MINUTES
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor Glendale, CA 91206
APRIL 15, 2025
ROLL CALL
1. CLOSED SESSION - 3:03 P.M.
a. Conference with Real Property Negotiators: City-designated negotiators:
Roubik Golanian, Bradley Calvert, Michael J. Garcia, Gillian Van Muyden, Mark Berry and Onnig Bulanikian. Property Location: 220 and 234-236 North Glendale Avenue and 215-217, 223-225, 231-231A, and 233-235 North Everett Street. Negotiating Parties: Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center. Instructions to the negotiator(s) will concern the price and terms of payment for the acquisition of property
b. Conference with Real Property Negotiators: City-designated negotiators:
Roubik Golanian, John Takhtalian, Michael J. Garcia, Gillian van Muyden, Bradley Calvert, Onnig Bulanikian and Mark Berry. Property Location No. 2:
1000 S. Central Avenue. Negotiating Parties, Aria Investments, LLC.
Instructions to the negotiator(s) will concern the price and terms of payment for the acquisition of property
C. Conterence with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: Central BWB LLC v. City of Glendale et al., L.A.S.C. Case No. 25STCP01018; Central BWB LLC v. City of Glendale et al., L.A.S.C. Case No. 25STCP01018 d. Public Employment - Attorneys
e. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: Najarian v. City of Glendale,
L.A.S.C. Case No. 24STCP02101; Claim of Najarian, No. 25-0009 City Attorney said he anticipates reporting on item 1D.
2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA - 6:03 P.M.
Roll Call - All Present
a. Flag Salute: Emily Soghomonyan and Grayson Hadrajian, Children from the City Management Staff
b. Invocation: Dr. Suzie Abajian, City Clerk
c. Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the April 15, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on April 11, 2025, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Agenda Preview for the Meetings of Tuesday, April 22, 2025 There will not be a Regular meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
The next Regular City Council meeting will be on April 29, 2025. b. Proclamation Designating April 22, 2025, as Earth Day Monica Campagna, Glendale Environmental Coalition
Jennifer Pinkerton, Glendale Environmental Coalition and Sustainability Commission Elise Kalfayan, Glendale Environmental Coalition
Nora Karakashian, Administrative Associate, Management Services Sevada Hambarsumian, Mechanical Maintenance
Superintendent, Public Works
Etienne Ozorak, Integrated Waste Superintendent, Public Works Bryan Salazar, Business Transformation Manager, Glendale Water and Power
c. Proclamation Designating April 13-19, 2025, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
Mary Gonzalez, Police Communications Administrator, Glendale Police Department
Sheryl Davis-More, Police Civilian Division Commander,
Glendale Police Department
Manuel Cid, Police Chief, Glendale Police Department
Jeffrey Brooks, Acting Fire Chief, Glendale Fire Department Brian Murphy, Deputy Fire Chief/Verdugo Fire Communications Jason Garrett, Verdugo Fire Manager, Glendale Fire Department Kadia Miranda, Fire Communications Shift Supervisor, Glendale Fire Department
Wendy Rojas, Police Communications Shift Supervisor,
Giendale Police Department
Paulina Gras, Police Communications Operator Trainee,
Glendale Police Department
Michele Panu, Police Communications Operator Trainee,
Glendale Police Department
d. The Valley Economic Alliance (VEA) to present a certificate for the outgoing mayor (in the valley region) to Mayor Asatryan Sonya Kay Blake, President and CEO of the Valley Economic Alliance e. Proclamation for National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18, 2025 Scott Mellon, Acting General Manager, Glendale Water and Power Daniel Scorza, Assistant General Manager, Glendale Water and Power f. Outgoing Mayor's Comments: Mayor Elen Asatryan
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Public Comments:
Fernando Roldan
g. Selection of a New Mayor
Nominations:
Councilmember Brotman formally nominated Councilmember Najarian.
Councilmember Gharpetian formally nominated himself.
Staff Comments:
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Public Comments:
Allan Durham
Mike Mohill
Grey James
Beth Brooks
Allen Dish
Andre Ordubegian
R. P. Ramdmarry
Steve Mosier
Rob Montgomery
A Resident
Roll Call:
Brotman: Najarian
Gharpetian: Gharpetian
Kassakhian: Najarian
Najarian: Najarian
Asatryan: Najarian
City Clerk, Suzie Abajian, declared Councilmember Najarian as the duly elected Mayor of the City of Glendale.
h. New Mayor's Comments: Mayor Najarian
Staff Comments:
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Public Comments:
Fernando Roldan
i. Nominations for Appointment
• Alen Malekian, Planning Commission (Seat 4 - Vacant) (Kassakhian (A)/Asatryan (B), 4/1/2025)
• Allan Durham, Historic Preservation Commission (Seat 4 - Vacant) (Kassakhian (A)/Gharpetian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Andre Ordubegian, Transportation and Parking Commission (Seat 4 - Replacing Lester) (Kassakhian (A)/Gharpetian (B), 4/1/2025) • Anita Quinonez-Gabrielian, Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee (Seat 4 - Reappointment of Quinonez- Gabrielian) (Kassakhian (A)/Najarian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Aram Stepanian, Building and Fire Board of Appeals (Seat 1 - Vacant) (Asatryan (A)/Kassakhian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Armik Avedisian, Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee (Seat 3 - Vacant) (Gharpetian (A)/Kassakhian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Cole Bazemore, Sustainability Commission (Seat 4 - Vacant) • Denise Miller, Audit Commission (Seat 4 - Vacant) (Kassakhian (A)/Asatryan (B). 4/1/2025)
• Haig Kartounian, Sustainability Commission (Seat 5 - Replacing Werner) (Najarian (A)/Gharpetian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Hakop Jack Mavyan, Audit Committee (Seat 1 - Replacing Belen) (Asatryan (A)/Gharpetian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Henrik Sardarbegian, Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commission (Seat 3 - Reappointment of Sardarbegian) (Gharpetian (A)/Kassakhian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Inessa Kasumyan, Arts and Culture Commission (Seat 5 - Vacant) (Najarian (A)/Asatryan (B), 4/1/2025)
• Lea Awni, Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee (Seat 2 - Vacant) (Brotman (A)/Gharpetian (B), 4/1/2025) • Lisa Cusack, Historic Preservation Commission (Seat 5 - Vacant) (Najarian (A)/Kassakhian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Mark Marat Hay, Arts and Culture Commission (Seat 3 - Replacing Zadorian) (Gharpetian (A)/Kassakhian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Ramella Markarian, Commission on the Status of Women (Seat 4 - Vacant) (Kassakhian (A)/Gharpetian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Rondi Werner, Sustainability Commission (Seat 1 - Vacant) (Asatryan (A)/Kassakhian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Seda Khojayan, Commission on the Status of Women (Seat 5 - Vacant) (Najarian (A)/Kassakhian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Sevana Zadorian, Arts and Culture Commission (Seat 4 - Vacant) (Kassakhian (A)/Najarian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Shana Bonstin, Transportation and Parking Commission (Seat 5 - Replacing Ordubegian) (Najarian (A)/Kassakhian (B), 4/1/2025) • Shant Tchakerian, Sustainability Commission (Seat 3 - Replacing Kartounian) (Gharpetian (A)/Asatryan (B), 4/1/2025)
Varoojan Avedian, Glendale Water and Power Commission (Seat 3 - keplacing Lowery) (Gharpetian (A)/Asatryan (B), 4/1/2025 • Zanku Armenian, Glendale Water and Power Commission (Seat 1 - Vacant) (Asatryan (A)/Kassakhian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Zareh Amirian, Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commission (Seat 4 - Vacant) (Kassakhian (A)/Najarian (B), 4/1/2025) Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Asatryan, Najarian Noes: None
Absent:
Abstain:
Design Review Board nominations not voted on by Council:
• Christopher Welch, Design Review Board (Seat 5 - Vacant) (Najarian (A)/Brotman (B), 4/1/2025)
• Danielle Lockareff, Design Review Board (Seat 2 - Reappointment of Lockareff) (Brotman (A)/Kassakhian (B), 4/1/2025)
• Izabela Boyajyan, Design Review Board (Seat 4 - Vacant) (Kassakhian (A)/Asatryan (B), 4/1/2025)
• Joseph Kaskanian, Design Review Board (Seat 1 - Reappointment of Kaskanian) (Asatryan (A)/Gharpetian (B), 4/1/2025)
Staff Comments:
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
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 City Council Meeting of March 18, 2025 and Special City Council and Regular City Council Meeting of April 1, 2025 Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Asatryan, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
b. Glendale Water and Power, re: Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Eagle Aerial Solutions (EAS) to Conduct a Comprehensive Analysis on all Dedicated Irrigation Meters and Mixed-Use Meters
1. Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into and execute a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Eagle Aerial Solutions to conduct a comprehensive analysis on all dedicated irrigation meters and mixed-use meters in the not-to-exceed amount of $156,710 Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Asatryan, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
c. Public Works, re: Citywide Facility Painting Project
1. Resolution [25-39] adopting Specification No. 3997 for the Citywide Facility Painting Project and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
d. Public Works, re: Adopt Plans and Specification for Pacific Park/Edison Elementary School Artificial Turf Replacement Project
1. Resolution [25-40] adopting the Plans and Specification for the Pacific Park/Edison Artificial Turf Replacement Project, No. 4016; and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: Brotman
Absent: None
Abstain: None
e. Community Services and Parks, re: Approval of the Proposed Sub- recipient Funding Awards for the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) Program Round 5
1. Motion to approve the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) Program Round 5 proposed sub-recipient funding awards, as recommended by the Continuum of Care (CoC) Board, and authorize the City Manager or a designee to execute all agreements, certifications, and documents necessary to accept and implement the funding Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Asatryan, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain:
f. Community Services and Parks, re: Elderly Nutrition Program Amendment No. 2 with Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department for FY 2024-2025.Elderly Nutrition Program Amendment No. 2 with Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department for FY 2024-2025
1. Motion to accept $58,400 in Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) baseline Net County Cost (NCC) and One-time-Only (OTO) funding from Los Angeles Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Asatryan, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
2. Resolution [25-41] of Appropriation to appropriate:
I. $39,900 in NCC funding to C2 Home Delivered Meals Progra • $18,500 in OTO funding to C2 Home Delivered Meals Progra Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Asatryan, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
g. Community Development, re: Declaration of Certain City-owned properties as "Exempt Surplus" from the Surplus Land Act ("SLA") - revised resolution
1. Resolution [25-42] finding and declaring certain City-owned properties are exempt from the Surplus Land Act
Staff Comments:
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Moved: Gharpetian Seconded: Najarian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
h. Police Department, re: Amended and Kestated Protessional Services Agreement with Vital Medical Services LLC for medical services extending the term for one
year beginning on July 1, 2025
$627,698 for a not-to- exceed amount of $5,107,924
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Asatryan, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
i. Community Development, re: Use of City Days at the Alex Theatre:
Armenia Fund presents Artsakh State Dance Ensemble's First U.S Concert
1. Council motion to approve use of one of twelve annual City Days at the Alex Theatre for Armenia Fund's presentation of the Artsakh State Dance Ensemble's First U.S. Concert on May 16, 2025
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Asatryan, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
5. CITY COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
Councilmember Kassakhian requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of the individuals who lost their lives in a roof collapse accident in the Dominican Republic. He noted that members of the Dominican community had reached out to him, reminding him that Glendale maintains a sister city relationship with a city in the Dominican Republic. Although the accident did not occur in that sister city, the Consulate of the Dominican Republic is located in Glendale. Councilmember Kassakhian also suggested sending a letter of support to the Consulate and inquiring about any assistance the City of Glendale could offer.
Councilmember Kassakhian also asked for an explanation regarding the recent tree cutting at Glendale Gardens. He requested information from staff about the situation and asked the City Manager and City Attorney to provide the public with an update on the status of the proposed development at Glendale Gardens, emphasizing that it is a historical property worthy of protection.
City Attorney Mike Garcia stated that in February of this year, the City was notified that the property owner was removing and trimming trees on the subject property. A stop work order was issued to ensure that the work would not negatively impact the historic character of the site. He clarified that all the trees in question were located on private property, were not designated as protected trees, and therefore did not require permits for removal. Following an assessment, it was determined that removal was appropriate due to the property's location in a high fire severity zone, the presence of diseased trees, and the proximity of the trees-within five feet of buildings. He assured that the removal did not compromise the historic character of the property.
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development, added that the trees were within five feet of the eaves, not the walls, of the buildings. He also addressed concerns about the building's maintenance, stating that appropriate notices had been issued. Mr.
Calvert, along with City Attorney Mike Garcia and the Community Development Department, apologized for the failure to communicate the situation to the City Manager, City Council, and the public. He emphasized that there are no plans for demolition of the property or its buildings.
Councilmember Asatryan expressed concern about how the City supports public, free events. She requested a staff report on how the City can better support such events.
She referenced the Palm Sunday kids festival, which cost organizers $15,000, and noted that event organizers often encounter a decentralized process, requiring interactions with multiple departments and payment of LA County fees. She called for streamlining the process and asked for an update from staff.
City Manager Roubik Golanian stated that staff will evaluate the permitting process. He acknowledged that permit processing spans multiple departments and that some fees are charged by private entities. He committed to identifying steps that could be streamlined and to providing a timeline and report back to the Council.
Councilmember Brotman requested an item be added to the next meeting's New Business Agenda regarding building electrification and energy efficiency. He proposed working on a replacement for the electrification reach code.
Councilmember Brotman also shared insights from the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new rooftop solar installation at the Perkins Building. He expressed concern about the loss of more than 50 trees at Glendale Gardens. While he acknowledged the City's legal limitations due to the trees being on private property, he called the situation a tragedy. He reiterated a previous request made a year or two ago to expand the tree protection ordinance to include private trees. He also criticized the communication breakdown, stating that although he accepted the apology, it was insufficient, and urged staff to prevent such failures from happening again.
City Manager Roubik Golanian responded by addressing the communication failure and discussed the need for improved protocols for high-profile projects.
Mayor Najarian added that the property owner is suing the City in an attempt to overturn the City's decision requiring an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the property.
Councilmember Gharpetian shared his perspective on the Glendale Gardens incident, noting that he had received calls from concerned residents and expressing agreement with his colleagues remarks
Councilmember Gharpetian also nominated Vartan Djihanian to the Civil Service Commission.
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.
Francesca Smith
Angel Felix
Damion Sullivan
Jack Salakian
7. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
8. ACTION ITEMS
a. Public Works, re: Authorization to Submit Request to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) for Included Municipal Operator designation
Presentation: Martha D'Andrea, Transit Manager, Public Works . Motion authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to submit a request t Metro for Included Municipal Operator designation for the City of Glendal Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
b. City Attorney, re: Nomination and Appointment of Individuals to Fill Available Positions on the Building & Fire Board of Appeals and the Historic Preservation Commission
Nominations for the Historic Preservation Commission
• Jeffrey Head, Historic Preservation Commission (Seat 2 - Reappointment of Head) (Brotman (A)/Asatryan (B), 4/15/2025) • Raffi Soualian, Historic Preservation Commission (Seat 2 - Replacing Head) (Brotman (A)/Asatryan (B), 4/15/2025)
Appointments for Building and Fire Board of Appeals
Robert Badmagharian, Building and Fire Board of Appeals (Seat 2 - Vacant) (Brotman (A)/Najarian (B). 4/15/2025)
Shahen Akelyan, Building and Fire Board of Appeals (Seat 3 - Vacant) (Gharpetian (A)/Asatryan (B), 4/15/2025
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain:
9. EARINGS: Hearing opened at 9:55 PM and hearing closed at 9:57 P • Fire Department, re: Public Hearing for the 2025 Annual Weed Abateme Program
Staff Comments:
Jovan Diaz, Fire Marshal
Public Comments:
Ellen Walton, Deputy with Los Angeles County
1. Motion to approve Abatement order directing the Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights and Measures to abate the nuisance on each declared parce
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes:
Absent: None
Abstain: None
10. REPORTS - INFORMATION
11. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
12. DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
a. Mayor Asatryan's request to agendize a discussion directing the Arts and Culture Commission to release a Request for Proposals for a public artwork of "Tatik and Papik" on Artsakh Avenue
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Motion approving report to come back on April 29, 2025 City Council Meeting.
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian None
Absent:
Abstain: None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Discussion is Limited to Items NOT a Part of this Agenda. Each Speaker is Allowed 5 ninutes. Council May Question or Respond to The Speaker But There Will be n Jebate or Decision. The City Manager May Refer the Matter to the Appropriat Department for Investigation and Report
Astrid Campos
Noemi Galvan
Martin Marrufo
Beth Brooks
Katy Prescott
Jason Margoto
Kristin Shneider
14. NEW BUSINESS
Motion that the City Attorney is authorized to enter into a retainer agreement to utilize the legal services of Goldfarb Lipman to assist the City Attorney with a matter. The agreement shall, in addition to other provisions, contain a fee cap for the handling of said Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Brotman (recusal)
15. ADJOURNMENT: 10:36 PM
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
Lu Melain
Mayor of the City of Glendale