I
I
I
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
May 2, 2022 - 4:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
The special meeting was convened and held virtually by videoconference/teleconference.
OPENING:
Councilmember Kennedy
connected to the meeting
at 4:37 p.m.
Councilmember Masuda
connected to the meeting
at 4:54 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
Ceremonial Matters
Council Minutes
Mayor Gordo called the special meeting to order at 4: 10 p.m. (Absent:
Councilmembers Kennedy and Masuda)
The following individuals provided comments related to the closed session item:
Michael Williams, Pasadena resident
Julia R, Los Angeles resident
On the order of the Mayor, the special meeting recessed at 4:16 p.m., to discuss the following closed session:
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: 71 ON Transportation Corridor (property description on
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Agency negotiator: Cynthia Kurtz
Negotiating Party: Caltrans
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -
CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) (one potential case) The above closed session item was discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
On order of the Mayor, the meeting reconvened at 5:03 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Interim Police Chief Jason Clawson.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Andy Wilson
Councilmember Tyron Hampton
Councilmember John J. Kennedy
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Councilmember Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Felicia Williams
Interim City Manager Cynthia Kurtz
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
Assistant City Clerk Sandra Robles
Interim Chief of Police Jason Clawson introduced and welcomed the new Sergeant-at-Arms, Sergeant Joaquin Gurrola.
05/02/2022
SPECIAL ITEM
I
I
I
Council Minutes
PRESENTATION BY JONATHAN E. SHERIN, M.D., DIRECTOR OF
LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH,
ON MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE IN LOS ANGELES
COUNTY AND THE CITY OF PASADENA
Mayor Gordo provided introductory comments and introduced Dr.
Sherin the County's Director of Mental Health.
Jonathan E. Sherin, M.D., Director Of Los Angeles County Department Of Mental Health, and Theion Perkins, Program Manager Ill, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, provided an oral presentation on mental health issues, as well as services/resources available to those in need of mental health support, and potential opportunities to collaborate with the City of Pasadena, and responded to questions.
Mayor Gordo spoke on the mental health crisis and the need for mental health care programs/services in Pasadena. He advocated for additional services to meet the needs of the community, supported a partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, as well as opportunities to collaborate with Huntington Hospital and the Pasadena Health Department noting the need to expand and augment mental health services for residents.
Mayor Gordo and Ms. Theon Perkins, Department of Mental Health (DMH), spoke on the mental health services provided to Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students by DMH through a direct contract with PUSD, stating that this may be a good model and platform for partnership with DMH.
Councilmember Hampton expressed his appreciation and thanks to Ms. Perkins for her work, spoke in support of the Mayor forming an Ad Hoc Committee to focus on mental health issues, and stated his interest in serving on such a committee.
Mayor Gordo stated he would work with Interim City Manager Kurtz, Dr. Sherin, and Ms. Perkins to determine next steps, including the possible establishment of a working group that would identify key issues (such as funding and collaboration opportunities). He encouraged members of the City Council to let him know if there are members interested in being appointed to such a working group.
The following individuals provided comments and/or concerns related to the mental health crisis, advocated for diverting funding from the Pasadena Police Department budget to support mental health outreach, resources and programs, spoke on violence as a public health issue, and suggested use of alternative intervention programs such as the Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS):
2 05/02/2022
I
I
I
Councilmember Rivas
connected to the meeting
at 5:24 p.m.
Ceremonial Matters
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Minutes
Julia R, Los Angeles resident
Dr. Areta Crowell, Pasadena resident
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident
Brittney Pollock, Sherman Oaks resident
Kareena K. representing Black Lives Matter - Los Angeles Heavenly Hughes, representing My Tribe Rise
Adriana Bautista, Pasadena resident
Michael Williams, Pasadena resident
Janee Lennox, representing Black Lives Matter - Los Angeles Ms. Perkins provided details on a new crisis hotline phone number that will launch in July to help decriminalize mental health, and shared that DMH plans to increase their budget request and expand the Met Homeless Team by 11 additional teams.
Following discussion, on the order of the Mayor, and consensus of the City Council, the information was received and filed.
Mayor Gordo presented a Proclamation declaring the month of May in the City of Pasadena as Older Americans Month, express appreciation for the continued contributions of the City's older aged residents to our community, noting the important role they play in the City.
Howie Zechner, Chair of the Senior Commission, expressed appreciation to the Mayor and City Council for the proclamation and invited the community to the Senior Commission's inaugural celebration of Older Americans Month on May 25, 2022 from 10:00 am to noon at Jackie Robinson Community Center.
CONTRACT AWARD TO HARDY & HARPER, INC., FOR CITYWIDE
ON-CALL ASPHALT SPEED HUMP INSTALLATION SERVICES IN
AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $133,980
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b) (3); and
(2) i) Accept the bid dated March 7, 2022, submitted by Hardy & Harper, Inc., in response to the specifications to Furnish and Deliver Citywide On-Call Asphalt Speed Hump Installation; ii) reject all other bids received; and iii) authorize the Interim City Manager to enter into a contract for a four-year term in an amount not-to-exceed $133,980, which includes the base contract amount of $121,800 for up to four years and a contingency of $12, 180 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 32266)
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: ADOPT A RESOLUTION
APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE LOW INCOME
HOUSEHOLD WATER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
3 05/02/2022
I
I
I
RESIGNATIONS,
APPOINTMENTS, &
REAPPOINTMENTS
CLAIMS RECEIVED
CONTINUED PUBLIC
HEARING
Council Minutes
(1) Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and (2) Adopt a resolution approving participation in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. (Resolution No. 9909)
RESIGNATION OF PAT AMSBRY FROM THE NORTHWEST
COMMISSION EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2022 (District 5 Nomination)
ACTION TO RESCIND THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION
OF GREGG GOLDMAN FROM THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING
COMPANY, APPROVED ON APRIL 4, 2022, WHO WILL CONTINUE
TO SERVE; AND TO RESCIND THE APPOINTMENT OF PETER
ANGELI$ TO THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING COMPANY,
APPROVED ON APRIL 11, 2022 (UCLA Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF JUSTIN JONES TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
ADVISORY COMMISSION (District 1 Nomination)
2022-0018
2022-0019
2022-0020
2022-0021
2022-0022
2022-0023
Jacklyn Narian
Joseph Wirija
Vivian Mafate
Nathalia Nicole Gatdula
Ronalda Vasquez
Monique Cantu
$ 25,000.00+
25,000.00+
700.00
3,003.47
9,988.38
730.00
It was moved by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Vice Mayor Wilson, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Kennedy, Madison, Masuda, Rivas, Williams, Vice Mayor Wilson, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR
2023 - 2027 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed actions are not "projects" as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21065 and Section 15378(b)(4) and (5) of the State CEQA Guidelines and, as such, are not subject to environmental review; and (2) Adopt by resolution the City's Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 - 2027 Capital Improvement Program (GIP) Budget as summarized in Exhibit B contained in the resolution and any changes passed by a motion of the City Council at the May 2, 2022 meeting. (Resolution No. 9910) Advisory Commission Recommendations:
Recreation and Parks Commission: On March 1, 2022, the Recreation and Parks Commission voted unanimously to support the Parks and 4 05/02/2022
I
I
I
Council Minutes
Landscaping and Arroyo Projects sections of the Recommended FY 2023 - 2027 CIP Budget.
Northwest Commission: On March 8, 2022, the Northwest
Commission voted unanimously to support the projects located completely or partially in Northwest Pasadena in the Recommended FY 2023 - 2027 CIP Budget, excluding the item for the Hahamongna Watershed Park- Disc Golf Improvements for $100,000.
Transportation Advisory Commission: On March 24, 2022, the Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) voted unanimously to support the Streets and Streetscapes and Transportation sections of the Recommended FY 2023- 2027 CIP Budget.
Planning Commission: On April 13, 2022, the Planning Commission found all recommended new projects consistent with the General Plan.
Mayor Gordo reopened the public hearing and provided introductory comments.
Sandra Robles, Assistant City Clerk, reported on correspondence regarding the Recommended FY2023-2027 CIP Program Budget, with one letter supporting the for streetscape projects for Colorado Boulevard, Lake Avenue, and Mentor Avenue, one letter supporting the use of Unrestricted Reserve Funds for Rose Bowl Improvements; and two letters advocating for the City not to use Residential Impact Fee funds for Disc Golf in the Arroyo, which were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted on-line, and made part of the public record.
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, spoke in opposition to the recommendation to utilize Unrestricted Reserve Funds for Rose Bowl improvements
Kimberley Douglas, representing the Northwest Commission, spoke in opposition to the City using the Residential Impact Fee funds for Disc Golf in the Arroyo.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Williams, to close the public hearing:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Hampton, Kennedy, Madison, Masuda,
Rivas, Williams, Vice Mayor Wilson, Mayor Gordo
None
None
None
Tony Olmos, Director of Public Works and Brenda Harvey-Williams, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, provided a brief overview of the CIP project for Disc Golf Improvements.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to approve the staff recommendation:
5 05/02/2022
I
I
I
Council Minutes
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Kennedy, Madison, Masuda, Rivas, Williams, Vice Mayor Wilson, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
APPROVAL OF RELINQUISHMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE CITY OF PASADENA FOR THE
RELINQUISHMENT OF THE STATE ROUTE 710 NORTHERN
STUB BETWEEN UNION STREET AND COLUMBIA STREET
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the Caltrans, as the lead agency, has prepared and circulated for public review environmental review documents concluding that the following proposed action is exempt from review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061 (b) (3) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Section 771.117; and in its role as a responsible agency under CEQNcooperating agency under NEPA, the City has reviewed and approves of the Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3), and the Categorical Exclusion pursuant to Section 771.117; and
(2) Contingent upon Caltrans' adoption of the exemptions above, authorize the Interim City Manager to execute a Relinquishment Agreement between the State of California and the City of Pasadena for the Relinquishment of the State Route 710 between Union Street and Columbia Street, inclusive of any subsequent agreements relating to the transfer of this property from Caltrans to the City of Pasadena. (Contract No. 23,653)
Mayor Gordo and Cynthia Kurtz, Interim City Manager, provided introductory comments on the item. Councilmember Madison and Vice Mayor Wilson noted the importance of this proposed action and spoke in strong support of the staff recommendation regarding the 71 O Northern Stub relinquishment agreement with the State of California.
The following individuals spoke in support of the relinquishment agreement between the State of California and City of Pasadena:
Elena Phleger, representing Sequoyah School
Andrew Salimian, representing Pasadena Heritage
Dominic Correy, representing State Senator Portantino
Laura Cornejo, Director of Transportation, provided a brief overview of the next steps and coordination with Caltrans for submittal of reports to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) for the relinquishment approval that is scheduled for Summer 2022.
The Mayor expressed appreciation to State Senator Portantino and Tony Tavares, Caltrans District 7 Director, City staff, and all those who 6 05/02/2022
I
I
I
Council Minutes
were involved in the process and coordination leading to the relinquishment of the State Route 710.
It was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by
Councilmember Kennedy, to approve the staff recommendation:
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton Kennedy, Madison, Masuda,
Rivas, Williams, Vice Mayor Wilson, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PUBLIC HEARING: OPENING OF THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR 2023 RECOMMENDED OPERATING BUDGET
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Open the public hearing for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Recommended Operating Budget; and
(2) Continue this public hearing to the regular meeting of the City Council at 4:30 p.m. on June 13, 2022, and such other date as the City Council may determine, at which time the City Council will be asked to close the public hearing and adopt the FY 2023 Recommended Operating Budget.
Assistant City Clerk Robles, opened the public hearing and reported that the public hearing notice was published in the Pasadena Journal and the Pasadena Press on April 14, 2022.
Interim City Manager Kurtz provided introductory comments, and Matt Hawkesworth, Director of Finance, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item, and responded to questions.
The following individuals provided various comments related to the matter, including expressing concerns with the Pasadena Police Department's budget, police officer salaries and reported promotions, appropriating funding for Park Safety Specialist positions, advocating for intervention programs such as the Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS) program, and/or advocating to increase the Housing Department budget to fund additional affordable housing programs/projects:
Brittney Pollock, Sherman Oaks resident
Janee Lennox, representing Black Lives Matter Los Angeles Michael Williams, Pasadena resident
Anthony Manousos, Making Housing and Community Happen
Kareena K., representing Black Lives Matter Los Angeles Kat Ross, representing SURJ Altadena-Pasadena
Jill Shook - Making Housing and Community Happen
Heavenly Hughes, representing My TRIBE Rise
Adriana Bautista, Pasadena resident
7 05/02/2022
I
I
I
Councilmember Kennedy
disconnected from the
meeting at 7:34 p.m.
City Council
Council Minutes
Nina Chomsky, Linda-Vista Annandale Association, spoke on the need for the City to implement a street tree watering program as part of the City's budget process.
Councilmember Hampton requested that staff provide a comparative analysis regarding Park Safety Specialist (PSS) positions vs. hiring security services through a third-party contractor for park security, with the information to be presented at the Public Safety Committee as part of the Pasadena Police Department budget presentation.
Following a brief discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to continue the Public Hearing on the item to June 13, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Hampton, Madison, Masuda, Rivas,
Williams, Vice Mayor Wilson, Mayor Gordo
None
Councilmember Kennedy
None
PUBLIC HEARING: ZONING CODE AMENDMENT PERTAINING
TO CONSTRUCTION OF MULTIPLE DWELLINGS ON SINGLE
FAMILY ZONED PARCELS PURSUANT TO SENATE BILL 9
Recommendation: It Is recommended that the City Council continue the public hearing to May 9, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
It was moved by Councilmember Williams, seconded by
Councilmember Masuda, to continue the Public Hearing on the item to May 9, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Hampton, Madison, Masuda, Rivas,
Williams, Vice Mayor Wilson, Mayor Gordo
None
Councilmember Kennedy
None
CITY HALL COURTYARD DESIGNATION FOR MR. & MRS. BILL &
CLAIRE BOGAARD (Councilmember Madison)
Recommendation: Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council consider designating the City Hall Courtyard in honor of Bill and Claire Bogaard.
Councilmember Madison provided introductory comments and spoke on the legacy and impact of Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Clair Bogaard, and their contributions to Pasadena.
Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmembers Masuda and Williams spoke strongly in support of designating the City Hall Courtyard in honor of 8 05/02/2022
I
I
I
ORDINANCE - SECOND
READING
Mayor Gordo recused
himself and left the
meeting at 8:05 p.m. Vice
Mayor Wilson chaired the
meeting in his absence.
Council Minutes
the Bogaards as an appropriate recognition of their significant contributions to Pasadena.
Councilmember Hampton expressed concerns with the
naming/designating of City spaces in honor of individuals that are still living, and suggested the City Council consider establishing policy guidelines and procedures to govern the process for such designations. He suggested that the City create and maintain a list of all the locations in Pasadena that might fall under this designation category.
Councilmember Kennedy expressed his support for the designation and recognized the Bogaards for their many significant contributions to Pasadena, but supported Councilmember Hampton's suggestions related to establishing a policy for similar future designations.
It was moved by Council member Madison, seconded by Mayor Gordo, to approve the staff recommendation:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Kennedy, Madison, Masuda, Rivas,
Williams, Vice Mayor Wilson, Mayor Gordo
Councilmember Hampton
None
None
ADOPTION OF "AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AMENDING AND SUNSETTING ORDINANCE NO.
7363, A MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS FOR NON-PAYMENT OF
RENT BY TENANTS IMPACTED BY COVID-19" (Introduced by
Councilmember Masuda) (Ordinance No. 7392)
Assistant City Clerk Robles reported that eight letters submitted in opposition to the proposed ordinance, advocating for the City to extend the eviction moratorium through December 31, 2022 and/or provide additional funding for City-based rental assistance programs, were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for the item.
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the ordinance, advocating for the City to extend the eviction moratorium through December 31st and/or provide additional funding for City-based rental assistance programs, as well as identifying rent assistant programs for small landlords who may need assistance:
Allison Henry, Pasadena resident
Heavenly Hughes, representing My TRIBE Rise
9 05/02/2022
I
I
I
Mayor Gordo returned to
the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Council Minutes
The above ordinance was adopted by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Hampton, Kennedy, Madison, Masuda,
Williams, Vice Mayor Wilson
Councilmember Rivas
Mayor Gordo
None
Councilmember Hampton spoke on the Cinco De Mayo event held at the Rose Bowl, which was well-attended, including Mayor Gordo and Councilmembers Kennedy and Williams, and acknowledged the Rose Bowl and City staff for a great community event.
In response to earlier public comment regarding the Police Department budget and a possible salary increase and/or promotion for Police Officer Dumaguindin to Detective, Councilmember Hampton requested additional information from Interim City Manager Kurtz either via email, or if appropriate, in the City Manager's newsletter.
Councilmember Kennedy echoed Councilmember Hampton's
comments regarding the Cinco De Mayo event at the Rose Bowl. He also spoke on the Arbor Day event that took place on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Robinson Park, with the planning of 25 trees near the park, and acknowledged the Department of Public Works and Pasadena Beautiful Foundation, as well as the many volunteers, in making this a successful community celebration.
Councilmember Williams spoke on the Pasadena Audubon Society's (PAS) Birding Guide Release Party that happened on May 1, 2022 at Arlington Gardens in Pasadena, which was also attended by Mayor Gordo.
Foll ing announcements, on order of the Mayor, the special meeting of he ity Council adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
10 05/02/2022