I
OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Jones
arrived at 5:12 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
June 23, 2025-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent: Councilmember Jones)
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:01 p.m. to discuss the following closed session items:
CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) (two potential cases)
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 Executive Management
The above closed session items were discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: 302 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena, CA
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Agency negotiator: Miguel Marquez
Negotiating parties: David J. Shophet
The above closed session item was not discussed.
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:27 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Mayor Gordo.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Tyron Hampton
CouncilmemberJustin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
City Manager Miguel Marquez
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Council Minutes106/23/2025
1 CEREMONIAL MATTERS
Mayor Gordo left the
meeting at 6:29 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
City Clerk Jomsky administered the Oath of Office to Lorriane Chapman, District 3 representative on the Transportation Advisory Commission.
Vice Mayor Rivas introduced Jennifer McLain Hiramoto, Board Chair the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED), who briefly spoke on CALED's mission to grow local economies and enhance qualities of life. Board Chair Hiramoto presented an Award of Merit to the City of Pasadena for Economic Development Strategy.
The following individuals provided comments on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocated for the City to divest from specific companies:
Joe Roos, Pasadena resident
Frank S., Pasadena resident
Lynn Hur, Pasadena resident
Yadi, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City to conduct an independent investigation of the Eaton Fire response.
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident, spoke on agendizing AB392 for discussion and the officer-involved shooting of Anthony McClain.
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident, spoke on the need to agendize items and concerns expressed by the public for City Council discussion.
William Mangum, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns with the inefficiencies of the Pasadena Fire Depari:ment and their response to the Eaton Fire.
The following individuals provided comments on the recent federal immigration enforcement activity in the community and/or provided related comments:
Brandon Lamar, Pasadena resident
Jasmine Abdullah, Pasadena resident
DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CERTAIN CHAPTERS OF TITLE 16, SUBDIVISIONS,
OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO DELEGATE THE
AUTHORITY FOR ACCEPTING AND APPROVING SUBDIVISION
AGREEMENTS AND ASSOCIATED FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE
GUARANTEES FROM THE CITY COUNCIL TO THE CITY
MANAGER (Public Works Dept.)
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) I
Council Minutes206/23/2025
Item discussed separately
pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b); and (2) Direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance amending certain chapters of Title 16 - Subdivisions, of the Pasadena Municipal Code within 60 days consistent with the provisions set forth in the agenda report.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE THE SALE
OF SEVENTEEN (17) VACANT PROPERTIES LOCATED IN THE
STATE ROUTE 710 RIGHT-OF-WAY IN PASADENA (Housing
Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15312, "Surplus Government Property Sales";
(2) Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate the sale of seventeen (17) vacant real properties located in the State Route 710 Right-of-Way in Pasadena for no less than appraised value.
DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 14.28 OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL
CODE, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "FIRE PREVENTION
CODE" TO ADOPT NEW FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES (Fire
Dept.)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:
APPROVE PASADENA ASSISTANCE FUND GRANT AWARDS
FOR PROGRAM YEARS 2025 AND 2026 (Housing Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the recommended action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Approve Pasadena Assistance Fund allocation for grant awards in the grand total amount of $150,000 for program years 2025 and 2026, as set forth in the agenda report to Star: Illuminate, Education, Advocate; Families Forward Learning Center and Outward Bound Adventures, Inc.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH CHILDS DESIGNS, FOR PROJECT
MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR AN AMOUNT-NOT-TO EXCEED
$400,000 (Housing Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the recommended action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Council Minutes306/23/2025
Item discussed separately
City Council
RESIGNATIONS,
APPOINTMENTS, &
REAPPOINTMENTS
City Clerk/ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
MOTION:
pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Childs Designs to provide ADD project management services for an amount not-to-exceed $400,000. (Contract No. 33284)
FLNANCE COMMITTEE: AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2026
OPERATING BUDGET (Finance Dept.)
APPOINTMENT OF ELIZABETH SASSLER TO THE HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION EFFECTIVE JULY 1,
2025 (District 2 Nomination)
May 19,2025
May 19, 2025
May 26, 2025
May 26, 2025
June 2, 2025
June 2, 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
Claim No. Claimant
2025-0297 State Farm
2025-0298 Brand! Marie Foresee
2025-0299 Shannon Yohn
2025-0300 Sheer S. Fadel
2025-0301 Noemi Hurtado
2025-0302 The Hertz Corp
2025-0303 Karen Sargsyan
2025-0304 Advir Sargsyan
2025-0305 Mark J. Burns
2025-0306 Keith Gomez
Claim Amount
$10,000.00
9,811.22
105.56
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
10,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
6,471.12
35,000.00+
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Masuda, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, except for Consent Item 3 (PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14.28 "FIRE PREVENTION CODE") and
Consent Item 6 (AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2026
OPERATING BUDGET). (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Mayor Gordo)
J
Council Minutes406/23/2025
CONSENT ITEMS
DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
Mayor Gordo returned to
the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 14.28 OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL
CODE, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "FIRE PREVENTION
CODE" TO ADOPT NEW FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES (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
(2) Direct the City Attorney to prepare and return within 60 days with an ordinance amending Chapter 14.28 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, otherwise known as the "Fire Prevention Code" to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) for Local
Responsibility Areas (LRA) as identified by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, urged the City to conduct further research and adequate planning of areas included in the fire hazard plan prior to preparing the ordinance.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the one letter advocating for the City to conduct further analysis of the City's fire zones was received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2026
OPERATING BUDGET (Finance Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda repori: 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) Amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget as detailed in the agenda report by recognizing and appropriating an additional $500,000 in the General Fund and increasing the Citywide Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) by 2.0 permanent FTEs. (Budget Amendment No. 2026-02)
In response to Councilmember Lyon's inquiry regarding the proposed budget amendment for the Fire Department, Matt Hawkesworth, Finance Director, reported that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the two additional Battalion Chiefs, the purchase of a second vehicle, maintaining the four vacancies in the paramedic intern program, and encouraged the Fire Depari:ment to seek internal savings.
Council Minutes506/23/2025
MOTION:
ORDINANCE - FIRST
READING
Related to Consent Item 3
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Manager
It was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to approve the staff recommendations for Consent Calendar Items 3 and 6, with direction to City staff to distribute correspondence for Item 3 to the Public Safety Committee, and defer the matter of New Fire Hazard Severity Zones to the Public Safety Committee, with discussion to occur prior to the City Council adopting the related ordinance. (Mlotion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 14.28, SECTION
14.28.500 OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
ENFORCEMENT OF CITY ORDINANCES"
City Attorney Bagneris noted the above proposed ordinance is related to Consent Item 3, and that based on the action to refer this matter to the Public Safety Committee, the first reading of the ordinance will be held until the July 14, 2025, City Council meeting with the ordinance scheduled for adoption on July 21, 2025.
In response to Mayor Gordo's inquiry, it was noted by Fire Chief Chad Augustin and City Manager Marquez that the state process to adopt maps designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones requires local jurisdictions to adopt the maps by ordinance within 120 days of the State Fire Marshall's action to issue the maps, and that the deadline for the City to comply with this year's requirement is before July 24, 2025, which fits within the schedule of City's ordinance adoption process indicated by the City Attorney.
PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE §14.28.200 REQUIRING FIRE
SPRINKLER INSTALLATION IN ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION (Fire
Dept.)
This item was pulled from the agenda, with no timeline for return.
City CouncilCONSIDERATION OF STATEMENT ON FEDERAL ACTIVITY AND COMMUNITY REASSURANCE IN PASADENA (Office of the
Mayor)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is covered by the "Common Sense" exemption set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment;
(2) Approve the Statement on Federal Activity and Community Reassurance in Pasadena.
Council Minutes606/23/2025
City Attorney Bagneris reported that the City Council may approve the proposed statement at an open and public City Council meeting, which may cure any potential issues related to the Brown Act.
Pablo Alvarado, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns
regarding the recent federal immigration raids and urged the City Council to take the following actions in response to federal operations: 1) adopt an ordinance protecting civil rights and human rights for all Pasadenans, 2) create an immigrant defense fund, 3) use law enforcement and public safety
resources to protect those in danger when unidentifiable agents swarm the streets, 4) stop unnecessary policing practices that may cause tensions and fear in the community, 5) adopt a zero tolerance policy for federal agents and dangerous activities if ICE vehicles and drivers endanger lives or public order, 6) explain any and all agreements the City may have with ICE or other enforcement agencies, 7) conduct a full and transparent investigation of the masked gunman who drew his weapon on a civilian during an immigration raid on Orange Grove Blvd, and 8) address how the City will work to protect its immigrant community in light of hosting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding the recent federal immigration enforcement activities in the City and urged the City Council to take actions to protect the City's immigrant community and/or provided other related comments:
Yadi, Pasadena resident
Mallory Corben, Pasadena resident
Enji Chung, Pasadena resident
Kelsy Wakefield, Pasadena resident
Dawn Burkhardt, Pasadena resident
Trina Chen, Pasadena resident
Mariana De La Torre, Pasadena resident
JeffCampbell, Pasadena resident
Gary Enke, Pasadena resident
Ed Zurita, Pasadena resident
Nolan Arcos, Pasadena resident
Sofia Alvarado, residence not stated
Porfiria Guererro, residence not stated
Melva Alvarez, Pasadena resident
Jose Madera, residence not stated
James Maddox, Pasadena resident
Anthony Manousus, Pasadena resident
Bert Newton, Pasadena resident
Jean Park, Pasadena resident
Pastor Mayra Macedo-Nolan, Pasadena resident
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident
Jasmine Abdullah, Pasadena resident
Council Minutes706/23/2025
MOTION:
Councilmember Madison expressed support for the adopting the proposed statement and advocated for the City to take action.
Vice Mayor Rivas also expressed support for the proposed statement and for the City taking action, and emphasized the importance of moral clarity, standing in solidarity with immigrant communities, and recognizing that the federal administration's actions threaten democracy.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry, Brenda Harvey- Williams, Assistant City Manager, confirmed that the City does offer services that provide residents with information on how to obtain citizenship and filling out various government forms at Jackie Robinson Community Center and Villa Park Community Center. He advocated for the City to reach out to congressional representatives to address the matter and send letters urging for humanity, highlighting the economic impacts and advocating for due process.
Mayor Gordo advocated for the City and the nonprofit community to create a fund that would support and assist families that are impacted by immigration raids.
Councilmember Lyon reiterated that the City's law enforcement does not participate in, nor cooperate with, any immigration enforcement, and emphasized that the City is working to identify lawful ways to address the matter while preserving the rule of law. He also expressed support for the newly proposed State Senate Bill 805 - No Vigilantes Act, aimed at holding law enforcement accountable and increasing transparency during immigration enforcement actions.
Councilmember Cole advocated for local organizations and bodies (i.e. Tournament of Roses, Chamber of Commerce, One Pasadena, Pasadena City College, etc.) to work together and help the community during these unprecedented times.
Mayor Gordo reflected on his family's journey of immigrating to the United States and settling in Pasadena. He emphasized the importance of the contributions from immigrants in all aspects and the harms of stigmatizing an entire community. He noted that the City's Police Department is in communication with federal agencies to determine if federal operations are in fact legitimate. He thanked the community for speaking out in a respectful, safe, and peaceful manner.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the proposed statement, with direction to the Finance Committee to discuss creating an immigrant assistance fund in collaboration with the nonprofit community organizations, and refer to the Legislative Council Minutes806/23/2025
ORDINANCE - FIRST
READING
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Attorney
Policy Committee review of the other measures highlighted by Mr.
Pablo Alvarado during public comment.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AMENDING TITLE 4, CHAPTER 4.17 (THE NEW
RESIDENTIAL IMPACT FEE ORDINANCE), SECTION 4.17.050,
AND TITLE 4, CHAPTER 4.32 (CONSTRUCTION TAX
ORDINANCE), SECTION 4.32.050 TO REDUCE THE
RESIDENTIAL IMPACT FEES AND CONSTRUCTION TAX AND
FOR QUALIFYING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS"
The ordinance above was introduced by Councilmember Hampton.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
APPOINTMENT OF THREE COMMUNITY-BASED
ORGANIZATION NOMINEES TO THE COMMUNITY POLICE
OVERSIGHT COMMISSION (City Attorney/City Prosecutor's Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 21065 of CEQA and Sections
15060(c)(2),15060(c)(3), and 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required; and
(2) Review the six applications received for the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) community-based organization seats and appoint three community-based organization nominees to the CPOC for 3-year terms beginning on July 1, 2025, as further described in the Agenda Report.
Mayor Gordo provided a brief overview on the CROC'S scope of work and their purpose to strengthen community police relations.
Shannon Prior, Principal Administrative Analyst, provided a brief overview of the three community-based organization vacancies on the CPOC, the recruitment process, and the appointment process.
Council Minutes906/23/2025
In response to Councilmember Madison's inquiry regarding potential conflicts of interests to serve on the Commission, City Attorney Bagneris reported that a nominee's law enforcement background is not codified as a disqualifying factor in the Pasadena Municipal Code from serving on the Community Police Oversight Commission. She also clarified that letters of recommendations for applicants are not a requirement when applying.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that one letter expressing support for Andrea McCraw, one letter expressing support for Faisal Rashid, twenty-two letters expressing support for Latoya Patillo, and one letter expressing support for Ted Smith, were all received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record.
Alexandra Annala, Latoya Patillo, Andrea McCraw, Faisal Rashid, Ted Smith, and Olden Denham individually participated in an interview process, providing an overview of each applicant's experience and qualification, and responded to questions posed by the City Council.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, advocated for the CPOC to hold police officers accountable and receive public input to improve public safety.
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City Council to select an applicant who will work to improve community police relations, noting his support for Olden Denham.
The following individuals spoke in support of Latoya Patillo to be appointed to the CPOC:
Sydney Pierce, residence not stated
Mark Sutton, Pasadena residence
Paula Norwood, Pasadena resident
June Carr, Monrovia resident
Esprit Jones, Pasadena resident, shared that the CPOC has worked to improve community relations with the Pasadena Police Department, and urged community members to show up and express their concerns when necessary, so that the
Community Police Oversight Commission can address them.
Brandon Lamar, Pasadena resident, spoke on the purpose of the CPOC and the importance of building bridges between law enforcement and the community.
Heavenly Hughes, My Tribe Rise, expressed concerns with the lack of community awareness regarding the new appointments being made to the CPOC.
Council Minutes1006/23/2025
MOTION:
OLD BUSINESS
Item held; to be heard at a
future meeting
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST
The City Council deliberated and reported their top selections to the three community-based organizational appointments to the CPOC.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Cole, to appoint Latoya Patillo, Ted Smith, and Faisal Rashid, to the three community-based
organizational seats to the CPOC.
Vice Mayor Rivas urged Mr. Faisal Rashid to focus on residents' experiences and perspectives, and less so from personal experience in law enforcement, when serving as a commissioner on the CPOC.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
HOMELESSNESS IN PASADENA 2024-2025: RESULTS OF THE
2024 ANNUAL COUNT AND 2025 POINT IN TIME COUNT
(Housing Dept.)
Recommendation: There is no staff recommendation for this item.
The City Council may, however, take action relating to this item as it deems appropriate following consideration and discussion of the matter.
On /6i^ler of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourripd^at 10:07 p.m.
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Vicf^r'M.'GSrdo, Mayo
City of Pasadena
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Council Minutes1106/23/2025