OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
Councilmember Hampton
arrived at 6:09 p.m.
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
July 14, 2025-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Vice Mayor Rivas called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent: Councilmembers Hampton, Madison, and Mayor Gordo) On the order of the Vice Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:03 p.m. to discuss the following closed session items:
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: 2160 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Agency negotiator: Miguel Marquez
Negotiating parties: Rodger Wright
The above closed session item was discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
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.
On the order of the Vice Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:03 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Jones.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo (absent)
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Tyron Hampton (arrived at 6:09 p.m.)
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison (arrived at 7:23 p.m.)
Councilmember Gene Masuda
City Manager Miguel Marquez
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Vice Mayor Rivas, Councilmember Masuda, and Councilmember Hampton presented a certificate of recognition to Colonel Sonny Avichal and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southern California Wildfire Debris Task Force for their recovery efforts following the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. The City Council expressed their gratitude for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for leading Phase 2 of the fire debris removal process in Pasadena and Altadena.
Council Minutes107/14/2025
Colonel Avichal thanked the City Council for their kind words and spoke on the importance of collaborations with local partners to help affected communities heal and rebuild.
Vice Mayor Rivas also presented a proclamation recognizing the month of July 2025 as National Parks and Recreation Month and Parks Make Life Better Month; and July 18, 2025 as Park and Recreation Professionals Day. Jennifer Colby, Communications Coordinator, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Department, thanked the City Council for the recognition, and spoke on the importance of serving the community through recreational services. She also announced details for the upcoming Parks After Dark summer event series. Kenny James, PRCS Recreation Administrator, encouraged the community to engage in some type of passive recreation during this month, such as taking walks or enjoying picnics in one of the City's recreation areas. Koko Panossian, PRCS Director, extended his gratitude to PRCS staff for their hard work in putting together numerous programs, services, and events throughout the year for the community.
Vice Mayor Rivas introduced Dr. Joe Coletti, CEO of Urban Initiatives, who spoke on the upcoming 150th anniversary of Colorado Blvd and 100th anniversary of Route 66. He reported that the Colorado Boulevard 150th Anniversary and Route 66 100th Anniversary Planning Council has been working with local partners to organize and implement various activities to commemorate these milestones in 2026. Pasadena Police Officers Linda Mercado and Adrian Wolford shared details on the 2026 Pasadena Police Classic Car Show, which will be a part of the festivities. Tom Coston, Light Bringer Project, also shared that the Pasadena Chalk Murals Festival will also occur during the commemoration. Mandy Prince, from Visit Pasadena, announced that the Great Race, a vintage car relay, will begin in Chicago and conclude in Pasadena. Alex Rasic, Gamble House Director, and Paul Little, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, spoke on working with cultural and local organizations to build a sense of community through the celebration of these anniversaries. Kevin Johnson, Senior Planner, spoke on how the City will be assisting with the anniversary celebrations.
Vice Mayor Rivas reported that she attended, along with Councilmembers Lyon and Masuda, the Pasadena Memorial Day Commemoration, which took place at Memorial Park on May 26, 2025. At the event, she accepted an American flag on behalf of the City in honor of Pasadenans who gave their lives in service to the country, and noted that the Mayor and staff will find a place of honor for the flag to be displayed at City Hall.
Council Minutes207/14/2025
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
The following individuals provided comments on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocated for the City to divest from specific companies:
Kelsey Shea, Pasadena resident
Bert Newton, Pasadena resident
Randall Heyn Lamb, Pasadena resident
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding the of federal funding for homelessness, advocated for the City to utilize funds from Operating and Emergency Reserves to fund
homelessness sen/ices.
The following individuals expressed concerns related to the cancellation of the recently scheduled Public Safety Committee meeting and/or provided other related comments:
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident
James Maddox, Pasadena resident
JJ Garzon, volunteer with the CDC, requested a meeting with City officials to discuss ways to help local individuals who have been apprehended by federal immigration officers.
Jessica Saxton, residence not stated, expressed concerns regarding states enacting alternative legislation in substitute of the laws guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH TRANE U.S. INCORPORATED FOR ON-CALL
HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR-CONDITIONING PRODUCTS,
EQUIPMENT, RELATED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $800,000 (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the actions proposed in the agenda report to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines (California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3) Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1 - Existing Facilities and Section 15302, Class 2 - Replacement or Reconstruction, and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt classes, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Trane U.S. Incorporated for on-call Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning Products, Equipment, Related Products and Services in an amount not-to-exceed $800,000. Competitive price bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(H) (Contracts with other governmental entities or their contractors for labor, material, supplies or services). (Contract No. 33229)
Council Minutes307/14/2025
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH THE WILLIS CORPORATION, DBA VENTURA
COUNTY OVERHEAD DOOR TO FURNISH, DELIVER AND
INSTALL ROLLUP DOORS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED
$278,964 (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the actions proposed in the agenda report to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines (California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3) Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1 - Existing Facilities and Section 15302, Class 2 - Replacement or Reconstruction, and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt classes, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as the result of the competitive bidding process as specified by Section 4.08.045 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with The Willis Corporation, DBA Ventura County Overhead Door to provide labor, materials and equipment for rollup door installations and upgrades for an amount not-to-exceed $278,964 which includes the base contract amount of $265,680 and a contingency of $13,284 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 33281)
ADOPT A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING ONE NEW
CLASSIFICATION AND UPDATING THE SALARIES OF FOUR
EXISTING CLASSIFICATIONS REPRESENTED BY IBEW AND
IUOE (Human Resources Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) "Common Sense" exemption; and
(2) Adopt a Resolution establishing one new classification and updating the salaries of four existing classifications represented by IBEWand IUOE. (Resolution No. 10143)
ADOPT A RESOLUTION UPDATING THE SALARY OF ONE
EXISTING CLASSIFICATION REPRESENTED BY LIUNA (Human
Resources Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) "Common Sense" exemption; and
(2) Adopt a Resolution updating the salary of one existing classification represented by LIUNA. (Resolution No.10144) Council Minutes407/14/2025
Item discussed separately
ADOPT THE SALARY RESOLUTIONS FOR NON-
REPRESENTED NON-MANAGEMENT, NON-REPRESENTED
MANAGEMENT, AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
(Human Resources Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed actions in the agenda report are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) "Common Sense" exemption; (2) Adopt the Non-Represented Non-Management Salary
Resolution (Resolution No. 10140);
(3) Adopt the Non-Represented Management Salary Resolution (Resolution No. 10141); and
(4) Adopt the Executive Management Salary Resolution.
(Resolution No. 10142)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH PACIFIC HYDROTECH CORPORATION FOR
THE ALLEN RESERVOIR REPAIRS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-
EXCEED $831,450 (Water & Power Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines 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 the contract to the lowest and best bid dated May 22, 2025, submitted by Pacific Hydrotech Corporation ("Pacific Hydrotech") in response to Project ID: 2025-1 FB-LM-0058 for labor and materials for the Alien Reservoir Repairs, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for an amount not-to-exceed $831,450 which includes the base contract amount of $723,000 and a contingency of $108,450 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 33282)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH UTILITY TREE SERVICE, LLC. FOR TREE
TRIMMING, VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, AND EMERGENCY
RESPONSE SERVICES FOR POWER LINE CLEARANCE FOR
UP TO SIX YEARS FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-
EXCEED $25,800,000 (Water & Power Dept.)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH BRAGG INVESTMENT COMPANY, INC., FOR
CRANE SERVICES FOR POWER POLES AND ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS FOR A GRAND TOTAL
NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $750,000 (Water & Power 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") Council Minutes507/14/2025
Item discussed separately
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) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated March 31, 2025, submitted by Bragg Investment Company, Inc. ("Bragg Investment"), in response to the project plans and specifications for As Needed Crane Services for Power Poles and Electrical Equipment, authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for up to five years for a grand total amount not-to-exceed $750,000, which includes the option for two additional one-year extensions or an amount not-to- exceed $300,000, whichever occurs first, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Contract No. 33270)
REJECT BID FOR FAIR OAKS AVENUE PAVEMENT STREET
REPAIRS (Water & Power Dept.)
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE: SUPPORT FOR SB 627
(WIENER, ARREGUIN, AND PEREZ): LAW ENFORCEMENT:
MASKS (Office of the City Manager)
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 State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment;
(2) Support Senate Bill 627 (Wiener, Arreguin, and Perez) - Law Enforcement: Masks, and any subsequent related legislation; and (3) Authorize the Mayor to send letters to the appropriate authorities stating Pasadena's position.
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE: SUPPORT FOR SB 805
(PEREZ AND WIENER): CRIMES (Office of the City Manager) 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 State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment;
(2) Support Senate Bill 805 (Perez and Wiener) - Crimes, and any subsequent related legislation; and
(3) Authorize the Mayor to send letters to the appropriate authorities stating Pasadena's position.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: UPDATE ON THE
ELECTRIC RATE STUDY AND THE ENERGY RESOURCE
PORTFOLIO (Water & Power Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed actions in the agenda report are statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15262, Feasibility and Planning Studies; and
Council Minutes607/14/2025
City Council
RESIGNATIONS,
APPOINTMENTS, &
REAPPOINTMENTS
City Clerk/ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED
(2) Direct staff to proceed with the rate study consistent with Municipal Services Committee ("MSC") guidance to prepare a two- year rate plan using the cost assumptions up to 2029.
Recommendation of the Municipal Services Committee:
On June 24, 2025, the Municipal Services Committee provided guidance to prepare a two-year rate plan using the cost assumptions up to 2029. This consensus was based on discussion of draft financial results showing all the cost scenarios presented, until 2029, are not significantly different. MSC also reiterated that proposals would include rate increases as steadily as practical using all financial tools available, including the use of debt financing and cash balances.
In response to Councilmember Cole's request for a brief summary from the Municipal Services Committee, Councilmember Jones reported that the Committee reviewed the electric rate study and noted that electric rates would need to be increased due to a respective increase in power system costs.
Three letters advocating for the City to require a plan to achieve the goals of City Council Resolution 9977, to adopt an Optimized Strategic Plan that focuses on solar energy to achieve the goal of 100% carbon free energy by 2030, and/or providing various comments related to the item, 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.
APPOINTMENT OF JEANINE HERNANDEZ TO THE SENIOR
COMMISSION (District 4 Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF ANTHONY W. ORLANDO TO THE HUMAN
SERVICES COMMISSION (District 6 Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF GREG KING TO THE URBAN FORESTRY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (Pasadena Beautiful Nomination)
REAPPOINTMENT OF VALERIE STRUSKI TO THE
ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION (District 3
Nomination)
RESIGNATION OF THEODORE (TED) SMITH FROM
NORTHWEST COMMISSION (District 6 Nomination)
THE
June 9, 2025
June 9, 2025
June 16, 2025
June 16, 2025
June 16, 2025
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena
Community Development Commission
City Council Special Meeting
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena
Community Development Commission
Council Minutes707/14/2025
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
June 20, 2025
June 23, 2025
June 23, 2025
June 30, 2025
June 30, 2025
July 7, 2025
July 7, 2025
July 7, 2025
City Council Special Meeting
City Council
Successor
Community
City Council
Successor
Community
City Council
City Council
Successor
Community
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Special Meeting
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Claim No. ClaimantClaim Amount
2025-0307 Michelle Kerzirian
2025-0308 Mercury Insurance Co a/s/o Paul
Geller
2025-0309 Sirun Martirosyan
2025-0310 Ashot Martirosyan
2025-0311 Artur Martirosyan
2025-0312 Miguel Casteneda
2025-0313 Jimmy Diaz
2025-0314 Heather Joy Warren
2025-0315 Jonathan Savic
2026-0001 Duplicate to Claim No. 2025-0254
2026-0002 Silvia Peri
2026-0003 Wayne Chow
2026-0004 Hudson Oaks Apt.
2026-0005 Spectrum Pacific West, LLC
2026-0006 Matthew Henry Ackels
2026-0007 Arturo Rodriguez Castillo
2026-0008 Avelina Rodriguez
2026-0009 She Yi
$3,000.00
4,048.37
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
2,500.00
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
2,000.00
35,000.00+
50.00 35,000.00+
35,000.00+
9,433.04
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
Not stated
City Clerk Jomsky reported that Item 14a, page 10 of the June 16, 2025 City Council meeting minutes, have been amended to add a paragraph to provide additional detail on the segmentation process used in adopting the City's operating budget, which was implemented to prevent conflicts of interest among a few City Councilmembers.
In compliance with the Brown Act, and prior to City Council action, Vice Mayor Rivas reported on compensation increases for the Executive Management classification.
Council Minutes807/14/2025
MOTION:
PUBLIC HEARING
L^J
It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, including the amendment to Item 14a (June 16, 2025 City Council meeting minutes), and with the exception of Items 7 and 9. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison and Mayor Gordo)
RENEW OLD PASADENA MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
PROPERTY-BASED BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
(PBID) AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
BASELINE SERVICES AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT FOR
SERVICES WITHIN SUCH DISTRICT (Office of the City Manager) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Conduct a Public Hearing on the proposed renewal of the Old Pasadena Management District Property-Based Business
Improvement District (PBID);
(2) Find that adopting a resolution renewing the Old Pasadena Management District Property-Based Business Improvement District is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15061(b)(3) "Common Sense" exemption;
Upon closing of the Public Comment portion of the Public Hearing, that the City Council:
(3) Order the tabulation of all ballots received and not withdrawn, and request a report on the tabulation results as soon as possible.
Upon receipt of the report on the tabulation of ballots, if the results of said tabulation show that a majority protest does not exist, it is recommended that the City Council:
(4) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Baseline Services Agreement and Agreement for Services with PB1D for a period of 10 years in the annual amount of $669,050;
(5) Appoint the Old Pasadena Management District (acting by and through its Board of Directors) as the owners' association for the purpose of making recommendations to the City Council on expenditures derive from the assessment, property classifications, as applicable, and on the method and basis of levying assessments; and
(6) Adopt a final resolution "Renewing the Old Pasadena Management District Property-Based Business Improvement District."
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the public hearing notice was distributed, as part of the balloting process, to all properties located in the district. He also reported that no correspondence was received by the City Clerk's Office for this item, other than the ballots received by City staff.
David Klug, Economic Development Director, provided introductory comments on the item and introduced, Teresa Garcia, Senior Project Manager, who briefly outlined the boundaries of the Old Pasadena Management District.
Council Minutes907/14/2025
nMOTION:
CONSENT ITEMS
DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
Item held; to be heard at a
future meeting
Steve Mulheim, President of Old Management District, thanked the City Council for their continued support and partnership.
It was moved by Councilmember Jones, seconded by
Councilmember Hampton, to close the public hearing and approve staff recommendations 1-3. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison and Mayor Gordo)
The public hearing recessed at 7:07 p.m. to allow for ballot tabulation.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH UTILITY TREE SERVICE, LLC. FOR TREE
TRIMMING, VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, AND EMERGENCY
RESPONSE SERVICES FOR POWER LINE CLEARANCE FOR
UP TO SIX YEARS FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-
EXCEED $25,800,000 (Water & Power Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Article 19, Class 1, Section 15301, Existing facilities, Subsection (h) which exempts maintenance of existing landscaping and that there are no features that distinguish the 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 11, 2025, submitted by Utility Tree Service, LLC ("UTS") in response to the project plans and specifications for Tree Trimming, Vegetation Management, and Emergency Response Services for Power Line Clearance, authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for up to six years for a grand total amount not-to-exceed $25,800,000, which includes the option for one additional one-year extension or an amount not-to-exceed $4,600,000, whichever occurs first, at the discretion of the City Manager.
Hugh Lee, legal counsel for Tree Service Kings, spoke in opposition to the proposed action, and expressed concerns regarding the bidding and evaluation process for this project, stating that certain requirements were not originally listed in the bid documents.
Councilmember Hampton advocated for the item to be held and return to the City Council at next week's council meeting, to allow City staff sufficient time to review and address concerns raised by public comment.
Following discussion, as ordered by the Vice Mayor, with consensus from the City Council, this item was held for consideration at a future City Council meeting, with staff to evaluate the concerns stated during public comment.
Council Minutes1007/14/2025
MOTION:
PUBLI^HEARIKGS -
cont.
MOTION:
REJECT BID FOR FAIR OAKS AVENUE PAVEMENT STREET
REPAIRS (Water & Power Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(5) (projects which a public agency rejects or disapproves) and Section 15270 of the State CEQA Guidelines; and
(2) Reject the bid received by May 21, 2025, in response to the Notice Inviting Bids for Fair Oaks Ave Pavement Street Repairs.
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident, advocated for street paving to occur as soon as possible on Fair Oaks Avenue so that the street can be resurfaced and repaired.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison and Mayor Gordo)
APPROVE SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO 2024 ANNUAL
ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT (Housing Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council cancel the public hearing.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to cancel the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison and Mayor Gordo) FISCAL YEAR 2026 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.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the public hearing notice was published on May 26, June 2, and June 9, 2025 in the Pasadena Press. He also reported that no correspondence was received by the City Clerk's Office for this item.
Council Minutes1107/14/2025
MOTION:
MOTION:
REPORTS AND
COMMENTS FROM
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Municipal Services
Committee
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Cole, to close the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison and Mayor Gordo)
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Cole, approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison and Mayor Gordo)
DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE
WITHIN 60 DAYS AMENDING SECTION 4.19 OF THE
PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE TRAFFIC
REDUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT FEE
FOR EXISTING LAND USE CATEGORIES AND TO ADD NEW
LAND USE CATEGORIES TO THE FEE STRUCTURE
(Transportation Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the actions proposed in the agenda report are 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 statutorily exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15273 (Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges);
(2) Amend Municipal Code Section 4.19.040(A)- Fees of Chapter
4.19 - Traffic Reduction and Transportation Improvement Fee (TR/TIF)tosettheFeeat:
a. $5,202 to $5,722 per dwelling use of net new single-family residential,
No fee for ADU under 800 SF, ADUs over 800 SF
assessed a fee proportional to size of main dwelling,
b. $2,158 to $2,352 per dwelling use of net new multi-family residential,
i. No fee for ADU under 800 SF, ADUs over 800 SF
assessed a fee propori:ional to size of main dwelling,
c. $1.15 per square foot of net new light industrial use, d. $11.89 per square foot of net new retail use, and
e. $7.57 per square foot of net new office use;
(3) Amend Municipal Code Section 4.19.040(A)- Fees of Chapter
4.19 to include the following land use categories to the TR/TIF fee:
a. $20.66 per square foot of net new medical office use, b. $1.62 per square foot of net new hospital use,
c. $1,437 per room of net new lodging use, and
d. $5.15 per square foot of net new research and development use;
(4) Amend Municipal Code Section 4.19.060 to enumerate the list of transportation improvements funded through the fee as set forth in Attachment "A" of the agenda report;and
(5) Direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance within 60 days amending Municipal Code Sections 4.19 as set forth above.
Council Minutes1207/14/2025
r'
Councilmember Madison
arrived at 7:23 p.m.
MOTION:
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Manager
Transportation Advisory Commission Recommendation:
Department of Transportation (DOT) staff presented the
methodology and findings of the nexus study, as well as staff recommendations, to the Transportation Advisory Commission (TAG) on March 27, 2025 and at a special meeting on April 14, 2025.
The TAG discussed the new proposed land use categories, and whether this may encourage or discourage the development of certain types of land uses in the City. The TAG approved the following motion:
Support the fees as recommended, and urge council to consider if the reallocation of the fee categories may provide better outcomes on future development.
Joaquin Siques, Transportation Director, provided a brief Powerpoint presentation on the item and responded to questions.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding why the proposed fee reductions are not coordinated with Planning Department's ADU fee reductions, Transportation Director Siques reported that due to the steps of the Mitigation Fee Act, the fee was assessed as a standalone fee.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Jones to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Mayor Gordo)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH ANIXTER, INC., FOR THE PURCHASE OF
CABLES NECESSARY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER
SUBTRANSMISSION LINES BETWEEN SANTA ANITA AND
GLENARM RECEIVING STATIONS FOR A GRAND TOTAL
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $40,952,000 (Water & Power 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) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated April 17, 2025, submitted by Anixter, Inc. ("Anixter") in response to the project plans and specifications for Path Two Cable Replacement: 1250 KCMIL Compact CU, 35kV Flat Strap Triplex Cable, authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for up to two years for a grand total amount not-to-exceed $40,952,000, which includes the base contract amount of $37,229,000 and a contingency of $3,723,000 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 33267) ^
Council Minutes1307/14/2025
n
MOTION:
PUBLIC HEARING -
cont.
David Reyes, General Manager of Water & Power, provided introductory comments on the item. Varoojan Avedian, Assistant General Manager, provided a Powerpoint Presentation on the item, describing the scope of the project, the competitive bidding process, and price fluctuations due to tariffs recently implemented by the federal administration.
Councilmember Jones expressed concerns regarding the rising cost of copper due to tariffs, and advocated for the City Council to increase the proposed contingency amount for this project so that staff has the ability to address increased pricing in real time, and suggested that the total contract amount be adjusted to $45,000,000.
Councilmember Madison inquired if there may be opportunity to leverage the high dollar costs of the proposed project to negotiate smaller add-on projects, given the substantial amount being spent by the City. General Manager Reyes noted that City staff can explore the idea and report to the Municipal Services Committee if smaller add-on projects are possible.
City Manager Marquez reported that the amendment to the proposed contract amount would reflect a base contract amount of $37,229,000 for two-years and the increased contingency amount would be $6,723,000, making the total contract amount $43,952,000.
Sandy Annala, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns
regarding the duration of the project implementation and possible loss of electricity to a large part of the City, and suggested recycling old copper being removed during the project.
In response to public comment, General Manager Reyes reported that the City does plan to salvage as much copper as possible and that the GT5 turbine that underwent repairs is expected to be back online by mid-September to address any electric capacity issues.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation with an amendment to increase the proposed contingency amount by $3,000,000, for a new contingency amount of $6,723,000, and total contract amount of $43,952,000. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Mayor Gordo)
RENEW OLD PASADENA MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
PROPERTY-BASED BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
(PBID) AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
BASELINE SERVICES AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT FOR
SERVICES WITHIN SUCH DISTRICT (Office of the City Manager) Council Minutes1407/14/2025
n
MOTION:
ORDINANCES - FIRST
READING
I
Upon receipt of the report on the tabulation of ballots, if the results of said tabulation show that a majority protest does not exist, it is recommended that the City Council:
(4) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Baseline Services Agreement and Agreement for Services with PBID for a period of 10 years in the annual amount of $669,050 (Contract No. 24,272) (Contract No. 24,277);
(5) Appoint the Old Pasadena Management District (acting by and through its Board of Directors) as the owners' association for the purpose of making recommendations to the City Council on expenditures derive from the assessment, property classifications, as applicable, and on the method and basis of levying assessments; and
(6) Adopt a final resolution "Renewing the Old Pasadena Management District Property-Based Business Improvement District." (Resolution No. 10145)
The public hearing for the item above reconvened at 7:49 p.m. following the completion of ballot tabulation.
Economic Development Director Klug reported that City staff counted 131 ballots properly returned, with 88.2% of the ballots received cast in support of the proposed assessment, and therefore there is not a majority protest against the proposed assessment.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve staff recommendations 4-6. (Motion
unanimously approved) (Absent: Mayor Gordo)
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
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAP"
City Clerk Jomsky reported that one letter advocating for the City to further enact procedures and appropriate additional budgeting for enforcement and financial support for affected Fire Zone residents in future proceedings, was received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for the item.
The ordinance above was introduced by Councilmember Hampton:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Gordo
ABSTAIN: None
Council Minutes1507/14/2025
ORDINANCE-SECOND
READING
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Hampton
left the meeting at 8:01
p.m.
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AMENDING SECTIONS 2.05.160, 2.05.170, 2.05.180,
2.05.190, AND 2.05.200 OF TITLE 2, CHAPTER 2.05 OF THE
PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING COUNCIL
COMMITTEES"
City Attorney Bagneris provided a brief overview on the item and highlighted the change to the quorum requirement for City Council Committee Meetings.
The following individuals expressed concerns with cancellations of Council Committee meetings due to lack of quorums and advocated for the City Council to adopt the proposed ordinance:
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident
The ordinance above was introduced by Councilmember Hampton:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Gordo
ABSTAIN: None
Adopt "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" (Ordinance No. 7450)
The ordinance above was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Gordo
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Madison reported that he attended the hearing for the federal immigration case last Thursday and expressed gratitude for the City's legal team that was in attendance as well. He advocated for a sister city relationship with the City of Guanajuato, Mexico and requested that the matter be agenized for discussion.
He shared that the City's 710 Ad Hoc Committee will meet in August and will provide an update to the City Council shortly thereafter.
I
Council Minutes1607/14/2025
On ^er of the Vice Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adj(6ur|iied at 8:07 p.m.
ML ^.
ATTEST:
Victor M. Gordo, Mayo
City of Pasadena
City ^^r1
Council Minutes1707/14/2025