The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutE-1 Minutes Regular Meeting Novermber 18, 2024CITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18 – 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, Interim City Clerk Services Manager Demirjian, Deputy City Clerk Hernandez. SCHEDULED ITEMS 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.95 Case Name: Stephan Hunt v. City of Azusa WC Claim No. AZUA-1748 2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AND SPECIAL AZUSA UTILITY BOARD 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 Martinez, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, General Manager of Utilities Singh, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Interim City Clerk Services Manager Demirjian, Deputy City Clerk Hernandez, Library Services Manager Hassen, Senior Planner Alvarado. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Superintendent Arturo Ortega. CONSENT ITEM E-1 City Council November 18, 2024 Page | 2 The Invocation was led by Pastor Dan Simpson, The Rising Movement Church. CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney Marco Martinez reported the City Council met in closed session for two items and reported there were no reportable actions. CEREMONIAL None. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Arturo Ortega, Superintendent of Azusa Unified School District (AUSD), shared highlights and information about the district. Azusa High School students competed in the HOSA State Future Health Professionals competition, where recent graduate Hector Hernandez received the Barbara James Community Award. The award recognizes students who are contributing members of their communities and perform volunteer community service, particularly related to health. AHS junior JD Anteberos placed eighth in the State for the Medical Assistant category. Gladstone Middle School student Gilbert Ballesteros was selected to participate in the prestigious 2024 Youth Orchestra Los Angeles National Festival with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This is the second year that Gilbert Ballesteros earned a spot in the highly competitive, all expenses paid summer program at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Azusa High School Mark Rodriguez received one of the 2024 Yale Educator Awards, which is a worldwide recognition for educating educators who have inspired students to achieve at high levels. Out of 320 nominees, only 75 teachers are deemed with this prestigious recognition. Mr. Ortega stated that AHS athletic teams continue to excel, and in the girls’ sports, the flag football, tennis, and volleyball teams all made it to CIF this year. The girls’ flag football and girls’ volleyball team made it to the quarterfinals. Improvements to facilities and safety protocols continue. Last week, staff received training on CENTEGIX. He thanked the Azusa Police Department for their partnership with the implementation of strategies. The Board of Education has approved the purchase and sale agreements for the former Mountain View, Powell, Ellington, and Adult Education sites. He extended thanks to the City for all that is done for the community and in partnership with the Azusa School District. REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL 1. ‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control Azusa Animal Control Officer introduced Moki, a black, neutered, Australian cattle dog mix. Moki is available for adoption at the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center. 2. City Manager Communications City Manager Gonzalez announced that the City’s second Annual Cruising Back 2 Route 66 Car Show was a very successful event. Approximately 5,000 people were estimated to have visited the City and spent their tax dollars on local businesses. He thanked all City departments who worked together to ensure the event was successful. Operations will be impacted during the significant remodel of the library. The new Council swearing in ceremony is scheduled for December 11, 2024. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez thanked all who attended the Veteran’s Day event at City Hall on November 11, 2024. The Annual Cruising Back 2 Route 66 Car Show was a big success. He advised that the Community Resources Department was announcing the Festival of Lights, scheduled for December 7, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at City Hall. The Hearts for the Hungry event is scheduled for November 23, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Councilmember Avila Jr. announced that on November 30, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Azusa Household Hazardous and E-Waste Collection Day will be held at Veolia Environmental Services. Adult Craft Night Paint a Snowman is scheduled for December 2, 2024, at the Azusa Library. He thanked all who helped put together the Veteran’s Day event. Councilmember Mendez announced that the library is hosting a holiday craft hour with Mr. and Mrs. Mouse on December 3, 2024. He thanked staff for an incredible second annual car show. He asked about the City’s Marijuana and anti-smoking policy. Councilmember Beckwith announced that the library would be offering a free chance to get a State Park pass and hiking backpack. He thanked all for the car show’s great success. He also thanked the staff who were involved in putting on the Veteran’s Day event. The Foothill Gold Line is expanding one of their pilot programs to try and improve the experience on the Metro. He reported attending a lunch for retiring U.S. Congresswoman Grace City Council November 18, 2024 Page | 3 Napolitano. He asked for staff to consider pedestrian access for the Great Park. He wished all a Happy Thanksgiving. Mayor Gonzales wished colleagues and the community a very well-deserved Happy Thanksgiving. He advised that he got invited to the City of El Monte Council Member Vicky Martinez Muela’s last Council meeting on December 3, 2024 and requested a certificate on behalf of the City of Azusa. SCHEDULED ITEMS 1. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AZUSA CITY COUNCIL AMENDING SECTION 88.42.190 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO COMPLY WITH RECENT CHANGES IN STATE LAW; AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER SECTION 21080.17 OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Open the public hearing, receive testimony and close public hearing; and 2) Find that the adoption of the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") under Public Resources Code section 21080.17; and 3) Waive full reading and introduce for first reading by title only. Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A Senior Planner in the Planning Division Anthony Alvarado provided the staff report and history of the item and responded to Councilmember questions. City Attorney Marco Martinez advised that ADU law already states that there cannot be a requirement made for additional parking for a new ADU. The new law states that there cannot be a requirement for replacement parking when tearing down parking in order to construct an ADU. Council Member Mendez commented that he wanted to push back against this and see if the City gets challenged. Mayor Gonzales opened the public hearing and requested Proof of Publication. City Clerk Cornejo stated notice was provided in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune newspaper on November 7, 2024. Motion: by Councilmember Beckwith, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez, to close the public hearing. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Motion passed 5-0-0 Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, to Open the public hearing, receive testimony and close public hearing; and Find that the adoption of the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") under Public Resources Code section 21080.17; and 3) Waive full reading and introduce for first reading by title only. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, 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. No items were pulled; consent calendar was taken in one motion. 1. Minutes of the City Council meeting dated October 21, 2024 was approved as written. Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A City Council November 18, 2024 Page | 4 2. Resolution No. 2024-C65 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid for dated October 31, 2024 – November 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) was 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 August 2024 was approved. Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 5. City Council Meeting Schedule for 2025 was approved. Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A 6. Third amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Practice, formerly Gonzalez Goodale Architects, to extend the term of the agreement until December 31, 2025; and authorize the City Manager to prepare and execute the agreement(s) in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City were approved. Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10-35-645-000-6399 7. Rejection of all bids for Fleet Maintenance Services; Third Amendment to the Fleet Maintenance Service Agreement between the City of Azusa and SVT Fleet, LLC.; and authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the contract, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City were approved. Total Cost: $130,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Prop A Fund, Prop C Fund, Gas Tax Fund, General Fund 8. Increase to the Mesa Energy Systems, Inc. blanket purchase order in an amount not-to-exceed $125,000 was approved. Total Cost: $125,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10-55-666-000-6493 9. Department’s request to purchase replacement office furniture in the amount of $209,675.98, 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: $209,675.98 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 46-20-310-000-7140 Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr., to adopt the Consent Calendar. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Motion passed 5-0-0 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:14 P.M. ** Items heard out of order City Council November 18, 2024 Page | 5 __________________________________________ CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-C66 (City) NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-08 NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R14 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS: December 2, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting