HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 Minutes Regular Meeting March 4, 2024CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 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
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Marco Martinez, 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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government
Code, Section 54956.8
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: 201 N. Vernon Ave, Azusa (Mountain View Elementary School)
APN 8615-018-901
Negotiating Parties: Arturo Ortega, Superintendent
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government
Code, Section 54956.8
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: 1035 E. Mauna Loa Ave, Azusa (Powell Elementary School)
APN 8628-004-900
Negotiating Parties: Arturo Ortega, Superintendent
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase
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
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
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
City Council March 4, 2024 Page | 2
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Marco Martinez, 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 Azusa All-American Football Cheerleaders.
The Invocation was led by Deacon Mike Flores, Saint Frances of Romo Church.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Marco Martinez reported City Council met in closed session for three items and reported there were
no reportable actions for any of the three items.
CEREMONIAL
1. Proclamation declaring March 2024 as Women’s History Month.
Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez read aloud the proclamation signed by the Honorable Mayor Robert Gonzales and the
City Council declaring March 2024 as Women’s History Month.
2. Presentation of checks from the proceeds of the Casino Night Fundraiser to Azusa Little League Baseball,
Azusa Junior All-American Football, and Azusa Little League Softball.
Councilmember Avila Jr. thanked all sponsors, Azusa Connects, and the Azusa Eagles Club for facilitating the
City of Azusa’s 19th Annual Casino Night event, which allowed for a donation of $2,550 each to Azusa Little
League Baseball, Azusa Junior All-American Football, and Azusa Little League Softball.
3. Certificate of Recognition to Azusa Connects for hosting the 19th Annual Casino Night Event.
Mayor Gonzales presented the Certificate of Recognition to Azusa Connects Foundation for hosting the City of
Azusa 19th Annual Casino Night fundraiser.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Elder Spencer Smith, Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, requested that the City
Council partner for service opportunities. The church in Azusa has family history booths set up throughout the
town to educate individuals about genealogy and assist with connecting with ancestors who have passed.
Kim Antol thanked the City Council for their professionalism constantly displayed during the Public Hearings in
regard to the transition to the new district voting, always responding to emails, and the grace displayed during City
Council meetings when faced with the slings and narrows. She inquired about the rotational mayor basis and how
the first selection for the mayor for a year will work.
James Gutierrez requested that a ceasefire resolution be placed at the next City Council meeting. The situation in
Gaza has gotten out of control and being identified as genocide by most people in the world. Our government has
gone as far as doing food drops, which is interesting because our government is supplying Israel with weaponry
and money to buy more armament when the whole world is telling them to stop. These are populations of people
being corralled into certain areas and then indiscriminately fired upon. He implored the City Council to send a
message to the world that the City of Azusa sides with peace and love by placing a resolution at the next meeting.
Christian Sanchez commented that he was a local resident on behalf of the Palestinians suffering from genocide
funded by American tax dollars. The official count of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip alone is more than
30,000 and counting, and this number does not account for the thousands of other men, women, and children who
are either missing, trapped under rubble, or expected dead, as well as the two million children starving due to the
siege and blockade. He requested that the City Council bring about a resolution for a ceasefire to amplify the
voices of the people and to demand peace.
Jasmine Cardona expressed concern about the atrocities being committed in Palestine. She stated that having
grown up in Azusa attending Valleydale Elementary, Palo Elementary, Center Middle School, Gladstone High
School, and receiving a Master’s in Social Work at Azusa Pacific University, she has been fortunate to receive an
education that instilled in her the values of tolerance, empathy, and speaking up for those who cannot speak for
themselves. Silence is not an option when innocent lives are being lost. Ms. Cardona implored the City of Azusa to
City Council March 4, 2024 Page | 3
adopt a ceasefire resolution and join the ranks of over seventy cities, including Pomona, Cudahy, Seattle, and
Chicago. According to pcbs.gov, there have been over 30,000 deaths, with the majority being innocent mothers
and children. Just this week, hundreds of individuals approaching trucks carrying food were met with
indiscriminate bombing. A permanent ceasefire is needed to put an end to the senseless violence.
Uhania Fucchesca expressed concern about including any ceasefire resolution into the future agenda of the City
Council. She stated that as a member of Los Angeles County and member of the Jewish community, the City
Council must prioritize local issues and refrain from involvements in matters beyond jurisdiction. The research and
time required, as well as the boycotts and threats that will occur if the resolution is not passed will take an
enormous amount of time from the City Council. International affairs and resolutions are outside of the scope of
the cities. This will be a token of a much more global organization rather than grassroots.
** REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. City Manager Communication. **
City Manager Gonzalez announced the Annual State of the City Address will take place on Thursday, April 25, at
6 p.m.
** COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez congratulated Mesopotamia Pastry on the ribbon-cutting ceremony and expressed hope
that people would visit the bakery.
Councilmember Avila Jr. announced that the Azusa Police Foundation has scheduled two upcoming fundraising
events. The first event is a pancake breakfast at Applebee's on March 16, 2024. The second event will be held at
Urban Café on March 21, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Additionally, Mesopotamia Pastry, which is located at 670
East Foothill Boulevard, is a highly recommended bakery.
Councilmember Mendez announced that the Run with a Cop event last Thursday was fantastic. Big thanks to the
Doghouse Running Club for a great event. Primary voting was expected to have some of the lowest turnout in
recent history, which was shocking and surprising. Make sure to vote on March 5, 2024, in person or by mail.
Councilmember Beckwith expressed his gratitude towards the staff and all those who were involved in organizing
several events, which included the Mesopotamia Pastry ribbon-cutting and the Library Outdoor Learning Center
groundbreaking. He also thanked Mayor Gonzales for his comments directed towards the public speakers during
the current meeting. Councilmember Beckwith emphasized that the Council's focus should remain on local matters,
but the public speakers' comments are nonetheless appreciated. Make sure to get out and vote!
Mayor Gonzales stated that 2024 will be an extremely busy year. He encouraged everyone to exercise their
democratic right to vote for their preferred leadership for the primaries. Additionally, the highly anticipated Azusa
Greens Golf Course will be opening soon.
City Clerk Cornejo and Chief Deputy Garcia reminded everyone that voting will take place on March 5, 2024.
There is a drop-off location at the Azusa City Library and the voting centers are at Slauson Middle School, Citrus
College, Center Middle School, and Valleydale Park.
** SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. PUBLIC HEARING – FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING BY-DISTRICT
ELECTIONS, DEFINING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES, SCHEDULING ELECTIONS; AND
CHANGING THE OFFICE OF MAYOR FROM AN ELECTED OFFICE TO AN APPOINTED
OFFICE, PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA VOTING RIGHTS ACT.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Conduct a public hearing to receive and consider any public input and provide any further direction; and
2) Waive first reading, read by title only and introduce the following Ordinance No. 2024-01:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA
AMENDING SECTIONS 2-26, 2-27 AND 2-31 OF DIVISION I OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 2
OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING BY-DISTRICT ELECTIONS, DEFINING
DISTRICT BOUNDARIES, AND SCHEDULING ELECTIONS WITHIN THE DISTRICTS; AND
CHANGING THE OFFICE OF MAYOR FROM AN ELECTED OFFICE TO AN APPOINTED
OFFICE, PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA VOTING RIGHTS ACT
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Council March 4, 2024 Page | 4
City Attorney Martinez opened the item and presented detailed information regarding the history of Ordinance
2024-01 and to waive first reading, read by title only Ordinance No. 2024-01 establishing By-District elections,
defining district boundaries, scheduling elections; and changing the office of the Mayor from an elected office to
an appointed office, pursuant to the California Voting Rights Act.
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 February 23, 2024 and
February 28, 2024. There was no correspondence on the item.
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 Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr., to adopt First Reading Ordinance
No. 2024-01.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
** PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Continued from earlier)
Adriana Bautista requested that the City Council include the ceasefire resolution onto the next meeting agenda.
The resolution is really important because the federal government is not listening to the thousands of voices that
span generations across the country. Intelligence Officers are speaking out about technology that could be used to
distinguish innocent individuals from actual threats but is not being used. United States citizens are obligated to
speak out.
Phillip Gomez requested that a ceasefire resolution be included in the next City Council meeting agenda so the
City of Azusa can join other cities in opposition to the failure of our federal government.
Rachel Garcia commented that the federal government is listening to the will of the people. According to the most
recent Harris poll, 82% of people in the United States do support Israel. Israel did not want this war. They
retaliated, but never started a war. No decision that will be made by the Council today regarding any of these
international issues affects the City of Azusa. Israel also wants a ceasefire when the hostages are released.
Extending the City Council duties to international affairs would diminish the resources currently focusing on the
community. City Council’s legislate on issues related to police, schools, local ordinances, and the-like to be
effective.
City Clerk Cornejo advised that there were two letters forwarded to the City Council.
Mayor Gonzales remarked that he had some projects for Elder Spencer Smith. He thanked all public speakers for
participating, stating that the Council appreciates the passion of all participants. Unfortunately, the matters
presented are based on individuals at a higher threshold. The City Council has traditionally taken positions and
actions that directly affect the residents and businesses of Azusa. He thanked all participants for their courage and
passion, but the focus needs to be placed on the residents in Azusa.
2. PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERATION OF BILLBOARD RELOCATION AGREEMENT TO
REMOVE AN EXISTING INOPERATIVE DIGITAL READER BILLBOARD FROM 106 S. AZUSA
AVE AND CONSTRUCT A NEW DIGITAL BILLBOARD AT 250 E. 1ST STREET, AND ADOPT
ASSOCIATED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Continue Public Hearing to the March 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Council March 4, 2024 Page | 5
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 February 23, 2024.
Mayor Gonzales announced that the item would be continued to March 18, 2024.
Motion: by Councilmember Beckwith, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez, to continue Public Hearing to a date
certain of March 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
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-
9.
1. Minutes of the City Council meeting dated February 5, 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-C15 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the
same are to be paid for February 15, 2024 – February 28, 2024 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. Waive purchasing procedures as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-521 Cooperative,
piggyback and multiple bid purchasing with other agencies and approve the purchase and installation of
flooring in an amount not-to-exceed of $70,765.94, plus an allowance of $7,067.59 for potential change
orders. was approved.
Total Cost: $70,675.94 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Scout House CIP Fund 10-80-000-666-7125/66623A-7125
5. Waive purchasing procedures as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-521 Cooperative,
piggyback and multiple bid purchasing with other agencies and approve the purchase and installation of
flooring in an amount not-to-exceed of $80,071.35, plus an allowance of $8,007.13 for potential change
orders was approved.
Total Cost: $80,071.35 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-55-420-000-6493 & 10-55-666-000-6493
6. Authorize issuance of a purchase orders to National Fleet Group in the amount of $50,810.16 for the
purchase of a 2024 Dodge Durango Pursuit V-8 AWD and Black & White Emergency Vehicles in the
amount of $23,188.85 for retrofitting the vehicle, for a total purchase price of $73,998.51 was approved.
Total Cost: $73,998.51 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: TBT
7. Memorandum of Understanding between the Azusa Police Department and the ESGV SWAT Team was
approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
8. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement between the City of Azusa and Los Angeles Centers
City Council March 4, 2024 Page | 6
for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA), in substantially the form presented, for an initial one-year
term, for $216,000 was approved.
Total Cost: $216,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 2810110003-6625/PLH072-6625
9. Amend an existing Public Work contract by increasing the contract amount to a maximum of $145,000 for
Streetlight Restoration Specialists, Inc. The contract is for the preparation, priming, and repainting of street
lights, poles, and bollards in Downtown Azusa; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the Public
Works Contract and approve any non-substantive revisions, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on
behalf of the City was pulled for Special Call.
Total Cost: $145,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-80-000-662-7120/66222C-7120 (Downtown Improvements)
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, to Adopt the Consent Calendar
items E-1–8.
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-9.
9. REQUEST TO AMEND A CONTRACT WITH STREETLIGHT RESTORATION SPECIALISTS,
INC. TO PAINT STREET LIGHTS AND BOLLARDS IN DOWNTOWN AZUSA.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Amend an existing Public Work contract by increasing the contract amount to a maximum of $145,000 for
Streetlight Restoration Specialists, Inc. The contract is for the preparation, priming and repainting of street
lights, poles, and bollards in Downtown Azusa; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the Public Works
Contract and approve any non-substantive revisions, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the
City.
Total Cost: $145,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-80-000-662-7120/66222C-7120 (Downtown Improvements)
Councilmember Mendez requested an explanation of the work, including a breakdown as to what the City’s
investment in the downtown area, specifically for the painting and what that process looks like, and what guarantee
the City has that the work will be held up to that workman-like manner.
Public Works Staff answered that they collaborated with the contractor to conduct practice runs using various
methods when the project came to a halt. It was concluded that significantly more sanding and preparation work
should be done before applying an additional thicker layer of priming, followed by painting.
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith to Adopt Consent Calendar item E-
9.
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 life-long resident Mr. Joel Styles.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:36 P.M.
City Council March 4, 2024 Page | 7
** Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-C16 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-02
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R05 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
March 18, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
April 1, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting