M I N U T E S
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor Glendale, CA 91206
JUNE 24, 2025
ROLL CALL
1. CLOSED SESSION – Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:46 PM – All Present a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation: Topadzhikyan v.
City of Glendale, L.A.S.C. Case No. 22SSTCV36445
b. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation: Janfaza v. City of Glendale,
U.S.D.C. Case No. 2:23-cv-01312-MRA (SKx)
c. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivisions (d)(2) and (e)(2) of Government Code Section 54956.9
d. Public Employee Appointment – Director of Finance
e. Public Employee Appointment – General Manager, Glendale Water & Power f. Public Employee Appointment – Fire Chief
g. Conference with Labor Negotiators. The City-designated negotiator attending the closed session is: Mayor Ara Najarian. The unrepresented employee position is: City Manager
Chief Assistant City Attorney, Gillian van Muyden, stated the Council will be reporting out on items 1d, 1e, and 1f.
2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA – 6:14 PM
Roll Call – All Present
a. Flag Salute: Mayor Ara Najarian
b. Invocation: Chaplain Donte Carty, Glendale Police Department c. Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the June 24, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on June 20, 2025, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Agenda Preview for the Meetings of Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Assistant City Manager, John Takhtalian, announced next week Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Council will only have one Regular City Council meeting at 6:00 PM. b. Professional Development Center Check Presentation to City of Glendale for Workforce Training Grant
Ani Keshishian, Executive Director of the Professional Development Center of Glendale Community College
Desirée Portillo Rabinov, Glendale Community College Board of Trustees Member
Dr. Sevan Benlian, Glendale Community College Board of Trustees Member
c. Proclamation Declaring June 12, 2025, National Control Room Workers’ Day Honoring Water and Power Employees
Edrin Mirzakhanian, Power System Operator I, Glendale Water and Power
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: Award of Contract for FY 2025-2026 Legal Advertising for the City of Glendale
1.Motion Awarding a Contract to HLR Media, LLC DBA Glendale Independent, sole responsible bidder, Specification No. 4018 Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
b. Glendale Water and Power, re: Award of a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Harper & Associates Engineering, Inc. for Water Storage Facility Rehabilitation Projects
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Public Comments:
Beth Brooks
Mike Mohill
1.Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a three- year Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Harper & Associates Engineering, Inc., to act on behalf of the City as Owner’s Engineers specializing in the design and oversight of City water storage facility rehabilitation projects for a total not-to-exceed amount of $450,000 Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Kassakhian
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
c. Public Works, re: Award Construction Contract for the Babe Herman Restroom Renovation Project
1.Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Williamson Construction Co. Inc., for the Babe Herman Restroom Renovation Project, Specification No. 3978, in the amount of $275,000, plus a 10% contingency of $27,500, for a total amount not to exceed $302,500
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
d. Public Works, re: Amendments to Multiple PSAs for Additional Design, Engineering, and Construction Management Services for San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II Project, and On-Call Engineering Services for Public Works Project
Public Comments:
Beth Brooks
Mike Mohill
1.Motion authorizing the City Manager or a designee to execute a contract amendment to Contract No. 8001984 with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., to increase the contract amount by $59,660 to perform additional landscaping and irrigation design for the San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II Project Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
2.Motion authorizing the City Manager or a designee to execute contract amendments to the following PSAs to provide additional engineering services in support of various PWD projects:
a.Contract No. 8002222 with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., to increase the on-call traffic engineering services contract amount by an additional $200,000
b.Contract No. 8002237 with KOA Corporation, to increase the on- call traffic engineering services contract amount by an additional Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
Gharpetian
$200,000
c.Contract No. 8002258 with Twining, Inc., to increase the on-call geotechnical, soils engineering, and material testing services contract amount by an additional
$150,000
d.Contract No. 8002407 with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., to increase the on-call construction management and inspection services contract amount by
$750,000
e.Contract No. 8002238 with NV5, Inc., to increase the on-call construction management and inspection services contract amount by $200,000
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
5. 6.
7. 8.
9. 3.Resolution [25-86] of appropriation to appropriate additional funds for the Metro’s NoHo to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
e. Community Services and Parks, re: Verdugo Workforce Development Board’s Submission Request for Approval of Local Workforce Development Plan 2025-2028
1.Motion to approve the Verdugo Workforce Development Board’s Local Workforce Development Plan 2025-2028; approve submission of the Verdugo Workforce Development Board’s Local Workforce Development Plan 2025- 2028 to the California Workforce Development Board and the State of California Employment Development Department; and authorize the Mayor and City Manager or designee to execute all relevant documents with the State of California, and the United States Department of Labor for the plan’s approval, implementation, and use
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Najarian
Gharpetian
None
Kassakhian (recusal)
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
f. Community Services and Parks, re: Elderly Nutrition Program Subaward of Grant Funds from County of Los Angeles Aging and Disabilities Department for FY 2025- 2026 baseline funding and Modernizing Older Californians Act (MOCA) funding allocation of $490,900
1.Motion to accept $443,300 in Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) baseline funding and $47,600 in MOCA funding from Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities (AD) for FY 2025-2026; and authorize the City Manager or a designee to execute Subaward ENP252604 period July 2025 – June 2026 to accept and implement funding
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
5. CITY COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
Councilmember Brotman asked for a New Business item to be placed on the July 1st agenda to consider whether the Council should take a position on Assembly Bill 306.
Councilmember Asatryan thanked community members who helped host ten students from Glendale’s sister city, Kapan, Armenia, during their first visit to the United States.
She expressed hopes for the continuation of this exchange and suggested the City pursue a formal student exchange program with Glendale Unified School District and its sister cities. She also recognized Homenetmen Glendale Ararat for a busy weekend of community activities—including hosting the U.S. Table Tennis Tournament and celebrating the 7th anniversary of their Hrashq Committee, which supports children with special needs. She stated that following these events, a basketball game was held.
Councilmember Asatryan requested that staff coordinate a meeting with the organizations who were recognized last year during the City’s proclamation for people with disabilities.
Councilmember Asatryan also thanked Tom Lorenz and City staff for compiling a multilingual immigration resource list now available at glendaleca.gov/immigrationresource. She gave special thanks to Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who helped ensure resources in Armenian, Korean, and Tagalog were included—languages not originally provided by the County.
Councilmember Kassakhian noted he was unable to attend the Homenetmen events but emphasized the value of the organization’s programs and encouraged the public to learn more about their offerings. He reminded residents that the Crescenta Valley Fireworks Show would take place on July 4. He also raised concerns about the growing presence of robot delivery carts, calling for enforceable regulations, and asked for updates on enforcement actions regarding food trucks parking inappropriately across the City.
Mayor Najarian shared that he had recently met with the programming engineer behind the robot delivery carts to express the Council’s concerns and had invited the company Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
to present at a future Council meeting. He also voiced his desire for all decisions regarding artwork on utility boxes to come before the Council, citing the need for consistency with the RFP language that requires artwork to be non-offensive and non- controversial. Councilmember Brotman expressed his disagreement with this idea, stating he preferred to leave the authority with the Arts and Culture Commission.
City Manager Roubik Golanian reported that the City Attorney’s Office had completed its review of relevant codes and was finalizing a memo for Council on what enforcement actions are legally permissible regarding both the robot carts and the food truck issues.
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.
Ara Zakarian
Tony Passarella
Malcolm Johnson
Mike Mohill
Jackie Gish: Glendale Environmental Coalition Clean Up Day on June 28, 2025 starting at 8:30 AM in the courtyard behind City Hall
7. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
8. ACTION ITEMS
a. Glendale Water and Power, re: Solar Energy Power Sales Agreement: 30-Year Power Sales Agreement (PSA) with Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) for Purchase of 25 MW from Milford Solar II Project Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Scott Mellon, General Manager of Glendale Water and Power Presentation:
Ileana Cardenas, Power Planning Manager, Glendale Water and Power Public Comments:
Beth Brooks
Mike Borisov
Kate Unger
1.Resolution [25-87] authorizing a 30-year Power Sales Agreement (PSA) with Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) for the purchase of 25 MW (or equivalently, an 8.3% entitlement share of the 300 MW contract capacity) of renewable solar energy and environmental attributes from the Milford Solar II Project, and finding that the project is exempt from the requirements of the California
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
b. City Clerk, re: Consideration of Support of State Bills Recommended by the Commission on the Status of Women
Presentation:
Dr. Suzie Abajian, City Clerk
Public Comments:
Beth Brooks
Elise Kalfayan
1.Motion providing direction on bills as recommended by the Commission on the Status of Women
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
c. Finance, re: Adoption of the City’s FY 2025-26 Gann Appropriations Limit Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Presentation:
John Takhtalian, Assistant City Manager
1.Resolution [25-88] Adopting FY 2025-26 Gann Appropriations Limit Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows:
Councilmember Kassakhian stepped away at 7:48 PM and returned at 7:50 PM.
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
d. Finance, re: FY 2024-25 Glendale Water and Power Transfer Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Presentation:
John Takhtalian, Assistant City Manager
Public Comments:
Beth Brooks
1.Resolution [25-89] Reducing the Percentage of Operating Revenues to be Transferred from Glendale Water and Power (Electric) to the General Reserve Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
9. HEARINGS
a. Finance, re: FY 2025-26 Citywide Budget Hearing and Adoption Mayor Najarian opened the hearing at 7:55 PM and closed the hearing at 9:23 PM.
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Manuel Cid, Glendale Police Chief
Presentation:
John Takhtalian, Assistant City Manager
Public Comments:
Ejmin Hakobian
Beth Brooks
Mike Mohill
1.Hold a Public Hearing on the FY 2025-26 Proposed Citywide Budget and Changes to the Citywide Fee Schedule
2.Resolution [25-90] Adopting the FY 2025-26 City of Glendale Budget
3.Resolution [25-91] Modifying Existing Fees for Parking Services Provided by the City and Adopting Changes to the Comprehensive Citywide Fee Schedule for FY 2025-26
4.Motion to Increase the Citywide Authorized Salaried Position Count Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
5.Resolution [25-92] 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
6.Resolution [25-93] 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
7.Resolution [25-94] 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
8.Resolution [25-95] Adopting the Glendale Water & Power Public Benefit Programs Plan and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Programs Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27and Authorize Agreements to Implement Said Programs
9.Resolution [25-96] of Appropriation for FY 2024-25 to Transfer Funds from the Parking Fund to the General Fund and the Capital Improvement Fund due to the collapsing of the Parking Fund into the General Fund as of June 30,2025 Moved: Gharpetian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
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.
Beth Brooks
Don Margolin
Cameron Nadles
Sarah
Crystal
14. NEW BUSINESS
Closed Session Items 1d, 1e, and 1f. City Manager, Roubik Golanian, recommended to Council the appointment of Shijie “Jack” Liang as the Director of Finance, Scott Mellon as the General Manager of Glendale Water and Power, and Jeff Brooks as the Fire Chief for Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
Asatryan
None
None
the City of Glendale.
Councilmember Asatryan moves that pursuant to Article IV, Section 4 of the Glendale City Charter, the Council hereby approves the City Manager’s appointment of Shijie “Jack” Liang as the Director of Finance, effective July 7, 2025. Mr. Liang’s job duties shall be as defined in the job specification for Director of Finance, and shall include the duties of “Director of Administrative Services” as described in the City Charter, including Article XI thereof.
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Councilmember Brotman moves that pursuant to Article IV, section 4, of the Glendale City Charter, the Council hereby approves the City Manager’s appointment of Scott Mellon as the General Manager of Glendale Water and Power.
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Councilmember Kassakhian moves that pursuant to Article IV, Section 4 of the Glendale City Charter, the Council hereby approves the City Manager’s appointment of Jeff Brooks as the Fire Chief for the City of Glendale. This Motion constitutes the written statement of “recognized attainment” required by Article XXIV, Section 5, Subsection 2 of the Charter.
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
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
15. ADJOURNMENT – 9:43 PM
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Asatryan
City Clerk of the City of Glendale
Mayor of the City of Glendale