[0:01] [GAVEL POUNDS]

[0:03] We now call to order the regular meeting of the city council,

[0:05] the successor agency to the former redevelopment

[0:08] agency and the public financing authority,

[0:09] and special meeting of the Azusa city utility

[0:11] board of the city of Azusa.

[0:13] Today is Monday, August 17, 2026.

[0:17] It is now 6:30 PM.

[0:20] City clerk roll call, please.

[0:23] Council Member Sabrina Bow.

[0:24] Here.

[0:25] Council Member Andrew N. Mendez?

[0:26] Present.

[0:27] Council Member Robert Gonzalez?

[0:28] Here.

[0:29] Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Avila Jr.

[0:31] Here.

[0:31] Mayor Edward J. Alvarez?

[0:33] Here.

[0:33] Thank you all.

[0:36] This is now the--

[0:39] we do have three items in closed session.

[0:43] Item 1, conference with real property negotiators

[0:46] pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8,

[0:50] property address 729 North Azusa Avenue, city negotiator Sergio

[0:55] González, city manager, negotiating parties

[0:57] at Patel ANS management and investment

[1:00] incorporated under negotiation price in terms of payment.

[1:03] Item 2, conference with legal counsel existing litigation

[1:07] pursuant to Government Code section 54956.1(d)(1),

[1:11] name of case Whittier versus Los Angeles County Superior Court,

[1:16] LASC case number 23STCP03579.

[1:21] Item 3, conference with legal counsel anticipated litigation,

[1:24] significant exposure to litigation pursuant

[1:27] to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) one potential

[1:31] case.

[1:33] This is now the public's opportunity

[1:35] to address the Council on closed session items only.

[1:37] Each person, a representative of a group,

[1:39] shall be allowed to speak without interruption

[1:41] for up to five continuous minutes, subject to compliance

[1:44] with applicable meeting rules.

[1:46] If you are joining remotely and wish

[1:48] to address the council at this time,

[1:50] please raise your digital hand now

[1:52] or dial star 5 to indicate you wish to speak.

[1:56] Once you are called, please unmute yourself

[1:59] or press star 6 to speak.

[2:01] In-person participants will be called first, followed

[2:04] by remote participants.

[2:06] City clerk, are there any in-person speakers?

[2:10] No, mayor and council.

[2:11] There are none.

[2:12] City clerk, are there any remote participants?

[2:19] No, mayor and council.

[2:20] There are none.

[2:21] Seeing none, the public comment period is now closed and we will

[2:26] recess to close session and reconvene at approximately 7:30

[2:31] PM.

[2:56] [GAVEL POUNDS]

[2:57] We now call to order the regular meeting of the city council,

[3:00] the successor agency to the former redevelopment

[3:03] agency and the public financing authority

[3:05] and special meeting of the utility

[3:06] board of the city of Azusa.

[3:08] Today is Monday, August 17, 2026,

[3:11] and it is approximately 7:37 PM.

[3:16] City clerk, roll call please.

[3:19] I will be doing roll call for both city council and utility

[3:22] board.

[3:23] Yes.

[3:24] Board member Edward J. Alvarez?

[3:26] Here.

[3:27] Board member Robert Gonzalez?

[3:28] Here.

[3:29] Board member Sabrina Bow.

[3:30] Here.

[3:31] Vice Chairman Andrew N. Mendez?

[3:32] Present.

[3:33] Chairman Jesse Avila Jr.

[3:35] Here.

[3:35] Council Member Sabrina Bow.

[3:37] Here.

[3:37] Council Member Andrew N. Mendez?

[3:40] Present.

[3:40] Council Member Robert Gonzalez?

[3:42] Here.

[3:42] Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Avila Jr?

[3:44] Mayor Edward J. Alvarez?

[3:45] Here.

[3:46] Thank you.

[3:47] We now ask that you please stand for the flag salute

[3:49] and it will be led today by Debbie Gutierrez.

[4:01] Stand up if you can.

[4:02] Right hand over your heart.

[4:03] Those in military uniform are free to salute instead

[4:06] of the hand over the heart.

[4:09] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America

[4:14] And to the Republic for which it stands

[4:17] One nation under God

[4:20] Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[4:24] Thank you.

[4:26] Please remain standing for the invocation from Reverend Alvin

[4:29] Miranda, police chaplain.

[4:32] Please join me in prayer.

[4:34] Bow your heads with me.

[4:35] Lord, we are very thankful that you

[4:38] have given us this city that's affectionately

[4:40] known as a Canyon City.

[4:42] Those 50,000 people this council represents,

[4:45] those 10 square miles that they watch over.

[4:49] We pray, Lord, that you would give our city manager, Sergio

[4:52] González, our mayor Alvarez and the council members

[4:56] Mendez, Avila, Bow and Gonzalez, all the wisdom, all

[5:01] the discernment and everything they

[5:03] need to make good choices that are

[5:06] the ones that are be blessing for every citizen in the city--

[5:10] the city of Azusa.

[5:12] We also are thinking of those--

[5:15] I think of our police chief Wenrick, Lord.

[5:18] I pray that you would-- along with their staff,

[5:22] bring protection to each and every officer that's

[5:25] out there tonight representing this city.

[5:27] They would go home safe and be blessed.

[5:29] I also think of fire chief Anthony Marrone and his command

[5:33] staff.

[5:34] I pray that the people of station 97

[5:37] and those at 32 that you'd keep them safe, watch over them.

[5:42] But at the end of the day, we come here today

[5:44] that you would bless this meeting

[5:46] and that every choice and decision that is made

[5:49] would be a blessing to every citizen in the city of Azusa.

[5:53] And we ask your blessing upon us tonight in your holy name.

[5:56] And all God's people say amen.

[5:58] Amen.

[6:09] Earlier we had met in closed session.

[6:12] City attorney, is there anything to report?

[6:15] Yes, we did conduct three items on closed session

[6:17] and there was no reportable action taken.

[6:20] Thank you.

[6:22] We will now move to public comment.

[6:27] This is now the public's opportunity

[6:29] to address the council on items listed or not listed

[6:32] on this agenda.

[6:33] Comments related to the public hearing

[6:34] will be taken at the time of the public hearing is held,

[6:37] each person or representative of a group

[6:39] shall be allowed to speak without interruption

[6:41] for up to five continuous minutes, subject to compliance

[6:44] with applicable meeting rules.

[6:46] Individuals may only speak once during this public comment

[6:48] period.

[6:49] This council meeting is a limited public forum.

[6:52] Speaker comments during public comment

[6:54] must be limited to matters within the council's authority.

[6:57] If you are joining remotely and wish

[6:58] to address the council at this time,

[7:00] please raise your digital hand now

[7:03] or dial star 5 to indicate you wish to speak.

[7:06] Once you are called, please unmute yourself or press

[7:09] star 6 to speak in person.

[7:12] Participants will be called first, followed

[7:14] by remote participants.

[7:16] City clerk, are there any in-person speakers?

[7:19] Yes, Mayor and council, there is the first card BG Casas.

[7:26] Welcome BG.

[7:27] [APPLAUSE]

[7:42] All right.

[7:43] Good evening, mayor, council members, city manager,

[7:48] city clerk and staff.

[7:50] My name is BG Casas, and I am the President

[7:53] of Canyon City Runners.

[7:54] Azusa, formerly known as Dog Hause Running Club Azusa.

[7:59] And although our name has changed,

[8:01] our heart and our mission has not.

[8:04] Three years ago, we started as a small run club

[8:08] founded by Debi Ramos with one simple goal in mind

[8:12] to bring people together through movement.

[8:15] What began with just 12 runners has

[8:18] grown into a thriving community, built on three values that

[8:23] continue to guide everything that we do; fitness, fun

[8:27] and philanthropy.

[8:29] Over the three years, something amazing has happened.

[8:34] We didn't just grow as a run club.

[8:37] We became part of the fabric of the city of Azusa.

[8:41] That's why we chose to rebrand as Canyon City Runners Azusa.

[8:47] Our identity is tied to the city we love, the people we serve,

[8:51] and the community we've built together.

[8:54] And now that Dog Haus beer garden is back.

[8:57] We're excited to continue supporting the place where

[9:01] our story began, while using our broader reach

[9:05] to bring even more people into Dog Haus and downtown Azusa.

[9:11] Every Thursday at 6:00 PM, we meet at the Orchard in downtown,

[9:15] welcoming runners and walkers of all paces and abilities.

[9:20] They support our local restaurants and businesses,

[9:23] meet new people, improve their health,

[9:25] and discover what makes this city so special.

[9:30] But our impact goes beyond movement.

[9:32] We've partnered with Azusa PD to raise

[9:35] funds for the K9 unit and Baker to Vegas relay, supported breast

[9:39] Cancer Awareness through the Azusa PD Pink Patch Project,

[9:44] partnered with Azusa Connects for the Autism Acceptance

[9:47] and Awareness Walk, collecting toys for the neighborhood

[9:51] homework House of Azusa, built an ongoing partnership

[9:55] with the Azusa library through our community game nights,

[9:58] and participated in the city's golden days celebration,

[10:02] supported and spotlighted local businesses

[10:05] and continue to look for ways to give back whenever we can.

[10:10] We are not just a run club, we're

[10:12] a community that believes in making

[10:14] Azusa healthier, stronger while giving back to the city we love.

[10:19] Tonight, we simply wanted to introduce ourselves

[10:22] under our new name and let you know that our mission hasn't

[10:26] changed.

[10:27] We remain committed to fitness, fun, and philanthropy, and we

[10:31] proudly and proudly representing the city of Azusa

[10:35] wherever we go.

[10:36] We're also very excited to invite our city to join us

[10:40] on Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 PM at the Orchard for the Route

[10:45] 66 Centennial 5K run walk, celebrating 100 years of Route

[10:51] 66 as part of Azusa golden days.

[10:54] Runners and walkers of all paces are welcome,

[10:57] and every registered participant will

[10:59] receive a beautiful commemorative finisher

[11:03] medal celebrating this historic milestone.

[11:06] Before I close, I want to sincerely thank the city council

[11:11] and leadership for embracing our club

[11:14] and believing in what we're building.

[11:17] Your support has meant more than you know.

[11:20] As a small token of our appreciation,

[11:23] we'd like to present each of you with a Canyon city runner shirt

[11:27] that reads "Building a healthier Azusa Together."

[11:32] We hope you will wear it proudly.

[11:35] Thank you for welcoming us.

[11:37] We are proud to be Canyon City Runners Azusa,

[11:40] and we look forward to serving this incredible city

[11:43] for many years to come.

[11:45] Thank you.

[11:45] [APPLAUSE]

[11:47] Thank you.

[11:49] Ladies, ladies, ladies--

[11:52] With us, I have Angie Vargas, who's part of our leadership.

[11:56] We also have Mara Amador, part of our leadership,

[11:59] and Eddie [? Barrera, ?] who was not able to make it.

[12:02] And of course, your Canyon City runners.

[12:07] [APPLAUSE]

[12:17] Can we open one?

[12:19] Shall we open one?

[12:20] Yeah, can we open one.

[12:21] All right.

[12:22] This is for-- oh, Sergio González.

[12:24] Sergio.

[12:33] Here you go.

[12:34] Canyon City Runners our logo in the back.

[12:38] This is our monogram.

[12:39] And Building a Healthier Azusa together.

[12:44] Thank you.

[12:45] So ladies and gentlemen, I hate to tell you,

[12:51] but we do not allow clapping.

[12:53] If we allow clapping, we have to allow booing.

[12:56] I'm sorry about that.

[12:57] So we do not allow clapping.

[13:00] Thank you.

[13:02] OK.

[13:06] OK.

[13:07] See.

[13:10] Thank You.

[13:14] You shouldn't be booing Jessie.

[13:16] Jessie.

[13:17] [LAUGHTER]

[13:23] Next card please.

[13:25] The next card is Adam [? Raph. ?]

[13:29] Welcome.

[13:32] Hello.

[13:33] Hello, everyone.

[13:35] My name is Adam [? Raph. ?] I'm a 30-plus year resident

[13:40] of Azusa.

[13:42] I'm a long-time activist and also

[13:45] an independent news reporter.

[13:47] And I'm here today to talk about a disturbing trend

[13:52] in government-- in general, from federal to state, even to local.

[13:58] So what I'm observing and what I think

[14:04] the general population of the United States is observing

[14:08] is that government is no longer behaving as our servants,

[14:16] and they're no longer acting in our interests.

[14:18] They seem to be acting in their own interests.

[14:21] And for example, at the federal level,

[14:28] they're sending a great deal of our tax money to Israel.

[14:35] And there's no vote involved.

[14:38] The people have no say in how their money is spent,

[14:42] and the whole system appears to be

[14:46] set up so that the people really have no substantial access

[14:52] to reign in their government and to control them,

[14:59] because this is the land--

[15:02] this government is of the people, by the people,

[15:05] and for the people.

[15:06] So the people are in charge of this government

[15:09] according to our Constitution.

[15:11] But the federal government has infringed

[15:16] on our constitutional rights in a myriad of ways.

[15:21] And I'm not going to get into that because we're here

[15:24] at the local level today.

[15:26] But the state government has done the same many attempts

[15:31] to take away our Second Amendment rights.

[15:33] For example, every attempt to write a gun law

[15:38] to restrict our ability to keep and bear arms

[15:42] is an infringement on the Constitution.

[15:46] So at the local level, it's unfortunate

[15:51] that I have to be here today to talk about the flock mass

[15:56] surveillance system that has been installed all around Azusa.

[16:02] Now, for people that don't know, these

[16:04] are automatic license plate reader cameras that

[16:08] are set up throughout the city.

[16:11] They're strategically set up at all the entrances and exits

[16:15] of the freeways and all the major roads

[16:21] entering and leaving Azusa.

[16:23] So the argument is that these are for public safety.

[16:29] Well, the problem is mass surveillance

[16:32] does not comport with the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution,

[16:38] and the Supreme Court has ruled that way on several occasions.

[16:44] And just as a reminder, the Fourth Amendment

[16:49] reads the right of the people to be secure in their persons,

[16:53] houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches

[16:56] and seizures shall not be violated

[17:00] and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported

[17:04] by oath or affirmation, and particularly

[17:07] describing the place to be searched

[17:09] and the persons or things to be seized.

[17:13] So mass surveillance basically tracks us everywhere we go.

[17:18] So this system has led to abuse by a lot of police.

[17:27] There are police that have been caught

[17:29] all around the country surveilling

[17:32] their ex wives, an ex-girlfriend, boyfriend

[17:36] and so on.

[17:37] So the system is already being abused,

[17:40] but it's automatically an abuse of the Constitution

[17:44] and therefore it's illegal.

[17:46] So as a result of this, many municipalities

[17:50] throughout the country are removing the flock cameras.

[17:54] And I'm here to ask you to do that in Azusa to remove these.

[17:59] So one of the municipalities that just recently canceled

[18:03] their flock contract was the city of Los Angeles.

[18:08] So that's about as big a city municipality as you can get.

[18:14] And along with Los Angeles, Denver

[18:17] and many, many other large cities.

[18:21] In Florida, there is a candidate running

[18:23] on a platform of removing flock cameras from the whole state

[18:27] of Florida.

[18:28] So I'm here to ask you today to please remove these privacy

[18:34] infringing cameras.

[18:35] Thank you.

[18:38] Thank you.

[18:41] We have no further in-person calls.

[18:43] We just have a caller on line, Mayor.

[18:44] All right.

[18:45] So, city clerk.

[18:48] So we'll go ahead and go to the remote participants.

[18:56] Caller, please identify your name and address for the record,

[18:59] please.

[19:07] Hear me?

[19:08] Yes, can you please identify yourself, name and address.

[19:12] My name is Scott Robinson, and I'm not giving out

[19:15] my address for nothing.

[19:17] I just want to say raise an issue of public safety

[19:21] in this city.

[19:22] And I want to thank the chaplain for saying, like, mentioning

[19:25] to keep our police safe.

[19:27] I'm a big supporter of the police,

[19:30] no matter where they may be.

[19:32] Anyway, I want to bring up this public safety issue.

[19:36] I hate trannies.

[19:37] I hate them so much.

[19:39] These transgenders are invading our cities.

[19:42] They used to be stuck in these big cities like Los

[19:45] Angeles and San Francisco, but now they're

[19:48] raiding Azusa and all other cities in the Foothill

[19:52] and all over California.

[19:54] They beat our girls in sports.

[19:56] They rape our women in restrooms.

[19:59] They also rape our women in county jail.

[20:04] And I don't want any more trannies in this city.

[20:07] They need to be institutionalized.

[20:09] California needs to get rid of all these special rocks laws,

[20:13] especially since all these trannies are getting off

[20:17] welfare benefits.

[20:19] I hate them so freaking much, and I hope that on item 2

[20:25] when you consider a resolution appointing candidates

[20:28] to the Office of City Treasurer and Office

[20:31] of city clerk and cancelation of at large, whatever.

[20:35] I think that there should be no trannies considered

[20:37] for that post.

[20:39] I believe men are men and women are women.

[20:42] As he sang on Law and Order and you knew who you were then.

[20:46] Girls were girls and men were men.

[20:49] And that's something we all need to believe in.

[20:52] And also, I really think that we need to cut government waste

[20:57] and stop giving free handouts to transexuals, especially

[21:02] transsexual homeless people come here from other states

[21:05] and cause all sorts of problems, and they rape our women

[21:09] and they rape our kids, and they need

[21:13] to be sent up to camp somewhere out in the wilderness

[21:18] and gotten rid of.

[21:19] And they're a waste of taxpayer dollars,

[21:23] and I'm sick and tired of cities coddling these people.

[21:31] And of course, we need to kick them out

[21:34] of our library, low-voltage cabling.

[21:37] How about high-voltage treatment for these transsexuals?

[21:41] And also, I'm sick and tired of all this crap, all this DEI crap

[21:47] and all this stuff.

[21:50] And I know you're all sick of it, too.

[21:52] This is a majority Hispanic community,

[21:54] and I know you Hispanics don't like no trannies.

[21:57] I mean, I live up in Murdock County.

[22:00] I live like on California route 139,

[22:03] and we don't do that crap up there.

[22:06] I'm sick and tired of this crap invading various cities

[22:09] across the California.

[22:13] And that's why I'm calling it to every city council in California

[22:17] to tell them how much trannies do not

[22:19] belong in our civil society.

[22:22] They do not belong here.

[22:23] They need to-- they need to go away

[22:27] and consideration of purchase and installation

[22:29] of furniture for the [INAUDIBLE] city library.

[22:33] No furniture because all the homeless people

[22:36] will feed on it and stuff.

[22:39] And also electrical vehicle charging.

[22:44] Electrical vehicle charging is for liberals in LA and Santa

[22:48] Monica and West Hollywood and San Francisco.

[22:53] Yeah, we don't want no trannies in this city.

[22:57] And God bless America and God bless our eternal President

[23:04] Donald Trump.

[23:06] And God bless Israel and God bless you all, if you--

[23:11] I want to see a commitment from this city council

[23:16] that they will not enable the transgender agenda.

[23:24] And I just-- and God bless Israel and God

[23:28] bless our hopeful governor [INAUDIBLE] who

[23:31] we hope to get installed instead of Xavier Becerra

[23:35] because he's Democrats have done nothing

[23:37] but ruin California and ruin our way of life.

[23:46] OK.

[23:49] With that Mayor, there are no further public card

[23:51] participants.

[23:55] And with that, I'll say that's what happens when state mandates

[24:00] we have to go remote.

[24:03] Anyways, we now move to reports, updates and announcements

[24:10] from staff and council.

[24:12] And we'll start with our city clerk.

[24:15] Yes, Mayor and council.

[24:16] It is again that time of the year

[24:18] when we have our culture-- our commission and board

[24:23] applications.

[24:24] So it was closed this last week on August 13.

[24:28] We got 20 applicants.

[24:31] There are 10 commission openings, multiple applicants

[24:37] applied for multiple positions.

[24:40] So with that being said, we're asking

[24:42] if you would possibly the dais would be available for Monday,

[24:45] August 31 or Monday, September 14

[24:48] for our traditional interviews at the Azusa Light and Water

[24:50] department.

[24:54] I'm sorry, city clerk, can you give us

[24:56] those dates one more time, please?

[24:57] August 31 or September 14.

[25:01] And just for the record, we are interviewing

[25:03] for two positions on the arts and cultural,

[25:06] two positions on the library, two positions

[25:08] on parks and recreation, two positions on planning.

[25:11] And there are two positions open for the personnel board,

[25:13] but those will not be interviewed

[25:15] for they are city employee and personnel board elected.

[25:19] So I'm available both days so I'll open it up to others.

[25:24] I'm not available on the 31, Mayor.

[25:27] So only on the 14th?

[25:30] I'm only available on the August date.

[25:32] I'm not available on September 14.

[25:35] Both dates are available.

[25:40] They're good for me.

[25:45] Well, three.

[25:46] And if you guys needed to go ahead and do that,

[25:49] the four of you can do that.

[25:51] And I trust your judgment regarding those interviews.

[25:54] So don't let me stop you from--

[25:57] So the 31, 31, 31--

[26:01] 31.

[26:02] So you're OK with that?

[26:03] Yeah.

[26:04] I won't be able to make it, but you guys

[26:06] can do those interviews.

[26:07] And I apologize to the interviewees.

[26:09] I won't be able to make the 31.

[26:11] Yeah, and we apologize for being at the expiration

[26:14] of the terms of September 30.

[26:16] And it is an extremely busy calendar for all of you.

[26:18] We're trying to find what would work best, but those

[26:20] are the two dates that were--

[26:22] [INAUDIBLE]

[26:24] So August 31 it is.

[26:27] And I'll just so you know, we have quite a few applicants.

[26:32] So I don't know if you're open to maybe starting

[26:35] a little earlier.

[26:37] That would be up to 5:30--

[26:42] Are you available at 5:00?

[26:43] 5:00 or 5:30.

[26:45] Either is fine.

[26:46] OK.

[26:46] 5:00 PM.

[26:47] 5 o'clock.

[26:47] OK.

[26:48] Yeah, we have found in the past that the later it is-- it's

[26:50] harder for the applicants.

[26:52] So we appreciate that and we will keep it as according.

[26:56] So on Monday, August 31, 5:00 PM at Azusa Light and Water

[26:59] department.

[27:00] OK.

[27:00] Thank you, city clerk.

[27:04] We now move to city manager, communications.

[27:08] Mayor and council, those in the audience and at home,

[27:11] I don't have any announcements this evening.

[27:13] Thank you.

[27:15] Real quick, before we get to council member announcements.

[27:18] Chief, did you want--

[27:19] do you have any comments on the flock camera?

[27:22] No.

[27:24] OK.

[27:24] That's fine.

[27:26] So we now move to council member announcements

[27:29] and we'll start with Mayor Pro Tem Avila.

[27:32] Thank you.

[27:32] Mayor, I have a couple announcements.

[27:34] Let's not all forget that this Thursday from 5:00 PM to 9:00

[27:37] PM, we have the Downtown Azusa night market rocking

[27:41] and Espanyol night August 20, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

[27:46] right in our downtown.

[27:48] Next announcement, we have a community survey local hazard

[27:51] mitigation plan to reduce community risk

[27:54] to natural hazards, the city of Azusa

[27:56] will be updating the local hazard mitigation plan.

[27:59] The survey should take approximately 10 minutes

[28:01] and responses will remain anonymous.

[28:03] Results from the survey will be inform the LHMP plan.

[28:08] The survey deadline will be Wednesday, September the 9.

[28:11] Complete the survey by visiting www.azusaca.gov.

[28:17] Also, we have youth volleyball coming up from ages 4--

[28:21] from grade 4 to grade 7. $35 season starts September 9

[28:26] and the registration will be at Memorial Park.

[28:29] Youth flag football from grades 4 to grade 7.

[28:33] Also, registration will be at Memorial Park.

[28:36] It'd be $35 and the season starts on September 10.

[28:40] Then also really quick, I'd just like

[28:42] to congratulate staff on some events

[28:44] that we had since the last meeting.

[28:47] The box fam barbecue on July 18 and the national night

[28:51] Out on August 4.

[28:53] Kathy's Cool Cuts again was another great event on August 9.

[28:57] The reopening of Dog Haus.

[28:58] Make sure that you go and visit Dog Haus.

[29:00] We got new management.

[29:02] At the Dog Haus a ribbon cutting on August the 12th.

[29:05] I'd like to thank the Canyon City Running

[29:07] Club for attending today's meeting and for our shirts.

[29:11] And lastly, as being the liaison for the golden days committee.

[29:14] Our next meeting, we're going to have a lot of announcements

[29:17] regarding golden days.

[29:18] We have a lot of fun events coming up.

[29:20] I just want to remind everyone that the parade will

[29:22] be October 17 and this year to celebrate route 66,

[29:28] the parade will be on Foothill starting East, coming West

[29:32] on Foothill Avenue, just like it used to be during the old days.

[29:34] Once again, the parade will be August 17

[29:37] and look out for more announcements regarding

[29:39] golden days.

[29:39] That's it, Mayor.

[29:40] Thank you.

[29:42] Thank you.

[29:42] We now go to council member Mendez.

[29:45] Thank you, Mayor.

[29:50] And of course, it'd give me feedback.

[29:55] I knew I was trying to bust out my Spanish here.

[29:57] [SPEAKING SPANISH] got to work on my Spanish.

[30:09] [SPEAKING SPANISH] This is in La Biblioteca in Escuela Slauson

[30:15] at 340 West 5 Street.

[30:18] Thank you, thank you.

[30:18] That's all I got.

[30:23] I hope my grandparents, who are both English second language,

[30:28] are not watching tonight and they probably are.

[30:30] And I'm going to get a text message right now saying

[30:32] you disappointed me, Andrew.

[30:35] Upcoming dates for yard sales.

[30:37] Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6

[30:40] are yard sales in the city of Azusa.

[30:42] They are free and require no city permit,

[30:45] but you must adhere to the rules and regulations listed

[30:47] on the website.

[30:48] Please, we've got a dream big kids community career day

[30:51] at the library.

[30:52] This is on Tuesday, September 8, 4:30 to 6 o'clock at the city

[30:57] library, which of course, at Slauson Middle School.

[30:59] And then we've got animal explorer storytime,

[31:02] axolotl edition, this is Wednesday, September 9, 5

[31:07] to 6 o'clock also at the Azusa library

[31:09] at Slauson Middle School.

[31:11] Moving on to my announcements here.

[31:13] I've got a big congratulations to Council Gonzalez.

[31:18] A incredible 19th annual Kathy's Cool Cuts events.

[31:23] I'll let you tell that story, but congratulations on that.

[31:27] I too wanted to thank the Canyon City runners

[31:29] with Dog Haus back open.

[31:31] I think everyone's there I had the opportunity of swinging

[31:34] by three times last week.

[31:36] Don't judge me a lot of energy.

[31:38] I stopped by there Thursday night as well.

[31:40] They had a DJ.

[31:41] I had 100 and plus of my closest running friends.

[31:45] There is a lot of fun.

[31:46] So congratulations to them.

[31:48] And then lastly, I would like to request of this council that we

[31:51] do adjourn this meeting in memory of [? Johnny ?]

[31:55] [? Ceniceros, ?] US Army veteran and life-long Azusa resident.

[32:02] Cisneros?

[32:03] Cisneros.

[32:04] Thank you.

[32:04] Sorry my apologies.

[32:05] Thank you.

[32:07] OK.

[32:07] Council member Bow.

[32:10] Thank you, Mayor.

[32:11] Several city announcements and a couple

[32:13] of updates on activity in the city.

[32:15] So beginning with the Here for Azusa FeedLA free produce

[32:20] distribution, it will be held at Memorial Park.

[32:22] It's being held throughout the year on Wednesdays.

[32:25] The upcoming dates are Wednesday,

[32:27] August 19 and September 2, 16th and 30th.

[32:32] Again, it's a FeedLA free produce distribution at Memorial

[32:36] Park from 9:30 to 12 PM, free and open to all.

[32:41] Then through the Azusa city library on August 26,

[32:45] enjoy snacks from around the world.

[32:47] A taste testing adventure part two.

[32:50] Enjoy a trip around the world from the comfort

[32:52] of your library.

[32:54] Taste test and assortment of international candies, desserts,

[32:56] chips and drinks from different countries.

[32:59] All ages are welcome and registration is required.

[33:03] Please call the library to register at (626)-812-5232.

[33:10] Continuing with activities at the library on Thursday,

[33:13] September 3 from 11:30 to 12:30 PM, toddler craft hour.

[33:18] It's play-doh fun.

[33:20] Ages 4 and under, no registration required.

[33:23] Again, for more information, call the Azusa city library

[33:26] (626)-812-5268.

[33:30] And then rounding out the month of September.

[33:32] On Tuesday, September 29 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM,

[33:37] author storytime.

[33:38] Its bilingual English and Spanish

[33:40] storytime and meet and greet with author Katherine Trejo.

[33:45] The first 100 families will receive

[33:48] a free copy of her book, Yefferson, actually,

[33:52] and this is author Katherine Trejo.

[33:56] I wanted to report out some of the activities

[33:59] and events I attended in the past couple of weeks.

[34:02] On Friday, August 7, I was able to attend the teen festival

[34:06] at Memorial Park.

[34:08] Over 300 Azusa youth middle school and high schoolers

[34:10] attended.

[34:11] There was in and out a rock climbing wall and ax

[34:14] throwing contest, and it was a great way

[34:17] for our youth to spend a safe evening in Azusa.

[34:22] And they even had a parents lounge

[34:24] for parents who wanted to let their kids have fun,

[34:26] but also stay close.

[34:28] So that was fun to take a sneak peak.

[34:29] The DJ was only 15 years old, so when

[34:32] we talk about a teen festival, it really

[34:33] was a teen-led and teen-inspired festival.

[34:37] Then of course, Kathy's Cool Cuts on the 9, a fantastic

[34:41] event, and I wanted to also thank my colleagues

[34:46] for their support in being able to provide

[34:48] a certificate of recognition to the San Gabriel Valley Business

[34:52] Association.

[34:54] SGV Business Association will be celebrating its 10th anniversary

[34:58] tomorrow at Marie Callender's breakfast at 7:30 AM.

[35:02] I'm planning to be there and hope to see you there as well.

[35:06] And then city manager, I just have one question

[35:08] about the general plan survey.

[35:13] Has the survey period closed and do

[35:16] we have any indication of the number of responses?

[35:22] And was it only done online?

[35:28] Council Member, let me have our director

[35:31] provide some information on that survey.

[35:33] Good evening.

[35:34] Council Member Bow, we advertised online.

[35:37] Last time I checked, which was last week,

[35:39] we had about a little bit over 300.

[35:42] Outreach included us being at public events, trying

[35:45] to help people to send them to the QR code

[35:49] to fill out the survey.

[35:50] So it was a web-based survey.

[35:54] So we were asking folks to use the web page to input

[35:56] that information.

[35:59] And so has the survey period close?

[36:01] It closed, I believe last week either Thursday or Friday

[36:04] or the 13th, I'm sorry.

[36:06] I forget what day that is.

[36:10] Just to offer my feedback only because the general plan

[36:12] is about every 20 years that we do this.

[36:15] I think it's such an important time to invest a little as

[36:19] much as we can to encourage as broad-based community support

[36:23] and participation as possible.

[36:25] I am wondering again, not being on the committee,

[36:28] but being part of council, I'm wondering

[36:30] if we might consider opening up the survey response time,

[36:35] the window a little bit longer, and perhaps now that school

[36:38] has started, use our school district

[36:42] partner to be able to get these surveys out into families

[36:46] through the district flyer.

[36:49] It's a captive audience that we might capture,

[36:53] as well as maybe taking paper copies

[36:58] or taking iPads or tablets over to the senior center

[37:02] to help our seniors participate in the survey,

[37:05] just so that we're getting--

[37:07] I don't want to quantify it, but get a significantly more

[37:10] robust response rate only because this general plan comes

[37:14] around only every 20 years, and it

[37:16] seems like 300 might not be as representative

[37:22] as we would want it to be for such an important planning

[37:24] period.

[37:25] Yeah, that's good direction.

[37:27] We do have the ability to go back and open it up for a few

[37:29] more weeks.

[37:30] I will have to talk to the staff, the team,

[37:33] because it may require an adjustment to our timelines,

[37:35] but I'm sure we can go on ahead and accommodate.

[37:37] Thank you.

[37:38] Is there a first meeting of the committee scheduled?

[37:41] We were interested in taking the information of the survey

[37:45] to share that with our general plan steering committee,

[37:48] to share our initial findings.

[37:50] So at this point, we're looking probably

[37:53] into the fall, maybe late October,

[37:54] November to share that information.

[37:57] But we can definitely look to maybe holding the timeline.

[38:02] It's looking at the consultant's bandwidth

[38:05] to see if they can accommodate an extended comment period,

[38:08] and hoping that it doesn't necessarily

[38:10] impact our deliverable of having a meeting in the fall.

[38:13] Thank you.

[38:15] That's my feedback around the survey response

[38:18] for the general plan survey.

[38:20] Well, I think we should probably leave it up to staff

[38:23] if they can do that or not.

[38:24] I can tell you, though.

[38:25] I mean, we do have a new school superintendent,

[38:28] but I can tell you that schools stopped distributing flyers

[38:33] a few years ago.

[38:34] That was an issue we had brought up many times,

[38:37] but they don't distribute our flyers anymore.

[38:42] And they don't-- basically they don't distribute paper.

[38:46] It's even for them a lot of it is online or school

[38:50] announcement.

[38:51] I really don't know.

[38:52] The flyers are electronic.

[38:53] And we've taken opportunities at recently at national night

[38:57] out there was the running group at one of their previous events.

[39:01] I actually was there personally taking surveys myself.

[39:04] So we're trying to do our best, but this feedback is definitely

[39:08] welcome and we can revisit.

[39:09] Just try to bump up our numbers-- our numbers.

[39:13] Thank you.

[39:14] Anything else?

[39:16] So now we go to council member Gonzalez.

[39:18] Thank you, Mayor Alvarez.

[39:20] I have a handful of announcements.

[39:23] One, I have from the library.

[39:25] It is our teen do-it-yourself crafts,

[39:28] and we have anime paint night, and that will be held Thursday,

[39:32] September 17 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at our own city library.

[39:37] It is our pre-drawn canvases featuring characters

[39:42] from one piece and demon slayer, and then add

[39:46] your own creative touches open to ages 12 to 18.

[39:49] And that once again will be Thursday, September 17

[39:52] at our library.

[39:54] We do have on Tuesday, September 15 is a decorate a mini pinata

[40:00] and that's also held at our city library.

[40:03] And if we have-- for more information,

[40:06] you would like to call area code 626-812-5268.

[40:10] And both those events will be at our library.

[40:13] And from our parks and rec division,

[40:15] we have Mighty Mite flag football

[40:18] and will be co-ed grade grades kindergarten through second.

[40:22] The price is $50 and you want to register in person at Memorial

[40:27] Park at 320 North Orange place, or online

[40:30] at azusaca.gov/civicrec and the season starts September 15.

[40:38] And lastly, we have our pet of the month,

[40:43] and I would like to thank our colleagues once again

[40:45] for adopting this program for our community,

[40:48] where we advertise an adoptable pets that need to be cared for

[40:56] and have a forever home.

[40:58] And so this month's pet of the month.

[41:01] And I would like staff to strongly ask our new partners

[41:06] to see if we can actually get the pet here.

[41:09] I think that worked very well when we had our pets here

[41:12] in the audience, and it had great success

[41:15] getting these pets adopted.

[41:17] But this month's pet is a black cat named Daffy.

[41:22] And I think we have--

[41:24] I think she's coming up here.

[41:28] Let me see here.

[41:30] Nope.

[41:32] Some technical difficulties here.

[41:36] It's a domestic short hair, age two years old.

[41:41] It's a neutered male.

[41:43] It's affectionate, cuddly, friendly, gentle and playful.

[41:48] So if you're into cats, there's Daffy.

[41:54] Daffy guys.

[41:55] So Daffy needs a forever home.

[41:56] So if you're in the cats, this is definitely your cat for you.

[42:01] So please contact Inland Valley to see

[42:06] if we can get Daffy adopted.

[42:09] So, Council Mendez, I know this is for you right up your alley.

[42:13] So please--

[42:14] What size?

[42:16] What type of dog do I have?

[42:17] We're a Frenchie type of house.

[42:19] Thank you.

[42:20] We'll go very well together.

[42:21] So please consider giving Daffy or any of these animals

[42:25] a forever home.

[42:26] Please adopt at your first choice.

[42:30] I get it, but these animals need forever homes,

[42:33] so please consider that.

[42:35] And lastly, my colleagues had mentioned regarding Kathy's Cool

[42:39] Cuts.

[42:40] This has been a program that's been in this city for 19 years.

[42:46] And with my colleagues blessing, traditionally our next council

[42:52] meeting, I would like to acknowledge the hairstylists

[42:56] and barbers and all the donors that helped make this event very

[43:01] successful.

[43:01] So, colleagues, if it's OK, I will work with the city clerks

[43:04] to get those folks recognized.

[43:07] And I will give you the magic number,

[43:10] amount of haircuts and kids that we touched and helped

[43:14] their first day of school, 309 students that we

[43:18] cut hair and gave school supplies for last Sunday

[43:22] or previous Sunday.

[43:24] 309 kids that we got ready for school.

[43:27] So I want to thank all the individuals from the council

[43:32] helping picking up hair.

[43:33] We had a planning commissioner, Chris Dodson,

[43:35] thank you very much for giving your time.

[43:37] Talent City manager Sergio González.

[43:39] You didn't get your nails done, but thank you anyway.

[43:42] And I would like to thank Marty [INAUDIBLE]

[43:44] for actually getting the media out here to cover this event.

[43:49] We had, I believe, Channel 11 and Channel 7 cover this,

[43:54] and that's the first time ever.

[43:55] So I want to thank those news outlets for making that happen.

[43:59] So with that, we look forward to recognizing the time and talent

[44:03] on our next meeting on September 21.

[44:06] So with that, that's all I have.

[44:07] Mayor, thank you.

[44:08] All right.

[44:09] Thank you.

[44:10] I also have some announcements.

[44:13] Adult game night, Super Smash Brothers Ultimate

[44:17] join us for an exciting evening at [INAUDIBLE] Hosted

[44:20] by Canyon City Runners Azusa and Azusa city library

[44:24] for a fun packed, competitive Super Smash Brothers game

[44:26] night on the Nintendo Switch.

[44:30] September 24, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at [INAUDIBLE] 100 West Foothill

[44:37] Boulevard.

[44:38] For more information, call the city library (626)-812-5232.

[44:46] City of Azusa community resources.

[44:49] Pony League Baseball, for the 2026 fall season.

[44:54] Ages 12 to 14.

[44:56] The cost is $50.

[44:58] Registration is open August 10 to September--

[45:02] through September 16.

[45:04] All games and practices played at Gladstone Park, 414 South

[45:09] Pasadena Avenue, and the first practice

[45:12] will be the week of September 21.

[45:15] You can also register online at Azusaca.gov/civicrec.

[45:24] For more information, please call (626)-812-5280.

[45:31] Next, we have presented by the city of Azusa,

[45:35] the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments,

[45:37] the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,

[45:39] and the Indian Valley Humane Society Neighborhood Coyote

[45:42] Informational workshop.

[45:44] Join the Azusa community for discussion

[45:46] on Coyote awareness, education and safety.

[45:49] Hear from local agencies, learn important tips for safety living

[45:53] alongside local wildlife and have an opportunity

[45:55] for question and answer.

[45:57] That's Thursday, September 3 at 5:00 PM at the Azusa city

[46:01] library at the Slauson auditorium, 340 West 5 Street.

[46:07] Event is free and open to the public.

[46:09] Registration is not required and for questions,

[46:13] please email neighborhoodserv ices@azusaca.gov.

[46:18] That's neighborhoodserv ices@azusaca.gov.

[46:22] Also, on Wednesday evening meditation workshops.

[46:29] August 12 and September 16, 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Azusa city

[46:35] library at Slauson, 340 West 5 Street.

[46:40] Registration is not required and for more info,

[46:44] call the Azusa city library at (626)-812-5232.

[46:52] With that, as I believe was mentioned,

[46:55] the Dog Haus is now reopened.

[46:57] We did have a new dental studio open ribbon cutting.

[47:05] Thank you, chief to police department

[47:08] and your staff for the National Night Out.

[47:10] Everything went very well.

[47:12] I think Council Member Gonzalez talked about coolcutttz,

[47:16] and I also attended the [? Dharmakaya ?] ceremony

[47:22] for either getting ready to build their meditation hall,

[47:28] and they did have a period of meditation.

[47:32] I didn't know what I was doing, but I just closed my eyes

[47:35] and put my head down.

[47:37] But they do have meditation classes to teach you.

[47:41] And funny, the city library, you just

[47:44] mentioned meditation classes there too,

[47:46] so you're competing with dharmakaya there.

[47:48] But anyways, I also spent a couple of days in Las Vegas

[47:53] to tour bus manufacturers.

[47:59] The Foothill Transit is going to build some double-decker buses,

[48:05] and Las Vegas already has double-decker buses

[48:10] on their streets on the strip and other various parts of Las

[48:15] Vegas.

[48:16] So we went to go check out that manufacturer,

[48:21] and I believe that's all I have.

[48:24] So with that, we will move to scheduled items.

[48:29] The first scheduled item is designation

[48:31] of voting delegate and alternate for the League of California

[48:34] Cities 2026 annual conference and consideration

[48:36] of proposed resolution packet.

[48:38] And I'll turn it over to staff.

[48:40] Good evening, Mayor, city council, Nico De Anda-Scaia,

[48:44] deputy city manager.

[48:47] This is a standard item that goes before councils every year

[48:50] in anticipation of the League of California Cities

[48:53] annual conference, which is being

[48:56] held at the end of next month in the city of Anaheim.

[49:00] In advance of the conference, the league requests

[49:02] that member cities designate a voting delegate,

[49:07] and an alternate to represent the city position

[49:10] on legislative matters that are voted on

[49:12] during the conferences general assembly business meetings.

[49:17] This year, one resolution has been

[49:19] introduced for consideration by the league's membership.

[49:24] The city of Murrieta and several [INAUDIBLE] cities

[49:27] are sponsoring a resolution in response

[49:30] to concerns over state laws that have increasingly

[49:34] reduced city discretion over housing and land-use decisions.

[49:40] As provided in the background information,

[49:45] more than 500 housing related laws

[49:48] have been enacted by the state since 2010 that

[49:51] have expanded by right approvals for housing projects,

[49:55] limited the application of locally-adopted standards

[49:59] and review processes, and established enforcement

[50:03] mechanisms against local governments.

[50:06] Additionally, the city of Murietta

[50:08] maintains that the state has continued

[50:11] to prioritize increased development

[50:13] capacity without adequately accounting

[50:18] for the infrastructure, public services, economic realities,

[50:23] and safety measures necessary to support housing growth.

[50:27] While the resolution itself does not prescribe a specific policy

[50:31] mechanism, it calls for the creation of a working group

[50:35] or committee to evaluate potential approaches, including

[50:39] legislative proposals, constitutional amendments

[50:43] or ballot initiatives to restrain--

[50:46] to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land

[50:50] use matters.

[50:52] Further investigation would need to be

[50:53] done by the committee, including what

[50:55] specific legislative strategy should be taken.

[50:59] These recommendations would then be brought back

[51:01] for further consideration.

[51:04] On its face, the proposed resolution

[51:06] appears to be consistent with the city of Azusa's 2026

[51:10] legislative platform, which prioritizes

[51:14] local control and collaboration and decision making.

[51:18] Therefore, staff recommends that the city council designate

[51:23] a voting delegate, and an alternate for the league's

[51:26] annual business meeting and authorize the council's delegate

[51:31] to vote in support of the league's 2026 general assembly

[51:34] resolutions packet.

[51:36] Currently, the city council's representative to the league

[51:40] is Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Avila, with Council Mendez

[51:43] as an alternate.

[51:45] Council may designate any member as voting delegates

[51:49] or alternates to the general assembly.

[51:52] That concludes staff's report unless there are any questions.

[51:55] Thank you.

[51:55] Questions?

[51:59] None.

[52:00] No questions of staff, Mayor.

[52:01] But I am unfortunately unavailable during the time

[52:03] slot, so would not be able to serve as the alternate.

[52:07] Do we have anybody else attending?

[52:09] I am signed up to go and I plan on being there

[52:13] and so I'm already signed up to go.

[52:16] But we do need an alternate just to make sure if something

[52:19] happens and I can't make it.

[52:21] And I support keeping Mayor Pro Tem Avila as the main source.

[52:28] But the alternate, I will not be in attendance

[52:32] as well, but Mayor or council member Bow

[52:36] if you're available for an alternate.

[52:38] I'm not able to serve as an alternate for that conference.

[52:45] I don't even know if I'm attending that one.

[52:51] Do we have to have an alternate?

[52:53] No.

[52:53] OK.

[52:54] So then we'll leave.

[52:56] Mayor Pro Tem Avila as the delegate with no alternate.

[53:02] Everyone's OK with that?

[53:05] Yes.

[53:06] Do we need an informal vote or just a direction?

[53:09] City attorney, do we need a formal vote?

[53:12] If they request a vote, yeah.

[53:14] OK.

[53:15] So we do have--

[53:17] do we have a motion?

[53:18] There are two items to designate the voting

[53:21] delegate and alternate and to concur with staff's position.

[53:25] Do we have a motion to approve?

[53:27] I'll make them--

[53:28] I'll second Council Member Mendez' motion.

[53:32] So motion by Council Member Mendez

[53:36] and seconded by Council Member Gonzalez.

[53:39] Let's light up the board.

[53:48] It passes unanimously.

[53:50] So we go to item 2, consideration of a resolution

[53:53] appointing candidates to the Office

[53:55] of City Treasurer and Office of the City Clerk,

[53:57] and cancelation of the [INAUDIBLE] November 5, 2020

[54:00] general municipal election as authorized by California

[54:04] elections code section 10229.

[54:08] And I'll turn that over to staff.

[54:11] Mayor and council, at this time, I'm

[54:13] going to turn it over to Annette Juarez, our city clerk service

[54:16] manager, due to the uniqueness of this item.

[54:22] There you go.

[54:25] Mayor and council, before you, for your consideration,

[54:27] is a resolution to appoint candidates

[54:30] to the offices of city treasurer and city clerk.

[54:33] And the cancelation of at large general municipal election.

[54:37] Back on June 1, you adopted a resolution

[54:40] to call for the election for the offices of city council member

[54:44] district one, city council member district 3, city

[54:47] treasurer and city clerk.

[54:49] The candidate nomination period was held from July 13

[54:53] through August 6, and at the close of that nomination period,

[54:56] there was only one person that filed nomination papers

[54:58] for each of those two offices city treasurer and city clerk.

[55:02] Pursuant to California elections code section 10229,

[55:07] if at the close of the nomination period,

[55:09] the number of persons nominated does not

[55:12] exceed the number of seats to be filled at that election,

[55:15] the election officials shall submit a certificate of facts

[55:18] to the city council, as well as publish that same certificate

[55:22] of facts in the newspaper, and after the fifth day following

[55:25] the publication, the city council

[55:27] is authorized to either appoint the person or persons who

[55:32] are nominated or vote to continue

[55:34] to hold the election with just the one

[55:38] individual for each office.

[55:40] Should the city council decide to appoint,

[55:42] the decision must be made by the 75th day before the election,

[55:46] which is this Wednesday, August 20.

[55:49] The persons appointed would take office and serve exactly

[55:52] as if elected, with their term beginning in December 2026

[55:57] and for the full four-year term.

[55:59] The election for those two offices would then be canceled

[56:03] and the two district city council member seat elections

[56:07] would still continue.

[56:09] Without the need for the citywide election services from

[56:12] the registrar of voters, the city could realize an estimated

[56:16] cost savings of $105,000.

[56:19] So with that, staff recommends that the city council adopt

[56:22] resolution number 2026-C48, appointing Arthur M. Vasquez Jr.

[56:28] to the Office of City Treasurer, and Jeffrey Lawrence Cornejo Jr.

[56:32] to the Office of city clerk, each for a full term of four

[56:35] years in lieu of an election, and canceling at large general

[56:39] municipal election for those two offices only,

[56:44] or direct staff to continue preparation for at-large general

[56:49] municipal election for city treasurer and city clerk,

[56:52] with the one candidate that has been nominated for each office.

[56:56] Do we have any questions?

[56:57] Are there any questions?

[56:59] I don't have a question, Mayor.

[57:01] I think this is a position of where

[57:04] there's a cost savings here.

[57:06] I think my question is for future elections, every office,

[57:12] every two years we have elections

[57:13] and obviously council and city treasurer and city clerk

[57:16] now are good for four.

[57:18] But if this situation ever happened at a council level,

[57:23] I'm not saying it won't ever happen.

[57:25] But if it did, what would be our policy?

[57:28] Would we allow an election or would

[57:33] we, in essence make a policy of to be

[57:36] consistent with this action if there's ever a council

[57:40] position that doesn't have an opponent, an incumbent,

[57:43] would we forego that and as a policy,

[57:47] or is that going to be just determined

[57:48] on what we feel at that time, city attorney?

[57:53] Yes, that would be a determination at the time

[57:56] for the council sitting.

[57:58] I would as a policy, at least for discussion,

[58:02] if we ever have that happen for the council would say, hey,

[58:07] let's save the money and move it forward to the general fund.

[58:11] But just my thought, Mayor.

[58:14] I'm not going to lose sleep over either way, but just a thought.

[58:17] City attorney, is that something we can actually

[58:20] make a policy on, or is it something that we

[58:22] have to vote on each time?

[58:24] I think the law is going to want that to be acted on at the time.

[58:27] OK.

[58:31] OK.

[58:31] All right.

[58:32] Thank you.

[58:32] So I guess that answers that.

[58:34] So do we have a motion to approve either option A or B?

[58:41] Do we have a motion?

[58:42] I want to that motion, Mayor?

[58:44] For option?

[58:45] Yeah.

[58:46] Option A.

[58:46] OK.

[58:47] So we have a motion to approve option A by Council Member

[58:49] Gonzalez.

[58:50] Do we have a second?

[58:51] Second.

[58:52] Second by Mayor Pro Tem Avila.

[58:54] Let's light the board.

[59:04] And that passes unanimously.

[59:08] We now go to scheduled item 3, consideration

[59:11] of a funding agreement between the city of Azusa

[59:13] and the Azusa Chamber of Commerce.

[59:17] And I turn it over to staff.

[59:20] Our mayor, city council, good evening.

[59:22] It's me again.

[59:23] Nico De Anda-Scaia, deputy city manager.

[59:26] The item before you this evening is a proposed funding agreement

[59:30] with Azusa Chamber of Commerce.

[59:33] You may recall that council considered this item initially

[59:36] back in March of this year, deciding at the time

[59:41] to table the chamber's funding request

[59:42] until additional information could

[59:44] be provided by the Chamber regarding

[59:46] their overall fiscal, health and operational budget.

[59:51] Since that time, the chamber has endeavored

[59:53] to develop a full and accurate picture of their finances,

[59:57] along with a clear vision for operations.

[1:00:00] This information has been included in your packet

[1:00:03] for your consideration.

[1:00:04] Chamber leadership are also on hand

[1:00:06] and will provide a brief presentation

[1:00:08] as soon as I conclude here.

[1:00:11] But to recap briefly, the city has traditionally

[1:00:13] funded the chamber at various levels

[1:00:16] in exchange for key business centered services that support

[1:00:20] and promote the local economy.

[1:00:26] The funding agreement that's before you

[1:00:27] this evening represents council's direction

[1:00:30] and expectations from prior discussions on this matter.

[1:00:34] Key responsibilities of the chamber under this agreement

[1:00:37] include business support and training through business

[1:00:41] development workshops and resource fairs,

[1:00:44] event coordination such as business ribbon cuttings

[1:00:48] and the annual taste of the town event, business outreach

[1:00:52] and marketing and promotion of city initiatives

[1:00:55] and promotional shop local campaigns, community information

[1:00:59] and engagement and city collaboration and transparency

[1:01:04] through frequent and open communication with the city,

[1:01:07] including quarterly public presentations to city council

[1:01:10] and members of the public.

[1:01:12] These expectations are further outlined in your agreement

[1:01:16] under section 3.3, along with exhibit A,

[1:01:20] which lists the chamber's full proposed scope of services.

[1:01:24] Therefore, at this time, staff is recommending approval

[1:01:27] of an agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for fiscal year

[1:01:31] 26-27 at a funding level of $45,000,

[1:01:36] retroactive to July one of this year,

[1:01:40] to be paid out in equal monthly installments.

[1:01:43] Additionally, staff recommends authorization for the city

[1:01:46] manager to execute up to two additional one year term

[1:01:50] renewals, provided that the chamber

[1:01:52] is in good standing with its obligations under the agreement,

[1:01:56] including providing transparent annual financial reporting.

[1:02:01] This concludes staff's presentation.

[1:02:04] Representatives from the chamber will now

[1:02:06] give a brief presentation and are also

[1:02:08] available to answer council member questions.

[1:02:10] I'd like to hand the podium over to interim executive director

[1:02:15] Andrea Batista.

[1:02:33] Well, good afternoon, Mayor Eddie Alvarez and city council.

[1:02:38] Some of you may know me.

[1:02:39] My name is Andrea Batista.

[1:02:41] I am the interim director for Azusa chamber of Commerce.

[1:02:45] I also have Laura [INAUDIBLE] from Preston Flowers

[1:02:49] and Angelica from--

[1:02:51] Angelica [? Arteaga ?] from [? Max's. ?] And we're just here

[1:02:55] to present a quick slideshow to tell you where we were and where

[1:03:00] we're going.

[1:03:04] So from where we were to where we're

[1:03:06] going, as of end of April 2026, we had a change in leadership.

[1:03:13] Immediately, we reviewed our financials,

[1:03:16] renegotiated contracts to lower costs,

[1:03:19] establish new vendors that matched our financial status,

[1:03:23] canceled unnecessary bills, and established a debt agreement

[1:03:27] with our past tenants.

[1:03:28] Where we're going, a solid foundation taking it back

[1:03:33] to basics, adhering to what gives us structure our bylaws,

[1:03:39] financial clarity reports with no holes,

[1:03:42] payroll that matches our revenue and contracts that

[1:03:46] make sense for growth.

[1:03:48] Trust and transparency.

[1:03:50] Communication that is clear with materials that allow everyone

[1:03:55] to understand the details.

[1:03:57] Above all, our priority is to rebuild trust

[1:04:02] with council, the city and our business partners

[1:04:05] following the change in leadership.

[1:04:11] So building for the long-term, budget and fiscal calendar,

[1:04:15] a working annual budget built around the chamber's July, June

[1:04:19] fiscal year.

[1:04:21] Membership engagement, growing membership value

[1:04:25] by giving memberships a place to showcase their business,

[1:04:28] presenting at ribbon cuttings, introducing themselves

[1:04:31] to new business owners, and rebuilding rapport

[1:04:34] with fellow members for mutual support and networking.

[1:04:38] We're committed to visiting, reaching out and inviting

[1:04:41] members to all things chamber so they can see firsthand

[1:04:45] that what they put into their membership,

[1:04:48] they get back many times over.

[1:04:51] Government and continuity.

[1:04:54] Creating systems that are structured and aligned

[1:04:57] with our bylaws with board development.

[1:04:59] So the chamber's growth doesn't rely on any one person,

[1:05:04] but on a group effort.

[1:05:06] And build for the future.

[1:05:08] Growing our financial reserves, creating new programs

[1:05:12] that benefit members and building

[1:05:14] a harmonious relationship with the city.

[1:05:18] So our vision.

[1:05:20] A chamber built on purpose, powered by people,

[1:05:23] with Azusa at the heart of it all.

[1:05:26] Stability.

[1:05:27] I'm sorry I didn't change my slide.

[1:05:30] Stability, sound finances and clear systems the city

[1:05:34] and community can trust.

[1:05:36] Growth, expanded programming that brings visible

[1:05:39] benefit back to Azusa and partnership.

[1:05:43] A multiyear relationship with the city

[1:05:45] built on demonstrated results.

[1:05:48] So I have our--

[1:05:51] just a quick outline of our calendar of events.

[1:05:55] There's just a few of them.

[1:05:57] Unfortunately, we had to postpone our installation

[1:05:59] dinner because of the leadership change.

[1:06:01] But we will be getting that back on schedule.

[1:06:04] Quarterly chamber mixers.

[1:06:06] October we have our taste of town,

[1:06:08] part of the Azusa golden days celebration,

[1:06:11] ongoing educational workshops, ongoing monthly morning coffee.

[1:06:16] And we're going to be introducing a new series called

[1:06:20] Did You Know.

[1:06:22] And then in January, we're looking

[1:06:24] to have a chamber community calendar and promotions.

[1:06:31] So a little bit about the Did You Know series.

[1:06:34] A lot of times we hear individuals

[1:06:35] asking a lot of questions, businesses

[1:06:37] ask a lot of questions.

[1:06:39] And so what we want to do is create a new quarterly program,

[1:06:45] one installment per fiscal year quarter designed to inform,

[1:06:49] educate and connect the community with the chamber

[1:06:52] and its members--

[1:06:54] and its member businesses.

[1:06:57] It'll run quarterly, align with the chamber's fiscal calendar,

[1:07:01] highlights chamber resources, member business

[1:07:04] and community facts.

[1:07:06] Built as an ongoing engagement touchpoint between mixers

[1:07:10] and larger events.

[1:07:14] The Taste of Town is our signature event.

[1:07:17] This year, our theme is A to Z in the USA.

[1:07:22] Your route to local flavor, part of Azusa golden days, this route

[1:07:26] 66 Centennial themed evening celebrates Azusa local flavor

[1:07:31] and its A to Z in the USA spirit.

[1:07:34] So that's going to be held Wednesday, October 14,

[1:07:37] 5:30 to 8:30 PM at Memorial Park.

[1:07:41] We have about 25 to 30 vendors that we are signing off.

[1:07:46] Tickets we have here at $45, but it

[1:07:48] looks like we're going to go with $40.

[1:07:49] So some of the featured items will

[1:07:51] be desserts and auction, live music, spirits, kids corner,

[1:07:56] sampling local flavors from Azusa restaurants,

[1:07:59] informational booths, and vendor and sponsor and volunteer

[1:08:03] opportunities are open.

[1:08:06] So the partnership we're asking proposing a path out of--

[1:08:12] I'm sorry, thank you proposing a path out of survival mode.

[1:08:18] We're proposing a multiyear partnership

[1:08:20] that lets the chamber plan, invest and deliver.

[1:08:23] And thank you for your time.

[1:08:26] Do we have any questions?

[1:08:29] Questions?

[1:08:29] Yes.

[1:08:30] Council Member Bow?

[1:08:32] Good evening, Chamber.

[1:08:34] In the materials you shared, and also in this presentation,

[1:08:37] you allude to new membership.

[1:08:40] Do you have a board member directory?

[1:08:44] Yes--

[1:08:44] That's available to share with us.

[1:08:46] So I'm interested to know who's on your board

[1:08:48] and who's off your board and who are continuing board members

[1:08:51] and if you have any new board members.

[1:08:53] OK, so board members and executive board members.

[1:08:56] Right now we have seven present executive board members.

[1:09:02] Well, some board and some of those are board members as well.

[1:09:06] So we have 7 as of right now.

[1:09:09] We really just put a pause on everything,

[1:09:11] just that way we could comb through what

[1:09:14] we needed to clean up.

[1:09:17] We're moving forward in September

[1:09:20] as far as asking and nominating new members as

[1:09:23] well to be part of our board.

[1:09:25] So we do want to grow that.

[1:09:26] But as of right now, just because of the change

[1:09:29] and trying to figure out what can we do, where are we heading,

[1:09:34] we didn't bring anybody else on board.

[1:09:36] So right now we have seven.

[1:09:37] Who are they?

[1:09:38] OK.

[1:09:39] So Laura [? Noia, ?] Angelica Arteaga, Anthony Gallegos, Eddie

[1:09:46] Barrera, Elena Maldonado, Marissa Tucker and Adrian

[1:09:55] Pastrano from Home2 Suites.

[1:09:58] And prior to the leadership change between March

[1:10:01] and now, how many board members left the board

[1:10:04] or exited the board if you're at seven now?

[1:10:08] I think half of them left.

[1:10:11] From March?

[1:10:14] From March-- no, April.

[1:10:15] Are you referring to April with a leadership change?

[1:10:17] Yeah.

[1:10:18] OK.

[1:10:18] So from leadership change--

[1:10:21] well, it's a series of events that happen.

[1:10:24] The reason for the leadership change.

[1:10:26] And so with that, we started having members resign.

[1:10:30] So since March, I'm going to say half have left.

[1:10:34] I was just looking for a list of board members.

[1:10:37] I'm sorry, I don't have that.

[1:10:39] So you have seven board members.

[1:10:41] You used to have roughly 15.

[1:10:44] And the seven board members that you currently have--

[1:10:47] I think I'm understanding you don't have any new board

[1:10:50] members, but these are board members from--

[1:10:52] these are continuing board members.

[1:10:54] Yes.

[1:10:54] And you're currently serving as the interim director?

[1:10:57] I am.

[1:10:58] Are you serving in a paid or consulting capacity?

[1:11:00] I'm not paid.

[1:11:02] No.

[1:11:03] And what's your staffing plan?

[1:11:07] What's your staffing plan?

[1:11:08] Do you envision having the director

[1:11:11] be a paid part-time person or serve as a consultant

[1:11:15] or do you envision that the chamber will

[1:11:17] be led by volunteer staff?

[1:11:21] So right now we don't have our director yet,

[1:11:26] so my name will be put in that hat

[1:11:29] and yes, that individual will be paid.

[1:11:32] But that's going to be we need to align our salary

[1:11:36] along with the hours of that individual that

[1:11:38] would align with our budget as well

[1:11:42] as our goals to move forward.

[1:11:44] So that is all-- everything is happening in our next September

[1:11:48] board meeting.

[1:11:50] So that's where we're at right now as far as

[1:11:52] if we're going to add any other employees, not at this time.

[1:11:58] OK.

[1:12:00] Any other questions?

[1:12:01] So I just had a few comments.

[1:12:04] So I'm glad to see that you did make money on Taste of the Town,

[1:12:11] et cetera, the last ones you had.

[1:12:14] So you have monthly coffees, but you have not

[1:12:17] started that, right?

[1:12:18] No.

[1:12:19] Everything, really-- I mean, we have been involved with mixers.

[1:12:24] We've been involved in marketing with the current businesses,

[1:12:28] but a lot of the items we needed to put a pause on it

[1:12:31] just so that we can, like I said, do the cleanup,

[1:12:35] understand what direction we're going to basically create

[1:12:39] a foundation.

[1:12:40] There wasn't a foundation.

[1:12:43] And so I was trying to do the math.

[1:12:44] So depending on the number of members

[1:12:46] and how much money you raise, so it's $300.

[1:12:50] Is that how much it is?

[1:12:51] $300 is the basic of the base membership.

[1:12:56] So do you still go by--

[1:12:58] in the past, you used to go by number of employees.

[1:13:01] If you had more employees, they would charge more?

[1:13:04] No, we're not.

[1:13:04] We don't go that way.

[1:13:05] We're not basically structuring it that way.

[1:13:07] Yeah.

[1:13:08] So how are you structured?

[1:13:11] Yeah.

[1:13:11] It's tiers.

[1:13:13] I don't know if I have my tiers here, but our basic is $300

[1:13:17] and then the next would be $500.

[1:13:20] So there's three tiers $300, $500 and then $1,500 with

[1:13:26] different perks for each tier.

[1:13:28] Oh, I see.

[1:13:29] [INAUDIBLE] come up--

[1:13:30] We revamp that because of the fact that--

[1:13:34] sorry, because of the fact that some of the tiers

[1:13:37] had some promises that were not made previously.

[1:13:40] So we are going to go back and look at it

[1:13:44] and possibly change the numbers, possibly make

[1:13:47] a few more affordable for newer businesses,

[1:13:50] just for the simple fact that a lot of us

[1:13:51] have said when new businesses come in,

[1:13:53] they can't afford to be marketed and promoted at certain cost.

[1:13:58] So our goal is to help small businesses succeed.

[1:14:02] Part of it is allowing non-members as well

[1:14:04] to participate until they can become members.

[1:14:07] For us, our goal is to help the small businesses, not hurt them.

[1:14:10] Yeah, I appreciate that because it's

[1:14:13] true it costs a tremendous amount of money just

[1:14:18] to open a business.

[1:14:20] So I mean, I see--

[1:14:23] I'm glad to see you have actually a capital improvement

[1:14:27] plan.

[1:14:27] You do need a new roof.

[1:14:28] I live not far from there.

[1:14:31] Yes, you do need a new roof.

[1:14:34] And all these look like legitimate expenses.

[1:14:39] I was looking at your current bank balance.

[1:14:41] It's pretty low.

[1:14:42] These payments, are they at the first

[1:14:44] of the month, end of the month?

[1:14:46] How is that going to work?

[1:14:48] Yeah, they vary.

[1:14:49] They vary.

[1:14:51] Most in the first and the 15th--

[1:14:53] The payments from the city, you said

[1:14:55] you wanted the payments from the city monthly-- divided monthly.

[1:14:58] Is that how you're going to do it, Nico?

[1:15:01] Yeah, we have some flexibility.

[1:15:03] Typically we've done them towards the beginning

[1:15:05] of the month.

[1:15:06] We can set up whatever date we'd like.

[1:15:09] Yeah, because looking at the balance, current balance,

[1:15:14] if they really want to get things done,

[1:15:17] I think we need to adjust the initial payment.

[1:15:20] That's just my opinion.

[1:15:23] I don't know if others would be in tune with that,

[1:15:27] but it's my opinion that to give them a kick start,

[1:15:30] they're going to need a little more than one

[1:15:32] or two payments, monthly payments.

[1:15:37] I think one of the options is to give it to them in a lump sum.

[1:15:40] Is that correct, Nico?

[1:15:42] Yeah, I listed that in the staff report.

[1:15:45] Part of the challenge is this is a performance-based agreement.

[1:15:50] We want to be able to help the chamber be successful,

[1:15:53] but also track accountability over the various deliverables

[1:15:57] that are outlined in the agreement.

[1:15:59] But yes, one of the options that I listed in the staff report,

[1:16:04] we could do it monthly equal payments.

[1:16:07] We're a little into the fiscal year.

[1:16:10] So it would be a higher monthly payment

[1:16:11] that would have been originally because we're prorating it back

[1:16:15] to the beginning of the fiscal year.

[1:16:17] Another alternative, I suppose, could

[1:16:19] have been quarterly or one larger payment at the beginning

[1:16:23] and then tapering off.

[1:16:25] So all those are valid options that we could work with.

[1:16:29] In the past, didn't we not give a lump sum in the past?

[1:16:34] No.

[1:16:35] Since I've been here, the last five years,

[1:16:39] they were always monthly payments.

[1:16:40] It might have been something different prior to that time.

[1:16:43] And you're correct, Mayor.

[1:16:44] We used to years ago to do a lump sum

[1:16:47] and annually pay make that.

[1:16:49] But if I remember correctly, it wasn't exactly--

[1:16:54] we weren't exactly getting the books straight.

[1:16:56] So we ended up going to a month to month

[1:16:58] so we can get some of these books straightened out

[1:17:01] on some of the reporting.

[1:17:04] And to your-- I don't want to punish

[1:17:08] the new leadership of the Chamber for past discrepancies.

[1:17:12] So I'm supportive of getting them some financial footing.

[1:17:17] My whole thing with-- and the council member Bow to stop some

[1:17:23] of the bleeding that you guys had with the previous leadership

[1:17:25] and for whatever happened, I think,

[1:17:29] for me is we were supposed to--you guys were supposed to be

[1:17:34] self-sustained back in 2011.

[1:17:38] And here we are in '26.

[1:17:39] So [? Andrea, ?] and as you get your director, is there a plan,

[1:17:44] in place and you don't have to answer that right today.

[1:17:47] But I think the goal here for the council

[1:17:49] would to have you guys self-sustainable.

[1:17:52] So wean you off so you guys have money

[1:17:57] and you can survive on your own.

[1:17:59] I think that's the ultimate goal here is so we don't

[1:18:03] have you continue coming to us.

[1:18:06] And it's not a bad thing.

[1:18:08] It's a partnership, but we should eventually

[1:18:11] get you guys self-sustained.

[1:18:13] And I would like to see something maybe in the future,

[1:18:17] or this council would like to see what is that plan,

[1:18:19] how does that look.

[1:18:20] Not today because we know this is your first step,

[1:18:24] but I think this council would like

[1:18:26] to see what your future endeavors are

[1:18:27] going to look like.

[1:18:29] So I'm supportive of a lump sum or even six-month upfront

[1:18:34] and come back in six months.

[1:18:36] I'm supportive of your position, Mayor, on that.

[1:18:38] Yeah, I would say a lump sum or I don't know what you prefer.

[1:18:47] The problem sometimes with the lump sum

[1:18:50] is you got to make sure it lasts all year

[1:18:53] and you have a lump of money and then you say, oh,

[1:18:58] let's go ahead and do the roof.

[1:18:59] Let's go do this.

[1:19:00] And before you know it, it's out.

[1:19:01] So I'm willing to how you feel because looking at your balance,

[1:19:07] you do need help, that's for sure.

[1:19:10] I don't even know if a quarterly payment would help, but at least

[1:19:13] the bi annual or--

[1:19:18] would be the proper term semiannual, every six months

[1:19:21] or something to start because it looks like you do

[1:19:26] need a lot of-- you have to get a lot of things going,

[1:19:30] and it's going to be very easy to spend that money.

[1:19:32] That's just my opinion.

[1:19:34] However, if you feel--

[1:19:35] I'm not saying I don't trust you guys.

[1:19:37] I'm just saying it's just--

[1:19:39] it's only natural.

[1:19:40] It's just a natural, something that

[1:19:42] happens when you have this lump sum of money

[1:19:46] and you try to do everything that you need to do at once.

[1:19:51] But if you seem to have a better control over the monies.

[1:19:56] And if you feel you need the lump sum,

[1:19:59] I'm all for it this year.

[1:20:01] So you could do things like the roof,

[1:20:03] but I don't know how you feel.

[1:20:05] That's just my suggestion.

[1:20:06] But yes, we did the real plan, like he

[1:20:12] mentioned was to get you self-sustainable.

[1:20:17] But that looks like it's going to be a few years off.

[1:20:22] I know that because you're starting over

[1:20:25] and I'm not going to worry about that right now.

[1:20:30] But in the end, we are here to help you

[1:20:33] because you have to remember that the city also

[1:20:36] gets a benefit from promoting the business.

[1:20:39] Whatever it is, patronizing, increase

[1:20:43] in the patronage, et cetera, increase in sales, tax, revenue,

[1:20:47] et cetera.

[1:20:49] So we have to get that partnership going.

[1:20:53] And it'd be nice once you get everything going,

[1:21:00] the monthly coffees, the quarterly breakfasts that

[1:21:02] used to be that you actually maybe invite us, maybe.

[1:21:07] Yes.

[1:21:08] Of course.

[1:21:09] Because sometimes that didn't always happen.

[1:21:15] And I understand sometimes if--

[1:21:20] I used to just to go.

[1:21:22] Just to go.

[1:21:23] Exactly.

[1:21:24] We want to continue this relationship as well.

[1:21:26] And so I know I had heard those complaints that there

[1:21:29] weren't invitations in the past, but this is new leadership.

[1:21:33] And so we do plan to make sure this partnership continues.

[1:21:36] This relationship continues to build.

[1:21:38] Also with the capital improvement,

[1:21:41] we understand that we can't do it all at once.

[1:21:43] So that's going to be something that we're building towards.

[1:21:47] I listed it just because it's obvious

[1:21:49] what needs to be taken care of.

[1:21:52] I've already had vendors come by and give us quotes, give us

[1:21:56] some idea.

[1:21:57] And so that way, I can present that to the board

[1:22:00] and we can figure out what is priority.

[1:22:03] Good news.

[1:22:04] The roof might not look that great,

[1:22:05] but we have another two years is--

[1:22:08] and I had a great honest roofer come and give me

[1:22:10] that information.

[1:22:11] I have other people coming to give us estimates as well.

[1:22:14] So we're doing our research and our due diligence

[1:22:17] to make sure that we're spending this money correctly

[1:22:20] and that we're not in the same situation.

[1:22:23] We just need to get ourselves out of survival mode.

[1:22:26] And like I said, looking at your balance,

[1:22:29] you're barely surviving.

[1:22:31] So that's why I understand if you

[1:22:33] feel you need one lump sum or--

[1:22:37] but Nico is shaking his head.

[1:22:40] He's saying lump sum.

[1:22:43] Go ahead.

[1:22:46] You're not only starting over, you're

[1:22:48] starting-- you took a couple steps back.

[1:22:50] And not because of anything of your doing.

[1:22:54] As the questions that were stated by Council woman Bow.

[1:22:58] As far as the board member, you had

[1:22:59] mentioned, your interim executive director.

[1:23:02] How long are we going to be able to keep you

[1:23:04] as interim executive director, or what

[1:23:06] is the plan on that position right now?

[1:23:09] Well, that's going to be a part of our September meeting

[1:23:13] as well as I did make a commitment of six months

[1:23:17] to the board.

[1:23:18] So they know that they have me for sure for six months.

[1:23:21] But then we're going to need to start talking about where

[1:23:24] that position is going to go.

[1:23:26] OK.

[1:23:28] I like what I've seen so far.

[1:23:30] I really like what I've seen so far.

[1:23:32] And these financial statements that you presented us today

[1:23:35] were the best financial statements

[1:23:36] I've received since I've been on council.

[1:23:39] So thank you for that.

[1:23:40] And I also would be an agreement to give them a lump sum as well.

[1:23:45] Any other questions, comments.

[1:23:46] Thank you.

[1:23:48] Just one additional that my--

[1:23:49] I don't think it's been asked yet have you guys--

[1:23:52] and you may have alluded to this,

[1:23:55] but have you identified a magic number

[1:23:59] to achieve critical mass as Mayor Pro Tem Avila mentioned

[1:24:03] I think it's very noble that you're doing this for free.

[1:24:05] However, from a sustainability standpoint, I commend you.

[1:24:10] I thank you, but it's not sustainable.

[1:24:13] So is there a number of members that would be required,

[1:24:21] or even if it's a guesstimate as to how many individuals need

[1:24:24] to be a part of the chamber for that

[1:24:26] to be a paid, at least from a part-time perspective.

[1:24:33] S?

[1:24:33] We're going based off of what we had as numbers.

[1:24:37] We had 103, but really we had 88 members paid.

[1:24:42] When we looked at the numbers, it was about $27,000.

[1:24:47] So is it doable?

[1:24:49] Yes.

[1:24:50] Can we pay somebody?

[1:24:52] We're not going to be paying somebody an outrageous salary.

[1:24:55] We already learned that.

[1:24:57] But we will be able to pay somebody,

[1:25:01] either a part-time position or a decent full time, so.

[1:25:07] Got it.

[1:25:07] Thank you.

[1:25:08] And to answer your question, I don't have an exact number yet.

[1:25:10] OK.

[1:25:11] Yeah, but based off of what we have

[1:25:14] and what we already know as far as individuals

[1:25:18] that we're already talking to about becoming

[1:25:21] members and sponsors, we're at a good start, so.

[1:25:25] Got it.

[1:25:26] Thank you.

[1:25:27] And the actual.

[1:25:29] So in looking at the different events,

[1:25:30] you guys have obviously been one of the biggest fundraisers,

[1:25:34] the events not just to pay a salary from purely

[1:25:38] the annual dues.

[1:25:40] It's from all aspects including from what the city is providing.

[1:25:43] Is that correct?

[1:25:44] OK.

[1:25:44] Thank you.

[1:25:45] With that, I have no further questions.

[1:25:47] Ladies, I really appreciate you coming up.

[1:25:48] I would be in favor of the lump sum.

[1:25:52] Any other questions, comments?

[1:25:53] OK.

[1:25:54] With that, I need a motion.

[1:25:55] There are three items to approve and do we have a motion

[1:26:01] to pay the funding level.

[1:26:04] And if you can include how you want to pay that,

[1:26:08] do we have a motion?

[1:26:09] Make a motion, Mayor.

[1:26:11] For all three and to one lump sum?

[1:26:14] One lump sum.

[1:26:15] Do we have-- so one lump sum of $45,000.

[1:26:19] Motion by Council Member Gonzalez.

[1:26:21] Do we have a second?

[1:26:22] Second.

[1:26:23] Second by Mayor Pro Tem Avila.

[1:26:24] Let's light up the board.

[1:26:33] And it passes unanimously.

[1:26:35] Congratulations.

[1:26:36] Thank you so much.

[1:26:36] We appreciate it.

[1:26:37] Thank you.

[1:26:39] Thank you council.

[1:26:40] And thank you on behalf of all the small businesses

[1:26:42] and other businesses in the city as well.

[1:26:44] Thank you.

[1:26:45] Keep up the good work.

[1:26:47] See you tomorrow.

[1:26:49] Why not?

[1:26:51] So we now move to item 4, consideration

[1:26:56] of introducing an ordinance of the city

[1:26:57] council of the city of Azusa, California,

[1:26:59] making amendments to chapter 58, Article II related

[1:27:02] to waste disposal and recycling, determining the ordinance

[1:27:05] to be exempt from [INAUDIBLE].

[1:27:06] I turn it over to staff.

[1:27:09] Good evening, Mayor and members of the city council.

[1:27:12] I'm Lisa [? Sagan, ?] acting environmental programs manager.

[1:27:17] The item before you tonight is requesting

[1:27:19] your consideration of amending ordinance chapter 58,

[1:27:25] Article II relating to waste disposal and recycling.

[1:27:33] SB1383 or the short-lived climate pollutants,

[1:27:38] requires jurisdictions to implement programs

[1:27:41] to comply with the state's organic waste reduction

[1:27:44] and recycling requirements.

[1:27:47] The law also requires cities to adopt and enforce an ordinance

[1:27:52] to ensure that the organic waste generators comply

[1:27:55] with these requirements through a mandatory waste disposal

[1:28:00] and recycling ordinance.

[1:28:04] As you may recall, the city adopted the waste disposal

[1:28:07] and recycling ordinance effective January 2022

[1:28:11] to support SB1383.

[1:28:14] The city council recently approved contract amendment

[1:28:18] with [INAUDIBLE] services for commercial and multifamily

[1:28:22] to transition from two-stream to three-stream collection program.

[1:28:28] Because of these changes, the current ordinance

[1:28:31] needs to be amended to reflect changes to trash collection

[1:28:35] services for these sectors and to update

[1:28:38] other provisions needed to support the city's

[1:28:41] enforcement of SB1383.

[1:28:46] So the major changes in the ordinance is are the following;

[1:28:51] establishing the requirements for three container collection

[1:28:54] service, four commercial and multi-family sectors.

[1:28:58] We also updated some definitions and administrative requirements

[1:29:03] for organic waste collection and recycling services.

[1:29:08] Another update is on the code enforcement procedure and code

[1:29:13] references to ensure consistency with the current state

[1:29:17] regulations.

[1:29:22] With that, the staff recommends the following actions;

[1:29:26] introduce an ordinance of the city council of the city

[1:29:29] of Azusa, adopting the proposed amendments to chapter

[1:29:32] 58, Article II related to waste disposal, recycling and number

[1:29:38] 2, determined that the adoption of this ordinance

[1:29:41] does not qualify as a project as defined

[1:29:45] in California Environmental Quality Act section 15378.

[1:29:52] I welcome your questions.

[1:29:54] Any questions, comments?

[1:29:56] Anybody?

[1:29:58] No.

[1:29:59] Seeing none, do we have a motion to approve the two items.

[1:30:04] I'll make a motion, Mayor.

[1:30:05] I'll second.

[1:30:06] So we have a motion by Council Member Mendez and a second

[1:30:09] by Council Member Gonzalez.

[1:30:11] Let's take a vote.

[1:30:20] It passes unanimously.

[1:30:22] So we now move to the consent calendar.

[1:30:24] There are 16 items on the consent calendar.

[1:30:28] I will be abstaining from item 13 due to having

[1:30:33] property in close proximity.

[1:30:36] Is there any other member that would

[1:30:39] like to pull any of these items, or have a question on any

[1:30:43] of these items?

[1:30:45] I have questions on E8.

[1:30:47] Number eight?

[1:30:49] Anybody else?

[1:30:52] Seeing none, Council Member Mendez,

[1:30:55] is that a motion to approve items 1 through 7 and 9

[1:31:00] through 16 with myself abstaining from item 13?

[1:31:04] It is so moved.

[1:31:04] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:31:05] Motion to approve by Council Member Mendez.

[1:31:08] Do we have a second?

[1:31:10] Second.

[1:31:10] Second by Mayor Pro Tem Avila.

[1:31:14] Let's light up the board.

[1:31:21] Passes unanimously, and we will move to item 8.

[1:31:29] Council Mendez.

[1:31:32] Thank you.

[1:31:32] Chief at our last special council meeting or Water Board

[1:31:36] meeting, we had a conversation regarding

[1:31:40] some updates to the systems potentially

[1:31:43] go with different service providers.

[1:31:46] So as we're looking at this, is this in collaboration with that?

[1:31:53] Is this a totally separate?

[1:31:55] How does this fit into the puzzle piece

[1:31:58] or is it a totally different puzzle?

[1:32:02] So this is like the foundation, our [INAUDIBLE]

[1:32:05] and our miss pretty much is what the daily function of the police

[1:32:09] department runs on.

[1:32:11] And this system will allow us to then grow into the other systems

[1:32:15] that we had discussed prior.

[1:32:19] Thank you.

[1:32:20] From a-- so this is purely technology.

[1:32:23] This isn't changing anything necessarily internal.

[1:32:25] The way we handle processes or anything like that.

[1:32:28] No, this will not change anything.

[1:32:30] And I do see that a significant portion from the asset seizure

[1:32:36] fund, of course, our opiate settlement funds, which

[1:32:38] is always appreciated.

[1:32:39] So that's all-- that's all.

[1:32:40] I have no further questions.

[1:32:43] Any other questions, comments?

[1:32:46] Seeing none, Council Member Mendez,

[1:32:48] is that a motion to approve the three items for item 8?

[1:32:51] So move, Mayor.

[1:32:52] So we have a motion to approve by Council Mendez.

[1:32:55] Do we have a second?

[1:32:57] Second.

[1:32:57] Second by Council Member Gonzalez.

[1:33:00] Let's take a vote.

[1:33:06] That passes unanimously.

[1:33:09] So we now go to.

[1:33:13] Scheduled item, successor agency related business.

[1:33:18] Consideration of sale and acquisition of 975 West Foothill

[1:33:21] Boulevard from the successor agency to the city of Azusa

[1:33:25] and related fiscal year 26-27 budget amendments.

[1:33:29] And I turn it over to staff.

[1:33:31] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:33:32] Talika Johnson, Director of Administrative Services.

[1:33:35] So before you tonight is a multi-joint item

[1:33:40] for the city council, the utility board, and the successor

[1:33:44] agency.

[1:33:45] This item is fairly straightforward.

[1:33:48] It's a request to approve a purchase and sale agreement,

[1:33:52] and two resolutions for the city to purchase 975 West Foothill.

[1:34:00] 975 West Foothill is one of two properties

[1:34:03] that are held by the former redevelopment agency.

[1:34:09] And the Oversight Board January during the adoption

[1:34:14] of the annual [? ROPS, ?] did express interest in the city,

[1:34:18] continuing its momentum to wind down the successor agency

[1:34:22] business.

[1:34:23] And so before you tonight is again,

[1:34:26] the request for the city to purchase

[1:34:29] 975 West Foothill from the successor agency

[1:34:34] at a 50% split funding between the general fund

[1:34:38] and the electric utility.

[1:34:40] And so the total proposed cost is the appraised--

[1:34:45] the latest appraised value for the property, which

[1:34:48] was about $3.58 million.

[1:34:51] In addition to the purchase price,

[1:34:54] some estimated closing costs of about $100,000.

[1:34:59] Again, that's just estimated.

[1:35:01] And so the request tonight is for the city to purchase 975

[1:35:06] West Foothill for a not to exceed price,

[1:35:10] including closing costs and fees of $3.68 million,

[1:35:15] again with a 50/50 split between the general fund

[1:35:18] and the electric utility.

[1:35:21] Happy to answer any questions you have.

[1:35:23] Any questions or comments?

[1:35:27] No questions.

[1:35:29] OK.

[1:35:31] Seeing no questions, this is a public hearing.

[1:35:35] We now open the public hearing.

[1:35:38] City clerk, [? Cornejo, ?] do we have proof of publication?

[1:35:42] Yes, Mayor and council.

[1:35:43] I have before me proof of posting

[1:35:45] at the Azusa City Clerk's Department, the Azusa Police

[1:35:48] Department, the Azusa Light and Water Department, the Azusa

[1:35:52] Civic Auditorium, and the Azusa City Website.

[1:35:56] Thank you.

[1:35:56] This is now the public's opportunity

[1:35:58] to address the council regarding the public hearing.

[1:36:00] Each person or representative of a group

[1:36:03] shall be allowed to speak without interruption

[1:36:05] for up to five continuous minutes, subject to compliance

[1:36:08] with applicable meeting rules.

[1:36:10] If you are joining remotely and wish

[1:36:12] to address the council at this time,

[1:36:14] please raise your digital hand now

[1:36:16] or dial star 5 to indicate you wish to speak.

[1:36:20] Once you are called, please unmute yourself

[1:36:22] or press star 6 to speak.

[1:36:25] In-person participants will be called first, followed

[1:36:28] by remote participants.

[1:36:29] City clerk, are there any in-person speakers?

[1:36:33] No mayor and council.

[1:36:34] There are none.

[1:36:35] City clerk, are there any remote participants?

[1:36:39] No, mayor and council.

[1:36:40] There are none.

[1:36:42] Seeing none, the public hearing is now closed.

[1:36:49] Do we have a motion to close the public hearing?

[1:36:51] Motion to close the public hearing.

[1:36:54] Motion to close the public hearing

[1:36:55] by Council Member Gonzalez.

[1:36:56] Do we have a second?

[1:36:57] Second.

[1:36:58] Second by Council Mendez.

[1:37:00] Let's light up the board.

[1:37:07] And that passes unanimously.

[1:37:11] So with that, if there are no further questions or comments,

[1:37:16] city attorney, do we need to take successor agency and city

[1:37:19] council utility board separate?

[1:37:20] Yes, I do.

[1:37:22] So for the successor agency, there

[1:37:26] are three items to approve.

[1:37:27] Do we have a motion to approve?

[1:37:30] Make that motion, Mayor.

[1:37:31] Motion to approve by Council Member Gonzalez.

[1:37:33] Do we have a second?

[1:37:34] Second.

[1:37:35] Second By Mayor Pro Tem Avila.

[1:37:37] Let's light up the board.

[1:37:46] It passes unanimously for the city council and utility board,

[1:37:50] there are four items.

[1:37:52] Do we have a motion to approve these four items?

[1:37:55] I'll make the motion, Mayor.

[1:37:57] Motion is approved by Council Member Mendez.

[1:37:59] Do we have a second?

[1:38:01] Second.

[1:38:02] Second by Council Member Bow.

[1:38:03] Let's light up the board.

[1:38:10] And it passes unanimously.

[1:38:14] And we will adjourn tonight in memory of Johnny Cisneros.

[1:38:21] And with that, we are adjourned.

[1:38:24] [GAVEL POUNDS]

City Council Meeting and Special Meeting of the Utility Board

Agenda

Transcript