City Council Minutes
October 20, 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
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 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, Administrative Services Director Johnson, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Economic and Community Development Director Jimenez
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Casso announced the need to add an Emergency Closed Session Item related to anticipated litigation as permitted by California Government Code, Section 54954.2 (b)(2).
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Bow, and carried by unanimous vote to add Closed Session Item No. 5 to the agenda.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Interim City Attorney, Casso recused himself from the discussion of closed session Item No. 4 due to a conflict of interest.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:32 p.m. to discuss the following items.
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8.
City Negotiators: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
James M. Casso, City Attorney
Property Address: 204 W Paramount Ave, Azusa, CA
Negotiating Parties: JWCH Institute, Inc.
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
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2. 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 of Payment
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case Name: Edgardo Pano Jr. v. Serrano Development Group, Inc., City of Azusa, et al Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 20STCV15419
4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957(b)(1).
Title: City Attorney
5. ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Significant exposure to litigation – Pursuant to California Code, Section54956.(d)(2)
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:32 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, Senior Project Manager Demirjian, Management Analyst Nazarian, Administrative Services Director Johnson, Lieutenant Chivas, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez, Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, City Librarian Hassen, General Manager of Utilities Singh, Environmental Programs Specialist Sagun, I.T. Manager Arreola
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Arturo Rincon.
The Invocation was led by Deacon Mike Flores, Saint Frances of Rome Church.
CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Casso announced that there was no reportable action for Closed Session Items 1–3 and Item No. 5, and that he had recused himself from Item No. 4.
City Manager Gonzalez reported on Item No. 4, stating that the Council received a report from Staff and provided direction. There was no reportable action.
CEREMONIAL
1. Presentation of a Proclamation proclaiming the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Azusa
Councilmember Bow presented a proclamation in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
California Senator Susan Rubio thanked the City Council for bringing attention to this important issue; highlighted key state bills related to domestic violence for the community’s awareness; stated that she is present to represent individuals who have lost their lives due to domestic-violence-related incidents; and encouraged the community to speak with their children about domestic violence to recognize early signs and stay safe; presented the YWCA with a certificate, joined by the Azusa City Council, in recognition of their efforts to raise awareness for domestic violence.
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Alexis Sanchez, District Representative from Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, thanked the YWCA and the City of Azusa for recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding Item D -2 on the agenda; mentioned the importance of sales from the firework booths to nonprofit organizations; recommended reviewing SB 1403; and urged the Council to leave the vote up to the community: Cecilia Ford, Anthony Alvarez, Isabel Tapia, John Kelley, and Victoria Perez.
Farheen Rizvi, resident and founder of a nonprofit organization called Human Mind Exploration & Expansion (Human MEE), stated that the organization designs projects and experiments for participants to become more compassionate and engaging human being; expressed interest in partnering with the Azusa Police Department to organize a session for the community; and asked for guidance and assistance in getting in contact with the appropriate individual to make that happen.
City Clerk Cornejo announced that the following individuals submitted written public comment and copies were forwarded to the City Council: Salomon Jimenez, Raymond Noriega, Desiree Jimenez, Celeste Rangel, Isai Rangel, Adrienne Alvarez, Melanie Ortega, Johnny Sanchez, Jimmy Sanford, Steven Abasta, Dan Simpson, Carmen Sanchez, Gomez Family, Sandra Gallegos, William Eagleson, Flora Wilcox, Joe Casas, bgcasas.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
“Pet of the Month” Presentation
Los Angeles County Animal Control Officer Arrighi-Bracci introduced “Romeo,” a one-and-a-half-year-old Terrier currently available for adoption.
City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez thanked the residents, the Golden Days Committee, City departments, and local organizations for a wonderful celebration of the 77th Annual Golden Days event.
Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez announced the “Let’s Get Spooky: Flicks on Route 66” movie night in the Historic Auditorium on October 25; thanked the City Clerk/Golden Days Chairman for the successful Golden Days event; and suggested adding more vendors at the Golden Days Carnival.
Councilmember Avila announced the Azusa Canine & Companion Costume Contest at Memorial Park on October 23; reported his attendance at the League of California Cities Conference in Long Beach; thanked the Golden Days Committee and Staff for their hard work on the Golden Days festivities; offered his thoughts and prayers to the Azusa student who was struck by a vehicle on his way to school; encouraged residents to drive slowly and safely in the mornings for the protection of children; and requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of Lori Ulloa.
Councilmember Mendez congratulated the Golden Days Committee on a successful event; reported that the 3rd Annual Día de los Muertos event will take place on November 1, 2025, at the NRC; and extended his thoughts and prayers to the Azusa High School student who was struck by a vehicle earlier that morning.
Councilmember Bow offered acknowledgment to Azusa Golden Days Chairman Cornejo for an excellent week of events; thanked City staff who were the backbone of the logistics and safety of the festivities; and thanked the Azusa Police Department for their fast action at Saturday’s event and for keeping residents safe; announced that on November 6, 2025, at Memorial Park, the City will be hosting a “Fall into Wellness Fair”; and shared information on Domestic Violence Awareness for the month of October.
Mayor Gonzales reported that he attended the League of Cities Conference in Long Beach; thanked the Golden Days Committee for a great week of events; and mentioned the continued violence at the Golden Days Carnival, requesting that City staff take federal action on the individuals involved.
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City Clerk
City Clerk Cornejo thanked all who participated in the successful 77th annual Golden Day’s Event.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025 -06, AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24), INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE; THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE; THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE; THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE; THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE; TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS, INSERTIONS, DELETIONS AND
CHANGES THERETO
Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez introduced Ordinance No. 2025- 06 for the consideration of the Council; stated that staff is requesting a first reading of the ordinance to amend Chapter 14 of the Azusa Municipal Code, including the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, and the California Electrical Code; and noted that the item will return on November 3, 2025, with a set public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Avila, and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to: 1) Waive the reading of Ordinance No. 2025- 05 and read by title only; and 2) Introduce Ordinance No. 2025-05, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Azusa, California adopting by reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24) including the California Building Code; the California Residential Code; the California Mechanical Code; the California Plumbing Code; the California Electrical Code; together with certain additions, insertions, deletions and changes thereto; and 3) Set a Public Hearing for November 3, 2025.
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
INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025 -06, RESCINDING AND REPLACING ARTICLE IV (FIREWORKS) OF CHAPETR 30 (FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION)
OF THE CITY OF AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY AND ADOPTING A NEW ARTICLE
IV (FIREWORKS), AND ADOPTING A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION REGARDING SAME, AND MAKING
FINDINGS IN SUPPORT THEREOF
Deputy City Manager De Anda -Scaia presented proposed Ordinance No. 2025- 07 amending City’s Municipal Code to prohibit the sale and discharge of fireworks within the City, effective July 5, 2027; stated that at the August 18, 2025 City Council meeting, an in- depth discussion was held regarding the long -term liability and safety concerns of the existing fireworks policy; noted that the Council received testimony from City Staff, the Police Department, and various non-profit organizations that rely on fireworks sales as a fundraising source.
He reported that the Council had reached a majority consensus to bring back an amended municipal policy for consideration at a future meeting; provided a recap of the existing policy, which allows the use of “safe and sane” fireworks within designated areas of the City and permits non- profit organizations to apply annually for fireworks booth sales; and added that Azusa remains the only City along the foothills that still allows such sales.
Mr. De Anda - Scaia further stated that the proposed amendment would rescind the applicable section of the Municipal Code and prohibit the sale or discharge of any fireworks within the City, effective July 5, 2027; explained that the Council’s direction was to implement a phase -out approach, allowing non- profit organizations two additional years of fundraising opportunities while they explore alternative fundraising methods; and further noted that the Council expressed interest in potential partnerships to help supplement or create fundraising opportunities beyond fireworks sales.
The Council engaged in a discussion regarding the manner in which the Community Special Assistance Program is funded and what the program would look like if the City were to fully fund it. Staff responded that City Council Minutes
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the Community Special Assistance Program is funded through a $250 application fee paid by all non- profit organizations interested in participating in fireworks booth sales and noted that fully funding this program would need to be established by Resolution.
Councilmembers discussed the importance of placing the decision- making authority in the hands of the community and expressed differing viewpoints on whether the issue should be placed on the next election ballot for voter consideration. Suggestions were made to re -evaluate potential funding sources that could be allocated toward the Community Special Assistance Program to offset the revenue currently generated through fireworks sales. It was also noted that a program already exists to assist organizations and that funds have been allocated to support their work within the community. Councilmembers emphasized the importance of hearing from all residents, not only those who may be affected by the loss of fundraising opportunities due to the proposed ban on fireworks sales.
Questions were raised regarding the cost of placing the measure on an election ballot. Staff responded that placing this item on a Special Election ballot would be an estimated $148,530.00.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez, to table the item and agendize it for a future meeting.
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: GONZALES
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: 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 July 21, 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-C49 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.
Promotions: L. Santamaria
Merit Increase/Regular Appointments: J. Bentz, J. Alvarenga - Rodriguez, D. Cortes, K. Rasheed Separations/Retirements: M. Lucas
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. The Mayor was authorized to sign Resolution No. 2025-C50 authorizing the submittal of applications and related authorizations for all CalRecycle payment programs.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
5. An increase to the Mesa Energy Systems, Inc. blanket purchase order in an amount not-to-exceed $100,000.00 was approved.
Total Cost: $100,000.00 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10-55-666-000-6493
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6. The competitive bidding process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code AMC Sec. 2- 517(a)(22) Solicitation and Bidding Exceptions - Specialized Computer Software and Hardware was waived; ESRI Small Local Government EA Program Proposal from a 1- year to a 3-year renewal agreement was approved; and the Mayor and City Manager were authorized to sign and execute the new EA.
Total Cost: $158,966.00 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 48-49-930-000-6415 and 48-49-942-000-6415
7. The Memorandum of Agreement with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), for the distribution and use of Measure A Local Solutions Funds was approved.
Total Cost: n/a grant award Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes, grant has been budgeted for use Fund/Account No: Measure A grant account 28-10-180-000
8. An agreement with AR Industries, Inc., in the amount of $64,700.00 and a 10% contingency of $6,470.00
for potential change orders, as needed, for a total not to exceed $71,17.00 was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute agreements, in a form acceptable to the Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $71,170.00 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 4680000651-7125/65125A-7125
9. An agreement in the amount of $7,417,876.13 with Monet Construction, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder for the Azusa library critical infrastructure and modernization project (CIP NOS. 51023a and 51024a) was approved; Staff was authorized to issue change orders as needed up to 10% contingency of $741,787.61 for a not -to-exceed total construction cost of $8,159,663.74; the City Manager was authorized to execute agreements, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and the Council rejected the bid appeals due to untimeliness.
Total Cost: $8,159,663.74 Is the cost of this item budgeted: Yes Fund/Account No.: Pending
10. 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
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1 - E10.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting in memory of Lori Ulloa and Carmen Espino.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:13 P.M.
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
November 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting November 17, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting