OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
June 2, 2025-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent: Councilmembers Jones, Hampton, and Madison)
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:03 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: Sustaita v. City of Pasadena
Case No.: LASC Case No. 22STCV11885
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Youines v. City of Pasadena
Case No.: LASC Case No. 22STCV11933
CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) (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 6:22 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Cole.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Tyron Hampton
CouncilmemberJustin Jones (absent)
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison (absent)
Councilmember Gene Masuda
City Manager Miguel Marquez
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the Item 14 (APPROVE THE
ALLOWABLE USES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ENTITIES
ALLOWED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR THE BUILDINGS
WITHIN HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK ANNEX AREA) has
been pulled from the agenda and will return at a future City Council Council Minutes106/02/2025
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
meeting. He reported that Item 17 (AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF PASADENA ADOPTING THE TENANT PROTECTIONS OF
THE ELLIS ACT, GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7060 ET SEQ.)
will also be deferred to a future meeting due to a lack of quorum of Councilmembers able to participate on the matter.
Mayor Gordo presented a proclamation recognizing June 6, 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Day, and spoke on the significance of working together to reduce gun-related crimes and supporting those who have been impacted by gun-violence. Lola Osborne, Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, and Natalie Salazar, from Day One, thanked the City Council for the proclamation and emphasized the need to prevent gun-violence and support youth and community members.
The following individuals provided comments on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocated for the City to divest from specific companies:
Dr. Gilbert Walton, Pasadena resident
Emily Fernandez, residence not stated
Patricia, Pasadena resident
Reverand Charles Marks, Altadena resident
Robert Schaefer, South Pasadena resident
Doni Heyn Lamb, Pasadena resident
Safia Malik, Pasadena resident
Danielle Yariv, Pasadena resident
Randall Heyn Lamb, Pasadena resident
Marianne Albina, Pasadena resident
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding the cancelled Public Safety Committee meeting and the delay this creates regarding the AB 392 discussion.
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident, expressed the need to provide financial assistance to those who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire.
Rene Gonzalez, Pasadena resident, provided comments related to Measures I and J, and advocated for increased taxpayer
accountability on funds spent by Pasadena Unified School District.
Jeff Justice, Pasadena resident, provided comments regarding arbitration agreements and mandates when seeking medical care.
Heavenly hlughes, My Tribe Rise, advocated for the City to raise a Juneteenth flag and shared details on the upcoming Dena Juneteenth event to celebrate Juneteenth.
Marlene Benites, Pasadena resident, requested for the City Council to close Roosevelt Elementary.
Council Minutes206/02/2025
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
Arev Markarian, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns that Item 14 was pulled from the agenda.
William Mangum, Pasadena resident, inquired about a report on the City's Eaton Fire response efforts.
Charles Thomas, Pasadena resident, requested information on when the Hahamongna Watershed Park item will be agendized.
Isabel Lozano, Pasadena resident, expressed support for Roosevelt Elementary historic landmark designation.
Porfirio Frausto, Pasadena resident, advocated for the Hahamongna Watershed item to return to the City Council for discussion promptly.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City Council to agendize discussion on the City's response to the Eaton Fire.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE UPDATED SEWER
SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN AND AUTHORIZE THE
LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL TO CERTIFY AND SUBMIT
TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL
BOARD (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the Sewer System Management Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15061(b)(3), and California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Class 1, Section 15301, Existing Facilities; (2) Adopt a resolution approving the updated Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) (Resolution No. 10131); and
(3) Authorize the Legally Responsible Official (LRO) to certify and submit the updated SSMP to the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), and adopt any legally necessary interim updates as may be required by the SWRCB.
Councilmember Cole expressed concerns regarding insufficient vetting of this proposed action, and advocated for it to be referred to the Municipal Services Committee for review and recommendation prior to City Council consideration. In response to questions, Greg de Vinck, Public Works Director, reported that the proposed item has a deadline for submission to the State Water Resources Control Board, and noted that the Board reviews the plan, makes recommendations for changes, and performs an audit to ensure that the plan is up to date.
Councilmember Lyon requested that a summary of the sewer system master plan and budget implications be provided in the future.
Council Minutes306/02/2025
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH ALFARO COMMUNICATIONS
CONSTRUCTION, INC., FOR ALLEN AVENUE PEDESTRIAN
ENHANCEMENTS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED
$1,493,456 (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, Section 15302, Class 2 - Replacement or Reconstruction, and Section 15303, Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, 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 April 24, 2025, submitted byAlfaro Communications Construction, Inc., in response to the project plans and specifications for Alien Avenue Pedestrian Enhancements, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for an amount not-to-exceed $1,493,456 which includes the base contract amount of $1 ,357,687 and a contingency of $135,769 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 33262)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH LOS ANGELES TRUCK CENTERS, LLC FOR
AUTHORIZED CUMMINS ENGINE PARTS, SERVICE, AND
REPAIR FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $3,060,000 FOR
UP TO FIVE YEARS (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; (2) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated March 26, 2025, submitted by Los Angeles Truck Centers, LLC in response to project plans and specifications for Authorized Cummins Engine Parts, Service, and Repair, authorize the City Manager to enter into a five- year contract for an amount not-to-exceed $3,060,000, which includes the base contract amount of $2,550,000 and a contingency of $510,000 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33254); and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TWO NEW
CLASSIFICATIONS AND UPDATING THE SALARIES OF
TWENTY-FOUR EXISTING CLASSIFICATIONS REPRESENTED
BY PMA, IBEW, AFSCME, IUOE, AND NON-REPRESENTED
MANAGEMENT (Human Resources Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
Council Minutes406/02/2025
Item discussed separately
(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 establishing two new classifications and updating the salaries of twenty-four existing classifications represented by PMA, IBEW, AFSCME, and IUOE, and Non-
Represented Management. (Resolution No. 10132)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR THE
RECEIPT OF MEASURE A CONTINUUM OF CARE FUNDS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $1,324,440 FOR HOMELESS SERVICES
(Housing Dept.)
APPROVE FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 082169 FOR CREATION OF
49 AIR PARCELS FOR RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM
PURPOSES AND ONE AIR PARCEL FOR COMMERCIAL
CONDOMINIUM PURPOSES AT 127- 141 NORTH MADISON
AVENUE (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the project was previously determined Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Section 15332, Class 32, In-Fill Development Projects), and that no further CEQA approvals are required for the final tract map, and that the final tract map is not a project and exempt under Section 15268(b) of the State CEQA Guidelines as a ministerial action;
(2) Adopt a resolution to approve Final Tract Map No. 082169 for the creation of 49 air parcels for residential condominium purposes and one air parcel for commercial condominium purposes
(Resolution No. 10133);
(3) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Subdivision Contract with 127 Madison, LLC (Contract No. 24,247);
(4) Approve and accept a letter of credit in the amount of $44,556.00 as a security guarantee that all public improvements work as conditioned upon the developer will be satisfactorily completed in accordance with Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter
16.36.040; and
(5) Authorize the City Clerk to execute the Certificate on the Tract Map showing the City's approval of said Map.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF 2024
ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH SENATE
BILL 1205 FOR STATE-MANDATED FIRE INSPECTIONS (Fire
Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption; and
Council Minutes506/02/2025
City Council
APPOINTMENTS,
REAPPOINTMENTS, &
RESIGNATIONS
City Clerk/ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
MOTION:
(2) Adopt a Resolution acknowledging receipt of the Pasadena Fire Department's report on its level of compliance with state-mandated annual fire inspections as required by Senate Bill 1205 and California Health and Safety Code Section 13146.4. (Resolution No. 10134)
APPOINTMENT OF ROB TYLER TO THE DESIGN COMMISSION
(At Large Nomination/District 4)
RESIGNATION OF ROBERT CARPENTER FROM THE DESIGN
COMMISSION (At Large Nomination/District 1)
May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena Community
Development Commission
City Council Special Meeting
City Council Closed Session Special Meeting
Joint City Council/PUSD Special Meeting
Claim No. Claimant
2025-0277 Villa Corona HOA
2025-0278 Karen Berberian
2025-0279 State Farm Insurance
2025-0280 Alyssa Ann Garcia
2025-0281 Michael Groff
2025-0282 Fenya Angelina Arakelian
2025-0283 Duplicate to Claim No. 2025-0281
Claim Amount
$3,073.00
35,000.00+
10,000.00+
105.00
1,000.00
Not stated
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by Vice Mayor Rivas, to approve the staff recommendation for Consent Calendar Item 1, with direction to City staff to present the item to the Municipal Services Committee at a future meeting.
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Lyon, Masuda, Vice
Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Jones, Madison
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Cole
City Clerk Jomsky reported that a slight revision was made to page 14 of the May 5, 2025 City Council meeting minutes to clarify the subject matter pertaining to the recusal, as follows: "Mayor Gordo and Vice Mayor Rivas stated conflicts of interest, recused themselves from the Street Lighting and Electrical Undergrounding Program consideration, and left the meeting at 8:12 p.m." Council Minutes606/02/2025
MOTION:
CONSENT ITEMS
DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
MOTION:
OLD BUSINESS
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Hampton, to approve the remaining Consent Calendar, with the amendment made to Item 9a (clarification as detailed above), and with the exception of Item 5. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Jones and Madison)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR THE
RECEIPT OF MEASURE A CONTINUUM OF CARE FUNDS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $1,324,440 FOR HOMELESS SERVICES
(hfousing Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the recommended actions in the agenda report are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State 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) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the County of Los Angeles for the receipt of FY 2026 Measure A Continuum of Care funds in the amount of $1,324,440 with a term ending June 30, 2026 for the provision homelessness prevention, time-limited subsidies, housing navigation, and emergency shelter programs for households experiencing and at risk of homelessness (Contract No. 24,246);
(3) Authorize the City Manager to execute a first amendment to the subject contract with a not-to-exceed amount of $1,500,000 and a term extension through June 30, 2027, subject to the availability of Fiscal Year 2027 Measure A Continuum of Care funds for the continued provision of homeless services; and
(4) Authorize the City Manager to execute a second amendment to the subject contract with a not-to-exceed amount of $1,500,000 and a term extension through June 30, 2028, subject to the availability of Fiscal Year 2028 Measure A Continuum of Care funds for the continued provision of homeless services.
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns
regarding the lack of funding allocated for interim housing developments in the City.
Following public comment, it was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to approve
Consent Calendar Item 5. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Councilmembers Jones and Madison)
PUBLICSAFETYCOMMITTEE:INFORMATIONAL
PRESENTATION ON 2024 YEAR-END REVIEW AND ONGOING
WORK BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Recommendation: The report is provided for information only; no action is required at this time.
Council Minutes706/02/2025
ORDINANCES - FIRST
READING
Eugene Harris, Police Chief, presented a Powerpoint Presentation on the item and responded to questions.
Councilmember Hampton requested that the Public Safety
Committee discuss the possibility of opening the doors to the Police Department station to the public, citing safety concerns for residents needing access to the station. He also advocated for the Police Department to work with the traffic division to identify problem areas of traffic in the City for motorists driving at high speeds.
Councilmember Cole requested that, in the future, each department give more consideration to their performance measures to reflect expectations from each department, include the City Council in such discussions in establishing performance measures, and connecting performance measures to department goals. He also expressed concerns with the Police Department's enforcement policy related to homelessness, noting the need to help people get housed rather than cited, and advocated to review the policy.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that 1 letter expressing concerns with the Pasadena Police Department installing active intelligence center technology without community engagement, which was received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns with the lack of statistical measures pertaining to automated license plate readers in the presentation and the lack of community input on such new technologies being implemented by the Police
Department.
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, expressed provided
comments regarding the need for proof in the form of statistical data to support assertions that unhoused individuals refuse housing resources.
Mayor Gordo requested information on the correlation between the Police Department's staffing levels and response times.
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, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING PASADENA MUNICIPAL
CODE CHAPTER 13.04 TO REMOVE STRANDED INVESTMENT
CHARGE AND RESERVES AND INCLUDE A RESERVE FOR
WORKING CAPITAL"
The ordinance above was offered by Councilmember Lyon:
Council Minutes806/02/2025
Item pulled; to be heard at
a future meeting
ORDINANCE - SECOND
READING
PUBLIC HEARINGS
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Lyon, Masuda, Vice
Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
None
Councilmembers Jones, Madison
None
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA ADOPTING THE TENANT PROTECTIONS OF THE
ELLIS ACT, GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7060 ET SEQ."
Adopt "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENA
AMENDING TITLE 1, SECTIONS 1.24.010, 1.25.010 AND 1.26.010
OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
ENFORCEMENT OF CITY ORDINANCES" (Ordinance No.7447)
The ordinance above was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Lyon, Masuda, Vice
Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Jones, Madison
ABSTAIN: None
QUASI-JUDICIAL REVIEW FOR DESIGNATION OF THE
ROOSEVELT SCHOOL BUILDING AT 315 N. PASADENA
AVENUE AS A LANDMARK (Planning Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that, pursuant to the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Article 18 (Statutory Exemptions), §15270, CEQA does not apply to projects which a public agency rejects or disapproves;
(2) Find that the Roosevelt School at 315 North Pasadena Avenue does not meet any of the four Criteria for landmark designation pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) Section
17.62.040.D.2; and
(3) Disapprove the application for landmark designation.
Recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission: On April 15, 2025, at a Call for Review hearing, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) recommended by a vote of 5-4 that the City Council approve the designation of the Roosevelt School at 315 N.
Pasadena Avenue as a Landmark under Criterion C of PMC Section
17.62.040.D.2 as an example of a Mid-Century Modern style educational facility.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the public hearing notice was posted and mailed on May 19, 2025. He also reported that 14 letters in support of the City Council approving the designation of Roosevelt School Building as a landmark and/or providing comments on the matter, 1 letter providing historical architecture evaluations, and 20 letters in opposition to the City Council designating the Roosevelt Council Minutes906/02/2025
building as a landmark and/or providing comments on the matter, and 1 letter from the applicant providing information on the Roosevelt story in the 1950s era of Pasadena, were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record.
Jennifer Paige, Planning Director, provided introductory remarks on the item. Kevin Johnson, Principal Planner, presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item, providing information on the criteria for landmark designation, the application background, the Historic Preservation Commission's decision, and an evaluation framework, and responded to questions.
Rene Gonzalez, applicant, presented a Powerpoint presentation on how Roosevelt Elementary played a significant role in providing an accessible school and education environment, historical accessible features promoting inclusivity, and opportunities for alt students to learn at the location throughout the 1900s.
Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, Pasadena Unified School District
Superintendent and on behalf of the landowner, provided a brief background on the School District's housing project plan for the Roosevelt School building. Mark Hulbert, on behalf of the landowner, presented a Powerpoint presentation on standard school buildings throughout the 1900s, noting in his presentation that the design of Roosevelt was not distinctive. Stan Barankiewicz, legal counsel representing PUSD, advocated for the City Council to only consider the status of landmark designation based on Criterion C when deliberating on the information presented.
The following individuals spoke in support of the staff recommendation to deny the application for landmark designation, advocated for PUSD's housing development project, and/or provided other related comments:
Lisa Thorton, Pasadena resident
Brian Brenhaug, San Gabriel resident
Angela Strong, Pasadena resident
Julie Halton, Pasadena resident
Scott Harden, Pasadena resident
Rebecca Pena, Pasadena resident
Erica Nellessen, Pasadena resident
Bert Newton, Making Housing and Community Happen
Anthony Manousus, Pasadena resident
Michael Canavan, Pasadena resident
Jacob Pierce, Abundant Housing
Stella Alien Franco, Los Angeles resident
Ava Cheng, Pasadena resident
Jennifer Lowe, Pasadena resident
Greg Alien, Pasadena resident
Council Minutes1006/02/2025
Holly Hight, Pasadena resident
Jill Shook, Pasadena resident
The following individuals advocated for landmark designation of Roosevelt School and/or provided other related comments:
Bridget Lawlor, Pasadena Heritage
Ann Scheid, Pasadena resident
Ana Soulriver, Pasadena resident
Marlene Benites, Pasadena resident
Tina Miller, Pasadena resident
Debi Howell-Ardila, residence not stated
Mark Hulbert, on behalf of the landowner, provided additional information regarding the standard school building design used for Roosevelt School relative to Criterion C.
Rene Gonzalez, applicant, stated that Roosevelt School has maintained architectural integrity throughout the history of the building, that it should continue to be preserved, and argued that other school sites can be utilized for School District's faculty housing project.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding the historical relevance of the architecture of Roosevelt School, Planning Director Paige confirmed that staff analysis concluded that there is no relevance as neither of the two architects were significant in their works. In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry if PUSD had plans to reopen Roosevelt School, Superintendent Dr. Blanco reported that the school site would not reopen due to lack of adequate amenities (cafeteria, auditorium, proper classroom sizes, etc.). Councilmember Hampton expressed support for the staff recommendation, noting a lack of findings to support a landmark designation. He also acknowledged the historical value that Roosevelt School brings to the community, and advocated for the school district to install a meaningful display depicting the history of the school site as part of the new faculty housing development project.
Councilmember Lyon expressed support for staff recommendation and stated that he also cannot make findings for landmark designation due to the many modifications made to the school building over the course of years. Vice Mayor Rivas and Councilmember Masuda both echoed similar sentiments and expressed support for the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Cole stated that preserving the Roosevelt School building may not be the best way to honor the history of the school site and expressed his support for the staff recommendation.
Council Minutes1106/02/2025
MOTION:
MOTION:
Mayor Gordo stated that the grounds for preserving the Roosevelt School building may only be possible if it can be restored to its original structure. While he expressed caution against PUSD permanently closing school sites for other uses, he also expressed support for the staff recommendation due to the lack of findings needed relative to Criterion C.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to close the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Jones and Madison)
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to approve the staff
recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Councilmembers Jones and Madison)
FISCAL YEAR 2026 RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE OF TAXES,
FEES, AND CHARGES (Finance Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15273 (Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges);
(2) Open the public hearing on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Schedule of Taxes, Fees, and Charges; and
(3) Close the public hearing and adopt the FY 2026 Schedule of Taxes, Fees, and Charges.
* Item 11 and Item 15 were discussed concurrently
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the public hearing notice was published on March 27, April 3, and April 10, 2025 in the Pasadena Press, and that no correspondence was received by the City Clerk's Office for this item.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, provided comments related to false alarm fees for taking up police resources and ShotSpotter.
Councilmember Cole advocated for the City Council and City staff to review cost of services and costs of recovery to determine the level of subsidies provided by the City for certain fees. Mayor Gordo expressed support to discuss such an effort at a future Finance Committee meeting.
Councilmember Lyon advocated for a review of City fees that were frozen or cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, with staff to return with the information prior to the adoption of the City's General Fee Schedule to be heard as part of the June 16, 2025 City Council meeting.
i!
Council Minutes1206/02/2025
MOTION:
MOTION:
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Manager
MOTION:
PUBLIC HEARING
Discussion ensued regarding an earlier start for on-going budget discussions to ensure that the City Council is able to provide input and feedback on the remaining City departments, and the budget as a whole, and for City staff to have ample time to prepare a budget that aligns with established priorities.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councitmember Hampton, to close the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Jones and Madison)
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Councilmembers Jones and Madison)
ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2026 RECOMMENDED GENERAL
FEE SCHEDULE
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15273 (Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges); and
(2) Adopt a resolution approving the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 General Fee Schedule.
Following discussion, on the order of the Mayor, and consensus of the City Council, the item was held, with staff to return with the information requested above at the June 16, 2025 City Council meeting.
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL
YEAR 2026 CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED OPERATING
BUDGET (Finance Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15273 (Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges);
(2) Open the public hearing on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Schedule of Taxes, Fees, and Charges; and
(3) Close the public hearing and adopt the FY 2026 Schedule of Taxes, Fees, and Charges.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that 5 letters expressing concerns with the inoperable state of EV chargers in the City, 1 letter advocating for the City Council to reject the recommended operating budget until staff addresses the climate emergency, 1 letter in opposition to the transfer of monies to the General Fund, one letter expressing concerns related to the FY26 recommended Housing Department's operating budget and lack of General Fund support, 4 letters Council Minutes1306/02/2025
MOTION:
REPORTS AND
COMMENTS FROM
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Finance Committee
Item pulled; to be heard at
a future meeting
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
advocating for better care of City trees, as well as additional tree planting efforts in the City, which were all received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the record for this continued public hearing.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, spoke in opposition to the Police Department's surveillance technologies and advocated for the item to be removed from the proposed operating budget.
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns
regarding the proposed budget for the City's hlousing
Department and advocated for the City to fund homelessness programs and services directly from the General Fund in lieu of relying on federal and state grant funds.
It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to continue the public hearing to June 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Jones and Madison)
APPROVE THE ALLOWABLE USES AND CHARACTERISTICS
OF ENTITIES ALLOWED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR THE
BUILDINGS WITHIN HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK
ANNEX AREA (PRCS Dept.)
Pursuant to the announcements made by the Mayor at the beginning of the meeting, this matter was held in order to be heard at a future meeting.
On ^tfra^r of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 11:10 p.m.
!
1-
IM.
Victor M. Gttrdo, Mayor
City of Pasadena
City
Council Minutes1406/02/2025