City Council Minutes
August 18, 2025
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CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING AND UTILITY BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 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
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, Interim City Attorney Casso, Deputy City Manager DeAnda -Scaia, Administrative Services Director Johnson, Chief of Police Wenrick, Police Captain Landeros, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:32 pm to discuss the following items:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.6.
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager and Talika M. Johnson, Director of Administrative Services
Organization: IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – Local 18), APMA (Azusa Police Management Association), and APEA (Azusa Police Executive Association)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.95(d)(1).
Case Name: Charles Wilkins
Claim Nos: 4021026A6420001 and 4A22020VV6G0001
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3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8.
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: 201 N Vernon Avenue; APN: 8615-018-901 Negotiating Parties: Azusa Unified School District
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Payment
REGULAR SESSION/SPECIAL UTILITY BOARD MEETING
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk/Secretary Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS/BOARDMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS/BOARDMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk/Secretary Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, Interim City Attorney Casso, Deputy City Manager DeAnda -Scaia, Administrative Services Director Johnson, Chief of Police Wenrick, Police Captain Landeros, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez, Director of I.T. Guadagnino, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez, Public Works Superintendent Chavez, Assistant Director of Utilities – Electric Operations Vuong, Assistant General Manager – Water Operations Barbosa, Budget & Revenue Administrator, Planning Manager Vizcarra, Management Analyst - Public Works Reagan, Management Analyst – City Manager’s Office Nazarian.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Angel Lasalle.
The Invocation was led by Pastor Felix Garcia.
CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Casso announced the following regarding Closed Session: There was no reportable action regarding Items 1, 2 and 3.
Casso & Sparks attorneys were introduced to the Council.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Arturo Ortega, AUSD Superintendent, provided updates and announcements on behalf of the School District Board.
Celeste Smith discussed the importance of funding received from the sale of safe and sane fireworks, on behalf of the AUSD marching band.
Trisha Pardo, St. Frances of Rome Youth Coordinator, discussed the benefits of fireworks sales for the church youth ministry.
Ralph Rodriguez, representative of Knights of Columbus and Helping Hand, stated the ways that funding received from fireworks sales help provide support to members of the community.
John Kelly, TNT Fireworks Vice President, expressed interest in continuing to be a resource to the City; made note of statements made in the Item’s Staff Report; and urged the Council to submit a letter of support to the Governor regarding an illegal fireworks task force.
Freddy Tinajedo, Azusa Raiders Youth Football Program representative, shared the impact that would be made on the program should the City stop allowing the sale of safe and sane fireworks.
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Patrick Naranjo, Azusa American Little League representative, discussed the importance of firework booth fundraising to the organization; stated the ways in which the funds are utilized; and urged the Council to continue allowing the sale.
Pastor James Mendoza, Four Square Church, expressed the importance of firework sales to the community and the ways in which the church has utilized the funding to benefit others; and asked the Council to consider how fireworks bring positivity to the community.
Eddie Banuelos, Azusa Little League President, discussed how fireworks sales are crucial to the organization and stated how costs are offset by the funds raised.
Scott Ganas, representing the Azusa Renaissance Community Theater, invited the Council and the community to join in celebrating the anniversary of the Azusa Renaissance Community Theater on September 27, 2025.
City Clerk Cornejo announced that the following individuals submitted written public comment: James Mendoza, George Conway, Julieta Conway, Bruce Monroe & Family, Adrian Hernandez, Isai Rangel, Celeste Rangel, Gloria Aguilar, Douglas A. McKenna Jr., Dennis C. Revell. All written comments were provided to the Council.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
“Pet of the Month” Presentation
Los Angeles County Animal Control Officer Arrighi-Bracci introduced Sandy an 8-year-old female Pekingese that is ready for adoption.
City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez announced that the Azusa City Library will be temporarily relocated to Slauson Middle School, and the Azusa Senior Center will be relocated to the North Recreation Center.
City Clerk
City Clerk Cornejo announced that 19 applications were received and requested that the Council set the interview date for either August 25 or September 8 at 5:30 pm. It was the consensus of the Council to hold interviews on September 8.
Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez announced that the annual Field of Glory event, hosted by the Azusa Rotary, will be held from September 6–12 on the City Hall lawn; and reminded the community to use caution while driving as schools will be back in session.
Councilmember Avila announced that yard sales will take place on September 6 th and 7 th; congratulated the Mayor and Staff for the success of the Kathy’s Cool Cuts event; and wished his friend Johnny Ramirez a Happy Birthday.
Councilmember Mendez inquired about the responsibility of trash left on curbs for multiple days; and shared the sudden passing of Los Angeles County Firefighter Jerry Guzman at Station 32.
Councilmember Bow announced she participated at the 17 th annual Kathy’s Cool Cuts; and reported that she represented the City as the delegate at the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Ad Hoc Committee.
Mayor Gonzales thanked his colleagues for a successful Kathy’s Cool Cuts event and shared that the event was named in memory of his sister; requested that the donors and volunteers be recognized at the September 15 th City Council Meeting.
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SCHEDULED ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARING – DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE NEXUS STUDY AND FEE APPROVAL
Director of Administrative Services Johnson introduced the Development Impact Fee (DIF) Nexus Study, noting that it was prepared by Willdan Financial Services for the City Council’s consideration and possible adoption; explained that the study establishes a framework to ensure new development contributes its fair share toward infrastructure and public facilities necessary to accommodate future growth within the City.
Budget and Revenue Administrator Lam provided background information on the Development Impact Fee (DIF); provided an overview of the Public Financing Environment in California; explained that tax limitations such as Propositions 13 and 218 have made it increasingly difficult for local governments to raise revenues to fund public facilities; noted that despite these challenges, local governments have the legal authority to raise revenue through Development Impact Fees (DIFs) for public facilities in support of redevelopment and community growth.
Mr. Lam stated that adopting a DIF program provides the City with an option to generate revenue dedicated to increasing facility capacity to meet the needs of future development; and highlighted that the DIF Nexus Study prepared by Willdan Financial Services outlines the methodology, key assumptions, maximum legally justified fee schedule, fee comparisons, and policy options available for Council consideration.
Principal Consultant Villarreal of Willdan Financial Services provided a detailed presentation of the study; explained that a Development Impact Fee is a one- time fee imposed on new development projects within a defined geographic area to help fund the construction or expansion of public facilities required to serve new growth; reviewed the requirements of the Mitigation Fee Act, which mandates specific findings before a fee can be adopted; stated that new developments will benefit from the use of the facilities funded by the fees; and explained that the fees are reasonably proportional to the development’s impact on facility demand.
Mr. Villarreal discussed Assembly Bill 602 (AB 602), which establishes new standards for transparency and reporting, including a requirement for Nexus Studies to be publicly noticed 30 days prior to adoption; outlined growth projections, cost allocation methods, and three approaches used in the study: the buy- in approach for water and sewer, the inventory approach for parks, and the planned facilities approach for water fees; summarized the study methodology, presented the justified fee schedule with a comparison to neighboring cities, and reviewed policy options such as phased implementation or reduced fees for affordable housing.
The Council inquired about accessory dwelling units (ADUs), noting they were not included in the presentation, and asked about potential future park locations. Staff responded that ADUs were not listed but would be charged at the residential rate. Staff also noted that discussions with the Parks Division identified several potential sites in the Park CIP for future park development. The Council further asked how often the fees must be reviewed, and staff explained that under AB 602, the Nexus Study should be updated every eight years unless significant facility changes occur.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo certified the publication of the Public Hearing in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on July 10, 2025 and July 31, 2025.There being no one wishing to address the council on this issue, Mayor Gonzales asked for a motion to close the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Avila, seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote of the Council to close the Public Hearing,
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN:NONE
Discussion ensued regarding the maximum justified fees and the tier payment process. The Council deliberated at length on reaching an agreement, ultimately discussing a proposed 50% justified fee with 25% identified for affordable housing units.
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Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Councilmember Bow to Receive the proposed Development Impact Fee Nexus Study from Willdan Financial Services; and Open the consolidated Public Hearings for the adoption of the Development Impact Fee Nexus Study and the DIF, receive public comments, close the Public Hearing; and Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2025- 37, regarding Development Impact Fee Nexus Study and DIF, to be effective 60 days after adoption.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE & ALTERNATE FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Deputy City Manager DeAnda-Scaia presented the report recommending that the City Council officially designate a City Council delegate and alternate.
It was the consensus of the Council to designate Councilmember Avila as the voting delegate and Councilmember Bow as the Alternate.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
DISCUSSION ITEM - REVIEW AND FUTURE DIRECTION REGARDING THE CITY’S FIREWORKS POLICY AND THE SALE OF “SAFE AND SANE” FIREWORKS IN AZUSA
Management Analyst of the City Manager Office, Nazarian announced that Staff was seeking direction from the City Council to guide a future for fireworks in the City of Azusa.
Mayor Gonzales made a motion to phase out safe and sane fireworks in 2026 with the possibility of fireworks on New Year’s Eve 2026.
Councilmember Avila made a substitute motion to phase out safe and sane fireworks in 2026 and 2027, with a contingency plan for the non-profits. The motion was seconded by Mayor Gonzales.
City Attorney Casso clarified that the discussion regarding the non-profits should be deferred to the City Manager.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 21, 2025 and Special Meeting of May 27, 2025, 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-C38 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid was adopted.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
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3. 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) were approved.
New Appointments: J. Valdez, M. Ferro, F. Reader, J. Bacerra, P. Phung, K. Garcia, K. Figueroa, C. Cotto, K. Cortes, S. Lee, B. Torres, J. Zepeda
Promotions: R. Olea, D. Hubler, R. Phillps, E. Alegria, L. Jaime, C. Davis Merit Increase/Regular Appointments: K. Vizcarra, V. Garibay, L. Maldonado, A. Contreras, C.
Inglesias, D. Hubler, K. Avila, J. Edson
Classification Specification Revision: Economic Development Specialist, Planning Technician Separations/Retirements: M. Villegas
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. The City Treasurer’s Report of Receipts, Disbursement and Fund Balances for the month of April 2025 was received, reviewed and filed.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
5. It was found that Tract Map No. 84241 located at 137 N. Barbara Avenue complies with the General Plan and was consistent with the approved tentative map and any amendments thereto; the City Council approved the subject maps and accepts the Offers of Dedication shown on said maps; the Final Tract Map No. 84241 was approved; and the City Clerk was authorized to endorse on the face of the map the certificates, which embodies the approval of said map and acceptance of any grants, easements and dedication.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
6. The consideration of an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with National Community Renaissance (“National Core”) and the City of Azusa for the redevelopment of several vacant parcels located at N.
Rockvale Ave. and E. 6
th street comprising the Atlantis Garden site was approved ; the City Manager, was authorized on behalf of the City to execute the ENA in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, including any additional non-substantive changes; and the adoption of this action does not qualify as a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”). Section 15378 was determined.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
7. In accordance with Azusa Municipal Code Sec. 2 -521. – Cooperative, piggyback and multiple awarded bid purchasing with other agencies, the purchase of a CAT 420 Backhoe Loader and attachments in the amount not to exceed $111,718.81 from QUINN was approved; and the disposition of surplus property as required in Azusa Municipal Code Sec. 46-87. – Property turned over to city purchasing agent and authorize Staff to trade-in its CASE 590 backhoe loader to QUINN at a value of $65,000 to offset the cost of the CAT 420 Backhoe Loader was waived; and the City Manager was authorized to execute a purchase agreement with QUINN Equipment Company for the purchase of the CAT 420 Backhoe Loader and proposed attachments.
Total Cost: $111,718.81 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Sewer Fund (acct # 34-55-655-000-7135)
8. In accordance with Azusa Municipal Code Sec. 2 -521. – Cooperative, piggyback and multiple awarded bid purchasing with other agencies , the purchase and installation of new playground equipment from the Innovative Playgrounds Company in an amount of $295,865.99, plus a contingency of the remaining available project budget of $24,134.01 for potential change orders, for a total not -to-exceed $320,000 was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the Construction Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $295,865.99 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: QUIMBY Fund (acct # 19-80-000-666-7120/66626C-7120) and Rosedale Community Facility District Park Maintenance Fund (acct # 37-80-000-000-7120/66626D-7120) City Council Minutes
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9. An agreement for a total not -to-exceed the amount of $76,000, to Elevated Geomatics Inc was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost (Preliminary Engineering): $76,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No.: SB1-Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Account Funds (Acct. 05-80-000-661- 7120/66126A-7120)
10. The City Manager was approved to enter into a legal services agreement with Casso & Sparks, LLP to provide general and special legal services for the period of August 1, 2025 through November 30, 2025 was ratified; the appointment of James M. Casso as Interim City Attorney was ratified; the issuance of a Blanket Purchase Order in the amount of $108,000 for Casso & Sparks, LLP to cover the monthly retainer for general legal services was approved; and the issuance of a Blanket Purchase Order in the amount of $42,000 for Casso & Sparks, LLP to cover special legal services outside the scope of the general retainer was approved.
Total Cost: $150,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: General Fund/10-09-000-000-6301 and Various Departments-6301
11. An Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International for third party environmental review consulting services for the proposed Azusa Greens Project at 919 W. Sierra Madre, to include the additional scope of work was approved for an amount not to exceed $13,060; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
12. A contract with Loengreen, Inc. for construction services associated with tenant improvements at the L.A.
Metro System Security and Law Enforcement offices located at 890 The Promenade was awarded in the amount of $1,560,700; Staff was authorized to increase the contract amount to 10 percent ($156,070) for contingencies as needed, for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $1,716,770; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the contract, subject to non- substantial revisions in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $1,716,770 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: #46-80-000-625-7140/62519A-7140
13. In accordance with Azusa Municipal Code Sec. 2 -521. – Cooperative, piggyback and multiple awarded bid purchasing with other agencies , an agreement with EMCOR for the installation of a new boiler for the Police Station was approved in a not -to-exceed total of $296,930 plus a 10% contingency of $29,693, for a total of $326,623; the City Manager was authorized to execute the Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and Staff was authorized to use up to $320,123 of the General Fund Capital & Infrastructure Replacement Reserve to fund this unanticipated boiler replacement.
Is this Item Budgeted: No Total Cost: $326,623
Fund/Account No: $6,500 Public Benefit Fund 24 (24-40-739-082-6625/MMUNIB-6625), $320,123 General Fund Capital and Infrastructure Replacement Reserve Fund (Account #46-20-310-000-7140)
14. Purchase orders issued with contract agreements executed by City Manager were received and filed.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
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F. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AZUSA CITY COUNCIL AMENDING SECTIONS 88.24.005 (ALLOWED USES IN DISTRICTS), 88.28.030 (SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS), 88.30.070 (TRASH ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS), (DRIVEWAYS AND SITE ACCESS), AND SECTION 88.70.020 (DEFINITIONS OF SPECIALIZED TERMS AND PHRASES). ADDITIONALLY, AN AMENDMENT TO THE TOD SPECIFIC PLAN TO
EXPAND THE STANDARD OPERATING HOURS IN THE DOWNTOWN AND DOWNTOWN EXPANSION DISTRICTS. LASTLY, TO DETERMINE THAT THE AMENDMENTS ARE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17
Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Councilmember Avila to Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2025-05 of the City of Azusa City Council amending the following Azusa Municipal Code Sections: 88.24.005 Allowed Uses in Districts, 88.28.030 Special Purpose Zone Land Uses and Permit Requirements, 88.30.070 Trash Enclosure Requirements, 88.36.100 Driveways and Site Access, and 88.70.020 Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases; and amend the TOD Specific Plan to expand standard operating hours in the Downtown and Downtown Expansion Districts; and find the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN:NONE
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
G. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED MAY 29, 2025 THROUGH JULY 21, 2025
Resolution No. 2025-R11 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds was adopted.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Councilmember Avila to adopt Resolution No. 2025- R11 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN:NONE
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: Fund 87 Successor Agency
H. ADJOURN CITY COUNCIL AND CONVENE THE SPECIAL MEETING OF UTILITY BOARD
I. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY)
None.
J. CONSENT CALENDAR – UTILITY BOARD RELATED BUSINESS
1. It was found that Perry C. Thomas Construction has completed the underground line extension in accordance with plans and specifications for Project LD2023- 4; the Notice of Completion was approved and the Mayor was authorized to execute the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City; the City Clerk was authorized to submit the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Office of the County Recorder of Los Angeles County within ten days of Utility Board approval, as required by Section 3093 of the California Civil Code.
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Moved by Board Member Gonzales, seconded by Board Member Mendez, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote.
AYES: BOARD MEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, MENDEZ, BOW NOES: BOARD MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: BOARD MEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: BOARD MEMBERS: NONE
K. ADJOURNMENT – UTILITY BOARD
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Rene Olagi and Eva Gonzalez.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:53 P.M.
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
September 15, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting October 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting