HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-1 Minutes Regular Meeting July 15, 2024CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 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,
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 – EXISTING LITIGATION – Pursuant to California
Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case Name: City of Whittier, et al vs. Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los
Angeles: CASE NO. 23STCP03579
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM – Pursuant to
California Government Code, Section 54956.95
Case Name: Michael Bertelsen v. City of Azusa; WC Claim Nos. 4A220109GAA0001 and
402105D88G50001
3. 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), 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 (Non-Department Directors).
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION – Pursuant to California
Government Code, Section 54956.9(D)(2).
One Potential Case: BKK Working Group v. City of Azusa, et ak. (Related to disposal actions at the former
BKK Landfill, West Covina)
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.
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
City Council July 15, 2024 Page | 2
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 Arturo Ortega, AUSD Superintendent
The Invocation was led by Councilmember Beckwith
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 four items.
CEREMONIAL
None.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Arturo Ortega, Azusa Unified School District (AUSD) Superintendent, highlighted some of the district’s
achievements. In the first year of school reorganization, the Azusa Varsity Baseball team clinched the Division 8
CIF Championship and advanced to the CIF Southern California Regional Playoffs. He expressed gratitude for the
City’s role in celebrating and acknowledging the team. Furthermore, eight other Azusa High School athletic teams
reached the CIF this past year: cross-country, girls’ soccer, boys’ soccer, girls’ volleyball, girls’ wrestling, boys’
wrestling, badminton, and softball. This year has been extraordinary for Azusa High School sports, and we eagerly
anticipate continued athletic success. For the third consecutive year, an AUSD student has secured first place in the
31st Congressional District Art Contest. He congratulated Angelina Gonzalez on her victory, which includes a trip
to Washington D.C. to be honored alongside other Congressional Art District winners. Her artwork will be
exhibited at the Nation’s Capital for a year. Last week, two Azusa High School Career and Technical Education
Academies received national accolades. The Academy of Engineering was recognized as a NAF Model Academy
for providing high-quality educational experiences for high school students. The Health Academy was a runner-up
for the prestigious Sanford Academy of Excellence Award, which acknowledges a select number of NAF
Academies that exhibit high standards. The California Department of Education designated Sierra High School as a
model continuation high school in the State of California. In addition to this recognition, Sierra High School also
received a CCEA Plus exemplary program recognition for offering AP courses to its students. The District is
progressing with its Surplus Property Process. On May 7, 2024, the Board of Education passed a resolution
intending to sell property. The RFPs were publicly posted, and today marked the deadline for all RFP submissions.
He advised that the school district has been diligently preparing for the first day of school on August 22, 2024,
throughout the summer.
Evelyn Ochoa voiced her concerns about Lumia, a property currently under construction. She revealed that she and
her family moved in last week and are already regretting their decision due to numerous miscommunications. She
was under the impression that the entire second floor would be finished and that there would be no further
construction. However, the site is still under construction and not suitable for living, especially with an eleven-
month-old baby. She expressed her desire to terminate the lease and find a more habitable place. She was informed
that breaking the lease would cost around $8,000, which she deemed unfair. She described the site as hazardous,
with dust, debris, and trash bags scattered everywhere, and doors left open with cords strewn about. She reached
out to Stay Housed LA and spoke to a paralegal who attempted to locate the certificate of occupancy but was
unsuccessful. The leasing staff at Lumia insisted that there is a certificate of occupancy approved by the LA
County Fire Department, despite the apparent fire hazards.
City Manager Gonzalez responded to Ms. Ochoa’s comments and stated that staff would look into the issue
immediately to ensure that life and safety issues are addressed.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. ‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control
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Mayor Gonzales informed that the pet of the month would not be attending the meeting; however, he emphasized
the success of the program. The featured animal will be displayed on the website, and residents are urged to
consider adoption.
2. City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez alerted residents, the business community, and visitors about the major repaving
construction set to resume on Foothill Boulevard in August.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez invited the community to join the Azusa Police Department at the Azusa Senior Center on
July 26, 2024, for a discussion on individual safety and community issues. He also mentioned the upcoming Night
Against Crime National Night Out on August 6, 2024, at the Azusa Police Department. Hopefully, everyone had a
great Fourth of July holiday. He shared his experience at the Independent Cities Association (ICA) Conference at
Coronado Island, where topics related to RHNA and strategies for increasing budget revenue were discussed.
Councilmember Avila Jr. announced several Summer Concerts at the Park events, reminding that the concert on
July 23, 2024, would be on a Tuesday night. He also mentioned the Family Game Night hosted by the Azusa
Community Resource Department on July 19, 2024, at Memorial Park. He expressed gratitude to the staff and the
technical group for setting up the current outdoor meeting.
Councilmember Mendez announced a Summer Reading Mini Carnival scheduled on July 23, 2024, at Veterans
Freedom Park. He informed that the Azusa Community Pool is open with a variety of upcoming events. He shared
his experience at the ICA Conference, highlighting the informative discussions led by FBI representatives on
various threats.
Councilmember Beckwith announced that he attended the ICA Conference and agreed with colleagues that it was a
very robust program. It is always good to learn new things, connect with other elected officials, and improve the
service and representation for the City of Azusa. He mentioned the ribbon-cutting event at the new Mesa Wind
Project, which now houses eight huge windmills which will produce about one-third of the City’s electricity. He
thanked the Azusa Police Department for their work over the Fourth of July holiday, including Council Member
Mendez who assisted with directing traffic. He commended the Parks and Recreation Department for the summer
programs that they have been putting on. There will be events on July 9 and July 16, 2024, with Rancho Vasquez
Farms regarding cooking and tasting with avocados. The Read, Renew, and Repeat Program has two remaining
events scheduled for July 9 and July 16, 2024, and on July 23, 2024, there will be a carnival event. A Teen DIY
Acrylic Beach Charm event will take place on July 18, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. The Level Up at Azusa Library
regarding open gaming is scheduled for July 27, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mayor Gonzales expressed concern over the trash, traffic impacts, and instances of individuals barbequing in the
brush over the Fourth of July holiday. He expressed his intention to develop a plan for Labor Day. He announced
the Youth Boxing Showcase event at the NRC on August 3, 2024, and the 15th Annual Kathy’s Cool Cuts event on
August 18, 2024. He also discussed a Citizens Initiative tied to Measure H and expressed the need to inform
resident about the measure.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE RENAMING OR HONORING OF ROUTE 66 ALONG THE CITY OF
AZUSA SEGMENT OF ALOSTA AVENUE
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Consider ECD Staff’s Presentation on how to best honor Route 66 along the portion of Alosta Avenue
within the City of Azusa and provide further direction.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez presented the item for discussion regarding the possible
renaming or honoring of Route 66 along the portion of Alosta Avenue within the City of Azusa and responded to
Council questions.
Councilmembers provided feedback and requested the item be brought back with some ideas and have a goal of
having it ready for 2026.
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
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Mayor Gonzales called for items to be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
1. Minutes of the City Council meeting dated June 3, 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-C36 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the
same are to be paid for June 13, 2024 – July 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); and the attached Side Letter of Agreement between the City and the
Unrepresented job classification of Training Coordinator related to double-time for Overtime Pay and
Compensatory Time off pay in the performance of the Police Department’s payroll were approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. Resolution No. 2024-C39: 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
5. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Cities of Azusa, Duarte, and Irwindale, and the San
Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for SB 104 funding were approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
6. Acceptance of project completion for the purchase, delivery, and installation of prefabricated housing units
for the Azusa Resource Center was approved.
Total Cost: $1,828,343.00 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 54-00-000-000-6625/11024A-6625
7. Increase Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Blanket Purchase Order for Best, Best & Krieger, LLP No. 039195 and
FY 2024/2025 Blanket Purchase Order were approved.
Total Cost: $325,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Partially
Fund/Account No: 10-09-000-000-6301
8. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Reports of Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances for
the month of April 2024 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
9. Award a contract for the Foothill Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation Project (66125A-7120 and 66125B-
7120) – Phase II; 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: $2,011,569 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: $1,223,937 in Account 04-80-000-000-7120/66124A-7120; $787,632 to Account Acct.
05-80-000-661-7120/66124B-7120
10. Accept completion of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Sidewalk and ADA
Improvements Project No. 602600-23; and file a Notice of Completion were approved
Total Cost: $103,200 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 18-35-910-000-7176/602600-7176
11. Approve Professional Services Agreement with Guadagno & Sons to operate a three-day carnival for
weekend of October 18-20, 2024; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services
City Council July 15, 2024 Page | 5
Agreement, 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 were approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
12. Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program Agreement for Grant Year 2024-2025 between the State of California
CHP and the City of Azusa Police Department; and Approve the purchase of a fully outfitted DUI
Enforcement Patrol Vehicle and DUI Enforcement Operations offered through the reimbursable CTFGP
2024-2025 in an amount not-to-exceed $113,345.60 were approved
Total Cost: $113,345.60 (Grant) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: TBT
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.
1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
DATED MAY 2, 2024 – JULY 15, 2024.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-R10 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 Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, to adopt Resolution No. 2024-R10
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
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Ms. Blanch Weir.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:34 P.M.
** Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-C40 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-03
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R11 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
City Council July 15, 2024 Page | 6
NEXT MEETINGS:
August 5, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting - Cancelled
August 19, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting