City Council Minutes
March 2, 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, MARCH 2, 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, GONZALES, MENDEZ, BOW ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Richman, Deputy Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Economic and Community Development Director Jimenez, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:31 p.m. to discuss the following item.
1. 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
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Alvarez called the meeting to order at 7:30 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
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March 2, 2026
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Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Richman, Deputy City Manager DeAnda -Scaia, Chief of Police Wenrick, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of I.T. Guadagnino, Planning Manager Vizcarra, Community Improvement Manager Edson, City Librarian Hassen.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alayna Funes and Cataleya Cuevas.
The Invocation was led by Pastor Daniel Simonson, Christbridge Immanuel Church.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Richman reported that no reportable action was taken in Closed Session.
CEREMONIAL
Proclamation Declaring March as Women’s History Month
Councilmember Bow presented the proclamation and invited all women in attendance to join her for a photo in honor of Women’s History Month.
Recognition of Azusa Youth Boxing Club
Mayor Alvarez presented a certificate in recognition of Efrain “Nuno” Romero to family members, and Councilmember Gonzales presented a letter of sympathy to the Romero family.
Recognition of Azusa Raiders Cheer - Gremlin Division
Mayor Alvarez presented certificates of recognition to the Azusa Raiders Gremlin Division cheerleaders, and their coaches in recognition of their multiple achievements.
Neha Upadhyaya, from the office of Senator Susan Rubio, presented the cheerleaders with a certificate of recognition.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Azusa Unified School District Superintendent, Arturo Otega shared highlights of Azusa High School fall sports; congratulated the Gladstone Middle School students who placed in the track meet and the annual Lone Hill Math Competition; announced that the Azusa Unified School District Classified Employee of the Year was celebrated in January; and thanked all district employees for their hard work; mentioned that the Board of Education retained a search firm, Leadership Associates, to assist in the search for a new superintendent.
Jack Ochoa, Los Angeles County Small Business Advocate, addressed the Council to express the need for more certified businesses in the City; and noted that he is working with the Chamber to help bring more business to the area.
Members of the Azusa Chamber of Commerce announced the successful completion of their first Launch Business Academy cohort, with 22 businesses completing the seven- week program; mentioned they also assisted 22 additional businesses in becoming certified; noted that Azusa has expressed interest in participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026, ensuring local small businesses are prepared to engage in global opportunities; and provided an update on the continued growth of regional partnerships.
Art Vasquez, a small business owner, expressed his gratitude toward the Azusa Chamber of Commerce for its Launch Academy; stated that the program provided the appropriate tools needed for success and commended the organization for its hard work.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
City Manager Communications - None.
Councilmember Announcements
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Mayor Pro Tem Avila announced that the Azusa academic scholarship program opened on March 2; highlighted upcoming free seminars including “Healthy Living for Brain and Body” on March 4, “Healthy Relationships” on March 5, and “Stress Relief: Emotional Well-Being” on March 11; reported on the “Lucky in March” socials held on March 12 at the North Recreation Center and Gladstone Park; shared that he attended the 2026 Independent Cities Winter Seminar from February 20 to February 22; and congratulated staff on organizing a successful Lunar New Year event.
Councilmember Mendez announced upcoming library events; inquired about the proposed 50- cent tax measure and whether it would be brought forward for Council discussion; also questioned about the potential establishment of a downtown business district, noting it may be an appropriate time to explore the idea.
Staff responded that a letter of opposition had been submitted regarding the Tax Measure, but if the Council concurred, he could provide an update and facilitate a discussion; and agreed about the downtown business district and suggested placing the item on a future strategic planning session agenda.
Councilmember Mendez reported attending the Independent Cities Winter Seminar from February 20 to 22.
Councilmember Bow shared several announcements, including a “Health and Nutrition” class for seniors at Cal Poly Pomona in conjunction with Azusa Community Resources, held every second and fourth Wednesday of the month; highlighted additional upcoming health and wellness activities, including the One Legacy 5K Run/Walk on April 25; reported attending the Independent Cities Winter Seminar on February 20-22; stated she attended the San Gabriel Valley State of Public Safety Luncheon; and congratulated City staff for their hard work in organizing the Fourth Annual Lunar New Year celebration.
Councilmember Gonzales announced the opening of registration for the Youth Soccer Program; mentioned a family field trip scheduled for March 28 to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; and reported attending the Independent Cities Winter Seminar held February 20–22; requested that certificates be prepared for the Azusa High School Girls’ Soccer Team in recognition of being CIF finalists and asked that the item be placed on a future agenda; also requested clarification regarding the Azusa Chamber of Commerce and certified businesses within the City; and congratulated the Council of Governments (COG) on increased security measures at Metro stations, including the installation of fare turnstiles to reduce fare evasion.
Mayor Alvarez announced recent activities at the Azusa City Library, including Family Craft Hour events held on March 10 and March 17; reported his attendance at the Independent Cities Winter Seminar on February 20– 22; mentioned the grand opening of Panera Bread on February 20; highlighted the well -attended Lunar New Year Celebration; also reported attending a Foothill Transit Workshop, and announced the new Foothill Transit Center at Cal Poly Pomona; and addressed the proposed Los Angeles County sales tax measure, noting that a letter of opposition had been submitted.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
RECEIVE AN UPDATE AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE POSSIBLE
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ATLANTIS GARDENS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez provided a brief update on the Atlantis Garden property, including a history of redevelopment discussions dating back to 2010.
Founder and Principal of City Fabrick, Brian Ulechefski, and Chief Development Officer of National CORE, Alexa Washburn, expressed their enthusiasm to partner with the City to implement a vision for transforming Atlantis Garden into a mixed -income community featuring homeownership opportunities and affordable senior housing; presented an early conceptual vision of the redevelopment and were available to answer Council questions.
The Council raised questions regarding property ownership within the area, concerns about existing housing conditions, and the impact of developing new housing adjacent to older, less -maintained properties.
Councilmembers inquired about the developers’ experience with similar projects and requested clarification regarding the proposed parking structure and asked for elaboration on residential density. Additionally, recommendations were made to consider incorporating multiple entrances to the development and designing housing that appears less apartment-style in character.
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Mr. Ulechefski responded that new development often encourages surrounding property owners to reinvest and improve their properties, noting that this approach has been successfully implemented in other National CORE projects; stated that the majority of the housing units would be allotted two parking spaces, while senior housing would be provided with one space per unit; explained that existing properties in the area have an approximate density of 28 units per acre, while the proposed senior development would have a density of approximately 8 units per acre and the townhomes approximately 24 units per acre, with surrounding properties having comparable densities.
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales and seconded by Councilmember Bow and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to: Receive and file a status update regarding ongoing negotiations with National CORE under the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement; and Review and provide direction on the preliminary conceptual development plans for Atlantis Gardens; and Determine that the adoption of this request 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
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 15, 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-C13 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.
Promotion: L. Lugo
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. The City Treasurer’s statement of cash and investment balances for the month of November 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. Ordinance No. 2026 -03 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITYOF
AZUSA, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING A CODE AMENDMENT MODIFYING AND 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 ABATMENT, 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 DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA was adopted; and the adoption of this Ordinance does not City Council Minutes
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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 Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
6. The Homeland Security Grant Program Subrecipient Agreement for Grant Year 2024 between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Azusa in the amount of $25,243 was accepted; and the Mayor was authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
7. The $15,968 Lunch at the Library grant from the California State Library was accepted.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A Fund/Account No: N/A
8. The execution of a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) between the City of Azusa and Michael Baker International for preparation of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update in an amount not to exceed $119,000, consistent with the amount awarded through the Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program was approved; The City Manager was authorized to execute the Professional Services Agreement (PSA), subject to non-substantive revisions approved by the City Attorney, and to fulfill any other City obligations under the agreement; and the award 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) was determined.
Total Cost: $132,300
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes; $119,000 is funded through a federal grant administered by Cal OES and FEMA. The remainder will be funded through existing departmental resources.
Fund/Account No: 10-35-611-000-6003
9. The City Manager was authorized to execute the Special Event Permit Agreement for One Legacy’s Donate Life 1K/5K Run Walk, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; The City Manager was authorized to execute the Reimbursement Agreement for One Legacy’s Donate Life 1K/5K Run Walk, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and Resolution No. 2026-C14 authorizing the closure of certain City of Azusa streets as discussed herein for a limited time, in order to allow for the event to take place was adopted.
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1to E-9
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
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-R02 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED FEBRUARY 12, 2026, THROUGH FEBRUARY 25, 2026 Moved by Councilmember Gonzales and seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to: Adopt Resolution No. 2026- R02 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds
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 City Council Minutes
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Fund/Account No: Fund 87 Successor Agency
ADJOURNMENT
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:47 P.M.
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
March 16, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting April 6, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting