City Council Minutes
September 15, 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, SEPTEMBER 15, 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, Chief of Police Wenrick, Deputy City Clerk II Hernandez
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:31 p.m. to discuss the following items. Interim City Attorney Casso recused himself from discussion of Item No. 2.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case Name: Carachure v. City of Azusa; Case No. 22STCP03478
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.
Title: City Attorney
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8.
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: 975 W. Foothill Blvd; APN: 8605-019-906 and 907 Negotiating Parties: Samuel Kang, CEO – Fenyx Energy Inc., dba Fenyx EPC Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Payment
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REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:34 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, Chief of Police Wenrick, Sergeant Beaver, Deputy City Clerk II Hernandez, Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez, Community Improvement Manager Edson, Community Improvement Inspector Moreno, Public Works Superintendent Chavez, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, City Librarian Hassen, Literacy Coordinator Sells – Arnold, Director of I.T. Guadagnino, General Manager of Utilities Singh
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Hadley Beaver.
The Invocation was led by Reverend Dr. Kristina Collins, Sanctuary for Spiritual Living.
CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Casso announced the following regarding Closed Session: There was no reportable action for Item 1 and Item 3.
City Manager Gonzalez reported on Item 2, stating that the City Council heard a presentation and directed Staff to move forward with the process to establish an Ad Hoc Committee comprised of Mayor Robert Gonzales and Councilmember Dr. Sabrina Bow to serve as the committee for the City Council on the City Attorney appointment.
CEREMONIAL
1. The Council Presented Certificates of Appreciation to all who contributed to the 2025 Kathy’s Cool Cuts for Kids Event.
2. A Proclamation proclaiming the week of September 14-20, 2025 as National Adult & Family Literacy Week in the City of Azusa was presented.
City Librarian Hassen Acknowledged the City of Azusa’s Literacy Team.
Literacy Coordinator Sells – Arnold presented 2025 California Library Association Outstanding Librarian in support of Literacy to Leila Hassen.
3. A Proclamation proclaiming the month of October 2025 as National Code Compliance Month in the City of Azusa was presented.
Community Improvement Director, Edson Shared appreciation to the City of Azusa Code Enforcement Staff.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Kristen Pule expressed concerns regarding the City’s Municipal Code that prohibits the feeding of wildlife, which includes feral cats, and suggested that the City consider a trap- neuter-release (TNR) method similar to those used in surrounding cities.
Christine Ramirez a representative of Azusa Connects invited the public to attend the Fourth Annual Chalk Fest Día de Los Colores at Memorial Park on October 12, 2025, featuring community art and family activities City Council Minutes
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Adrian Batista, Troop 888 Boy Scout, expressed concerns regarding homelessness in the City.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
“Pet of the Month” Presentation
Los Angeles County Animal Control Officer Rivas introduced Sadie, a four-month-old kitten that is ready for adoption.
City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez provided an update on the successful migration of the Senior Center to the North Recreation Center; reported that the Metro parking structure now offers hourly parking passes; and introduced City Librarian Hassen to provide an update on the Azusa Library Renovation Project.
City Librarian Hassen presented a brief update on the Library Renovation Project and the status of the temporary move to Slauson Middle School; reported that the relocation is nearly complete with functioning library services; announced that a bid opening was held in the City Clerk’s Office last month and noted that Staff is currently conducting a bid review to select a general contractor for the project.
City Clerk
City Clerk Cornejo, General Chair of Azusa Golden Days, announced the 2025 Golden Days calendar of events and the theme, “Día de Los Golden Days – A Community Celebration of Life and Heritage.” ; and shared the passing of former Azusa Golden Days family member Peggy Rubio Martinez.
Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez shared a brief memory of Peggy Rubio Martinez and asked for prayers; announced the City of Azusa Night Market on September 25, 2025 in Downtown Azusa; mentioned the Free Tire Recycling Event held at the Citrus College parking lot; asked the community to pray for the children who were killed in the Minnesota School shooting; and reminded the community to drive safely around school zones.
Councilmember Avila shared that on Wednesday September 17 th a federal agency will be available to open up
casework in the City Hall conference room; announced on October 4 th Community Resources Department will host a Halloween Fright Fest at Memorial Park; reported that on September 5 th and 6th he attended the Contract Cities Fall Education Session; recognized and thanked Sergeant Beaver for hosting the Citizens Police Academy; and expressed his condolences to the Rubio Martinez family on the passing of Ms. Peggy Rubio Martinez.
Councilmember Mendez announced that every third Saturday of the month a Free Electronic Waste Drop -Off event will be held at the Public Works Yard; introduced the upcoming National Wilderness Month activities, including Family Nature Night on September 17th, a Beach Cleanup Trip on September 20th, and the Azusa Beautiful Canyon Cleanup on September 27
th; reported that he attended the Contract Cities Conference in Oceanside; and mentioned the upcoming “Cruising Back 2 Route 66” event, one of the largest car shows in the San Gabriel Valley; and concluded by sharing a memory of the late Peggy Rubio Martinez.
Councilmember Bow reported that on Saturday, September 20th, a free compost and mulch giveaway will be held at Memorial Park; announced that on September 27th, the Fall Azusa Shred- A-Thon will take place at the Azusa Light & Water parking lot; mentioned that she participated in the Annual Field of Glory Event; and acknowledged that September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month as well as National Suicide Prevention Month.
Mayor Gonzales announced that Azusa Connects will host a Neurodivergent Workshop on October 7th at the Northside Recreation Hub; and thanked everyone who attended in recognition of Kathy’s Cool Cuts.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
CONSIDERATION OF AZUSA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
Deputy City Manager, De Anda – Scaia presented the item for the Council’s consideration and direction City Council Minutes
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regarding a proposal submitted by the new Azusa Chamber of Commerce for continued partnership for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026; explained that the partnership is established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which outlines City expectations, the general scope of services, funding levels, and performance and reporting mechanisms.
The Chamber of Commerce Leadership, Executive Director Bolivar, Board President Ramirez, Board Members Ramirez, Nawaya, Taylor, and Batista, and Treasurer Gallegos, provided a brief presentation summarizing their proposal in detail; and highlighted accomplishments from the past three months, including increased membership, the launch of impactful programs, and strengthened partnerships.
The Council engaged in discussion regarding the Chamber’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget and inquired about the organization’s governance structure, specifically how the City would have representation or a “seat at the table” within that structure.
The Chamber responded that its current budget is limited, but it anticipates generating approximately $89,000 in revenue by Fiscal Year 2026; stated that the matter of the City serving as a voting member on the Chamber’s Board has not yet been discussed among the Board members.
Council discussion followed concerning the urgency of the Chamber’s funding needs and the recommendation that an annual budget may be the most appropriate option at this time; asked about the Chamber’s annual goals, emphasized the importance of ensuring City representation if City funds are provided, and discussed whether that representation should be as a voting or non-voting member.
Staff requested Council direction regarding the term of representation, deliverables outside of those outlined in the staff report, funding amount, inclusion of a self-sufficiency clause, and Chamber membership goals.
The Council reached consensus to include the discussed items in the agreement with the Azusa Chamber of Commerce; directed staff to provide the Chamber with $45,000 in funding, including retroactive payment for the months in which no payment was made; that City representation be incorporated into the Chamber’s governance structure and that ribbon- cutting ceremonies be conducted for all new businesses, regardless of Chamber membership status.
Staff was directed to incorporate these revisions into the agreement and return the item to the Council in a future meeting.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF MOBILE COMPUTERS, PORTABLE RADIOS AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS FOR A TOTAL COST OF $354,044.29
Administrative Sergeant Beaver presented a request for approval of critical technology and equipment for the Police Department; reported that Police staff has increased over the past eight months, resulting in an immediate need for additional mobile computers, portable radios, software, and supporting services.
Sergeant Beaver explained that the request includes the purchase of mobile computers, new L3 Harris portable radios, connectivity software, and essential radio upgrades; announced that the total cost for the equipment is $331,243.29, with an additional $22,801 annually for connectivity and maintenance contracts; and noted that funding will be provided through State Supplemental Law Enforcement Services and COPS funds, with no impact to the City’s General Fund.
