City Manager’s B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G March 21, 2016 ADMINISTRATION Community Walkabout— The City Council will be conducting their first Community Walkabout on April 9th. City Council Members and staff will be “walking about” in a select neighborhood, introducing themselves and listening to residents. More details to be announced. City of Azusa Scholarship— The City is offering scholarship opportunities to qualified first time Azusa residents pursing a post secondary education at an accredited college, university or trade school. Applications are available at www.ci.azusa.ca.us. Special Assistance Program— The Special Assistance Program is available for community based organizations in need of funding assistance. Applications are available at www.ci.azusa.ca.us. Plan Your Trip Use Metro— Have you taken the Gold Line yet? To plan your trip call (323)466-3870. Tell the customer representative where you are starting from, where you want to go, and the time and day you want to travel. You can also visit metro.net or text “metro” and your stop number or intersection to 41441 and Nextrip will send you a text message with the next arrival times. Charges may apply. Bus Safety Tips: Wait on the sidewalk away from the curb, not in or near the street Let riders in wheelchairs or with disabilities board first and exit first When standing, stay behind the yellow line If you drop something when exiting, leave it on the ground until the bus drives away Upcoming Meetings City Council— March 21st 6:30 p.m. Auditorium Utility Board— March 28th 6:30 p.m. Azusa Light & Water The Biweekly Briefing is a publication from the City Manager’s Office. For questions or comments, please contact: [email protected] Rail Safety Tips: Always stand away from the edge of the platform Don’t skate or ride your bike on platforms, stairs or escalators Watch the gap between the platform and train Don’t lean against train doors; keep hands clear Never climb rail vehicles or walk on the tracks Look both ways when crossing tracks City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 1 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G ADMINISTRATION (Continued) April Clean & Green Month— Here are some ways to get rid of clutter or plant a new garden for April Clean and Green Month MULCH MORE. Pick-up free compost and mulch at Memorial Park on April 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Use compost as a soil amendment and mulch as a landscape covering to help retain moisture when watering the plants and control weeds for a more beautiful garden. HOLD A YARD SALE. Clean out and cash-in! Take advantage of the city-wide free yard sale from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on April 9th and 10th. Your old items may be a treasure to others. LET IT GO. Discard your non-working TV or monitor that you have been keeping in your garage for years! Drop-off household hazardous and electronic waste at the Northrop-Grumman Facilities at W. 3rd Street and Zachary Padilla Avenue on April 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. SHRED IT FREE. De-clutter your file cabinet by getting rid of documents you no longer need. The City will offer free mobile shredding service to businesses and residents on April 23rd and September 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Azusa Light & Water Parking Lot. GARDEN SMART. Add backyard or worm composting, water-wise gardening, and grass cycling to your list of skills this spring! Attend a Smart Gardening Workshop on April 30th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Memorial Park. Be one of the first 50 residents to pre-register and receive a free compost or worm bin. Call (626) 812-5198 to pre-register. GET RID OF BULKY WASTE. Can’t fit your clutter in the trash barrel? Place large items such as furniture, refrigerator, bed springs, mattresses, etc. at curbside for pick-up on your regular trash day. Call Athens Services at (888) 336-6100 to ensure pick-up. RECYCLE IT. If you like to change oil/filter yourself, pick up a free recycling drain pan or exchange a used filter for a new one from any of the City’s certified collection centers. Certified collection centers include Dick’s Auto Supply, Jiffy Lube, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Y Tires. JUNK OLD TIRES. Only in April, Azusa Land Reclamation will accept old tires at their facility located at 1211 W. Gladstone. There is a limit of 4 tires per household. Proof of Azusa residency required. GET INVOLVED! Join Azusa Beautiful and volunteer to plant new trees, remove debris, clean the river and assist neighboring cities with their beautification programs. Visit www.azusabeautiful.org to get information on upcoming projects. City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 2 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G ADMINISTRATION (Continued) Unusual Year for Mosquitos— Vector control specialists at the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District are responding to an abnormally high volume of mosquito calls. Disease surveillance teams are concerned about finding larger than normal mosquito populations so early in the year. Although most Southern Californians enjoy the balmy winter weather, the heat and lack of rain creates a perfect environment for mosquitoes. The early emergence of large numbers of mosquitoes is a big concern for the District for many reasons. Large populations of mosquitoes increase the likelihood that the West Nile virus and other diseases will be transmitted. In addition, standing water and warmer conditions allows invasive species like the Asian tiger mosquito to spread their foothold in the region. The District has adjusted its operations to address the early emergence of mosquitos. Residents are asked to do their part by doing the following: Examine property regularly to identify, dump, or drain standing water. Report mosquito activity, especially when mosquitoes bite during the day. Report green pools and standing water around your neighborhood. Wear insect repellent and long sleeves to prevent bites. Keep screens tightly closed on windows and doors. HUMAN RESOURCES Recruitment and Selection—We are currently recruiting for the following full-time employment opportunities: Police Captain (PD) - Selection/Promotion in progress. Police Corporal (PD) - Testing 3/16/2016 and Interviews 3/22/2016. Police Dispatcher (PD) – Selected candidate in background. Police Officer Academy Recruit (PD) – Selected candidate in background. Police Officer Trainee (PD) – Selected candidate in background. Police Officer Lateral - Selected candidate in background. Assistant Director, Water Operations – Accepting applications. Open Until Filled Line Mechanic (Lineman) (UTL) – Accepting applications. Open Until Filled. Utilities Communications and Environmental Program Specialist - Selection in Progress. Water System Engineer - Selection in Progress. Water Distribution Equipment Operator - Testing and Interviews 3/15/2016. City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 3 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G LIGHT AND WATER Pool/Spa Cover Rebate Program—Swimming pools require as much or sometimes more, water than lavish landscapes. Pool/Spa covers can reduce evaporation by over 90% thus reducing the amount of required make-up water by 30%–50%. The Pool/Spa Cover Rebate Program will provide an incentive to encourage Azusa Light & Water customers to purchase or replace pool covers at their homes or businesses. Other Pool/Spa Cover Benefits: Conserves water by reducing the pool's chemical consumption by 35%–60%. Lessens cleaning time by keeping dirt and other debris out of the pool. Reduces algae growth. Helps decrease heat loss and as a result reduces heating costs. Pool/Spa Cover Rebate Guidelines: $50 or 50% of the purchase price of a manual placement pool/spa cover, or $200 or 50% of the purchase price of a permanent, mechanical pool cover, whichever is less. Pool/Spa cover must conform to the size and shape of the pool/spa and cover at least 85% of the water surface to act as an effective barrier to evaporation. There are a variety of covers available and can be purchased online, any major home improvement stores and pool supply stores. For more information on the Pool/Spa Cover Rebate Program and other water and electric conservation programs, visit www.azusalw.com or call 626-812-5225. Water Supply Update—Azusa Light & Water distribution water system is averaging 12.78 million gallons a day. Currently the water system demands are being supplied by our Groundwater Production Wells. The Hsu Water Filtration Plant is shut down due to the high source water turbidity related to the rainstorms on March 6th and March 7th. Through Azusa Light & Water’s Phase 3 Drought Program, our customers have achieved a cumulative 19.4% reduction of water usage since June 2015. Up until March 8th a 17.75% reduction of water usage has been achieved. Our water reduction goal each month is 20%. Please continue to follow the mandatory water conservations measures. City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 4 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G LIGHT AND WATER (Continued) Rain Barrel Rebates Available— Collecting and reusing rainwater from gutters and downspouts for lawns and gardens minimizes the amount of water flowing into the storm drains, sewer systems and local waterways. Plants and microbes prefer rainwater because it is naturally "soft" and free of chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals. To learn more about the Rain Barrel Rebate Program visit www.azusalw.com or call (626) 812-5225. Silverado Solar Renewable Energy Projects—In January 2013, Azusa signed two (20) year power purchase agreements for solar renewable energy. The Silverado Project consists of two solar photovoltaic (“PV”) projects - Antelope Big Sky Ranch Project and Summer Solar Project. Each project is rated at 20,000 kilowatts. Other project participants include Pasadena Water and Power and Riverside Public Utilities. Azusa's annual share of the electricity generated by the projects is about 17 million kilowatt-hours enough energy to serve about 4,000 homes. They provide valuable "local area capacity" important for electric grid reliability in the region. The projects are scheduled to be operational by Summer 2016. FREE Compost-Mulch for Azusa Residents Despite the rain… Continue to save water! What you can do: Take a Rain CheckCollect rain water with a rain barrel for later use Take a Break-No watering during or within 48 hours of rain events. When: Saturday, April 2nd Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Where: Memorial Park Parking Lot 320 N. Orange Place, Azusa CA 91702 Wash Smart-Let rain wash your car. Turn It Off-Turn off sprinklers when it rains. Sit Down. Relax.-Let rain do the watering. Prepare to wait in line. Bring your utility bill or ID card with your Azusa address. Bring a sturdy container, no plastic bags. Limit 30 gallons per resident (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) Help yourself, shovels will be available NOTE: Supplies are limited and offered at first come, first served basis while supplies last. The event is subject to ending anytime. City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 5 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G POLICE DEPARTMENT Registrant compliance—There are currently 77 active sex registrants assigned to and living within the City. Sex registrants are generally required to register once a year at the Police Department; however, sex registrants who are transient are required to register every 30 days. It’s the Police Department’s responsibility to maintain records of sex registrants, as well as update the registrant’s personal information when they register. The Police Department conducts annual site visits of all known sex registrants in the City to gather information, update the sex registrant files, and verify they are in compliance with the restrictions of their registration. On March 8th and 9th Police Detectives conducted this year’s compliance sweep and found that all those contacted were in compliance. Maintaining and updating registrant files and monitoring the sex registrants in the City are critical components to ensure public safety. PUBLIC WORKS Sidewalk and ADA Improvements Project—The City's contractor, Kalban Inc., recently completed the Sidewalk and ADA Improvements Project, which included nearly $200,000 in removal and replacement of curb ramps, sidewalks, and curb & gutter throughout the City. This project was funded with Community Development Block Grant funds. Azusa Intermodal Transit Center—The City of Azusa, in partnership with Foothill Transit and Metro, formally dedicated the Azusa Intermodal Transit Center on February 29, 2016. This parking structure features 545 parking spaces that serve the City's downtown, Foothill Transit's bus network, and the Metro Gold Line light rail that officially opened on March 5, 2016. Although the parking structure is complete and fully operational, an artist is currently fabricating several art components to further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the facility. The art components are expected to be completed and installed by the end of June 2016. New Traffic Stop at Foothill and Palm—In response to the additional vehicle and pedestrian traffic generated from the Metro Gold Line, staff installed a new temporary traffic stop sign at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Palm Drive. The intersection was converted from a single stop for southbound traffic on Palm Drive to an all-way stop for vehicles in all directions. This temporary stop will remain until a traffic signal is ultimately constructed at this intersection later in the year. City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 6 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Planning Commission Meeting— The following items were discussed at the Planning Commission Meeting on March 16th: 1. Design Review No. DR 2015-09, Minor Use Permit No. MUP -2015-25 & Variance No. V-2015-04 Location: 2001 Fish Canyon Road APN: 8610-022-022 Applicant: Danny Sabbagh Design Review and Minor Use Permit denial for the construction of a new single family dwelling unit on a vacant parcel. A Variance is requested to reduce the front and sides setbacks from 25 feet to 20 feet and 25 feet to 11 feet. The project is located within the City’s OS (Open Space) zone. This is a continued item from the December 16, 2015 Planning Commission meeting. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review per Section 15303 New Construction of CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act). 2. Entitlements were denied. Use Permit UP -2015-05 Location: 214 N. Aspan Avenue APN: 8615-018-002 Applicant: Mehrdad Rokni Use Permit to allow the use of an existing boarding kennel facility. The project is located within the DWL (West End Light Industrial) zone. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review per Section 15301 Existing Facilities of CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act). Approved. City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 7 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT February 2016, Permits and Plan Check PERMIT TYPE # PERMITS Plan Check Type # Permits Commercial Alteration Combo 3 Commercial Other 1 Commercial Other Demolition Electrical HVAC Combo Mechanical MF Remodel MF Remodel Combo Occupancy Inspection Photovoltaic Systems Plumbing 1 2 6 1 3 1 1 5 2 13 Commercial Alteration Combo Residential Fire Sprinklers SF Addition SF Addition Combo SF New Combo MF Remodel Combo MF Remodel Photovoltaic System SF Addition Combo Sign 3 2 2 7 1 1 1 2 5 2 Reroof Residential Other SF Addition Combo SF Addition SF New Combo SF Remodel SF Remodel Combo Sign Special Inspection Residential 13 2 7 2 4 2 5 2 4 Wall Total Wall Total 1 80 1 28 Azusa Your Next Stop Looking to relocate or expand your business? Interested in saving at least 20% on your monthly electric bill? If so, why not consider City of Azusa as your next stop to locate your business. City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 8 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G LIBRARY Citizenship Program—Citizenship classes are held at the Library every Thursday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Since the inception of the program in October 2014, 78 students have become U.S. citizens. Several current students have an exam date scheduled in the near future. Every citizenship program participant who has taken the naturalization exam has passed achieving a 100% pass rate. Azusa Reads Tutoring Program—The Azusa Reads tutoring program will run through Wednesday, April 20th. The year-end celebration for program will be held at the Library on Thursday, April 21st at 4:00 p.m. Women's Self-Defense Program—The Library is hosting a visit from women’s self-defense expert Nelson Nio on Saturday, March 19th at 1:00 p.m. The program is FREE of charge and open to women and girls ages 12 and up. Learn how to protect yourself against sexual assault and violence. The program will be held at the North Recreation Center at Memorial Park. It’s Story Time—Join us for some reading fun! Regular story times are held at the Library on the following days: Moonlight Story Time Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. Bilingual Story Time Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. Toddler Story Time Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 9 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G RECREATION AND FAMILY SERVICES Recreation and Park Division City of Azusa Welcomes (52) Area Youth Basketball Teams—The Azusa Recreation and Family Services is once again hosting the 2016 Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation San Gabriel Valley Youth Basketball Tournaments. Play for boys and girls from 3rd grade to 8th grade will begin the week of March 12th to March 19th at the Memorial Park and the Memorial Park North Recreation Centers. Over the week (46) games involving (52) teams representing multiple San Gabriel Valley cities will be played. The following is the breakdown for each division: Girls (A) Division 9 Teams Boys (A) Division 13 Teams Girls (B) Division 6 Teams Boys (B) Division 10 Teams Girls (C) Division 6 Teams Boys (C) Division 8 Teams Gladstone Park Field of Dreams Snack Bar Facade Complete—The Snack Bar Facade Project at the Field of Dreams at Gladstone Park has been completed. The project vision originated from Camden Yards, home of the MLB Baltimore Orioles. The accompanying CDBG Fencing Project has gone out to bid. The deadline to submit proposals is April 6th. Easter Egg Hunt March 24th —Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt “Under the Stars” on March 24th at Memorial Park Recreation Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Free pictures will be available with the Easter Bunny with a canned food donation. Pictures begin at 4:30 p.m. Seal Beach Spring Break Trip—The School Year Enrichment Field Trip Program has organized the community trip to Seal Beach on March 29th. Residents are required to register by purchasing a trip ticket that includes bus transportation. Tickets are $5. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited register today. Tickets can be purchased at the Memorial Park Administrative Offices Monday thru Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 320 N. Orange Place. For further information, please call (626) 812-5280. City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 10 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY March 7, 2016— SCHEDULED ITEMS 1. Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Constanzo Investments, LLC for a multi-story mixed use development at the southeast corner of Azusa Avenue and 9th Street (826, 830, 832, and 858 N. Azusa Avenue). Action: Continued to the March 21, 2016 Council Meeting 2. Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Olson Urban Housing, LLC. for a three story, 27 unit townhome development at 805, 803 and 809 North Dalton Avenue (APN 8608-027-907) Action: Approved CONSENT CALENDAR The following consent calendar items were approved: 1. Minutes of regular meetings of January 5 and 19, 2016 and Special meeting of January 25, 2016. 2. Resolution No. 2016-C19 and 2016-C20, Warrant Registers. 3. City Treasurer’s Statement of Cash and Investments for January 2016. 4. Human Resources action items. 5. Resolution No. 2016-C21, Paid Sick Leave for Part-Time Employees as required by AB 1522. 6. Class Specification Revision for Meter Reader and Field Service Representative. 7. Accepted Amenities at Sierra Madre Park in the Rosedale Community. 8. Professional Service Agreement with Siemens for Traffic Signal Maintenance Services. 9. Request for Proposals for Maintenance, Monitoring and Repair of City HVAC System. 10. Authorization to Transmit a Letter Requesting Apportionment of Measure R Funding for Green Complete Streets Program. 11. Resolution No. 2016-C22, Grant Program for 2015 Pre-Disaster Mitigation. 12. Legislative Platform and 2016 State and Federal Legislative Priorities. 13. Request to Sign Opposition Letter Opposing SB 876. 14. Resolution No. 2016-C23, Agreement with Nationwide Cost Recovery Services. 15. Contract Agreements Executed by City Manager – January 2016. 16. Special Assistance Program. 17. Scholarship Program, Awarding Financial Assistance to Eligible High School Students and Adults. 18. Amendment to Letter Agreement with Kosmont Companies for Economic Development Advisory Services. SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS 1. Resolution No. 2016-R5, Warrant Register Action: Approved. City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 11 B I W E E K LY B R I E F I N G March 2016 Upcoming Meetings Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 14 15 16 17 18 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. 21 City Council 6:30 p.m. 28 24 22 23 Personnel Board Oversight Board of 7:00 p.m. the Successor Agency 5:00 p.m. 29 Utility Board 6:30 p.m. Parks & Recreation Commission 5:30 p.m. 30 25 31 Planning Commission CANCELED City of Azusa 213 East Foothill Boulevard Azusa, California 91702 626.812.5200 www.ci.azusa.ca.us 12
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