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M I N U T E S
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor Glendale, CA 91206
JANUARY 27, 2026
ROLL CALL – All Present
1. CLOSED SESSION – 4:20 PM
a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation: Acopians v. City of Glendale, L.A.S.C. Case No. 23GDCV00382
b. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation: Aratounian v. City of Glendale, et al., L.A.S.C. Case No. 24NNCV00152
c. Public Employee Performance Evaluation – City Manager City Attorney Michael Garcia stated Council anticipated reporting out on item 1a and 1b.
Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:21 PM.
2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA – 6:00 PM
Roll Call – All present
a. Flag Salute: Mayor Najarian
b. Invocation: Delivered by Timothy Yun, Lead Pastor at Korean Seventh-Day Adventist Church
c. Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the January 27, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on January 22, 2026, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Najarian announced a non-agenda item and honored a special commendation to the First Lego League robotics team for advancing from regional competition to the SoCal Championship, and congratulated the second Glendale team for a strong regional performance. First Lego League, Tinker Club, Armenian Society of Los Angeles, coaches and students accepted the honor.
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.
Items 4b and 4d were pulled from the consent calendar for separate consideration. 2 01 27 26 CC
a. City Clerk, re: Minutes of Special City Council Meetings of January 2, 2026 Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
b. Public Works, re: Adopt the Specification for the Renovation of Fire Station No. 27 Project, per Specification No. 4011
Public Speakers:
Allan Durham
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
1. Resolution [26-11] adopting Specification No. 4011 for the renovation of Fire Station No. 27 project and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
c. Human Resources, re: Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Adminsure, Inc
1. Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Adminsure Inc. (#8002129) to provide Third Party Administrator services for Citywide workers’ compensation claims through June 30, 2028, and increase the not-to- exceed amount by $2,590,000
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
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d. Community Development, re: Three requests for Use of City Days at the Alex Theatre – Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, Hollywood Arab Film Festival, and an educational event by Healthspan
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
1. Motion to approve use of one annual City Day at the Alex Theatre for a performance of the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra on April 20, 2026 Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
2. Motion to approve use of one annual City Day at the Alex Theatre for the Hollywood Arab Film Festival on April 15 or 16, 2026
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
3. Motion to approve use of one annual City Day at the Alex Theatre for the Healthspan Salon: Eternal Life — Myth, Science, or Reality? on May 6, 2026 Public Speakers:
Allan Durham
Elias Arjan
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Gharpetian, Najarian
Noes: Kassakhian
Absent: None
Abstain: Brotman
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5. CITY COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS (Including reports from conferences and regional meetings)
Councilmember Brotman addressed the national political landscape and gave comments on the negative impacts federal agents are having on local communities.
Councilmember Asatryan spoke about brutalities in Iran and from federal actions on immigrants in the United States, and voiced support for freedom and democracy.
Councilmember Kassakhian recalled the 1970 Kent State University shootings of student protestors, and noted it is important for people to exercise their right to free speech and the obligation for government to respect those rights. He reported he was in Sacramento last week for a League of California Cities conference. He asked staff for information about residents at risk of losing their Section 8 vouchers, and about non-functioning EV charging stations throughout the city. Councilmember Kassakhian congratulated the Martial Arts Museum for a recent event honoring Benny Urquidez entering into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame.
Councilmember Gharpetian shared that no one deserves to die on the streets of this country, and noted this happens during nearly every presidential administration.
Mayor Najarian noted the loss of life is tragic in any form. He reiterated his support for local law enforcement, and hoped people don’t conflate federal law enforcement agency with local officers. He shared information on some upcoming events. On January 31, 2026 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM the Brand Library and Arts Center is having an opening night celebration for “Neighborhood Ecology.” On February 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM the Glendale Police Department is hosting a screening event for the film “Dirty Drugs” at Look Cinemas in Glendale, and RSVP can be done by visiting
GlendaleCA.gov/SubstanceAbuseResources.
Interim Police Chief Robert William noted there will be different speakers at the “Dirty Drugs” film event, some information will be available in different languages, and that after the screening event the film will be available more broadly to the public.
Mayor Najarian noted he sits on the LA Metro board and highlighted its recent decision to commit to the Sepulveda Transit Corridor, a 13 mile connection between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside. The estimated $26 Billion project will greatly reduce 405 vehicle traffic and improve additional connectivity with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
Councilmember Kassakhian also thanked Assemblymember Nick Schultz who asked a State Assembly session be adjourned in the memory of Glendale’s own Paul Ignatius, a former high ranking Navy officer who passed away recently at the age of 104.
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City Clerk Dr. Suzie Abajian reminded members of the public that any audio- visual requests to accompany public comments should be emailed to the City Clerk’s office no later than 12:00 PM the day prior to the Council Meeting. She also clarified that the City Clerk’s office is not responsible for giving proclamations, as that is decided by the Mayor and occasionally the rest of the City Council. Dr. Abajian also noted the importance of recognizing history and acknowledged we are standing on the indigenous lands of the Tongva people.
Councilmember Asatryan stepped away at 6:41 PM and returned at 6:48 PM.
6. COMMUNITY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS (3-minutes per speaker) Members of the public will be permitted to announce upcoming events taking place in the community.
Debra Suh
Jackie Gish
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.
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Herbert Molano
Tony Passarella
Allan Durham
Mike Mohill
Ejmin Hakobian
Beth Brooks
Mike Khodbyan
Ramy
Jackie Gish
Councilmember Brotman stepped away at 7:16 PM and returned at 7:19 PM.
8. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
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9. ACTION ITEMS
a. Public Works, re: Resolution Dispensing with Competitive Bidding and Authorizing a Contract Extension for Operation of Glendale Recycling Center
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Daniel Hardgrove, Assistant Director, Public Works Department
1. Resolution [26-12] dispensing with competitive bidding and authorizing an amendment to the existing contract 8001348 with Cedarwood-Young Company DBA Allan Company, for operation of the Glendale Recycling Center increasing the contract amount by $2,000,000 to $4,134,074 and extending the duration for two additional years through March 31, 2028, with the option for two one-year extensions through March 31, 2030 Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Councilmember Asatryan stepped away at 7:37 PM and returned at 7:43 PM. b. Finance, re: Continued discussion about General Fund Future Revenue Initiatives
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
John Takhtalian, Assistant City Manager
Tom Lorenz, Contractor, Management Services
Presentations:
Jack Liang, Director, Finance Department
Public Speakers:
Herbert Molano
Ejmin Hakobian
Mike Mohill
1. Motion to provide Direction
Councilmember Kassakhian stepped away at 7:46 PM and returned at 8:08 PM.
Councilmember Asatryan stepped away at 8:11 PM and returned at 8:15 PM. 7 01 27 26 CC
Mayor Najarian stepped away at 8:22 PM and returned at 8:25 PM.
Councilmember Asatryan stepped away at 8:38 PM and returned at 8:46 PM.
10. HEARINGS
a. Community Development, re: Case No. PZC-0014-2025. Amendments to Chapter 30.26 - Advertising Signage Overlay Zone (ASOZ) of the Glendale Municipal Code (GMC). Amendment to the City's Zoning Map to expand the boundary of the Town Center (Americana)-Galleria Districts ASOZ overlay zone onto a portion of the Downton Arts and Entertainment District of the Downtown Specific Plan to incorporate the properties at 230 – 238 S. Brand Blvd into the overlay zone and identify locations, sizes and elevations of two new animated wall signs to be incorporated into the expanded ASOZ boundary. Statutory Development Agreement to comply with GMC Section
30.26.100, including the provision of certain public benefits Mayor Najarian opened the public hearing at 8:55 PM and closed it at 9:42 PM.
Staff Comments:
Roubik Golanian, City Manager
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Gillian van Muyden, Chief Assistant City Attorney
Presentations:
Roger Kiesel, Senior Planner, Community Development Department Public Speakers:
Chris Robertson, Caruso (Applicant)
Allan Durham
Mike Mohill
Beth Brooks
Allen Dish
1. Introduction of Ordinance of the Council of the City of Glendale, California amending Sections 30.26.030, 30.26.040, and 30.26.050 of Title 30 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, relating to the Advertising Signage Overlay Zone
Introduced by Councilmember Asatryan on January 27, 2026.
2. Introduction of Ordinance of the Council of the City of Glendale, California amending the Zoning Map to reflect an expansion of the Advertising Signage Overlay Zone (ASOZ) onto a portion of the Downtown “Arts and Entertainment” District (230 - 238 South Brand Boulevard) of the Downtown Specific Plan
Introduced by Councilmember Asatryan on January 27, 2026. 8 01 27 26 CC
3. Introduction of Ordinance the Council of the City of Glendale, California, authorizing the Execution of a Development Agreement by and between the City of Glendale and Mt Owner, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Colorado & Brand, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, North Masonic, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, pertaining to signage in the Advertising Signage Overlay Zone
Introduced by Councilmember Asatryan on January 27, 2026.
Councilmember Asatryan stepped away at 8:57 PM and returned at 9:01 PM.
Councilmember Brotman stepped away at 9:15 PM and returned at 9:19 PM. b. Community Development, re: 236 North Central Avenue – Stage II Design Review (Case No. PDR 2212056) (Includes: 236 N. Central Ave, 201 W.
California Ave and 212 W. California Ave)
Mayor Najarian opened the public hearing at 9:53 PM and closed it at 10:40 PM.
Councilmember Gharpetian recused himself from items 10b and 10c and left the meeting at 9:53 PM.
Staff Comments:
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Public Speakers:
Mike Mohill
Lisa Morris
Ejmin Hakobian
Glendale Yimby
Beth Brooks
Allen Dish
Mike Borisov
Jamas Guilliam
Allan Durham
David Billet
Kyle Boghossian
Will DeRay
Patrick Murphy
1. Motion to Rescind the City Council’s October 21, 2025, denial of the Stage II Design Review Application (Design Review Case No. 221205) Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian (recused)
Abstain: None
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2. Motion Approving Stage II Design Review Application (Design Review Case No. 2212056) with conditions
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian (recused)
Abstain: None
Councilmember Asatryan stepped away at 9:52 PM and returned at 10:08 PM. c. Public Works, re: Conditional Vacation of a portion of the First Alley Easterly of Central Avenue, Southerly of California Avenue, Westerly of Orange Street (Alley 239) for the proposed 236 N. Central Avenue Project, Vacation Case No. 192V
Mayor Najarian opened the public hearing at 10:42 PM and closed it at 10:45 PM.
Staff Comments:
Michael Garcia, City Attorney
Public Speakers:
Beth Brooks
1. Motion to rescind October 21, 2025, City Council denial of the Vacation (Vacation Case No. 192V)
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Asatryan
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian (recused)
Abstain: None
2. Resolution [26-13] Ordering the Vacation of a portion of Alley 239 (Vacation Case No. 192V)
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian (recused)
Abstain: None
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3. Resolution [26-14] Adopting Plan No. 12-247
Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian (recused)
Abstain: None
11. REPORTS - INFORMATION
12. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
13. DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
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.
Linda Neumaier
Mike Borisov
15. NEW BUSINESS
a.Moved by Council Member Kassakhian, seconded by Council Member Brotman, that the City Attorney be and hereby is authorized to resolve the lawsuit entitled Maryam Aratounian v. City of Glendale, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24NNCV00152 in exchange for a full release of all claims in the amount of $115,000. This settlement is not an admission of any liability whatsoever for any wrongdoing with respect to Plaintiff by Defendant or by any person or department but is the compromise of a disputed claim.
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian
Abstain: None
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b.Moved by Council Member Brotman, seconded by Council Member, that the City Attorney be and hereby is authorized to resolve the lawsuit entitled Rima Acopian v.
City of Glendale, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24GDCV00382 in exchange for a full release of all claims in the amount of $25,000. This settlement is not an admission of any liability whatsoever for any wrongdoing with respect to Plaintiff by Defendant or by any person or department, but is the compromise of a disputed claim.
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian
Vote as Follows:
Ayes: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian, Najarian
Noes: None
Absent: Gharpetian
Abstain: None
Councilmember Asatryan noted for the record she was not present for the discussion of the final closed session item (15b).
16. ADJOURNMENT – 11:02 PM
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Najarian
Mayor of the City of Glendale
City Clerk of the City of Glendale