OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Vice Mayor Madison
arrived at 4:48 p.m.
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024-4:30 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. (Absent:
Vice Mayor Madison)
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 4:39 p.m. to discuss the following closed session item:
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Regarding
pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Persons v. City of Pasadena
Case No.: 20STCV48590
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL regarding
pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Palumbo v. City of Pasadena, et al.
LASC Case No.: 23AHCV01311
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
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Staff:
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Miguel Marquez and Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organization: Non-Rep Non-Management, Non-Rep
Management, and Non-Rep Executive Management
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 5:51 p.m.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Masuda.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Steve Madison
Councilmember Tyron Hampton
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Councilmember Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Felicia Williams (arrived at 6:35 p.m.)
City Manager Miguel Marquez
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Council Minutes107/08/2024
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
Mayor Gordo issued a proclamation declaring July 19, 2024 as Parks and Recreation Professionals Day, and the month of July 2024 as "National Parks and Recreation Month" and "Parks Make Life Better Month." He spoke on the importance of parks and recreation in building stronger and healthier communities, promoting wellness, and maintaining parks. Lola Osborne, Kenny James, Mel Alonzo, and Jennifer Colby, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department and shared details for the upcoming Parks After Dark program activities.
Jessica Alvarenga, SoCal Gas, introduced herself as the new Public Affairs Manager covering Pasadena and surrounding cities.
Adriana Bautista, Pasadena resident, spoke on the shooting of Kendrec McDade and the need for police reforms.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE REAL PROPERTY
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 450 NORTH LAKE AVENUE (FORMER
KAISER SITE LOCATED IN THE CITY OF PASADENA, COUNTY OF
LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS SURPLUS LAND
PURSUANT TO THE STATE SURPLUS LAND ACT (Office of the City Manager)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that adopting the proposed Resolution in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15061(b)(3) "Common Sense" exemption and State CEQA Guidelines Section 15312 (surplus government property sales); and (2) Adopt a Resolution declaring that Real Property owned by the City of Pasadena located in the City of Pasadena at 434-470 North Lake Avenue and identified as APN 5732-017- 017 and 5732-017-018 (Property), as Surplus Land pursuant to the Surplus Land Act, and taking related actions. (Resolution No. 10060)
Michelle White, Affordable Housing Services, urged the City Council to dedicate the Kaiser property to affordable housing, especially for unhoused individuals.
Adrians Bautista, Pasadena resident, urged for the surplus property to be used for housing the homeless population in the City, and suggested gathering input from grant funded programs to make them more successful.
APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF PASADENA AND PASADENA POLICE
LIEUTENANTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE TERM OF JULY 1, 2024 -
JUNE 30, 2028 (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; Council Minutes207/08/2024
(2) Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Pasadena (City) and the Pasadena Police Lieutenants Association (PPLA), for the term of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028 (Contract No. 24,041); and
(3) Adopt a Resolution authorizing tax deferral of member paid contributions to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) for Pasadena Police Lieutenants Association (PPLA) employees with membership in CalPERS. (Resolution No.10061)
ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PRE-TAX TREATMENT OG
COST-SHARING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC
EMPLOYEE'S RETIREMENT SYSTEM PAID BY MEMBERS OF THE
PASADENA POLICE LIEUTENANTS ASSOCIATION, UNDER
SECTION 414(H)2 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (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 to authorize the pre-tax treatment of cost- sharing contributions paid by members of the Pasadena Police Lieutenants Association to the California Public Employees' Retirement System. (Resolution No. 10062)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
WITH THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS FOR
THE PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS GRANT FUNDS (Police
Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the project proposed herein is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; (2) Modify the prior contract authorization with the State of California Office of Traffic Safety for accepting of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) and the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Funds to reflect the City Manager's authority to contract with the San Diego Association of Governments for the Project Safe Neighborhoods grant. (Contract No. 24,045)
In response to Vice Mayor Madison's inquiry regarding the nexus between San Diego and Pasadena, Lieutenant Sam De Sylva reported that the San Diego Association of Governments was offering the grant to all law enforcement agencies throughout the state to reduce violence.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
WITH LAYNE CHRISTENSEN COMPANY TO PROVIDE LABOR
AND MATERIALS FOR DRILLING, CONSTRUCTION, AND
TESTING OF THE EXPLORER WELL FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-
Council Minutes307/08/2024
EXCEED $2,921,442 FOR THE WATER AND POWER
DEPARTMENT (Water & Power Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and
(2) Accept the bid dated May 30, 2024, submitted by Layne Christensen Company in response to Project ID: 2024-IFB-LM-043 to provide labor and materials for drilling, construction, and testing of the Explorer Well, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for an amount not-to-exceed $2,921,442, which includes the base amount of $2,540,382 and a contingency of $381,060 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 32979)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: JOINT ACTION: FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
INVESTMENT POLICY AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY (Finance
Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council and the Successor Agency to the Pasadena Community Development
Commission:
(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; and
(2) Adopt the City Treasurer's recommended Investment Policy and Investment Strategy for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (FY 2024-2025).
FINANCE COMMITTEE: QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT -
QUARTER ENDING MARCH 31, 2024 (Finance Dept.)
Recommendation: The agenda report is provided for information only; no action is required at this time.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO
PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PASADENA MUNICIPAL
CODE CHAPTER 4.08 TO ADD ALTERNATIVE PROJECT
DELIVERY METHODS CONSISTENT WITH VOTER-APPROVED
CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines 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 to amend Pasadena Municipal Code to align with the amendments to City Charter Article X - Contracts, Purchases, and Claims as further described in the agenda report.
City Council
RESIGNATIONS,
APPOINTMENT OF SHOGHIG YEPREMIAN TO THE
ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION (District 2 Nomination)
CODE
Council Minutes407/08/2024
APPOINTMENTS, &
REAPPOINTMENTS
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
MOTION:
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENT OF ANDREA EDORIA TO THE HUMAN SERVICES
COMMISSION (District 2 Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF ANN SCHEID TO THE HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION (District 6 Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF AVRAM GOLD TO THE PASADENA
COMMUNITY ACCESS CORPORATION BOARD (District 6
Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL ALBRECHT TO THE PLANNING
COMMISSION (District 6 Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF CRYSTAL ACEVES TO THE COMMISSION ON
THE STATUS OF WOMEN (District 7 Nomination)
REAPPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM R. FRANCIS TO THE CODE
ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION (District 6 Nomination)
REAPPOINTMENT OF MAURA HARRINGTON ROGGERO TO THE
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (District 6 Nomination)
REAPPOINTMENT OF SANDY GREENSTEIN TO THE HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION (District 6 Nomination)
Claim No. Claimant
2024-0298 Helgge Minassian
2024-0299 Oliver D. Simpson, Jr.
2024-0300 Linda Shephard
2024-0301 Kafshi Bennett
2024-0302 Clotilde Fournier-Factory
2024-0303 Luis Dominguez
2024-0304 William Wood Duwe
2024-0305 Melany Hall
2024-0306 Isaac William Hackett
2024-0307 Joseph Daniel Perez
2024-0308 Ligia Rodriguez
2025-0001 Lisa McFadden
2025-0002 Daesup Nathaniel Hwang
Claim Amount
$3,000.00
250.00
Not stated
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
500.00
200.00
60.53 10,000.00+
1,000.00
35,000.00+
6,000.00
2,628.53
L_.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Masuda, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Williams)
CENTRAL LIBRARY PROJECT UPDATE: COMMUNITY AND
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CONTINUED CENTRAL LIBRARY
CLOSURE (Library Dept.)
Council Minutes507/08/2024
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REPORTS AND
COMMENTS FROM
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Economic Development
and Technology
Committee
Councilmember Williams
joined the dais at 6:35
p.m.
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Recommendation: The agenda report is provided for information only; no action is required at this time.
Tim McDonald, Director of Library and Information Services, provided introductory comments and provided a presentation on the item. He discussed Library programming, public outreach efforts, feedback received from commissions and committees, and the impacts of continued Central Library closure on members of the public.
Kimberly Douglas, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding costs related to the Central Library closure, and inquired what would happen if the bond measure is not approved by voters.
Marlene Decker, Pasadena resident, expressed support for funding the Central Library earthquake retrofit and repairs project, and submitting a General Obligation Bond measure to Pasadena voters.
Robert Decker, Pasadena resident, expressed the importance of the Central Library and the access it provides to modern technology for poorer segments of the community, and expressed his support to fund the Central Library repairs project.
Following discussion, on the order of the Mayor, and consensus of the City Council, the information was received and filed.
2024 PASADENA HOMELESS COUNT RESULTS (Housing Dept.)
Recommendation: The agenda report is provided for information only; no action is required at this time.
PASADENA CONTINUUM OF CARE HOMELESSNESS PLAN YEAR
ONE PROGRESS REPORT (Housing Dept.)
Recommendation: The agenda report is provided for information only; no action is required at this time.
Items 12 and 13 were heard concurrently.
Bill Huang, Housing Director, provided introductory comments on the item, and Jennifer O'Reilly-Jones, Program Coordinator, reported on the 2024 Pasadena Homeless Count Results and the Continuum of Care Homelessness Plan progress report. She presented an annual count comparison for data from the current year and prior years, demographics of unhoused individuals, and City's support programs and initiatives. Coordinator O'Reilly-Jones also presented the Continuum of Care plan goals, successes within the first year, and 2024 projects, and responded to questions.
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In response to Councilmember Jones' inquiries regarding the sudden increase in people fleeing domestic violence and what the City is doing to address this issue, Program Coordinator O'Reilly-Jones stated that the data for 2023 could potentially be an anomaly and shared that other communities with high living expenses are also experiencing similar trends. She reported that the City currently funds a coordinator position at Union Station and the rapid rehousing programs administered by Volunteers of America, to continue to provide homeless services for domestic violence survivors.
Vice Mayor Madison emphasized the need to address homelessness and the impacts on the community, while also leading with compassion.
He spoke on the Grants Pass Supreme Court Decision and
recommended for City staff to identify approaches of implementing new ways to providing aid and resources to unhoused individuals, while also prioritizing quality of life issues for neighbors and community members impacted by homeless encampments.
In response to Councilmember Lyon's concern regarding City policy changes in the wake of Grants Pass, City Manager Marquez reported that City staff will bring information to the City Council a more comprehensive discussion on Grants Pass decision, as well as conservatorship programs for review and consideration related to any policy changes by the City Council.
Andrew Good, Pasadena resident, expressed frustrations that housing is a treated as a commodity, rather than a human right, and advocated for the City to increase zoning to provide additional housing in the City.
Rick Cole, Pasadena resident, emphasized that homelessness is an urgent matter and spoke on the need for more services from the City to keep individuals off the streets.
Adriana Bautista, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns that the City's Section 8 Program is dysfunctional since not all vouchers are utilized or accepted, and the City should do better in administering this program.
David Serri, Pasadena resident, urged the City Council to carefully look at the survey questions and data before making
determinations on the root causes of homelessness.
Michelle White, Affordable Housing Services, spoke on the need for individuals in the community to receive basic living necessities and suggested that a housing commission consisting of individuals of various backgrounds should be formed to help address the issue of homelessness.
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ORDINANCES - FIRST
READING
Jeremy Bowditch, Pasadena resident, expressed the need to build more public housing in the City and surrounding communities as a way to address homelessness.
In response to Mayor Gordo's concerns regarding regular audits of the Section 8 Housing program, Director Huang reported that households and long-term projects undergo annual recertification, and that a percentage of those files are audited annually by a third party. Mayor Gordo recommended implementing a schedule for auditing the Section 8 hlousing program to ensure that those who need resources have the ability to access such programs.
Councilmember Hampton emphasized the need to incentivize property owners to increasing participation in the Section 8 Housing program, to increase properties for those in need.
Following discussion, on the order of the Mayor, and consensus of the City Council, the information was received and filed.
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AMENDING TITLE 4, CHAPTER 4.08 OF THE
PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE, THE PURCHASING ORDINANCE"
The ordinance above was offered by Councilmember Hampton.
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Lyon, Masuda,
Rivas, Williams, Vice Mayor Madison, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AMENDING CHAPTER 6.18 OF TITLE 6 OF THE
PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A HEARING
OFFICER FORM OF ADJUDICATION FOR VICIOUS, POTENTIALLY
DANGEROUS, AND PUBLIC NUISANCE DOG HEARINGS"
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquires regarding the proposed ordinance, Mayor Gordo clarified that due to a lack of a hearing officer appeal process for adjudicating dog hearings and the complex legalities of such matters, the proposed ordinance professionalizes and increases qualifications necessary for those that preside over cases that determine whether a dog is a vicious, potentially dangerous, or public nuisance dog.
City Attorney Bagneris further clarified that the hearing procedure through a hearing officer would provide more effective due process procedures for the dog owner and those impacted by the animal. Dion O'Connell, Assistant City Attorney, stated that it is favored to have a hearing officer procedure rather than rely on members of the Code Council Minutes807/08/2024
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Clerk/ City
Attorney/ City Manager
Enforcement Commission to adjudicate these matters, noting that among other problems, it can take time to attain a quorum. Manuel Carmona, Deputy Director of Public Health, reported that in a situation where an animal is impounded due to a bite incident, they remain impounded at Pasadena Humane during the hearing and appeal process.
In response to Vice Mayor Madison's inquiry regarding scenarios where dogs may protect property, Assistant City Attorney O'Connell stated that the proposed ordinance offers exceptions and provides definitions for provoked and unprovoked attacks. He clarified that exceptions may depend on whether the dog is protecting its property and/or if someone trespasses onto private property, noting that such scenarios would not fall within the definition of an "unprovoked attack" by a dog. City Attorney Bagneris further clarified that exceptions may apply in terms of who is bitten by the dog.
Citing recent issues, Councilmember Williams requested that staff agendize the operations of commissions, and any related legal liabilities that might occur, for Closed Session discussion.
City Attorney Bagneris reported clerical changes to the proposed ordinance on Page 1, Section 6.18.010, last sentence to now read "In addition, it is declared that the owning, keeping or harboring of a potentially dangerous or vicious dog is a public fluisanee safety problem.", and on Page 12, Section 6.18.060(A) and Section
6.18.060(8) to now reference the "California Food and AgriGyltyfe Aqricultural Code".
The ordinance above, with the clerical changes incorporated, was offered by Councilmember Hampton.
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Lyon, Masuda,
Rivas, Williams, Vice Mayor Madison, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSIDERATION OF CHARTER STUDY TASK FORCE
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POSSIBLE CHARTER AMENDMENT
MEASURE(S) TO SUBMIT TO VOTERS ON THE NOVEMBER 5,
2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION BALLOT; AND DIRECTION
TO CITY STAFF ON THE PREPARATION OF ANY NECESSARY
RESOLUTIONS, AS WELL AS SUPPLEMENTAL VOTER
INFORMATION PAMPHLET
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 Section 15378(b);
Council Minutes907/08/2024
(2) Consider recommendations made by the Charter Study Task Force, and determine how to proceed on Charter Amendment and/or Administrative recommendations;
(3) Direct City staff on the preparation of any necessary resolutions to place one or more Charter Amendment measures on the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election ballot for the City of Pasadena; and (4) Direct City staff on the preparation of a separate supplemental voter information pamphlet to send to voters in the City of Pasadena for all related City of Pasadena ballot measures for the November 5,2024 General Municipal Election.
City Clerk Jomsky provided introductory remarks and presented a Powerpoint presentation on behalf of the Offices of the City Clerk, City Attorney, and City Manager. He provided overviews of the Charter Study Task Force recommendations, and responded to questions.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that 34 letters in support campaign contribution limits and/or term limits for Mayor and City Council with various comments requesting that contribution limits be included with other Charter Amendment measures to allow voters to decide, 1 letter advocating for the City Council to consider implementing rank choice voting, 1 letter in opposition to mandatory term limits, and 1 letter in support of contribution limits but against term limits, were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
The following individuals spoke in support of implementing campaign contribution limits and/or term limits by charter amendment, and/or provided various comments:
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident
Dr. Denise Robb, Pasadena resident
Victor Suarez, Pasadena resident
David Serri, Pasadena resident
Jeremy Bowditch, Pasadena resident
Andrew Good, Pasadena resident
AndyWilson, Pasadena resident
Christine Rodriguez, Pasadena resident
Lexine Lin Mackenzie, Pasadena resident
Bert Newton, Making Housing and Community Happen
Melissa Michaelson, Pasadena resident
Charlotte Bland, Pasadena resident
Ellen Finkelpearl, Pasadena resident
Karen Roberson, League of Women Voters
Jacque Robinson, Pasadena resident
Tina Fredericks, Pasadena resident
Ed Washatka, Pasadena resident
Allison Henry, Pasadena resident
Una Lee Jost, Pasdena resident
Council Minutes1007/08/2024
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Adriana Bautista, Pasadena resident, spoke on the need for Charter Amendments to benefit future generations, and called advocated for charter reform measures that would help to hold Pasadena Police Officers accountable for their actions.
The following individuals advocated for the City to transition to a ranked choice voting system and/or provided other comments:
James Maddox, Pasadena resident
Eric, residence not stated
In response to public comments made, Mayor Gordo and
Councilmember Williams clarified that prior to State limits being applied to cities, Pasadena did not have campaign contribution limits. It was also clarified some members of the City Council supported a position of non-restriction, however, in the end, the City chose to adhere to the State's established campaign contribution limits (that have been in effect since January 1, 2021), and is the current limit today.
Councilmember Rivas spoke in support of the Task Force's recommended Charter Amendment changes, which may lead to a more representative government.
City Council Vacancy Appointments
Councilmember Jones expressed concerns with the six-month district residency requirement as arbitrary. He pointed to potential barriers for residents seeking to serve on the City Council, and the unintended consequences this provision might create, and advocated that the proposed residency requirement be expanded to living in the City rather than in a specific District.
In response to Mayor Gordo's concerns that a residency requirement could limit the Council's choices to appoint a qualified member of the City, Councilmember Rivas stated that the proposed six-month district residency requirement for appointees would reassure residents that the appointee is someone from the community and understands the district.
Discussion ensued regarding the current district vacancy appointment process and the pros and cons of incorporating a residency requirement.
In response to Mayor Gordo's inquiry regarding the residency requirement for individuals in the military, City Clerk Jomsky noted that the place of voter registration could also be used to determine residency for those on temporary leave for military service.
In response to Mayor Gordo's concerns that the proposed residency requirement may restrict newer residents from participating in the local governance structure, City Attorney Bagneris reported that there have been cases where residency requirements are upheld and validated.
Council Minutes1107/08/2024
SUBSTITUTE MOTION:
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MOTION:
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Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the proposed Charter Study Task Force recommendation for an Appointment to Fill Council District Vacancies, amended as follows: "Any person seeking an appointment to a Council District vacancy shall be a resident in the district City where the vacancy occurred for not less than one hundred and eighty (180) days immediately preceding the vacancy..." AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Lyon, Masuda,
Williams, Mayor Gordo
NOES: Councilmember Rivas, Vice Mayor Madison
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Vice Mayor/ Mayor Pro Tempore
Citing concerns related to the meaning, Councilmember Rivas suggested changing the title of "Mayor Pro Tempore" to "Acting Mayor" for the proposed change to the City Charter to provide clarity to voters as to the intended role of this new position.
Councilmember Lyon expressed concern that in the event the Mayor's seat becomes vacant for an extended period of time, the Charter's existing clause that mandates five affirmative votes for an action of the City Council to be valid, would in essence require a supermajority for every action during the Mayor's vacancy. He advocated to amend the Task Force's recommendation and require a majority vote of the City Council (four affirmative votes) for any action to be valid during a vacancy in the Mayor's seat.
Following a brief discussion it was moved by Councilmember Rivas, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the proposed Charter Study Task Force recommendation for "Vice Mayor/ Mayor Pro Tempore", amended as follows: replace the proposed title of "Mayor Pro Tempore" with "Acting Mayor", include a provision: "while an Acting Mayor is serving in the role of Mayor due to Mayoral vacancy, no action of the City Council, including the adoption of ordinances, resolutions, and motions, shall be valid unless it receives the affirmative vote of four members", with the selection of Acting Mayor to occur at the same meeting that a Mayoral vacancy is declared. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
Term Limits for Mayor and Council
Councilmember Williams and Councilmember Rivas expressed support for the Task Force's recommendations stating that term limits create opportunities for new perspectives and voices on the City Council, and prevents complacency by incumbents.
Councilmember Lyon advocated to present the question of implementing term limits to the voters.
Council Minutes1207/08/2024
MOTION:
Councilmember Hampton expressed his opposition stating that term limits would not resolve the incumbency effect. He also pointed out that voters can always choose not to elect incumbents, and cited recent elections where incumbents lost their re-elections. Councilmember Hampton made a motion not to place the question regarding term limits on the ballot. Motion failed due to lack of second.
Mayor Gordo expressed concerns with term limits, noting that turnover might create instability, and cited the current diverse make-up of the City Council (in terms of representation and experience) is the result of natural turnover occurring in recent years and elections.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Rivas, to approve the Charter Study Task Force recommendations, as presented, and to submit "Term Limits for the Mayor and City Council" as a ballot measure at the November 5, 2024 General Election.
AYES: Councilmembers Jones, Lyon, Masuda, Rivas, Williams, Vice Mayor Madison
NOES: Councilmember Hampton, Mayor Gordo
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Campaign Contribution Limits
Councilmember Williams spoke in support of setting campaign contribution limits by Charter Amendment rather than by ordinance (as recommended by the Task Force) and to implement an escalator for limits.
Councilmember Rivas spoke in support of the Task Force's recommendation on Campaign Contribution Limits, stating that larger state congressional districts have limits as well.
Councilmember Jones expressed concerns that campaign contribution limits could negatively impact candidates who are struggling to raise funds, especially if running against an individual who wealthy and can self-fund.
Mayor Gordo expressed concerns that implementing campaign contribution limits would create an uneven playing field for candidates who are unable to self-fund their campaigns, and disadvantages them if they do not have residents who can freely contribute larger amounts.
Discussion ensued regarding independent expenditures, contributions from political action committees, and potential disadvantages of contribution limits in certain districts.
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Councilmember Lyon suggested that the issue of self-funded candidates could be addressed by setting a trigger limit, where if one candidate contributed more than a certain amount to their own campaign, the contribution limits would be suspended for that particular race.
Further discussion ensued regarding ways to implement a trigger limit, the viability of the mechanism in the City's elections, and first amendment rights relating to independent expenditures and self- funding.
Councilmember Williams made a substitute motion to amend the Task Force's recommendation to set the recommended limit amounts by Charter Amendment, with staff to prepare and present language regarding a trigger limit for self-funding (as described above), with enforcement of campaign contribution limits to be set by ordinance of the City Council, and to include language to incorporate escalator increases for contribution amounts over time. The motion died due to lack of second.
Following discussion, the City Council agreed to further look into the mechanism of setting a trigger limit for campaign contributions.
Vice Mayor Madison expressed concerns that establishing contribution limits by ordinance does not reflect the will of the voters, and advocated for the City Council to submit contribution limits as a Charter Amendment measure.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION:Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the Charter Study Task Force recommendations for "Campaign Contribution Limits" and to refer the matter of trigger limits for self-funded campaigns to a Council Subcommittee.
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AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Masuda, Williams,
Mayor Gordo
NOES: Councilmembers Lyon, Rivas, Vice Mayor Madison
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Lyon advocated for the Campaign Contribution Limit ordinance to be adopted as soon as possible to ensure that the Council locks in the limits recommended by the Task Force.
Discussion ensued regarding the timeline to implement the contribution limits by ordinance and how if limits are adopted by ordinance and the Charter Amendment measure is supported by voters, then the limits (and remaining provisions) would be locked in for two election cycles, which would also prohibit the incorporation of trigger limits.
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MOTION:
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MOTION:
Advisory Bodies
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance implementing the campaign contribution limits recommended by the Charter Study Task Force within 60 days.
AYES: Councilmembers Lyon, Masuda, Rivas, Williams, Vice Mayor Madison
NOES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Mayor Gordo
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Following discussions, it was moved by Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Lyon, to approve the Charter Study Task Force recommendations for "Mayor/Council Compensation" and to submit the ballot measure to voters at the November 5, 2024 General Election.
Lyon, Masuda, AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones,
Rivas, Williams, Mayor Gordo
NOES: Vice Mayor Madison
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Timing of the Mayor's Election
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the Charter Study Task Force proposed no changes for timing of the Mayor's election, Citing a provision from another city, it was moved by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to require that any sitting District Councilmember that decides to run for the Office of Mayor must resign from their District seat at the time they pursue the nomination.
Councilmember Lyon expressed concerns that if a few seated Councilmembers decided to run for Mayor under this provision, the City Council could potentially experience a number of vacancies at the same time, which would be chaotic.
Mayor Gordo expressed concerns that the suggestion was not discussed by the Charter Study Task Force and would require additional research and vetting.
Councilmember Hampton withdrew his second. Motion failed due to lack of second.
PRESENTATION OF PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD ON
RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO PASADENA FAIR AND
EQUITABLE HOUSING CHARTER AMENDMENT (ARTICLE XVIII)
AND POTENTIAL DIRECTION TO CITY STAFF TO PREPARE
NECESSARY RESOLUTIONS TO AMEND THE CITY CHARTER
(Rent Stabilization Dept.)
Council Minutes1507/08/2024
Mayor Gordo recused
himself from the item due
to a conflict of interest and
left the dais at 1 1:49 p.m.
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) Direct staff to prepare and return with necessary resolutions, subject to Council approval, of any changes to City Charter Article XVIII, as detailed in the agenda report, or any variation as directed by Council, on the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election ballot in the City of Pasadena.
Mayor Gordo thanked Tony Olmos, Director of Public Works, for his sen/ice to the City and wished him luck on his future endeavors. He also stated that given the late hour, Mayor Gordo would report out on his recent trip to Armenia at the next City Council meeting.
City Manager Marquez introduced Helen Morales, the new Director of the Rent Stabilization Department; Director Morales briefly shared her background and experience.
Director Morales provided introductory remarks on the item and introduced Nazanin Salehi, general counsel to the Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB), who gave a Powerpoint presentation on PRHB's proposed Charter Amendment recommendations to amend the Pasadena Fair and Equitable htousing Charter - Article XVIII, as well as the PRHB's discussion of the recommendations proposed by Pasadena Housing Providers, which are not part of the proposed Charter Amendment, and responded to questions.
The following individuals spoke in support of increased representation of housing providers on the Pasadena Rental Housing Board and/or provided other comments:
Jesus Rojas, residence not stated
Deborah Lutz, Pasadena resident
Michael Shaar, Glendale resident
Simon Gibbons, Pasadena resident, spoke on the complexities pertaining to rent stabilization and urged the City Council to put the recommendations of the Pasadena Housing Providers as a
Charter Amendment on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
Blake Boyd, residence not stated, expressed concerns relating to the housing crisis and restrictions on housing.
Belinda Knetge, Pasadena resident, spoke in support of incentives for Section 8 Housing providers and expressed concerns
pertaining to the financial impacts that housing providers face due to various restrictions.
Council Minutes1607/08/2024
MOTION:
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
c'1
City Clerk Jomsky reported that 6 letters expressing concerns with the lack of housing providers represented on the Rental hlousing Board, legislation related to rental regulations and its negative effects on landlords, and/or advocating for Housing Provider Charter Amendments to be incorporated in the Charter Amendment measure and as part of the November 5, 2024 ballot, and 4 letters advocating for various amendments to the rental housing regulations, were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
Councilmember Hampton expressed support for placing the PRHB's recommended Charter Amendment on the ballot, and noted that the PRHB has not had enough time to implement its key programs and make substantive progress on a complicated program. He advocated for the PRHB to create a Task Force to further discuss the recommendations proposed by the Pasadena Housing Providers.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Rivas, to approve the Pasadena Rental Housing Board recommendations; with direction to the Board to create a Task Force and to further discuss recommendations proposed by the Pasadena Housing Providers, for consideration as future Charter Amendments) in 2026. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Mayor Gordo) Following brief discussion, on order of the Vice Mayor, and consensus of t^City Council, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 12:3^3 a.m. on July 9,2024.
L
ft
ay /M. 'Gdrdo,
City of Pasadena
Council Minutes1707/08/2024