HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 Minutes Regular Meeting February 20, 2024CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE UTILITY BOARD
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024 – 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: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., MAYOR PRO-TEM ALVAREZ,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
UTILITY BOARD ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., MAYOR PRO-TEM ALVAREZ,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, Deputy City Attorney Castillo, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of
Community Resources Carpenter, Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development
Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia, Library Services Manager Hassen.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – LIABILITY CLAIM - Pursuant to California
Government Code, Section 54956.95.
Case Number/Claimant: General Liability Carl Warren File No: 3028460, Adrian Rios.
Agency: City of Azusa
2. 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.
3. 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
4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE – Pursuant to California Government
Code Section 54957
5. 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
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
City Council February 20, 2024 Page | 2
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Laura Holtan, Carmen Bencomo’s labor representative, commented via email regarding Closed Session Item 4.
Ms. Bencomo has been a dedicated employee with the City of Azusa for thirteen years, and the highest form of
discipline she has previously received is a written reprimand. In light of Ms. Bencomo’s tenure with the City and
lack of progressive discipline, we strongly disagree with the City’s decision to terminate in this instance and urge
the City to consider a lesser form of discipline. Thank you for your consideration.
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.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECKWITH, MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., MAYOR PRO-TEM ALVAREZ,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, Deputy City Attorney Castillo, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of
Community Resources Carpenter, Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development
Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia, Library Services Manager Hassen.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Library Services Manager Hassen.
The Invocation was led by Pastor Cesar Hernandez, Ebenezer Christian Church.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Deputy City Attorney Castillo reported City Council met in closed session for five items and reported there were
no reportable actions for any of the five items.
CEREMONIAL
None.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Azusa Unified School District Superintendent Arturo Ortega commented that both the girls' and boys' soccer teams
from Azusa High School have made it to CIFs this year. The Sierra High School's soccer team went undefeated
this season. Sierra High School's softball team began the season with a 15-6 win against San Antonio High School
from Claremont. Congratulations to Mary Pollard, who was selected as Classified Employee of the Year, and
Marcia Santos, who was selected as Parent of the Year. Three Azusa Unified School District staff members were
selected as Teach Plus Policy Fellows, a national organization advocating for positive change in California's public
education system. The three selected teachers are Angela Wright, Lanae Jimenez, and Lorena Ellis. The district is
moving forward with its surplus property process, with the Board of Education recently voting to approve the sale
of Ellington Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Powell Elementary, and the former adult education/Sierra
High School campus on Barranca Avenue. The Board also approved that Center Middle School now be a
community/conference center and that Slauson Middle School now be the new home of Sierra High School. The
next step in the process will be a public hearing scheduled for March 12, 2024, during the Board of Education
meeting.
Rogelio Esquer expressed concern about certain issues that have been ignored at the community garden located in
Memorial Park. Netting placed over the plants in his rented garden plot was vandalized, and the City has not yet
come up with a constructive solution. He also pointed out that the code used to access the community garden is
easily accessible to unauthorized individuals, and the City seems to have no adequate security mechanisms in
place.
Russ Renchler expressed concern about the district maps, stating that they appear to be gerrymandered. The public
is watching, and it is unacceptable that Councilmembers Alvarez and Avila Jr. would be in separate districts when
they live in such close proximity to each other. The small section around the Mayor’s home and the rest of his
district would be from Foothill down to the freeway, which makes no sense.
City Council February 20, 2024 Page | 3
Philip Campa commented that the maps should be handled by the Citizens Commission instead of the City
Council. Perhaps the City could have done a better job in promoting the districting process. None of the maps
promote minority groups who have a major or equal representation in any district. District map 5.1 looks like a
really poor job of gerrymandering. None of the maps offer an opportunity for the communities to have a majority
significant enough to elect their own representative. Regarding maps 5.5 and 5.6, the population is not equal in all
districts and seems to favor the incumbents. Hopefully, the Council will make more adjustments to the maps and
give opportunity to all districts.
Mayor Gonzales requested Community Services Director Carpenter address the issues with the Community
Garden and that while none of the maps are perfect, the process is ongoing.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. ‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control.
Azusa Animal Control Officer presented a flyer for Marbles, a two-year-old neutered Yorkshire Terrier mix who is
up for adoption. Marbles is a very sweet dog who loves to cuddle and enjoys belly rubs. If you are looking for a
new snuggle buddy, Marbles would make a great family dog. You can find Marbles at the Baldwin Park Animal
Care Center, available for adoption on Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment,
please call 626-962-3577.
1. City Manager Communications.
City Manager Gonzalez reminded residents to maintain their properties as rain brings weeds, which are not only a
visual blight but also a fire hazard.
Mayor Gonzales reminded residents to maintain mosquito control by tossing any excess standing water.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez stated that he had no reports.
Councilmember Avila Jr. expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended the Casino Night and to the Fraternal
Order of Eagles for their efforts in making the event a huge success. All the proceeds from the event will be
donated to Azusa Youth Sports. He further announced his desire to hold a Check Presentation Ceremony during
the next Council meeting. Thanks to the entire Council for their support and congratulations to Mayor Gonzales for
organizing the 19th Annual Casino Night.
Councilmember Mendez congratulated Mayor Gonzales and Councilmember Avila Jr. on the poker tournament.
He also raised concerns about the new train stations with entrance and exit turnstiles. These turnstiles only allow
access or exit through a TAP card, which raises the issue of the City of Azusa being the last station without a
turnstile.
Councilmember Beckwith commented that he was looking forward to a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the City's
Learning Center. This weekend is Azusa Pacific University's homecoming, celebrating its 125th anniversary. He
reminded everyone that ballots are out and encouraged the community to participate in voting this year.
Mayor Gonzales expressed gratitude to all who participated in the 19th Annual Casino Night event and thanked
colleagues for supporting the City’s youth. As a result of the event, checks will be written to help organizations
with funding to pay for kids who cannot afford to play. The meeting will be adjourned in memory of Joel Stiles, a
lifelong resident of the City.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERATION AND DISCUSSION OF COMPOSITION OF VOTING
DISTRICTS FOR BY-DISTRICT ELECTIONS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA
VOTING RIGHTS ACT; AND REVIEW OF DRAFT MAPS.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Conduct a public hearing to receive and consider any public input;
2) Conduct further review of draft voting district maps; and
3) Provide further direction to City staff regarding the selection of a map; and the election schedule
(sequencing) of voting districts:
City Council February 20, 2024 Page | 4
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Best Best & Krieger Jim Priest and Stephanie Smith provided the staff presentation regarding the fourth public
hearing for consideration and discussion of the composition of Voting Districts for By-District Elections in
compliance with the California Voting Rights Act, reviewed draft maps, and responded to Council questions.
Councilmember Mendez requested an explanation about what a majority/minority district means.
Councilmember Beckwith advised that he was the member of the public who submitted Map 5.7 and explained his
thoughts behind the changes.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing and requested proof of notification.
City Clerk Cornejo stated he had proof of publication in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on both January 3, 2024
and February 15, 2024.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Andrew Westall believed that it was a mistake for the Mayor and Council to go to five Council districts and would
bring harm to the City. Over time, Councilmembers would become more parochial about their districts in terms of
the division of resources and things cared about. He encouraged the Council to think about whether or not it makes
sense to go to five districts instead of four districts. Splitting the North Rosedale Community AHO in several of the
maps, including Maps 4.1, 5.1, and 5.5, does a huge disservice to the community and violates one of the tenants of
redistricting in splitting communities of interest. When going to a five-member plan, more time needs to be spent
looking at whether four Latino majority districts can be drawn in a reasonable manner.
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, to close the Public Hearing.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
Motion: by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, to approve Map 5.7.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
2. ASSIGNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO OUTSIDE AGENCY BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES, AND APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS TO EXISTING COUNCIL AD-HOC &
SUB-COMMITTEES.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Assignments of outside Board and Committees for two-year period from February 2024 to February
2026;
2) Approve Resolution No. 2024-C09, Designating a Director and an Alternate of the Board of Directors
of the League of California Cities;
3) Approve Resolution No. 2024-C10, Appointing a City of Azusa Member to the City Selection
Committee;
4) Approve Resolution No. 2024-C11, Designating an Alternate Member to the Governing Board of the
County Sanitation District No. 22 of Los Angeles County;
5) Approve Resolution No. 2024-C12, Appointing Representative and Alternate Representative to the San
Gabriel Valley Council of Governments; and
6) Affirm or modify the existing Sub-Committee, Ad-Hoc Committee and Azusa Golden Day City
Council Representative appointments.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Council February 20, 2024 Page | 5
City Clerk Cornejo provided the staff presentation for the assignment of City Council Members to outside Agency
Boards and Committees, and approval of appointments to existing Council Ad-Hoc and Sub-Committees, and
responded to Council questions. City Council approved the following designations:
• Resolution No. 2024-C09, Designating Councilmember Avila Jr. as Director and Councilmember
Mendez as Alternate of the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities;
• Resolution No. 2024-C10, Appointing Representative Mayor Gonzales as City of Azusa Member to the
City Selection Committee;
• Resolution No. 2024-C11, Designating Mayor Robert Gonzales as Representative and Councilmember
Alvarez as an Alternate Member to the Governing Board of the County Sanitation District No. 22 of
Los Angeles County; Resolution No. 2024-C12, Appointing Mayor Gonzales as Representative and
Councilmember Beckwith as Alternate Representative to the San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments;
All appointments remained the same except the following:
• Gold Line II Joint Powers Authority – Alternate Councilmember Beckwith
• Azusa Golden Day City Council Representative Councilmember Gonzales
• Added SGVCOG Transportation Committee – Rep. Councilmember Beckwith
• Added Independent Cities Association – Rep. Councilmember Mendez
Motion: by Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, to approve all assignments as stated.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
3. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING FROM FEBRUARY 5, 2024 - APPEAL OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION’S DESIGN REVIEW DECISION TO ALLOW FOR THE EXPANSION OF AN
EXISTING 110-ROOM HOTEL AND PERMIT THE ADDITION OF 23 NEW GUEST ROOMS, AND
VARIANCE MODIFICATION REQUEST TO ALLOW FOR A REDUCTION IN PARKING SPACES
AT 229 SOUTH AZUSA AVENUE, AZUSA CALIFORNIA.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Motion to take off Calendar.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Economic and Community Development Jose Jimenez reported that staff continues to work with the
applicant on the appeal. Staff believes that a solution is forthcoming and requests that the hearing date be
continued indefinitely.
Mayor Gonzales continued the public hearing to a date uncertain.
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Gonzales called for items to be pulled from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Avila Jr. abstained from
item E-3 and Councilmember Alvarez abstained from item E-7.
1. Minutes of the City Council meeting dated January 16, 2024 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. 2024-C13 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the
same are to be paid for February 1, 2024 – February 14, 2024 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Council February 20, 2024 Page | 6
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. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2023 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
5. Purchase of 10KVA UPS Systems for the Azusa Police Department’s Call Center from Total Concept
Sales, not to exceed $63,500.00 was approved.
Total Cost: $63,500.00 (Grant) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 28-20-320-034-7140.
6. Waive competitive bidding as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2.521(a) and approve the
lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management for the lease of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
vehicle through the use of a bid with TIPS-USA; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the lease
agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management were approved.
Total Cost: $97,127.27 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 12-55-664-000-6823 and 34-55-664-000-6823
7. Award a construction contract in the amount of $157,770.80, which includes 10% for contingency for
potential change orders as needed, to Mission Paving and Sealing, Inc. for the Memorial Park North
Recreation Center Yard Resurfacing Project No. 41023B-7125 and Authorize the City Manager to execute
the project contract, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved.
Total Cost: $157,770.80 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-80-000-410-7125/41023B-7125
8. Review and adopt the following Resolution No. 2024-C14: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF AZUSA EXTENDING THE PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
CAUSED BY THE HOMELESS CRISIS; and Waive Section 2-538(d)(6) of the Azusa Municipal Code
and authorize the City Manager to execute contracts and purchase orders exceeding $50,000 on behalf of
the City for the completion of the Azusa Resource Center project was approved.
Total Cost: TBT Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 54-00-000-000 in project#11024A
9. Professional Services Agreement with Coachman Moore & Associates for All in for Azusa Project
Management Services, in an amount not to exceed $137,920; and Authorize the City Manager to execute
an Agreement with Coachman Moore & Associates, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of
the City, subject to non-substantive changes made by the City Manager and the City Attorney was
approved.
Total Cost: $137,920 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Canyon City Foundation funds ($27,920 28-25-410-151), the SAMHSA grant ($35,000
28-25-410-160), the California Department of Aging grant ($50,000 28-25-540-000), and the Family
Services budget ($25,000 10-25-543-100)
10. Professional Services Agreement with Totum Corp. for Senior Center Modernization Design, Construction
Documentation, Permit Submittal, Construction Administration & Construction Management, in an
amount not to exceed $455,680; and Authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement with Totum
Corp., in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City, subject to non-substantive changes
made by the City Manager and the City Attorney was approved.
Total Cost: $501,248 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-80-000-543-7125/54323A
11. Accept the $25,478 grant award from California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) was approved.
Total Cost: $25,478 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Grant
Fund/Account No: 2830515160
City Council February 20, 2024 Page | 7
12. Accept the $28,458 grant award from the California State Library was approved.
Total Cost: $28,458 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Grant
Fund/Account No: 2830513158
Motion: by Councilmember Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, to Adopt the Consent Calendar
items E-1–12, with Councilmember Avila Jr. abstaining on item E-3 and Councilmember Alvarez abstaining on
item E-7.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA (E-3 only), MAYOR PRO-TEM ALVAREZ (E-7 only)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of life-long resident Mr. Joel Styles.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:02 P.M.
** Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-C15 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-01
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R05 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
March 4, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
March 18, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting