HomeMy WebLinkAboutE.1 - Minutes - March 17, 2025 Regular Meeting & Special Utility Board Meeting
City Council and Utility Board Minutes Page | 1
March 17, 2025
CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AZUSA UTILITY BOARD
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2025
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
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Interim City Clerk Services Manager
Demirjian, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Chief of Police Wenrick
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:32 P.M. to discuss the following.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXHISITING LITIGATION - Pursuant to California
Government Code, Section 54956.9(a)
Case Name: Patlogar v. City of Azusa et al; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No: 25STCV05405
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM - Pursuant to
California Government Code, Section 54956.95
Case Name: Steven Martinez v. City of Azusa; WC Claim No. AZUA-2470 and 402101570C70001
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Gonzales called the Regular Meeting of the City Council and the Special Meeting of the Azusa Utility
Board to order at 7:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo, City Treasurer Vasquez
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
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March 17, 2025
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Interim City Clerk Services Manager
Demirjian, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Chief of Police
Wenrick, General Manager of Utilities Singh, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of Public
Works Delgadillo, Economic & Community Development Director Jimenez, Principal Civil Engineer Cabanas,
Community Improvement Manager Edson, Budget & Revenue Administrator Lam, Library Services Manager
Hassan, Planning Manager Vizcarra, IT Manager Arreola
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Neil Mehta
The Invocation was led by Pastor Daniel Simonson, Christbridge Immanuel Church
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Martinez announced the following regarding Closed; All members were present for both items;
Item 1- The City Council heard a presentation from legal counsel and there was no reportable action; and Item
2- The City Council heard a presentation from legal counsel and staff, the City Council provided direction, no
reportable action.
CEREMONIAL
1. Presentation of checks from the 19th Annual Casino Night proceeds to local non-profit youth sports
organizations.
The sports organizations were not present at the meeting; Mayor Gonzales announced that each non-profit
youth sports organization will be presented with a check in the amount of $2,000; stated that next year he would
be turning over the Casino Night event to Councilmember Avila; and Avila accepted and thanked all the
sponsors and everyone who participated in Casino Night.
B. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None
C. REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. ‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control
Mayor Gonzales shared a PowerPoint photograph of Bravo, a puppy that is ready for adoption at the Baldwin
Park Animal Care Center.
2. Economic Development Quarterly Update
Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez, shared a presentation highlighting the
Department’s activities over the last quarter; mentioned the ribbon cuttings and the upgraded downtown street
furniture and replacement of the Lumineers; and concluded his presentation by advising the City Council of the
Department’s focus on redevelopment in 2025.
Councilmember Avila requested that the website be updated to add this presentation to keep the public
informed of what is happening downtown.
3. City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez announced that the Goals and Priorities Session is scheduled for Monday, March 24,
2025, following the Utility Board Meeting; advised that Staff is going to launch a short community survey to
receive input on whether the City is going in the right direction; and noted that the survey results will be shared
with the City Council on Monday morning.
City Manager Gonzalez responded to questions from the City Council regarding where residents could access
the survey; stating that the survey would be available on the City’s website and social media and that physical
copies with a QR code to scan would be available at the City Library and the Community Resource
Department.
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March 17, 2025
4. City Clerk Update
City Clerk Cornejo reported on the boards and commission application process noting that 11 applications were
received for the vacant positions; requested that the Council to set a date between Monday, March 31, 2025,
and Thursday, April 3, 2025, for the interviews due to the Arts, Cultural & Historical Preservation Commission
currently only having two commissioners. The City Council concurred to schedule the interviews for Tuesday,
April 1, 2025, at 6:30 pm. The Mayor would be unable to attend However Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez will lead the
process.
5. Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez announced that the Foothill Credit Union will be providing a series of free financial
seminars at the Azusa Senior Center throughout the month of April, in honor of National Financial Literacy
Month; and asked for prayers for San Bernardino Sheriff Hector Quevas who was killed today in the line of
duty.
Councilmember Avila announced the third annual Autism Awareness Acceptance Walk; congratulated Azusa
Little League Baseball for its opening day on Saturday and for keeping little league baseball alive in the City of
Azusa; and requested a certificate in honor of Guadalupe’s Restaurant who is celebrating its 50th year and asked
that they be invited to the next meeting and presented with the certificate.
