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OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Madison
arrived at 5:22 p.m.
Councilmember Hampton
arrived at 5:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
SPECIALITEM
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
February 3, 2025-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent:
Councilmembers Hampton and Madison)
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:09 p.m. to discuss the following closed session item:
CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) (one potential case) The above closed session item was not discussed.
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: 615 S Catalina Ave LLC v. City of Pasadena,et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 24STCP02861
The above closed session item was discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:12 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Rivas. (Absent:
None)
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Tyron Hampton
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Acting Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Matt hlawkesworth City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
UPDATE - DEBRIS REMOVAL AND RECOVERY FOR EATON
FIRE AND WINDSTORM
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Consider updates from City staff and provide direction if desired by the City Council; and
(2) Find that, if direction is given to staff, it would not be a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant Council Minutes 1 02/03/2025
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to California Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within the meaning of CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b).
Manuel Carmona, Director of Public Health, provided introductory remarks, and introduced Dr. Andrea Polidori from South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), who presented a
Powerpoint presentation on local air quality monitoring and testing in burn areas and surrounding communities, and responded to questions.
Vice Mayor Rivas requested SCAQMD to list specific materials that are being monitored and tested in future messaging alerts to the public.
Councilmember Madison invited the SCAQMD Governing Board to visit Pasadena to receive information regarding the Eaton Fire and local impacts.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding indoor air quality testing, Public Health Director Carmona reported that the City staff will be working with a contractor to conduct indoor testing at City facilities. He elaborated that samples will be collected from sites across the City, north of the 210 freeway, which may serve as indicators of air quality within the community. He also reported that Caltech's air quality test results captured a spike in atmospheric concentrations of lead after the fire (although still below the EPA threshold of dangerous levels of lead) and highlighted that general clean-up of properties can significantly reduce contaminants.
In response to Councilmember Cole's emphasis on the need to conduct testing inside residents' homes, Public Health Director Carmona stated that such testing would be challenging in terms of gaining access, as well as establishing testing baselines that may be affected by when the home was built, the materials already present in certain residences, and where potential contaminants may have landed after the windstorm.
Following discussion, it was suggested by Councilmember Cole that the City Council make a motion to direct City staff to conduct sampling of air quality and other contaminants in residential homes in Pasadena to provide data and reassurance to the public regarding the safety and habitability of their homes.
Mayor Gordo expressed concerns that testing individual homes may give the public false assurances due to some houses having better ventilation systems or different windows.
In response to Vice Mayor Rivas' inquiry regarding the City's resources to perform air quality testing, Public Health Director Carmona reported that majority of funding for the Pasadena Public Council Minutes 2 02/03/2025
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Health Department is allocated through federal grants for specific public health services such as nutrition and immunization programs, not environmental testing.
Discussion ensued regarding federal and non-profit funding options for indoor air quality testing and existing technologies for testing.
Mayor Gordo advocated for staff to return with more information, including the framework for a possible testing program that is robust and comprehensive, able to avoid false assurances, as well as information on budget impact and allocation needs, and potential complexities/barriers to proper testing.
Councilmember Cole revised his suggestion for City Council action to direct staff to return with a best plan for timely additional testing for the public to assess current environmental factors present in their homes, and to assist residents in testing the safety of their properties.
Greg de Vinck, Public Works Director, gave a Powerpoint presentation on the Green Waste Clean Up progress and responded to questions related to bulky item pick ups, k-rails, and potential rainstorm preparations. Israel Del Toro, Deputy Planning Director, provided updates on Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the debris removal program, and responded to questions.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding homeowner's insurance and residents who opt-in to Phase 2 of the program, Jennifer Paige, Planning Director, clarified that the while residents may be asked to provide their homeowner's insurance information on the Right-of-Entry form, residents will not be required to pay out-of-pocket for debris removal services as part of this program. She reported that a government entity, such as FEMA or the state, will work with insurance companies for reimbursement if needed. She also noted that Phase 2 of the program is free for residents who do not have homeowner's insurance.
Discussion ensued regarding options for a streamlined rebuilding process, including the drafting of preapproved plans for homes based on the original blueprint, addressing soft costs associated with the rendering of plans, finding ways to remove economic barriers for residents during the rebuilding process, and securing previous property tax rates for impacted residents rebuilding their home.
Councilmember Hampton and Mayor Gordo advocated for the City to obtain an update from the LA County Tax Assessor's Office regarding impacts on property tax rates for wildfire victims.
In response to Councilmember Madison's inquiries regarding the upcoming closure of the evacuation shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center, Acting Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Council Minutes 3 02/03/2025
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hlawkesworth reported that the City's contract with Red Cross is for a 30-day temporary shelter, and was not intended as a long-term shelter option. He stated that Red Cross is working to transition the remaining evacuees into motels or more permanent housing, but also confirmed that every shelter resident will be provided some option for future shelter once the Convention Center Shelter closes.
Councilmember Hampton added that because the remaining
evacuees are LA County residents, the County will be transitioning the remaining shelter residents to other facilities in the County.
Councilmember Madison reiterated the importance of ensuring that every remaining evacuee continues to receive shelter until they are placed in transitional or long-term housing.
In response to Councilmember Madison's inquiry regarding opt-out of Phase 2, Planning Director Page reported that residents who decide to opt-out of Phase 2 (Private Property Debris Removal) will be required to fill out an opt-out form and be placed into a local debris removal program that is currently being developed.
Following discussion, City Clerk Jomsky reported that one letter expressing concerns regarding tenant safety and habitability related to the Eaton Fire and windstorm event, and one letter expressing appreciation and recognition to the Pasadena Water and Power crews during the Eaton Fire and windstorm, 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 expressed concerns related to air quality testing, including for tenants, Eaton Fire recovery efforts, and/or other related comments:
Sara Zamani, Pasadena resident
Pilar Ortega, Pasadena resident
Allison Henry, Pasadena resident
The following individuals expressed concerns related to the potential closure of the temporary evacuation shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center:
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident
Adrians Bautista, Pasadena resident
William Lee, Altadena resident
Alex, Los Angeles resident
Angelie Barrios, Santa Clarita resident
Eddie Veclikova, residence not stated
Council Minutes 4 02/03/2025
MOTION:
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
Councilmember Madison
left the meeting at 9:22
p.m.
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding unhoused individuals taking advantage of the temporary evacuation shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center intended for those displaced by the Eaton Fire:
Gene, Altadena resident
Pat James, residence not stated
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns with the lack of underground wiring.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to direct staff to return with the best plan for timely additional testing for the public to be able to assess environmental factors to assist residents to understand the safety of homes in the City. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
Mayor Gordo expressed concerns regarding the adaptive reuse process for hotels in mixed-use zones and advocated to have a lengthier discussion on the item (related to Agenda Item No. 7 - ordinance for adaptive reuse) at a future council meeting.
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City Council to agendize and discuss Assembly Bill 392.
Joan Chin, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns related to fraudulent scams and unhoused individuals congregating around the Sunset Oaks neighborhood.
In response to public comment, Councilmember Jones reassured the speaker that City staff is working on identifying solutions to deter unhoused individuals from congregating near the Sunset Oaks neighborhood.
In response to public comment, Councilmember Hampton advocated for the Legislative Policy committee to agendize and discuss AB 392.
City Attorney Bagneris confirmed that the City does abide by the new bill.
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/
Executive Director
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH ELECNOR BELCO ELECTRIC, INC., FOR
INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN HYBRID BEACON AT
WASHINGTON BOULEVARD AND HUDSON AVENUE FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $284,396 (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find the contract proposed in the agenda report to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1 - Existing Facilities, and Section 15303, Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and that there are no Council Minutes 5 02/03/2025
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CLAIMS RECEIVED
AND FILED
MOTION:
PUBLIC HEARINGS
MOTION:
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Manager
features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt classes, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; and (2) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated December 12,2024 submitted by Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc., in response to the project plans and specifications for the Installation of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon at Washington Boulevard and Hudson Avenue, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for an amount not-to-exceed $284,396 which includes the base contract amount of $258,542 and a contingency of $25,854 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 33135)
Claim No. Claimant
2025-0153 Alex Vilapando Ronquillo
2025-0154 Stepan Stepanian
2025-0155 Nicole Loyola-Carillo
2025-0156 Timothy Christopher Halpin
2025-0157 Timothy Halpin
2025-0158 Pavel Maryska
2025-0159 Kirstyn Ashley Leung
2025-0160 United Financial Casualty a/s/o
Verdeja Ruiz, Jose
2025-0161 Karla Lamma
2025-0162 Ara Deir Boghossian
Claim Amount
$ 35,000.00+
578.59
4,000.00
9,000.00
35,000.00+
1,150.00
500.00
8,043.50
500.00
6,000.00
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Vice Mayor Rivas, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison)
APPEAL OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS' DECISION TO
APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #7114 TO ESTABLISH A
CLUBS, LODGES, PRIVATE MEETING HALL AND LAND USE
WITHIN AN EXISTING BUILDING (MAXWELL HOUSE) AT 55
SOUTH GRAND AVENUE (Planning Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council continue the public hearing to February 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Vice Mayor Rivas, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison)
AUTHORIZATION TO UTILIZE ALTERNATIVE PROJECT
DELIVERY METHOD FOR THE CENTRAL LIBRARY SEISMIC
RETROFIT AND RENOVATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION OF
TRANSIT OPERATIONS MAINTENANCE FACILITY PROJECTS
(Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report does not constitute a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 21065 of CEQA and Sections
Council Minutes 6 02/03/2025
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Councilmember Madison
returned to the meeting
at 9:40 p.m.
MOTION:
Councilmember Cole
disclosed that he
previously voted on the
item as a former
Planning Commissioner,
prior to becoming a City
Councilmember, recused
himself from the item,
and left the meeting at
9:44 p.m.
Councilmember Jones
stated a potential conflict
of interest, recused
himself from the item,
and left the meeting at
9:44 p.m.
15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3), and 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required;
(2) Authorize the Department of Public Works to utilize alternative project delivery method, construction manager at-risk, for the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovations project as per Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) Section 4.08.136 (Alternative project delivery); and
(3) Authorize the Department of Public Works to utilize alternative project delivery method, construction manager at-risk, for the Construction of Transit Operations Maintenance Facility project as per Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) Section 4.08.136 (Alternative project delivery).
In response to Councilmember Cole's questions related to the proposed project method and potential cost increases related to the aftermath of the wildfires, labor shortage, and potential tariffs, Public Works Director de Vinck reported that costs projections may not significantly change as the renovations will primarily use stucco and concrete, not plywood. He reassured the City Council that the competitive bidding process would allow the City to utilize different builders if negotiations are unsatisfactory. Councilmember Hampton also urged City staff to take steps to lock in rates before prices potentially increase.
It was moved by Councilmember Jones, seconded by
Councilmember Hampton to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - MASTER PLAN
AMENDMENT, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT CANCELLATION,
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP, AND GENERAL PLAN LAND USE
AND ZONING AMENDMENTS (Planning Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the Addendum to the 2015 Pasadena General Plan Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No.2013091009) to address the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed Fuller Theological Seminary Master Plan Amendment and other related applications have been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA) (Cal. Public Resources Code Section 21000, et. seq., as amended) and its implementing guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., Title 14, Section 15000 et. seq., 2016). The Addendum has been prepared and will be processed consistent with CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., Title 14, Sections 15162 and 15164). The proposed Master Plan Amendment will not result in any potentially significant impacts that were not already analyzed, and no conditions described in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration have occurred;
(2) Adopt the Findings (Attachment A) to:
Council Minutes 7 02/03/2025
a. Approve the Master Plan Amendment, with the conditions of approval (Attachment B);
b. Cancel Development Agreement No. 19,378;
c. Approve Tentative Parcel Map #084630 to subdivide 261 N.
Madison Avenue into two parcels (Parcel #1 at 261 N.
Madison Avenue and Parcel #2 at 260 N. Oakland Avenue); d. Approve a General Plan Diagram Amendment to change the land use designation for Parcel #2 from Institutional to Medium Mixed Use Residential; and
e. Approve a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning
designation for Parcel #2 from Public and Semi-Public (PS) to Central District Residential Multi-Family (CD-RM-87).
(3) Adopt a Resolution approving the Master Plan Amendment (Resolution No. 10114);
(4) Direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to cancel Development Agreement No. 19,378 within 60 days consistent with the provisions set forth in the agenda report;
(5) Adopt a Resolution approving a General Plan Diagram Amendment to change the land use designation for Parcel #2 from Institutional to Medium Mixed Use Residential; and
(6) Conduct first reading of an ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning designation for Parcel #2 from Public and Semi-Public (PS) to Central District Residential Multi- Family (CD-M-87).
Recommendation of the Planning Commission: On October 9, 2024, the Planning Commission considered the proposed Fuller Theological Seminary Master Plan Amendment, and other related applications (Attachment C of the agenda report), and recommended that the City Council approve the Amendments as presented by staff, with an added condition of approval that allows Fuller to provide shared parking with neighboring commercial and residential uses, should they desire. Staff has incorporated the shared parking recommendation as a condition of approval. (Discussed and considered concurrently with Item No. 6, including for public comment purposes.)
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the public hearing notice was published on December 26, 2024, January 2 and January 9, 2025 in the Pasadena Press. He also reported that six letters expressing support for the Fuller Seminary Amended Master Plan and providing other comments were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record on this item.
Martin Potter, Principal Planner, presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item, providing background information and an overview of the applications of the proposed master plan amendments.
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MOTION:
MOTION:
MOTION:
MOTION:
MOTION:
ORDINANCE - FIRST
READING
In response to Councilmember Madison's inquiry regarding the cancellation of the development agreement, Planning Director Paige clarified that the cancellation is occurring at the request of the applicant, which allows them to sell off the sites individually, creating opportunities for market rate housing or affordable housing.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, Seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to close the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Cole and Jones) It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Masuda, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Cole and Jones)
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to reopen the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Cole and Jones) Richard Chinon, Pasadena resident, expressed support for the staff recommendation and thanked the City Council for their public service.
Julio Alvarez, Southwestern Law, asked about the City Council's process for navigating meetings pertaining to zoning and land use.
Councilmember Hampton advocated for Fuller Theological Seminary to consider utilizing any available housing onsite for temporarily shelter for displaced residents impacted by the Eaton Fire.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to close the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Cole and Jones) It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Masuda, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Cole and Jones)
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING CODE) OF THE CITY
OF PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY THE OFFICIAL
ZONING MAP ESTABLISHED BY THE ZONING CODE (CHAPTER
17.20, SECTION 17.20.020), THE CENTRAL DISTRICT SPECIFIC PLAN, AND CHAPTER 17.30, SECTION 17.30.020, FIGURE
CDSP-1 TO REDESIGNATE ONE NEWLY CREATED PARCEL AT
260 N OAKLAND AVENUE FROM THE PUBLIC, SEMI-PUBLIC
(PS) ZONE TO THE CENTRAL DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL MULTI-
Council Minutes 9 02/03/2025
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ORDINANCE - FIRST
READING
As noted by the Mayor,
the item was pulled and
tabled for a future
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST,:
FAMILY (CD-RM-87) ZONE" (Discussed and considered
concurrently with Item No. 4, including for public comment purposes.) The ordinance above was introduced by Councilmember Hampton:
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Lyon, Madison, Masuda,
Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Cole, Jones
ABSTAIN: None
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AMENDING AND ADDING VARIOUS SECTIONS TO
TITLE 17, THE ZONING CODE, OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL
CODE PERTAINING TO ADAPTIVE REUSE OF EXISTING NON-
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, INCLUDING CHANGES RELATED TO
PARKING AND VARIANCES FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES AND
MINOR CLEANUPS"
»
On/T^rder of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 10:10 p.n],
^ ^.ft
Victor M. Gordo, May<()r ^
City of Pasadena I /
Cify^le
Council Minutes 10 02/03/2025