City Council Minutes
December 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
MONDAY, DECEMBER 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, City Attorney Richman, Deputy City Manager DeAnda – Scaia, Administrative Services Director Johnson.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Gonzales announced that Closed Session would be held after the conclusion of the meeting due to time constraints.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(2). 1 Potential Case
This item relates to letters sent to the City dated December 2 and 9 from West Coast Arborists, Inc (WCA) regarding the City’s tree services contract award.
2. 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: APEA (Azusa Police Executive Association) and Unrepresented Employees
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
City Council Minutes
December 15, 2025
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ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo, City Treasurer Vasquez
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Richman, Deputy City Manager DeAnda -Scaia, Chief of Police Wenrick, Police Captain Landeros, Lieutenant Vasconcelos, Police Services Administrator Tachias, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez, Community Improvement Manager Edson, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of I.T. Guadagnino, City Librarian Hassen, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez Project Manager Demirjian, Management Analyst Nazarian.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City of Covina Councilmember, Walt Allen.
The Invocation was led by Pastor Adrian Greer, Foothill Community Church
CEREMONIAL
1. Recognition of outgoing Mayor Robert Gonzales
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mayor Gonzales on behalf of the City Council in appreciation of his service to the City.
Certificates of Recognition were also presented by:
Gil Cisneros’ Office, represented by Catalina Valera, Susan Rubio’ Office, represented by Sandra Lopez, Blanca Rubio’ Office, represented by Alexa Sanchez, Hilda Solis’ Office, represented by Eva Thiel -Maiz, Jeffrey Prang’ Office, represented by Candy Ng, City of Glendora, Mayor Fredendall, City of El Monte, Mayor Ancona, City of San Gabriel, Mayor Menchaca
The City Council took a five – minute recess at 8:24 P.M. and continued the meeting at 8:31P.M.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mary Tang, resident of 475 East Arrow Highway, addressed the Council and expressed concerns regarding safety issues after the opening of the Big Dalton Wash Bike Path.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
City Manager Communications
None.
Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez thanked staff for a successful Night Market; reminded the community that Foothill Transit will be providing transportation to the Rose Parade via the A Line; and asked for prayers for the soldiers in Syria who were killed in an ambush, as well as the Brown University students who were killed.
Councilmember Avila announced the “Holiday Melodies” event on December 17; thanked the City Manager and Staff for the successful projects; and expressed appreciation to the City Clerk’s Office for the beautiful holiday decorations in the auditorium.
Councilmember Mendez announced “Family Bingo Night” on December 16; invited the community to attend the upcoming “Azusa Santa Tour”; and thanked the City Manager and Staff for the successful events held over the past six weeks.
Councilmember Bow announced the Teen DIY Crafts Upside Down event; reminded the community not to drink and drive during the holiday season; and wished all those who celebrate a happy Chanukah.
Mayor Gonzales thanked the City Manager and Staff for the successful events held during the month of December, complimented staff on the holiday decorations, expressed appreciation to his colleagues for a wonderful year, and wished everyone a happy holiday season.
City Council Minutes
December 15, 2025
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SCHEDULED ITEMS
SELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO-TEM
City Clerk Cornejo presented Item D -1 to the Council and requested approval for the selection of a Mayor to serve a one-year term through January 2027, as well as the approval and selection of a Mayor Pro Tem to serve a one-year term through January 2027.
Moved by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve the selection of Councilmember Edward J. Alvarez as Mayor for a one -year term, through January 2027; and approve the selection of Councilmember Jesse Avila Jr. as the selection of Mayor Pro- Tem for a one-year term, through January 2027.
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 Number: N/A
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER APPROVING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS AND BUDGET FOR THE NEW CDBG PROGRAM YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 AND FINDING THAT SUCH DECLARATION IS NOT A PROJECT
SUBJECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Economic and Community Development Director Jimenez presented the final Public Hearing for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects; explained that this is an annual requirement with no changes; and added that the funding supports programs such as code enforcement, home improvement assistance, and the Homework House.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo certified the publication of the Public Hearing in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on November 25, 2025; and announced that one correspondence letter had been received and provided to the Council
.
Moved by Councilmember Avila, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez 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
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez and seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-C57 the 2026-2027 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; and 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) and CDBG Program subrecipients.
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 Number: N/A
City Council Minutes
December 15, 2025
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FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA AMENDING CHAPTER 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS) OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE (“AMC”) RELATING TO PARKING CITATIONS
Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Councilmember Avila and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to: Waive further reading, read by title only and introduce an Ordinance entitled: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS) OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE (“AMC”) RELATING TO
PARKING CITATIONS
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 Number: N/A
CONSIDERATION OF TERMINATING A SERVICE CONTRACT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY
ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
Lieutenant Vasconcelos provided an overview for the termination of LA County Animal Care and Control; mentioned that City of Azusa has maintained a longstanding relationship with them; stated that the standard of service has declined and expressed that residents deserve better service for the amount they are paying.
Councilmembers asked questions regarding the location of the proposed new animal control facility and anticipated response times. Staff responded that the facility is in Pomona and clarified that the primary concern was not response time, but rather that LA County Animal Care and Control had, at times, not responded to calls for service.
City Manager Gonzalez added that rates have nearly doubled since the City began contracting with LA County Animal Control; noted that Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA provides quality service and currently serves several surrounding cities; explained that staff is requesting Council authorization to provide the required six-month notice to LA County to terminate the contract.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez , seconded by Councilmember Avila and carried by the following vote of the Council, to authorize staff to provide Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control with notice of termination as required under the County agreement; and direct staff to commence negotiations with Inland Valley Humane Society for Animal Care and Control Services Commencing July 1, 2026; and return to Council with an update no later than March 2026.
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 Number: N/A
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 20, 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-C58 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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December 15, 2025
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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.
Promotions: M. Munoz, R. Martinez, B. Cypher, B. Gomez, B. Hiderbrandt, S. Shepard, J. Wold, D.
Hubler, R. Phillips
Merit Increase/Regular Appointments: D. Rubio, V. Delgado, G. Lira, J. Ramirez, O. Hernandez, M.
Ixtepan, L. Parra, S. Alvarez
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. The City Treasurer’s Report for the month of August 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. The City Treasurer’s Report for the month of September 2025, was received, reviewed and filed.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
6. The City of Azusa co -sponsorship request deadline of October 31st of each year was approved; and the proposed co-sponsorships for 2026was also approved.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
7. Resolution No. 2025- C59 appointing Alesandra Lopez to the Arts, Cultural & Historic Preservation Commission for a partial term ending 9/30/2026 was adopted; and Resolution No. 2025- C60 appointing Melissa Jones to the Arts, Cultural & Historic Preservation Commission for a partial term ending 9/30/2029 was also adopted.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
8. This project complies with the General Plan and is consistent with the approved tentative map and any amendments thereto; the City Council approved the subject maps and accepted the Offers of dedication shown on said maps; Final Tract Map No. 83660 located at 326 N. Azusa Ave. 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 dedications.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
9. The acceptance of the Bus Stop Enhancement Grant from Foothill Transit was considered and approved; and the acceptance of the BSEP Grant does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. (Section 15378) was determined; and staff was authorized to execute the Grant Agreement in the Not to Exceed amount of $40,000.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
10. The project improvements of the Canyon City Dog Park located at 400 W. Cresent Drive were accepted; and an increase to the contract purchase order by $161,099.67 with Measure A Funding was approved; and a decrease to the contract purchase order by $241,081.34 in General Funds was also approved; and Staff was authorized to file a Notice of Completion for the Canyon City Dog Park Project
Total Construction Cost: $2,225,436.33 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No:
General Fund (10-80-000-420-7120/42023A) - $1,171,336.66 City Council Minutes
December 15, 2025
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Measure A (53-80-000-420-7125/42026A) - $561,099.67
Measure M (04-80-000-000-7120/42025C) - $223,000.00
Measure W (20-80-000-665-7120/42025A) - $155,000.00
Sewer (34-80-000-665-7120/42025B) - $115,000.00
11. Funding in the amount of $490,000 for Call Processing Equipment within the Azusa Police Department Dispatch Center was authorized and accepted; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the agreement acceptable to the City Attorney.
Total Cost: $490,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 28-20-310-115-4540/6625
12. The waiving of purchasing procedures in accordance with Azusa Municipal Code Section 2- 517(a)(13) Solicitation and Bidding Exceptions for utility service payments, utility connection and/or installation charges was approved; and funding in the amount of $27,403.04 to purchase an extended maintenance contract through AT&T for the Dispatch Center 9-1-1 Vesta phone system was authorized.
Total Cost: $27,403.04 (Fully reimbursed by CalOES) Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 28-320-310-119-4540/6625
13. The acceptance of the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District Member City Grant Program grant was approved; and staff was authorized to execute the Grant Agreement.
Total Cost: $50,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: N/A
14. $500 of Special Assistance funds to the Azusa High School Girls’ Flag Football Program for program expenses was approved; and a finding that the community at large will receive a public benefit from the expenditure of funds for the recommended items was made.
Total Cost: $500 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 50-08-000-141-2718
15. The issuance of a Professional Services Agreement in perpetuity with Gray Lopez Strategic Solutions, LLC, in a not -to-exceed amount of $38,000 per year was approved; and the competitive bidding process as authorized under Azusa Municipal Code Section. 2- 517(a)(22) – Specialized Computer Software and Hardware was waived; and the City Manager was authorized to approve renewals of the Professional Services Agreement and additional work outside the defined scope of services, provided the total annual cost does not exceed the City Manager’s signing authority of $50,000 and the cost of the work is budgeted; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the Agreements, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $38,000 per year Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: General Fund - 10-45-810-000-6504
16. The Fourth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Practice, formerly Gonzalez Goodale Architects, to extend the term of the agreement until June 30, 2027 was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to prepare and execute the agreement(s), in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $80,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: 10-35-645-000-6399
17. The Fiscal Year 2024/25 Fourth Quarter Financial Report, ending June 30, 2025 was received, reviewed, and filed.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
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December 15, 2025
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Moved by Councilmember Avila, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1-E-16.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 8:45 p.m. to discuss the following:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(2). 1 Potential Case
This item relates to letters sent to the City dated December 2 and 9 from West Coast Arborists, Inc (WCA) regarding the City’s tree services contract award.
2. 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: APEA (Azusa Police Executive Association) and Unrepresented Employees
ADJOURNMENT
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:20 P.M.
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
January 20, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting February 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting