HomeMy WebLinkAboutE.1 - Minutes - March 24, 2025 Special City Council Meeting
Special City Council Meeting Page | 1
March 24, 2025
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL,
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO
THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AZUSA UTILITY BOARD
OF THE CITY OF AZUSA
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025
The City Council of the City of Azusa met in Special Session at Azusa Light and Water 729 N. Azusa
Avenue, Azusa CA 91702
A. PRELIMINARY BUSINESS
Mayor Gonzales called the Special Meeting of the City Council to order at 7:30 pm.
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
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, 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 IT Guadagnino, Director of Public
Works Delgadillo, Economic & Community Development Director Jimenez, Library Services Manager
Hassan.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
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March 24, 2025
C. SCHEDULED ITEM
GOALS AND PRIORITIES WORKSHOP – FISCAL YEARS 2025-2027
City Manager Gonzalez introduced the item, stating that it is the preference of staff to set two-year goals
and update them annually; and advised that the Council set aside approximately $13 million for capital
improvement projects; discussed the various reserve funds the City has set aside, noting that Staff has
estimated coming in $6 million short in capital projects and will request access to those funds should the
occasion arise.
He further stated that staff would be introducing overarching goals now that there is a two – year budget
with the first being economic development; explained the focus of economic development; advised that
the City has a great opportunity to prepare for the 2028 Olympics by attracting a quality hotel; discussed
the creation and promotion of four new Downtown activation events mentioned other economic
development opportunities that Staff were looking at, discussed the work to attract investment for the
development of those vacant properties; and suggested areas of improvements that could be made, to
transportation and programs that could be added to attract visitors to Azusa.
Discussion ensued regarding concerns about adequate funds to achieve these goals; the status of the $13
million which was set aside; and the need to be financially prepared to host the World Games in
partnership with Azusa Pacific University.
Further discussion was had regarding the acquisition of the former National Little League field, which is
owned by the Azusa Unified School District; In regards to the recent renovations and improvements of
City Hall and Courtyard, discussion was had and direction was given regarding the cost and potential to
relocate some of the veteran features located at City Hall to a more suitable and appropriate setting such
as Memorial Park, a park dedicated to Azusa veterans.
The Council expressed concerns regarding a hotel being completed in time for the Olympics.
Discussion was also had in regard to a new boxing facility or program being formed due to the fact that
there already 3 existing clubs in the City. The Council also impressed upon the need to get started with
the improvements for the Azusa Women’s Club House.
The City Manager advised that he believed that it would be possible to have a hotel built before the
2028 Olympics; Director of Economic Development Jimenez explained the specific plan does recognize
a hotel for the downtown area and mentioned the CEQA process. Discussion continued regarding the
goal of bringing a hotel and a sit-down restaurant to the city.
The Council expressed interest in continuing to utilize the Downtown area for evening events; suggested
of the use of incentives in the higher traffic areas to attract businesses; in addition of a sit - down
breakfast spot in the City; noted that some park restrooms are in need of repairs; expressed interest in
putting effort into the little league and soft ball fields, additional traffic studies, expansion of the NRC,
and the idea of bringing an Asian Supermarket to the City. A brief discussion ensued regarding
expanding NRC and-police motor enforcement.
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March 24, 2025
It was suggested that goals be categorized as follows; infrastructure and sustainability goals be included
with transportation; programs and services be changed to community engagement;
housing/homelessness; health and recreation; and an inclusion of an overarching goal statement under
each category to inform the City of progress.
Thereafter the City Council and Staff addressed the suggestions made in response to the Public Survey
regarding police, homelessness, the material used in the park playgrounds, economic development, a
business enhancement district, the ordinance to phase out smoke shops, community outreach and
communications, a beer garden at events, whether the City should continue to allow fireworks and the
effects banning the sale of fireworks would have on the nonprofits. The Council concurred that a
discussion regarding banning fireworks should be held. Further conversation about the use of police
drones for enforcement of illegal fireworks took place.
The Council directed Staff to bring a report to the Council for discussion of fireworks; research whether
a $500,000 grant was given to Foothill Community Church for shower trailers; and bring an item to the
Council regarding a business enhancement district.
Administrative Services Director Johnson summarized that in April, each departments will meet with the
City Manager to finalize the budget that will be brought to the City Council study session on May 27th ;
the budget will include detailed accounting of the $13 million in projects; including what was originally
budgeted, what has been spent, and any budget amendments that have been approved. At a following
meeting, Staff will present the two-year operational budget and the five-year capital improvement plan.
D. COUNCIL COMMENTS
None
E. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:25 P.M.
____________________________
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
April 1, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Commission Interviews Special 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