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
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025 – 6:30 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
Councilmember 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: MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., MAYOR PRO -TEM ALVAREZ, B OW,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Tabares, Interim City Clerk Services Manager Demirjian, Chief of Police Wenrick, Planning Manager Vizcarra.
SCHEDULED 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 Address: 609 North Azusa Avenue; APN: 8611-004- 023 Negotiating Parties: Henry Bouchot Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY
Councilmember 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: MENDEZ, AVILA Jr., MAYOR PRO -TEM ALVAREZ, B OW,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
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Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Tabares, Deputy City Manager De- Anda, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Library Services Manager Hassen, Planning Manager Vizcarra, and Principal Civil Engineer Cabanas.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Emma Brietta.
The Invocation was led by Rev. Dr. Kristina Collins, Sanctuary for Spiritual Living.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Norma Tabares reported City Council met in closed session for the two items above and reported there were no reportable actions taken for either item.
CEREMONIAL
1. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Volunteers and Contributors for 2024 Community Holiday Events.
Councilmember Gonzales opened the item and presented Certificates of Recognition to volunteers and contributors for the 2024 Azusa holiday event.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Nick Rosales spoke on behalf of his neighbors from View crest to Hilltop Dr. regarding the concerns over the lack of a fire emergency plan for that area for communication and evacuation during wildfires.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. ‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control.
Councilmember Gonzales spoke about the need for the community to check and adopt animals from shelters due to the number of misplaced animals from the wildfires.
2. City Manager Communications - Update on Emergency Response to 2025 Windstorms and Eaton Fire.
City Manager Gonzalez reported about the status of the Emergency Response, the recent Eaton Fire damage, and the response from the City’s first responders. The take aways from that emergency indicated there is a need for a line dedicated for emergency event calls so the 911 line can be used for critical emergencies only. Their immediate efforts were spent clearing roads for emergency vehicles. Power in the City was restored fairly quickly, a testament of owning and operating its own utilities. City Manager responded to Councilmember questions.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez commented regarding the victims of the fires needing prayers during this time.
Insurance adjusters have indicated it will take at least two years to rebuild the areas hit hardest. People need to be cautious of price gauging and scams and ban together to help the misplaced residents and animals.
Councilmember Avila Jr. thanked the residents who received certificates for their help during the holidays.
Thank you to those who banned together and provided a respectful burial for the young woman with the help of the VFW. He thanked all those who stepped up during the recent fire emergency. He requested the City Council recognize Halfsies and Sandals Church who volunteered in response to the recent emergency.
Councilmember Mendez commented regarding the tragic death of the little girl and how proud he was of the community for banning together for her family, in addition to all those effected by the Eaton fire.
Councilmember Bow recognized the work of all the nonprofits and first responders during t he fire emergency and the recovery process. With all the heavy events of late, she spoke about the positive events for the seniors at the New Years Dance, and the recent cultural events at the Library. She inquired about the recognition of a n Azusa Unified School District Classified Employee who received the Employee of the Year Award with the district.
Mayor Gonzales explained the process for certificates of recognition and suggested inviting her to an upcoming City Council meeting for the Flag Salute.
Mayor Gonzales requested staff do a presentation on water quality to resolve any concerns residents may have about how the recent fires have or have not affected Azusa’s water quality. He requested a recognition for the
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Azusa High School Girls Flag Footbal ls team for making it to the quarter finals in their second year of being a program.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. SELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO-TEM.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Approve the selection of Council Member Robert Gonzales, as Mayor for a one -year term, through January 2026; and
2) Approve the selection of Council Member Edward J. Alvarez, as Mayor Pro- Tem for a one -year term, through January 2026.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Interim City Clerk Services Manager Demirjian explained the selection process.
City Clerk Cornejo asked Councilmember Gonzales and Councilmember Alvarez if they accepted the positions of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. They both agreed.
Motion: by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Councilmember Bow to Approve the selection of Council Member Edward J. Alvarez, as Mayor Pro-Tem for a one-year term and Robert Gonzales as Mayor for a term of one year.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BECKWITH, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
2. DISCUSSSION ON ASSIGNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO COUNCIL AD-HOC COMMITTEES AND OUTSIDE AGENCY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Review City Council assignments to Ad- Hoc Committees and outside Board and Committees, previously approved for a two-year period from February 2024 to February 2026; and 2) Provide direction, affirming or modifying assignments.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Mayor Gonzales introduced the item and Interim City Clerk Services Manager Demirjian explained the differences in the Mayor positions from prior years and that this item is an Agendized discussion item only as some of the positions require resolutions in order to be adopted. Those resolutions will be on the next City Council meeting agenda. City Clerk Services Manager Demirjian and City Clerk Cornejo responded to Council questions and received Council feedback.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
Mayor Gonzales did a round table discussion for the available positions within each of the ad hoc committees.
3. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER APPROVING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS AND BUDGET FOR THE NEW CDBG PROGRAM YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Open the public hearing, receive testimony and presentation of the proposed projects, and adopt the resolution approving the 2025-2026 Community Development Block G rant (CDBG) Program and finding that such declaration is not a project subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act;
2) Authorize staff to release a Request for Proposal to seek qualified consulting firms for the provisi on of CDBG Program Administration and Labor Compliance Services beginning in Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and
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3) Authorize the City Manager to execute all contracts and Agreements, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), CDBG Program subrecipients, and CDBG Program consultants.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: N/A
Planning Manager Vizcarra provided the staff presentation for the public hearing to consider approving the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects and budget for the new CDBG Program and Code enforcement for the program and responded to Councilmember questions with City Manager Gonzalez.
Mayor Gonzales opened the public hearing and requested Proof of Publication.
City Clerk stated notice was provided in the San Gabrial Valley newspaper on December 31, 2024.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
Motion: by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Councilmember Mendez to close the public hearing.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BOW, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
Motion: by Councilmember Avila Jr. , seconded by Councilmember Bow to adopt the resolution approving the 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and finding that such declaration is not a project subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act; 2) Authorize staff to release a Request for Proposal to seek qualified consulting firms for the provision of CDBG Program Administration and Labor Compliance Services beginning in Fiscal Year 2025- 2026; and 3) Authorize the City Manager to execute all contracts and Agreements, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), CDBG Program subrecipients, and CDBG Program consultants.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BOW, 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. Councilmember Bow pulled item E-11 for Special Call; Mayor Gonzales spoke regarding E-7. Councilmember Avila Jr pulled items E-10 and E-11.
1. Minutes of the City Council meetings dated November 18, 2024 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-C03 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid for November 27, 2024 – January 15, 2025 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) were approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
4. Receive, review, and file the City Treasurer’s Report for the month of September 2024 was approved.
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Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
5. Receive and file the list of purchase orders issued with contracts executed by the City Manager was approved.
Total Cost: $130,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Various Accounts
6. I ncrease of $225,000 to the Best, Best & Krieger, LLP Blanket Purchase Order No. 042422, for Fiscal Year 2024/25 to a total not-to-exceed amount of $325,000. was approved.
Total Cost: $325,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: General Fund10-50-921-000-6301 and Risk Management Fund 42-50-923-000-6740
7. Approve the first amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Page and Turnbull, to extend the term of the agreement until December 31, 2025; and Authorize the City Manager to prepare and execute the agreement(s), in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was moved to special call.
Total Cost: $375,405 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 28-10-615-000-7125/61524A-7125
8. T he purchase of one 2025 Dodge Durango Pursuit Vehicle from Glendora Dodge Chrysler Jeep, in an amount not to exceed $52,399.48. Total Cost: $52,399.48 was approved.
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFG) Account No. 28-20-310-109-7135
9. A Professional Services Agreement with the law firm Lynberg and Watkins, for Legal Counsel Services in Police Matters from January 1, 202 5 through December 31, 2027 with the option for two, one (1) year extensions, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 annually; Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City, and waive the co mpetitive bidding process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-517(14) – Attorney Services; and Authorize the City Manager to exercise options for extensions to the contract as necessary, and execute extensions in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City. was approved.
Total Cost: Not to exceed $100,000 annually Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Police Department Account No. 10-20-310-000-6301
10. an increase to the contract purchase order for AR Industries, Inc. by $8,100; Authorize the City Manager to increase the compensation for a total not to exceed the contract amount of $114,800; and Accept the completion of the improvements for the Azusa City Hall Exterior Painting Upgrades Project was moved to Special Call.
Total Cost: $114,800 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: City Hall CIP Budget 46-80-000-651-7125/65125A-7125
11. The proposed co- sponsorships for 2025 were moved to Special Call.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
12. A Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Korn Randolph, Inc. for construction administration, extending the term of the Agreement through March 31, 2025 and increasing PO #038507 from $183,990 to $224,290; Authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendment, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and Authorize the City Manager to extend the contract term further as needed through project completion, with an additional contingency amount not -to-exceed $12,000, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City. was approved.
Total Cost: $40,300 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: #46-805-1000/51024C
Motion: by Mayor Pro-Tem Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Bow to Adopt the Consent Calendar items E- 1 –E6; E-8 and E-9 and E-12.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BOW, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
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Motion passed 5-0-0
SPECIAL CALL
Consent Calendar E-7, E-10, E-11.
7. T he first amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Page and Turnbull, to extend the term of the agreement until December 31, 2025; and Authorize the City Manager to prepare and execute the agreement(s), in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City was approved.
Total Cost: $375,405 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 28-10-615-000-7125/61524A-7125
Mayor Gonzales provided comment and requested a status update on the project and what the final use will be and if the Historical Preservation was involved in the process.
City Manager Gonzalez reported the status update for the project , expected next phases, and responded to Council questions.
Motion: by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Bow to Adopt the Consent Calendar item E -7 of the Consent Calendar.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BOW, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
10. A n increase to the contract purchase order for AR Industries, Inc. by $8,100; Authorize the City Manager to increase the compensation for a total not to exceed the contract amount of $114,800; and Accept the completion of the improvements for the Azusa City Hall Exterior Painting Upgrades Project was approved.
Total Cost: $114,800 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: City Hall CIP Budget 46-80-000-651-7125/65125A-7125
Councilmember Avila Jr. provided comments on the project and requested more information on why the budget needs to be extended when there were contingency funds initially approved for the project.
Director of Public Works Delgadillo responded to Council questions with commentary from City Clerk Cornejo.
Motion: by Councilmember Avila Jr., seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez to Adopt the Consent Calendar item E-10 of the Consent Calendar.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BOW, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
11. The proposed co- sponsorships for 2025 were approved.
Councilmember Bow requested information regarding the co-sponsorship policy and requested that in the future the policy be updated to reflect the change to the Calendar Year cycle.
Councilmember Avila requested notification to Council of co-sponsored events.
City Manager Gonzalez responded to Council questions.
Motion: by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Bow to Adopt the Consent Calendar item E- 11 of the Consent Calendar.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BOW, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
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ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS.
1. APPROVAL OF RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026 AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Adopt the attached Resolution No. 2025- R01, approving and adopting the “Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule” for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 (ROPS 25-26) pursuant to AB x1 26 as amended by AB 1484; and Adopt the attached Resolution No. 2025 -R02, approving and adopting the proposed Administrative Budget for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: Fund 87 Successor Agency
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila Jr. to Adopt Resolution No. 2025-R01, approving and adopting the “Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule” for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 (ROPS 25-26) pursuant to AB x1 26 as amended by AB 1484; and Adopt the att ached Resolution No. 2025-R02, approving and adopting the proposed Administrative Budget for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA JR., ALVAREZ, MENDEZ, BOW, MAYOR GONZALES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Motion passed 5-0-0
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeti ng in memory of Angelina Gonzalez and Cecilia Rojas, both lifelong residents of Azusa.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:53 P.M.
** Items heard out of order
__________________________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-C04 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2025-01
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-R02 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
NEXT MEETINGS:
February 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting February 18, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting *Tuesday