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OPENING:
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
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PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
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CIT/ OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
May 13, 2024-5:30 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:38 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Lyon. (Absent: Vice Mayor Madison)
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Steve Madison (arrived at 5:58 p.m.)
CouncilmemberTyron Hampton
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Councilmember Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Felicia Williams
City Manager Miguel Marquez
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
City Clerk Jomsky administered the oath of office to Joan Julia Branin as the At Large/District 7 nominee Pasadena Library Commissioner.
Mayor Gordo presented certificates of commendation to Blair High School champion athletes: Destiny Rayburn (Track and Field) and Ella Lesnever (Swimming), congratulating them on their athletic accomplishments. Ella Lesnever thanked the City Council for the recognition and spoke on the tremendous growth in sports at Blair High School over the past few years. Jennifer Hall Lee, PUSD Board Member, and Councilmember Hampton also expressed their
congratulations to the students, and commended PUSD and Blair hligh School for supporting students and providing opportunities for success.
David Llanes, Pasadena Police Officers Association, expressed concerns with the recent comments made by the Chair of the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) regarding the Pasadena Police Department, and requested an investigation into recent the comments and behavior.
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident, spoke on the need for oversight and change in the Pasadena Police Department.
Tommy Corralez, Pasadena Police Officers Association, advocated for the City to reconsider the proposed Rusnak Porsche dealership project in East Pasadena, noting the importance of such a business in terms of generated revenue to fund City resources and programs.
Council Minutes105/13/2024
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
Stacey Rain Strickler, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns with increases in sewer and utility rates, and urged the City Council to be transparent and accountable when considering rate increases.
Joan Chin, Pasadena resident, spoke on the need for additional maintenance/improvements the Jackie Robinson Community Center.
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident, spoke on the death of Anthony McClain and urged for police reform.
Raul Ibanez, Pasadena resident, voiced his support for the Chair of the Community Police Oversight Commission.
In response to Councilmember hlampton's inquiry regarding decorum training for all commissioners, City Attorney Bagneris reported that all commissioners receive AB1234 (Ethics) training and that starting this year, citywide commissioner trainings on a variety of matters will be implemented.
Councilmember Jones requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of the three young individuals that passed away over the weekend.
DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE
WITHIN 60 DAYS AMENDING PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTERS 2.40, 2.265, AND 2.275 TO CENTRALIZE THE CITY'S
RISK MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS WITHIN THE CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE (Office of the City Manager)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 15061(b)(3) "Common Sense"
Exemption; and
(2) Direct the City Attorney to prepare and return with an ordinance within 60 days that centralizes the City's Risk Management functions within the City Manager's Office.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO INCREASE PURCHASE
ORDER NO. 1241231 WITH 72 HOUR LLC (DBA: CHEVROLET OF
WATSONVILLE/NATIONAL AUTO FLEET GROUP) BY $6,947
(Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that this action in the agenda report is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; (2) Authorize the City Manager to increase purchase order with 72 Hour LLC (72 Hour) for an additional $6,947 (includes 15% contingency) for the purchase of one Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck. Competitive Bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Council Minutes205/13/2024
Section 1002(1-1) contracts with other governmental entities or their contractors; and
(3) Grant the proposed increase to the purchase order an exemption from the Competitive Selection Process pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code Section 4.08.49(B), Contracts for which the City's best interest are served.
ADOPT ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
(SB1) PROJECT LIST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 (Public Works Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed actions in the agenda report 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 a resolution approving of the Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB1) project list for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. (Resolution No. 10046)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO A REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH ONE
ARROYO FOUNDATION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
ARROYO SECO TRAIL PROJECT (Public Works 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; and
(2) Authorize City Manager to enter into a reimbursement agreement with One Arroyo Foundation for the implementation of the Arroyo Seco Trail Project and reimbursement from One Arroyo Foundation in an amount up to $1,000,000 for project expenditures. (Contract No. 24,006)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AND THE
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
ISSUANCE OF THE ELECTRIC REVENUE/REFUNDING BONDS
2024A SERIES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $125,000,000
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT (Office of the City Manager) 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) as defined in Section 21065 of CEQA and Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required for the project;
(2) Adopt a Resolution authorizing the invitation of bids for the purchase of Electric Revenue/Refunding Bonds, 2024A Series of said city, approving a notice of intention to sell bonds, a preliminary official statement, a notice inviting bids, authorizing the publication of a notice Council Minutes305/13/2024
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City Clerk/ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED
of intention to sell bonds, and authorizing certain other actions in connection therewith (Resolution No. 10047); and
(3) Conduct the first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE BY THE CITY OF NOT
TO EXCEED $125,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
CITY OF PASADENA ELECTRIC REVENUE/REFUNDING BONDS,
2024A SERIES, PAYABLE OUT OF THE LIGHT AND POWER FUND,
AND APPROVING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN
ELEVENTH SUPPLEMENT TO ELECTRIC REVENUE BOND FISCAL
AGENT AGREEMENT AND A CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH". (Discussed and
considered concurrently with Item No. 14, including for public comment purposes.)
April 29,2024Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and Pasadena Unified School District
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
Claim No. ClaimantClaim Amount
2024-0262
2024-0263
2024-0264
2024-0265
Elisa Jacobs Nixon
Rene Zavala
Debbie Nickleberry
Ronald Yoder
$517.50
852.83
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
City Clerk Jomsky reported that 1 letter related to Item 1 expressing opposition to the staff recommendation to move risk management functions to the City Manager's Office, and 1 letter related to Item 4 expressing concerns with the One Arroyo Foundation's lack of transparency regarding revenues and financial processes, were received by the City Clerk's office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record.
Yadi, residence not stated, expressed opposition to the staff recommendation for Item 1, and expressed concerns with the size and organizational structure of the City Manager's Office.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding Risk Management structures in the City, City Attorney Bagneris stated that Workers' Compensation oversight is handled by the Human Resources Department, and Liability and Claims matters are handled by the City Attorney's Office. City Manager Marquez stated that moving Risk Management to the City Manager's Office would improve risk management practices by providing a direct line to the City Manager, noting the rising costs for insurance and the increased impact this has had on City finances and budgeting.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding the addition of local Native American representation on the One Arroyo Foundation ("Board"), Board Member Cynthia Kurtz stated that the Council Minutes405/13/2024
MOTION:
ORDINANCES - FIRST
READING
[
PUBLIC HEARING
Councilmember Rivas left
the dais at 6:23 p.m.
Board has reached out to local tribal representatives, and offered to include them on the Board, as well as provide other opportunities for engagement and inclusion. She reported that the Board will update the City Manager and identify the best way to communicate with the City Council regarding this matter.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Masuda, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar. (Motion unanimously approved.) (Absent: None) Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE BY THE CITY OF NOT
TO EXCEED $125,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
CITY OF PASADENA ELECTRIC REVENUE/REFUNDING BONDS,
2024A SERIES, PAYABLE OUT OF THE LIGHT AND POWER FUND,
AND APPROVING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN
ELEVENTH SUPPLEMENT TO ELECTRIC REVENUE BOND
FISCAL AGENT AGREEMENT AND A CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH" (Discussed and
considered concurrently with Item No. 5, including for public comment purposes.)
The ordinance above was offered by Councilmember Hampton.
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Lyon, Masuda,
Williams, Rivas, Vice Mayor Madison, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
AWARD OF NON-EXCLUSIVE POLICE TOWING FRANCHISES
AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION CONDUCT FIRST READING OF
AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE (Police Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda repot is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 21065 and within the meaning of Sections 15060(c) and 15378(b); and
(2) Following a Public Hearing, (a) conduct first reading of an uncodified ordinance awarding non-exclusive police towing franchises to: A-Car Auto Repair Services; Henry's Towing and Recovery; M&M Action Towing; and Dickson Motor Services (b) authorize the City Manager to execute franchise agreements with these entities for a term of one year, with annual renewal options of up to four additional one- year terms, subject to the approval of the City Manager. (Discussed and considered concurrently with Item No. 13, including for public comment purposes.)
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MOTION:
MOTION:
ORDINANCE - FIRST
READING
[:
PUBLIC HEARINGS
City Clerk Jomsky reported that there was a clerical error in the title of the public hearing and noted the following correction, "ADOPTION-OF RESOLUTION CONDUCT FIRST READING OF AN^UNCODIFIED
ORDINANCE".He reported
the Pasadena
that the public hearing notice was
Press on April 22, 2024, and nopublished in
correspondence was received for this item.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Masuda, to close the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Rivas)
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Vice Mayor Madison, to approve staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Rivas)
Conduct first reading of "AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF PASADENA GRANTING NON-EXCLUSIVE POLICE
TOWING FRANCHISES" (Discussed and considered concurrently with Item No. 8, including for public comment purposes.) The ordinance above was offered by Councilmember Hampton.
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Lyon, Masuda,
Williams, Vice Mayor Madison, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Rivas
ABSTAIN: None
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: APPROVAL OF RECOMMENDED
REFUSE COLLECTION RATE ADJUSTMENTS (Public Works Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is not a project as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Public Resources Code Sections 21065, 21080(b)(8) and State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, subd. (a) and (b)(4), and that even if it were a project, the proposed refuse fee increases are statutorily exempt pursuant to Section 15273 (Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges) under State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, is not subject to environmental review;
(2) Open a Public Hearing to receive public comment on the recommended Refuse Collection rate adjustments from FY 2025 through 2029;
(3) Consider all protests against the proposed Refuse Collection rate adjustments;
(4) Close the Public Hearing and approve the recommended Refuse Collection rate adjustments, or provide alternate direction; and (5) Adopt a resolution amending the General Fee Schedule to increase the Refuse Collection rates and add new rates as described in the agenda report to become effective on July 1 , 2024, or as soon as practicable thereafter. (Resolution No. 10048)
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Councilmember Rivas
returned to the dais at
6:26 p.m.
City Clerk Jomsky announced the reopening of the continued public hearing, reported that the notice for the public hearing was mailed on February 21, 2024, and stated that 270 letters in opposition to the refuse rate increase and/or providing comments on the matter, 1 letter advocating for the City Council to consider the combined impact of all utility rate increases, and 1 letter in support of the staff recommendation, were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for th is item.
Tony Olmos, Public Works Director, provided introductory comments for the item, and introduced Thanos Gauthier, Public Works Administrator, and Mona Bond, Management Analyst, who reviewed the agenda report and proposed rate structure increases as part of a Powerpoint presentation. David Davis, MSW Consultants, presented various scenarios of the proposed refuse collection rate adjustments.
Rose Malmberg, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns that the notices mailed to residents were inadequately marked to inform them of the proposed rate increase, and advocated for the item to be tabled until the public was made aware of the increases.
Jesus Rojas, Pasadena resident, urged the City Council to delay the utility rate increases and delay full funding of City refuse reserves, citing the circumstances that rental housing providers are facing after the pandemic.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding proposed increases under Scenarios 3 and 4 detailed in the staff report and presentation, Director Olmos provided a rate comparison of the two scenarios and explained the projected revenues and resulting reserve fund balances for each instance.
Councilmember Hampton moved to approve Scenario 4, advocating that it maintains adequate reserves until 2029, which will then prompt future discussion/evaluation of the rates. The motion failed due to lack of second.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's comments, City Manager Marquez clarified that two changes were built into the proposed rate structure: the addition of a CPI to allow for increases over time, and the ability to revisit the rate structure every 5 years, starting in 2030.
In response to Councilmember Masuda's inquiry regarding the external factors impacting rate increases, Director Olmos stated that rising costs of labor and materials are negatively affecting the sustainability of the reserve balance, an emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate reserves to allow the City to respond to emergency issues and prepare for unforeseeable situations.
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Councilmember Williams
left the dais at 7:38 p.m.
MOTION:
Councilmember Williams
returned at 7:40 p.m.
MOTION:
j
REPORTS AND
COMMENTS FROM
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Legislative Policy
Committee
Councilmember Jones left
the dais at 7:41 p.m.
Councilmember Williams stated her disappointment that so many utility rate increases are occurring at the same time, but stated her support for the proposed increases, which are necessary to preserve the City's ability to collect the City's refuse.
Councilmember Lyon and Mayor Gordo suggested that the Municipal Services Committee discuss the timing of rate structure adjustments, potentially on a staggered basis, to avoid having to increase multiple utility rate structures at the same time.
Councilmembers Jones and Hampton advocated for increased advertisements of available discounts for seniors, as well as other promotions for low-income residents, to help offset some of the rate structure increases.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Masuda, to close the public hearings. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Williams)
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to approve the staff recommendation, amended to refer to the Municipal Services Committee a discussion to review the timing of all rate structures, so that smaller increases occur more regularly and gradually over time, and to determine the feasibility of staggering rate reviews and increases so as to avoid having so many increases occur all at once.
AYES: Councilmembers Jones, Lyon, Masuda, Rivas, Williams, Vice Mayor Madison, Mayor Gordo
NOES: Councilmember Hampton
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
AMENDMENT TO RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REULES AND REGULATION TO ALLOW CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
TO SERVE THREE CONSECUTIVE TERMS (PRCS Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find the action proposed in the agenda report is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Section 21065 and State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(2) and (c)(3), and 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines; and (2) At the request of the Recreation and Parks Commission, approve and file the proposed amendment to the Rules and Regulations for the Recreation and Parks Commission per Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) 2.100.080, as set forth in Attachment B of the agenda report, extending the number of terms the Chair and Vice Chair are allowed to serve consecutively from two to three years.
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MOTION:
Councilmember Jones
returned to the dais of
7:44 p.m.
MOTION:
Municipal Services
Committee
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Jones)
APPROVAL OF THE FEDERAL & STATE LEGISLATIVE
PLATFORMS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024 (Office of the City
Manager)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 21065 and within the meaning of Sections 15060(c) and 15378(b); and
(2) Approve the Federal Legislative Platform and the State Legislative Platform for calendar year 2024.
Bert Newton, Pasadena resident, spoke on the ongoing
humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and advocated for divestment of City investments supporting arms dealers.
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Williams, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH NEWGEN
STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS, LLC FOR ELECTRIC COST-OF-
SERVICE ANALYSIS AND RATE DESIGN SERVICES ("ELECTRIC
RATE STUDY") FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $258,042 FOR
THE WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT (Water & Power 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 ofCEQA 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; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to enter a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process, as specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC ("NewGen") for an amount not-to-exceed $258,042, which includes a base contract amount of $215,035 and a contingency of $43,007, to provide for any necessary change orders, for two years, with two optional one-year extensions, at no additional cost. (Contract No.32932)
Recommendation of the Municipal Services Committee: On April 23, 2024, with one member absent, the Municipal Services Committee ("MSC") unanimously approved the staff recommendation to the City Council with clarification that a written authorization notice will be issued for each task/phase in the scope of work.
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MOTION:
INFORMATION ITEM
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David Reyes, Acting General Manager, recognized Jennifer Guess Mayo as the new Assistant General Manager for External Affairs and Lobbying, provided introductory remarks for the item and introduced Lynn Chaimowitz, Assistant General Manager, who reviewed the agenda report as part of a Powerpoint presentation, and responded to questions.
It was moved by Councilmember Williams, seconded by
Councilmember Hampton to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
PROPOSAL FROM COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMMISSION AND INDEPENDENT POLICE AUDITOR FOR
CHARTER AMENDMENT TO ALLOW INDEPENDENT POLICE
AUDITOR TO HAVE INPUT IN SWORN POLICE OFFICER
PERSONNEL MATTERS (City Attorney's Office)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
This report is intended to provide information to the City Council regarding a proposed Charter Amendment from the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) and Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), to allow the IPA to have input in sworn police officer personnel matters.
No formal action is required at this time, but the City Council may give direction to staff as desired.
Michele Beal Bagneris, City Attorney/City Prosecutor, introduced the item, and Javan Rad, Chief Assistant City Attorney, and Dr. Richard Rosenthal, Independent Police Auditor, reviewed the agenda report as part of a Powerpoint presentation, including pros and cons of implementing an IPA with/without direct input on sworn police officer personnel matters, and the proposed enhancements for the complaints process. Esprit Jones, Chair of the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), stated that the Commission has been
considering ways to improve existing processes, noting that the Commission is not being utilized to the full extent, citing the complaint handling process as an example.
Councilmember Masuda expressed concerns regarding earlier comments made during public comment on matters not on the agenda regarding reported conduct at CPOC meetings, and stated his support for an investigation to ensure that Commission meetings are being properly conducted. City Attorney Bagneris stated that the matter raised during public comment is separate from this agenda item.
Vice Mayor Madison stated the following, "I think it is pretty well known that I am engaged to Juliana Serrano, who is a member of the [Community Police Oversight Commission]. I have consulted with the City Attorney. I don't have a conflict. And I am going to participate." Council Minutes1005/13/2024
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Vice Mayor Madison emphasized the need for the City Council to support and maintain the morale of the Police Department, and cautioned that the proposal may have more cons than pros. In response to Vice Mayor Madison's questions and concerns, Dr.
Rosenthal stated that the IPA is required to maintain confidentiality on personnel matters and work with the Police Department to ensure appropriate handling of cases and personnel investigations.
Councilmember Rivas spoke in support of the proposal, stating that the IPA would provide the Police Chief with additional resources and information, allowing for more comprehensive and informed decisions on Police matters in real time.
Councilmember Williams expressed opposition to the proposal stating that the actual problem is not clearly identified, noting that the effectiveness of the CPOC is still yet to be determined, and suggested that prior to making any changes to the current oversight structure, the City Council receive a progress report from the CPOC on their actions and work plan.
In response to Councilmember Jones' inquiry regarding
implementation of the IPA's recommendations, Dr. Rosenthal stated that once an investigation is complete, the IPA will provide recommendations, however, since the Police Chief makes the final decision, the recommendations may or may not be incorporated.
Discussion ensued regarding the role of a moderator in formal investigations, the process of conducting investigations, the final review of investigations by the IPA, and the impacts of required collective bargaining negotiations necessary before implementing any of the suggested changes in roles.
The following individuals provided public comment on the matter:
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident, advocated for the use of technology and increased authority of the CPOC to provide oversight to the Pasadena Police Department.
Tommy Corralez, Pasadena Police Officers Association,
expressed opposition to the proposal to restructure the role of the IPA, stating that proposed change hinders operations, negatively affects employee morale, and would cause Police Officers to seek employment elsewhere.
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident, spoke in support of the proposed changes to the IPA and the importance of holding police officers accountable.
Council Minutes1105/13/2024
Keith Gomez, Pasadena Police Lieutenants Association, spoke in opposition to the proposal and stated that other mechanisms are already in place that provide sufficient transparency and oversight to the Police Department.
Raul Ibanez, Pasadena resident, urged members of the City Council to attend CPOC meetings to increase their awareness of the matters discussed by the Commission, and spoke in support of the proposal.
hleavenly Hughes, My Tribe Rise, expressed concerns pertaining to the additional costs of a contracted IPA, and the possible increased delay of investigation results due to the additional layer of oversight.
Yadi, residence not stated, noted that the CPOC meetings are recorded and available for viewing online for members of the City Council to view, and advocated that implementing the proposed changed role of the IPA could help with the City's risk management.
Florence Annang, Community Police Oversight Commissioner, spoke on the outputs and the work of the CPOC, and all of the Commission's accomplishments since its establishment.
Councilmember Lyon spoke in support of continuing to explore the proposed involvement of the IPA during personnel investigations, noting that such a change may benefit the Police Department, as well as the public, by bringing an outside perspective to the process, who's confidentiality would also serve to protect the rights and morale of Police Officers.
Mayor Gordo expressed concerns regarding the proposed addition of the IPA into personnel matters, and cautioned that once an IPA becomes increasingly involved in decision-making and guidance of internal affairs, the IPA's independence will dimmish from the public's perspective as cases get resolved.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's comments and concerns, Chief Assistant City Attorney Rad clarified that the IPA would only be able to communicate with City Council whether or not an investigation was thorough, fair, or impartial, without disclosing privileged information and ensuring reflection of the Pritchett Statute in the confidentiality of the matter.
It was noted by Councilmember Hampton that due to meet and confer requirements, there was insufficient time for such a proposal to go through the negotiation process with the Police Unions and still make the deadlines for placing such a Charter Amendment measure on the 2024 ballot for voters to consider. He further stated a measure could Council Minutes1205/13/2024
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ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
be placed on the November 2026 ballot, if necessary, which would provide ample time for meet and confer/other negotiation requirements.
Councilmember Rivas requested that the Public Safety Committee further review the three options for implementing the IPA, as listed in the staff report.
By order of the Mayor, and consensus of the City Council, the information was received and filed.
On order of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 9:40 p.m., in memory of Moheb Samuel, Stephan Pfeiffer, and a third individual who has not yet been identified, as well as the other young adults and school-aged victims that survived the tragic traffic ^^cident over the weekend.
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Vict^fM. Go?do, Mayo.f
City of Pasadena
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