City Council Minutes
January 20, 2026
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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
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026
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, BO ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Richman, Economic and Community Development Director Jimenez, Lieutenant Sears
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the following item.
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS. Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8.
Property Address: 622-624 North San Gabriel Avenue; APN: 8611-004-912 to 914 City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Luis Nieblas
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Payment
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
CEREMONIAL
Swearing in of Mayor Edward J. Alvarez and Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Avila, Jr
Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Avila, Jr. was sworn in by City Clerk Cornejo, accompanied by his nephews, Eli and Gavin Canizales.
Mayor Edward J. Alvarez was sworn in by City Clerk Cornejo, accompanied by his daughter Julia Alvarez.
Mayor Edward J. Alvarez thanked everyone for coming; expressed his appreciation to his family; stated that it has been an honor to serve on the City Council for the past 13 years; and noted that the City is doing very well.
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City Manager Gonzalez announced that the office of Gil Cisneros sent certificates for the new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem; and recognized Sandra Armenta Lopez representing the office of Senator Susan Rubio and Alexis Sanchez representing Assemblymember Blanca Rubio.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, 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, Chief of Police Wenrick, Lieutenant Sears, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Director of I.T. Guadagnino, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez, Planning Manager Vizcarra, Emergency Services Manager Manzano – Garcia, Economic & Community Development Manager Lopez.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Emma Pena.
The Invocation was led by Deacon Mike Flores, St. Francis of Rome Church.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Richman reported that Closed Session was conducted and there was no reportable action taken.
CEREMONIAL
Recognition of Gloria Romero
Mayor Alvarez presented a certificate of recognition to Ms. Romero in appreciation of her support of the Community Resources Department 1st Holiday Teen Party.
Recognition of Azusa Youth Boxing Club
Mayor Alvarez presented Certificates of Recognition to Azusa Youth Boxing Club boxers Robert Lopez, Joshua Calleja, Justin Calleja and Coach Moe Ferguson.
Mayor Alvarez wished a happy 14th birthday to boxer Joshua Baltera.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Farheen Rizvi, founder of “Human Me, Human Mind Exploration and Expansion,” a local community- based initiative: expressed appreciation for the support and collaboration provided to coordinate the upcoming Community Safety and Information Session for the Azusa Mirador community in partnership with the Azusa Police Department.
Felipe Gamboa, General Manager for Quick Quack Car Wash, announced their plans to open in the next few weeks; and expressed that they look forward to being part of the community.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
City Manager Communications
City Manager Sergio Gonzalez reminded the community of the importance of maintaining and clearing overgrown vegetation to help prevent potential fire hazards; and introduced two new members of the City team:
Alfa Lopez, Economic Development Manager, and Diana Manzano-Garcia, Emergency Services Manager.
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Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Avila congratulated Mayor Alvarez on his new position; announced the 20th Annual Casino Night scheduled for February 13; noted that American Legion Post 180 will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and hosting an event on February 21; and requested that a proclamation recognizing the American Legion’s 100 years of service be placed on a future City Council agenda.
Councilmember Mendez congratulated Mayor Alvarez and Mayor Pro Tem Avila; noted that he observed that the roadway striping appears uneven on recently completed Capital Improvement Project along Azusa Avenue from First Street to Arrow Highway and inquired about available remedies to address the issue. Staff responded that the project is not considered complete until the Notice of Completion is issued and confirmed that the concern has been flagged for review.
Councilmember Bow congratulated Mayor Alvarez and Mayor Pro Tem Avila; recognized the City of Azusa’s first municipal boxing program at Memorial Park; mentioned the 125th anniversary of the Azusa Woman’s Club; and announced her participation in the commemoration of the Route 66 monument.
Councilmember Gonzales congratulated Mayor Alvarez and Mayor Pro Tem Avila; and suggested a presentation on Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) be scheduled to help educate the Council regarding the sale of tobacco products in the community.
Mayor Alvarez recognized the new boxing program at Memorial Park; mentioned the new ownership of Sushi Sawa; and requested that the Azusa Chamber of Commerce reach out to coordinate a future ribbon- cutting ceremony.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
CONSIDERATION OF A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, ZONE CHANGE, USE PERMIT, MINOR USE PERMIT, DESIGN REVIEW, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 84416, TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP. 841740, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. GPA/ZC/UP/MUP/DR/TTM/DA- 2023-01 FOR 919 SIERRA
MADRE AVENUE (AZUSA GREENS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT) FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF
92.1 ACRES OF A FORMER GOLF COURSE AND ALLOW FOR A 230 -UNIT AGE -RESTRICTED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SIX INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS TOTALING 353,075 SQUARE FEET, INCLUDING REUSE OF AN EXISTING CLUBHOUSE FOR EVENT USE; AND CERTIFICATION OF FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH NO. 2023120720) AND ADOPTION OF
REQUIRED CEQA FINDINGS, MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM, AND
CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
Planning Manager Vizcarra gave an overview of the Azusa Greens Redevelopment Project, located at 919 Sierra Madre Boulevard; explained that a preliminary project concept was presented to the City Council in 2022, required entitlements were approved in December 2023, and the golf course and restaurant began operating in 2024.
The proposed General Plan amendment and zone change were presented; it was noted that the Azusa Planning Commission reviewed the project and voted to recommend that the City Council certify the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations, approve the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and approve the project as presented.
Vizcarra also displayed maps of the proposed site plan for both the residential and industrial components of the development; and discussed the Development Agreement which would have a 10-year term.
Project Manager Fisher of Helix Environmental Planning presented the EIR and gave an overview of the environmental analysis prepared for the Azusa Greens Redevelopment Project.
Staff responded to questions posed by the Council regarding the inclusion of senior housing within the development and median income levels associated with the housing component, stating that the senior housing will double with the new development and discussed anticipated rental price ranges for the proposed units.
The Council requested clarification regarding whether the 230 units were all intended for sale and inquired about measures in place to prevent golf balls from entering the housing area.
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Cassiano, Chief Investment Officer for Overton Moore Properties, explained that the poles will be extended and new netting will be installed to help prevent golf balls from reaching the residential units; and also clarified that the stacked flats could be available for lease, while the cottages could be offered for sale.
In response to further questions posed by the Council regarding the $4.2 million in off -site improvements Cassiano explained that the improvements consist of curbs, sidewalks, half -width grind and overlay, and replacement of water mains.
The Council also inquired about the traffic study that is required once the project reaches 80% occupancy, specifically requesting clarification on where the funding would come from to install potential traffic signals.
Staff responded that the funding for the signals would come from the City.
Discussion ensued regarding the importance of the golf course to the community and whether there were any future plans to completely build over the remainder of the course. Cassiano explained that there is no need to do so, as he views the golf course as a valuable amenity to the Development, and agreed that no redevelopment projects would take place on the golf course for at least another 50 years.
Mayor Alvarez opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo certified the publication of the Public Hearing in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on January 9, 2026; and announced that one correspondence letter from Grace Hollenbrook had been received and provided to the Council.
Public Comment
The following individuals expressed support of Item D-1 and how the project will impact the community and stated concerns regarding the potential traffic issues the development could bring:
Lizette Salas, Cortez Herrera, Jerry Herrera, Leon Laub, Darlean Dattola, Jeffrey Scott, Miguel Guzman, and Morris Thomas
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Avila and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote of the Council to close the Public Hearing,
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: MENDEZ
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez and seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2026- C01 certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2023120720) for the Azusa Greens Redevelopment Project and adopt the Findings of Fact, Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP); 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026- C02 approving General Plan Amendment No. GPA -2023-01 to redesignate the land use of portions of the Azusa Greens property from Recreation (REC) to Medium Density Residential and West End Light Industrial, consistent with the development plan; 3) Introduce Ordinance No. 2026- 01 adopting Zone Change No. Z -2023-01 to rezone the respective areas from Recreation (REC) to Neighborhood General 3- Medium Density (NG3-Med) and West End Light Industrial (DWL), consistent with the proposed development plan; 4) Adopt Resolution No. 2026–C03 approving Design Review No. DR-2023-33 and Tentative Tract Map No. 84416 for the Age-Restricted Residential Component of the Project, subject to the Conditions of Approval, applicable Development Agreement terms, and Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program; 5) Adopt Resolution No. 2026–C04 approving Design Review No. DR -2023-35 and Use Permit No. UP -2023-13 to allow exterior renovations and operation of the existing Golf Course Clubhouse as an event space, subject to the Conditions of Approval; 6) Adopt Resolution No. 2026–C05 approving Design Review No. DR -2023-34, Tentative Parcel Map No. 84170, Use Permit No. UP -2023-11 (24- hour operation for three of six industrial buildings), and Minor Use Permit No. MUP -2023-30 (outdoor storage), subject to the Conditions of Approval, applicable Development Agreement terms, and Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program; and 7) Introduce Ordinance No. 2026- 02 approving Development Agreement No. DA -2025-01 between the City of Azusa and the Applicant, establishing a 10- year term for the Development Agreement, public benefit contribution, infrastructure obligations, and vested development rights for the Azusa Greens Redevelopment Project as amended to include a 50 -year restriction on the redevelopment of the golf course, with the language to be drafted by the City Attorney and City Manager in coordination with the developer, and incorporated into the Development Agreement.
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AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: MENDEZ
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account Number: N/A
CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS TO AD-HOC COMMITTEES AND OUTSIDE AGENCY BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
City Clerk Cornejo requested that City Council consider the annual assignments to Ad Hoc Committees and Outside Agency Boards and Committees for the term January 2026 through January 2027.
The Council requested the establishment of a policy designating the Mayor Pro Tem as the alternate representative for the Sanitation District assignment. City Cornejo explained that such a policy would need to be established by resolution and would be brought back to the Council for consideration and adoption.
Mayor Pro Tem Avila accepted the appointment to serve on the Golden Days Committee.
Discussion was held regarding the remaining assignments. It was the consensus of the Council that all other assignments would remain as currently designated.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Councilmember Bow and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to: Appoint City Council representatives to Ad- Hoc Committees and outside Board and Committees, for a one -year period from January 2026 to January 15, 2027; and Adopt Resolution No. 2026 – C06, designating City Council representatives 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.
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, 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 November 3, 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. 2026-C07 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: A. Anderson, J. Gonzalez, C. J. Clouse, A. Leon, M. Rojo Promotions: J. Mendez, F. Zarate
Merit Increase/Regular Appointments: N. Robledo, J. Penaranda, D. Hernandez, J. Jimenez, C. Rios, J. Mendez, G. Ridler, J. Baza
Classification Specification Revision: Court Liaison Officer Separations/Retirements: P. Reid, M. Ferro, F. Reader
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Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. Purchase orders issued with contract agreements executed by the City Manager were received and filed.
Total Cost: $22,850 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 31- Consumer Services Fund
5. Resolution No. 2026- C08 designating authorized agents for the purpose of obtaining state and federal financial assistance related to the January 2025 windstorm events was adopted; and the Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non- State Agencies (Cal OES Form 130) to complete the requirements for reimbursement under the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Public Assistance Program was approved and adopted.
Total Cost: 275,878.49 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Various
6. The proposed 2026 City’s Legislative Platform was adopted; and the proposed 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities were approved.
Total Cost: $0 (No fiscal impact associated with the recommended actions) Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Avila and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1-E-6.
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-R01 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED NOVEMBER 26, 2025 THROUGH JANUARY 14, 2026 Resolution No. 2026-R01 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds was adopted.
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Avila and carried by the following vote of the Council, adopt Resolution No. 2026-R01 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds was adopted.
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, 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
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:48 P.M.
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
February 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting February 17, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting