OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember hlampton
arrived at 5:10 p.m.
Councilmember Jones
arrived at 5:12 p.m.
Councilmember Madison
arrived at 5:20 p.m.
ROLL CALL;
Councilmembers:
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
April 7, 2025-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 (Absent: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, and Madison)
p.m.
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:01 p.m. to discuss the following closed session items:
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Poer & Quillian v. City of Pasadena, et. al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 22AHCV01036
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Crutchfield et al v. City of Pasadena
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 24STCV12359
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Gordon v. City of Pasadena
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 24STCV26720
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -
ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) (one
potential case)
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 6:35 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Jones.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Tyron Hampton
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Council Minutes104/07/2025
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
Councilmember Madison
left the meeting at 7:10
p.m.
City Manager Miguel Marquez
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Mayor Gordo presented a proclamation to Pasadena Beautiful Foundation and the City's Public Works Department, declaring April 12,2025 as Arbor Day in the City of Pasadena. Greg de Vinck, Public Works Director, thanked the City Council for recognizing Arbor Day, and briefly spoke on the importance of increasing the City's tree canopy and updating the tree master plan.
Roy Becerra, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding vandalism of his personal property and requested assistance with his matter.
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident, thanked City staff for meeting with him and provided comments related to officer-involved shootings and the need for the City to take action to implement recent related legislation.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, requested for the City Council to agendize discussion regarding the City's response to the Eaton Fire and to provide more information on the City's fire preparedness.
The following individuals provided comments advocating for the City's divestment from specific companies (in relation to Israel) and the Fire & Police Retirement Board pension portfolios:
Sean Wakasa, Altadena resident
JustineWuebold, Pasadena resident
Randall Heyn-Lamb, Pasadena resident
Marina Lecoeuche, Pasadena resident
Jasmine Emgate, Pasadena resident
Alex Vilaoria Winnett, Pasadena resident
William Magnum, Altadena resident, expressed concerns regarding poor water pressure and the City's response during the time of the Eaton Fire.
In response to public comment, Mayor Gordo reported that the Fire Department will be reporting on the Eaton Fire at the Public Safety Committee meeting on April 16, 2025.
In response to public comment, Mayor Gordo stated that the Fire and Police Retirement Board handles the fiduciary responsibility for investing funds, separate from the City Council's investment policy.
Councilmember Hampton suggested that the public could attend the Fire and Police Retirement Board meetings to provide their comments directly to FPRS.
Council Minutes204/07/2025
I
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
Item discussed separately
Item discussed separately
City Council
RESIGNATIONS,
APPOINTMENTS, &
REAPPOINTMENTS
City Clerk/ Secretary
Item discussed separately
MINUTES APPROVED
APPROVE THE AMENDED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS
AGREEMENT FOR THE BURBANK-GLENDALE-PASADENA
REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST TO REMOVE BOARD MEMBER
TERM LIMITS (Housing Dept.)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH SWINERTON BUILDERS FOR HALE
BUILDING INTERIOR REMODEL - PHASE II (1ST FLOOR)
PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $2,517,162
(Public Works Dept.)
APPOINTMENT OF TARA L. MASTRO TO THE
COMMISSION (District 1 Nomination)
SENIOR
APPOINTMENT OF NAT NEHDAR TO THE HUMAN RELATIONS
COMMISSION (District 4 Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF MARJOR1E LINDBECK TO THE PASADENA
PLAYHOUSE PARKING METER ZONE ADVISORY COMMISSION
(At Large Nomination/District 3)
APPOINTMENT OF JULIA COWLISHAW TO THE PASADENA
PLAYHOUSE PARKING METER ZONE ADVISORY COMMISSION
(At Large Nomination/District 7)
RESIGNATION OF ANDREA TOTTEN FROM THE
ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION (District 1
Nomination)
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE: ADOPTION OF A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISHING
PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS
TO THE PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD (PRHB) FOR
SCHEDULED AND UNSCHEDULED VACANCIES AFFECTING
TENANT MEMBER, AT LARGE MEMBER, ALTERNATE TENANT
MEMBER, AND ALTERNATE AT LARGE MEMBER POSITIONS
(Office of the City Clerk)
March 3, 2025
March 3, 2025
March 10, 2025
March 10,2025
March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena
Community Development Commission
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena
Community Development Commission
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena
Community Development Commission
Council Minutes304/07/2025
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
n
MOTION:
CONSENT ITEMS
DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
Councilmember Masuda
left the meeting at 7:12
p.m.
Claim No. Claimant
2025-0226 Wilma Mitchell
2025-0227 Mia Oliva, Gianna Salcedo, Mya
Salcedo
2025-0228 California Automobile Insurance
Company obo Kristofer Garnish
2025-0229 Eddy Blanco
2025-0230 Sara Katrdzhyan
2025-0231 Michael Crowley
2025-0232 William Martin
2025-0233 Mercury Insurance aso Milette
Tamayo
2025-0234 Michelle Harris
2025-0235 Benjamin Un
2025-0236 Julissa McCarthy
2025-0237 Khaterine Smith
2025-0238 Shivam Dixit
2025-0239 CSM, LLP o/b/o USAA a/s/o
Lindsay Pond
2025-0240 John George Walkowicz
2025-0241 State Farm Mutual Ins Co aso
Lee Myles
2025-0242 Clyde Scoby
2025-0243 Andrew Alexander Mendoza
2025-0244 Nazar Balyan
2025-0245 Enrique Navarro
2025-0246 Monica Cuellar
Claim Amount
$35,000.00+
35,000.00+
1,433.63
486.00
248.47
2,700.00
187.00
5,215.56
35,000.00+
1,200.00
1,000.00
10,000.00+
1,500.00
4,168.15
35,000.00
5,106.01
Not stated
5,000.00
35,000.00+
6,000.00
35,000.00+
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to approve Items 3 and 5 on the Consent Calendar. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison)
APPROVE THE AMENDED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS
AGREEMENT FOR THE BURBANK-GLENDALE-PASADENA
REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST TO REMOVE BOARD MEMBER
TERM LIMITS (Housing Dept.)
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 15320 (changes in organization of local agencies); and
(2) Approve the Amended Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Regional hlousing Trust ("Trust") Joint Powers Agreement ("JPA") removing the two-term limit for Board of Director representatives and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the staff recommendation. (Contract No. 23,832-1)
Council Minutes404/07/2025
MOTION:
Councilmember Madison
returned to the meeting at
7:14 p.m.
Councilmember Masuda
returned to the meeting at
7:18 p.m.
MOTION:
Councilmember Lyon expressed opposition to the proposed recommendation and advocated for maintaining rotational government of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Regional Housing Trust through term limits.
Vice Mayor Rivas reiterated her support for overall support for term limits but noted that after partaking in discussion at the Burbank- Glendale-Pasadena Regional Housing Trust Board meeting, she supported the recommended action.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Rivas, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Vice Mayor
Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: Councilmember Lyon
ABSENT: Councilmembers Madison and Masuda
ABSTAIN: None
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH SWINERTON BUILDERS FOR HALE
BUILDING INTERIOR REMODEL - PHASE II (1ST FLOOR)
PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $2,517,162
(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 that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class and, therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; and
(2) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated March 6, 2025 submitted by Swinerton Builders in response to the plans and specifications for the Hale Building Interior Remodel - Phase II (1st Floor) project, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for an amount not-to-exceed $2,517,162 which includes the base contract amount of $2,288,328 and a contingency of $228,834 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 33217) Nina Chomsky, Pasadena resident, advocated for the project to preserve, respect, and maintain the historic characteristics of the first-floor lobby and ceiling of the Hale Building.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
Council Minutes504/07/2025
Mayor Gordo stated a
conflict of interest,
recused himself from the
item, and left the meeting
at 7:17 p.m.
MOTION:
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Gordo returned to
the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
Councilmember Lyon
reported a conflict of
interest, disclosing that he
previously worked as
general counsel for the
Western Justice Center,
recused himself, and left
the meeting at 7:19 p.m.
Councilmember Cole
reported that he
previously voted on this
item as a former Planning
Commissioner, recused
himself, and left the
meeting at 7:19 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE: ADOPTION OF A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISHING
PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS
TO THE PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD (PRHB) FOR
SCHEDULED AND UNSCHEDULED VACANCIES AFFECTING
TENANT MEMBER, AT LARGE MEMBER, ALTERNATE TENANT
MEMBER, AND ALTERNATE AT LARGE MEMBER POSITIONS
(Office of the City Clerk)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action contained in the agenda report is exempt from review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3), the "common sense" provision that CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment; and (2) Adopt a resolution approving and formalizing the process to make appointments to the PRHB for scheduled and unscheduled vacancies affecting Tenant Member, At Large Member, Alternate Tenant Member, and Alternate At Large Member positions on the Board. (Resolution No. 10120)
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Madison, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Mayor Gordo)
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: QAJASI-JUDICIAL ACTJQN: AN
APPEAL OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS' DECISION TO
APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #7114 TO ESTABLISH A
CLUBS, LODGES, PRIVATE MEETING HALL LAND USE WITHIN
AN EXISTING BUILDING (MAXWELL HOUSE) AT 55 SOUTH
GRAND AVENUE
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities), and there are no features that distinguish the project from others in the exempt classes, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; and
(2) Adopt the findings in Attachment A (of the agenda report) to uphold the Board of Zoning Appeals' decision and approve Conditional Use Permit #7114, with the conditions in Attachment B (of the agenda report).
City Clerk Jomsky recapped that the 16 letters in support of the Western Justice Center's application for Conditional Use Permit No. 7114 ("CUP"), 3 letters in opposition to the CUP, 1 letter providing a status update on the CUP, and 1 letter providing information on the Maxwell House, were received during previous public hearings, hie reported that additionally, 1 letter in opposition to the CUP and providing comments on the matter was received for this public hearing by the City Clerk's Office, and noted that all correspondence Council Minutes604/07/2025
was distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
Justin Mahramas, representing the applicant, provided background information on the Western Justice Center's ("WJC") request for a CUP.
Richard McDonald, representing the appellant, stated that the number of events historically held by the WJC reported by staff and presented by the applicant is inaccurate, and expressed concerns that the Maxwell House is not permitted to advertise and host such events, stating that the WJC's mission and core functions are non- profit in nature.
The following individuals expressed opposition to the WJC's application and/or provided related comments:
Anita Yagjian, appellant
Peggy West, appellant
Carl West, appellant
Councilmember Madison reiterated his support for the WJC's initiatives and their mission, while expressing concerns with them operating the Maxwell House as an event venue. He discussed his interpretation of the lease for the Maxwell House and noted that only community meetings or even fundraisers for the organization during non-business hours would be appropriate, not for-profit activities such as weddings and similar events that have been noncompliant with the City's municipal code. He advocated for the City Council to work with the WJC to amend the lease agreement (providing sufficient support to maintain the premises) while maintaining the intent of the lease, and including consideration for the adjacent residential neighborhood.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding the complaints filed by the neighbors adjacent to the Maxwell House, Jennifer Paige, Planning Director, reported that the City did not directly receive formal complaints from the neighbors during the temporary use permit period. She stated that the neighbors had made their complaints to the WJC, who then responded by attempting to address the neighbors' concerns. She added that the City's Code Enforcement Officers respond to complaints during the day and the Police Department responds during after-hours.
In response to Councilmember Madison's request for clarification, Planning Director Paige confirmed that the City only became aware that the WJC did not have a CUP to host ancillary special events at the Maxwell House after a traffic accident associated with an event occurred in recent years.
Council Minutes704/07/2025
MOTION:
SUBSTITUTE MOTION:
Discussion ensued regarding the hours of operations for after-hour events, limiting the number of permitted events as part of the CUP, and the cost improvements implemented by the WJC in response to the neighbors' complaints.
Mike Davis, appellant, expressed his concerns and spoke on disruptions that occur as a result of events hosted by the WJC.
Mayor Gordo reminded the public that the issue at hand is not to discuss and evaluate the past conduct of the WJC, or the lease agreement itself, but rather for the City Council to determine if a CUP, with conditions outlined by staff, should be approved for the WJC.
In response to Mayor Gordo's inquiry regarding the plan for public use, Dion O'Connell, Assistant City Attorney, clarified that the plan was Grafted mainly to fulfill federal regulation requirements for the negotiated sale of surplus property to a public body. City Attorney Bagneris also clarified that the City's interpretation of the zoning code and the lease agreement allows for special ancillary events to be hosted at the Maxwell House as a public benefit.
Councilmember Hampton noted he would be unable to support the staff recommendation unless certain revisions were made, including that staff provide an established point of contact for residents to make complaints afterhours, the number of allowed events be limited to 18 events per year, event hours be restricted, a six month review of the CUP occur from the date of the first event, and a check-in at 12 months be conducted at the hearing officer level.
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Jones, to close the public hearings:
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Madison, Masuda,
Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Cole and Lyon
ABSTAIN: None
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to provide direct point of contact for residents to make complaints afterhours, modify the hours of operations for the WJC to host events (Sat 9am-1 Opm, Sun 9am-8pm, and block out all major holidays), limit the number of events to 18 per year, add 6 month and 12 month reviews from the date of the first event, with both reviews to occur at the hearing officer level.
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
Council Minutes804/07/2025
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Manager
Councilmembers Lyon
and Cole returned to the
meeting at 8:38 p.m.
Vice Mayor Rivas left the
meeting at 8:39 p.m.
Councilmember Madison
left the meeting at 8:40
p.m.
Item held; to be heard at a
future City Council
meeting.
Councilmember Madison
returned to the meeting at
8:43 p.m.
Vice Mayor Rivas
returned to the meeting at
8:44 p.m.
Councilmember Hampton
left the meeting at 8:48
p.m.
NOES: Councilmember Madison
ABSENT: Councilmembers Cole and Lyon
ABSTAIN: None
APPROVE THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE LIBRARY
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (Finance Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Adopt a resolution authorizing and directing the issuance and sale of not-to-exceed $195,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its General Obligation (GO) Bonds (Central Library Project) Series 2025, declaring its official intent to reimburse and approving other related actions in connections therewith (Resolution No. 10121); and (2) Find that the proposed action 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.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Jones, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved.) (Absent: Councilmember Madison and Vice Mayor Rivas)
REPORT ON RENT RELIEF PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO
RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY THE EATON FIRE
Recommendation: This item is for information only; no action is required at this time.
Councilmember Hampton requested for the item to be deferred to the next City Council meeting.
Christine Rodriguez, Pasadena resident, thanked the City Council for providing information on resources available to tenants impacted by the Eaton Fire and advocated for a rent relief program.
Councilmember Madison requested City staff to include the amount of relief funds raised by Pasadena Community Foundation in the staff report.
Councilmember Cole recommended that City staff identify solutions to prevent impacted residents from losing their homes while also alleviating the financial burden on housing providers by exploring private sector, nonprofit sector, and faith-based sector solutions and support to step up and provide assistance to those affected by the fire.
Council Minutes904/07/2025
OLD BUSINESS
Advisory Bodies
Mayor Gordo stated a
conflict of interest,
recused himself from the
item, and left the meeting
at 8:48 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST;
Following discussion and public comment, on order of the Mayor, and consensus of the City Council, the item was held to a future meeting.
REQUEST FROM THE CITY COUNCIL TO RETURN WITH
OPTIONS AND LEGAL ANALYSIS ON THE REQUEST OF THE
PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD FOR THE CITY
COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN
ORDINANCE WITHIN 60 DAYS ADOPTING ALL AVAILABLE
TENANT PROTECTIONS PROVIDED IN THE ELLIS ACT
(GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7060 ET SEQ.)
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); and
(2) Direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance within 60 days adopting all available tenant protections provided in Government Code Section 7060 et seq., as detailed in the agenda report.
Following a brief discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the staff
recommendation. (Absent: Councilmember Hampton and Mayor Gordo)
On o/9^r of the Vice Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
LA\v\
^Cit^-Cfer
Victor M. Gordo, Mayor
City of Pasadena
Council Minutes1004/07/2025