HomeMy WebLinkAboutE.1 - Minutes - June 2, 2025, Regular Meeting
City Council Minutes Page | 1
June 2, 2025
CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 2, 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
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Chief of Police Wenrick, City Clerk Services
Manager Juarez
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:33 pm to discuss the following items:
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS. Pursuant to California Government Code,
Section 54956.8.
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: 622-624 North San Gabriel Avenue; APN: 8611-004-912 to 914
Negotiating Parties: Luis Nieblas
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS. Pursuant to California Government Code,
Section 54956.8.
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Addresses: 641 Glenfinnan Ave; APN: 8612-001-905, 633 Glenfinnan Ave; APN: 8612-001-
915, 629 Glenfinnan Ave; APN: 8612-001-920, 630 Glenfinnan Ave; APN: 8612-
001-911, 606 Glenfinnan Ave; APN: 8612-001-921, 600 East 6th St.; APN: 8612-
001-906, 610 East 6th St.; APN: 8612-001-912, 630 East 6th St.; APN: 8612-001-
922, 670 East 6th St.; APN: 8612-001-919, 616 Cedarglen Dr.; APN: 8612-001-907,
628 Cedarglen Dr.; APN: 8612-001-908, 601 Cedarglen Dr.; APN: 8612-001-916,
615 Cedarglen Dr.; APN: 8612-001-917, 627 Cedarglen Dr.; APN: 8612-001-918,
630 Cedarglen Dr.; APN: 8612-001-910, 645 E. Lime Ave.; APN: 8612-001-
914, 627 E. Lime Ave.; APN: 8612-001-909, 611 E. Lime Ave.; APN: 8612-001-
913
Negotiating Parties: Michael Ruane, National Core
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase
CONSENT ITEM
E-1
City Council Minutes Page | 2
June 2, 2025
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting 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
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Martinez, Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia, Chief
of Police Wenrick, General Manager of Utilities Singh, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Economic &
Community Development Director Jimenez, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez, Library Services Manager
Hassan, Planning Manager Vizcarra.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ezekiel Pro.
The Invocation was led by Pastor Griffin Harrel, Sandals Church.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Martinez announced the following regarding Closed Session: All members were present; City
Council provided direction; and there was no reportable action.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - None
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
City Manager Communications - None
Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez announced the upcoming summer events hosted by the Community Resources
Department; reported on the American Flag exchange held on June 7th in front of City Hall; and noted his
attendance at both the Foothill Transit meeting and the ICSC Convention in Las Vegas.
Councilmember Avila announced the American Flag Retirement Ceremony scheduled for June 14; thanked
participants and Staff for their support of the Memorial Day event on May 26; offered condolences to the City
of Baldwin Park and the family of the Police Officer who passed in the line of duty; and extended best wishes
to Ezekiel Pro as he competes in the State Championship softball throw.
Councilmember Mendez reported attending the ICSC Conference in Las Vegas; announced upcoming yard sale
dates and Library events; and offered condolences to the City of Baldwin Park and the family of Police Officer
Samuel Riveros, who was killed in the line of duty.
Councilmember Bow reported attending the ICSC Conference in Las Vegas from May 18–21; attended the Dr.
Seuss storybook reenactment of The Lorax presented by the Azusa Renaissance Theater Company; participated
in the San Gabriel Valley earthquake fault tour; and announced upcoming Library events.
Mayor Gonzales announced attendance at the Contract Cities Conference in Palm Springs and the Canyon City
Classic, congratulated Staff on the successful event; and reminded the public that the City enforces a zero-
tolerance policy on illegal fireworks with a $1,000 fine for violations during the 4th of July holiday.
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June 2, 2025
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO EXTEND THE
EXPIRATION DATE OF THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN AZUSA PACIFIC
UNIVERSITY (APU) AND THE CITY OF AZUSA (CITY) FOR DEVELOPMENT ON THE
CAMPUS OF AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez reported that Azusa Pacific University has
requested an extension of the Development Agreement established in 2005; noted that the 20-year agreement is
set to expire this year, and the University is seeking a 10-year extension; Staff is recommending a 5-year
extension due to factors such as the Great Recession, COVID-19, and declining college enrollment; and
requested that the Council approve a 5-year extension through September 19, 2030.
Azusa Pacific University Land Use Attorney, Corey Anderson of Allen Matkins, gave a brief explanation in
support of a 10-year extension to the Development Agreement; requested that the City preserve the status quo to
allow the University time to complete a long-term strategic planning process; gave a background of the
University, the Specific Plan, and the Development Agreement; noted that several planned projects, including
new dormitories, athletic facilities, student spaces, and renovations or expansions of existing buildings, were not
completed due to global events such as the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes in higher
education; and expressed that a 10-year extension would be ideal to work with the City and complete the planned
development on the APU campus.
Council raised concerns regarding the tentative timeline for completion of the projects, questioned whether the
work would in fact require 10 years, and requested clarification on the difference between a 5-year extension
versus a 10-year extension. Staff responded that it is estimated to take a couple of years to complete the design
of the Master Plan, with additional time needed for review; noted that 10 years would be the upper limit of
expectations, but acknowledged the process would likely take longer than 5 years; explained that a 5-year
extension would provide the opportunity for the Council to check in on the progress, serving as a barometer to
assess the status of the projects and determine if additional time is needed.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing.
The City Clerk certified the publication of the Public Hearing in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on May 22,
2025.
There being no one wishing to address the Council on this issue, Mayor Gonzales asked for a motion to close
the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Bow and carried unanimously by the
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 Avila and seconded by Councilmember Mendez to: 11) Approve Amendment No. 2
between Azusa Pacific University and the City of Azusa to extend the term of the initial Development
Agreement by an additional five-years and allow for a new expiration date of September 19, 2030; and
2)Waive first reading, read by title only and introduce Ordinance No. 2025-03: AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING AND ADOPTING AN
AMENDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF AZUSA
AND AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY; and 3) Find that the request to extend the term of the Development
Agreement is in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15164, which allows for the preparation of an addendum to a previously certified
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) when only minor changes or additions are necessary, and no substantial
changes have occurred that would require preparation of a subsequent EIR.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
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June 2, 2025
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
2. REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE PROCESSING OF A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA)
AND A ZONE CHANGE (ZC) TO ALLOW FOR A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
COMPRISED OF SINGLE-FAMILY UNITS, TWO-STORY TOWNHOMES, AND THREE-
STORY TOWNHOMES AT 201 N. VERNON AVENUE
Planning Manager Vizcarra provided a brief background on the preliminary Plan Review Project for the
Mountain View Elementary School site; noted that in 2020 the Council directed Staff to develop a review
process for projects involving legislative zoning actions and site history; explained that the site had been
declared exempt by the Azusa Unified School District, thereby exempting it from Surplus Land Act (SLA)
requirements; thereafter the property went out to RFP and was awarded to Taylor Morrison; and mentioned that
the developer is now seeking Council’s direction regarding the viability of the legislative zoning.
Planning Manager Vizcarra reviewed the proposals and surrounding properties; noting the Aspan Well is
adjacent to the site and that the City will require access through a dedication or easement; stated that an
easement will be needed for access to the sewer line on Orange Street and reported that the site density is 14.69
units per acre, which is higher than anticipated.
The Council inquired about whether access to the Aspan Well was a request or a condition of approval;
questioned as to whether this requirement had been communicated to the developer; expressed concerns on the
limited space in the area and the perception that the Project had not been adequately planned; and asked if
consideration could be given to a revised development layout.
Staff explained that multiple conversations had been held with the developer regarding these concerns and
confirmed that the developer has agreed to work with the City and adjust as needed.
Matt Mahara, Director of Acquisitions for Taylor Morrison, provided clarification regarding the submitted
plans; stated that the developer intends to reduce the density to better align with the existing neighborhood and
affirmed their commitment to work with City Staff, particularly on setback requirements.
The Council expressed significant concerns that the proposed development did not align with their original
expectations; discussed the options available, which included moving forward with the developer’s current
plans and granting approval, or requiring the developer to revise the plans and return at a later date for further
consideration and approval.
The City Council directed Staff to work with the developer to prepare revised plans that reduce density and are
more compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
3. ACCEPT BID AND AWARD CITYWIDE TREE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR PARK,
PARKWAYS, MEDIAN ISLANDS AND UTILITY RIGHT OF WAY TREES
Director of Public Works Delgadillo announced that the Citywide Tree Maintenance bid process resulted in
seven interested bidders; noted that the apparent lowest bidder, Golden West Coast Arborists, was found to be
non-responsive due to the failure to provide the required Statement of Qualifications; explained that as a result,
the City proceeded with the second lowest bidder, West Coast Arborists, who is also the current contractor
providing tree maintenance services for the City; and reported that this decision ensures continuity of service
and compliance with the City’s procurement requirements.
The Council inquired about the variation in the number of bidders compared to previous years; Staff noted it
could be due to market growth or advertising methods. Questions were raised regarding the handling of non-
responsive bidders and whether more than one vendor turned in incomplete Bids to which Staff confirmed that a
few other applicants had issues with their bids.
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June 2, 2025
Discussion ensued regarding the rejection of a single bidder for failing to complete the Statement of
Qualifications; emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in the bid process; the possibility of
rebidding, making adjustments, or issuing a Request for Qualifications instead of automatically awarding to the
lowest bidder.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Bow, and carried unanimously, to reject all
bids and direct Staff to proceed with a issuing a Request for Qualifications.
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
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. The minutes of the regular meeting dated March 17, 2025 and special meeting dated March 24, 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-C28 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 were approved in accordance with the City of Azusa Rules of the
Civil Service System, Azusa Municipal Code, and/or applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s)
New Appointments: L. Lugo, J. Espino, Jr., K. Van Ray, P. Tachias
Merit Increases: J. Opel Randisi, P. Manning, A. Bernal, S. Santilena, S. Garcia, G. Delgado, A. Neill,
L. Gonzales
Promotions: M. Gutierrez, A. Bernal
Separations: P. Manning, S. Garcia, J. Wu, J. Cardenas
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. The City Treasurer’s Reports of Receipts, Disbursement and Fund Balances for the month of February 2025
were received, reviewed and filed.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
5. Purchasing procedures, as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2.539, were waived and the
purchase of the proposed Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) for tenant improvements related to
city-owned facility at 890 The Promenade in the amount not to exceed $116,560.93 (CIP Project #62519A)
was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute a purchase agreement with Steelcase Inc. for
the purchase of the proposed FF&E.
Total Cost: $116,560.93 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: CIP Tenant Improvements 46-80-000-625-62519A-7140
6. Resolution No. 2025-C29 identifying the projects the City will fund with its apportionment of the 2025-
2026 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account was adopted; and Staff were authorized to carry
forward existing RMRA funds from the Gladstone Street Rehabilitation Project to the 2023-24 Fiscal Year
budget and CalSMART system.
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June 2, 2025
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
7. The Memorandum of Agreement between the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and the City of
Azusa for continued participation in the San Gabriel Valley Neighborhood Coyote Program was approved.
Total Cost: $11,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: 10-10-130-000-6625
8. The execution of a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) between the City of Azusa and LDM Associates
Inc. to provide consulting services to administer and implement the City of Azusa’s CDBG Programs was
approved; and the City Manager was authorized 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; and it was determinted 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).
Total Cost: $111,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: Via CDBG Funds
9. The contract documents and construction plans were approved; and staff was authorized to solicit bids for
the Azusa Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project – Phase I (Concrete Improvements).
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Proposed with 2025/26 Budget
Fund/Account No: Highway 39 Fund
10. Funding from the State of California Office of Emergency Services for Customer Premise Equipment (CPE)
fixed allotment funding in the amount of $357,000 for CPE within the Azusa Police Department Dispatch
Center was authorized and accepted; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the agreement.
Total Cost: $357,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? No
Fund/Account No: 28-20-310-115-4540/6625
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila and carried by the following vote of the
Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items 1-10.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS
1. Resolution No. 2025-R07 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds
was adopted.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Avila, and carried by the following vote of
the Council to approve Item F.1 of the Successor Agency Consent Calendar.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros and former
South El Monte Councilmember, Willhans Ili.
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June 2, 2025
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:17 P.M.
___________________________________________________
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
June 16, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
July 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting