CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 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: 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 Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Interim City Clerk Services Manager Demirjian, Deputy City Clerk Hernandez, Library Services Manager Hassen.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager and Nico De Anda-Scaia, Deputy City Manager Property Address: 101 W. Foothill Blvd.; APN: 8608-023-026 Negotiating Parties: Kevin Cote, Cushman & Wakefield (representing CVS Pharmacy) Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Sublease
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY AND SPECIAL AZUSA UTILITY BOARD
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 Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Interim City Clerk Services Manager Demirjian, Deputy City Clerk Hernandez, Library Services Manager Hassen.
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The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Kim Antle
The Invocation was led by Pastor Daniel Simonson, Christbridge Immanuel Church
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Marco Martinez reported City Council met in closed session for one item and reported there were no reportable actions.
CEREMONIAL
1. Presentation of Proclamation proclaiming November 30, 2024, as Small Business Saturday in the City of Azusa
Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez read aloud the Proclamation proclaiming November 30, 2024, as Small Business Saturday in the City of Azusa.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez announced that all powerlines in the City of Azusa that were deemed dangerous above ground have been properly taken care of. Some pockets in the City of Azusa are serviced by Southern California Edison (SCE), so some residents may be getting power shutoff notices, but if the city has any advanced notice of any shutoffs, the City of Azusa residents will be informed. Additionally, staff recently had a meeting with Metro Security and are pleased that they are moving forward with some fair enforcements . The City of Azusa continues to work with Metro partners, and they understand the challenges related to being the end of the line. More Metro fair enforcement security should be seen at the terminus in Azusa.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez announced that November 5, 2024, is the last day to vote. Hopefully, many residents will get out and vote. He reported attending the Foothill Transit meeting. Foothill Transit obtained a grant of $16.9 million dollars to purchase hydrogen fuel cell buses. Foothill Transit has thirty-three hydrogen fuel buses, which is the most in the nation. He also reported attending the event for Dia de los Muertos and thought it was a very nice and well attended event. The City of Azusa finally had the groundbreaking for the dog park, and it was well attended.
Councilmember Avila Jr. announced that on November 11, 2024, at 11 a.m., the Veterans Ad Hoc Committee , with the direction of City Council, will be doing a Veterans Day ceremony at the courtyard. All Veterans and the community are invited to attend. The Dia de los Muertos event was great, and he congratulated Family Services and Community Resources for putting it together. All departments did a great job with the Fall Festival. There was only one winner that day and that winner was the smiling kids.
Councilmember Mendez announced that the Azusa Police Department is hosting a toy drive for the entire month of November. Community members can drop off a new and unwrapped toy to the front lobby during normal business hours. The Azusa Police Department is also hosting Coffee with Lieutenant Brandon Bailey at the Starbucks at Citrus and Alosta on November 12, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Metro Board approved the extension funding from Pomona to Montclair. They are trying to get it into San Bernardino County. It goes to the JPA Board in a week or two for ratification. Congratulations to the Dodgers for the World Series victory. He urged residents to go out and vote.
Councilmember Beckwith announced that the E-Waste Collection event is scheduled for November 16, 2024, from 8 am to noon at the Public Works Yard located at 809 North Angeleno. He reported attending the Foothill Gold Transit meeting. Congratulations to Mayor Pro- Tem Alvarez for being elected to the Executive Board as the representative for the five-city cluster. He thanked all involved in several events, including the Loteria Pink Patch and the Cloud 9 ribbon- cutting. He reported attending the COG and stated that they had their 30 th anniversary this year. Thanks to everyone that set up and arranged for the Azusa dog park groundbreaking, which was a great event. The Dia de los Muertos event was incredible. He urged the community to get out and vote.
Mayor Gonzales urged staff to look into some type of enforcement or calming to assist with some drivers in the community not paying attention to speed laws. The second annual Cruising Back 2 Route 66 event is scheduled for
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November 10, 2024, in the City’s downtown area. Be aware that traffic will be closed downtown and make adjustments early. Call (626) 430-8353 for more information. He urged the community to vote.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. ADOPT RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY (COMMONLY REFERRED TO ATLANTIS GARDENS) FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL
DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SUCH TRANSFER
This action is not subject to environmental review under of the California Environmentally Quality Act (CEQA); administrative activities do not qualify as a “project” as defined in CEQA Sections 15378(a), 15060(c), and 15378(b)(5).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-C62 accepting the transfer of ownership of properties addressed 606, 629, 630, 633, 641 Glenfinnan Ave., 600, 610, 630, 670 East 6 th ST.; 601, 615, 616, 627, 628, 630 Cedarglen DR, 611, 627, 645 E. Lime Ave from the Los Angeles County Housing Authority (“LACDA”) and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents related to such transfer, and finding that such declaration is not a project subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Director of Economic and Community Development Jose Jimenez presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Alvarez, to Adopt Resolution No. 2024 -C62 accepting the transfer of ownership of properties addressed 606, 629, 630, 633, 641 Glenfinnan Ave., 600, 610, 630, 670 East 6
th ST.; 601, 615, 616, 627, 628, 630 Cedarglen DR, 611, 627, 645 E. Lime Ave from the Los Angeles County Housing Authority (“LACDA”) and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents related to such transfer, and finding that such declaration is not a project subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
2. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE CITY MANAGER
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2024- C63 of the City Council of the City of Azusa, California, Approving a Fifth Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement (Sergio Gonzalez).
Total Cost: $13,600 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: 10-General Fund 30%, 15-Prop A 5%, 17-Prop C 5%, 31- Consumer Services 30%, 39-AB939 30%
City Attorney Martinez provided the staff report regarding a resolution to approve a Fifth Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr., to Adopt Resolution No. 2024- C63 of the City Council of the City of Azusa, California, Approving a Fifth Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement (Sergio Gonzalez).
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
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3. ADOPTION OF STREAMLINED PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR THE ‘CITY OF AZUSA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM’ AND DESIGNATION OF COUNCIL AD HOC SCHOLARSHIP
AWARD SELECTION COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt the proposed guideline and requirement changes to the ‘City of Azusa Scholarship Program’; and
2) Designate two (2) Council members to serve on the Ad- Hoc Scholarship Award Selection Committee for the 2024-2025 Scholarship Program Cycle
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 50-08-000-141-2719
Management Analyst with the City Manager’s Office Taleen Nazarian provided the staff report, outlined program changes, and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, to Adopt the proposed guideline and requirement changes to the ‘City of Azusa Scholarship Program’.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Gonzales called for items to be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
1. Minutes of the City Council meeting dated October 7, 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-C64 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid for dated October 17, 2024 – October 30, 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. Re ceive and file the list of purchase orders was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
5. Authorize staff to issue a Request for Proposals to provide city-wide janitorial services was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
6. Grant in the amount of $100,000 (for hourly wages at an overtime rate) from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to conduct DUI Saturation Patrols to apprehend drunk drivers, Traffic Enforcement operations, Warrant Service Operations and other relate programs; Authorize staff to execute the grant agreement were approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
7. Grant in the amount of $71,000 (for software/equipment) from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS); Authorize staff to execute the grant agreement were approved.
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Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
8. A mended and restated Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Azusa and the Civilian Association of Police Personnel was approved.
Total Cost: $676,825 (over four years) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: General Fund/10-20-310-000
9. Amended and restated Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Azusa and the Azusa Mid- Management Association was approved.
Total Cost: $971,025 (over four years) Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 37% General Fund/63% Enterprise and Special Revenue Funds
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr., to adopt the Consent Calendar.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
1. SECOND READING – AMENDED AND RESTATED ORDINANCE REVISING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE VII. – BIDDING AND CONTRACTING, AND OTHER PURCHASES OF PROJECT,
SUPPLIES, SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Waive further reading, read by title only, and adopt Ordinance No. 2024-07
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Motion: by Councilmember Avila Jr. , seconded by Councilmember Beckwith, to waive further reading, read by title only, and adopt Ordinance No. 2024-07.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., MENDEZ, ALVAREZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Avila Jr. adjourned the meeting in memory of Camilo Lopez and Ofelia Pedroza Padilla, Azusa Residents.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:23 P.M.
** Items heard out of order
__________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-C64 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-08
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R14 (Former Redevelopment Agency) NEXT MEETINGS:
City Council November 4, 2024 Page | 6
November 18, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting December 2, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting