CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2023 - 5:30 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
The regular meeting was convened and held virtually by videoconference/teleconference.
OPENING:
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
Council Minutes
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Madison. (Absent:
None)
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Felicia Williams
Councilmember Tyron Hampton
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Councilmember Jessica Rivas
City Manager Miguel Marquez
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Mayor Gordo requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory and solidarity for the sorrow caused by a series of catastrophic earthquakes in the Syrian region.
Joe Colletti, Pasadena resident, encouraged the City to celebrate and commemorate two overlapping anniversaries of Colorado Boulevard occurring in 2026: 150 years since a general store and a post office opened in1876 at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue; and 100 years since U.S. Route 66 was commissioned as part of the Country's first Federal Highway System on November 11, 1926.
Sneferu Hines, residence not stated, requested meeting with Mayor Gordo and Vice Mayor Williams regarding the Office of the Governor of California.
In response to public comment, Mayor Gordo stated that he would reach out to Mr. Hines.
Bruce A. Bailey, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City to fund 24 pickleball courts at Vina Vieja Park; submitted correspondence, highlighting several proposed phases for the Vina Vieja Pickleball Park; and expressed disappointment that the City only has 4 pickleball courts with lights.
02/06/2023
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Minutes
Councilmember Madison asked staff to review the comments of Mr.
Bailey, sharing that he has been at the forefront of bringing pickleball to Pasadena, and noted the exponential growth of the sport's popularity.
Sandy Greenstein, representing Pasadena Senior Center, thanked the City Council for their dedication to the City; and requested that the City begin to focus on the Pasadena Senior Center, the need to support and maintain building issues, as well as address parking issues resulting from the loss of the Holly Street Garage lease, which will be devastating to seniors if they have to pay for parking.
Garrett Warren, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns with the current parking regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), stating that yearly parking passes are not offered to ADU tenants or primary residential dwelling occupants with an ADU, and advocated for the parking regulations be changed to address ADU issues.
Councilmember Hampton stated that a discussion regarding ADU parking regulations will be heard at an Economic Development and Technology Committee in April.
CONTRACT AWARD TO SLOAN VAZQUEZ, INC,. OBA SLOAN
VAZQUEZ MCAFEE FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION REVIEW
OF COMMERCIAL WASTE HAULERS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT
TO-EXCEED $204,525 (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find the proposed action in the agenda report is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines in accordance with Section 15061 (b)(3); and (2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as the result of a competitive selection process as specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Sloan Vazquez, Inc., to perform a compliance verification review of the commercial waste franchise haulers for a contract period of three years in the total amount not-to-exceed $204,525. Competitive Bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F), contracts for professional or unique services. (Contract No. 32525)
APPROVAL OF FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 083256 FOR
SUBDIVISION OF THREE CITY-OWNED EXISTING PARCELS
INTO TWO PARCELS, AT 685 EAST UNION STREET (Public
Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Adopt a resolution to approve Final Parcel Map No. 083256 for the subdivision of three City-owned existing parcels into two parcels; (Resolution No. 9978)
(2) Accept the offer of dedication for public street purposes as shown on said map; and
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ITEM DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
ITEM DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
City Advisory Bodies
ITEM DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
RESIGNATIONS,
APPOINTMENTS, &
REAPPOINTMENTS
Council Minutes
(3) Authorize the City Clerk to execute the Certificate on the Map showing the City's approval of said Map.
Hearing Officer Recommendation: The subject Final Parcel Map No. 083256, for the combining of three existing parcels into two parcels at 685 East Union Street was reviewed and approved in tentative form by the Hearing Officer on November 4, 2020, to be recorded within three years, or by November 4, 2023. (Attachment A of the agenda report). The Final Map has been reviewed and approved by the City's consultant surveyor. The Map is now ready for City Council's approval prior to recordation in the Office of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
CONTRACT AWARD TO GOLDEN SUN ENTERPRISE, INC., FOR
JEFFERSON SCHOOL PICKLEBALL COURTS PROJECT FOR
AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $169,944 (Public Works Dept.)
ADOPT A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FOUR NEW
CLASSIFICATIONS AND SALARIES AND UPDATING SALARIES
OF FIVE EXISTING CLASSIFICATIONS (Human Resources Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and
(2) Adopt a Resolution Establishing Four New Classifications and Salaries and Updating Salaries of Five Existing Classifications. (Resolution No. 9979)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:
APPROVAL OF IN-PERSON AND REMOTE PUBLIC COMMENT
PARTICIPATION AT PUBLIC MEETINGS OF THE CITY
COUNCIL, COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES, AND
SPECIFIED CITY LEGISLATIVE BODIES THAT MEET IN THE
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER (Dept. of Information Technology)
RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO RENEW THE PASADENA
TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (PTBID)
(Pasadena Center Operating Co.)
RESIGNATION OF MIREYA ASTURIAS JONES FROM THE ARTS
AND CULTURE COMMISSION (District 6 Nomination)
RECOGNIZE VACANCY CREATED ON THE ARROYO
VERDUGO COMMUNITIES JPA GOVERNING BOARD WITH
CONCLUSION OF ANDY WILSON'S TERM ON THE PASADENA
CITY COUNCIL AND APPOINTMENT OF JUSTIN JONES AS THE
CITY OF PASADENA'S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ARROYO
VERDUGO COMMUNITIES JPA GOVERNING BOARD TO
SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE CITY COUNCIL (City
Nomination)
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MINUTES APPROVED January 18, 2023 City Council Special Meeting CLAIMS RECEIVED Claim No. Claimant Claim Amount
2023-0188 Recovery Partners for $ 9,022.86
Infinity Insurance
2023-0189 Robyn C. Williams 600.00
2023-0190 Cesar Bertran 1,500.00
2023-0191 AAA a/s/o Francis 1,246.75
Daniels
2023-0192 Anishka D'Souza 850.00
2023-0193 Jontue Drayton 9,000.00
2023-0194 State Farm 8,791.13
2023-0195 Duplicate to Claim No.
2023-0194
2023-0196 New Standard Equities 700.00
PUBLIC HEARINGS SET February 27, 2023, 5:30 p.m. - Zoning Code Amendment - Planned Development Regulations
CONSENT ITEMS
DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
Council Minutes
March 13, 2023, 5:30 p.m. - Substantial Amendment to Annual Action Plan (2022-2023) for Home Investment Partnership Act Program funds
March 27, 2023, 5:30 p.m. - Renew the Pasadena Tourism
Business Improvement District and the levy of assessments on lodging
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Hampton, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item 3 (Contract award to Golden Sun Enterprise, Inc ... ), Item 5 (Approval of in-person and remote public comment participation ... ) and Item 6 (Resolution of intention to renew the Pasadena Tourism Business Improvement District. .. ). (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
CONTRACT AWARD TO GOLDEN SUN ENTERPRISE, INC., FOR
JEFFERSON SCHOOL PICKLEBALL COURTS PROJECT FOR
AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $169,944 (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find the contract proposed in the agenda report to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15332, Class 32, In-Fill Development Projects, and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; and
(2) Accept the bid dated January 5, 2023, submitted by Golden Sun Enterprise, Inc., in response to the plans and specifications for the Jefferson School Pickleball Courts project, reject all other bids received, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for 4 02/06/2023
Council Minutes
an amount not-to-exceed $169,944, which includes the base contract amount of $147,777 and a contingency of $22,167 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 32523) Bruce A Bailey, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns with the staff recommendation, submitted an alternative plan to the proposed pickleball courts, and advocated for the court lighting at the Jefferson School Pickleball Courts.
Tony Olmos, Director of Public Works, stated that he has received Mr. Bailey's alternate proposed site plan, and commented that he will reach out to the contractor to further discuss his proposal. He also noted the need to review the steps on the west side of the building to determine if any constraints with ADA requirements exist.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:
APPROVAL OF IN-PERSON AND REMOTE PUBLIC COMMENT
PARTICIPATION AT PUBLIC MEETINGS OF THE CITY
COUNCIL, COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES, AND
SPECIFIED CITY LEGISLATIVE BODIES THAT MEET IN THE
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER (Dept. of Information Technology)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and
(2) Approve in-person and remote public comment participation at public meetings of the City Council, Economic Development and Technology Committee, Finance Committee, Legislative Policy Committee, Municipal Services Committee, Public Safety
Committee, Community Police Oversight Commission, Design Commission, and Planning Commission, for meetings that occur in the City Council Chamber, effective no earlier than February 27, 2023.
The following individuals spoke in support of the agenda item:
Jill Shook, representing Making Housing and Community
Happen(MHCH)
Bert Newton, representing MHCH
Mark Jomsky reported four letters supporting the staff's and EdTech's recommendations to allow remote and in-person public comments at City Council and commission/committee meetings that meet regularly in the Council Chamber, which were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted on-line, and made part of the public record.
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City Advisory Bodies
Council Minutes
Councilmember Masuda expressed his concerns with public comment going beyond pre-Covid participation, noting his preference for in-person public comment only, stating the importance of having speakers participate in-person.
Phillip Leclair, Chief Information Officer Information Technology, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item; and all responded to questions.
Councilmember Hampton, Chair of the Economic Development and Technology Committee (EdTech) summarized the discussion and the Committee's support for the staffs recommendation.
Vice Mayor Williams requested that speaking order priority consider those individuals that participate in-person vs. individuals participating remotely.
Councilmember Madison advocated for each Chair of each
legislative body be authorized to determine speaking order when it comes to public comment in-person vs. virtual, given the many different variables for each individual speaker (e.g., single working parent, student speaker, etc.), stating his preference that the City Council should not micromanage meeting process for all bodies.
Following discussion, the City Attorney stated that City Councill can establish rules and such rules would be followed by the Committees and City Council.
Mayor Gordo suggested that the default would be to allow people who are present at the meeting to speak first, with the understanding that the legislative body Chair has the flexibility/discretion to step outside of that priority based on individual meeting circumstances.
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, shared that public comment cards can be submitted online through the public comment portal, prior to or on the day of the meeting (portal is open to the public after the agenda is posted online and via QR code in the Chamber on the meeting day). He also noted that hardcopy cards can be submitted to staff in the Chamber during the meeting.
RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO RENEW THE PASADENA
TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (PTBID)
(Pasadena Center Operating Co.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the Resolution of Intention proposed in the agenda report is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), there is no possibility for causing a significant effect on the environment;
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Council Minutes
(2) Adopt a Resolution of Intention to renew the Pasadena Tourism Business Improvement District; and (Resolution No. 9980) (3) Set a public meeting on March 6, 2023, and a public hearing on March 27, 2023, 5:30 p.m. to renew the PTBID and the levy of assessments on lodging businesses.
The following individuals provided comments on the agenda item and spoke in opposition to the agenda item:
Bryant Mathews, Pasadena resident
Carolyn Sykes, representing Pasadena Home Sharing
Mark Jomsky reported two letters advocating for the City Council to postpone consideration of the agenda item to provide additional time for members of the Pasadena Home Sharing Network to raise awareness regarding this item and/or requesting that the PTBID exclude short term rentals; and one letter in opposition to the agenda item, which were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted on-line, and made part of the public record.
Mayor Gordo provided the background of the PTBID process, reasons for the inclusion of home sharing/short term rentals as part of the PTBID, noting that such adjustments were made to address the equity of everyone paying into services that would help make it attractive to visit Pasadena.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's questions regarding streamlining the process for the home sharing network, Assistant City Manager Reyes stated that the City has an existing contract with Airbnb to collect the money for home sharing property-owners, which will be amended to include the PTBID cost, which is about 70% of all home sharing properties in the City. He noted that staff has reached out to VRBO in terms of establishing a contract with that network, and is still awaiting a response.
Mayor Gordo asked that staff continue its efforts to monitor the platforms to ensure compliance.
Vice Mayor Williams noted that there will be another opportunity for the public to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas on the matter.
She asked staff to reach out to the home sharing groups to inform them of this opportunity, the current process, and to provide them an opportunity to give public comment at the meeting on March 6, 2023, and the public hearing on March 27, 2023.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to approve the remaining consent items noted above, Item 3 (Contract award to Golden Sun Enterprise, Inc ... ), Item 5 (Approval of in-person and remote public comment participation ... ) and Item 6 (Resolution of intention to renew the 7 02/06/2023
PUBLIC HEARING
Councilmember Lyon
recused himself at 6: 11
p.m., due to a potential
conflict and left the
meeting.
Council Minutes
Pasadena Tourism Business Improvement District ... ) on the Consent Calendar. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None) PUBLIC HEARING: MAYFIELD JUNIOR SCHOOL MASTER
PLAN - 405 SOUTH EUCLID AVENUE (Planning Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed Master Plan in the agenda report is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the guidelines of the State California Environmental Quality Act, Sections 15302 Replacement or Reconstruction and 15314: Minor Addition to Schools;
(2) Adopt the Findings (Attachment A of the agenda report) to approve the Mayfield Junior Master Plan with the Conditions of Approval in Attachment B of the agenda report; and
(3) Adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Pasadena approving a 10-year, four-phase Master Plan for Mayfield Junior School. (Resolution No. 9981)
Recommendation of the Planning Commission: The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on December 7, 2022, received a staff recommendation, and took public comment. During the meeting, two members of the public spoke, expressing concerns over traffic and construction.
During the meeting Planning Commissioners asked for additional clarification on phasing, attendance at the community meeting, and the development standards set by the proposed Master Plan. During deliberation Planning Commissioners discussed topics including transparency and communication to the neighborhood related to construction and the school revisiting onsite circulation related to school pickup and drop-off to minimize on-street traffic conflicts.
Following deliberation, the Planning Commission, by a vote of 8-0, recommended that the City Council approve the staff
recommendation, along with additional recommendations as outlined below.
(1) A condition of approval requiring that the applicant further study the onsite circulation and ingress and egress to the underground parking garage to minimize on-street traffic conflict.
(2) A condition of approval that Mayfield Junior School notify residents of upcoming construction, within a 1000-foot radius of the school, and provide the approved Construction Staging and Traffic Management Plan, the hours of construction, and a contact with the school to report issues and concerns related to construction. This information shall also be provided on the school's website and newsletter.
(3) Modify Condition of Approval #24 to include Euclid Avenue; correcting a typo.
(4) A condition of approval recommending that the school endeavor, to the extent feasible, to overlap the phases to minimize construction time.
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OLD BUSINESS
Councilmember Lyon
returned to the meeting.
Council Minutes
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, opened the public hearing; reported that copies of the public hearing notice were mailed and posted on January 23, 2023; and reported two letters expressing concerns with the staff recommendation, including minimal public input on the matter, waiver of environmental review, and/or the omission of the required study of onsite circulation issues in the proposed resolution, which were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted on-line, and made part of the public record.
Jennifer Paige, Interim Director of Planning, introduced the agenda item, and Melanie Hall, Associate Planner, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item; and all responded to questions.
Simone Johnston, Pasadena resident, expressed her support, along with the members of the Mayfield Board of Trustees, to support the proposed project and further cement Mayfield's long standing relationship with the City.
It was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by Vice Mayor Williams, to close the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Lyon)
Mayor Gordo asked staff to consider the concerns that were raised in the written comments and communications received from neighbors, in terms of both the renovation as well as long-term pick up and drop off plans.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Councilmember Lyon)
CONTRACT AWARD TO GRUEN ASSOCIATES FOR
PREPARATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT AND
PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE CENTRAL
LIBRARY SEISMIC RETROFIT AND RENOVATIONS PROJECT
FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $6,104,109
(Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find the contract proposed in the agenda report to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines in accordance with Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15061 (b)(3), the General Rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as the result of a competitive selection process specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Gruen Associates for
Preparation of the Environmental Document and Professional Design Services for the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and 9 02/06/2023
Renovations project for a total amount not-to-exceed $6,104,109 which includes the base contract amount of $5,779,109 and a contingency of $325,000 to provide for any necessary additional services. Competitive bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F) (contracts for professional or unique services). (Contract No. 32526)
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, reported one letter in support of the staff recommendation was received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted on-line, and made part of the public record.
Tony Olmos, Director of Public Works, provided a brief overview of the staff memo in response to City Council request for cost information, and responded to questions.
Councilmember Hampton expressed his support for the staff recommendation. He recommended that in the future, if there is a Pasadena-based firm, that they be given an opportunity to interview.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Jones, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
ORDINANCE - SECOND Adopt "AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
READING PASADENA APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
PASADENA AND FULLER SEMINARY TO IMPLEMENT FULLER
SEMINARY'S MASTER PLAN" (Introduced by Councilmember
Jones) (Ordinance No. 7410)
BRIEF REPORTS FROM
REPRESENTATIVES/RE
QUEST FOR FUTURE
AGENDA ITEMS
Council Minutes
The above ordinance was adopted by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Lyon, Madison,
Masuda, Rivas, Vice Mayor Williams, Mayor Gordo
None
None
None
Mayor Gordo reported that he met with the Southern California Gas Company (SoCal), along with the Assistant City Manager David Reyes and PWP General Manager Sidney Jackson, regarding recent high natural gas prices. He reported that SoCal Gas pointed to high demand and short supplies, stated that the infrastructure work in Texas has been completed, which should help with some relief; noted that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold a meeting on the recent high costs for nature gas; informed the community that assistance is available through the United Way of Greater Los Angeles; noted the availability of Level Pay Plans through SoCal gas to ensure bills are more predictable. He stated 10 02/06/2023
ADJOURNMENT
Council Minutes
that one area that the City can follow up on is the money that is set aside by SoCal Gas to assist consumers with price spikes in the market, and suggested the Legislative Policy Committee to address that issue with the City's state elected officials in hopes the City can submit a proposal and lead the way in advocating for more than just $25 million held in reserves for those in need of assistance , since that amount seems insufficient for all of Southern California .
Vice Mayor Williams asked staff to provide this information in the City Manager 's Weekly Newsletter , along with the report from CPUC En Banc discussion, stating she has received a lot of emails regarding the issue of high natural gas bills; and asked whether SoCal Gas addressed any impacts resulting from Aliso Canyon.
Councilmember Madison, Chair of the Legislative Policy Committee, stated he is happy to add this matter to the Committee's agenda.
Mayor Gordo stated the need for Pasadena to assist community members in signing up for assistance programs, by sending out the link(s) to such programs members of the City Council and/or their constituents.
Mayor Gordo announced and invited everyone to the 41 st Annual Black History Parade, Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. and the Mayor's State of the City Address on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine.
On order of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 6:48 p.m., in memory and solidarity with those suffering from t effect of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Syria and Turkey.
V .
City of Pasa ena
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