MINUTES
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor Glendale, CA 91206
OCTOBER 7, 2025
ROLL CALL
CLOSED SESSION
2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA — 6:04 PM
Roll Call — Absent: Mayor Najarian
a. Flag Salute: Mayor Pro Tern Kassakhian
b. Invocation: Delivered by Monk Brother Prafullananda, Self-Realization Fellowship Glendale Temple
c. Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the October 7, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on October 3, 2025, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Proclamation: Public Power Week
Accepted by Daniel Scorza, Assistant General Manager — Electric of Glendale Water and Power, and several other Glendale Water and Power Staff b. Proclamation: California’s Water Professionals Appreciation Week Accepted by Chisom Obegolu, Assistant General Manager — Water of Glendale Water and Power, and several other Glendale Water and Power Staff c. Proclamation: October 2025 as Filipino American History Month Accepted by Edith Fuentes, President of the Filipino-Arnerican Business Association of Glendale, with several other Board Mernbers
Accepted by Lucille Floresta, President of the United Architects of the Philippines SoCal Chapter, with several other members
Accepted by Perla Santos, Founder of the Mother Movernent, with several other members
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.
Councilmember Brotman pulled consent item 4d for separate consideration. a. City Clerk, re: Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 30, 2025
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian
Noes: None
Absent: Najarian
Abstain: None
b. Police Department, re: Acceptance and Appropriation of California Department of Justice Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Grant
1. Motion to accept the California Department of Justice Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Grant and authorize the City Manager, or a designee, to execute the necessary agreements, certification, and other documents required to accept the Grant
2. Resolution [25-142] of Appropriation to appropriate $125,000 in California Department of Justice Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Grant funds
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Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian
Noes: None
Absent: Najarian
Abstain: None
c. Public Works, re: Adopt Specifications for Fire-Life-Safety Maintenance and Support and Building Security System Maintenance and Support and Amend Existing Contract for Citywide Maintenance and Repair of Generators
1. Resolution [25-143] adopting Specification No. 4028 for Fire-Life-Safety Systems Maintenance and Support for the City of Glendale and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids
2. Resolution [25-144] adopting Specification No. 4029 for Security Systems Maintenance and Support for the City of Glendale and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids
3. Motion Amending the existing Citywide Maintenance and Repairs of Generators Contract No. 8001441 with Global Power Group, Inc Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian
Noes: None
Absent: Najarian
Abstain: None
d. Public Works, re: Award Construction Contract for the Pacific ParklEdison Elementary School Artificial Turf Replacement Project Public Speakers:
Jennifer Pinkerton
1. Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Bedrock Group, Inc. for the Pacific Park/Edison Elementary School Artificial Turf Replacement Project, Specification No. 4016R, in the amount of $1,117,900, plus a 10% reserve for contingencies of $1 11,790
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Gharpetian, Kassakhian
Noes: Brotman
Absent: Najarian
Abstain: None
5. CITY COUNCILISTAFF COMMENTS (Including reports from conferences and regional meetings)
City Clerk Dr. Abajian made a presentation regarding the California Statewide Special Election taking place on November 4, 2025. She shared that there are eight Vote-by-Mail Ballot Drop Boxes in Glendale, located at the Glendale Central Library, Wilson Mini Park, Pacific Park Library, Verdugo Park, Grandview Branch Library, Glendale Sports Complex, Dunsmore Park, and Montrose-Crescenta Branch Library. All Ballot Drop Boxes in Glendale are open 24 hours. She also highlighted two City Vote Centers located at the Glendale Civic Center (141 N. Glendale Ave., Room 118, Glendale, CA 91206) and the Chevy Chase Branch Library (3301 E. Chevy Chase Dr., Main Room, Glendale, CA 91206). Hours for both locations are as follows: November 1—3, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and November 4, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
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Councilmember Asatryan shared that AB 91 was signed into law by Governor Newsom, which will add checkboxes for Armenians and various other minority communities on all California state forms. She thanked the joint authors of the bill, Assemblymember Harabedian and Senator Perez, as well as co-authors Assemblymembers Nick Schultz and Jessica Caloza, the California MENA Coalition and all the advocates, particularly Dr. Abajian and Dr. Sophia Armen, for their leadership in getting this bill passed. She announced that this Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, will be the official Grand Reopening of Fremont Park. She also shared that on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the 8th Annual Wine Festival Ginifest” will take place from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the 200 N. Orange Block, and that this year it will be expanded into a street festival.
Councilmember Brotman requested that two items be agendized. The first relates to Zone Zero, and he requested staff from the Fire Department and Urban Forestry Division to bring back a joint report regarding Zone Zero and its potential impact on Glendale. Ultimately, he would like Council to consider submitting a letter to the Board of Forestry expressing the City’s views on the proposed rules. The second item concerns complaints from various neighborhoods about excessive speeding leading to dangerous conditions for pedestrians, motorists, and parked cars. He asked staff to prepare a report on plans and ideas to address this issue, including enforcement measures and long-term solutions. Mayor Pro Tem Kassakhian added that he has additional locations of excessive speeding he would like to include in Councilmember Brotman’s list.
Councilmember Gharpetian shared comments on events he attended, including the National Foundation Day of Korea celebration, the Circle Society of Glendale Gala, and the Lark Music Center Grand Opening. He requested that City Attorney Mike Garcia follow up with him regarding a previous motion he made about costs resulting from state mandates. He also expressed interest in bringing back the Unity Fest to Glendale. Finally, he asked City Manager Roubik Golanian whether the Council had sent a letter to the State opposing AB 130. City Manager Golanian confirmed that the Council voted to send the letter, which was signed by Mayor Najarian. Councilmember Asatryan clarified that the Sister Cities Committee is currently working on an event similar to the Unity Fest.
Mayor Pro Tern Kassakhian cornrnented that Oktoberfest was well attended and congratulated the organizers. He also remarked on the Glendale Historical Society Gala and thanked Councilmernber Gharpetian for presenting commendations on behalf of Mayor Najarian at the Lark Center Opening, congratulating the Board as well. He shared that the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry held a successful Walk-A-Thon. He also announced that on Saturday, October 11,2025, from 10:30AM to 12:30 PM, the official Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting of Fremont Park will take place. That same day, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the Jewel City Concert Series at Artsakh Paseo will feature the Indie Pop/R&B group The Guest Room. Later, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the Brand Library will host an exhibition opening and reception titled Crossings. He noted that next Tuesday, October 14, 2025, there will be no regular City Council meeting, as the “City Hall in Your Neighborhood” event will take place at the Sparr Heights Community Center (1613 Glencoe Way, Glendale, CA 91208) at 6:00 PM. He also mentioned that information about the Alex Theatre’s 100th Anniversary programming can be found at www.thealex.com. Additionally, he shared that Little Bear, an Italian restaurant, will hold its Grand Opening from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 6800 San Fernando Rd., though he will not be attending as he will be at the League of California Cities Conference. Lastly, he requested to agendize a discussion about regulating robot delivery units in Glendale, as well as enforcement related to A- frame sign regulations.
City Attorney Michael Garcia responded to Councilmember Gharpetian’s questions, stating that his staff is reviewing the issue and plans to provide an update by next week.
Councilmember Asatryan stepped away at 6:46 PM and returned at 6:51 PM. 3 100725CC
6. COMMUNITY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS (3-minutes per speaker) Members of the public will be permitted to announce upcoming events taking place in the corn m unity.
Oliver Shokouh
Liza Boubari
7. 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.
Tony Passarella
Rick Bonyadi
Byron Hibdon
Herbert Molano
Paul Karapetian
Shane
Susan Wolfson
Councilmember Asatryan stepped away at 7:21 PM and returned at 7:24 PM.
8. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
a. Glendale Water and Power, re: Amendment to Electric Rates Ordinance to Implement Adjusted and Redistributed Electric Rates
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Scott Mellon, General Manager - Glendale Water & Power
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Public Speakers:
Beth Brooks
Herbert Molano
1. Adoption [6042] of Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 6025 Establishing the Electric Rates for Glendale Water & Power for Fiscal Years 2024 to 2028 to Implement Adjusted and Redistributed Electric Rates Increases effective November 1, 2025, November 1, 2026 and November 1, 2027 Introduced by Mayor Najarian on September 30, 2025.
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian
Noes: Gharpetian
Absent: Najarian
Abstain: None
Councilmember Gharpetian stepped away at 7:58 PM and returned at 8:00 PM.
Councilmember Brotman stepped away at 8:08 PM and returned at 8:10 PM.
CouncilmemberAsatryan stepped away at 8:10 PM and returned at 8:12 PM.
9. ACTION ITEMS
Item 9a and 9b were read into the record together.
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a. City Treasurer, re: City of Glendale Investment Policy Presentation:
Rafi Manoukian, City Treasurer
Public Speakers:
Beth Brooks
Ejmin Hakobian
1 Resolution [25-1451 adopting the Cfty Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Btotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian
Noes: None
Absent: Najarian
Abstain: None
b. City Treasurer, re: City Treasurer’sAnnual Review of the City’s Portfolios Public Speakers:
Beth Brooks
1. Motion accepting Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025 Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian
Noes: None
Absent: Najarian
Abstain: None
c. Community Development, re: Release of a Request for Proposals for the Lease and Management of the Glendale Civic Auditorium (1401 North Verdugo Road)
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Presentation:
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Public Speakers:
Beth Brooks
Paul Karapetian
Herbert Molano
Linda
Councilmember Asatryan stepped away at 8:43 PM and returned at 8:45 PM.
1. Motion Directing Staff to Release a Request for Proposals for the Lease and Management of the Glendale Civic Auditorium
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Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian
Noes: None
Absent: Najarian
Abstain: None
10. HEARINGS
11. REPORTS - INFORMATION
12. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
a. Statement on Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Housing and Community Development and the City of Glendale Staff Comments:
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Agenda out of order. Item 14 was read into the record and considered by Council next.
13. DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
Agenda out of order. Item 1 5a and 1 5b were read into the record and considered by Council next under item 13.
a. Management Services, re: Request from Councilmember Asatryan to agendize discussion on bulky item pick-up request process and services with commercial waste haulers
With no objection Council decided to move and continue item 1 3a to the City Council meeting of October 21, 2025 to be discussed by the full Council. b. Management Services, re: Request from Councilmember Asatryan to agendize discussion on consideration of parks and recreation facility assessments for children with special needs
Staff Comments:
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Onnig Bulanikian, Director of Community Services & Parks
1. Motion to agendize Councilmember Asatryan’s request.
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian
Noes: None
Absent: Najarian
Abstain: None
14. SECOND PERIOD OF 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.
Jordan Henry
Allan Durham
Beth Brooks
Miss Valentine
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Staff Comments:
Edward Marquez, Fire Battalion Chief, Glendale Fire Department Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Councilmember Gharpetian stepped away at 9:57 PM and returned at 9:59 PM.
15. NEW BUSINESS
Items 15a and 15b were discussed under item 13.
a. Management Services, re: Request from Councilmember Asatryan to agendize discussion on bulky item pick-up request process and services with commercial waste haulers
b. Management Services, re: Request from Councilmember Asatryan to agendize discussion on consideration of parks and recreation facility assessments for children with special needs
16. ADJOURNMENT — 10:12 PM
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
City of Glendale
/ Mayor aI’ro fern Kassakhian of the
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