HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-4-2023, Minutes Regular MeetingCITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
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.
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