Councilmember Mendez announced a program entitled “Where are all the Aliens” that will be held at the
Senior Center on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:00 pm; requested the City Clerk place in the Minutes that
Councilmember Mendez asked, “Where are all the Aliens?”; acknowledged the Azusa Little League for making
the field look fantastic; and mentioned he ran in the L.A. Marathon; and acknowledged City Employees
Anthony Alvarado and Edson Arreola, who also ran in the Marathon.
Councilmember Bow announced the Free Compost and Mulch event to be held at Memorial Park; made known
that she went on her first ride-along with Sargeant Beaver of the Azusa Police Department; stated that she was
pleased to partner with the Azusa Women’s Club for the First Annual Menstrual Products Collection Drive and;
mentioned that the donations will benefit both the YWCA Domestic Family Violence Program as well as the
Redeemed Life Church.
Mayor Gonzales requested that the City Clerk’s Office a proclamation for the first or second meeting in April
in honor of Earth Day; thanked Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez for assisting him in hosting the flag exchange event;
announced that another flag event will be taking place in June; and advised that anyone needing to have their
flag replaced, contact him or the City Clerk’s Office; mentioned that he met with the City’s new Congressman
Gil Cisneros, and relayed the information received relating to grants and funding the City has applied which
will likely be pulled back, repealed, or taken away.
He requested that the City Manager advise what the City would be losing. City Manager Gonzalez advised that
Staff are worried about the grants that have already been approved and awarded; noted the City had significant
needs in its transportation and water infrastructure and anything that is federally tied is going to be either
paused or eliminated; stated that each Department is being asked to work with the source of the granting agency
to determine the status; and City may have to re-evaluate the General Fund to re-prioritize spending should the
City have to pick up where the federal government left it.
D. SCHEDULED ITEMS
FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
Total Cost: -$250,125 (savings) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: Various
Director of Administrative Services Johnson provided a brief overview of the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Citywide
Adopted Budget and the proposed mid-year budget adjustments; noted that the City Council adopted a $229
million citywide budget for this fiscal year and highlighted revenue trends; reviewed expenditure trends noting
that the General Fund is expecting approximately $750,000 in salary savings; discussed the budget increases
requested by the Police Department, the Light & Water Department and the Public Works Department which
would result in a total fund balance change of approximately $270,000; and advised that with the mid-year
requests, Staff is expecting a $696,000 net increase to the overall budget and approximately $6 million over the
designated cash reserves.
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March 17, 2025
City Manager Gonzalez responded to questions from the City Council regarding whether the City could have
received revenue from the situation involving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) using Lario Park to
distribute hazardous waste; explaining that the situation could have possibly been a revenue opportunity,
however the presentation slide was intended to refer to a long-term, certified hazardous waste collection
program.
Director Johnson responded to questions from the City Council regarding the $480,950 decrease in sales tax
revenue stating that the decrease in sales tax revenue was inclusive for the entire fiscal year ending June 30,
2025; and at the request of Council, provided feedback regarding the move from a one year budget to a two-
year budget stating that; she feels that this first year of the change went well and it gives the Council the
opportunity to hear presentations on the second year budget and make adjustments for unforeseen
circumstances.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez to Adopt Resolution No. 2025-
C14, adopting mid-year budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2024,
and ending June 30, 2025; receive and file Fiscal Year 2024/25 Second Quarter Budget-to -Actual report ending
December 31, 2024.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Moved by Board member Bow and seconded by Board member Mendez to Adopt Resolution No. 2025-UB01,
adopting mid-year budget adjustments for the City of Azusa for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2024, and
ending June 30, 2025.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO RAIMI + ASSOCIATES FOR CITY’S
GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING CODE UPDATE
This action is not subject to environmental review under of the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public
Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”); Section 15378 explicitly excludes from its definition of “project” the
“organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in
the environment.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15378(b)(5)) Total Cost: $2,001,427 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes, over four years
Fund/Account No: Planning Division (1035611000-6399) and special revenue account (2835611000-6399)
Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez presented the Staff Report regarding the award
of a three-year contract to Raimi + Associates to assist with updates of the City’s General Plan and Zoning
Code which was 20 years old. Thereafter, City Attorney Martinez responded to questions from the City
Council regarding the award of a professional services agreement. Further discussion continued regarding the
request for proposal and bidding process.
Moved by Councilmember Avila and seconded by Councilmember Bow to 1) Approve the execution of a
Professional Services Agreement (PSA) between the City of Azusa and Raimi + Associates for assistance with
the updates of the General Plan and Zoning Code for a total cost of $1,819,479; 2) Authorize the City Manager
to execute the Professional Services Agreement (PSA), subject to non-substantive revisions approved by the
City Attorney, and to fulfill any other City obligations under the agreement; 3) Authorize the City Manager to
execute amendments to the PSA as needed to complete the project including the term of the agreement and/or a
project cost amendment up to a 10 percent or $181,948 contingency, for a not-to-exceed contact cost of
$2,001,427; 4) Determine that the award of the PSA does not constitute a “project” under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. (Section
15378); and 5) Approve the waiver of purchasing procedures under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-539 to
allow for the update of the Zoning Code in conjunction with the General Plan update.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
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March 17, 2025
FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 74-231 AND 74-
232 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS CITYWIDE
This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that
CEQA applies only to projects that have a potential for causing a significant effect on the environment
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Public Works Delgadillo presented the item, discussing an engineering and traffic report in which
speed data of 48 corridors throughout the City were monitored and assessed by Wildan Engineers; significant
reductions in speed were noticed upon the completion of the Median Improvement Project on Arrow Highway;
and Staff recommended the reduction of the speed limit from 45 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour along six
roadway segments.
Staff responded to questions posed by the City Council regarding speed reduction collaboration with the City of
Covina, the City of Irwindale, and Los Angeles County and Police Department enforcement procedures stating
that each of the mentioned jurisdictions have agreed to reduce the corridor speed from 45 to 40 mph as well;
and enforcement actions will consist of warnings for the first 30 days after the new speed limit signs are
installed.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Councilmember Bow to approve the recommended speed
changes at six (6) roadway segments included in the Engineering and Traffic Survey Report; and read by title
only, waiving further reading, and introduce the following ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA AMENDING SECTION 74-231
AND 74-232 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS
CITYWIDE
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
E. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Mendez pulled Item E.6 and Mayor Gonzales pulled Item E.7 for discussion.
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 3, 2025, were approved as written.
2. Resolution No. 2025-C15 was adopted and entitled.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
3. The following personnel action requests in accordance with the City of Azusa Rules of the Civil Service
System, Azusa Municipal Code, and/or applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s) were approved.
New Appointments : A. Juarez, J. LeBlanc, J. Esqueda
Merit Increase A. Martinez, V. Nguyen, M. Aceves, E. Guaderamma, E. Razo- Thomas,
S. Bailey, E. Jhonson III, J. Mendez
Separations/Retirements: A. Herrera, D. Beltran
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. The City Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2024 was received, reviewed and filed.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
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March 17, 2025
5. An MOU between the City of Azusa and LACMTA for participation in the NTD for report year 2022 was
approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, the
MOU on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
6. Item pulled for Special Call
7. Item pulled for Special Call
8. The 2024 Housing Element Progress Report was received and filed.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Councilmember Bow to approve Consent Calendar Items
1 through 5, and Item 8.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR – SPECIAL CALL ITEMS
6. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING FOR DEVELOPMENT OF KINCAID PIT
City Manager Gonzalez responded to a question posed by the council explaining the details of the lengthy
process and amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez to Approve Amendment No. 1 to
“Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding for Development of Kincaid Pit”; and Authorize the
City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 and to make non-substantial edits in a form acceptable to the City
Attorney, on behalf of the city.
Total Cost: None Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
7. APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC.
FOR TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND APPROVAL OF AN INCREASE TO FISCAL YEAR 24-
25 PURCHASE ORDER
Total Cost: $1,007,211 (FY 2024-25); $977,211(FY 2025-26) Is the cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: Park Maintenance General Fund (10-55-420-000-6493), Public Benefit Fund (24-40-739-
082-6625/RSTREE-6625), Distribution Maintenance - Overhead Lines, Account Number (33-40-735-930-
6493)
Public Works Director Delgadillo responded to concerns regarding the City only having one provider in the past
18 years stating that there are other tree maintenance contractors, indicating in 2021 the City only received one
bid which was from West Coast Arborists.
After a lengthy discussion the City Council concurred to direct Staff to prepare a Request for Proposal for tree
maintenance services and bring it back to the City Council at the April 7th meeting.
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March 17, 2025
F. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of life-long resident and Veteran Victor Montoya.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:10 P.M.
____________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-C15 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2025-02
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-R05 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
March 24, 2025, Special City Council Meeting (following Regular Azusa Utility Board meeting)
April 7, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
April 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting