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MINUTES
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor Glendale, CA 91206
AUGUST 26, 2025
Updates to Closed Session:
• Added Item I
• Item E has been Amended to add a potential case
Added Item 3b
ROLL CALL
1. CLOSED SESSION - 3:04 PM - Absent: Kassakhian
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. 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. 25STCP01144 d. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: Subro Claims o/b/o Geico Ins. a/s/o Lala Asadorian, Claim No. 25-0006
e. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation. Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivisions (d)(2) and (e)(3) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Two Potential Cases
f. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - City Manager g. 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: 309 Orange Street. Negotiating Parties: MGP XII Glendale Central LLC, an affiliate of Merlone Geier Partners. Instructions to the negotiator(s) will concern the price and terms of payment for the acquisition of property h. Conference with Real Property Negotiators: City-designated negotiators:
Roubik Golanian, John Takhtalian, Michael J. Garcia, Gillian van Muyden, Jeff Brooks and Mark Berry. Property Location: 1000 N. Brand Blvd.
Negotiating Parties: 1000 N. Brand LLC. Instructions to the negotiator(s) will concern the price and terms of payment for the acquisition of property i. Conference with Real Property Negotiators: City-designated negotiator:
Bradley Calvert. Negotiating Party: Events at Eden. Property: 1401 N.
Verdugo Road. Instructions to the negotiator(s) will concern the price and terms of payment for the lease of City-owned property
Closed Session item 1f was pulled from the agenda.
City Attorney Michael Garcia stated the Council anticipates reporting out on item 1d.
The Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:05 PM.
2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA - 6:08 PM
Roll Call - All Present
3. a. Flag Salute: Mayor Ara Najarian
b. Invocation: Delivered by Dr. Suzie Abajian, Glendale City Clerk c. Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the August 26, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on August 22, 2025, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.
PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Proclamation declaring August 26, 2025, as Women's Equality Day Carmen Arom, Vice-Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women Dalia Lomeli, YWCA of Glendale and Pasadena
4. . • Public Speakers:
Mike Mohill
b. Legislative Update by U.S. Representative Laura Friedman 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 Regular City Council Meeting of August 19, 2025 Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
b. Public Works, re: The Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project
1. Resolution [25-127] adopting the Specification for the Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project, Specification No. 4024; and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
c. Fire Department, re: Additional funding from Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) update
1. Motion to authorize the City Manager to accept Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) additional funds in the amount of $84,740, and to execute the necessary agreements, certifications, and other documents required to accept the grant funds
2. Approve Resolution [25-128] of Appropriation
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
d. Management Services, re: Audit Committee Annual Report and Internal Audit Work Plan
1. Motion to note and file Fiscal Year 2024-25Audit Committee Annual Report for the period of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025
2. Motion to note and file Fiscal Year 2024-25 Internal Audit Work Plan Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
None
None
e. Community Development, re: Submission of the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) Program Round 6 Grant Application J
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1. Motion to approve the submission of the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) Program Round 6 grant application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and authorize the City Manager or a designee to execute all agreements, certifications, and documents necessary to accept and implement the funding Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
f. Human Resources, re: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan
1. Resolution [25-129] approving Fire Chief and City contributions to the IAFF Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan
2. Resolution [25-130] Providing for Supplementary Benefits and Compensation of Certain Officers and Executive Employees of the City of Glendale to Supplement the Classification and Compensation Resolution
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
g. Community Services and Parks, re: Verdugo Workforce Development Board's Application Submission Request to be designated as the America's Job Center of CaliforniaSM Operator for the Verdugo Workforce Development Area
Motion
1. Approving the submission of the Verdugo Workforce Development Board's request to the Governor of California for approval to be the America's Job Center of CaliforniaSM Operator for the Verdugo Workforce Development Area for four years beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029
2. Upon approval from the Governor of California for VWDB to be the America's Job Center of CaliforniaSM Operator for the Verdugo Workforce Development Area for four years beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029, authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to execute all agreements, amendments, certifications, and documents necessary to effectuate the America's Job Center of CaliforniaSM Operator services, subject to the approval by the City Attorney
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian
None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
CITY COUNCIUSTAFF COMMENTS (Including reports from conferences and regional meetings)
Mayor Najarian commented on the Housing Element, stating that the proposed City-owned overlay zone is the best approach to protect the City from potential overreach by the State Legislature. He also asked Director of Community Development Bradley Calvert if the comment period for the Housing Element could be extended.
Director Calvert responded that the comment period can be extended. He also noted that the Mobility Element will be released next week and shared that the State has encouraged the City to move forward with the Environmental Justice Element, while acknowledging the complexity of both the Housing and Mobility Elements.
Councilmember Asatryan stated that recent community meetings have shifted from gathering input to debunking myths regarding the Land Use Element.
While she expressed support for extending the comment period, she emphasized the need for a structured approach to dispelling misinformation while ensuring the City continues to gather meaningful community feedback.
Councilmember Kassakhian left the meeting at 6:54 PM.
Councilmember Brotman voiced agreement with Councilmember Asatryan's comments.
Councilmember Gharpetian provided clarifications regarding prior Council votes on the Surplus Land Act, the General Plan Amendment, and traffic lane reductions. He stated his opposition to upzoning or rezoning the Verdugo Road and Montrose parking lots, as well as to removing traffic lanes on City streets in favor of bike lanes. He also shared additional concerns regarding traffic and bike lane configurations.
Councilmember Asatryan responded to Councilmember Gharpetian's remarks about Council votes and also addressed the Council's support letters for AB 91 and the direction provided to staff. She then announced the Second Annual .Women's Equality Day Celebration, scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the historic Alex Theatre Courtyard, highlighting the panelists and agenda. She thanked Elena Bolbolian and Annette Ghazarian for their work in organizing the event.
Director Calvert stated that there is currently no set date for the close of the Housing Element comment period, and that it will remain open indefinitely. He confirmed that the public will be provided at least 30 days' notice before the period closes. Mayor Najarian encouraged the public to submit comments through the City's website to ensure both Council and staff are aware of community concerns. Director Calvert added that residents may also request public or community meetings by reaching out directly.
Councilmember Brotman informed the Council that Councilmember Kassakhian had excused himself due to health issues. He recommended postponing the Glendale Water & Power and reach code items in hopes that Councilmember Kassakhian might return or call in, noting the time sensitivity of those items.
6. COMMUNITY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS (3-minutes per speaker)
7. Members of the public will be permitted to announce upcoming events taking place in the community.
Jeff Laub, Young People's Sacred Harp Singing
FIRST PERIOD OF ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Maximum 3 minutes per speaker, 30- minute aggregate speaking time limit)
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.
Carlos Arce, on behalf of Senator Sasha Renee Perez
Catherine Del Rosario, on behalf of Assembly Member Jessica Caloza Tony Passarella
Mike Mohill
Ceda Bandari
Ejmin Hakobian
Karri em Faithful
Dalia Lomeli
Catherine Yesayan
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Kate Unger
George Solywas
Hans Johnson, on behalf of Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian Paul
Mayor Najarian called a recess at 7:46 PM. Council reconvened at 7:56 PM. Item 9a was read into the record next.
8. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
a. Management Services, re: Ordinance of the City of Glendale, California, Amending the Glendale Building and Safety Code Volume IX to Adopt Local Amendments to the 2022 Edition of the California Building and Energy Code to require projects in single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes involving replacement or alteration (but not repair) of an existing air conditioning system or installation of new air conditioning systems must either include a heat pump space conditioner as the primary heating system, or install specific energy efficiency measures in addition to a new air conditioner
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
David Jones, Sustainability Officer
Scott Mellon, General Manager, Glendale Water and Power Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Public Speakers:
Joseph Ramos
Kate Unger
1. Ordinance Amending the Glendale Building and Safety Code, Volume IX, to Adopt Local Amendments to the 2022 Edition of the California Building and Energy Code - Introduced by Councilmember Brotman on 8/19/2025.
Moved: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman
Gharpetian, Najarian
Kassakhian
None
Seconded: Asatryan
Councilmember Brotman's motion failed on a tie vote of 2-2. Item Sa will be placed on the agenda for reconsideration at the next City Council meeting on September 9, 2025.
City Manager Roubik Golanian asked that Council take 9d next. Item 9d was read into the record.
9. ACTION ITEMS
a. City Attorney, re: Ordinance Amending Glendale Municipal Code provisions regarding meetings, powers and duties of the Commission on the Status of Women (Moved from August 12, 2025, Council Meeting)
With no objection Council decided to move and continue item 9a to the City Council meeting of September 9, 2025 to be discussed by the full Council.
1. Introduction of Ordinance Amending Sections 2.38.090 and 2.38.140 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995 - Relating to the Commission on the Status of Women
Item Sa was read into the record next but without objection Council decided to take item 9e first. Item 9e was read into the record.
b. City Attorney, re: Glendale Municipal Code Amendment Pertaining to Selection of the Mayor
With no objection Council decided to move and continue item 9b to the City Council meeting of September 9, 2025 to be discussed by the full Council.
1. Introduction of Ordinance of the Council of the City of Glendale, California Amending Section 2.04.020 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, Relating to the Mayoral Selection Process
c. Community Development, re: Consideration of Development Standards and Conditional Use Permit for Drive Through Restaurant Facilities Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Erik Krause, Deputy Director of Community Development
Presentation:
Vista Ezzati, Principal Planner, Community Development Department Public Speakers:
Damian Sullivan
Mardy Graves
Alek Bartrosouf
1. Motion Providing Final Direction to Staff Regarding Development Standards and Procedures for Approving Developments with Drive Through Operations
Moved: Gharpetian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian
None
Kassakhian
None
Councilmember Gharpetian stepped away at 9:54 PM and returned at 10:00 PM.
Councilmember Asatryan stepped away at 10:00 PM and returned at 10:03 PM. d. Public Works, re: Amendment to Contract for Proprietary Maintenance and Repairs of Mitsubishi Elevators at Police Building and Central Library
1. Resolution [25-131] dispensing with competitive bidding and authorizing the City Manager or a designee to execute an amendment to contract 8002359 with Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. for the proprietary maintenance and repairs of Mitsubishi elevators at Police Building and Central Library adding the maintenance and repair of the elevator in the Police Building Parking D
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Structure to the scope and increasing the contract amount by •.□ $50,000
Moved: Asatryan Seconded:
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian
None
Kassakhian
None
Item 9c was read into the record and considered by Council next.
Brotman
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Mayor Najarian stepped away at 9:30 PM. Mayor Pro Tern Brotman took over the meeting.
Mayor Najarian returned during the presentation of item 9c. e. Glendale Water and Power, re: Key Considerations and Refinements to the Clean Energy Programs Plan Funded by Public Benefit Charge and Low Carbon Fuel Standard for Fiscal Years 25-26 and 26-27
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Scott Mellon, General Manager of Glendale Water and Power Presentation:
Ruzan Soloyan, Clean Energy Officer - Power Management, Glendale Water and Power
Public Speakers:
Beth Brooks
Kate Unger
1. Resolution authorizing Glendale Water & Power (GWP) staff to implement programs consistent with the outlined refinements to the Glendale Water and Power Clean Energy Programs Plan funded by Public Benefit Charge (PBC) and Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) for Fiscal Years (FY) 25-26 and FY 26-27
2. Resolution of Appropriation requesting $200,000 for the vehicle-to everything (V2X) study supporting a potential pilot program Moved: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman
Gharpetian, Najarian
Kassakhian
None
Seconded: Asatryan
Councilmember Brotman's motion failed on a tie vote of 2-2. Item 9e will be placed on the agenda for reconsideration at the next City Council meeting on September 9, 2025.
10. HEARINGS
11. REPORTS - INFORMATION
12. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
13. DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
14. SECOND PERIOD OF ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
15. 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.
Cameron Nadles
Malcolm Johnson
Beth Brooks
NEW BUSINESS
a. Councilmember Gharpetian moves that the Claim for Damages of Subro Claims, Inc. o/b/o Geico Insurance a/s/o Lala Asadorian (Claim No. 25-0006) be and hereby is approved for the total sum of $15,424.20. The Director of Finance is authorized to issue a warrant in said sum for delivery upon receipt of a properly executed Release.
Moved: Gharpetian Seconded:
Vote as Follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian
None
Kassakhian
None
Brotman
16. ADJOURNMENT-10:45 PM
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Mayor of the I y of Glendale
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