1 4A
M I N U T E S
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor Glendale, CA 91206
TELECONFERENCE LOCATION:
604 Benowe Scotia Road, Glendale, CA 91207
OCTOBER 10, 2023
ROLL CALL – All Present
1. CLOSED SESSION – 4:06 p.m.
a. Public Employee Performance Evaluation – City Manager b. Conference with Labor Negotiators: The City-designated negotiator attending the closed session is: Mayor Dan Brotman. Unrepresented Employee Position: City Manager
c. Public Employee Performance Evaluation – City Attorney d. Conference with Labor Negotiators: The City-designated negotiator attending the closed session is: Mayor Dan Brotman. Unrepresented Employee Position: City Attorney
e. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation: Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Paragraphs (d)(2), (e)(1) and (e)(2) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Two potential cases
f. Conference with Labor Negotiators. The City-designated negotiators attending the closed session are: Roubik Golanian, John Takhtalian, Michael J. Garcia, Gillian van Muyden, Paula Adams, Aymee Martin, Mark Young, Jason Bradford and Peter Brown. The name of the employee organizations is: I.B.E.W., Local 18, Unit 40 City Attorney Mike Garcia indicated that action is anticipated on item 1E. Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:10 p.m.
2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA – 6:05 PM
Roll Call – All Present
a. Flag Salute: Mayor Dan Brotman
b. Invocation: Raffi Wartanian, Poet Laureate
c. Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the October 10, 2023 Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on October 5, 2023, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Agenda Preview for the Meetings of Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Regular Meetings have been cancelled and will resume on October 24, 2023. b. Proclamation designating October 8-14, 2023, as Fire Prevention Week Fire Chief Tim Ernst and Fire Marshal Jovan Diaz
c. Proclamation Designating October 2023 as Filipino-American History Month Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale
d. Proclamation Designating October 2023 as Hispanic Heritage Month Glendale Latino Association and Adelante, Latinos
e. Commendation for Khachik Petrosyan’s 30 years of service for the Beeline Bus 2 4. CONSENT ITEMS (Including Minutes)
The following are Routine and May be Acted Upon by One Motion. Any Member of Council or the Audience Requesting Separate Consideration May do so by Making Such Request Before Motion is Proposed.
a. City Clerk, re: Minutes of the Special City Council, Regular City Council, Joint City Council and Housing Authority Meetings of September 26, 2023, and Special City Council Meetings of October 3, 2023
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
a.
b. City Manager, re: Withdrawing the City of Glendale’s Participation in the Eco Rapid Transit Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
1. Resolution 23-140 Authorizing the Withdrawal of the City of Glendale’s Participation in the Eco Rapid Transit Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
b.
c. Community Services and Parks, re: Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds from the State of California, Employment Development Department (EDD) for the Glendale Youth Alliance and the City of Burbank
1. Motion Accepting Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds from the State of California, Employment Development Department in the amount of $747,830 from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 to enable the Verdugo Workforce Development Board to distribute those funds to the Glendale Youth Alliance and the City of Burbank; Approving the award of WIOA grant funds to the Glendale Youth Alliance in the amount of $607,330 from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 and the City of Burbank in the amount of $140,500 from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 as approved and recommended by the Verdugo Workforce Development Board; and Authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to execute all agreements, certifications, and documents necessary to accept and implement the funding Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
c.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
3 d. Community Services and Parks, re: Youth@Work funds from the Los Angeles County, Department of Economic Opportunity for the Glendale Youth Alliance
1. Motion Accepting Youth@Work funds from the Los Angeles County, Department of Economic Opportunity in the amount of $530,700, from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 to enable the Verdugo Workforce Development Board to distribute those funds to the Glendale Youth Alliance; Approving the award of Youth@Work grant funds to the Glendale Youth Alliance in the amount of $482,937 from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, as approved and recommended by the Verdugo Workforce Development Board; and Authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to execute all agreements, certifications, and documents necessary to accept and implement the funding Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
d.
e. Fire Department, re: Donation of surplus Fire Engine to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Native American Indians
1. Resolution 23-141 authorizing the donation (transfer) of one 2003 Pierce Quantum Fire Engine to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Native American Indians Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
e.
f. Glendale Water and Power, re: Amendment to the Existing Power Purchase Agreements for the Star Peak and Whitegrass No. 1 Geothermal Projects
1. Resolution 23-142 authorizing the approval of the Amended and Restated Power Purchase Agreements, each an attachment to the original long-term Power Sales Agreements between the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) and City of Glendale for the purchase of the renewable energy from the Star Peak and Whitegrass Geothermal Projects, and further approving two Letter Agreements between SCPPA and Open Mountain Energy, LLC (Developer) related to the projects, which will require the Developer to pay at least approximately $2.2M Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
f.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
4 g. Libraries, Arts, and Culture, re: Library, Arts & Culture, re: Acceptance of Grant Funds for Adult Literacy and ESL Services
1. Motion accepting $133,277 in California Library Literacy Services grant funds from the California State Library to support services and programs for adult literacy and English as a Second Language; and authorizing the City Manager or a designee to execute all agreements, amendments, certifications, and documents necessary to accept and implement the funding
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
g.
2. Resolution 23-143 appropriating $133,277 from the California State Library Literacy Services program
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
h.
h. Libraries, Arts, and Culture, re: Contract Amendment to Increase Maximum Cost of Contract with Innovative Interfaces Incorporated by $10,000 and renew LINK+ services
1. Motion authorizing amendment to contract with Innovative Interfaces Incorporated to increase the maximum cost by $10,000 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $471,550 in order to renew LINK+ services
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
i.
i. Public Works, re: North Brand Boulevard Complete Streets Demonstration Project, Adopt Revised Specification
1. Resolution 23-144 rejecting the bid received and adopting the revised project Plans and Specification for the North Brand Boulevard Complete Streets Demonstration, Specification No. 3942R, and Plan No. 1-3114
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
j.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
5 j. Public Works, re: Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) Systems Repairs and Maintenance Services, Award Contract
1. Motion Awarding a Contract to Odyssey Power Corporation (Odyssey) for Citywide UPS Systems Repairs and Maintenance services per Specification No. 3949 for the not-to-exceed amount of $240,561 for five-years and directing the City Manager, or a designee, to execute the contract
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
k.
k. Public Works, re: Construction Contract for Distributed Drywell Installation Project
1. Motion awarding a construction contract to Bali Construction, Inc. in the amount of $2,206,602, approving a 15 percent contract contingency in the amount of $330,990, rejecting all other bids, and authorizing the City Manager or a designee to execute the contract
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
l.
2. Resolution 23-145 of Appropriation to appropriate funds in the amount of $2,758,252 for the Distributed Drywell Installation Project
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
m.
l. Public Works, re: Fiscal Year 2023 Slurry Seal and Crack Seal Program, Reject Bids and Readvertise
1. Resolution 23-146 rejecting all bids received for the Fiscal Year 2023 Slurry Seal and Crack Seal Program, adopting the revised Plans and Specification for Fiscal Year 2023 Slurry Seal and Crack Seal Program, Specification No. 3929R, and Plan Nos. 1-3098 and 49- 256, and authorizing the City Clerk to re-advertise for bids Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
n.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
6 5. CITY COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
Councilmember Kassakhian provided his comments regarding the attack of Hamas on Israel and wished for peace. He stated that Armenian-Americans are feeling a lot of trauma and déjà vu from seeing the same images of violence that happened in Artsakh. Kassakhian stated that he prays for peace for the people of Israel and Palestine. Kassakhian attended the Lithuanian Days Festival at St. Casimir Church Los Angeles and Octoberfest in Montrose. He also attended the Armenian Bone Marrow Walkathon and encouraged the public to support the organization by signing up for their bone marrow registry. Kassakhian invited the public to watch a documentary called “Cup of Salvation,” at the Glendale Laemmle Theater. He asked staff to agendize a discussion to consider supporting US Congresswoman Judy Chu’s and US Senator Alex Padilla’s call to urge the Biden-Harris Administration to expand the boundary of California’s San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
Councilmember Asatryan announced that October is also “Domestic Violence Awareness” Month. For anyone that needs assistance on domestic violence, YWCA Glendale provides legal assistance, adult and children counseling, housing navigation support, trauma support, childcare, emergency shelter, crisis assistance, financial assistance, and food pantry services. The public can reach YWCA Glendale at (818)242-4155 and the crisis hotline at (888)999-7511. Asatryan had an opportunity to go on a police car ride-along and asked staff to provide a memo on how the city is integrating and coordinating services for the unhoused population. She congratulated the Montrose Chamber of Commerce for a successful Octoberfest and the Glendale Chamber of Commerce for hosting the Jewel City Gala.
Asatryan joins Kassakhian in his statement about what is happening in Israel and Palestine.
As a response and a correction to a comment made earlier by a member of the public, she stated that there is no more blockade in Artsakh, the Armenian population was forced to deportation. Asatryan asked to agendize for discussion a better structure for the city’s friendship and sister cities and to provide an update regarding the work that is being done.
She also asked to agendize for discussion recycling requirements for new construction multi-family units. Asatryan asked for an updated report on the Organics Waste and Recycling Program, which was discussed during the Council in Your Neighborhood Meeting on October 3 at Sparr Heights.
Councilmember Najarian announced that the LA Metro Board will increase the northbound and southbound trains that serve the Glendale station which will not only make traffic on freeways better but also improve the air quality. He stated that he authored a second motion to make those trains silent and not sound their horns from Atwater to Northwest Glendale.
Councilmember Devine stated that every week we hear about the Armenian Genocide and express our sadness for that community. She added that it seems that another genocide is happening in Israel. Devine expressed that her heart and prayers are with her Jewish friends and community and she wishes that those who have been captured will be rescued and safe.
Mayor Brotman provided his comments regarding what has been taking place in Israel and Gaza. He called the purposeful targeting of civilians as horrific acts of terrorism. He expressed his sympathy to all the families who have lost loved ones or have loved ones who are held captive. He also stated that he hopes that Israel doesn’t act out of vengeance and commit the same offenses as targeting civilians in Gaza but be as measured as possible.
He also stated that City Hall will be lit up with white and blue lights of the Israeli flag in support. Mayor Brotman stated that Adams Hill held an arts festival but he was unable to attend. He was able to attend October Fest which was a packed event. 7 City Manager Roubik Golanian had the opportunity to attend the celebration of a 30 year veteran of the Beeline service. He invited Khachig Petrosian to the podium. He stated that Khachig has been an integral part of the Beeline service and his commitment to excellence, professionalism and exceptional customer service has set a high standard for the rest of his team to follow. Khachig was presented with a commendation from the mayor. Councilmember Kassakhian also made congratulatory remarks.
City Clerk Dr. Suzie Abajian invited the public to attend the Candlelight Vigil & Purple Tie Awards on Wednesday, October 11, at Glendale City Hall. The event is to honor men working to end domestic violence and build a culture of support for survivors in Glendale. It is co- sponsored by YWCA of Glendale and Pasadena and the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women. She also made remarks about Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
6. COMMUNITY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS (3-Minutes)
Edith Fuentes
Mike Mohill
Amy Toczek
Carol Brusha
7. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
a. Community Development, re: Amendments to the General Plan Land Use Map (Case No. PGPA-001746-2023), Title 30 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995 (Zoning Code Text Amendment) and Zoning Map (Case No. PZC-0007-2023) relating generally to the Tropico Transit Oriented District (TOD) Zoning and Objective Design Standards Project
1. Ordinance 6012 Adding Chapter 30.16 entitled “Transit Oriented Development Districts,” and Amending Sections 30.10.010, 30.30.010, 30.30.020, 30.30.030,
30.31.020, 30.32.030, 30.32.040, 30.32.050, 30.32.070, 30.32.090, 30.32.171,
30.32.172, 30.32.173, 30.33.120, 30.33.140, 30.33.150, 30.33.180, 30.33.190,
30.33.200, 30.33.210, 30.33.215, 30.33.220, 30.34.090, 30.34.100, 30.34.120 of Title 30 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, Relating to the Tropico Transit Oriented District Zoning and Objective Design Standards Project (Case No. PZC-0007-2023) (Najarian, 09/26/23)
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows
o.
2. Ordinance 6013 Amending the Zoning Map to Reflect New Zoning Designations related to Zone Change PZC-0007-2023 in connection with the Tropico Transit Oriented District Zoning and Objective Design Standards Project (Najarian, 09/26/23) Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
p.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
8 b. Community Development, re: Overview of Changes to Ordinance to Amend GMC
30.25.030 Regarding Streamlining the Historic District Designation Process Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Yazdan Emrani, Director of Community
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Presenting:
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Public Comments:
Allan Durham
Annette Banks
Lilya Avagyan
Arlene Vidor
Marta Phillips
Rick Stern
Jacob Pierce
Mike Mohill
Arevik Oganian
Carol Brusha
Roseanne Kazaba
Hayk Morkosyan
Joanna Pringle
Carol Attarian
Peter Fuad
Gerri Cragott
Mary Lacroix
Sofia Stepanian
Damien Sullivan
Nancy Oshima
Christopher Vartanian
Avag Simonyan
Margaret Step
Zuzka Eggena
April Gustafsen
1. Ordinance 6014 Amending Section 30.25.030 of Title 30 to the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, Relating Generally to Streamlining the City’s Historic District Designation Process (50%+) (Devine, 09/12/23)
Moved: Devine Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows
q.
2. Ordinance Amending Section 30.25.030 of Title 30 to the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, Relating Generally to Streamlining the City’s Historic District Designation Process (67%) (Najarian, 09/12/23)
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Devine, Kassakhian, Brotman
Asatryan, Najarian
None
None
9 8. ACTION ITEMS
a. Public Works, re: Approval to Release the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Operation and Maintenance of Fixed Route and Dial-A-Ride Transit Services Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Yazdan Emrani, Director of Public Works
Martha D’Andrea, Transit Manager
Public Comment:
Fernando Roldan
1. Resolution 23-147 to approve and authorize the release of the Request for Proposal for operation and maintenance of fixed route and Dial-A-Ride transit services Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
9. HEARINGS
a. City Attorney, re: Fourth Public Hearing Regarding the Composition of Council Districts Related to the City's Proposed Transition to District-Based Councilmember Elections
Hearing opened at 8:53 p.m. and closed at 9:41 p.m.
Presenting:
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Doug Johnson, National Geographic
Public Comments:
Allan Durham
Mike Mohill
Vartan Gharpetian
Allen Dish
Albert Garakian
Teresa Blackburn
Emanuel Gulakian
Fernando Roldan
1. Introduction of Ordinance Establishing Council District Boundaries and Scheduling Elections Within the Districts, Subject to Voter Approval of a Ballot Measure to Amend the City Charter to Change the City’s Electoral System from an At-Large System to a By-District System with a Directly Elected Mayor and Six Council Districts
2. Motion Directing Staff Regarding Preparation of Draft District Maps Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None
10 Motion to direct staff to schedule a study session to address the comparative cost of putting the issue to the voters at the General Municipal Election in March 2024 vs. the County-run election in November 2024; Explore Alternative Voting Systems such as ranked-choice voting, cumulative voting and limited voting as alternatives to districts; and Review the proposed maps to be able to give direction for future Council consideration of placing the matter before the voters
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
r.
10. REPORTS – INFORMATION
11. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
12. DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
13. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Discussion is Limited to Items NOT a Part of this Agenda. Each Speaker is Allowed 5 minutes. Council May Question or Respond to The Speaker But There Will be no Debate or Decision. The City Manager May Refer the Matter to the Appropriate Department for Investigation and Report.
Alek Bartrosouf
Ramella Eraghi
Araik Sinanian
Allan Durham
Emanuel Gulakian
Melanie McKinnell
14. NEW BUSINESS
a. Motion to enter into a settlement agreement with former City employee Christina Kazazian-Wilson resolving potential litigation by allowing the deposit of $16,725.75 into a Retiree Health Savings Plan account in her name Moved: Najarian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows
15. ADJOURNMENT – 10:05 p.m.
Moved: Devine Seconded: Kassakhian
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Kassakhian, Brotman
Devine, Najarian
None
None
Mayor of the City of GlendaleCity Clerk of the City of Glendale Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Devine, Kassakhian, Najarian, Brotman
None
None
None