City Council Minutes
April 6, 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, APRIL 6, 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: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Richman, Deputy Chief of Police Wenrick, Police Captain Landeros.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:32 p.m. to discuss the following item.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM - Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.95
Case Name: Michael Shan Thompson
Claim Nos: 40210278AG20001 and AZUA-0349
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
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): (2 potential cases)
4. 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
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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
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, General Manager of Utilities Singh, Director of Public Works Delgadillo, City Librarian Hassen, Economic Development Manager Lopez, Director of Community Resources, Budget Administrator Lam, Management Analyst Nazarian, Payroll Supervisor Rodriguez, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Eileen Lopez and Monica Garcia.
The Invocation was led by Chaplain Elvin Miranda, Azusa Police Department.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Richman reported that four items were discussed in Closed Session and that there was no reportable action.
CEREMONIAL
Recognition of the Azusa High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team.
Councilmember Mendez recognized the Azusa High School varsity basketball team for their achievement as finalists in the CIF Championship.
Recognition of the Azusa High School Academic Decathlon Team.
Councilmember Bow recognized members of the Azusa High School Academic Decathlon team for placing first for most improved score and earning second place in the Super Quiz, Division 3.
Presentation of a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Donate Life Month in the City of Azusa.
Councilmember Bow presented a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Donate Life Month in the City of Azusa.
Presentation of a proclamation declaring April 10 as Arbor Day in the City of Azusa.
Mayor Alvarez presented a proclamation declaring April 10, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Azusa, which was accepted by Director of Public Works Robert Delgadillo.
Presentation of proclamations in honor of Earth Day 2026: City’s Clean and Green Month and Recycling and Recycling and Organics Separation Month
Mayor Pro Tem Avila presented a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Clean and Green Month in the City of Azusa.
Councilmember Gonzales presented a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Recycling and Organic Separation Month in honor of Earth Day 2026 on behalf Senator Rubio.
A representative from Athens Services, Denay Amaya, spoke about the importance of source separation and City Council Minutes
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highlighted the successful compost and mulch giveaway event.
Presentation of a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Azusa.
Mayor Pro Tem Avila presented a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Azusa, which was received by Ambassador Eliza Rietta.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Venerable Nicholas Thanissaro from the Dhammakaya Meditation Center invited the community to attend the first outdoor candlelight meditation event of the year on April 18.
Dr. Marisol Martinez-Garcia, Board Member of Faith Family Center, introduced the new church to the Azusa community, located at 405 South Azusa Avenue, and invited all to visit.
Damaris Flores, a resident, shared her thoughts on Faith Family Center joining the Azusa community and highlighted the various events and activities the church offers.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez provided two announcements; that with the approval of street closures, the City will host another Night Market on April 16; and the State of the City event will be held on May 6.
Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Avila announced several City events, including: Family Craft Hour at the Azusa City Library on April 14, Azusa Shred-A-Thon on April 18 at the Azusa Light & Water parking lot, and Senior Talent Show on April 30 at the Azusa North Recreation Center; shared that the Azusa Golden Days Committee will host a golf tournament on May 29; and extended farewell wishes to Pastor Will from Sandals Church as he departs Azusa to launch a new Sandals Church in Anaheim.
Councilmember Mendez announced the following City events: Outdoor Recreation and Eco Fair on April 10, Family Game Night on April 17 at the Azusa City Library, and E -Waste Collection on April 18 at the Public Works Yard.
Councilmember Bow announced the return of the Azusa Night Market during the months of April, May, and June; and reported attending the Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) conference in Northern California on March 27–28.
Councilmember Gonzales announced the following upcoming City events: Senior Services Social Seminar on April 9 at the North Recreation Center, and free tire disposal available April 1–30 at Waste Management facility.
Mayor Alvarez announced upcoming events at the Azusa City Library: Dia de los Niños (Children’s Day) on April 21, followed by an Earth Day “Dirt Cup” activity on April 23; reported his attendance at a Foothill Transit meeting, where discussions included the anticipated need for additional buses during the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics, stated that the City is currently awaiting determination on whether federal funding will be provided to support these transit needs; and noted his attendance at Gladstone Middle School’s performance of Rock of Ages.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARING – AB 2561 LOCAL PUBLIC EMPLOYEES: VACANT POSITIONS
Director of Administrative Services Johnson introduced the item stating that an annual update is required pursuant to Assembly Bill No. 2561; and introduced Payroll and Acting Human Resources Supervisor Rodriguez, who presented the update.
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Acting Human Resources Supervisor Rodriguez gave an overview of AB 2561; reported that as of February 1, 2026, the City has 378 budgeted full -time positions, with 288 positions represented across eight bargaining groups; presented data on union- represented vacancies, including those within the Azusa Mid- Management Association and Azusa Police Executive groups, and discussed potential recruitment obstacles; reviewed recruitment and selection efforts and provided a personnel action report, noting an increase in active employees from 384 in January 2025 to 415 in December 2025; and emphasized the City’s key priorities of recruitment, retention, and operational efficiency to maintain service levels and workforce stability.
Councilmembers asked questions regarding candidate drop -off during recruitment. Staff explained that candidates often withdraw due to accepting other positions or higher compensation elsewhere, though specific reasons are not always communicated. The Council also inquired why the presentation had not been provided prior to budget adoption. Staff clarified that a presentation was given in April, but it was less detailed because no bargaining groups exceeded the 20% vacancy threshold at that time.
Additional questions were raised regarding responsibility for reviewing vacancy data. Staff responded that Human Resources would oversee the review in coordination with the bargaining groups.
Mayor Alvarez opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cornejo certified the publication of the Public Hearing in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on March 16, 2026.
Public Comment
Kevin Norton, a representative from IBEW Local 18, addressed the Council, stating that the organization represents employees from Azusa Light and Water; recommended that the Council, in coordination with Human Resources, review Los Angeles County utility salary benchmarks, noting the highly competitive nature of the industry.
City Clerk Cornejo confirmed that no additional speaker cards were received.
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote of the Council to close the Public Hearing.
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
The City Council received and filed the report.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
CONSIDERATION TO ALLOW FOR THE CO -SPONSORING OF THE RACE ON 66 AZUSA TWILIGHT BICYCLE RACE TO BE HELD ON JULY 11, 2026, WAIVE SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT
APPLICATION FEES, AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ALLOW FOR STREET CLOSURES THE
DAY OF THE EVENT
Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez presented an item for consideration to co- sponsor a criterium bike race scheduled for July 11, 2026. The proposal included waiving special event permit application fees and adopting a resolution to allow temporary street closures for the duration of the event; and explained that the race would require two street closures and would be conducted on a one -kilometer closed circuit.
Patrick Caro, of Go Fast -Andiamo, introduced himself and stated that he organizes bicycle races throughout Southern California. In response to Council inquiries, Caro indicated that he anticipates approximately 300 to 400 cyclists will participate in the event.
The Council discussed the potential costs associated with hosting the event. Staff indicated that a more detailed cost estimate will be presented at a future meeting but provided a preliminary estimate ranging from $6,000 to City Council Minutes
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$10,000. Staff also noted that hosting the event would create an opportunity to support and promote business activity at local shops.
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by the following vote of the Council, to authorize and adopt Resolution No. 2026 – C16 to allow for the temporary street closure and use of the public right -of way on Azusa Avenue between 5th Street and Santa Fe Avenue, San Gabriel Avenue between 6 th Street and the southernmost point of the Metro/Heavy Rail lines, and Foothill Blvd between Angeleno Avenue and Dalton Avenue for Twilight Criterium Bicycle Race and activities; authorize the City Manager to execute the Special Event Permit Agreement with Go Fast -Andiamo of Twilight Criterium Bicycle Race, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City; and make a finding that the community at large will receive public benefits with the co-sponsorship by the City and waiving of associated event costs.
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
CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ALLOW FOR LIMITED STREET CLOSURES
FOR THE DOWNTOWN AZUSA NIGHT MARKET SERIES TAKING PLACE ON THE THIRD THURSDAY OF THE YEAR DURING 2026
Management Analyst Nazarian, from the City Manager’s Office, requested City Council authorization for limited street closures to accommodate the Azusa Downtown Night Market series, proposed to take place on the third Thursday of each month through 2026; noted that the City will partner with Angel City Market on a trial basis to deliver a larger and enhanced event experience, with the first event scheduled for April 16, 2026.
Councilmembers inquired about the placement of vendor canopies and whether they would obstruct existing businesses. Staff responded that, in accordance with Los Angeles County Fire Department guidelines, canopies will be positioned along the outer edges of the street to maintain a required 20-foot fire lane.
Additional discussion addressed the selection of Thursdays as the designated event day. Staff explained that neighboring cities typically host similar events on Fridays, and scheduling the market on Thursdays avoids competition while allowing City Staff to be readily available on-site to provide support.
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Avila and carried by the following vote of the Council, to authorize and adopt Resolution No.2026 – C17 to allow for the temporary street closure and use of the public right-of way on Azusa Ave between 6th St. And Foothill Blvd. for the Azusa Night Market Series.
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
CONSIDERATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 MID-CYCLE BUDGET REVIEW
Director of Administrative Services Johnson introduced Item D -4 regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 –26 mid-year budget adjustments and the Fiscal Year 2026–27 mid- cycle budget review; noted that no changes to the overall budget amounts were being recommended at this time; rather, the presentation was intended to provide high- level information to assist with the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget in June.
Johnson delivered a three -part presentation, which included: recommended adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, a high- level overview of budget considerations, and a snapshot of the General Fund’s fiscal position; explained that by the end of the current fiscal year, the City is projected to have total ending reserves of just under $58 million.
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Council and Staff engaged in discussion regarding the overall budget outlook. Staff highlighted that strong sales tax performance is expected to contribute to continued financial progress; noted that while the City is currently in a strong cash position, a cautious approach is being maintained with respect to year -to-year budgeting. With continued prudent spending, the City is estimated to have access to approximately $19 million beyond the designated reserve.
Moved by Councilmember Bow, seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by the following vote of the Council, to adopt Resolution No. 2026- C19 approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 mid- year budget adjustments; receive, review, and file the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Second Quarter Budget-to-Actual financial report; and provide input and direction on key considerations for the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget in advance of adoption in June 2026.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 2, 2026, 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-C18 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: D. Del Rosario
Merit Increases: M. Aceves, E. Guaderrama, E. Razo Thomas, S. Bailey, J. Ramirez, J. Beaver, A. Conwel Separation/ Retirement: E. Johnson, M. de Graaf
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 December 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 Reports of Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances for the month of July through September 2025 were received, reviewed, and filed.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
6. An increase to the Haaker Equipment Company blanket purchase order in an amount not-to-exceed $75,000 was approved.
Total Cost: $75,000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: Sewer Fund (34-55-665-000-6493)
Moved by Councilmember Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1 to E-6
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, GONZALES, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
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ADJOURNMENT
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:13 P.M.
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
April 20, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting May 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting