MINUTES
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor Glendale, CA 91206
AUGUST 19, 2025
ROLL CALL - 3:55 PM - Absent: Gharpetian, Kassakhian
1. CLOSED SESSION - 3:55 PM
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. Public Employment - Attorneys
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. 25STCP01144 d. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - City Manager • Conference with at raper an, oate cordia gated van iates, Bradley Calvert, Onnig Bulanikian and Mark Berry. Property Location: 309 Orange Street. Negotiating Parties: MGP XII Glendale Central LLC, an affiliate ot Merlone Geier Partners. Instructions to the negotiator(s) will concern the price and terms of payment for the acquisition of property All Closed Session items were moved to August 26, 2025.
Councilmember Brotman made the motion that the City Council hereby finds there is an immediate need to take action on an item that arose after the posting of the agenda for the August 19 City Council meeting. The item in question involves the need to discuss - in closed session - the recent filing of litigation entitled Hard Eight, Inc. v. City of Glendale, L.A.S.C Case No. 25NNCP00637, and a scheduled temporary restraining order (TRO) hearing scheduled for August 20, 2025. Service of the subject lawsuit and notice of the TRO hearing occurred after the posting of the regular meeting agenda and there is a need to provide direction to the City Attorney prior to the next regular Council meeting on August 26, 2025.
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian, Kassakhian
Abstain: None
Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:57 PM.
2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA - 6:02 PM
Roll Call - Present: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian - Absent: Gharpetian a. Flag Salute: Council Member
b. Invocation: will be delivered by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
C. Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the August 19, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on August 15, 2025, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Agenda Preview for the Meetings of Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Provided by Assistant City Manager, John Takhtalian
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 was moved to an action item.
The consent calendar (4a and 4c) was moved by Brotman and seconded by Asatryan. a. City Clerk, re: Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 12, 2025 Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian
Abstain: None
b. Police Department, re: California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program, Request for Authorization to Accept Grant Funds in the amount of $55,680 to be used for software and training for the Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Presentation:
Catherine Nguyen, Lab Director, Glendale Police Department
1. Motion authorizing acceptance of the 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant and authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to execute the necessary agreements, certification, and other documents required to accept the Grant
2. Resolution [25-118] to dispense with competitive bidding and authorize the City Manager, or a designee, to execute an amendment to the software contract with Cellebrite, Inc. to provide software licensing, maintenance, and upgrades in the amount of $43,380 increasing the maximum cost to $156,162 and to execute subsequent annual software licensing agreements with Cellebrite, Inc. for the life of all software supported by the Agreement, subject to Police Department budget availability
3. Resolution [25-119] of Appropriation to appropriate $55,680 in 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant funds
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian
Abstain: None
c. Fire Department, re: Fire Department annual presentation of the status i state mandated fire inspection
• Resolution [25-120] recognizing the Glendale Fire Department's level ‹ and 1374ce with Calliornia Health and Safety Code Sections 13146.2 Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian
Abstain: None
5. CITY COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
Mayor Najarian stated that the Council remains focused on the health and welfare of Glendale residents, noting that the City is expecting a prolonged and potentially dangerous heat wave in the coming days. To prepare the community, the Council invited several department heads to share safety reminders and resources.
City Manager Roubik Golanian introduced Fire Chief Jeff Brooks, who provided critical fire safety tips in light of the forecasted extreme heat. Chief Brooks explained that the heat wave is expected to last from Wednesday through Sunday, with the potential for triple-digit temperatures. He urged residents to be cautious: smokers should properly dispose of cigarette butts, and those using outdoor tools that could spark should be mindful of dry conditions that can easily ignite fires. He further recommended limiting outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day, staying hydrated from morning through evening, and remaining indoors whenever possible.
City Manager Golanian then introduced Glendale Water and Power (GWP) General Manager Scott Mellon, who offered tips on energy conservation. Mellon encouraged customers to reduce strain on the grid by running major appliances-such as ovens, washers, or dishwashers—only after 9 PM or early in the morning. He recommended setting thermostats to 78°F when home and 80°F when away, using ceiling fans instead of air conditioning when possible, and keeping curtains or blinds closed during the day to block sunlight. He also reminded residents that power outages may occur during peak conditions, and any outages should be reported through the GWP website or by calling the 24-hour hotline at (818) 550-4400.
Councilmember Brotman noted that with more residents driving electric vehicles, it is important to avoid charging them between 4 PM and 9 PM. Mellon agreed, suggesting overnight or early morning charging as the best practice.
Next, Community Services & Parks Director Onnig Bulanikian shared information on cooling centers and recreational options. Cooling centers will be open Thursday, August 21 through Sunday, August 24. Three community centers will operate from 10 AM to 8 PM, with Sparr Heights Community Center open from 10 AM to 6 PM and closed on Sunday. Centers will provide cold water and air conditioning. Information about the Cooling Fan Assistance Program for seniors is available at GlendaleCA.gov/CSPCares or (818) 548-3775. Parks will remain open until 10 PM, and splash pads at the Pacific Community Center and Cerritos Park will be open from 11 AM to 8 PM. Pools and wading pools will continue to operate daily, with more information available at glendaleaquatics.org.
Mayor Najarian then wished Glendale Unified School District students a great first day of school tomorrow, August 20. He also highlighted upcoming events: the Citizen Kitten Jazz Ensemble performance at Brand Park this Friday; State Senator Sasha Perez's community swearing-in ceremony at Pasadena City College on Saturday; and the Waves and Stones art exhibit opening reception at Adam Square Mini Park Gas Station on Sunday from 10 AM to 12 PM. Councilmember Brotman thanked the Mayor for sharing the events in advance, and Mayor Najarian credited staff for compiling the list.
Councilmember Asatryan announced that because Councilmember Gharpetian was absent, the Commission on the Status of Women item scheduled for today would instead be heard on August 26 as the first action item.
of service, and years of service to [email protected]. For questions, residents may contact Annette Gazarian at (818) 548-3342.
Before turning to Community Development Director Bradley Calvert, Mayor Najarian addressed misinformation about Glendale's land use element. He explained that when the City considers creating overlay zones for certain parcels, these measures are defensive steps designed to preserve Glendale's authority. He emphasized that California courts have ruled that when housing is declared a matter of statewide concern, state laws may override charter city authority-even on City-owned property.
Thus, if the State passes new land use requirements, Glendale could lose local control unless protective zoning steps are already in place, such as overlay zones that include a residential component. Najarian cited Anderson v. San Jose as an example and reiterated that while Glendale values strong local control, overlay zones are a defensive measure to protect the City and its residents.
Director Calvert provided an update on community outreach and recent meetings with the Royal Canyon HOA and the Montrose Shopping Park Association (MSPA). He shared that four additional community meetings are planned for September, with a joint flyer from CDD and MSPA to be distributed soon to clarify misinformation. Calvert stressed the importance of being proactive in light of state actions such as density bonuses and SB 79, while remaining sensitive to community context. Regarding the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), he announced that the public comment period has been extended beyond August 29 and that the EIR will not be released this fall as originally scheduled. He clarified several points of misinformation, stating the City is not eliminating single-family zoning above Glenoaks, is not upzoning, and is not proposing a five-story low-income project in Montrose. He added that the City Council has not directed staff to sell the Montrose lots and that the City's intent is to retain local control while generating revenue where appropriate. Calvert also highlighted the launch of glendalefactpage.com under the Glendale General Plan to provide accurate information and updates.
Councilmember Kassakhian suggested conducting a study on the impacts of accommodating state-required housing-such as effects on utilities and public services.
Calvert confirmed that once the public comment period closes, his department will return to Council with findings.
6. COMMUNITY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS (3-minutes per speaker) Members of the public will be permitted to announce upcoming events taking place in the community.
7. FIRST PERIOD OF ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Maximum 3 minutes per speaker, 30- Members of the public may address the Council on agenda items or non-agenda items within the City Council's subject matter jurisdiction. If a speaker addresses the Council on an agenda item during the First Period of Oral Communications, they may not speak again when the agenda item is called. A speaker who addresses the Council on non- agenda items during the First Period of Oral Communications may not speak during the Second Period of Oral Communications.
Tony Passarella
Patrick Murphy
Susan Wolfson
Mike Mohill - gave his time to Patrick Murphy
Paul Karapetian
Allen Dish
David Mosesman
Liz Radley
Derrick Blassingame
Emanuel
Councilmember Asatryan walked away at 7:13 PM and returned at 7:14 PM.
8. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
Councilmember Asatryan walked away at 7:18 PM and returned at 7:19 PM. a. Public Works, re: Adoption of an Ordinance adopting amending Glendale Municipal Code section 10.24.020 to lower the posted speed limits on 21 roadway segments
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Public Speakers:
Allen Dish
Mike Mohill
1. Ordinance [6040] amending Section 10.24.020 of the Glendale Municipal Code relating to prima facie speed limits on non-local city streets (Introduced by Councilmember Brotman on 8/12/25)
Moved: Vote as Followstman Seconded:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes:
Absent: Gharpetian
Abstain:
Item 4b was discussed by the Council next.
9. ACTION ITEMS
uilding and Energy Code to require projects in single-family home:
uplexes and townhomes involving replacement or alteration (but not repai Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Public Speakers:
Patrick Murphy
Allen Dish
Mike Mohill
Beth Brooks
Councilmember Asatryan walked away at 7:31 PM and returned at 7:35 PM.
1. Introduction of Ordinance - Introduced by Councilmember Brotman on 8/19/2025.
b. City Attorney, re: Approval of Third Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement with Roubik Golanian
City Manager, Roubik Golanian, stepped away at 7:56 PM and returned at 8:10 PM.
Councilmember Brotman stepped away at 7:57 PM and returned at 7:59 PM.
Staff Comments:
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Public Speakers:
Mike Mohill
Ramella Enaghi
1. Motion Approving Third Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement
2. Resolution 125-121] Establishing Classification Titles and Compensation for Employees of the City of Glendale - City Manager
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian
Abstain: Asatryan
c. Human Resources, re: Approval of Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated City Attorney Employment Agreement with Michael J. Garcia t Extend the Term of the Agreement and Provide for Salary Adjustment City Attorney, Michael Garcia, stepped away at 8:10 PM and returned at 8:21 PM.
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Presentation:
Paula Adams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Public Speakers:
Mike Mohill
1. Motion Approving Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated City Attorney Employment Agreement.
Resolution |25-122] Establishing Classification Titles and Compensation 1 nolovees of the City of Glendale - City Attorn
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: Asatryan
Absent: Gharpetian
Abstain: None
10. HEARINGS
11. REPORTS - INFORMATION
12. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
13. DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
a. Mayor Najarian's Request for a Report on the Historic District Process Staff Comments:
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Public Speakers:
Allen Dish
Simon Wright
Motion to agendize a discussion regarding Mayor Najarian's Request for a Report on the Historic District Process
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes:
Absent: Gharpetian
Abstain: None
14. SECOND PERIOD OF ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Discussion is limited to items NOT a part of this agenda. Each speaker is allowed 5 or desion. The city unager may eter the mater to the apropriate department for investigation and report.
Beth Brooks
Susan O'Carroll
Thomas Ivanvi
15. NEW BUSINESS
16. ADJOURNMENT - 8:50 PM
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Си Модани.