City Council Minutes
March 16, 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 16, 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 PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:31 p.m. to discuss the following items.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case Names: Carachure v. City of Azusa; Case No. 22STCP03478 and Carachure v. City of Azusa; Case No. 22STCV31418
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS. Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: 622-624 North San Gabriel Avenue; APN: 8611-004-912 to 914 Negotiating Parties: Luis Nieblas
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase
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
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ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members : City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Richman, Deputy City Manager DeAnda -Scaia, Lieutenant Chivas, Lieutenant Vasconcelos, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Economic & Community Development Jimenez, Director of I.T. Guadagnino, General Manager of Utilities Singh, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, City Librarian Hassen, Senior Planner Alvarado, Economic Development Manager Lopez, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez.
The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted.
The Invocation was led by Mayor Alvarez.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Richman reported that no reportable action was taken in Closed Session.
CEREMONIAL
Presentation of checks from the 20th Annual Casino Night proceeds to local non-profit youth sports organizations
Mayor Pro Tem Avila presented checks to several local non -profit youth organizations, including the Jr. Golf Program, Canyon City Boxing, Azusa Raiders, Azusa Little League Baseball, and Azusa Little League Softball in support of their programs and community involvement.
Recognition of the Azusa High School Girls Soccer Team
Councilmember Gonzales presented certificates to the Azusa High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team in recognition of their achievement as runner -up in the CIF Championship. The team also received certificates from the Office of Senator Susan Rubio.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Bruce Knowles, an elected Board Member of the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, expressed the District’s support for the Azusa Aspen Well Project and the City’s water sustainability efforts; and briefly referenced the Yuba Accord.
Venerable Nicolas Thanissaro extended an open invitation to the community to attend an “Open Day” at the Buddhist Temple on East Monrovia Street on Saturday, April 4, in celebration of the Thai New Year.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
City Manager Announcements
City Manager Gonzalez provided an update regarding the commencement of the General Plan Update, noting that Staff are actively working to gather input from residents and community groups and will be attending commission meetings to solicit volunteers for the advisory committee; and requested that the City Council agendize an item in the near future to appoint a Council representative to the advisory committee.
Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Avila announced upcoming events at the Azusa City Library, including a Teen Craft event featuring handcrafted clay mirrors on March 19; reported that free tire disposal will be available throughout the month of April, hosted by Waste Management; congratulated all recipients from the Casino Night event and thanked the sponsors, including Athens Services and Transtech.
Councilmember Mendez requested an update from the City Manager regarding the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and the agreement with the Watershed Conservation Authority (WCA); raised concerns regarding the condition of asphalt along Azusa Avenue, noting that it appears incomplete and below standard; and City Council Minutes
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inquired about the proposed hotel development at 725 North Azusa Avenue, commonly referred to as the Light and Water building; and stated that he has received multiple questions from community members and requested clarification regarding the current status and scope of the project.
City Manager Gonzalez responded to the inquiries stating that Staff will follow up with the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy to arrange for a representative to provide an update; and explained that the project is not an immediate development, but rather a future goal of the City Council to attract a quality hotel to the City; stated that staff has been evaluating potential locations, including this site; further clarified that, as with any proposed development, the item would be formally agendized for City Council consideration and would include opportunities for public input.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Delgadillo responded to the inquiry regarding the asphalt stating that walkthroughs have been conducted with the contractor and that additional cleanup work will be completed.
Councilmember Bow announced upcoming events at the Azusa City Library, including Toddler Story Time on March 19 and Family Bingo Night on March 24; shared that she participated in the 70th Anniversary of the Azusa Little League Opening Day on March 14, as well as a listening circle held as part of the executive search for the next Superintendent of the Azusa Unified School District; and encouraged residents to visit the District’s website and participate in future listening circles and surveys.
Councilmember Gonzales announced a salsa dance class at the North Recreation Center on March 18, as well as the annual Compost and Mulch Giveaway scheduled for April 4 at Memorial Park; introduced the “Pet of the Month,” Mike, a 12- week-old male Akita mix available for adoption through Animal Care and Control; and wished everyone a wonderful spring break and a Happy Easter.
Mayor Alvarez announced a St. Patrick’s Day Senior Social on March 19 at Memorial Park and extended Easter holiday wishes to the community.
Councilmember Gonzales also congratulated City staff members Regina Sells -Arnold and Yesenia Paez, who were recognized as Women of the Year by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio.
Councilmember Bow requested that the Azusa High School Decathlon Team be formally recognized at the upcoming City Council meeting scheduled for April 6.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
CONSIDER AUTHORIZATION OF SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH INLAND VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY & S.P.C.A. FOR ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES
Lieutenant Vasconcelos presented an analysis regarding the proposed transition of Animal Care and Control services from Los Angeles County to Inland Valley Humane Society; explained that the City has contracted with Los Angeles County since Fiscal Year 2012–2013, but following an evaluation conducted in Fiscal Year 2024–2025, Staff identified concerns related to responsiveness, operational reliability, and escalating costs, which prompted consideration of terminating the agreement.
He noted that, with Council authorization, a termination notice was issued in December; outlined the advantages of transitioning to Inland Valley Humane Society, addressed service concerns experienced under the County contract, provided a cost comparison, and presented the recommended course of action.
Nikole Bresciani, President of Inland Valley Humane Society, provided a brief presentation detailing the services offered by the organization; explained that the proposal includes a $100,000 capital infrastructure investment, which may be paid either as a lump sum or over a two- year period; and stated that the service cost for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 would be $574,517; and concluded by making herself available to answer questions from the Council.
The Council engaged in discussion regarding the $1,000,000 capital improvement project and inquired about what it covers. Staff responded that the capital infrastructure funding is allocated toward vehicles and kennel improvements.
The Council also discussed the possibility of introducing a “Pet of the Month” program, noting that similar efforts in the past yielded successful outcomes.
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Additionally, the Council requested a breakdown of service fees. Staff explained that all fees are included within the overall cost, with no separate line-item charges.
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales and seconded by Councilmember Bow and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to: Approve the transition of animal control services from Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control to the Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. (IVHS), including authorization for a service agreement with IVHS; and authorize the City Manager to execute a service contract with IVHS, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, for animal sheltering, field response, licensing, and enforcement services; and approve necessary budget adjustments associated with the transition, including a one -time capital infrastructure investment cost and revised service fees.
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Total Cost: $135,346.06 Is the cost of this item budgeted?: Yes Fund/Account No: 4849930000-6504 (50%) $56,098.74, 4849942000-6504 (50%) $56,098.74 and 4849930000-6415 (50%) $11,574.29, 4849942000-6415 (50%) $11,574.29
CONSIDERATION OF A FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AZUSA AND THE
AZUSA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Deputy City Manager Nico De Anda-Scaia presented a proposed funding agreement with the Azusa Chamber of Commerce; explained that this item had previously been brought before the Council to reinitiate a partnership with the City, at which time the Council directed Staff to meet with the Chamber to discuss terms for a joint City–Chamber agreement; and noted that the prior agreement expired in 2024 and that the Chamber has since undergone a significant transition.
He further explained that the proposed agreement outlines clear expectations for transparent business services but includes several key items that remain undetermined and require Council discussion and direction prior to adoption; and noted that Chamber representatives were present to answer questions.
The Council inquired about the Chamber’s annual budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26, employee wages, and whether subcontractors are utilized. Chamber representative Jenni Bolivar responded that the annual budget is approximately $65,000 and stated that, since assuming the role of CEO, her compensation has been about $18,000; also confirmed that the Chamber does not currently employ subcontractors.
Discussion was held regarding upcoming revenue opportunities, as well as whether the Chamber has any outstanding payables and what its proposed budget entails. The Council indicated that a comprehensive and accurate financial report, including income, expenses, and a detailed budget, must be presented before moving forward.
Moved by Mayor Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Mendez, and carried unanimously by the Council to direct staff to bring this item back for Council review once the requested information has been obtained.
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Total Cost: TBD Is the cost of this item budgeted? NA
Fund/Account No: Azusa Light & Water Account #31-40-702-935-6499
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 20, 2026, were approved as written.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
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2. Resolution No. 2026- C15 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.
4. New Appointment: R. Paez
Promotion: A. Solis
Merit Increases: Q. Reynolds, M. Ortega, A. Martinez, N. Reagan, F. Moreno, L. Arteaga, S. Nakauchi, V. Nguyen
Reclassification: L. Aghanes
Classification Specification Revisions: Associate Engineer, Police Captain
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
5. An increase to the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Blanket Purchase Order #044237 with Soto Media from $150,000 to a not-to-exceed amount of $200,000 was approved.
Total Cost: $50,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted: Yes Fund/Account No: 4849930000-6499 ($15,000), #4849942000-6499 ($35,000)
6. The City Treasurer’s Reports of Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances for the month of June 2025 were received, reviewed, and filed.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
7. The purchase orders issued with contract agreements executed by city manager were received and filed.
Total Cost: $45,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: 10-General Fund
8. An increase to the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Blanket Purchase Order #044203 with Digital Scepter from $120,000 to a not-to-exceed amount of $136,000 was approved.
Total Cost: $135,346.06 Is the cost of this item budgeted: YesFund/Account No: 4849930000-6504 (50%) $56,098.74, 4849942000-6504 (50%) $56,098.74 and 4849930000-6415 (50%) $11,574.29, 4849942000-6415 (50%) $11,574.29
9. A professional services agreement to IDS Group, Inc. in the amount of $60,976 was awarded; and Staff was authorized to increase the up to a 10% contingency ($6,098) for potential change orders as needed for the Old Schoolhouse and Veterans Freedom Park Landscape Design Services for a total not -to-exceed contract amount of $67,074; and the City Manager was authorized to execute a professional services agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $67,074 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Engineering Services (10-55-651-000-6399), SGVMWD Grant (2810110009-6625)
10. The 2025 Housing Element Progress Report was received and filed.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
11. The award of a construction contract to MJ Star-Lite, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $58,300 was approved; and the Mayor was authorized to execute the Contract in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
Total Cost: $58,300 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Electric Utility’s Capital Improvement Budget Acct# 33-80-000-730-7145/73017A-7145 City Council Minutes
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12. A Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Studio T -SQ., Inc. to increase the compensation amount by $32,000 under ‘Phase 1’ of project development was approved; and the City Manager was approved to administratively approve up to an additional 10% contingency not-to exceed $3,200 for unanticipated professional service overages; and the City Manager was authorized to execute the Amendment, in substantial form, subject to minor modifications acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $32,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fun/Account No: #4680000625-7125/62519A-7125
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Bow and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1to E-11.
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ADJOURNMENT
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:22 P.M.
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
April 6, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting April 20, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting