HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 Minutes Regular Meeting November 20, 2023CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023 – 7:30 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Azusa met in Closed and Regular session at Azusa Auditorium at 213 E. Foothill
Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, MAYOR PRO-TEM BECKWITH,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney 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, Deputy City
Clerk Hernandez, Library Services Manager Hassen, and Principal Civil Engineer Cabanas.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California
Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case Name: City of Whittier, et al vs. Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles: CASE
NO. 23STCP03579
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM Pursuant to
California Government Code, Section 54956.95.
Case Name: Joseph Stewart v. City of Azusa; WC Claim No. 4A21120AKPA0001
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM Pursuant to
California Government Code, Section 54956.95.
Case Name: Charles Wilkins v. City of Azusa; WC Claim No. 4021026A6420001
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM Pursuant to
California Government Code, Section 54956.95.
Case Name: Charles Wilkins v. City of Azusa; WC Claim No. 4A22020VV6G0001
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY & SPECIAL UTILITY BOARD MEETING
Mayor Robert Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
City Council November 20, 2023 Page | 2
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA Jr., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, MAYOR PRO-TEM BECKWITH,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
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, Deputy City
Clerk Hernandez, Library Services Manager Hassen, and Principal Civil Engineer Cabanas.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Library Commissioner Kim Antol.
The Invocation was led by Reverend Kristina Collins, Sanctuary for Spiritual Living.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Marco Martinez reported City Council met in closed session and reported there were no reportable
actions.
CEREMONIAL
NONE
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Philip Campa expressed concern regarding funding allocated for the public library, and water and power
resources. Additionally, he sought clarification on the Council’s forthcoming decisions regarding election
redistricting. Adopting a five-district map would ensure compliance with the California Voting Rights Act and
eliminate the need for a costly special election to transition to a four-district map. He expressed concern that City
Council would be cherry-picking maps and urged the Council to make a decision consistent with the City's moral
values.
City Clerk Cornejo noted that the present meeting marks the 95th Anniversary of the inaugural meeting held in this
building in November 1928.
City Manager Sergio Gonzalez addressed Mr. Campa’s concerns and stated that the library's funding will be
covered in the presentation later in the Agenda. Questions concerning decisions that Council will be making
during the redistricting process will be answered as Council moves forward.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control
Corporal Dionda animal control officer from Baldwin Park Animal Care Center introduce November Pet of the
Month Paulina, a three-year old poodle mix that is spayed and microchipped and available for adoption at the
Baldwin Park animal shelter. Anyone interested can contact the shelter by visiting the website
www.animalcare.LACounty.gov which lists all of the shelters in LA County. The phone number for Baldwin Park
is 626-962-3577.
2. City Manager Communications.
City Manager Gonzalez reported that the financial markets have declined and the City's proposal to repurchase a
portion of the bonds issued to cover post-employment debt was not successful, citing the City's robust financial
position. Staff will return with the investment policy updates in the future to see how the City can make their
money work better for Azusa.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith thanked all who contributed to the success of the Veteran’s Remembrance Celebration,
the 125th Anniversary Celebration concert event, and the Paramount School event. He expressed thanks for the
staff hired to assist with grant writing, they have done an excellent job securing funds to help grow various City
services; and several toy drives that are scheduled to commence on December 27, 2023. Mayor Pro Tem
Beckwith is thankful for and encouraged the community to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on December 2,
2023, for the City's newest park development project.
City Council November 20, 2023 Page | 3
Councilmember Alvarez wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and commented that there will be several toy
drives in the City and encouraged the community to donate toys if possible. Thanks to all who attended the
Veterans Day Celebration and the Veterans Day concert.
Councilmember Avila Jr. thanked all who attended and all who made the City’s Veterans Day Ceremony and
concert possible. Congratulations to Lemon Zest on reaching their one-year anniversary. Happy Thanksgiving to
all; please reach out to others and endeavor to make this holiday as pleasant as possible particularly for those who
may be struggling.
Councilmember Mendez thanked City staff for organizing an excellent veteran’s event. To the community, please
support local businesses during the upcoming holiday season.
Mayor Gonzales thanked the staff for their hard work organizing the wonderful veteran’s events. He congratulated
Encouragement Church for providing turkey dinners to over three hundred families and thanked the school board
for donating names to help tackle food insecurities in the area. It is encouraged to shop local whenever possible.
Gift packages are being collected and delivered to the Army National Guard to support veterans being deployed.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. ACCEPTANCE OF BUILDING FORWARD FUNDS FROM THE CA STATE LIBRARY AND
AUTHORIZATION OF LOCAL MATCH.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Approve Resolution No. 2023-C67 to receive $6,497,703 from the California State Library for the
Building Forward Grant for the Azusa City Library Equitable and Inclusive Improvements Project; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Grant Agreement between the City of Azusa and California
State Library in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
3) Authorize the match for a total of 3,248,847 to meet the required condition of the grant agreement; and
4) Authorize the use of $2,000,000 already earmarked for the Library Capital Improvement Project; and
5) Authorize the use of $500,000 of funds from the General Fund Excess Reserves; and
6) Authorize the use of $748,847 from the Light & Water Public Benefit Fund as a local match to meet the
required condition of the grant agreement.
Total Cost: $9,746,550 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: $6,497,703 from grant account 2830511086-7125/51024A-7125, $2,000,000 from
approved FY2023-24 CIP Budget account 1080000510-7125/51023A-7125, Upon Council approval: $500,000
from 1080000510-7125/51023A-7125 and $748,852 under account 24-40-739-082-6625/51024B-6625.
Library Services Manager Leila Hassen provided the staff presentation regarding the Building Forward Grant
for the Azusa City Library Equitable and Inclusive Improvements project and responded to Councilmember
questions with City Gonazlez.
Motion: by Councilmember Avila, Jr., seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith to Approve Resolution No. 2023-
C67 to receive $6,497,703 from the California State Library for the Building Forward Grant for the Azusa City
Library Equitable and Inclusive Improvements Project; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the Grant
Agreement between the City of Azusa and California State Library in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
Authorize the match for a total of 3,248,847 to meet the required condition of the grant agreement; and Authorize
the use of $2,000,000 already earmarked for the Library Capital Improvement Project; and Authorize the use of
$500,000 of funds from the General Fund Excess Reserves; and Recommend to the Utility Board the use of
$748,847 from the Light & Water Public Benefit Fund as a local match to meet the required condition of the grant
agreement.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
2. AWARD CONTRACT TO LIFEARK FOR $1,578,343 FOR THE PURCHASE, DELIVERY, AND
INSTALLATION OF PRE-FABRICATED HOUSING UNITS, AND $250,000 FOR THE
INCLUSTION OF A DECK FOR THE AZUSA RESOURCE CENTER.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council November 20, 2023 Page | 4
1) Approval sole source acquisition per the Azusa Municipal Code Section Sec. 2-520 for the procurement
of unique commodities or services under the City’s current declaration of local emergency; and
2) Authorize City Manager to enter into agreement with LifeArk for the procurement of prefabricated
modular units, delivery, on-site installation and assembly.
Total Cost: $1,828,343 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 54-00-000-000 in project #11024A
Project Manager Lucy Demirjian provided the staff presentation for the contract to LifeArk for the purchase,
delivery, and installation of pre-fabricated housing units, and for the inclusion of a deck for the Azusa Resource
Center and responded Councilmember questions.
Motion: by Councilmember Avila, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Mendez to Approve awarding the contract to
LIFEARK for $1,828,343 per the Azusa Municipal Code Section Sec. 2-520 for the procurement of unique
commodities or services under the City’s current declaration of local emergency; and Authorize City Manager to
enter into agreement with LIFEARK for the procurement of prefabricated modular units, delivery, on-site
installation, and assembly.
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
Mayor Gonzales called for items to be pulled from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Mendez pulled item E-6
for Special Call.
1. Minutes of the City Council meeting dated October 2, 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-C68 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the
same are to be paid for November 2, 2023 – November 16, 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. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of September 2023 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
5. First Amendment to the Fleet Maintenance Service Agreement between the City of Azusa and Southern
California Fleet Services, Inc.; and Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the contract,
in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved.
Total Cost: $130,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Various Accounts
6. Professional Services Agreement in the amount of $121,604, which includes 10% for contingency for
potential change orders as needed, to IDS Group, for the final concept development, and completion of
plans, specifications, drawings, construction design support, and assistance with the bidding process and
evaluations, and; Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract, 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 removed for Special Call (See below).
Total Cost: $121,604 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-80-000-420-7120/42023A
City Council November 20, 2023 Page | 5
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to Adopt the Consent Calendar items
E-1 - 5.
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
Consent Calendar E-6
6. AWARD CONTRACT FOR DOG PARK CONSULTING DESIGN SERVICES, INCLUDING FINAL
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLETION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND
DRAWINGS.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Award a Professional Services Agreement in the amount of $121,604, which includes 10% for contingency for
potential change orders as needed, to IDS Group, for the final concept development, and completion of plans,
specifications, drawings, construction design support, and assistance with the bidding process and evaluations,
and; Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract, 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.
Total Cost: $121,604 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-80-000-420-7120/42023A
Councilmember Mendez requested that Director of Community Resources Miki Carpenter provide a brief
overview of the Special Services Agreement and discuss next steps.
Director of Community Resources Carpenter provided a brief overview of the service agreement with City
Manager Gonzalez who provided the next steps of the project; both also responding to Council questions
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith, to Adopt the Consent Calendar item
E-6, with Mayor Gonzales’ recommendation to consult with the Azusa Parks and Recreation Commission.
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 OF ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF SPECIAL TAXES IN A
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT, INCLUDING CERTAIN ANNEXATION TERRITORY
IDENTIFIED AS ANNEXATION NO 1, INTO IMPROVEMENT AREA NO. 3 OF THE
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2005-1 (ROSEDALE).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Read by title only, second reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-06; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF SPECIAL
TAXES IN A COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT, INCLUDING CERTAIN ANNEXATION
TERRITORY IDENTIFIED AS ANNEXATION NO 1, INTO IMPROVEMENT AREA NO. 3 OF THE
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2005-1 (ROSEDALE).
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 Approve the second reading and
Adopt the Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2023-06.
City Council November 20, 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
2. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE MODIFYING AND AMENDING ARTICLE VIII – GARAGE,
YARD AND PATIO SALES, SECTION 18-532 GARAGE SALE REGULATIONS AND
DETERMINING THIS ORDINANCE BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Read by title only, second reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-07; AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING A CODE AMENDMENT
MODIFYING AND AMENDING ARTICLE VIII – GARAGE, YARD AND PATIO SALES,
SECTION 18-532 GARAGE SALE REGULATIONS 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
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith to Approve the Second Reading and
Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-07
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 NOVEMBER 2, 2023 THROUGH NOVEMBER 16, 2023.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-R14 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency
Funds.
Motion: by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to adopt Resolution No. 2023-R14
allowing certain claims and demands to be paid for warrants dated November 2, 2023 through November 16, 2023
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 Mr. Blas Chavira, a lifelong resident and veteran.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:40 P.M.
** Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
City Council November 20, 2023 Page | 7
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-C69 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2023-08
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-R15 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
December 4, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
December 18, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting