OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Vice Mayor Williams
arrived at 4:54 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
July 17, 2023-4:30 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 4:31 p.m. to discuss the following closed session: (Absent: Councilmember Hampton and Vice Mayor Williams)
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Miguel Marquez and
Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organization: Pasadena Management Association
(PMA)
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Miguel Marquez and
Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organization: Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
The above closed session items were discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 5:38 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Jones. (Absent: Councilmember Hampton)
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Felicia Williams
Councilmember Tyron Hampton (Arrived at 7:33 p.m.)
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Councilmember Jessica Rivas
City Manager Miguel Marquez
Chief Assistant City Attorney Javan Rad
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Mayor Gordo presented a certificate of recognition to Dr. Sandra E.
Thomas, for her lifelong commitment to Pasadena, with over 40 years of effective community service, commitment to teaching, developing and mentoring students, and dedication to the betterment of the City. Dr. Thomas thanked the Mayor and City Council Minutes107/17/2023
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Council for the recognition, and spoke fondly of her work in Pasadena.
Mayor Gordo and Coach Joe Blackman recognized Mia Reid of La Salle College Preparatory School upon placing 8th in the Girls 100 Hurdles Varsity event at the 2023 GIF California State Track & Field Championship Finals, named San Gabriel Valley Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year and earned a scholarship to compete for Cal State Fullerton. Coach Btackman and the Mayor also
recognized Mia's parents, La Salle Track & Field teammates Alex Alvarez, Daniel Alvarez, and Olivia Bohanec, and other team parents.
Mayor Gordo introduced the 3rd Annual Robert Gorski Access Award; and invited Andrea Jennings, Chair of the Accessibility and Disability Commission, to provide introductory comments on the inaugural Robert Gorski Access Award to E.R. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz thanked the City for the award and recognition.
The following individuals spoke on the need for accountability and transparency within the Pasadena Police Department (PPD); and/or advocated for utilizing bodycam footage and other video sources as part of the investigative process for critical incidents:
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident
Jose Munoz, Residence not stated, spoke on an incident concerning a vehicle he purchased from a fellow City coworker.
AUTHORIZATION TO AMEND CONTRACT NO. 31342 WITH
HERITAGE CLINIC TO EXTEND THE TERM AND INCREASE THE
TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT BY $1,031,000 AND ISSUE
SIX PURCHASE ORDERS TO EXTEND EXISTING SERVICES
TOTALING $406,000 FOR THE TRANSITIONAL AGE YOUTH
(TAY) LINK AND GERIATRIC EMPOWERMENT MODEL (GEM)
LINK PROGRAMS (Health Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 21065 of CEQA and Sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3), and 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required for the project;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to amend Contract No. 31342 with Heritage Clinic Inc., to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $1,031,000 from $2,361 ,800 to a revised amount of $3,392,800 and extend the term through December 31, 2024 for case management, housing navigation, and outreach services; (Contract No. 31342-4) Council Minutes207/17/2023
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(3) Authorize the City Manager to issue purchase orders to extend existing services with the following organizations through June 30, 2024:
a. Ace Construction and Maintenance Inc., for an additional amount not-to-exceed $50,000 in Fiscal Year ("FY") 2024 for a grand total of $105,400 for facility maintenance and repair services;
b. Acme Auto Leasing, LLC for an additional amount not-to- exceed $25,000 in FY2024 for a grand total of $98,572 for vehicle leases;
c. LivHome Inc. (DBA Arosa), f or an additional amount not- to-exceed $96,000 in FY2024 for a grand total of $189,483 for homemaker services;
d. Select Patrol Agency Inc., for an additional amount not-to- exceed $82,000 in FY2024 for a grand total of $337,527 for security services; and
e. William Scotsman Inc., for an additional amount not-to- exceed $75,000 in FY2024 for a grand total of $140,445 for modular office trailer lease;
(4) Authorize the City Manager to issue a purchase order with Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Inc., for an additional amount not- to-exceed $78,000 in FY2024 for a grand total of $1 33,000 for leased office space and to grant an exemption for competitive bidding pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(E)(Contracts relating to the acquisition of real property); and
(5) To the extent these actions could be considered separate procurements subject to the Competitive Selection Process, it is recommended that the City Council grant exemptions pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) Section 4.08.049(B), contracts for which the City's best interests are served.
REJECTION OF BIDS FOR CITYWIDE TREE AND STUMP
REMOVAL SERVICES (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find the project (Contract for Citywide Tree and Stump Removal 2022) is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Article 19, Section 15301 (Class 1), 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) Reject all bids received on January 17, 2023, in response to the Notice Inviting Bids for Citywide Tree and Stump Removal Services 2022.
CONTRACT AWARD TO FLOCK GROUP INC., FOR THE
LEASING AND INSTALLTION OF FIXED AUTOMATED LICENSE
PLATE READER CAMERA SYSTEM FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-
EXCEED $631,350 AND AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR
2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET (Police
Dept.)
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CONTRACT AWARDS TO REWARD STRATEGY GROUP INC.;
GALLAGHER BENEFIT SERVICES INC.; IOPREDICT INC., AND
SLOAN SAKAI YEUNG & WONG, LLP FOR CLASSIFICATION &
COMPENSATION SERVICES FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-
EXCEED $1,000,000 (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; (2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Reward Strategy Group Inc. (RSG), for Classification & Compensation services for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,000 over a three-year term with the option to extend the contract by two optional one-year extension periods. The value of each optional one-year extension period is not-to-exceed $50,000; (Contract No. 32680)
(3) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Gallagher Benefit Services Inc. (Koff & Associates), for Classification & Compensation services for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,000 over a three-year term with the option to extend the contract by two optional one-year extension periods. The value of each optional one-year extension period is not- to-exceed $50,000; (Contract No. 32681)
(4) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with ioPredict Inc., for Classification & Compensation services for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,000 over a three-year term with the option to extend the contract by two optional one-year extension periods. The value of each optional one- year extension period is not-to-exceed $50,000; and (Contract No. 32682)
(5) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Sloan Sakai Yeung & Wong, LLP for Classification & Compensation services for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,000 over a three-year term with the option to extend the contract by two optional one-year extension periods. The value of each optional one-year extension period is not-to-exceed $50,000. (Contract No. 32683)
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH IMPEX
TECHNOLOGIES INC., FOR THE PURCHASE OF NUTANIX
SERVER NODES FOR THE CITY'S BUILDING SECURITY
MANAGEMENT AND ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM (DOIT)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common-Sense" Council Minutes407/17/2023
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provision that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Accept the bid dated June 5, 2023, submitted by Impex Technologies Inc., in response to the specifications for the purchase of Nutanix 1 Node for server and data storage expansion for the building security management and access control system, reject all other bids received, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with a total not-to-exceed amount of $95,752, which includes a base contract amount of $87,048 and a ten-percent contingency.
CONTRACT AWARDS TO IOPREDICT INC.; DONNOE &
ASSOCIATES INC.; MATTHEW L. GRUVER AND COOPERATIVE
PERSONNEL SERVICES FOR TESTING & ASSESSMENT
SERVICES FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $875,000
(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; (2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with ioPredict Inc., for Testing & Assessment services for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,000 over a three-year term with the option to extend the contract by two optional one-year extension periods. The value of each optional one- year extension period is not-to-exceed $50,000; (Contract No. 32684)
(3) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Donnoe & Associates Inc., for Testing & Assessment services for a total amount not-to-exceed $75,000 over a three-year term with the option to extend the contract by two optional one-year extension periods. The value of each optional one-year extension period is not-to-exceed $25,000; (Contract No. 32685)
(4) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Matthew L. Gruver (Jack Clancy Associates) for Testing & Assessment services for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,000 over a three-year term with the option to extend the contract by two optional one-year extension periods. The value of each optional one-year extension period is not-to-exceed $50,000; and (Contract No. 32686)
(5) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS HR Consulting) for Testing & Assessment services for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,000 over a three-year term with the option to extend the contract by two optional one-year extension Council Minutes507/17/2023
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periods. The value of each optional one-year extension period is not- to-exceed $50,000. (Contract No. 32687)
Claim No. Claimant Claim Amount
2024-0004 State Farm A/S/0 Diego A. $ 1,345.08
Mechoso
2024-0005 Cari McCormick 10,000.00+
2024-0006 John Frank Marshall 631.69
2024-0007 Hripsime Bartholomew 25,000.00+
2024-0008 Law Office of Cyrus 10,000.00+
Jamehdor
It was moved by Vice Mayor Williams, seconded by Councilmember Rivas, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item 3 (Contract Award to Flock Group Inc...), which was discussed separately. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Councilmember Hampton)
CONTRACT AWARD TO FLOCK GROUP INC., FOR THE
LEASING AND INSTALLTION OF FIXED AUTOMATED LICENSE
PLATE READER CAMERA SYSTEM FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-
EXCEED $631,350 AND AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR
2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET (Police
Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the project proposed in the agenda report is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common-Sense" exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that may have an effect on the environment; (2) Accept the bid dated April 10, 2023, submitted by Flock Group Inc., in response to specifications for the leasing and installation of fixed automated license plate reader camera system in seventeen intersections; and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract which includes the bid base price of $326,350 and two one-year extensions for a not-to-exceed amount of $631,350; and (Contract No.TBD)
(3) Amend the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Capital Improvement Program Budget by appropriating $231 ,350 from the unappropriated fund balance in the Asset Forfeiture Fund 207 to the Installation of Automated License Plate Readers (75119) project to fully fund the lease purchase.
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, reported that one letter in opposition to 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 for this item.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns with the proposed contract award and urged the City Council and PPD to reduce Council Minutes607/17/2023
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Councilmember Hampton
arrived at 7:33 p.m.
the retention period of records to protect those individuals seeking reproductive freedom.
Javier Aguilar, Acting Police Commander, briefly responded to questions from Councilmembers Rivas and Lyon, stating that any changes to the pilot program will be presented to the Public Safety Committee and City Council, confirmed data obtained in relation to this contract will not be shared to third parties outside of law enforcement that uses data in investigating crimes, and briefly noted the system's traceable audit trail capabilities.
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by Vice Mayor Williams, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Hampton)
REQUEST FOR DIRECTION TO RESPOND TO CONCERNS
RELATED TO HUMAN-COYOTE INTERACTIONS (Public Health
Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3). The "Common-Sense" exemption states that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Provide direction on whether to initiate one of the identified options or an alternative option not presented in the agenda report.
Councilmember Madison spoke on the complexity of the issue. He urged everyone present to treat each other's opinions and concerns with respect, emphasizing the importance of finding effective solutions to enhance the understanding of the local coyote population, while also ensuring public safety.
Manual Carmona, Acting Director of Public Health, presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item and responded to questions.
Vice Mayor Williams stated her opposition to this matter appearing on the City Council agenda, noted her feelings towards coyote population control as animal cruelty, and stated she feels some of the options within the report are not consistent with the City's adopted Urban Wildlife Management Plan.
Mayor Gordo, as Chair of the Public Safety Committee (PSC), summarized the Committee's discussion during the June 21, 2023 PSC meeting, which aimed to address the Committee's previous request for discussion that was made during the April 19, 2023 PSC meeting. The Committee recommended staff present their follow-up report to the full City Council due to the citywide implications.
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Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, reported that for the Public Safety Committee meetings held on April 19, 2023 and June 21, 2023, the PSC received six letters advocating for the City to control coyote population and/or expressing concerns with the number of coyotes in the neighborhood; and two letters expressing concerns with the City adopting an Urban Wildlife Management Plan that could allow for the trapping and euthanizing of coyotes (4 Pasadena residents/4 residence not stated), which were distributed to the Committee, posted on-line, and made part of the public record for those items.
Additionally, City Clerk Jomsky reported that the City Clerk's Office received correspondence for the July 17, 2023 meeting as follows:
73 letters in opposition to and/or expressing concerns with the City adopting an Urban Wildlife Management Plan that allows the trapping and euthanizing of coyotes in the City; and 36 letters in support of Option # 3 of the staff recommendation and/or in opposition to trapping & euthanizing coyotes; four letters advocating for the City to trap and transport coyotes to alternate wildlife areas and/or supporting humane measures to reduce coyote interactions with people and pets; and two letters advocating for the City to trap and euthanize those coyotes that are considered problematic animals in the City (25 Pasadena residents; 21 Non-residents; 63 residence not stated; and 6 from Organizations), with all correspondence received having been distributed to the City Council, posted on-line, and made part of the public record for this item.
The following individuals provided comments on the item:
Alex Rubio, Pasadena resident
Lauren Hamlett, Pasadena resident
Nemesio Arteaga, representing Pasadena Humane
Tracy Reiman, representing PETA
Dana Levis, Pasadena resident
Lisa Lange, Pasadena resident
Steve hlackel, Pasadena resident
Francis Wang, Pasadena resident
Jennifer Perich, Pasadena resident
Ed Simpson, Pasadena resident
Robert Banner, Pasadena resident
Tim Martinez, Pasadena resident
Jane Velez-Mitchell, representing Unchained TV
Courtney Panley, West Hollywood resident
Rebecca Dmytryk, representing Human Wildlife Control
Bettina Rosmarino, Mount Washington resident
Elena Tillman, San Diego resident
Dawn Burkhardt, Pasadena resident
Matthew Duncan, Orange resident
Julie Adelson, San Pedro resident
Sam Ramirez, North Hollywood resident
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Nicole Cummins, Burbank resident
Nina Chomsky, Pasadena resident
Randi Feilich, Calabasas resident
Camilla Fox, representing Project Coyote
Jennifer Gottlieb, Pasadena resident
Milly Correa, Pasadena resident
Edward Gonzalez on behalf of Jennifer Ho, La Crescenta
resident
Andra Carlson, Pasadena resident
Maya Livio, Pasadena resident
Councilmember Lyon thanked Acting Director Carmona for the comprehensive report: and the public speakers for their comments.
He recognized that tonight's discussion has made it evident that this is a matter people genuinely care about. He emphasized the need to continue to empower residents through education and information on dealing with coyote interactions, and the need for continuing the conversation on the matter. Councilmember Lyon made a motion for staff to initiate Option 3, which includes the following recommended actions (outlined on page 8 of the agenda report):
1. Increase public outreach services.
2. Improve local coyote reporting systems.
3. Convene a panel of coyote experts to improve our collective understanding of effective approaches.
4. Hire a consultant to conduct a field study where community concerns are heightened.
5. Support residents to strengthen their properties against coyote intrusion.
Councilmember Madison voiced his support for Option 3; he emphasized that the purpose of the conversation was to address all community concerns regarding the increase in sightings of coyotes and the potential risks to the safety of the community, and stated that he believes the overall conversation was beneficial for everyone. He suggested that the City's Public Health Department form a liaison with California Fish and Wildlife agency on this issue. Furthermore, he stated that the personal and political attacks by members of the PETA organization were unnecessary and uncalled for.
Councilmember Hampton voiced his support for Option 3 and inquired about the impacts of neutering coyotes would have on their population.
Manual Carmona, Acting Director of Public Health, stated he would further seek additional information from CA Fish and Wildlife regarding the effects of neutering coyotes, as well as questions related to natural predators for coyote.
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Vice Mayor Williams thanked the public speakers for their comments. She voiced her support for Option 3, and requested the maker of the motion amend the recommendation in a way that specifically addresses the impacts in the Arroyo, utilizing the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy (AFC) data and expertise to develop solutions that are tailored to the Arroyo within the AFC study area and neighboring residence.
Councitmember Madison (as the seconder of the motion) stated he does not support Vice Mayor's request to amend the motion, as detailed above.
Manual Carmona, Acting Director of Public Health, acknowledged Vice Mayor Williams comments and stated that staff would be utilizing geographical analysis to identify areas of concerns. As the City and staff gain further understanding of the local coyote population, he expects that hotspots will become evident in the community based on complaints and concerns, which will in turn require and gain attention.
In response to Mayor Gordo comments on collaborating with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments' (SGVCOG) Coyote
Management Task Force and other local agencies on the issue of coyotes and public safety, it was agreed that staff would initiate discussions and work with other local agencies, stakeholders, and cities on the issue of coyotes and wildlife safety.
It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by
Councilmember Madison, to approve the staff recommendation and direct staff to implement Option No. 3 (incorporating the five recommendations on page 8 of the staff report, and as noted above), as well as direct City staff to initiate discussions and work with other local agencies, stakeholders, and cities on the issue of coyotes and wildlife safety. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None) On order of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjo^nsped at 8:35 p.m.
L^.^4^—
Victor M. Gordo, Mayor
City of Pasadenau
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