The Council inquired about the duration of the warranty for the proposed equipment purchase and the timeline for free maintenance; requested a description of the officers’ duties to better understand the operational need for the equipment and asked whether purchasing all items at once was necessary. Additional questions were raised regarding the useful life of the equipment.
Staff responded that the warranty period is approximately five years and that the maintenance included ensures proper programming and ongoing system support; explained that the equipment is necessary as officers are currently assigned to guard the Azusa Police Jail and will begin training to become armed City Security Officers responsible for City properties and events; noted that the useful life of the equipment ranges from five to ten years.
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Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Councilmember Bow to approve the purchase of rugged mobile computers, vehicle docking systems, and related accessories from Airwave Communication Enterprises in the amount of $193,093.24; and approve the purchase of fifteen (15) L3Harris XL-200P portable radios with accessories and programming from Dailey-Wells Communications, Inc. in the amount of $118,187.48; and approve the purchase of twenty (20) Net Motion Secure Access licenses from Advanced Security Technologies in the amount of $2,380.00; and approve the Foothill Communications annual Radio Management server service and programmer rental in the amount of $3,000.00; and approve the Foothill Communications programming, encryption, TDMA upgrades, and radio services in the amount of $17,583.57; and approve the Verizon Unlimited Tablet Plan for twenty (20) Getac devices at a monthly recurring cost of $400.00 (annual cost of $4,800.00); and approve the purchase of radio programming/maintenance service from Dailey-Wells Communications, Inc. in the amount of $15,000.00; and waive the purchasing procedures as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-539 to maintain a continuation of service and a smooth transition of police radio equipment and the purchase of corresponding equipment in the best interest of the city; and authorize the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to complete these purchases, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Total Cost: $354,044.29 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 26-20-310-000-6XXX/7XXX
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 2, 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-C39 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
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: F. Hernandez, V. Manuel Pineda, A. Guadalupe Mulgado, E. Avellaneda, W. Lopez, G. Dimiele
Promotions: J. Cheng
Merit Increase/Regular Appointments: G. Garnica, M. Barbosa, A. Hernandez, L. Aghanes, E. Quiroga, E. Arreola, E. Guardado Maeda, L. Lopez, J. Huerta, J. Martinez, S Murray.
Classification Specification Revision: Senior Community Development Technician Separations/Retirements: M. Shan Thompson, T. Avila, J. Retana, K. Godbey
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 May 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. Item pulled for special call
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6. The agreement between the City of Azusa and APU granting limited powers of arrest pursuant to California Penal Code 830.7(b) only was approved; and the City Manager or designee was authorized to execute the agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
7. A 25/26 agreement with Azusa Pacific University for Azusa Reads/Writes/Counts, STEM programs, and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) tutoring for adults was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the amendments, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
8. Proposed changes to the Azusa City Library Materials Selection Policy to align with requirements under the California Freedom to Read Act was approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
9. The use of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Measure R Funds in the amount of $400,000, and the use of the Sewer Funds in the amount of $105,000 to supplement the increased operational costs in the Public Works Department’s Roadway Maintenance (Gas Tax) Fund for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 was authorized.
Total Cost: $505,000 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Measure R Fund (03-55-661-000) and Sewer Fund (34-55-665-000)
10. The purchasing procedures as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-521 were waived; and A Professional Services Agreement with NIC Partners, Inc. for the purchase of the proposed security system and licensing and monitoring services was entered; and the City Manager was authorized to execute an agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost - $154,660.04 Is this item Budgeted – Partially Funding – Various Sewer, Power, General Fund
11. A contract with the amount of $1,190,525 to Sully-Miller Contracting Company was awarded; and Staff were authorized to issue change orders as needed up to a 10% contingency of $119,053 for a not -to- exceed total project cost of $1,309,578; and the City Manager was authorized to execute contracts, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost (Construction): $1,190,525 Is the Cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Utility Mitigation Fund 13 (Acct. 13-80-000-661-7120/66126C-7120)
12. A three-year contract with two potential one -year extensions, to Aquatic Technologies, Inc. DBA Aquatic Service, Inc. for Slauson Pool Maintenance and Repairs was awarded; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the Maintenance Services Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, subject to non - substantive changes, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $ 47,056.80 annually Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10-25-410-100-6493
13. Competitive bidding as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section 2- 521 - Cooperative, piggyback and multiple awarded bid purchasing with other agencies., to utilize a cooperative buying agreement with OMNIA and approve the Lease Agreement with Williams Scotsman, Inc. for the lease and delivery of a 44’ x 36’ Modular Office Space at the North Recreation Center , 340 N. Orange Avenue was waived; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the Agreement with Williams Scotsman, Inc.
Total Cost: $ 95,757.16 Is the cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: Funds are available in the Memorial Park CIP Project No. 10-80-000-410-7125/7125- 41023B
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14. The amended and restated Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Azusa and the Azusa Police Management Association was approved; and Staff was authorized to make non- substantive edits to the MOU as needed until fully executed.
Total Cost: $608,960 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: General Fund/10-20-310-000
15. Resolution No. 2025- C41 re -appointing Angelica Ojeda to the Arts, Cultural & Historic Preservation Commission for a four-year term ending 9/30/2029 was adopted; and
Resolution No. 2025-C42 re-appointing Kimberly Antol to the Library Commission for a three-year term ending 9/30/2028 was adopted; and
Resolution No. 2025-C43 re-appointing Joyce Hsiao to the Library Commission for a three-year term ending 9/30/2028 was adopted; and
Resolution No. 2025-C44 re-appointing Gerard Batista to the Park & Recreation Commission for three-year term ending 9/30/2028 was adopted; and
Resolution No. 2025-C45 re-appointing Rossana Helbert to the Park & Recreation Commission for a three- year term ending 9/30/2028 was adopted; and
Resolution No. 2025-C46 re-appointing Pamela Mercado to the Park & Recreation Commission for a three- year term ending 9/30/2028 was adopted; and
Resolution No. 2025-C47 appointing Supriya Thote to the Parks & Recreation Commission for a partial term ending 9/30/2026 was adopted; and
Resolution No. 2025-C48 re-appointing Victor Munoz to the Personnel Board for a three-year term ending 9/30/2028 was adopted.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
16. The First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Cintas Corporation for Workplace First Aid and AED services from November 1, 2024, through November 1, 2027, with the option for two, one (1) year extensions in an amount not to exceed $50,000 annually was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the First Amendment, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $20,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Risk Management/42-50-923-000
17. Purchase orders issued with contract agreements executed by City Manager were received and filed.
Total Cost: $197,119.37 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Sewer/General Fund/Electric
18. The waiving of Purchasing Procedures under Azusa Municipal Code Sec. 2- 539, Waiving of Purchasing Procedures in best interest of the City were approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute a renewable professional services agreement with Data Ticket for the processing, collection and provision of hearing services related to administrative citations issued by the City for services from 9/19/2025 through 9/18/2028; 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 - Revenue Sharing Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: General Fund
Moved by Councilmember Avila, seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1-E-4 and Items E-6-E-18, with the exception of Item E-5 which was handled under Special Call.
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AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR- SPECIAL CALL
APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR UNARMED SECURITY SERVICES
The Council expressed concerns and requested clarification regarding the item; noted that it was their understanding that unarmed security services were to be replaced with police -trained staff and that the current contract would eventually be terminated.
Chief Wenrick confirmed that this remains the plan; however, implementation will take place once the Police Department is fully staffed and able to absorb the responsibilities currently covered under the contract.
Moved by Councilmember Avila and seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by the following vote of the Council to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Blackwater Public Safety for the provision of unarmed security services from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, with two optional one -year extensions; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, including any non-substantive changes, on behalf of the City.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Total Cost: $225,000
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: including $86,400 from Library (10-30-511-000-6615), $60,000 from Senior Services (10- 25-543-000-6615), and $78,600 from Recreation (10-25-410-000-6615)
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO.2025-R11 (REVISED)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
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Peggy Rubio Martinez and former Councilmember Tony Naranjo.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:21 P.M.
___________________________________________________________
CITY CLERK
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UPCOMING MEETINGS:
October 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting October 20, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting