1 M I N U T E S
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
(Adjourned from January 14, 2025, Regular Meeting)
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
Glendale, CA 91206
JANUARY 21, 2025
ROLL CALL – Absent: Kassakhian
1. CLOSED SESSION – 3:11 p.m.
a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation: Najarian v. City of Glendale, L.A.S.C. Case No. 24STCP02101; Claim of Najarian, No. 25-0009 b. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation: Annabel Aghajanian v. City of Glendale, L.A.S.C. Case No. BC720314
c. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation: Oganyan v. City of Glendale, L.A.S.C. Case No. 23GDCV00864
d. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation: United States v. ITT Industries et al., U.S.D.C. Case No. 2:99-00552
City Attorney Mike Garcia indicated that action is anticipated on items 1c and 1d.
Councilmember Najarian recused himself on item 1a due to conflict of interest. Council recessed to closed session at 3:16 p.m.
2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA – 6:03 PM
Roll Call – All Present
a. Flag Salute: Mayor Elen Asatryan
b. Invocation: Dr. Suzie Abajian, City Clerk
c. Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the January 21, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on January 15, 2025, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Agenda Preview for the Meetings of Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Asst. City Manager John Takhtalian provided the preview.
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.
Item 4b pulled for separate consideration. Item 4d taken off calendar. a. City Clerk, re: Minutes of the Regular City Council Meetings of December 17, 2024 and January 7, 2025
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows
a. Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
4A
2 b. Glendale Water and Power, re: Specification No. 3995 for Painting Street Light Standards in the Rossmoyne Neighborhood and Honolulu Road Area for Glendale Water and Power
1. Resolution 25-05 adopting Specification No. 3995 for Painting Street Light Standards in the Rossmoyne Neighborhood and Honolulu Road Area for Glendale Water and Power, and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows
b.
c. Information Technology Department, re: Acceptance and appropriation of 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program funds
1. Motion accepting $250,000 in State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program funds from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows
c.
2. Resolution 25-06 of Appropriation
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows
d.
d. City Attorney, re: Cancellation of February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting and Adding February 18, 2025 Regular Meeting to the Council Calendar for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year
5. CITY COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
Mayor Elen Asatryan expressed gratitude to residents, businesses, and the community for their unity and cooperation during the recent wildfire emergencies. She noted that while the city did not experience fires, it sustained significant damage. Asatryan thanked city staff for their dedicated service during this unprecedented event and encouraged ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness. She announced that a report outlining key lessons from the wildfires would be presented to the council for review. The mayor also highlighted the disproportionate impact on the Armenian community, emphasizing the lack of comprehensive data to identify the needs of the community. She requested staff to draft a letter of support for AB-91, which aims to ensure proper representation of Armenians and other nationalities/ethnicities in California state forms.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
3 Councilmembers acknowledged the hardships faced by many as a result of the fires, expressing appreciation for city staff and volunteers who came together and worked tirelessly during the crisis.
Councilmember Dan Brotman extended condolences to those who lost loved ones and property. He visited an evacuation center and was reassured by the care provided to displaced residents.
Councilmembers Brotman and Najarian jointly nominated Stefan Chraghchian to the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Gharpetian stated that in previous years, the city has celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. However, due to the wildfire emergencies, this year’s celebration did not take place. He encouraged everyone to count their blessings and find ways to support communities that have lost their livelihoods. Councilmember Gharpetian asked for an update from staff on the facilities that have been developed as a result of the 2014 bond measure. Additionally, he urged staff to stay informed about fire incidents in neighboring cities, including La Crescenta, Tujunga, and Sunland, to prevent potential spillover effects into Glendale or ensure the city is prepared if they occur. He also stated that the state has paused certain regulations to expedite rebuilding efforts and permit approvals. He raised concerns about the environmental impact of the fires, including cleanup efforts and the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Councilmember Gharpetian congratulated newly elected U.S. President Donald J. Trump on his victory in both the electoral and popular votes, as well as the Republican Party for winning the Senate and House elections. He expressed hope that all leaders would come together, regardless of party affiliation, to fulfill their promises. Additionally, he requested reconsideration of the bike lanes on La Crescenta Avenue.
Councilmember Najarian thanked public agencies for their continued support of Altadena residents affected by the wildfires. He requested that the council adjourn the meeting in honor of those who had suffered losses. Najarian also asked staff to provide a memo on the amount of carbon dioxide released due to the Eaton Fire, so it could be compared to the CO2 reductions achieved through Glendale’s electrification policies. He congratulated President Trump on his election victory and, in light of the new administration's policies— including the elimination of electric vehicle mandates, withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and stricter immigration enforcement—requested a report on how these changes would impact the city.
Najarian and Mayor Asatryan nominated Ronnie Gharibian to the CDBG Commission.
Councilmember Kassakhian congratulated President Trump on his reelection and expressed gratitude to outgoing officials for their service to the country. He called for prayers for the success of leaders in Washington, D.C., and California.
Councilmember Kassakhian encouraged the public to use the My Glendale App to report downed trees or hanging wires and urged staff to replace any U.S. flags on public property that were damaged or worn out.
City Manager Roubik Golanian, Director of Public Works Daniel Hernandez, and Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Brooks provided a recap of the windstorm events and the response efforts carried out in the city. Golanian expressed his deepest appreciation to staff who worked tirelessly in the Emergency Operations Center and in support roles throughout the city. 4 6. COMMUNITY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS (3-Minutes; 5-Speaker Limit) Per Mayor Policy, This Item Also Permits Speakers Wishing to Speak Under General Oral Communications, Subject to the Three Minute Time Limit. Discussion is Limited to Matters Not on the Agenda.
Paul Rabinov
Maria Skinner
Alek Bartrosov
Mike Mohill
Tony Passarella
7. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
8. ACTION ITEMS
Agenda out of order. Item 8d read next.
Item 8a moved January 28, 2025, Council Meeting.
a. City Attorney, re: Report on Rules for the Conduct of Council Meetings: Options for Oral Communications and Public Comment on Agenda Items; Matters Related to the Order of Business for Council Agendas; Rules Governing Council Deliberation and Debate; Discussion of Policy for Removing Items from Agenda after Publication; and Rules Governing Decorum and Removing Disruptive Individuals from Council Meetings (Moved from 12/03/2024 Council Meeting)
1. Motion Providing Direction to Staff
b. Human Resources, re: Classification and Compensation Alignment (Continued from December 17, 2024, Council Meeting)
Presenting:
Paula Adams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Staff Comment:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
1. Motion to Increase the Citywide Authorized Salaried Position Count Moved: Gharpetian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows
e.
2. Resolution 25-07 Providing for the Establishment of Classification Titles and Compensation for Employees of the City of Glendale Covered by the Glendale Management Association Memorandum of Understanding, Including Employee Relations Exempt Classifications
Moved: Gharpetian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows
f.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian, Asatryan
Kassakhian
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian, Asatryan
Kassakhian
None
None
5 3. Resolution 25-08 Providing for the Establishment of Classification Titles and Compensation for Employees of the City of Glendale Covered by the Glendale City Employees’ Association Memorandum of Understanding, Including Confidential and Hourly Classifications
Moved: Gharpetian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows
g.
4. Resolution 25-09 Providing for the Establishment of Classification Titles and Compensation for Employees of the City of Glendale Represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 18 Moved: Gharpetian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows
h.
+
c. Management Services, re: Proposed Staffing for City Councilmembers (Moved from December 17, 2024, Council Meeting)
Presenting:
Elena Bolbolian, Chief Innovation Officer
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Public Comment:
Beth Brooks
1. Motion Directing Staff
2. Resolution of Appropriation for Funding One Hourly Employee d. Community Development, re: Verdugo Wash Master Plan – RFP Consultant Selection
Staff Comments:
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Public Comments:
Vlad Arutyunyan
Charles Hughes
Mike Reed
Alek Bartrosouf
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian, Asatryan
Kassakhian
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian, Asatryan
Kassakhian
None
None
6 Alex Amerri
Corey DeCola
Mike Mohill
Gabriela Colceag
Matthew Taylor
Paul Rabinov
Erik Hovland
Shane Lee
Ramella Eraghi
Brenna Cancilla
Philip Tsao
Patrick Murphy
Patrick Adair
Allan Durham
Beth Brooks
Martha S.
Anonymous
Alex Balekian
Vivian Kanchian
Elise Kalfayan
Diane Martin
Karen Betzel
Raffi Vartanian
Susan Broussalian
Pablo Dela Joya
Allen Dish
Jackie Gish
Deveron Shudic
Motion to continue the item without further notice.
1. Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Professional Service Agreement with Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. in the amount of $5,762,370, using grant funds, for the preparation of the Verdugo Wash Master Plan
e. Management Services, re: Human Relations Committee Update and Direction Staff Comments:
Gregory Kajszo, Innovation Project Manager
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Public Comments:
Mike Mohill
Maro Yacoubian
1. Motion directing staff
7 9. HEARINGS
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.
Herbert Molano
Chuck Hughes
Beth Brooks
Jayaditya Singha
14. NEW BUSINESS
a. Motion to resolve the lawsuit entitled Elmira Oganyan v. City of Glendale, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 23GDCV00864 in exchange for a full release of all claims in the amount of $32,000
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Najarian
Vote as Follows
i.
b. Motion to execute a stipulation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the Settling Work Defendants/Glendale Respondents (GRG), in the matter of United States v. ITT Industries, Inc. el al, Case No. 2:99-cv-00552, for the purpose of maintaining the status quo operation of the Glendale Operable Units (GOU) related to the San Fernando Basin Volatile organic compounds (VOC) clean-up pending the issuance of new remedial measures, until and including November 30, 2030 Moved: Najarian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows
j.
15. ADJOURNMENT – 11:00 p.m., in memories of those who lost their lives in the Eaton and Pacific Palisades Fire
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Kassakhian
Mayor of the City of Glendale
City Clerk of the City of Glendale
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
Kassakhian
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
Kassakhian