M I N U T E S
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor Glendale, CA 91206
MAY 13, 2025
ROLL CALL – All Present
1. CLOSED SESSION – 4:00 P.M. – Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:02 P.M. a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation. Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9: One potential case
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: 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. Conference 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. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivisions (d)(2) and (e)(5) of Government Code Section 54956.9
City Attorney, Mike Garcia, stated he does not anticipate reporting on any Closed Session item.
2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA – 6:03 P.M.
Roll Call – All Present
a. Flag Salute: Mayor Ara Najarian
b. Invocation: Mark Witas, Director of Mission and Spiritual Care at Adventist Health
c. Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the May 13, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on May 9, 2025, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Agenda Preview for the Meetings of Tuesday, May 20, 2025 b. Update on the Grayson Repowering Project
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Scott Mellon, Acting General Manager of Glendale Water and Power c. Proclamation Designating May 2025, as Jewish American Heritage Month Rebecca Russell, Program and Community Outreach Director of the Jewish Federation
d. Proclamation Designating May 2025, as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Consul General Naoshige Aoshima and Consul Kumiko Nada, Japanese Consulate
President Chang Lee, Korea-Glendale Sister City Association President Steve Park, members Jeff Lee, James Kim, Jugyee Park and Sonya Han, Korean American Federation of North Los Angeles (KAFNLA) Edith Fuentes and other members, Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG)
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. Glendale Water and Power, re: Award of a Street Light Painting Contract to Street Light Restoration Specialist Inc. for Glendale Water & Power’s (GWP) Painting Street Light Standards on Rossmoyne Neighborhood and Honolulu Road Area Project, Specification No. 3995.
Public Comments:
Beth Brooks
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Daniel Scorza, Assistant General Manager of Glendale Water and Power
1.Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into and execute a one- year contract with Street Light Restoration Specialist Inc., for GWP’s Painting Street Light Standards on Rossmoyne Neighborhood and Honolulu Road Area Project for the not-to-exceed amount of $269,280, plus a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $26,928
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
b. Fire Department, re: Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with North American Security and Investigations, Inc.
1.Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute Amendment No.1 to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with North American Background and Investigations, Inc. (Contract 8002241) extending the contract by two years to continue to provide thorough employment background investigations and polygraph services, increasing the contract amount by $252,000 to the new total not-to-exceed amount of $400,000 Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
c. Community Services and Parks, re: Verdugo Workforce Development Board’s Application Submission Request for Approval of Local Area Subsequent Designation and Local Board Recertification
1.Motion to approve submission of the Verdugo Workforce Development Board’s FY 2025-2026 and FY 2026-2027 application for local area subsequent designation and local board recertification to the Governor, State Workforce Development Board and Employment Development Department.
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
d. Public Works, re: Award of Construction Contract for the West Glendale Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Curb Ramp Installation and Sidewalk Repair Program Phase 1
1.Motion awarding a construction contract to Kalban, Inc. in the amount of $3,817,486, approving a 10 percent contract contingency in the amount of $381,749 and authorizing the City Manager or a designee to execute the contract
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
2.Resolution [25-58] of appropriation to appropriate funds in the amount of $4,390,109 for the West Glendale ADA Curb Ramp Installation and Sidewalk Repair Program Phase 1
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
e. Community Services and Parks, re: Approval of the Proposed Sub- recipient Funding Awards of the Homeless Initiative Measure H Funds
1.Motion to approve proposed sub-recipient funding awards for the Homeless Initiative Measure H Program, 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: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
f. Public Works, re: Contract Award for the Design Build of the Fire Systems Improvements at Various City Facilities Project
1.Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with Glendale Fire Systems, Inc. (GFS) for the Design-Build of the Fire Systems Improvements at Various City Facilities Project in the amount of $525,000, plus a 10% contingency of $52,500\
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
2.Resolution [25-59] of Appropriation for $52,500
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
g. Public Works, re: Award Contract for the Petroleum Tank Testing and Repairs Program
1.Motion authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to execute a five- year contract with Sun West Engineering Constructors, Inc., for the Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
Petroleum Tank Testing and Repairs Program, Specifications No. 4012, in the amount of $546,370 and approving a 10 percent contract contingency in the amount of $54,637
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
5. CITY COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
Councilmember Gharpetian wished all mothers a belated Happy Mother’s Day. He shared updates from his attendance at the Montrose Shopping Park Association’s monthly meeting, where he addressed concerns raised, including the issue of faded crosswalks. He also attended the Northwest Glendale Homeowners Association’s Wildfire Community Meeting, at which Interim Fire Chief Jeff Brooks presented. He explained that his absence from last week’s City Council meeting was due to his participation in two conferences: the ACT (Advanced Clean Transportation) Expo and the Waste Expo.
Councilmember Kassakhian expressed his satisfaction that the repainting of light poles is underway and suggested that the next focus be on addressing faded street signs. He requested that Public Works Director Daniel Hernandez look into the matter.He also thanked Homenetmen Glendale Ararat for organizing a basketball game involving City departments. Additionally, he reported being out of town last week with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, where he advocated for various projects and supported the Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act. Lastly, Councilmember Kassakhian raised the issue of delivery robots operating on sidewalks and requested that a council discussion take place on regulating these robots.
Councilmember Asatryan echoed Councilmember Kassakhian’s concerns regarding delivery robots. She also wished all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day and used the occasion to highlight the importance of accessible childcare on city campuses, requesting an update on the matter. She shared that she has advocated for better lactation accommodations for mothers returning to work and has reached out to the Human Resources Department about this issue. She thanked the Glendale Fire Department for organizing Fire Service Day, and announced that this Thursday, the Parks Department will be hosting Senior Fest at City Hall Parcher Plaza, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Councilmember Brotman expressed concern over City Council agenda packets being issued on Fridays, noting that a more timely release would allow Councilmembers sufficient time to review the materials. He also raised concerns from the Oakmont Woods neighborhood regarding a school that has temporarily relocated to the area. Due to the neighborhood having only one road for access, he recommended that the City consider organizing an evacuation drill.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
Mayor Najarian shared that he and Councilmember Brotman celebrated Arbor Day at Perkins Plaza by planting two trees. He also reported meeting this week with a delegation of businesspeople and manufacturers from Yerevan, Armenia, who are interested in exploring opportunities in Glendale — either to sell their products locally or to establish a manufacturing facility in the city.
Police Chief Manuel Cid introduced four new police officers: Anette Torosyan, Jamie Poulos, Matthew Lopez, and Tim Kim.
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.
Hans Johnson
Tony Passarella
Mike Mohill
Dr. Jackie Gish
Emmanuel
7. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
8. ACTION ITEMS – Item 8C Read first
a. City Attorney, re: Adoption of Rules Pertaining to Council Meeting Procedures and Decorum
Presentation:
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Staff Comments:
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Suzie Abajian, City Clerk
Public Comments:
Allan Durham
Allen Dish
Patrick Murphy
Jackie Gish
Beth Brooks
Ramella Eraghi
1.Intro. of Ordinance Amending Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, Sections
2.04.080, 2.04.090, 2.04.120, and 2.04.140 and Deleting Section
2.04.150
Councilmember Brotman introduced the ordinance at 3:50:00.
Motion directing staff to bring back the resolution and incorporate the proposed changes in the resolution.
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
2.Resolution [25-60] Adopting Rules of Order, Procedure and Decorum for the Conduct of City Council Meetings
Councilmember Brotman moved to bring back the resolution to next week’s agenda.
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Councilmember Kassakhian left the meeting at 9:20 P.M. during item 8a. b. City Attorney, re: Review of Mayor Selection Policy Set Forth in Glendale Municipal Code Section 2.04.020 and Discussion of Alternate Provisions
1.Motion Directing Staff
Item 8b was removed from the May 13th, 2025 agenda and will return on a future agenda.
c. Management Services, re: Appointment of Glendale’s three members to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Commission
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Public Comments:
Mike Mohill
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian
None
Kassakhian
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian
None
Kassakhian
None
1.Motion appointing three individuals to the Airport Commission for four- year terms commencing June 1, 2025
1. Frank Quintero
2. Elen Asatryan
3. Ara Najarian
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
9. HEARINGS
10. REPORTS - INFORMATION
11. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
12. DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
a. Councilmember Brotman’s Request to Agendize a Sponsorship of Up to $5,000 of GlendaleOUT’s Pride Event on June 7, 2024 at Adams Square Mini- Park (Continued from May 6, 2025, Council Meeting)
Staff Comments:
Mike Garcia, City Attorney
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Public Comments:
Grey James
Beth Brooks
Mike Mohill
Dr. Jackie Gish
Judd Hollander
Alex Calleros
Alek Bartrosouf
Vallory
Angela
Lea
Roll call to agendize this item on next week’s agenda.
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian
Najarian
None
Gharpetian
Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
Gharpetian
b. Councilmember Asatryan’s Request to Agendize a Report Regarding Contracting Directly with Communications and Outreach Consultants for City Projects In Lieu of Subcontract Arrangements with Project Contractors and Consultants
Item 12b was removed from the May 13th, 2025, agenda and will return on a future agenda.
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.
Beth Brooks
Alex Balekian
Shelton
Randy Stevenson
14. NEW BUSINESS
15. ADJOURNMENT – 10:06 P.M.
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Najarian
City Clerk of the City of Glendale
Mayor of the City of Glendale