HomeMy WebLinkAboutE.1 - Minutes - May 5, 2025 - Regular Meeting
City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page | 1
CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025 – 6:30 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Azusa met in Closed and Regular session at the 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.
PRSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council closed at 6:31 P.M. to discuss the following:
1. REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8
Property Address: 340 West 5th Street; APN: 8616-017-900
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Negotiator: Arturo Ortega, Superintendent, Azusa Unified School District
Under Discussion: Price and Terms of Payment for Lease
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM - Pursuant to
California Government Code, Section 54956.95
Case Name: David Aguilar
Claim Nos: 22025540, 4A22090LHYY0001, and 4A22097T8G20001
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Robert Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page | 2
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez,
Administrative Services Director Johnson, Director of IT Guadagnino, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of
Public Works Delgadillo, Economic Development Director Jimenez, Community Improvement Manger Edson,
Library Services Manager Hassen, Community Resources Supervisor Family/Senior Services Leblanc, Senior
Admin Tech Arevalo, Human Resources Specialist Small, Building Inspector Davis, Senior Community
Improvement Inspector Hale.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jolena Najara.
Invocation was led by Pastor Varinia Jordan, Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Martinez reported the following regarding the Closed Session. The Counsel recessed to closed
session at 6:31 pm. All members were present; Item 1 – Council heard a presentation from its negotiating team,
provided direction, and there is no reportable action; Item 2 – Conference with legal counsel, the City Council
discussed the claims, provided direction to staff, and there is no reportable action.
CEREMONIAL
1. Presentation of a Proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as Older American Month in the City of Azusa.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez introduced the proclamation in recognition of Older American Month and presented
the proclamation to individuals from the Senior Center.
2. Presentation of a Proclamation proclaiming May 4-10, 2025, as Public Service Recognition Week in the
City of Azusa.
Councilmember Avila introduced the proclamation in recognition of Public Services Recognition Week and
presented the proclamation to representatives of the Employee Relations Committee Human Resources
Specialist Small and Senior Admin Tech Arevalo.
3. Presentation of a Proclamation proclaiming May 4-10, 2025, as Municipal Clerks Week in the City of
Azusa.
Councilmember Avila Introduced the proclamation proclaiming the week of May 4-10, 2025, as Municipal
Clerks Week and presented the proclamation to City Clerk Cornejo and City Clerk Services Manager Juarez.
4. Presentation of a Proclamation proclaiming May 18-24, 2025, as Public Works Week in the City of Azusa.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez introduced the proclamation proclaiming the week of May 18-24 as Public Works
Week and presented the proclamation to Public Works Director Delgadillo.
5. Presentation of a Proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as Building and Safety Month in the City of Azusa.
Councilmember Mendez introduced the proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as Building and Safety Month and
presented the proclamation to Building Inspector Davis.
6. Presentation of a Proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Month in the City of Azusa.
Councilmember Bow introduced the proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month and the City Council presented the proclamation to Councilmember Bow.
Mayor Gonzales thanked the older Americans from the Senior Center, all of staff and everyone for being
present to receive the recognitions that were well deserved.
B. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page | 3
C. REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL 1. San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority Update
Executive Director Randy Schoellerman explained that the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority is a
special district created by the State of California; mentioned that the agency focuses on facilitating basin
cleanup, seeking state and federal financing, and public outreach to handle the issue of contamination;
provided a history of the agency’s creation and what the Authority is responsible for; and mentioned that the
agency was able to give the City a half million dollars for Aspan well a couple of years ago and is currently
going through another round of funding in which staff’s recommendation is for another million dollars.
2. City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez reminded the Council of the upcoming budget study session scheduled for Tuesday,
May 27th following the Utility Board meeting; announced the retirement of Haley, the Police Department’s K-9
officer; and reported that there would be a retirement ceremony in her honor.
3. Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez announced a family craft hour to celebrate Chocolate Chip Day sponsored by Chick-
fil-A at the Azusa City Library; and reported that he attended the League of California Cities Conference in
Sacramento.
Councilmember Avila also attended the League of California Cities Conference in Sacramento; and invited
everyone to the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on May 26, 2025, at the Azusa City Hall courtyard.
Councilmember Mendez announced the Azusa Renaissance Theater Company for the storybook re-enactment
of the Lorac at the City Hall Gazebo; and Family Paint Night with watercolors and acrylics at the Little
Library; mentioned the 5-K, 10-K and a Cutie run for the kids; and reported that he attended the National
Boxing Hall of Fame event on Sunday and thanked Community Resources for organizing the event.
Councilmember Bow announced A Mother’s Day Family Craft hour at the Library; reported that she attended
the League of California Cities Conference in Sacramento; and also attended the Conference for the Southern
California Association of Governments where she serves as Azusa’s voting delegate; and thanked the City
Council for giving her the honor of reading the proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage.
Mayor Gonzales announced he also attended the League of California Cities Conference; announced that
Senator Susan Rubio will be hosting a coffee this Saturday at the Senior Center from 9:00 to 11:00 am; and
asked the City Manager if he would assist with transportation issues. City Manager Gonzalez confirmed that the
Senior Center Staff will make sure that Dial-A-Ride would be available.
D. SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. PUBLIC HEARING - SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF AZUSA CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS), CHAPTER
14 (BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS), AND CHAPTER 34 (HEALTH AND
SANITATION) OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE (“AMC”) RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE
CITATIONS, ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS, DESIGNATED NUISANCES, AND ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, THE 1997
UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, THE 1997 UNIFORM HOUSING CODE, AND THE
STANDARDS AND DEFINITIONS CONTAINED IN CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
17920.3
Community Improvement Manager Edson provided a brief report regarding Ordinance No. 2025-02 noting this
is the second reading and Staff’s recommendation is to open the public hearing, receive testimony, close the
public hearing, waive further reading and adopt the Ordinance 25-02.
Mayor Gonzales opened the public hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo confirmed proof of publication on April 14, 2025, and April 21, 2025, in the San Gabriel
Valley Newspaper; and confirmed there was no correspondence; and Mayor Gonzales confirmed there was no
public comment to address this issue.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila and carried unanimously by the
City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page | 4
following roll call vote of the Council to close the public hearing,
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Bow and carried unanimously by the
following roll call vote of the Council to Waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2025-02: an
Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Azusa, California, amending Chapter 1 (General Provisions),
Chapter 14 (Buildings and Building Regulations), and Chapter 34 (Health and Sanitation) of the Azusa
Municipal Code (“AMC”) relating to administrative citations, administrative hearings, designated nuisances,
and adopting by reference the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, the 1997 Uniform Administrative
Code, the 1997 Uniform Housing Code, and the standards and definitions contained in California Health and
Safety Code 17920.3; and Determine that the adoption of this Resolution does not qualify as a “project” as
defined in California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”).
Section 15378.
Total Cost: N/A 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
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING 2025 SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE AND CANCELLATION OF THE
MAY 19, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
City Clerk Cornejo presented a brief report regarding the proposed 2025 summer meeting schedule with a
modification for the cancellation of the May 19, 2025, meeting; and the Mayor confirmed that the meetings to
be cancelled will be the first meetings in July, August, and September.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Bow, and carried unanimously by the
following roll call vote of the Council to approve the proposed 2025 summer meeting schedule and the
cancellation of the May 19, 2025, City Council meeting.
Total Cost: N/A 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
3. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON CITY OF AZUSA MEMBERSHIP IN THE SAN GABRIEL
VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
City Manager Gonzalez provided a brief report on the City and the Council of Governments (COG), stated that
membership dues are about $26,000 a year; listed the benefits in belonging to the COG; reported that if the city
was to withdraw membership, then those fundings and programs would no longer be available to the City of
Azusa; and announced that Staff members from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments are present if
the Council had any questions.
The Council expressed concerns regarding some of the philosophies and positions taken by the COG and how it
has affected the city; mentioned their concern that the water agencies were removed from membership; and
emphasized the importance of having a meaningful conversation with representatives from all the regional
boards.
The Council emphasized the need to pay closer attention to L.A. County audit reports to prevent future misuse
of funds and requested that the Council receive consistent annual reports on the COG and other entities to
ensure proper representation.
The City Council asked COG Executive Director Marisa Creter to explain the COG’s position. Creter provided
some background on Measure A; briefly went over the six different formulas that the County of Los Angeles
City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page | 5
staff developed to benefit cities; explained how Formula four was the one that was most beneficial to all the
cities and COG felt that was the most logical one because it utilized census data instead of relying on point in
time count; and stated that the COG advocated hard for scenario four and tried to propose a modification that
would have increased the amount of money that the cities, including Azusa, would have received.
The Council concurred to maintain its membership and requested more updates from COG representatives. A
brief discussion ensued regarding the Coyote Outreach Program updates.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. APPROVAL OF FIRST CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES CENTER FOR
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE FOR CONTINUED OUTREACH AND CASE MANAGEMENT
SERVICES FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS City Manager Gonzalez presented a report explaining that the Council authorized a two-year contract with L.A.
CADA to be the operator of the City’s shelter services; mentioned that the City is now going to be able to
receive Measure A funding, which is considered local return regional funds, the City is no longer eligible to
receive funding through regional cost sharing resources with neighboring cities; explained that City now has to
hire L.A. CADA on the City’s own dime that will be about $1.5 million; noted he will be working with COG
staff, and through the City Council, and representatives on the executive board to impress upon the County to
revisit the formula for the monies that come back to the cities from Measure A ; and communicated that Staff is
looking at non-general funding streams to pay the cost.
A brief discussion occurred regarding the funding.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Bow, and carried unanimously by the
following roll call vote of the Council to 1) Approve the first amendment to the contract with L.A. CADA for
continued outreach and case management services within the City of Azusa for an additional 2-year term,
subject to language modifications acceptable to the City Attorney; 2) Direct staff to continue to seek grant
funding to support homeless programs; and 3) Allocate $222,480 for FY 2025-26 and $229,154 for FY 2026-27
from the General Fund, while final funding sources are identified.
Total Cost: $451,634 Is the cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: N/A
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
E. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
1. The minutes of the regular meeting dated March 3, 2025, were approved as written.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
2. Resolution No. 2025-C25 was adopted, allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out
of which the same are to be paid.
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); and Resolution No.
2025-C26 granting the City Manager temporary authority to make new hire appointments (including
promotions) during the periods of May 1, 2025 through May 31, 2025 and June 16, 2025 through September
14, 2025was adopted.
New Appointments: C. Orozco Cerda, C. Na Rios
Merit Increases: J. Beaver, J. Ramirez, S. Sears, T. Fino, E. Vasquez, C. Castro
Separations: L. Ferrari
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page | 6
4. Resolution No. 2025-27 setting the number of transitional fireworks sales permits available for 2025 at three
(3) was adopted.
Total Cost: $0 Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Mayor Gonzales abstained from Item 4.
5. The First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Studio T-SQ., Inc. to revise the scope
and schedule of services under ‘Phase 1’ of project development and increase the compensation amount by
$36,964 was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the amendment, in substantial form,
subject to minor modifications acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $36,964 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 4680000625-7140/62519A-7140
6. The Annual Renewal Increase on the existing 3-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) from
$176,122.74 to $189,821.94 annually was approved; and the City Manager or his designee to approve
remaining renewals of existing 3-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) for licensing and software
assurance in the amount of $189,821.94 annually was approved.
Total Cost: $13,699.20 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 48-49-930-000-6504 ($6,849.60) & 48-49-942-000-6504 ($6,849.60)
7. The Second Amendment to the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Azusa and Mariposa
Landscapes Inc. for landscape and irrigation maintenance services was approved; and the City Manager was
authorized to execute the Contract Amendment, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the
City.
Total Cost: $573,355 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Parks General Fund (10-55-420-000-6493)/ Rosedale Park Maintenance Fund (37-55-
420-000-6493)
8. A list of purchase orders was received and filed.
Total Cost: $ 332,963.88 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Various Accounts
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez, and carried unanimously by the
following roll call vote of the Council to approve Items 1 through 8 of the Consent Calendar. Mayor Gonzales
abstained from voting on Item 4.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: GONZALES ON ITEM E.4 ONLY
F. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:39 p.m.
_________________________________
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
May 19, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
June 2, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting