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Home My WebLink About04-15-2024 Minutes Regular MeetingCITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AZUSA UTILITY BOARD MONDAY, APRIL 15, 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 (arrived late), 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 LEGAL COUNSEL – WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.95 Case Name: Jonathan Rush v. City of Azusa; WC Claim Nos. 4021037D14D0001 and 4A21120GKAG0001 2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.6 City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager, Talika M. Johnson, Director of Administrative Services and Nico De Anda-Scaia, Deputy City Manager Organizations: SEIU (Service Employees International Union- Local 721), and ACEA (Azusa City Employees Association) 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 City Council April 15, 2024 Page | 2 Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia, Library Services Manager Hassen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. Debbie Ramos The Invocation was led by Pastor Bonnie Powell, Redeemed Life Church CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney Marco Martinez reported City Council met in closed session for two items and reported there were no reportable actions for any of the two items. He clarified that Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez did not participate in the discussion on Item 1 regarding the Workers Compensation Claim due to his delayed arrival to the meeting. CEREMONIAL None. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Mr. Antonio expressed concerns about the parking situation in the alley, which has been causing him difficulties in accessing his residence. He stated that he has called the police, but the non-emergency nature of the situation results in delayed responses. He highlighted a problem with disruptive neighbors residing at 224 North Dalton Avenue and sought a resolution. He also noted that the alley’s cleanliness is compromised as the trash sweeping truck is not performing its duties effectively and residents are neglecting to retrieve their trash cans. Mayor Gonzales directed Staff to investigate and devise a solution to address Mr. Antonio’s concerns. REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL 1. ‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control Officer Deanda introduced Pet of the Month Mila and displayed her details on the screen. Mila, a 14-week-old shorthaired mix of Chihuahua and Pug, is available for adoption at the Baldwin Park Animal Center, located at 4275 Elton Street. 2. City Manager Communications City Manager Gonzalez announced the Annual State of the City Address is scheduled for April 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Azusa City Auditorium. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez reminded everyone that it was Tax Day and expressed his hope that all had filed their taxes. He regretfully missed the grand opening of the new Starbucks on Azusa Avenue and voiced his disappointment over the negative comments on Facebook about the new establishment. He emphasized that every neighborhood deserves positive developments and proudly mentioned his upbringing on the South side of Azusa. Councilmember Avila Jr. expressed appreciation for the successful ribbon-cutting ceremony at Starbucks. He had the privilege of meeting the developer of the Starbucks outlet and shared that the developer praised the City of Azusa as one of the best cities he has worked with. He also commended the staff and community for their participation in the Eco-Fair event, which had an impressive turnout. Councilmember Mendez also congratulated staff and Ms. Miki Carpenter for the successful Eco-Fair. He thought the axe-throwing was a really cool touch and expressed his desire to include it again next year. With the upcoming summer break at Azusa Pacific University (APU), he announced the opening of a super-sub position, a volunteer opportunity available for two hours on two days a week. He encouraged interested individuals to contact Mr. Carlos at (626) 969-7051. Councilmember Mendez also expressed his frustration over the negative online comments about the new Starbucks. He highlighted that the lot, which had been vacant for most of his time in the city, now houses a Starbucks, which he considers a fantastic development. He suggested exploring community collaboration to enhance the area, particularly the trashcan receptacle wall. Councilmember Beckwith shared his joy of participating in the Starbucks grand opening and was pleased to see the space being utilized. He celebrated the Library’s 65th building anniversary and extended his congratulations to Athens and all those who participated in the compost-mulch giveaway. He thanked Azusa Connects and the group involved for the Autism Walk. He praised the Harbor Day Celebration, particularly the Eco-Fair. He announced a meeting at the Azusa City Auditorium on April 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., regarding State Route-39 City Council April 15, 2024 Page | 3 (SR-39), discussing the potential reopening of the route that has been closed since the 1970s. He also mentioned the upcoming OneLegacy Celebrate Life Run/Walk event scheduled for April 27, 2024, at APU’s West Campus. Mayor Gonzales highlighted that a total of twenty tons of compost and mulch were distributed at the free compost-mulch event hosted by Athens Services. He extended thanks to the Athens Services staff, Azusa Raiders volunteers, and all those who contributed to the success of the event. The City’s Annual Shred-A-Thon is scheduled for April 20, 2024, offering residents and businesses a simple service to safely shred their paper goods between 9:00 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Azusa Light & Water Parking Lot. Mayor Gonzales advised that he and Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez serve on the Ad-Hoc Committee with the Riverbed Working Group. He proudly announced that the number of encampments in the riverbed, which stood at 321 in 2019, has been reduced to zero as of last week. He extended his congratulations to Ms. Miki Carpenter for the impressive turnout at the Eco-Fair. He also mentioned the upcoming fundraiser hosted by Agriculture Future of America (AFA) on April 19, 2024, at the Doghaus at 6:00 p.m., where 20% of the proceeds will be allocated towards scholarship funds. He announced the Family Cumbia Night event, scheduled for May 3, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Youth & Family North Recreation Center in Memorial Park. This event is being organized in collaboration with the Azusa School District. Congratulations to Chief of Police Wenrick on the revival of the Azusa Police Cadet Program. He informed that those interested in becoming a cadet for the Azusa Police Department must be between the ages of 14-20, obtain a background check, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, secure medical clearance, complete a parent/guardian form, and undergo orientation training. He announced a Public Hearing regarding the reopening of Highway 39 on April 16, 2024, and encouraged the community to attend and provide input during the meeting. SCHEDULED ITEMS 1. INTRODUCTION – FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3-3 OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE THE SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY MANAGER FROM $25,000 TO $50,000 FOR RESOLVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Waive further reading, read by title only, and introduce Ordinance No. 2024-02; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, AMENDING SECTIONS 3-3 OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE THE SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY MANAGER FROM $25,000 TO $50,000 FOR RESOLVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY. Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A Director of Administrative Services Talika Johnson provided the staff presentation for the Municipal Code to increase the settlement authority of the City Manager from $25,000 to $50,000 for resolving claims against the City and responded to Council questions. City Manager Gonzalez advised that they could develop a system of claims that have been settled under his authority in a separate communication to Mayor Gonzales. Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr., to waive further reading, read by title only, and introduce the First Reading of Ordinance No. 2024-02. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Motion passed 5-0-0 2. FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 MID-CYCLE BUDGET REVIEW. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-C20, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Azusa adopting mid-year budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024; 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-UB01, A Resolution of the Utility Board of the City of Azusa adopting mid- year budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024; City Council April 15, 2024 Page | 4 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-R07, A Resolution of the Successor Agency for the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Azusa adopting mid-year budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024; 4) Receive, review, and file Fiscal Year 2023/24 Second Quarter Budget-to-Actual report ending December 31, 2023; and 5) Provide input and direction on recommended changes for the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Annual Budget before its adoption in June 2024. Total Cost: $1,247,046 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: Various Citywide Funds Director of Administrative Services Johnson presented the staff report reviewing the mid-year budget adjustments for Fiscal Year 2023-24 and the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Budget and responded to Council questions. City Manager Gonzalez informed the Council that he, along with Director of Administrative Services Johnson and Budget & Revenue Manager Richard Lam, have been collaborating closely with Waste Management. The shortfall in processed materials will be offset by a one-time use tax applicable to major out-of-state purchases, which will directly benefit the City. He further added that Waste Management is expected to operate more efficiently and process more materials once their renovations are complete. Mayor Gonzales announced an amendment to item #2, stating that Resolution No. 2024-UB01 should be corrected to Resolution No. 2024-UB02. Motion: by Councilmember Beckwith, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr., to Adopt Resolution No. 2024- C20, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Azusa adopting mid-year budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024; Adopt Resolution No. 2024- UB02, A Resolution of the Utility Board of the City of Azusa adopting mid-year budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024; Adopt Resolution No. 2024- R07, A Resolution of the Successor Agency for the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Azusa adopting mid-year budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024; and Receive, review, and file Fiscal Year 2023/24 Second Quarter Budget-to-Actual report ending December 31, 2023. 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. 1. Minutes of the City Council meeting dated March 18, 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-C21 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid for March 28, 2024 – April 10, 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. Resolution No. 2024-C22: A RESOLUTION 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 City Council April 15, 2024 Page | 5 5. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of February 2024 was approved. Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 6. Resolution No. 2024-C23, authorizing the closure of certain City of Azusa streets for the Canyon City Classic 5K/10K/Cutie Fun Run 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 Beckwith, to Adopt the Consent Calendar. 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 None. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS. None. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:28 P.M. ** Items heard out of order ______________________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-C24 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-03 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R08 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: May 6, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting May 20, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting