CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 – 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.
Mayor 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., MA YOR 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 Administrative Services John son, 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, Sr. Project Manager Demirjian.
**CLOSED SESSION
Closed Session was moved to the end of the Agenda.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - 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 Personnel), and Unrepresented (Non-Department Directors).
2. 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
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION – Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(D)(2)
One Potential Case: BKK Working Group v. City of Azusa, et ak. (Related to disposal actions at the former BKK Landfill, West Covina)
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY AND SPECIAL AZUSA UTILITY BOARD
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jerry Garcia.
The Invocation was led by Oscar Ventura, Calvary Chapel Church.
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**CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Marco Martinez reported City Council met in closed session for three items and reported there were no reportable actions for any of the three items.
CEREMONIAL
1. Presentation of Proclamation proclaiming the Month of October 2024 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the City of Azusa.
Councilmember Avila Jr. read aloud the Proclamation proclaiming the Month of October 2024 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the City of Azusa.
2. Presentation of Proclamation proclaiming the Month of October 2024 as National Community Improvement Month in the City of Azusa.
Councilmember Beckwith read aloud the Proclamation proclaiming the Month of October 2024 as National Community Improvement Month in the City of Azusa.
3. Certificate of Recognition to the Azusa Little League for the California Little League Baseball District 19 Champions.
Councilmember Mendez presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Azusa Little League for the California Little League Baseball District 19 Champions.
4. 2024 Golden Days Events and Honored Citizens Presentation.
Chairman Cornejo provided comments regarding the 2024 Golden Days Events and Honored Citizens and presented certificates of appreciation to Grand Marshal Jerry Garcia and Civic Grand Marshal Marissa Herrera.
Hospitality Chairperson Andrea Batista and Chairman Jeffrey L. Cornejo presented Gloria Sanchez Romero, 2024 Honored Citizen recipient, with a certificate of appreciation.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Diana Reyes Williams, President of the Azusa Woman’s Club, shared that the Azusa Woman’s C lub will be hosting a Gatsby Night dinner and dance event on October 12, 2024. Roaring Twenties attire is encoura ged, and tickets are $60 per person before October 12, 2024. Tickets purchased at the door will be $65. She encouraged all community members over the age of twenty-one to attend.
Bruce Monroe, resident, opposed the proposal to amend the Monrovia Nursery Specific Plan and encouraged the Council to deny the application. The original idea was to have about twice as many units as were eventually approved, but residents in the City felt that 1,250 units was appropriate. More units and more traffic are not needed.
Theresa Conley sought assistance from the Council to retrieve a family vehicle, in the family's possession since 1968, from a restoration company. Despite full payment being made, there has been no response to the certified letters sent.
Dr. Sabrina Bow, resident, commented on a matter of public interest regarding the proposed development of condominiums at the Monrovia Nursery site. She urged the Council to postpone moving the project to the next step in review until the City conducts meaningful outr each to current Azusa residents in the Rosedale neighborhood. She asked that the outreach be conducted over multiple dates, both live and virtual, and with appropriate language translation available to ensure access to important information.
Philip Campa opposed the item regarding the Monrovia Nursery amendments. Not only would it cost more, but it would change the character of the community. It is peaceful with many trees, but now it will be encroached by three-story, forty new townhomes. Other concerns included tax costs, pollution, traffic, and noise.
Dan Tran commented that he was a first generation Vietnamese American and candidate for District 48. He grew up in San Gabriel Valley and has been involved in the community serving in the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, and graduated from APU. He stated that he grew up in District 48, where he also raised his kids, and he wants to continue to make the community great.
Two public comments were received by email.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. City Manager Communications
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City Manager Gonzalez announced the departure of Chief Deputy City Clerk Adrian Garcia, who accepted a City Clerk position with the City of South El Monte. He thanked Mr. Garcia for his years of service to the C ity of Azusa. City Manager Gonzalez provided an update regarding the Atlantis Gardens properties, stating that LA County is moving forward with a consideration that will go to the Board of Supervisors with a direction to staff to commence the process to return the properties back to the City of Azusa. Subsequently, there will be items on the future Council agenda schedule to determine whether the Council wants to formally accept the properties back.
2. 2024 San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Update
Steph Wong, Principal Management Analyst at San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), provided a brief update on the current work at SGVCOG and responded to Council questions.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Avila Jr. announced two upcoming eve nts at the Azusa City Library, including Creating Connections on October 5, 2024, at 5 p.m. and Emotional Wellbeing and Stress on October 30, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. He congratulated Chief Deputy City Clerk Adrian Garcia and thanked him for all of h is hard work with the City of Azusa.
Mayor Gonzales announced that Spirit Halloween would be welcomed to the City on October 9, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. On October 21, 2024, there will be a Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Old Schoolhouse at 12:30 p.m. and the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Azusa City Library Outdoor Learning Space at 1 p.m. He responded to a public comment regarding the benefits of the assessment, stating that the assessment was not a tax, and it benefitted a community, but the Council had no control over where the money went and how it was spent.
Mayor Pro -Tem Alvarez announced that on October 17, 2024, vaccine clinic 2024 updated COVID and flu vaccines will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Azusa Senior Center. Vaccines are available at a first - come, first-serve basis. Halloween Fright Fest at Memorial Park is scheduled for October 26, 2024 at 6 p.m. He clarified that LA County is attempting to put Measure A on the ballot, which will be indefinite, no sunset on the tax and will be half a percent. Measure ZZ was placed on the ballot in an effort to keep tax dollars in the City of Azusa. Under Measure H, the City alone has contributed $13.5 million dollars and received back approximately $500,000 dollars. The homeless population under Measure H has increased. He asked the community to consider whether they want to give their money away or keep it in the City of Azusa.
Councilmember Beckwith announced two Azusa City Library events, including Family Spooky Storytime at the Library Auditorium at 5 p.m. on October 16, 2024, and the Teen DIY from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on October 22, 2024.
Azusa Reads/Writes/Counts is a free afterschool tutoring program available on Monday through Friday at the library. Thanks to staff for the cooling centers. Thank s to the Ministerial Association for the prayer night in the City. He requested that the staff reach out to Metro and see if Deputy Chief Gummer would be available to speak at a future Council meeting.
Councilmember Mendez announced a Family Field Trip to the Imaginarium event is scheduled for October 10, 2024. There will be a Fall Festival on October 23, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Veteran’s Freedom Park.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE PROCESSING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THE MONROVIA NURSERY SPECIFIC PLAN TO ALLOW FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF 40
NEW TOWNHOMES STYLE UNITS AND MAINTENACE OF THE HISTORIC BUILDING ON SITE AT 817 E. MONROVIA PLACE
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Direct staff to process proposed Specific Plan Amendments and related Design Review Project,
2) Direct applicant to make certain changes to proposed plan prior to application submittal for staff to process; OR
3) Direct staff not to process the subject application
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Councilmember Beckwith abstained from the item due to possible conflict.
Planning Manager Knarik Vizcarra provided a presentation regarding a request for authorization to process a legislative zoning action for the nursery headquarters located at 817 E. Monrovia Place and responded to Council
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questions.
Councilmembers provided feedback and directed the applicant to work with staff to develop public participation community meetings early into the process so the applicant can receive comments from the surrounding community, and potentially at least one other meeting prior to the time that project scheduling begins for public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council.
2. AWARD CONTRACT FOR THE AZUSA DOG PARK PROJECT
This action is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmentally Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15332 Class 32 (a)-(e) – In-Fill Development Projects. Staff has filed a Notice of Exemption with the Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Approve $839,379 from the Undesignated Excess Reserves to fund the Dog Park Construction and General Area Improvements project; and
2) Award a contract to LMT Enterprises, Inc in the amount of $2,095,834.31, and authorize staff to inc rease the contract amount by 10% ($209,583.69) for potential change orders as needed. The total not -to-exceed contract shall be $2,305,418; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute contracts, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City
Total Cost: $2.3M Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Partial funding allocated Fund/Account No: TBD
Director of Public Works Robert Delgadillo provided the staff report regarding a contract for the Azusa Dog Park Project and responded to Council questions.
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, t o approve $839,379 from the Undesignated Excess Reserves to fund the Dog Park Construction and General Area Improvements project; and award a contract to LMT Enterprises, Inc in the amount of $2,095,834.31, and authorize staff to increase the contract amount by 10% ($209,583.69) for potential change orders as needed - t he total not- to-exceed contract shall be $2,305,418; and authorize the City Manager to execute contracts, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
3. CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AND SELECT THE NAME OF AZUSA’S FIRST DOG PARK
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Receive, consider, and discuss the Parks & Recreation Commission recommendations for the name of the dog park; and
2) Determine the name of Azusa’s first dog park
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Community Resources Miki Carpenter introduced the item of the Parks & Recreation Commission recommendations for the name of Azusa’s first dog park and responded to Council questions.
Councilmembers provided direction that the dog park be named “Canyon City Dog Park.”
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 22, 2024, and regular meeting dated August 19, 2024 were approved as written.
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Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
2. Resolution No. 2024-C52 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid for September 12, 2024 – October 2, 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. R esolution No. 2024-C53; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA
EXTENDING THE PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY CAUSED BY THE HOMELESS CRISIS was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
5. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of July 2024 w as approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
6. Receive and file the list of purchase orders issued within the City Manager’s authority was approved.
Total Cost: $182,793.84 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: General Fund. General Fund (10) and Electric Fund (33)
7. Accept the $9,127 Zip Books grant award from the California State Library w as approved.
Total Cost: $9,127 Grant Award Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: TBT
8. Agreement with Azusa Pacific University for Azusa Reads/Writes/Counts, STEM programs, and English - as-a-Second Language (ESL) tutoring for adults; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendments, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City were approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
9. Accept the $4,912 in funding from CLSA/SCLC w as approved.
Total Cost: $4,912 Grant Award Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: TBT
10. Resolution No. 2024-C54 appointing Stephanie Cosey to the Library Commission; and Adopt Resolution No. 2024-C55 re-appointing Angela Dryer to the Personnel Board; and Adopt Resolution No. 2024-C56 re- appointing Debra Manuel to the Planning Commission were approved
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
11. Resolution No. 2024-C57, 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, and finding that such declaration is not a project subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
12. Resolution No. 2024-C58, declaring pursuant to Government Code section 54221 that real property owned by the City located at 622-624 North San Gabriel Avenue (APN 8611-004-914) is exempt surplus land, and
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finding that such declaration is not a project subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act was approved
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
13. Amended and restated memorandum of understanding between the City of Azusa and the Azusa City Employees Association was approved
Total Cost: $2,122,415 over four years Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 67% General Fund and 33% Various Enterprise and Special Revenue Funds
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr., to adopt the Consent Calendar.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: MENDEZ (E-2 only)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
SECOND READING NCES
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS.
1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED AUGUST 15, 2024 THROUGH OCTOBER 2, 2024.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2024- R12 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales , seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr., to adopt Resolution No. 2024-R12 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council Recessed to Closed Session at 10:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Avila Jr. adjourned the meeting in memory of Peter Gutierrez, longtime Azusa resident.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:41 P.M.
** Items heard out of order
_______________________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-C59 (City)
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NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-07
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R13 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS:
October 21, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting November 4, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting