City Council February 3, 2025 Page | 1
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
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 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
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Gonzalez called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BOW, MENDEZ, AVILA JR., MAYOR P RO-TEM ALVAREZ,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo.
Staff Members: City Manager Sergio Gonzalez, City Attorney Marco Martinez , Director of Administrative Services Talika M. Johnson, Deputy City Manager Nico De Anda -Scaia, Interim City Clerk Service Manager Demirjian.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:33 pm.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.6.
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager; Talika M. Johnson, Director of Administrative Services; and Nico De Anda-Scaia, Deputy City Manager.
Organizations: Azusa Police Management Association (APMA), Azusa Police Executive Association (APEA), Local 18 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (BEW).
2. 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 al. (related to disposal actions at the former BKK Landfill, West Covina).
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL INITIATION OF LITIGATION - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(D)(4).
One Potential Case.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE PUBLIC
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FINANCING AUTHORITY
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: BOW, MENDEZ, AVILA JR., MAYOR PRO- TEM AL VAREZ,
MAYOR GONZALES
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo and City Treasurer Vasquez.
Staff Members: City Manager Sergio Gonzalez, City Attorney Marco Martinez , Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of Administrative Services Talika M. Johnson, Deputy City Manager Nico De Anda -Scaia, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of IT Guadagnino, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Interim City Clerk Service Manager Demirjian, Deputy City Clerk Hernandez, Deputy City Clerk Avila, Budget and Revenue Administrator Lam, Assistant General Manager Wat er Operations Barbosa, General Manager Electric Operations Vuong, Library Services Manager Hassen , Utilities Administrative and Financial Services Manager Smith, Community Services Manager Edson.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Miss Sophia Carrillo.
The Invocation was led by Bishop Keith Hanks of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Attorney reported the that the c ity council met in closed session for the three items listed above and reported on Item 1, the City Council heard a presentation and update from its negotiating team, provided direction, and there is no reportable action. With respect to Item 2, the City Council heard an update on that matter, provided direction, and there was no reportable action. With respect to Item 3, the City Council provided direction and there is no reportable action in that matter.
CEREMONIAL
1. Presentation of Proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez read the last paragraph of the Proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month in the City of Azusa.
2. Presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Henry Quintero, Principal Accountant, for 24 years of service to the City of Azusa.
Director of Administrative Services Johnson presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mr. Quintero. Mr.
Quintero thanked the city and expressed his enjoyment during his employment with the city.
3. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Halfsies and Sandals Church, for contributions during the local emergency.
Councilmember Avila presented a Certificate of Recognition to Pastor Will and to Erick Armstrong from Halfsies and Sandals Church for the contributions they made during the Eaton Canyon wildfires. Mr.
Armstrong and Pastor Will addressed the counsel and thanked the Council for the recognition.
4. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Azusa High School Varsity Girls Flag Football Team.
Mayor Gonzales presented Certificates of Recognition to the coaches and each member of the A zusa High School Varsity Girls Flag Football Team for making it to the semi-finals of the CIF playoffs.
5. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the Gomez Family.
Police Chief Wenrick presented Certificates of Recognition to Vincent, Richard Sr., and David Gomez for alerting the police to a person they witnessed who started a fire in the park enabling the police to arrest the arsonist.
B. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
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There was none.
C. REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
1. City Manager Communications.
City Manager Gonzalez announced the Great Park Ribbon Cutting ceremony was being moved from this Saturday until March 1, 2025.
2. Councilmember Announcements.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez announced the Azusa Community Resources Department Family Service Division is presenting the second Annual Lunar New Year 2025, Year of the Snake festival. A multi-cultural celebration on February 15, 2025, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Memorial Park, 340 North Orange Place. He congratulated Penny Coffee Roaster on its opening, and grand opening for Chilaquilicious, a local restaurant.
Councilmember Avila Jr. announced that February 28th will be the 19th annual Casino Night. The proceeds will benefit the Azusa Youth programs which includes Azusa Little League baseball, Azusa Softball, Azusa Raiders, and Azusa Parks and Recreation.
Councilmember Mendez announced the Tech Help at the Azusa City library on Friday, February 14 and February 28, and Saturday February 8 and February 22, 2025. Additional information can be found on the City’s website. He also congratulated the Azusa High School Varsity Football team, the Gomez family, and Officer Figueroa who made the arrest of the arsonist.
Councilmember Bow announced two activities at the Azusa City Library next week. On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, is Family Craft Hour to make Valentine’s crafts. On Wednesday, February 12 th at 6:00pm at the Azusa City Library there is the presentation Blazing Trails celebrating the legacy of African American firefighters, by Brett Burton, former L.A. County Fire Captain and co -founder of the African-American Firefighter Museum. She wished everyone a happy Lunar New Year for the 15- day celebration for the year of the Snake.
D. SCHEDULED ITEMS
1. PROPOSED 2025 C OMPREHENSIVE USER FEES AND CHARGES SCHEDULE
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Open the Public Hearing, receive public testimony, close the Public Hearing; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025- C04, updating user fees for various municipal regulatory activities, programs, and services with development -related fees effective 60 days after the adoption and other non- development related fees being effective immediately upon adoption; and 3) Authorize Staff to continue to adjust fees on an annual basis using inflationary index and methods outlined in the attached Study and Resolution No. 2025-C04.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Talika Johnson, Director of Administrative Services introduced Terry Mads en from Clear Source who made a PowerPoint presentation to the Council regarding the updated User Fee and Charges study prepared by Clear Source. Miki Carpenter, Director of Community Resources and Ms. Johnson, Director of Administrative Services responded to Council questions and received feedback.
Mayor Gonzales opened the public hearing, and the City Clerk certified the hearing was advertised in the San Gabriel Newspaper on January 17
th and January 27 th, 2025. There being no one from the public wishing to address this item and no correspondence was received.
Motion: by Councilmember Avila and second from Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez to close the public hearing.
AYES: Avila Jr., Mendez, Gonzales Alvarez, Bow.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None
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Motion passed 5-0
Motion: by Councilmember Avila Jr and seconded by Councilmember Mendez to adopt Resolution No. 2025-C04, updating user fees for various municipal regulatory activities, programs, and services with development-related fees effective 60 days after the adoption and other non -development related fees being effective immediately upon adoption; and Authorize Staff to continue to adjust fees on an annual basis using inflationary index and methods outlined in the attached Study and Resolution No. 2025-C04.
AYES: Avila Jr., Mendez, Gonzales Alvarez, Bow.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None
Motion passed 5-0
E. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Gonzales called for items to be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
1.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENTS OF WARRANTS BY THE CITY DATED JANUARY 16, 2025 THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2025
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-C05 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
2. HUMAN RESOURCES ACTION ITEMS
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the following personnel action requests in accordance with the City of Azusa Rules of the Civil Service System, Azusa Municipal Code, and/or applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s).
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
3. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS TO AD- HOC COMMITTEES AND
OUTSIDE AGENCY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve City Council repr esentative(s) to Ad-Hoc Committees and outside Board and Committees, for a one-year period from February 2025 to February 2026; and Approve Resolution No. 2025-C06, designating City Council representative(s) to the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities, the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee, the Governing Board of the County Sanitation District No. 22 of Los Angeles County, and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4.AWARD OF CONTRACT TO EXECUTIVE FACILITIES SERVICES, INC. FOR CITY WIDE
JANITORIAL SERVICES
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Award a three-year agreement with the option of 2 additional one-year extensions for an annual amount not-to-exceed of $304,254.60 to Executive Facilities Services, Inc. for City Wide Janitorial Services; and Authorize the City Manager to execute contracts, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $304,255 Annually Is the cost of thi s item budgeted? Yes
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Fund/Account No: General Fund - Facilities (10-55-666-000-6430), L&W Consumer Services Fund (31- 40-702-935-6430), L&W Electric Fund (33-40-735-880-6430), L&W Water Fund Distribution (32-40-723- 751-6430), L&W Water Fund Production (32-40-722-701-6430).
5.ADOPTION OF 2025 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM AND STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
PRIORITIES
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt the proposed 2025 City’s Legislative Platform; and Approve the proposed 2025 State and Federal Legislative Priorities.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
6.LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH – PUBLIC HEALTH
SERVICES AGREEMENT
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – Public Health Services Agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
Motion: by Councilmember Avila Jr. and second by councilmember Bow to approve the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Avila Jr., Mendez, Gonzales Alvarez, Bow.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None
Motion passed 5-0
F. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS
1.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED NOVEMBER 27, 2024 THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2025.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-R03 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: Fund 87 Successor Agency
Motion: by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Councilmember Avila to move the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Avila Jr., Mendez, Gonzales Alvarez, Bow.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None
Motion passed 5-0
G. SPECIAL UPDATE
Mayor Gonzales addressed the audience explaining the rules of decorum and that the City Council will allow five minutes for each speaker to address this item , He respectfully requested that the speakers be cordial, and time be given to allow notes to be taken and questions answered.
1. Update and discussion regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) utilization of Lario
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Staging Area for sorting of hazardous materials from the Eaton Fire.
Public Comments
The City Clerk noted that he received two emails which were sent to the City Council. The first was from Avery Cervantez and the other from Kara Perkinson.
Erick Armstrong spoke on the most important thing is to mitigate the impact that the community continues to have; his concerns for using La rio Park for a staging area for hazardous materials from the Eaton Fire. He suggested remediating the hazardous waste at its source in Altadena or transport the waste to a remote desert location far from water sources and densely populated areas. He requ ested detailed weekly environmental assessments including forensic testing of air water, and soil samples from both EPA and third- party testing facilities.
Milagos Serrano spoke expressing her view that it is a mistake to have the waste at Lario Park beca use it will cause a big environmental impact mentioning the hazardous material that will be contained in the waste.
Marcus Espinoza spoke in Spanish which was translated by his wife Mi lagos Serrano stating the waste will impact the people for at least 300 feet from where people live. He addressed the affect the hazardous waste would have on homeless people who live in the park and the effect on quality of life and affect on the peace of mind.
Kim Anton spoke about the city and residents not receiving advance notice that the park was going to be used to transfer toxic waste from the Eaton Fire to Lario Park. She asked various questions regarding containment.
Ryan Serrano, Deputy District Director with the Office of Supervisor Hilda Solis provided a state ment on behalf Supervisor Solis expressing her concern that Lario Park was designated as a collection and processing site of hazardous material from the Eaton Fire including lithium ion from electric vehicles. The decision to use this site was directed by a Presidential order directed to the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers. The EPA has authority over this matter and its actions take precedence over local jurisdiction due to the project being located on federal land. Supervisor Solis’ statement continued noting the mitigation measure s to be taken to minimize the impact to the city and local communities.
Jose Aguilar expressed his concern that the hazardous waste is being transported 18 miles from the burn site, and it is unknown how well the materials have capsulated . He expressed concerns about the hazardous materials permeating the materials it is being transported in.
Kathleen Howell spoke about the issues that the EPA addressed at the meeting in Duarte and the flyers they sent out. She pointed out the effect of not knowing the long- term impacts this will have on the area will affect the future of home buying in Azusa , the wildlife , and the rain that will cause the soil to run into the San Gabriel River.
Marlene Ramirez spoke regarding that urban fire toxins can be extremely deadly due to the mix of hazardous substance released during fires in cities. Particularly , in smoke inhalation, fine particles and smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs leading to respiratory failure and long-term health issues.
Daisy Hernandez expressed her concerns that the residents are not getting answers. She wants to know why these toxic materials are being transported to Azusa and not somewhere else. She spoke about the stress that it is causing the community an d the residents not knowing what the long -term effects will be. She is strongly opposed to the operation taking place in the city and she would like the EPA to find an alternative site.
Jeanne Yowl stated it was her understanding that the clean up cannot be moved and cannot be cancelled and therefore wanted to know if a second contractor will be selected to take care of the secondary clean up or will the same company be handling it. She wanted to know what the effect of the rain would have on the operation.
Jacob Wolaki, District Director for Congressman Gil Cisneros spoke about Congressman Cisneros continuing to push the EPA for transparency and implore President Trump to rethink the unnecessary 30 -day removal deadline. He held them for better for walking out on Duarte Townhall and for not sharing their overall plan in greater detail to ensure the safest site for helping the victims of the wildfire not the easiest.
Kimberly Soliman expressed concern about the effects on her health and wanted to make s ure that proper protocols will be maintained. Her husband wanted to make sure that all the measures were in place to ensure all regulations were being properly implemented so there aren’t further issues for those who are sensitive with breathing.
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Kelly Figoten spoke about the large -scale, long -term contamination of the local residents and wildlife and echoed Mr. Armstrong who spoke about having alternate planning and thinking about maintaining toxins on site, setting up staging in that area and then moving them from there safely. She felt it seemed inefficient to do this extra work, and it didn’t seem cost effective. She asked if there was some resolution that could be passed by the city, state, or county that prohibits toxins from being driven on the streets and highways.
There being no further speakers, the m ayor stated that they were going to ask the EPA representative present some questions and get some answers. Mayor Gonzales noted that we may not get the answers we want, but we will get some answers.
City Manager Gonzalez presented a PowerPoint regarding Lario Park, its ownership, location and the lease until recently held by Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. He advised that the City heard about the project Saturday on a news segment where staging had already begun. The city had no information ahead of time and was not consulted to allow this use, the city is not receiving any funding of monies for this operation and on Sunday, the city joined the cities of Duarte, Irwindale, and Baldwin Park, to express opposition to this, specifically since the city did not know where it was coming from, who authorized it, and why the city did not receive forewarning. Mr. Gonzalez went on to tell everything that was done since learning about the issue. He advised everything the city was doing within the city’s authority. He discussed the areas that the EPA representatives will be addressing.
Harry Allen from the US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9 addressed the city council regarding its role serving FEMA at the direction of the President to step in and handle household hazardous materials, which are the common chemicals and paints that people have in their houses. Mr. Allen explained Phase I of the project which is the removal by hand of household hazardous materials. Phase II is the debris and ash removal which is run by the Army Corps of Engineers and this park will not be a part of that. He then explained why Lario Park was chosen and presented a PowerPoint explaining in depth each step the EPA will be taking to clean up the hazardous waste and everything that will be done to protect the site.
Mayor Gonzales thanked Mr. Allen for the presentation and expressed his opposition to the use of the site and stated the city needs assurances and a long -term commitment that the EPA will not forget about Azusa when its job is completed. He addressed the failure of communication at the federal level, state level and county level. Thereafter, the city councilmembers asked Mr. Allen several questions to which Mr. Allen and members of his team responded.
The City Council thanked Mr. Allen for his professionalism and for participating in this meeting. The Mayor noted that just today the federal government and some congressional leaders in the Eaton Fire area had made mention of a written letter to the EPA interim director regarding the long term air testing and water testing for the Eaton site as well as the Palisades site and asked that it be taken back to the powers that be to encourage that Lario Park be a part of that testing, if possible.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:22 P.M.
______________________________________________________
CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-C05 (City)
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2025-01
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-R04 (Former Redevelopment Agency)
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
February 18, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting *Tuesday March 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting