CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 – 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: BECKWIT H, 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 Marco Martinez, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia, Library Services Manager Hassen.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTI ATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section_54957.6
Case Name: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager, Talika M. Johnson, Director of Administrative Services and Nico De Anda-Scaia, Deputy City Manager
Organizations: SEIU (Service Employees International Union- Local 721), ACEA (Azusa City Employees Association), AMMA (Azusa Mid- Management Association), APMA (Azusa Police Management Association), APEA (Azusa Police Executive Association), CAPP (Civilian Association of Police Person nel), and Unrepresented (Non-Department Directors).
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957
Title: City Manager, City Attorney
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR – UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEE – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.6
Agency Representative: Marco A. Martinez, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: 609 North Azusa Avenue; APN: 8611-004-023 Negotiating Parties: Henry Bouchot
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY AND SPECIAL AZUSA UTILITY BOARD
City Council June 17, 2024 Page | 2
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 Marco Martinez , Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Deputy City Manager Anda -Scaia, Chief Deputy City Clerk Garcia, Library Services Manager Hassen.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ramon and Mari Cruz.
The Invocation was led by Councilmember Beckwith.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Marco Martinez reported City Council met in closed session for four items and reported there were no reportable actions for any of the four items. There will be future discussions at future meetings regarding two items related to Item 3.
CEREMONIAL
1. Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to all who contributed to the 2024 Kathy’s Cool Cuts for Kids Event
Mayor Gonzales presented Certificates of Appreciation to all who contributed to the 2024 Kathy’s Cool Cuts for Kids Event.
2. Presentation of Proclamation proclaiming the week of September 16-20, 2024 as National Adult & Family Literacy Week in the City of Azusa
Councilmember Beckwith read aloud the Proclamation proclaiming the week of September 16-20, 2024 as National Adult & Family Literacy Week in the City of Azusa.
3. Presentation of Proclamation proclaiming September 15 – October 15, 2024 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Azusa
Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez read aloud the Proclamation proclaiming September 15 – October 15, 2024 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Azusa.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Diana Reyes Williams, President of the Azusa Woman’s Club, shared that the Azusa Woman’s club will be hosting a Bunco event on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. The cost is $20, and the money raised will go to the club’s scholarship fund. Last year, the club gave $4,000 dollars to four graduating seniors from Azusa, and the club hopes to raise enough to give another $4,000 dollars or more in June.
Alexandra M. invited the community to attend the the Azusa Woman’s Club Gatsby Night Scholarship Fundraiser event on Saturday, October 12, 2024. She thanked the Azusa Golden Days Committee for their undying dedication to celebrate the beautiful City of Azusa and for their inclusivity of all non -profit organizations that support the community members. The Azusa Woman’s Club was proud to confer four $1,000 dollar scholarships to four very deserving students at Azusa High School last June, and the club looks forward to awarding four or more next June. She encouraged the community to dust off their flapper dresses and dapper suits or go shopping for an outfit and celebrate the spirit of Azusa Golden Days and bring the spirit of giving.
Presale tickets are $50 per person until September 27, 2024, and then tickets will be $60 per person and $65 at the door. Reach out to a member of the Azusa Woman’s Club or call (626) 536-1701 for tickets.
Christina Ramirez, Azusa Connects Co-Founder, invited the community to the Azusa Golden Days Chalk Fest 3 event. The festival will have chalk to jazz up the Memorial Park parking lot, along with music, vendors, and food. Artists can register online, and the chalk walk to view the art will be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
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Kim Antel invited the community to help kids from pre -kindergarten through high school with their homework.
The community can help the children understand mathematics or how to sound out words, read, and spell. She provided examples of what she has done to be a part of a homework house, and encouraged the community to join her by contacting the Neighborhood Homework House at (626) 969-7051.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. ‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control
Councilmember Avila Jr. presented a flyer for Llorona, a six -month-old, tan and spayed Husky mix. Llorona loves playing and cuddling, and she is available for adoption at the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center.
2. City Manager Communications
• Progress report of the Azusa Resource Center, located at 975 W. Foothill Blvd.
City Manager Gonzalez announced that the Council will be asked to select the winning name for the City’s newest dog park at the next meeting. Second phase construction of the major rehabilitation of Foothill and Alosta is underway. He congratulated Lucy Demirjian for shepherding the Azusa Resource Center Project.
Lucy Demirjian, Senior Project Manager, provided a brief presentation regarding the status of the Azusa Resource Center and responded to Council questions and comments.
3. Economic and Community Development Department Update
Director of Economic & Community Development Jose Jimenez introduced Linda Hinojos, Economic Development Specialist, who provided a brief update on the Economic & Community Development Department in the City of Azusa.
Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez presented slides regarding the Small Business Support Grant 2.0 program and responded to Council questions.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Gonzales announced that he was invited to Representative Grace Napolitano’s Retirement Dinner event and asked for staff to plan something nice to provide to her. The annual Azusa Shred-a- Thon event is scheduled for September 21, 2024 at the Azusa Light & Water Parking Lot. The City’s free compost and mulch giveaway is scheduled for September 28, 2024 at Memorial Park from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez announced the Azusa City Library would be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on September 25, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Crafts, activities, and refreshments will be available for the whole family to enjoy while supplies last. Call (626) 812 -5268 for more information. Salsas Mole s & Mas restaurant has incredible chile rellenos. He provided a shoutout to Soleful Steps Shoes & Accessories, a local women’s accessories business.
Councilmember Beckwith provided a shoutout to the Azusa Library for providing the literacy classes. The Vet at the Park event was amazing. Thanks to LA County Fire and APD for working hard in the mountains to keep the community out of harms way. Thanks to the staff, police department, veteran groups, and the Azusa Rotary Club for the Field of Glory ceremony. Thanks to staff for the cooling centers during the hot week. The press conference for the riverbed funding was a great event. He reported attending the Gold Line JPA as an alternate and as reported, they are on time and on budget. He announced a wonderful opportunity to meet author Annette Chavez Macias on September 18, 2024.
Councilmember Mendez announced that the Neighborhood Homework House has done a lot of great things for the City of Azusa for over twenty years. He encouraged anyone free from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays and/or Wednesdays or on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays to call the Neighborhood Homework House to become part of the same miracle stories and help volunteer. He thanked Kim Antel for her assistance with the Neighborhood Homework House. There is a free tire collection event on September 21, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. located at the S2 Lot of Citrus College. He reported attending the Contract City’s Conference the first weekend of this month in Ocean Side. His favorite event was the mental health segment covered on four elected officials. He voiced his thoughts on some of the Gold Line struggles with two county supervisors who attended. He requested a certificate for the Azusa Little League Majors for winning the District 19 Championship . He urged the community to visit the Soleful Steps business.
Councilmember Avila Jr. announced E- Waste, Household Batteries, Lightbulb Collection Day is scheduled for September 21, 2024. The event is held every third Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. No hazardous waste, tires, or broken glass lightbulbs are accepted. Call (626) 812- 5219 to schedule an appointment. Sandals Church will provide tacos to the public on September 17, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sandals Church assisted
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with the Fie lds of Glory and Kathy’s Haircut events. He reported attending the California Contract Cities Association Fall Educational Summit and his favorite session was the public health for elected officials segment.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. D ESIGNATION OF VOTING DEL EGATE & ALTERNATE FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED
RESOLUTIONS PACKET
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Designate a Voting Delegate and an alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Business Meeting, scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024; and
2) Concur with Staff’s position and authorize the City Council’s Voting Delegate to support the League of California Cities 2024 General Assembly Resolutions Packet
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Deputy City Manager Nico De Anda-Scaia provided the staff report regarding the designation of a Voting Delegate and an alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Business Meeting. He provided a correction to the staff report. Currently, the City Council’s representative to the League is Councilmember Avila Jr., with Councilmember Mendez; however, Council may designate any member of the City Council to serve as the designated voting delegate or alternate for the conferences. He responded to Council questions.
Motion: by Councilmember Beckwith, seconded by Mayor Gonzales, to designate Councilmember Avila Jr. as the Voting Delegate and Councilmember Beckwith as the alternate.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales , seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, to concur with staff’s position and authorize the City Council’s Voting Delegate to support the League of California Cities 2024 General Assembly Resolutions Packet.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
2. OVERVIEW AND FUTURE DIRECTION CONCERNING CITY OF AZUSA SCHOLARSHIP
AND SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Consider and provide direction regarding the ‘City of Azusa Scholarship Program’ and the City’s ‘Special Assistance Program’; and
2) Direct staff to return at a future meeting with revised program guidelines and/or policy language, as needed, to reflect program changes as directed by Council
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: City Scholarship Program (#50-08-000-146-2719); Special Assistance Program (#50-08-000-141-2718)
City Management Analyst Taleen Nazarian provided an overview and updates of the City’s existing community scholarship programs and responded to Council questions.
Councilmember Mendez felt there should be an increase to the $200 amount.
Mayor Gonzales felt there should be a conversation regarding having an annual allowance.
Councilmember Beckwith suggested the possibility for a group to assist the staff during events and receive
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funding in return.
City Manager Gonzalez suggested returning a specific item to ask the Council to formally reinstate it, select an ad-hoc would be doing the interviews, and what level of funding desired to make available.
3. DECLARATION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY PURSUANT TO AB 1486 – 725 NORTH AZUSA AVENUE IN THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, (APN: 8608 -023- 927)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Authorize and adopt Resolution No. 2024-C50 that finds that the declaration of surplus property is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act; and declaring that the property located at 725 North Azusa Avenue (APN: 8608-023- 927) is surplus land and is not necessary for the City’ s use and directing the City Manager to follow the procedures set forth in the Surplus Land Act, California Government Code Section 54220, et seq., as amended by AB 1486, for the sale of surplus land.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Councilmember Avila Jr. announced that the item would be continued to the next meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Gonzales called for items to be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
1. Minutes of the City Council meeting dated July 15, 2024 was approved as written.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
2. Resolution No. 2024-C51 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid for August 15, 2024 – September 11, 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. Professional Services Agreement with SDI Presence LLC for information technology services from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027; and Authorize the C ity Manager to execute a contract, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and waive the competitive bidding process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-517(38) – Computers, Computer Components and Services were approved.
Total Cost: $110,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 1020941000-6399
5. Funding $196,000 for services with Aerodome Inc, so that the Azusa Police Department can enhance public safety by adding needed capability to the DFR program; and funding pursuant to Municipal Code 2- 520(b), sole source. Aerodome, Inc. provides a unique and sole source service were approved.
Total Cost: $196,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 46203100007142
6. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of June 2024 was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
7. Amended and restated Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Azusa and the Service Employee International Union, Local 721 was approved.
Total Cost: $447,920 over four years Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 43% General Fund and 56% Various Special Revenue Funds
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8. Second Amendment to the Slauson Pool Maintena nce and Repair Agreement between the City and Hasa, Inc., DBA Commercial Aquatic Services; 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: $36,348 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10-25-410-100-6493
9. Amendment Two of Lease Agreement, allowing for one-year extension to Options for Learning for the property at 328 N. Orange Place; and Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment Two to Lease Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City, subject to non-substantive changes made by the City Manager and the City Attorney were approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
10. Authorization to issue a Request for Proposals to provide fleet maintenance services was approved
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
11. A cceptance of $48,264 in grant awards from California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) for Fiscal Year 24/25 was approved.
Total Cost: $48,264.00 (Grant award) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: TBT
12. $200 of Special Assistance funds to the Azusa High School JROTC Program for expenses related to student educational field trip costs, admission and transportation; and Make a finding that the community at large will receive a public benefit from the expenditure of funds for the recommended items were approved
Total Cost: $200 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 50-08-000-141-2718
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, to adopt the Consent Calendar.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
1. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AZUSA CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 88.22.070 (NEIGHBO RHOOD SITE PLANNING AND BUILDING DESIGN), 88.70.020 (DEFINITIONS OF SPECIALIZED TERMS AND PHRASES), ADDITION OF SECTIONS 88.22.080 (LOT COVERAGE AND FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR) REQUIREMENTS IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS), 88.22.090 (OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS 5) DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO
BE EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Read by title only, second reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2024- 04 of the City of Azusa City Council amending the following Azusa Municipal Code Sections: 88.22.070 Neighborhood Site Planning and Building Design, 88.70.020 Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases, adding the following new Sections: 88.22.080 Lot Coverage and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Requirements in Residential Neighborhoods, Section 88.22.090 Objective Design Standards for Residential Neighborhoods and find the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Councilmember Avila Jr. presented the item.
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-04.
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AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
2. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AZUSA CITY COUNCIL
AMENDING THE DHAMMAKAYA INTERNATIONAL MEDITATION CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN
TO REDUCE THE SCOPE OF DEVELOPMENT W ITHIN THE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA, AND
ADOPTION OF RELATED EIR ADDENDUM
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Read by title only, second reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2024-05, amending the Dhammakaya International Meditation Center specific plan to reduce the scope of development within the specific plan area, and adoption of related EIR addendum
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Councilmember Avila Jr. presented the item.
Councilmember Beckwith abstained from the item.
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-05.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
3. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION – AMENDING SECTION 2 -30 AND SECTION 2 -31 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR’S
COMPENSATION
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
2) Read by title only, second reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2024-06 – an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Azusa, California, amending Section 2- 30 and Section 2-31 of the Azusa Municipal Code relating to City Council and Mayor’s Compensation
Total Cost: $34,664.35 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: General Fund/10-08-000-000
Councilmember Avila Jr. presented the item.
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-06.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS.
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Avila Jr. adjourned the meeting.
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TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:33 P.M.
** Items heard out of order
______________________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-C51 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-07
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R12 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS:
October 7, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting October 21, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting