City Council Minutes
February 17, 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
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 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 Alvarez called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Richman, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez 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: 250 East Foothill Boulevard, APN: 8611-002-001 City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Ralph and Michael Munoz
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Lease
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Alvarez called the meeting to order at 7:38 P.M.
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, Police Captain Landeros, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of
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Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, I.T. Manager Arreola, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez, Deputy City Clerk II Hernandez, Deputy City Clerk I Avila, Community Improvement Manager Edson, City Librarian Hassen, Community Improvement Supervisor Hale, General Manager of Utilities Singh.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Captain Landeros.
The Invocation was led by Reverend Dr. Kristina Collins, Sanctuary for Spiritual Living.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Richman reported that one item was discussed during Closed Session, with no reportable action.
CEREMONIAL
Swearing in of Azusa Police Department Officers and Presentation of Non-Sworn Staff.
Police Chief Wenrick introduced the non-sworn staff to the City Council.
City Clerk Cornejo administered the Oath of Office to the following non-sworn staff:
Administrative Services Manager Tachias ; Executive Assistant Julissa Ramirez; Dispatch Supervisor Santamaria; Records Supervisor Valenzuela; SSO Rios; SSO Tinoco; SSO Plantillas; SSO Sanchez; SSO Campos; SSO Phung; SSO Avalos -Garcia; SSO Becerra; SSO Valdez; SSO Figueroa; SSO Avellaneda; SSO Lopez; and SSO Spencer.
Police Chief Wenrick introduced the sworn Police Officers to the City Council.
City Clerk Cornejo administered the Oath of Office to the following sworn personnel:
Corporal Saenz; Corporal Corona; Corporal Avalos; Corporal Aguirre; Corporal Gomez; Corporal Hildebrandt; Corporal Wold; Corporal Shepard; Sergeant Johnson; Sergeant Beaver; Sergeant Martinez; Sergeant Munoz; Lieutenant Chapman; Lieutenant Vasconcellos; Lieutenant Sears; Officer Wyman; Officer Cheng; Officer Reynolds; Officer Sera; Officer Gutierrez; Officer Torres; Officer Castro; Officer Bentz; Officer Bernal; and Officer Jimenez.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Tomas Torices, Yaneth Rodriguez, Koy Parada, Dr. Catherine Heinlein, and Sandra Perez spoke in support of Item C -2 (Tobacco Control); thanked the Council for considering a tobacco retail license and expressed appreciation for the City’s commitment to providing residents with transparent information regarding the public health impacts of tobacco and nicotine use; and also encouraged the Council to consider adopting tobacco control polices.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
‘Pet of the Month’ Presentation by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control.
Officer Wesley from Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control introduced Tommy, a six-month-old male orange and white tabby.
Presentation: Los Angeles General Medical Center Foundation.
Dr. Julia Ruedas gave a presentation to the City Council regarding efforts to reduce youth access to tobacco products; explained that youth currently have significant access to these harmful products, which puts their health and future at risk; noted that adopting a Tobacco Retail License (TRL) policy has proven effective in reducing youth access to tobacco products and lowering rates of cigarette and e -cigarette use among youth and young adults.
She further stated that 26 local cities have adopted similar policies; shared that community surveys were conducted in Azusa, with 85% of respondents indicating that their community has been negatively impacted by smoking and tobacco use; and encouraged the Council to consider taking the next steps to move the Azusa City Council Minutes
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community forward in partnership with the Breathe Clean Coalition.
The Council inquired about the data collection methods used in the surveys to which Dr. Ruedas explained that trained Staff conducted outreach by visiting stores and engaging with residents to gather information.
The Council noted that a TRL policy is not currently in place and emphasized the importance of taking the next steps to address tobacco regulation and discussed the existing tobacco ordinance. The Council inquired whether it could be strengthened, potentially incorporating TRL components, rather than creating an entirely new policy.
Staff were directed to research these options and return with recommendations.
City Manager Communications
None.
Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Avila announced that an e -waste drop-off event will take place on February 21 at the Azusa Public Works Yard and Family Bingo Night will take place on February 24 at the Azusa Library; congratulated a new business, B -Flow Pilates, on its ribbon- cutting ceremony; thanked everyone who attended the Casino Night event and requested certificates be presented to the organizations that received proceeds from the event at the following Council meeting; and extended appreciation to the event sponsors, including Athens, Transtech, and Azusa Connects.
Councilmember Mendez announced upcoming events at the Azusa Library, including Toddler Story Time on February 19 and Family Craft Hour featuring Balloon Abstract Art on March 3; congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Avila and Councilmember Gonzales on the success of Casino Night and thanked them for their efforts in protecting and promoting Azusa youth sports; and congratulated the Azusa High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team for winning the league championship—their first since 1974 —and requested that the team be recognized with certificates at a future Council meeting.
Councilmember Bow announced Little Learners Playtime scheduled for February 25 at the Azusa Library; noted that the City will commemorate the Lunar New Year during its 3rd Annual Celebration on February 28 at Memorial Park; and extended well wishes to the community for a happy Lunar New Year.
Councilmember Gonzales announced Family Storytime with the local fire station on March 4, followed by Toddler Story Time on March 5 at the Azusa City Library; reported attending a conference in Sacramento related to AB 1234; and requested a certificate in recognition of the 10- year anniversary of Encouragement Church.
Mayor Alvarez announced free after -school tutoring at the Azusa City Library on Mondays and Tuesdays; reported attending the ribbon cutting for B -Flow Pilates and shared that Panera Bread is scheduled to open in Azusa on February 20.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
CONSIDERATION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION), CHAPTER 14 (BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS), CHAPTER 18 (BUSINESSES), CHAPTER 46 (OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS), CHAPTER 58 (SOLID WASTE), AND CHAPTER 70 (TAXATION) OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE (“AMC”) RELATING TO THE
BOARD OF APPEALS, EMERGENCY ACCESS SYSTEMS, NUISANCES, GRAFFITI ABATEMENT,
REAL PROPERTY RECORDS REPORT, RESIDENTIAL RENTAL REGISTRATION AND
INSPECTION, REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF VACANT PROPERTIES,
SCAVENGING, PROHIBITED TYPES OF DISPOSAL, AND SHORT-TERM RENTALS Community Improvement Manager Edson provided the Council with proposed code amendments; explained that the amendments would address the Board of Appeals, emergency access systems, real property records reports, the Residential Rental Registration Program, the Vacant Property Registration Program, collection and donation bins, and short -term rentals; presented staff recommendations and made himself available to answer questions.
Edson responded to questions regarding the amended ordinance, explaining that when a boarded- up property is identified, the new amendment allows staff to initiate the vacant property registration process. If property City Council Minutes
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owners fail to comply, enforcement actions may include citations and further abatement measures.
He clarified that the section regarding real property reports remains largely unchanged, with only adjustments made to reporting dates; and discussed updates to the illegal dumping section, noting that the City now has the authority to charge offenders with a misdemeanor and impose fines of up to $1,000 if they are caught dumping illegally; mentioned that the department is now fully staffed and that team members are being trained to take a more proactive approach; and Staff are also meeting with apartment complexes to educate property management and tenants on proper disposal methods for bulky items.
Moved by Councilmember and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Avila and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to Introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Azusa, California, amending Chapter 2 (Administration), Chapter 14 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Chapter 18 (Businesses), Chapter 46 (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions), Chapter 58 (Solid Waste), and Chapter 70 (Taxation) of the Azusa Municipal Code (“AMC”) relating to the Board of Appeals, emergency access systems, nuisances, graffiti abatement, real property records report, residential rental registration and inspection, registration and maintenance of vacant properties, scavenging, prohibited types of disposal, and short -term rentals; and Determine that the adoption of this Resolution does not qualify as a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”). Section 15378.
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
CONSIDERATION OF ASSIGNMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AZUSA AND RAIMI + ASSOCIATES FOR THE CITY’S GENERAL PLAN AND
ZONING CODE UPDATE, AND STATUS UPDATE ON ONGOING WORK
Economic and Community Development Director Jimenez delivered a brief presentation regarding a professional services agreement with Raimi + Associates; informed the Council that Staff was recently notified that Raimi + Associates has been consolidated with Alta Planning + Design.; and explained that Council approval is required to assign the existing agreement from Raimi + Associates to Alta Planning + Design.
He noted that there are no changes to the principals involved and that the transition is primarily a structural adjustment. He also addressed how the agreement aligns with the City’s General Plan objectives.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez and seconded by Councilmember Gonzales and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to: Consider and approve the assignment of the existing Professional Services Agreement for General Plan and Zoning Code update services from Raimi + Associates to Alta Planning + Design; Receive and file a status update on the ongoing General Plan and Zoning Code update efforts, and provide direction regarding the identification and engagement of external stakeholders; and Determine that the Assignment of the PSA does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. (Section 15378).
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
Mayor Alvarez announced that Mayor Pro Tem Avila would be abstaining from Item E-3, and Councilmember Gonzales pulled Item E-7 for discussion.
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 1, 2025, were approved as written.
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Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
2. Resolution No. 2026- C12 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: B. Martin
Promotion: A. Hammet
Merit Increase/Regular Appointments: B. Gonzales, T. Medina, K. Avila, R. Saldana, M. Fernandez Classification Specification Revision: Training Coordinator
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4 An increase to the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Blanket Purchase Order (BPO) #044148 with CDW to a not -to- exceed amount of $55,000 was approved.
Total Cost: $3000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 4849930000-6504 (50%) 4849942000-6504 (50%)
5. The First Amendment to the Agreement between the City of Azusa and Yunex, LLC for traffic signal maintenance services was approved; an annual blanket purchase order in the amount of $100,000 for emergency repair work was authorized; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the Contract Amendment, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $57,313 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 03-55-661-000-6493
6. The Third Amendment to the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Azusa and Mariposa Landscapes Inc. for landscape and irrigation maintenance services to include the Canyon City Dog Park for an amount not to exceed $581,855 was approved; and the Fourth Amendment to the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Azusa and Mariposa Landscapes Inc. for landscape and irrigation maintenance services to extend the agreement from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027 for an amount not to exceed $611,568 was approved; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the Contract Amendment, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $611,568 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Parks General Fund (10-55-420-000-6493)/ Rosedale Park Maintenance Fund (37-55- 420-000-6493)
7. Item pulled for Special Call
8. The $10,000 Carnegie Corporation grant for Library Programs and Activities was accepted.
Total Cost: $10,000 (Grant award) Is the cost of this item budgeted? No Fund/Account No: 2830511066-6625
9. A $500 Special Assistance fund to the Azusa High School Performing Arts Ensembles Program in support of the Winter Guard 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: $500.00 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 50-08-000-141-2718
10. Purchase orders issued with contract agreements executed by City Manager were received and filed.
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Total Cost: $100,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10-General Fund
11. A amended and restated Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Azusa and the Azusa Police Executive Association was approved; and Staff was authorized to make non-substantive edits to the MOU as needed until fully executed.
Total Cost: $517,615 ($123,000 annually) Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10-General Fund/10-20-310-000
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Bow, and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E -1 through E -6 and E -8 through E -11, with the exception of Item E-7, which was handled under Special Call.
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR – SPECIAL CALL
ORDINANCE NO. 2025 -07 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS) OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE (“AMC”)
RELATING TO PARKING CITATIONS WAS ADOPTED
The Council discussed the parking permit program in the Gold Line area, including whether it remains in effect and if overflow parking continues to impact nearby residential streets. Staff explained that the permit program is no longer in place and noted that the Economic Development team can evaluate the area to assess current parking conditions.
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-7.
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: N/A
ADJOURNMENT
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:37 P.M.
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
March 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting March 16, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting