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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-2-2023, 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, OCTOBER 2, 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, Deputy City Attorney Castillo, 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, and Principal Civil Engineer Cabanas. SCHEDULED ITEMS 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – INITIATION OF LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9 (d)(4). 1 Potential Case – 238 North Angeleno Avenue, APN 8611-028-012 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – INITIATION OF LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9 (d)(4). 1 Potential Case – Filing of Injunction Regarding Los Angeles County Zero Bail Policy 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1) Case Name: Chris Grant, Jorge Sandoval, Bertha Parra v. City of Azusa; Case No. 22STCV39267 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None Councilmember Alvarez recused himself from Closed Session Scheduled Item 1 due to close proximity. City Council convened for closed session. 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. City Council October 2, 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, Deputy City Attorney Castillo, 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, and Principal Civil Engineer Cabanas. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Brielle Salazar. The Invocation was led by Oscar Ventura from Calvary Chapel Azusa. CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney Martinez reported City Council met in closed session for three items. In Item 1) 238 North Angeleno Avenue, APN 8611-028-012 Council by a vote of 4-0 (Alvarez recused himself) authorized the filing of receivership petition. For Item 2) Filing of Injunction Regarding Los Angeles County Zero Bail Policy, City Council by a vote of 5-0, voted to join the effort of Los Angeles County cities in the filing of permanent injunction to prevent the zero bail policy from gaining effect. For Item 3) Case Name: Chris Grant, Jorge Sandoval, Bertha Parra v. City of Azusa; Case No. 22STCV39267, there were no reportable actions. With respect to items 2 and 3, Councilmember Alvarez was present. Mayor Gonzales requested City Manager Gonzalez initiate a press release as soon as possible regarding Closed Session Item 2 - Injunction Regarding Los Angeles County Zero Bail Policy, due to the importance of the issue, the potential public safety concerns, and to provide the community with transparency on City Council’s position of not supporting the policy. CEREMONIAL 1. Presentation of Proclamation proclaiming the Month of October 2023 as National Community Improvement Month in the City of Azusa. Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith read the proclamation that the Month of October 2023 is National Code Compliance/National Community Improvement month in honor of all those who serve as Code Enforcement Officers. 2. Presentation of Proclamation proclaiming the Month of October 2023 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the City of Azusa. Councilmember Alvarez read the proclamation that the Month of October 2023 is Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the city of Azusa. 3. Presentation of the Helen Putnam Award from Cal Cities to the City of Azusa. Director of Community Resources Carpenter shared that the City of Azusa was awarded the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence from the League of California Cities for their outstanding and innovative efforts with the All In Azusa programming. Jennifer Quan, Executive Director for the League of California Cities and Ryan Ferguson Manager of Government and Community Relations for Kaiser Permanente presented City Council with the award. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Diana Raez Williams, President of the Azusa Women’s Club provided information regarding Azusa Golden Days Saddle Up at the AWC Ranch at the Women’s Club (10th Street and Azusa) on Saturday October 14 at 6:30 p.m.; tickets are $30.00, and funds raised will be for scholarships. The event is being hosted by the Women’s Club in conjunction with the Eagles Auxiliary. Tickets can be purchased by calling 626.484.9120. Christina Ramirez, representing Azusa Connects Foundation, invited City Council and the community to the upcoming Golden Days Window Decorating event on Sunday October 8 from 12-5 p.m. There will be live music at Preston Flower. Included in the event will be a community scavenger hunt. Chop Fest II will be held on October 15 from 12-5 p.m. at Memorial Park. Registration can be found on their Facebook page or by emailing info@azusaconnects.org. City Council October 2, 2023 Page | 3 Dr. Sabrina Bow provided public comment and congratulated City Council and City Staff for being awarded the Prestigious Helen Putnam award for Excellence. She encouraged City leadership to coordinate their efforts more closely with the school district to promote the benefits of Azusa as the place to work, play, live and learn in the San Gabriel Valley, and cited the revitalization article in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune in August that was written by City Manager Gonzalez who made no mention of their award winning school district and the opportunities AUSD provides to their students. Elizabeth Ramirez and Andrea Batista provided public comment regarding the 75th Golden Days Celebration which is set to run from October 13-22, 2023. The highlight will be the grand parade led by Los Angeles Dodger Fernando Valenzuela who will serve as the Grand Marshall. Sherrif Bob Luna will serve as the honorary Grand Marshall. This years Civic Grand Marshall is Max Arteaga, owner of Max’s Mexican Cuisine who will be honored for his outstanding community contributions. Honored citizens will be Sue Guera and Leonard Garza. Both have dedicated their time and love and energy to the betterment of Azusa. Further information regarding the schedule of events and purchase of tickets can be found by visiting https://www.azusaca.gov/2023/Azusa- Golden-Days. Mayor Gonzales responded to Dr. Bow’s comments that he and Councilmember Alvarez are on an ad hoc committee regarding AUSD collaboration and he’s excited to continue those conversations to work closely with the school district and emphasized that promotion is two sided, and he’s excited to see the benefits of mutual collaboration. The next ad hoc meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 11th at 10:30. REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL 2. 2023 San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Update by Brielle Salazar. *heard out of order Brielle Salazar reported that she is the Regional Housing Trust Manager for the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (COG) and provided a slide presentation about their mission of Meeting Common Needs, Providing Local Answers, improving Quality of Life and putting Neighbors First. There are 31 member cities including Azusa. They secured $74 million dollars during 2022-2023 which was used to fund San Gabriel Valley projects and programs. 1. City Manager Communications. *heard out of order City Manager Gonzalez thanked City staff in all departments for coordinating a wonderful kick off event for the 125th Anniversary celebration. The weather was not cooperative; however, the next weekend looks to be better. Residents are invited to participate in all the activities scheduled over the next four months. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith commented that he attended the League of California Cities conference in Sacramento and participated in break out sessions for AI and how it’s impacting work, Mental Health Crisis, Adapting Mainstream Retail, and Solving big city problems in small towns, and the LA County Division Lunch. Congratulations to staff for being awarded the Helen Putnam Award, and for putting together a great booth in which they represented the city well. He’s looking forward to the Anniversary celebrations for the City and Golden Days. It’s been great to see all of the business openings and ribbon cutting celebrations, there have been many with more to come. Councilmember Alvarez commented that he also attended the California League of Cities conference and homelessness was a big topic. They had several meetings regarding that topic and he left feeling good about the decisions Council has made on behalf of Azusa to help mitigate the homelessness crisis. He attended the school board meeting and a couple of people mentioned the possibility of a duel meeting with the entire school board and City Council. Hopefully that can take place as plans for that in the past never saw the light of day. It would be great for the community and all parties should consider that. Golden days calendar of events is on the City’s website. He would like to see IT make that easier to find. Thank you to the Golden Days committee for their hard work, and please show your support by attending the activities. The Mariachi Festival was a great event, even with the rain. He would love to see it again next year. It’s been really nice to see all the new businesses, it’s a work in progress. Councilmember Avila Jr. commented that he also attended the League of California Cities conference in September and it’s his favorite conference. There were a lot of great breakout sessions, and it was honor to be there as they received the Putnam Award and witnessing all the folks interested in the All in for Azusa programming. One of the Golden Days events that he will be helping with is the October 17 event at La Tolteca celebrating the Azusa Police Department’s 125th anniversary and both the Golden Days and La Tolteca’s 75th anniversary. Ticket’s are available at www.Azusapolicefoundation.org for a comedy night and dinner. Fifty Dollars will get you in the door for both. He requested Certificates for the Police Department, La Tolteca and Golden Days. The Mariachi Festival was a great event despite the rain. Congratulations to Lucy for spearheading that event and to all of staff who worked hard to make it successful. Halloween at Gladstone Park will take place City Council October 2, 2023 Page | 4 on October 31st from 4 pm to 6 p.m. and will host Halloween with the Cops. October 18th is Family Spooky Storytime and will be at Azusa City Library at 4:30 p.m. Fall Festival 2023 will be at Veteran’s Park on October 25th from 4-6 p.m. Councilmember Mendez announced that Cruising Back to Route 66 car show in the heart of Azusa will be November 5th, hosted by Tattoo Louie. It will take place on Azusa Avenue starting at 6th Street traveling all the way up to the railroad tracks and then continuing along Foothill Boulevard from San Gabriel Avenue to Alameda Avenue. There will be several hundred cars, music, and food. Check Social Media for updates on that. He had a great time at the Mariachi Festival and thanked Lucy and staff for an incredible event. He inquired if the Golden Days 5K would be returning in the future. City Manager Gonzalez responded they would be happy to bring that back as an Agendized item. Director of Community Resources Carpenter responded that they do plan to bring back a 5K, they’ve been vetting groups that do timing and researching dates so not to conflict with other running event. Their hope is to do it in the spring, due to all of the anniversary Golden Days events. Councilmember Mendez continued his comments and mentioned the cover to cover free In and Out Burger, if you read five books, or for three-hundred minutes, you can earn a free hamburger or cheeseburger from In and Out Burger. Participants can request more information at the Library. Tuesday October 17 a Mini Fall Painting event for teens will take place at the Azusa City Library for ages 13-18. Councilmember Mendez read offenses that will be subject to the Magistrate review under the Los Angeles County Zero Bail Policy. “Offenses involving firearms, such as possession of a loaded firearm, sexual battery, violence against children, violence against elders, contact with minor with intent to commit a sexual offense, and battery against an elder or dependent adult” and the automatic cite and release that they have theft of virtually every offense, vehicle code violations, offenses against property, and vandalism, and thanked his colleagues for their unanimous support against the policy. Mayor Gonzales thanked Lucy, staff, and public works for the great Mariachi event. The community had a wonderful time and he’s looking forward to a number of events that are still planned. Golden Days in October, the Veteran’s concert in November on the 11th at the National Guard Armory. He requested a certificate of welcome from the City Clerk’s office for Señor Esparza Tacos, on Irwindale Avenue, they did a soft opening and invited the Council to their Grand Opening. Thank you to staff for the compost and mulch event. He requested a thank you letter for Sandals Church for their participation and work in that event. Twenty tons of compost were given away to the community. There is a ribbon cutting ceremony for Habitat for Humanity on Wednesday at 5 p.m. The policies that City Council and City Manager’s office have created check a lot of boxes for programs and events that benefit the community. He thanked his fellow Councilmembers for their supporting those opportunities, in particular their work on making a difference towards solving the unhoused crisis currently in the city. He asked where staff was with the senior housing project at the golf course. City Manager Gonzalez explained that project is moving forward in the formal environment studies that is required under California and Federal Law. It will be presented for further deliberation once the CEQA report has been completed. Staff are happy to report that they received an application from the operator that they would like to pursue golf operations on a temporary basis as the larger project moves forward. It will take about a month to approve the application; they anticipate it will be before the Planning Commission within the next month or two. SCHEDULED ITEMS 1. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE MAKEUP AND DUTIES OF VARIOUS CITY OF AZUSA BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. CEQA COMPLIANCE: This ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the State CEQA Guidelines because the proposed action as it is not a “project” and has no potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment as it pertains only to administrative provisions governing City boards and commissions. Further, this ordinance is exempt from CEQA as there is no possibility that this ordinance or its implementation would have a significant effect on the environment. 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3). RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends that the City Council review and provide direction on the proposed options: Option 1 1) Waive further reading, read by title only, and introduce Ordinance No. 2023-XX; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING VARIOUS City Council October 2, 2023 Page | 5 PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 2-32, 2-387, 2-389, 2-407, 2-421, 2-366 THROUGH 2-367, 42-36 THROUGH 42-39, 50-37 THROUGH 50-43, 54-36 THROUGH 54-44, AND 55-1 THROUGH 55-8 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE MAKEUP AND DUTIES OF VARIOUS CITY OF AZUSA BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS or Option 2 2) Waive further reading, read by title only, and introduce Ordinance No. 2023-XX; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 2-32, 2-407, 42-36 THROUGH 42-39, 50-37 THROUGH 50-43, 54-36 THROUGH 54-44, 55-1 THROUGH 55-8 AND DELETING DIVISIONS 2, 3, AND 6 OF ARTICLE V OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE MAKEUP AND DUTIES OF VARIOUS CITY OF AZUSA BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A Assistant City Clerk Garcia provided staff’s presentation on the two options up for Council’s approval for the Azusa Municipal Code as related to the makeup and duties of various City of Azusa Boards and Commissions and responded to Council questions. Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Avila, Jr. to Adopt option 2 to Introduce Ordinance No. 2021-05 and read by title only; with the revision to replace “vote of three” with “majority vote” as per Council discussion. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Motion passed 5-0-0 CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL Mayor Gonzales called for items to be pulled from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Alvarez pulled Item E-6 for Special Call. 1. Minutes of the Regular meeting August 21, 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-C43 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid for September 15, 2023 - September 28, 2023 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. Accept the $46,672 in grant awards from California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) was approved. Total Cost: $46,672 Grant Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: TBT 5. Authorize the use of Metropolitan Transportation Authority Measure R Fund in the amount of $200,000 to supplement the increased FY2022-23 operational costs in the Public Works Department’s Gas Tax Fund; and Authorize the use of Sewer Funds in the amount of $60,000 to supplement the increased FY2022-23 operational costs in the Public Works Department Gas Tax Fund was approved. Total Cost: $260,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: Measure R Fund and Sewer Fund Motion: by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to Adopt the Consent Calendar items E-1-5. City Council October 2, 2023 Page | 6 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 6. A 3-year Agreement between the City of Azusa and Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. for parking enforcement services with the option for two (2) one (1) year extensions; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City, and approve subject to non-substantive changes approved by the City Attorney and City Manager was approved. Total Cost: $202,800.00 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10-20-333-000-6498 Chief of Police Wenrick responded to Councilmember Alvarez’s questions. Motion: by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to Adopt the Consent Calendar items E-6 only. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Motion passed 5-0-0 SECOND READING ORDINANCES 1. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE AZUSA CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND SECTIONS 88.22.065 (ALLOWABLE USES IN NEIGHBORHOODS,) 88.24.005 (ALLOWABLE USES IN DISTRICTS,) 88.26.005 (ALLOWABLE USES IN CORRIDORS,) 88.42.200 (SENIOR CITIZEN APARTMENTS,) 88.36.050 (NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED,) 88.26.010 (FOOTHILL BOULEVARD CORRIDOR,) 88.26.020 (AZUSA/SAN GABRIEL AVENUE CORRIDORS,) 88.30.014 (DWELLING UNIT MINIMUM FLOOR AREA,) AND 88.36.050 (NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED) OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE, AND DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. THE AMENDMENTS ARE NEEDED IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT HOUSING PROGRAMS H3-3, H4-4, H4-5, AND H4-6 AS REQUIRED BY THE CITY'S ADOPTED HOUSING ELEMENT. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Read by title only, second reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-04. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA AMENDING SECTIONS 88.22.065 (ALLOWABLE USES IN NEIGHBORHOODS,) 88.24.005 (ALLOWABLE USES IN DISTRICTS,) 88.26.005 (ALLOWABLE USES IN CORRIDORS,) 88.42.200 (SENIOR CITIZEN APARTMENTS,) 88.36.050 (NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED,) 88.26.010 (FOOTHILL BOULEVARD CORRIDOR,) 88.26.020 (AZUSA/SAN GABRIEL AVENUE CORRIDORS,) 88.30.014 (DWELLING UNIT MINIMUM FLOOR AREA,) AND 88.36.050 (NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED) OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE, AND DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. 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 Alvarez to Adopt the 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 2023-04. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE City Council October 2, 2023 Page | 7 Motion passed 5-0-0 CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS. 1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28, 2023. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R12 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds. Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez. to approve the Successor Agency Consent Calendar Items G-1 to Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R12 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 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:07 P.M. * Items heard out of order ______________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-C57 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2023-06 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-R13 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: October 16, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting November 6, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting