having an issue with nonresidents convening.
The property cameras are no longer working, and management has been nonresponsive.
City Manager interrupted and made the Council aware of streaming issues for the live feeds through Granicus.
Marvis Shaw, Azusa resident, provided comment regarding the safety concerns with Soldano Senior Village since the
closure of schools in the area, and the unmanageable increase in cost of housing and the need for rent control in Azusa.
Pastor Gilbert Becerril provided comments regarding the Azusa Veteran Memorial Committee and how difficult the
fund raising was and applauded and thanked City Council for the grants and fund raising they continuously contribute
and it’s importance to the veteran community.
Shirley Miller provided comments regarding the importance of rent control for seniors in Azusa.
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Luis Saez provided public comments regarding the safety hazards of the Soldano Senior Village and the lack of effort
by management in keeping the property safe and clean, and the need for rent control for seniors.
John A. Dow, Azusa resident, commented regarding the advertisements that are distributed in driveways that end up in
the street because no one wants them.
City Clerk Cornejo stated his office received three letters of opposition that were forwarded to Council, in regard to
Item D-F.
Mayor Gonzales stated it would be helpful if anyone was able to provide proof of properties raising rents during the
COVID moratorium and requested the City Attorney and City Manager look into Soldano Senior Village having an
affordable housing covenant and add it on the Agenda for a discussion with City Council. In addition, Mayor Gonzales
asked if City Council would be open to a discussion regarding a blanket rent control policy in Azusa.
Councilmember Mendez responded that his concern was that the State of California already has rent control caps in
place and it’s a slippery slope and one possible left for voters on the November ballot. He would be open to having the
conversation but would approach the topic cautiously. With regard to Soldano, there seems to be multiple problems
with the management, and not just a matter of controlling the rent.
City Attorney Martinez suggested they give staff and his office the opportunity to take a look at some of the issues that
were mentioned and determine if there is a covenant in place for senior rent control. He would forward the information
to the Councilmembers and if they felt it warranted a discussion at that time, it could be Agendized and discussed at a
public meeting.
Mayor Gonzales replied that would be good, as waiting for the November ballot would be a gamble and if action can
be taken prior to that, the City should act accordingly.
Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith stated he agreed Soldano should be considered initially to see if the issues are focused on
their property only and if not, he would welcome a further conversation at that time.
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 Pet of the Month Mia and showed her
information on the screen. Mia was feeling under the weather and was not able to attend the meeting. She can be found
at the Baldwin Park Animal Center at 4275 Elton Street.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia reported that June from last month was adopted on July 22nd, it is not public
information on the location of her knew fur-ever home, but great news that she was adopted.
2. City Manager Communications.
City Manager Gonzalez reported staff and residents were prepared for Tropical Storm Hillary, outside of some typical
roof leaks and trees down, the city weathered the storm well. The anniversary events scheduled for the City towards the
end of the year are drawing near. They will begin on September 30 with a community festival concert on the front lawn
of City Hall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be music, dancers, and a DJ; more information will be provided soon.
November 11 will be the Veteran’s concert at the Armory. Golden Days will begin their 75th anniversary celebration
during Golden Days Week October 13 through October 22. Staff continue to work with LASD and Metro regarding a
better way to deal with the last runs of the night for the Gold Line. Staff has a plan that was implemented with Metro
City Manager Gonazlez asked Polic Chief Rock Wenrick to provide a brief update.
Police Chief Wenrick reported he was contacted by Jean Osborne, the Chief Safety Officer for the Metro. They are
implementing a new plan for their entire system which includes checking fares, enforcing action on the train, and
suggested putting two contracted armed officers at both stations between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to deal with
individuals riding until the line ends. Metro plans to have checkpoints throughout the system to check for fares and
establish checkpoints where individuals would be removed if they did not hold a ticket for Azusa. Starting at 3 a.m.
they will have two deputies and transit security officers and an outreach team on the platform to meet the homeless
with outreach and/or advise them in such a way they will receive the assistance they need. Ms. Osborne has agreed to
come for a public meeting with the HOA’s that are having concerns and explain their plans to help with their concerns.
Azusa PD will continue following up to ensure they have local support should the need arise.
City Manager concluded by thanking staff and the residents for being prepared for the storm. They will ensure the sand
that was depleted will be restocked.
3. City Clerk: Request to set a time and date to hold interviews of Board and Commission Applicants.
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City Clerk Cornejo reported that last week was the deadline for applications for commissions and boards and there are
seventeen applicants for interviews and inquired if the Council would like to conduct them on September 11, 12 or 13,
in order to meet the September 18 meeting deadline. He anticipated it would take about two hours total, with each
interview running for five to seven minutes.
It was unanimously agreed that 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday September 5, 2023 at the Azusa Light and Water department
would work.
Councilmember Mendez expressed excitement about there being seventeen applicants. Kudos to the City Clerk’s office
for getting the word out.
Mayor Gonzales requested City Manager to relay the message to the commissions and boards that it is important to
have their meetings and not cancel them.
4. Economic Development Update
Director of Economic & Community Development Jose Jimenez reported on building and safety, community
improvement, planning, and economic development (ED) and responded to Council questions.
Councilmember Mendez expressed concern with the economic development of block 36 and inquired if there was
anything Council could do to help incentivize new tenants.
Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez answered Light and water rebates are already in place, the
waiver of fees has been discussed at prior Council meetings. Continuing that dialogue would be a good place to start. It
would also help if the development community was a bit more user friendly for the residential communities.
City Manager Gonzalez added that staff have been actively engaging the owner of the property as well as their real
estate representative. He has not heard anything different other than it’s between the owner of the property and
potential tenants and their negotiations.
Councilmember Mendez requested staff reach out to the owner of Block 36, Jason, and invite him to a Council meeting
so he can say what they are doing to incentivize tenants.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith reported he attended the Independent Cities conference with many great presentations
including one by LA County courts on how they are addressing the homeless situation, mental health, Trans finance
and economic development, AI and how it will effect city governments. He thanked staff for providing tours of
homeless shelters as examples for Azusa’s planned shelter; attended the Library’s mini carnival event and the movies
in the park. National night out was an excellent event, and he appreciated the ED staff being there. Azusa beautiful
awards was a great event, congratulations to the Mayor and Director Carpenter for receiving awards. Citrus College
dedicated their ED Center reopening. The Chamber of Commerce also had several events and ribbon cuttings. He also
attended the legislative updates luncheon from Assemblywoman Rubio. A lot has happened, but a lot more excellent
things are coming. Please check the calendars and participate in the many events scheduled. Field of Glory will be at
City Hall on September 9, 10, and 11th hosted by Rotary. The Senior Center has activities planned through September,
including chair exercises, and nursing students from Azusa Pacific University will visit on Mondays and Thursdays
from 10:15 to 11 a.m. for several dates.
Councilmember Alvarez reported that Dumps Days will be September 16, 2023, on a Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
in the Azusa Public Works yard at 809 N. Angelino Avenue. Bulky items such as mattresses, furniture, bagged
miscellaneous trash, e-waste, household batteries and lightbulbs. December 16, 2023 is tires only, limited to four per
household, and e-waste, household batteries and lightbulbs. No hazardous waste, no construction or demolition
materials and they are one day events only. One trip per household allowed. He thanked everyone who worked to put
on National Night Out, it seems to receive better attendance for each event. The Independent Cities Association (ICA)
conference in Coronado was interesting to hear what LA County District Attorney George Gascon had to say.
Councilmember Avila Jr. reported that there will be free compost mulch available Saturday September 23, 2023 from 9
a.m. to 12 p.m. at Memorial Park. Azusa Shred-a-thon will be September 30, 2023 on a Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12
p.m. at the Azusa Light and Water parking lot. He also attended the Independent Cities Association conference on July
27-30, 2023. Congratulations to staff for an awesome National Night Out event. Congratulations to Mayor Gonzales
and many thanks to Assemblywoman Rubio for Kathy's Cool Cuts. It was an awesome event, it’s great watching the
kids who want to get their hair cut. They were all looking sharp and ready for school. It’s a wonderful event to
participate in and support. It was on August 13th. Saturday, he joined Canyon City Environmental Project and traveled
to East Fork. Forty to fifty people joined and collected over 800 pounds of trash. There’s over 4.6 million people who
go up to the canyon each year. If you’re going to go up and visit the canyon, please be responsible and bring your trash
down with you. Kudo’s to the Canyon City Environmental Project for doing that. September 30th there will be an
event to benefit Tom and Patty Gonzalez, hosted by The Helping Hand and the Knights of Columbus. Tom and Patty
Gonzalez both have cancer, a married couple who have been a tremendous asset to the community, it’s our turn to
City Council August 21, 2023 Page | 5
show them support. September 30th at St. Francis of Rome Parish Hall. He extended condolences to his family, the
Avila Family, for the loss of his cousins Tommy, Suzanne, and Deborah for the loss of their mother, former
Councilwoman Jennie B. Avila and all her contributions to the City. He looked up to her as the first Avila to sit on City
Council, but after she completed her term as Councilwoman, she continued to serve on the Library Commission for
many years and give back to the community that she loved. He would like to include her name at the close of the
meeting.
Councilmember Mendez thanked staff for their preparation for the hurricane. National Night Out was a great event,
great job to the Mayor and staff, it was very well attended. Bubba Pop Tea Bar in LA had a grand opening, he would
like a certificate for that event, and will provide City Clerk and Councilmembers the specifics of a date and time. He
also attended the ICA conference in Escondido, the District Attorney was the keynote speaker, Councilmember
Alvarez summed up the thoughts on that. Applauds to Miki Carpentar and the summer camp program through her
department. It was very well attended; there were many field trips, a constant pool, it is a great place to spend the
summer and four of his five children attended. His only suggestion would be to add more spots. He inquired about the
phone system and where they are at in that process and if it would be appropriate if the City collaborated with CHP or
perhaps even use the City’s message boards for digital messaging to encourage and remind visitors of Canyon City to
pack out anything taken into the Canyon when the community uses it.
City Manager Gonzalez responded that the city departments had sent out notices that they are at the mercy of their
provider Frontier. They’ve had several issues throughout the year and at this point staff are looking at options for a
potential migration, but it would be a huge undertaking. When the phones go down, they have to transfer the 911 calls
to neighboring jurisdictions, and it interrupts services at City Hall. They continue to work with Frontier as there are
hundreds of lines that they support; staff continue to actively work towards putting the City in a position where they
are not at Frontier’s mercy. He apologized for sending out the messages. Regarding community messaging pertaining
to trash left in the Canyon, City Manager Gonzalez added that staff will continue to work with the agency that manages
that stretch of the canyon. They can do messaging within the City limits, and work with their counterparts at CalTran,
CHP and the US Forest Service. The Motto should be “Leave no trace behind”. It’s important to continue educating
people that when they visit nature, act like you’ve never been there when you leave.
Councilmember Mendez continued with the traffic study that was completed late last year, if the results had been
finalized and if so, could they be Agendized for a future meeting. In closing, Councilmember Mendez congratulated
the Mayor on a successful Kathy’s Cool Cuts event. The line was very long, and the Mayor was able to encourage
significantly more support staff and even with the line, every student received a haircut within twenty to thirty minutes.
He was very impressed.
Mayor Gonzales reported he attended the ICA Conference, he found the meeting regarding health districts interesting,
three cities and the beach created a health district between the three cities to provide outreaching mental health services
for the homeless and others through grant money. He suggested that in addition to teaming up with the two cities for
the riverbed, staff look into the grant possibilities regarding a health district. If it benefits the community, he would like
to discuss it as a Council. It might help subsidize some of the things Azusa is having to fund for the riverbed project.
City Manager Gonzalez responded he would like to bring that back at a future meeting to let them know how it was
formed in the cities that are already providing those services through grant funding and what the potential benefits
could be in Azusa.
Mayor Gonzales continued by thanking all those involved in the Kathy’s Cool Cuts event, it was a tremendous success.
Over 250 services were provided to local families the Sunday before they returned to school. He requested the City
Clerk to please put on the next Agenda a recognition for all those folks who supported and sponsored that event. He
would like to recognize the beauticians separately. He would like to recognize the sponsors of the event. Kudos to
Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio for assisting with monies that went towards those kids. Thank you to Azusa
Connects for manning the line for the event. He commented on the number of complaints on the Police Department
Facebook page regarding the issues going on over at Azusa High School. They combined two high schools, he would
like for them to do some traffic surveys, he doesn’t believe the school district anticipated the traffic challenges in
combining the two schools. He asked staff to do a survey to see if there’s anything the City can do to help and mitigate
some of those traffic issues. Mayor Gonzales noted the Field of Glory event on September 9th which begins at 5:45
p.m. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. with special guest speakers, one being Brandon Tsay who stopped
a gunman on New Years Eve in Alhambra. The same morning there will be a tree dedication for former
Councilmember Macias at Memorial park at 10 a.m. on September 9th, just off the walkway in front of the recreation
building. Please be prepared to say a few words on Mr. Macias’ behalf. This meeting will be adjourned in the memory
of Jennie Avila, former Councilmember and lifelong resident of Azusa.
Mayor Pro Tem made a request for certificate of recognition for Azusa Pacific Womens Track and Field National
Championship which they won in June.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION AND WAIVER
OF FEES TO ALLOW FOR A REQUEST TO HOLD A CLASSIC CAR SHOW EVENT IN DOWNTOWN
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AZUSA ON NOVEMBER 12, 2023.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Discuss and provide direction regarding authorizing “Cruisingback2route66” to host a car show event in the
Downtown Area; and
2) Discuss and provide further direction regarding fees to be charged; and
3) If approved, direct staff to work with the event organizer to bring to the next City Council meeting all required
documents including special event permit application, proof of insurance, traffic control plan, street closure resolution
and all other supporting special event logistics information.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Manager Gonzalez provided the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Gonzales commented that the City has allowed similar events in the past but never on this scale, his biggest
concerns included potential impacts of closing Highway 39 and assurance that CalTrans is in support of the event.
City Manager Gonzalez responded he reached out to CalTrans and due to the responsibility of that portion of the
Highway being that of the City, they can have proper closures providing appropriate detours are in place.
Councilmember Mendez appreciated the quick return in getting this in front of City Council and that intersection is
literally part of the Historical Route 66. It might be beneficial to inquire with Light and Water for the use of their
parking area should an overflow parking become necessary.
City Manager Gonzalez stated that for the first year that area is intended as the staging area and possibly public
parking.
Councilmember Avila thanked staff for putting this together quickly and invited the representative from
Curisingback2route66 to say a few words.
[TIMESTAMP 1:50 Name not provided] gave a brief history of the car club and the events they hold which benefits
several charities and promoting Azusa and responded to Councilmember questions.
City Manager Gonzalez closed his staff report and stated that the event is a private event that would include an
encroachment permit that is scheduled to return to City Council on September 18, 2023 with the appropriate
resolutions. Including other partnerships is intended to be considered after they have the results of the first event.
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila, Jr. to approve the Special Event permit
application and Waiver of fees for “Cruisingback2route66” to host a car show event in the Downtown Area on
November 12, 2023.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed by a verbal roll call vote of 5-0-0
2. DIRECTION REGARDING AUTHORIZING THE CITY COUNCIL AD HOC COMMITTEE ON
VETERAN RESOURCES TO TAKE THE LEAD ON FUTURE MEMORIAL AND VETERAN DAY EVENTS
PROGRAMS AT CITY HALL COMMENCING NOVEMBER 11, 2023.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Discuss and provide direction whether the City Council Veterans’ Resources Ad Hoc Committee will take the
lead on the annual Veterans Day and Memorial Day events; and
2) Direct staff to work with the City Council Ad-Hoc Committee on event logistics and support.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Manager Gonazlez provided the staff report and history of the item and responded to Councilmember questions.
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Motion: by Councilmember Avila, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Alvarez to authorize the City Council ad hoc
committee on Veteran Resources to take the lead on future Memorial and Veterans Day event programs at City hall
commencing November 11, 2023.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
3. PROPOSED GRANT FUNDING FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SERVING LOCAL U.S.
MILITARY VETERANS.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Approve one-time grant funding in the amount of $45,000 to American Legion Post #180 in support of efforts
which serve the local U.S. Military veteran community; and
2) Approve one-time grant funding in the amount of $45,000 to Azusa VFW Post #8070 in support of efforts which
serve the local U.S. Military veteran community; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute Grant Funding Agreements with each organization, subject to non-
substantial changes and in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $90,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-10-130-000-6625
Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia provided the staff report and history of the item and responded to Councilmember
questions.
Commander Chris Mead, American Legion Post #180, thanked City Council for the grant to help benefit the veterans
in Azusa, and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Avila, Jr. to approve the proposed grant funding for non-
profit organizations serving local US Military Veterans and Authorize the City Manager to execute Grant Funding
Agreements with each organization, subject to non-substantial changes and in a form acceptable to the City Attorney,
on behalf of the City.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
4. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE MODIFYING ARTICLE XI OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE-
REAL PROPERTY RECORDS REPORT, SECTION 14-331 – EXCEPTIONS OF THE CITY OF AZUSA.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Find the requested project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and
2) Waive further reading, read by title only and introduce Ordinance No. 2023-03; AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING A CODE AMENDMENT MODIFYING
AND AMENDING ARTICLE XI – REAL PROPERTY RECORDS REPORT, SECTION 14-331 EXCEPTIONS
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
Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia provided the staff report and history of the item and responded to Councilmember
questions.
Councilmember Mendez provided full disclosure that his fulltime job is a realtor in the City of Azusa, however, does
not currently have any sales pending within the city of Azusa. There are not any applications of this nature that are
currently pending for him. He holds firm that this entire project should be scrapped based on complaints he has
received as a member of City Council.
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Councilmember Alvarez commented that he believes the only people complaining about this project are real estate
agents, and received an email stating that Azusa was the only city in the valley that does this and inquired if that was
true.
Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia responded he’s aware of Pasadena that had a rental occupancy inspection process
as well as a pre-sale inspection. He did not know if they had done away with the program.
Councilmember Alvarez questioned what the public benefit is to have this program.
Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia answered it is some what of a mechanism tool staff wants to use to allow them to
maintain certain uniformity, keep certain properties on check so not to have to revisit them through code enforcement
for receivership or public nuisance. Similar to a preventative measure. If there was a recommendation for an alternative
recommendation, staff would likely need to rescind the current recommendation.
Councilmember Alvarez commented that the buyer always has the option to buy a property as is, and questions with
this in place, if the city would be responsible in those cases.
City Attorney Martinez answered the City would not be responsible, there are tort immunities in California law that
provide.
Councilmember Alvarez questioned if this was common practice.
City Attorney Martinez stated he is unsure and does not believe other clients he represents have a process such as this,
however he is not aware of the prevalence within other communities in California.
Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith commented that this was an issue raised so that City Council could help review it, and
provided full disclose he is a long-time broker, and he did not have any projects actively pending, and has assisted
sellers with this forms many times throughout the years. He is also not aware of any cities similar to Azusa regarding
this, however as a larger city, Los Angeles tends to do it. He finds himself torn between the reputation of Azusa as
being the only city that does this and the costs of the buy/sell process. It’s another layer that can be competitive in most
cases. He does, however, see the benefit of helping clean up the illegal additions, particularly with older homes. He
believed the changes staff made are great adjustments, and good progress. He suggested possibly adding an option for
a seller or agent to expedite the process.
Mayor Gonzales believed the intent is to make sure realtors aren’t selling junk and are selling what they are
advertising. Most realtors are legitimate and do that. There needs to be a form of protection from those who are not and
believed that doing away with this leave too much room for bad deals; Mayor Gonzales inquired about the costs
involved for this type of permit.
Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia responded that there are two fees, one is the fee for the actual RPRR process
which is generally under a couple hundred dollars. Then there is a fee for the final sell of the property, that is based on
the range of the price of the home as it was sold. He believes most pay no more that $500 dollars total, based on the
metrics he had seen. Staff us working carefully with businesses to ensure the City is not enforcing double the fees
based on the number of entities involved in the transaction, rather based on the land.
Mayor Gonzales asked if it was possible to review back to 2000 as houses that would be exempt.
Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia responded that is something of interest to staff and the community improvement
team. They tend to see more issues with the older housing stock, which is why staff would like to maintain some level
of review authority through the RPRR process. Should this pass, he welcomes Council doing a review of the process
and entire program as a whole to ensure it is a benefit to the community.
Councilmember Mendez provided an example of a past listing on San Gabriel Avenue and the RPRR called to knock
down a building that had been on the property for close to seventy years. He believes that is unfortunate particular for
long term residents of Azusa and provided a breakdown of responsibility based on the type of sell. The buyer should
have a clear understanding of the property they are purchasing.
Councilmember Alvarez agreed there should be properties that qualify to be grandfathered into program.
Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to approve the First Reading of the
ordinance modifying Article XI of the Azusa Municipal Code-Real Property Records Report, Section 14-331 –
Exceptions of the City of Azusa with the amendment to reduce the 2010 grandfathered in time frame to 2000.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
City Council August 21, 2023 Page | 9
Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia stated for clarity that for the Second Reading, staff will return with the Ordinance
amendment.
Motion passed 5-0-0
5. UPDATE REGARDING CHAPTER 14, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE XVII -
REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF VACANT AND ABANDONED COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL
AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES (“VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRY”).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Receive and File; or
2) Provide Additional Direction
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia provided the staff report update regarding Chapter 14, Building and Building
regulations, Article XVII and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Gonzales summarized that the intent of this was to mitigate commercial properties that stand vacant for years
and requested Council consider raising the current price of $500 and possibly tiering it based on length of time the
property sits vacant. Provide incentive to fill the vacancies.
Councilmember Mendez agreed fully and stressed that this Ordinance is not just for current vacant commercial
properties but for future vacant properties as well. It isn’t just a matter of filling the vacant properties but also ensuring
the vacant properties are maintained.
Pro Tem Mayor Beckwith agreed and suggested that residential be kept separate from commercial for the fees incurred
over time and should likely be two separate ordinances.
City Attorney Martinez expressed it is important for the purpose of the fee to be distinguished and that it is not a
penalty. It is a staff inspection fee that must comply with the general Nexus requirement. Review the increase to ensure
the City is recovering all of its cost to fulfill administration of it and that it isn’t a penalty, but rather a service fee.
City Manager Gonzalez commented that the City has not kept up with the fee and ensure they are recovering that cost
on an annual basis, and that fee should be incurred on an annual basis, not sure one time.
Councilmember Alvarez is in support and believes the properties should also incur the cost of an annual inspection fee.
City Manager Gonzalez stated that staff would return with more specific details for fee structures.
6. DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE & ALTERNATE FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA
CITIES 2023 ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Designate Councilmember Avila as Voting Delegate and Councilmember Mendez as alternate for the League of
California Cities Annual Business Meeting, scheduled for Friday, September 22, 2023; and
2) Authorize the City Council’s Voting Delegate to support the League of California Cities Board of Directors’
Proposed Bylaws Amendments.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to approve the Designation of Councilmember
Avila as Voting Delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith as alternate for the League of California Cities Annual
Business Meeting, scheduled for Friday, September 22, 2023; and authorize the City Council’s Voting Delegate to
support the League of California Cities Board of Directors’ proposed Bylaws amendments.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
City Council August 21, 2023 Page | 10
7. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING NEW DEPARTMENT HEAD CLASSIFICATION -DIRECTOR OF
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY .
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Approve Resolution No. 2023-C38 to replace the existing Department Head position of Director of Information
Technology and Library Services with Director of Information Technology class specification.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Manager Gonzalez reported they created a new Director of Information Technology and Library Services with
Director of Information Technology class specification and responded to Council questions. The salary would be set at
195, which is a bit below the median salary, however there are benefits that the executive staff are allowed that include
an auto allowance, deferred compensation of $6,000, and flex contribution for medical coverage for a total
compensation package of $222,960 annually.
Councilmember Avila, Jr. requested that the budget information be included in the future.
City Manager Gonzalez responded that they would include that in the future, it is coming out of the Operational
Personal Budget.
Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to approve Resolution No. 2023-C38 to
replace the existing Department Head position of Director of Information Technology and Library Services with
Director of Information Technology class specification.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Avila, Jr. pulled items E-10 and E-13 for Special Call.
Councilmember Mendez pulled items E-19 for Special Call.
1. Minutes of the Regular meeting June 19, 2023 and Special meeting on June 31, 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 July 13, 2023 through August 16, 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. Personnel Action Requests in accordance with the City of Azusa Civil Service Rules were 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 Reports of Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances for the
months of April and May 2023 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
5. Professional Services Agreement with Client First in a not to exceed amount of $186,450; and Authorize the
Mayor to sign and execute the Professional Services Agreement and Scope of Work in a form acceptable to the City
Attorney on behalf of the City was approved.
Total Cost: $186,450.00 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 4849930000-6499 (50%) 4849942000-6499 (50%)
6. A maintenance agreement with Motorola Solutions for all current software programs for the period of December
City Council August 21, 2023 Page | 11
1, 2023, through November 30, 2028, in the amount of $470,815.75 to be paid using the following schedule: Year 1 –
Dec 1, 2023 – Nov 30, 2024 - $94, 163.15; Year 2 – Dec 1, 2024 – Nov 30, 2024 - $94, 163.15; Year 3 – Dec 1, 2025
– Nov 30, 2026 - $94, 163.15; Year 4 – Dec 1, 2026 – Nov 30, 2027 - $94, 163.15; Year 5 – Dec 1, 2027 – Nov 30,
2028 - $94, 163.15; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the maintenance agreement, in a form acceptable to the
City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved.
Total Cost: $94,163.15 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-20-941-000-6415
7. City Manager to enter into an agreement with City of Glendale to partner with the Verdugo Regional Crime
Laboratory in the area of forensic computer examinations and investigations was approved.
Total Cost: $15,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Account #28 20 310 041 7142 and Account #10 20 941 000 6504
8. An increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Blanket Purchase Order #039601 for annual software support for
Superion, LLC. (Central Square) by $6,517.72 was approved.
Total Cost: $6,517.72 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 4849930000-6415 (50%) 4849942000-6415 (50%)
9. Authorize the City Manager to append the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with Dell Inc. for the addition of
Microsoft Office 365 licensing in the amount of $61,106.40 was approved.
Total Cost: $61,106.40 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 4849930000-7143 (50%) 4849942000-7143 (50%)
11. Resolution No. 2023-C40 accepting the grant award from California Department of Aging and identifying the
City Manager as the signatory official; 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: $200,000 (Grant) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes, upon acceptance.
Fund/Account No: TBD, upon acceptance
12. Waive purchasing procedures as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2.539 and approve the
purchase and installation of the proposed HVAC equipment in the amount not to exceed $144,454.72; and Authorize
the City Manager to execute a construction agreement with Mesa Energy Systems, Inc. dba EMCOR Services for the
purchase and installation of the proposed Carrier HVAC system was approved.
Total Cost: $144,454.72 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 1080000666-7125/66623A-7125
14. the MOU for helicopter services from FAST for an annual amount of; $68,537.00; and Authorize a budget
amendment for an increase of $18,537.00 to cover the cost of the contract with FAST in the amount not to exceed
sixty-eight thousand five hundred thirty-seven dollars was approved.
Total Cost: $68,837.00 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Partially $50,300
Fund/Account No: 10 20 333 000 6493
15. Agreement for on-call environmental professional engineering services with CWE; 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: $275,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Measure "W" accounts 2055668001-6399, 2055668004-6399, 2055668005-6399, 2055668008-
6399
16. Review and adopt the following Resolution No. 2023-C41: 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
17. Accept the $30,000 LSTA grant award from the California State Library was approved.
Total Cost: $30,000 (grant) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Grant
Fund/Account No: TBD
City Council August 21, 2023 Page | 12
18. Accept the $4,870 Zip Books grant award from the California State Library was approved.
Total Cost: $4,870 (grant) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Grant
Fund/Account No: TBD
20. Receive, review, and file the FY 2022/23 third quarter financial report ending March 31, 2023 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 Councilmember Avila, Jr. to approve the Consent Calendar Items
E-1-E-9, E-11 and E-12, E-14 – E-18 and E-20.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
SPECIAL CALL
E-10 Award of contract to Shaw Integrated Solutions for west wing flooring replacement and D&R office works for
office panel removal during replacement was approved.
Total Cost: $244,141.95 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: 46-80-000-651-7125 / 65123B-7125
City Manager Gonzalez replied to Councilmember Avila’s question of if there was warranty on the flooring. There
was, however, they were not able claim the warranty due to the original company who installed the flowing went out of
business. That vendor has been taken off of the City’s vendor list.
Motion: by Councilmember Avila, Jr., seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to approve the Consent Calendar Item
E-10.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
E-13 First Amendment to the Professional Service Agreement with West Coast Shopping Cart Services authorizing a
one-year extension and increasing the total contract amount to $57,200; 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: $57,200 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-35-643-000-6493
Councilmember Avila, Jr. requested clarification on the math of the numbers and why there was an increase of 28%.
Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia and Director of Administrative Services Johnson and City Manager Gonzalez
explained that the contract was originally accepted under a different purchase order in 2018. The contract amount was
originally for $15,000. The $25,000 covered the expiring dollars from the previous year, which created a balance. The
original contract covered only one year, staff is recommending that this contract covers two years, which triggered an
addition $15,000. The delta to close the previous year and the balance for the next two years is what is included for the
current contract. The intent is to clean up the prior contract so that future bids will be for the amount of the contract
only. This contract is covering multiple years which puts the dollar amount over what the City Manager is allowed to
approve without Council approval.
Motion: by Councilmember Avila, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Mendez, to approve the Consent Calendar Item E-
13.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
City Council August 21, 2023 Page | 13
Motion passed 5-0-0
E-19 The proposal for the purchase of Lenslock security camera system; Authorize the City to enter into a
Professional Services Agreement with Lenslock to complete the security camera project at the Azusa Metro parking
Station was approved.
Total Cost: $152,971.85 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: 10 20 310 000 6563
City Manager Gonzalez and Police Chief Wenrick explained the partnership with Foothill Transit and Metro with the
parking station. The City’s responsibility is to patrol the area. When it was determined the current security equipment
was not working, Foothill transit agreed to cover 2/3’s of the cost to replace it with a system that would integrate with
Azusa’s current system, for the safety of all personnel.
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to approve the Consent Calendar Item E-
19.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, 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
JULY 13, 2023 THROUGH AUGUST 21, 2023.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R10 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds.
Motion: by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to approve the Successor Agency Consent
Calendar Items F-1 to adopt Resolution No. 2023-R10 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of
Successor Agency Funds.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, 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 Adela Pacheco, Life-Long Azusa Resident and former
Councilmember Jennie Avila.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:56 P.M.
* Items heard out of order
______________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-C42 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2023-03
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-R11 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
City Council August 21, 2023 Page | 14
NEXT MEETINGS:
July 3 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting - Cancelled
July 17, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting