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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-18-2024 Minutes Regular MeetingCITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 18, 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 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 LABOR NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.6 City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager and Talika M. Johnson, Director of Administrative Services Organizations: SEIU (Service Employees International Union- Local 721), ACEA (Azusa City Employees Association), AMMA (Azusa Mid-Management Association), APOA (Azusa Police Officers Association), APMA (Azusa Police Management Association), APEA (Azusa Police Executive Association), CAPP (Civilian Association of Police Personnel), and Unrepresented. 4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1) Case Name: Richard R. Salazar and Kristi Salazar v. City of Azusa; Case No. 21STCV14933 City Council March 18, 2024 Page | 2 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY 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: 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 Jorge Galvez The Invocation was led by Venerable Patch Sotthijanyo, Dhammakaya International Meditation Center CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney Martinez reported City Council met in closed session for four items and reported there were no reportable actions for any of the four items. CEREMONIAL None. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Sissy Lee extended an invitation to the community to attend meditation classes at the Peace Point Meditation Center in the City of Azusa (Azusa). The meditation sessions are non-religious, scheduled every Thursday evening from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday morning from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. The community is also invited to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Outdoor Candlelight Meditation event on March 23, 2024 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Registration opens at 5:30 p.m. to embrace the opportunity for inner reflection, rejuvenation, and deliberation from stress. Visit peacepointmeditation.org to learn more and to make a reservation. Adrian Greer, Executive Board Member of the Azusa Ministerial Association, invited Azusa Councilmembers and the community to attend the Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast event scheduled for March 27, 2024 at the Azusa Greens Golf Course. The event will have some notable guests, including Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, the owner of In -N-Out Burger, and Sean Ellingson, the co-founder of Slave2Nothing and Army of Love. The Azusa Pacific University (APU) Gospel Choir will also perform at the event. City Clerk Cornejo stated his office received a letter from Philip Campa regarding the proposed district maps, which was forwarded to Council. REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL 1. ‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control Mayor Gonzales announced that Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control staff were unable to attend the meeting. He presented a flyer for Clover, a two-year-old spayed female bulldog mix available for adoption. Clover is thirty-nine pounds and loves to snuggle and play. Call or visit animalcare.lacounty.gov to adopt. Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia stated adoptions have been very successful since the program began, with pets usually finding homes by the following day or within the week. 2. City Manager Communication City Manager Gonzalez suggested the Azusa Humane Society be formally recognized for the exceptional help provided to a Senior Center member who had a pet in need. He advised that item D-3 was postponed and requested that it be removed from the current agenda. A significant Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is City Council March 18, 2024 Page | 3 moving forward with Foothill Boulevard. The project involves three phases: Phase I will address problematic sidewalk areas, Phase II will focus on roadway improvements, and Phase III will involve the construction of center medians. The project is expected to take approximately four months to complete. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez announced that there will be two fundraising events on March 21, 2024: one at Doghouse for the Victor Hodge PTA and another at Cafe Urbane for the Azusa Police Foundation. Councilmember Avila Jr. announced that Azusa Connects will host its second annual Autism Awareness & Acceptance walk on April 7, 2024, from noon to 3 p.m. at Azusa High School. Thanks to Manuel Carrillo, Director of Recreation and Community Services for the City of Baldwin Park, for allowing the City of Azusa to participate in the Veterans Memorial exhibit The Wall That Heals. Thanks also to the VFW, American Legion, Azusa Police Department, and the community for the support and participation. Councilmember Mendez announced that the Doghouse Giving Back event at the Doghouse Beer Garden was scheduled for March 21, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The light poles in the downtown south are being sanded, primed, and painted nicely. He requested a Certificate of Recognition be awarded to Maria and Frank Delgadillo, founders of the Azusa Pacers, for their work in preparing around ninety individuals to run in the Ventura and Los Angeles marathons. Councilmember Beckwith stated that the opening days of Little League and softball are always a joyous celebration and a sign of spring. Azusa Connects held a fundraiser on March 16, 2024, and the Azusa Police Department (APD) Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament is upcoming. The Chamber Mixer at Munoz & Munoz was great, and the host did a nice job. Shoutout to Sandals Church and Foothill Community Church for providing services to the community on March 17, 2024. A subcommittee of the Watershed Conservation Authority (WCA) that oversees the Rosedale open space is conducting a biological survey of the plant life so that a plan can be created for controlling any invasive species that exists. Mayor Gonzales expressed his gratitude to Congresswoman Grace Napolitano for visiting Azusa and speaking with Caltrans in regard to extending and opening Highway 39. The community will have an opportunity to express their thoughts during a public meeting April 16, 2024, at 6 p.m. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about the Vulcan Azusa Rock project. He requested permission to present a certificate to celebrate In-N-Out’s 75th Anniversary at a future meeting. SCHEDULED ITEMS 1. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING FROM MARCH 4, 2024 – REQUEST TO APPROVE A BILLBOARD RELOCATION AGREEMENT TO REMOVE AN EXISTING INOPERATIVE DIGITAL READER OFF-PREMISE SIGN FROM 106 S. AZUSA AVE AND CONSTRUCT A NEW DIGITAL BILLBOARD AT 250 E. 1ST STREET, AZUSA, CA, AND ADOPT RELATED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Open the public hearing, receive testimony and closed public hearing; 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-C16; approving the Billboard Relocation Agreement and adopt related Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation and Monitoring Report for the project, and, 3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Billboard Relocation Agreement and Temporary Construction Easement, approve any non-substantive revisions, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A Economic and Community Development Planning Manager Knarik Vizcarra presented the staff presentation regarding Resolution No. 2024-C16 approving the Billboard Relocation Agreement and adopt related Mitigated Negative Declaration and responded to Council questions. Applicant and President of Bulletin Displays Mark Cutler responded to Council questions. Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing and noted publication was previously recorded when the hearing began. A member of the public stated that adopting Resolution No. 2024-C16 would be helpful for the VFW as well as the community. City Council March 18, 2024 Page | 4 Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr., 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 Resolution No. 2024-C16; approving the Billboard Relocation Agreement and adopt related Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation and Monitoring Report for the project, and Authorize the City Manager to execute the Billboard Relocation Agreement and Temporary Construction Easement, approve any non-substantive revisions, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Motion passed 5-0-0 2. CONSIDERATION OF A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FROM ONELEGACY TO CONDUCT A ONE AND FIVE KILOMETER RUN-WALK FAMILY FESTIVAL ON AND AROUND THE AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY WEST CAMPUS AND THROUGH THE ROSEDALE COMMUNITY IN THE CITY OF AZUSA. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Special Event Permit Agreement for OneLegacy’s Donate Life 1K/5K Run Walk, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; 2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Reimbursement Agreement for OneLegacy’s Donate Life 1K/5K Run Walk, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and 3) Adopt a Resolution No. 2024-C17 authorizing the closure of certain City of Azusa streets as discussed herein for a limited time, in order to allow for the event to take place Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A Economic and Community Development Planning Manager Knarik Vizcarra provided the staff presentation and responded to Council questions and comments. Motion: by Councilmember Beckwith, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez, authorizing the City Manager to execute the Special Event Permit Agreement for OneLegacy’s Donate Life 1K/5K Run Walk, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; authorize the City Manager to execute the Reimbursement Agreement for OneLegacy’s Donate Life 1K/5K Run Walk, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and adopt a Resolution No. 2024-C17 authorizing the closure of certain City of Azusa streets as discussed herein for a limited time, in order to allow for the event to take place. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Motion passed 5-0-0 2. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION AND WAIVER OF FEES FOR COMMUNITY EVENT ON MAY 4, 2024 IN CELEBRATION OF CINCO DE MAYO. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Consider and approve the request for a Special Event Permit to allow for a one-time community boxing event on May 4, 2024; 2) Authorize the closure of the public parking lot for the duration of the event; 3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Special Event Permit Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and City Council March 18, 2024 Page | 5 4) Make a finding that the community at-large will receive a public benefit from the expenditure of funds for the recommended items and waive associated costs CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL Mayor Gonzales called for items to be pulled from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Mendez pulled item E-8 for Special Call. 1. Minutes of the City Council meeting dated February 20, 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-C18 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid for February 29, 2024 – March 13, 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. Request to purchase replacement office furniture in the amount of $84,915.00, from D&R Office Works, Incorporated; and the waiving of bidding requirements per Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-521 Cooperative, piggyback and multiple awarded bid purchasing with other agencies were approved. Total Cost: $84,915.00 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 46 20 310 000 7140 5. Authorize the City Manager to accept 2023 Cal OES Hazard Mitigation Grant Program in the amount of $119,970, with a local match of $13,330, and execute any necessary contract(s) with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Service (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was approved. Total Cost: $133,300.00 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: N/A 6. Authorize the City Manager to execute all contracts, reports, and other documents required for receiving such funds pursuant to the terms and conditions of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) was approved. Total Cost: $ 50,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: 28-20-310-107 7. Waive formal sealed bids in accordance with Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-523 Section B, Computer Software Maintenance; and Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve a three-year renewal of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with Dell Incorporated from May 31, 2024 – May 31, 2027 for licensing and software assurance in the amount of $176,122.74 annually were approved. Total Cost: $176,122.74 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: #48-49-930-000-7143, #48-49-942-000-7143, #48-49-942-000-6504, #48-49-942-000-6504 8. Increase to the Yunex blanket purchase order in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000 was approved. Total Cost: $200,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Gas Tax Fund (12-55-661-000-6493) 9. General Services Agreement between the City of Azusa and the County of Los Angeles for a five-year period, commencing July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2029 was approved Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Various Accounts 10. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of January 2024 was approved. City Council March 18, 2024 Page | 6 Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 11. Accept the project improvements; and Authorize Staff to file a Notice of Completion for the Arrow Highway Street Resurfacing and Highway Safety Improvements Project No. HSIPL-5112(019) – Phase I; and Authorize Staff to file a Notice of Completion for the Arrow Highway Parkway & Median Improvements Project – Phase II; and Authorize Staff to utilize the balance of the grant fund secured by ALW ($44,367) to cover the drought tolerant and efficient irrigation systems constructed in Phase II were approved Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 12. Award a contract in the amount of $1,975,937.70, which includes a 10% contingency in the amount of $179,630 for potential change orders as needed, to CT&T Concrete Paving Inc.; and Authorize the City Manager to execute contracts, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City were approved. Total Cost: $1,975,937.70 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Prop C (Acct. 17-80-000-661-7120/66218A/66124A/66224B); Citywide Sidewalk Improvements (Acct. 10-80-000-662-7120/66222B-7120); Measure M (Fund 04); Underground Conductor & Development (33-40-733-670-7145; LACMTA Local-Return Funds (HIP Funds Balance); LACMTA Local- Return Funds (STP-L Funds Balance) 13. Receive and file the 2023 Housing Elements Annual Progress Report was approved Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 14. Waive competitive bidding process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2.521(a) and approve the contract to purchase three vehicles through National Auto Fleet Group; Approve the purchase of one 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid by utilizing AB2766 Funds; and Authorize the City Manager or his designees to utilize the U.S. Department of Energy EECBG allocation consisting of the City of Azusa’s funding formula of $112,520 for the purchase of two 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Trucks were approved. Total Cost: $170,366.26 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 28-35-643-000-7135 / $112,520.00; 27-25-523-000-7135 / $42,712.34; 10-35-630-000-7135 / $15,133.92 15. Accept the project improvements; and Authorize Staff to file a Notice of Completion for the Azusa Resource Center Asphalt Project were approved Total Cost: $98,700 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 54-00-000-000-6625 Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez, to Adopt the Consent Calendar items E-1–7 and E-9–15. 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-8. 8. APP ROVAL OF INCREASE TO BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve an increase to the Yunex blanket purchase order in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000. Total Cost: $200,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes City Council March 18, 2024 Page | 7 Fund/Account No: Gas Tax Fund (12-55-661-000-6493) Director of Public Works Robert Delgadillo provided information and responded to Council questions. Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith to approve the Consent Calendar item E-8. 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 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) Read by title only, second reading and Adopt 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 Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith to approve the Read be title only, second reading and Adopt 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 CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS. 1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED FEBRUARY 1, 2024 THROUGH MARCH 13, 2024. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-R05 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds. 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 Resolution No. 2024-R05 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out 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 City Council March 18, 2024 Page | 8 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Mr. Mark Hoke, a former City employee of the Azusa Parks and Recreation Department. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:42 P.M. ** Items heard out of order __________________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-C19 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-02 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R06 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: April 1, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting April 15, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting