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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 Minutes Regular Meeting December 4, 2023CITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING AND SPECIAL MEETING OF THE UTILITY BOARD MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 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: Carlos Carachure vs City of Azusa: Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 22STCP03478. 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1) Case Name: Carachure et.al. vs City of Azusa; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 22STCV31418. 3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8. City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager Property Address: 624-628 N. San Gabriel Ave, Azusa, CA 91702 Negotiating Parties: Henry Bouchot, Housing Solutions Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase 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 December 4, 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 Christine Ramirez The Invocation was led by Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney Marco Martinez reported City Council met in closed session and reported there were no reportable actions. Mayor Gonzales adjourned the Special Utility Board meeting as directed by City Attorney Martinez, and continued with the Regular City Council Session. CEREMONIAL 1. 2023 Cruising Back to Route 66 Event Presentation. Councilmember Avila Jr. recognized Louie Gomez in sincere appreciation of his partnership and sponsorship of the 2023 Cruising Back to Route 66 event and toy drive initiative. Councilmember Mendez recognized Lavonne Moralez in sincere appreciation of her partnership and sponsorship of the 2023 Cruising Back to Route 66 event and toy drive initiative. Mayor Gonzales spoke about the partnership with Parks and Recreation and toys will be handed out to families in need on December 9th and thanked all those who worked hard in that effort. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Sal Pedregon provided public comment regarding the right to carry concealed weapons (CCW) and advocated for residents of Azusa having the right to obtain a CCW license in order to protect themselves; and expressed grievances in the licensing process in Azusa. Dianne Dodson provided public comment about neighborhood concerns within the Heritage community for speeding vehicles not adhering to the stop sign at Cerritos Avenue and 6th Street which poses a danger to both pedestrians and vehicles. Ms. Dodson believed that the City of Azusa should act before a tragedy occurs. Secondly, there is a lack of overnight parking for residents on 6th Street between Cerritos and Pasadena Avenues that could easily be resolved by issuing overnight permits to area residents. The Heritage Community is willing to work with City Council to make Azusa a better place to live and work. Lourdes Soto expressed concerns about sagging utility lines in in the Heritage community that need to be maintained. An overgrown tree behind her property is hanging over the fence and pressing the utility lines down causing safety concerns. . She urged the City to reach out to the utility companies and remind them about the importance of keeping trees trimmed and maintaining their lines to avoid serious accidents. Zacki Abari, resident in the Heritage community, provided public comments regarding City safety and privacy concerns citing two recent incidents of people running through his yard while being chased by police. Mr. Abari urged the City to assist the community in finding a resolve to the crime in that area. City Clerk Cornejo reported an email was forward to City Council by Jonathan Hoss. REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL 1. **Citrus College Update by Trustee Anthony Contreras and President Dr. Greg Schulz. City Council December 4, 2023 Page | 3 Citrus College President Dr. Greg Schulz provided a slide presentation about Citrus College and introduced Citrus College Trustee Dr. Anthony Contreras. Citrus College Trustee Dr. Contreras discussed recent highlights and ongoing projects at Citrus College. 2. Small Business Support Grant Program update. Economic Development Specialist Linda Hinojos provided a presentation regarding an update of Small Business Grant Program activities and next steps. 3. City Manager Communications. City Manager Gonzalez announced a community meeting on December 12, 2023 between 6 and 7:30 p.m. in the City’s auditorium for the community outreach regarding the proposed location of the Azusa Resource Center project, which will be implemented to help those experiencing homelessness. The City of Azusa's 125th Anniversary Finale Gala is scheduled for December 29, 2023, at the Lindley-Scott House. All residents are encouraged to attend tickets are selling fast and can be found by visiting the City’s website. **COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith reported that November 24, 2023, was Native American Heritage Day and encouraged the community to honor and remember those who were the first occupants of this land. Thanks to the Parks and Recreation staff and the Planning Department for organizing the Great Park Dedication and groundbreaking ceremony on December 2nd. Many toy drives and holiday events are currently taking place, he urged everyone to keep their neighbors in mind during this holiday season. Councilmember Alvarez announced the Festival of Lights concert event will be at City Hall on December 9, 2023. The Employee Relations Committee of the City of Azusa is asking for donations to fill gift boxes for the Army National Guard, items will be picked up on December 14, 2023. Please help fill the boxes at City Hall so that many gift boxes can be prepared for troops. Councilmember Avila Jr. announced a dump day on December 16, 2023, in partnership with Caltrans at Azusa Public Works Maintenance Yard for tires and household e-waste. Congratulations to staff on the groundbreaking Great Park. He expressed his condolences to the Aramburo family for the passing of Pastor Jesse Aramburo. Mayor Pro-Temm Beckwith announced the Senior Center is having a free flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine event on December 19, 2023, 9:30 – 11 a.m. The Chamber of Commerce 17th Annual Food and Toy Drive will be at Azusa Eagles Lodge on December 12, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. Councilmember Mendez announced that the Azusa Santa Tour is scheduled for December 17, 2023 at 5:00 pm, and there may be some new and exciting characters this year and inquired if “the Great Park” was going to be kept as the name of the new park or if it will be name. City Manager Gonzalez replied that “the Great park” was the initial dubbed nickname and it would be within City Council’s purview to Agendize a discussion for applying a formal name. Councilmember Mendez stated he would be in favor of adding the discussion to a future Agenda; Mayor Gonzales stated his preference would be to keep “the Great Park” as that was the intent from the start of the program in 2002 and suggested putting the item before the Parks and Recreation Commission for their input. Councilmember Alvarez added that it was his impression Great Park was already the official name. Mayor Pro Tem Beckwith stated he’s good with leaving the name as is until such time it becomes necessary to make a change. Councilmember Avila stated he already has stickers on his refrigerator that says “Great Park” and his preference would be to leave the name as it is. Mayor Gonzales encouraged the community to attend the Festival of Lights event. Thanks to the City Clerks Office for decorating the City Hall Auditorium. Azusa City Council will have a second meeting in December. Thanks to Cub Scout Pack 777 and Azusa Connects for placing the poinsettias around the fountain. **SCHEDULED ITEMS 1. PUBLIC HEARING NO. 2 – CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF TRANSITION TO BY-DISTRICT ELECTIONS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA VOTING RIGHTS ACT. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Conduct the second required public hearing to receive and consider any public input; and City Council December 4, 2023 Page | 4 2) Provide further direction to City staff. Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A City Attorney Martinez introduced Best Best & Krieger LLP Representative Jim Priest who provided the staff presentation for Public Hearing No. 2 of the Transition to By-District Elections program and gave a brief overview of mapping requirements and mandated public participation elements of redistricting and a tool that would assist staff during the process of redistricting, and responded to Council questions. Public Comments Mayor Gonzales Opened the Hearing for Public Comments and requested Notice Requirements. City Clerk Cornejo stated that he held proof of publication in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on November 22, 2023. Nick Rosales inquired whether the public could draw and submit maps for review and if the public would have access online to the new mapping tool. Motion: by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Mendez to close the second required public hearing for Transition to By-District Elections program. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Motion passed 5-0-0 Council provided direction for staff to invest in the redistricting tool to assist the City with the transition to By- District Elections mapping process. 2. IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY-WIDE CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION STUDY. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-C74, adopting the revised City of Azusa Classification and Compensation Plan. Total Cost: $1,207,968 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: All City Funds Director of Administrative Services Talika Johnson provided the staff presentation for Resolution No. 2023- C74 to adopt the revised City of Azusa Classification and Compensation Plan and responded to Councilmember questions. Motion: by Councilmember Avila, Jr., seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Beckwith to Adopt Resolution No. 2023-C74, adopting the revised City of Azusa Classification and Compensation Plan. 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 requested opportunity to ask questions for Items 10 and 11, without pulling them. 1. Minutes of the City Council meeting dated October 16, 2023 were approved as written. Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A City Council December 4, 2023 Page | 5 2. Resolution No. 2023-C69 authorizing payments of warrants by the City dated November 17, 2023 through November 29, 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 and applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s) were approved. Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 4. Resolution No. 2023-C70 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 5. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-C71; and application of an Outdoor Equity Grant to the State Department of Parks and Recreation with authorization for the City Manager to execute the Grant Agreement, if awarded, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City, subject to non-substantive changes made by the City Manager and City Attorney was approved. Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 6. Final Tract Map No. 82881 complies with the General Plan and is consistent with the approved tentative map and any amendments thereto; and that the City Council approves the subject map and accepts the easement dedication shown on said map; and that pursuant to Section 66436(a)(3)(A)(i-vii) of the Subdivision Map Act, the City Council hereby finds that the development of the property will not unreasonably interfere with the easements held by Howard Biglow for ingress and egress, recorded on December 10, 1974. Furthermore, per said Section 66436(a)(3)(A)(i-vii) of the Subdivision Map Act, the City Council accepts the map without the signature of said easement holders; and approve Final Tract Map No. 82881; and authorize the City Clerk to endorse on the face of the map the certificates, which embodies the approval of said map and acceptance of any grants, easements and dedications was approved. Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 7. agreements for on-call professional engineering services with KOA Corporation, Willdan Engineering, LAE Associates, and Onward Engineering; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was adopted. Total Cost: Yes Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10556510006399 8. The Plans and Specifications for CDBG Project No. 602600-23; and authorize staff to solicit a Notice of Inviting Bids for the for the CDBG Project 602600-23, Sidewalks and ADA Improvements was approved. Total Cost: $140,381 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 18359100007175/602600-7176 9. Resolution No. 2023-C72 approving the updated City of Azusa Title VI Program, a requirement to comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for all agencies receiving Federal Transit Administration grant funds was approved. Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 10. Blanket Purchase Order with Avalon Amenities, Inc. to allow the acquisition and installation of up to 17 new benches, 25 new trash receptacles; waive the competitive bidding process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-502(b) which provides exceptions for sole source providers; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Blanket Purchase Order, subject to any non-substantive revisions approved by the City Attorney, and perform any other obligations of the City under the PO was approved. Total Cost: $87,861.55 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10800006627120/66222C-7120 City Council December 4, 2023 Page | 6 Councilmember Mendez inquired if the decision was made to include a bar on the downtown bench and a realistic timeline for this project. Staff stated in a prior meeting it was voted by Council to purchase the benches with the center bar and it would take about 7 to 10 weeks to order the parts. 11. Award a contract in the amount of $95,843 to Streetlight Restoration Specialists, Inc. to prepare, prime and repaint street lights, pole, and bollard in Downtown Azusa; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the Public Works Contract, approve any non-substantive revisions, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved. Total Cost: $95,843 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10800006627120/66222C-7120 12. Receive and file the list of purchase orders issued with Contract Agreements executed by City Manager were approved. Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 13. Resolution No. 2023-C73, adopting an updated Employee Handbook (Policies) 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 Adopt the Consent Calendar items E-1 - 13. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Motion passed 5-0-0 Mayor Gonzales requested that staff provide an update in January of where some of the 2023-2024 major Capital Improvement projects stand. City Manager Gonzalez responded he will include that information on the January 16 Agenda and will continue to provide a report on as a quarterly update. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Leonard Garza, long-time Azusa resident and Pastor Jesse Aramburo. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:26 P.M. ** Items heard out of order __________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-C75 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2023-08 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-R15 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: December 18, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting January 2, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting – Cancelled