OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Madison
stated a potential conflict
of interest with Closed
Session Items B and C,
recused himself from the
items, and left the meeting
at 6:20 p.m.
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
August 25, 2025-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent: Councilmember Hampton and Vice Mayor Rivas)
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 LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Matthew Hawkesworth
and Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organizations: Pasadena Fire Fighters Association (PFFA) and Pasadena Firefighters Management Association (PFMA)
The above closed session item was discussed, with no reportable action taken.
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: In re National Prescription Opiate Litigation USDC (N. Dist Ohio) Case No.: 1:17-md-2894, MDL No. 2804 CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) (two potential cases) The above closed session Items B and C were discussed
concurrently. The second potential case from closed session Item C was not discussed. Authorization was given to initiate or intervene in civil litigation in the case identified in Item B. (Authorization unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Hampton,
Madison, and Vice Mayor Rivas)
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding significant exposure to potential litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): One (1) case
The above closed session item was not discussed.
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:40 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Madison.
Council Minutes 1 08/25/2025
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
n
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
SPECIAL ITEMS
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas (absent)
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Tyron Hampton (absent)
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Acting City Manager Matt Hawkesworth
Chief Assistant City Attorney Arnold Lee
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Mayor Gordo requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Bill Thomson, former Pasadena Mayor and City Councilmember, and spoke on his longtime work and commitment serving Pasadena.
Members of the City Council expressed their appreciation to the life and work of former Mayor Thomson, noting his unwavering dedication to the City and gracious mentorship of current and former members of the City Council. Councilmember Cole also requested that the City Council consider naming an appropriate facility, possibly near the Rose Bowl, to honor Mr. Thomson's legacy.
Mayor Gordo announced that Consent Calendar Item 6 has been pulled from the agenda and will return at a future City Council meeting.
PRESENTATION BY DEVON UPADHYAY, GENERAL MANAGER
AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Cynthia Kurtz, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Board Member, provided introductory comments and
introduced Devon Upadhyay, District General Manager of MWD, who provided an update on the District's operations, water conservation efforts and projects, cost recovery models, and the impacts of climate change. He also reported on adjusting the District's efforts to secure and develop local resources to overcome challenges posed by the federal administration.
In response to Councilmember Cole's inquiry regarding the District's progress on the One Water initiative, General Manager Upadhyay reported that the District is collaborating with other agencies to review the concept of One Water, which will involved and impact watersheds, local supplies, groundwater, stormwater management, recycling, etc., as well as choosing wise investments to ensure affordability for rate bearers, and finally, expanding relationships with agricultural districts and regions in California.
Council Minutes 2 08/25/2025
n
Mayor Gordo advocated for the District to work with other local agencies who also utilize the Raymond Basin to collaborate and prioritize recharging the basin.
Following discussion, on order of the Mayor, by consensus of the City Council, the information was received and filed.
UPDATE FROM RITA MORENO, CHAIR, AND LENA LOUISE
KENNEDY, VICE CHAIR, ON PROGRESS OF WORK BY THE
COMMITTEE ON CITY COUNCILMEMBERS' COMPENSATION
Rita Moreno, Chair of the Committee on City Councilmembers' Compensation, provided an update on the Committee's discussions and progress of determining an appropriate compensation increase for the Mayor and City Councilmembers, and responded to questions.
Councilmember Lyon thanked Chair Moreno and the Committee for their public service and extensively reviewing the matter of City Council compensation. He stated his support for the framework of the compensation package being considered by the Committee, but also expressed reservations with the proposed compensation increases in light of the impacts of the recent cuts in federal funding on the City's budget, the Eaton Fire rebuild, and scarce resources.
He suggested that the Committee seek a more cost-sensitive approach when addressing potential economic barriers to public service.
Councilmember Cole echoed Councilmember Lyon's sentiments and noted that due to recent challenges with federal funding, the current timing may not be appropriate for a substantial increase to compensation. In response to Councilmember Cole's inquiry about possibly delaying the effect of the compensation increase, City Clerk Jomsky reported that the City Council has the authority to introduce and adopt an ordinance specifying the effective date of the increase.
Mayor Gordo expressed support for a security stipend for the City Council, with funding also to be allocated for District Liaisons, and suggested bifurcating the proposed stipends to have the security stipend considered separately. He also suggested that the proposed amount of $15,000, proposed as an annual reimbursement allotment for office and security support, be reduced to once per term. He also expressed support for the family care reimbursement to address gender disparities on the City Council.
Councilmember Madison suggested that testimony from residents who have expressed interest in running for City Council may be a topic worthy of discussion to pinpoint barriers in public service. He expressed concerns regarding the substantial increases proposed for City Council support, noting the potential for improper use of Council Minutes 3 08/25/2025
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
funds at the proposed amounts. In response to Councilmember Madison's inquiries regarding the current benefits that the City Council receives, City Clerk Jomsky reported that each
Councilmember receives a computer/technology stipend per term, an annual general reimbursement allowance, healthcare benefits (can be monetarily deferred to a 457 account if opting out), and CalPERS contributions based on the monthly stipend.
Mayor Gordo advocated for District Liaisons have available separate reimbursement funds to support their work-related expenses, to avoid having to utilize funds from the general reimbursement allowance intended for members of the City Council. City Clerk Jomsky noted that each District Liaison is a City employee and is provided technology support to perform their work. In response to questions regarding District Liaison technology, City Clerk Jomsky noted that he will confirm that the City provides options for Liaisons to work at City Hall and also from home, noting that the City's laptop program is scalable to work both in the office and at their residence. hie also noted that the City Council has authority to budget additional technology funding for District Liaison support through the City's budget process, as way to further support District Liaisons in their City staff roles supporting each Councilmember and the Mayor.
Following discussion, on order of the Mayor, by consensus of the City Council, the information was received and filed.
The following individuals spoke on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and/or solemnly read names of children who lost their lives in the conflict:
Dr. Lena Alsarraf, Pasadena resident
Hedab Tarifi, Arcadia resident
Anaar Siletz, South Pasadena resident
Lucinda Wills, Pasadena resident
Muhammad AI-Muwadda, Pasadena resident
Teri Stein, Los Angeles resident
Edmond Mandin, Pasadena for Palestine
Salma Zahr, Pasadena resident
Chalsea Landeros, Pasadena resident
Olden Denham, Pasadena resident, advocated for continued discussion of AB392 at a future Public Safety Committee meeting and for the City Council to review the Pasadena Police Department's Use of Force policy.
Alien Shay, Pasadena resident, advocated for continued discussion ofAB392 at a future Public Safety Committee meeting.
Council Minutes 4 08/25/2025
n
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
Item discussed separately
Rene Gonzalez, Pasadena resident, spoke on immigrant
communities and identifying ways to promote world peace and acceptance.
The following individuals expressed concerns and/or provided comments regarding the substantial rental registry tax increase imposed by the City:
Deborah Lutz, Pasadena resident
Mike Trujillo, Pasadena resident
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH GREENFIELD MANAGEMENT FOR WEED
AND BRUSH CLEARANCE SERVICES FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS
FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $995,280 (PCRS
Dept.)
ADOPT A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING ONE NEW
CLASSIFICATION AND UPDATING THE SALARIES OF TEN
EXISTING CLASSIFICATIONS REPRESENTED BY PMA, 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 ten existing classifications represented by PMA, IBEW, and IUOE. (Resolution No.10150)
ADOPT A RESOLUTION REVISING NON-REPRESENTED
MANAGEMENT SALARY SCHEDULES TO REFLECT THE
REVISED SALARY RATES FOR THE DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF,
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF, AND POLICE COMMANDER
CLASSIFICATIONS (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 revising Non-Represented Management salary schedules to reflect the revised salary rates for the Deputy Police Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and Police Commander
classifications. (Resolution No. 10151)
REJECTION OF BIDS FOR BRENNER PARK PLAYGROUND
(Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
Council Minutes 5 08/25/2025
(1) Find the proposed action in the agenda report to be statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 18, Section 15270, Projects which are Disapproved, and Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(5), projects that a public agency rejects or disapproves; and
(2) Reject all bids received on July 14, 2025 in response to the Notice Inviting Bids for Brenner Park Playground.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO FIVE,
THREE-YEAR CONTRACTS WITH FIVE VENDORS FOR THE
PURCHASE AND OUTFITTING OF POLICE VEHICLES FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $5,266,731 (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 April 14, 2025 submitted by Olathe Ford Sales, Inc., in response to the project plans and specifications for Police Department Fleet Vehicles - Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford Police Pursuit Vehicle Outfitting and the Purchase of Ford Police Pursuit Vehicles (or equivalent), authorize the City Manager to enter into a three-year contract for an amount not-to- exceed $1,393,305, which includes the base contract amount of $1,161,087 and a contingency of $232,218 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33382);
(3) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated February 10,2025 submitted by Long Beach BMW Motorcycles in response to the project plans and specifications for Police Department Fleet Vehicles - Outfitted BMW RT Police Type Motorcycles (or equivalent), authorize the City Manager to enter into a three-year contract for an amount not-to-exceed $320,531, which includes the base contract amount of $267,109 and a contingency of $53,422 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33383);
(4) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated April 14, 2025 submitted by PFVT Motors, LLC DBA Peoria Ford in response to the project plans and specifications for Police Department Fleet Vehicles - Police Ford Vehicles (or equivalent) and Police Electric Vehicles (or equivalent), authorize the City Manager to enter into a three-year contract for an amount not-to-exceed $1,111,126, which includes the base contract amount of $925,938 and a contingency of $185,188 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33384); (5) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated April 14, 2025 submitted by Sierra Monrovia CDJR, LLC in response to the project plans and specifications for Police Department Fleet Vehicles - Police Dodge Vehicles (or equivalent), authorize the City Manager to enter into a three-year contract for an amount not-to-exceed $1,866,475, which includes the base contract amount of $1 ,555,396 Council Minutes 6 08/25/2025
Item pulled; to be heard at
a future meeting
Item discussed separately
and a contingency of $31 1,079 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33385);
(6) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated April 9, 2025 submitted by Winner Chevrolet, Inc., in response to the project plans and specifications for Police Department Fleet Vehicles - Chevrolet Police Pursuit Vehicles (or equivalent) and Chevrolet Police Vehicles (or equivalent), authorize the City Manager to enter into a three-year contract for an amount not-to-exceed $575,294, which includes the base contract amount of $479,41 1 and a contingency of $95,883 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33386); and (7) Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost increase amendments to the subject contracts including necessary change orders.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH TDG ENGINEERING, INC., TO DELIVER
CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT, PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING
AND FINAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR PASADENA GREENWAYS
FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $1,092,594
(Transportation Dept.)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF 17 FUEL
CELL ELECTRIC BUSES FROM NEW FLYER OF AMERICA, INC.,
FOR PASADENA TRANSIT FOR A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT
OF $32,050,255 (Transportation Dept.)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT -
QUARTER ENDING JUNE 30, 2025 (Finance 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.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
FOR 2024 URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE (UASI) GRANT
FUNDS AND AMEND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S AND HEALTH
DEPARTMENT'S FY 2026 OPERATING BUDGETS TO
RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE THE GRANT FUNDS (Fire
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; (2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the City of Los Angeles to accept and administer 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funds (Contract No. 24,293); and (3) Amend the Fire Department and Public Health Department Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budgets by recognizing revenue and Council Minutes 7 08/25/2025
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appropriating $200,185 awarded by UASI as detailed in the Fiscal Impact section of the agenda report.
(Budget Amendment No. 2026-09)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AMENDMENTS TO
YEAR 2026 ADOPTED
THE CITY
OPERATINGMANAGER'S FISCAL
BUDGET (Office of the City Manager)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the recommended action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Public Resources Code 21065 and within the meaning of the State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c) and 15378(b); and
(2) Amend the City Manger's Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Adopted Operating Budget as detailed in the agenda report by increasing revenue and appropriations by $358,641 and adding 2.0 FTE limited- term positions, and converting two 1.0 FTE limited-term positions to regular-term. (Budget Amendment No. 2026-10)
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE: APPROVAL OF THE
FEDERAL & STATE legislative PLATFORMS FOR CALENDAR
YEAR 2025 (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; and (2) Approve the Federal Legislative Platform and the State Legislative Platform for calendar year 2025.
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE: SUPPORT FOR SB 256
(PEREZ): ELECTRICITY: ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE:
WILDFIRE MITIGATION (Water & Power Dept.)
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 256 (Perez) - Electricity: electrical infrastructure: wildfire mitigation, 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 AB 740
(HARABEDIAN): VIRTUAL POWER PLANTS: LOAD SHIFTING:
INTEGRATED ENERGY POLICY REPORT (Water & Power Dept.)
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 Council Minutes 8 08/25/2025
)
Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment;
(2) Support Assembly Bill 740 (Harabedian) - Virtual Power Plants:
Load Shifting: Integrated Energy Policy Report; and any subsequent related legislation; and
(3) Authorize the Mayor to send letters to the appropriate authorities stating Pasadena's position.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: APPROVAL OF THE RULES
AND REGULATIONS FOR THE BIANNUAL MEETING OF
COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION AND
PASADENA POLICE DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP (CPOC)
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) Approve the Rules and Regulations for the biannual meeting of the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) Chair and Vice Chair and Pasadena Police Department (PPD) leadership.
Recommendation of the Community Police Oversight
Commission: On June 12, 2025, the CPOC unanimously voted (with one absence) to adopt the Rules and Regulations regarding the biannual meeting of CPOC Chair and Vice Chair and PPD
leadership, which are included in the agenda report as Attachment
1. On July 16, 2025, the Public Safety Committee unanimously voted (with one absence) to approve the proposed Rules and Regulations.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: APPROVAL OF THE RULES
AND REGULATIONS FOR THE HANDLING OF COMMUNITY
COMPLAINTS SENT TO THE COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMMISSION (CPOC)
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) Approve the Rules and Regulations for the handling of community complaints sent to the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC).
Recommendation of the Community Police Oversight
Commission: On June 12, 2025, the CPOC voted 7-1 (with two abstentions and one absence) to adopt the Rules and Regulations pertaining to the handling of community complaints alleging misconduct by Pasadena Police Department (PPD) employees, which are included in the agenda report as Attachment 1. On July 16, 2025, the Public Safety Committee unanimously voted (with one absence) to approve the proposed Rules and Regulations.
Council Minutes 9 08/25/2025
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
MOTION:
CONSENT ITEMS
DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
Claim No. Claimant
2026-0044 Shirely Moody
2026-0045 Douglas Devos
2026-0046 Joshua Pulido
2026-0047 Duplicate to Claim No. 2026-0043
2026-0048 Duplicate to Claim No. 2026-0043
2026-0049 Emily Beaghan
Claim Amount
$ 35,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
N/A
N/A
574.90
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Madison, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 1, 6, and 7. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Hampton and Vice Mayor Rivas)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH GREENFIELD MANAGEMENT FOR WEED
AND BRUSH CLEARANCE SERVICES FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS
FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $995,280 (PCRS
Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines in accordance with Article 19, Class 1, Existing Facilities, and Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land, as well as being statutorily exempt from CEQA in accordance with Public Resources Code Section 21080(b) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269 as an action necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to award contract to lowest and best bid dated July 24, 2025 submitted by Greenfield Management in response to the plans and specifications for Weed and Brush Clearance, for Parks, Recreation and Community Services and authorize the City Manager to enter into a five-year contract for an amount not-to-exceed $995,280 which includes the base contract amount of $904,800 and a contingency of $90,480 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 33366)
Ronald Matthews, Pasadena resident, advocated for the
Pasadena First Source Hiring Ordinance to be applied to the proposed contract.
The City Clerk's Office received one letter expressing concerns with the staff recommendation and advocating for the City to apply the City's First Source Local hairing Ordinance, which was distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
Council Minutes 10 08/25/2025
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MOTION:
In response to Mayor Gordo's inquiry regarding local hiring for brush clearance services, Koko Panossian, Parks, Recreation, & Community Services Director, reported that the City previously contracted with MASH employees, Outward Bound Adventures (OBA), and the Conservation Corps in California, when the City was between contractors. He also reported that the City went through the proper bidding process twice, having rejected all bids received in the first round due to high pricing.
In response to Councilmember Cole's inquiry regarding when the implications of applying the City's ordinance, as suggested, Acting City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the ordinance applies to developers and development project contracts, but is not intended to apply to professional services contracts such as weed and brush clearance. He clarified that the City would need to revisit the entire scoring methodology in order to apply the ordinance provisions as suggested. Councilmember Cole advocated for City staff to review the ordinance to see how it may be applied to contracts outside of development project contracts.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to approve the staff
recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Councilmember Hampton and Vice Mayor Rivas)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF 17 FUEL
CELL ELECTRIC BUSES FROM NEW FLYER OF AMERICA, INC.,
FOR PASADENA TRANSIT FOR A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT
OF $32,050,255 (Transportation 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 15061(b)(3);
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with New Flyer of America, Inc., for the procurement of 17, 40-foot Fuel Cell Electric Buses (FCEB), based on the California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CALACT)/Basin Transit Purchasing Cooperative pricing, for an amount not-to-exceed $32,050,255, which includes the base contract amount of $29,136,595 and a contingency of $2,913,660 (10%) to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33379);
(3) Authorize the inclusion of an option to purchase up to two additional 40-foot FCEBs from New Flyer of America, Inc., with pricing adjusted per the CALACT/Basin Transit Purchasing Cooperative contract under the same terms and conditions, with funding for these option buses subject to future council approval and availability of funds;
(4) Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions;
Council Minutes 11 08/25/2025
(5) Amend the FY 2026 Capital Improvement Budget by
appropriating $14,196,701 as detailed in the Fiscal Impact section of the agenda report (Budget Amendment No. 2026-08); and
(6) Find that neither Competitive Bidding nor Competitive Selection are required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(H) contracts with other governmental entities or their contractors for labor, materials, supplies or services, and Pasadena Municipal Code Section
4.08.049(B), contracts for which the City's best interests are served.
The City Clerk's Office received four letters in opposition to the staff recommendation and/or expressing concerns related to hydrogen fuel cell buses, as well as four letters in support of the staff recommendation, which were all distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
Councilmember Cole expressed concerns that the proposed contract may not be entirely energy efficient, and may not result in zero-emissions due to the complexities of "green" hydrogen. He also noted the challenges with fully electric buses, lengthy routes, and costs inefficiencies.
In response to Mayor Gordo's inquiry regarding the funding sources for the proposed contract, Joaquin Siques, Transportation Director, reported that the bulk of the project is supported by state grants, as well as some federal funding, consisting of specific grants for hydrogen fueling, including the proposed bus technology. Director Siques also noted that the proposed contract has a deadline to be executed by September 30, 2025 to secure pricing.
In response to Councilmember Cole's concerns and Councilmember Madison's inquiry regarding the process for the zero-emission vehicle rollout plan, Acting City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the City Council gave direction to City staff in 2023 to pursue funding for environmentally friendly alternatives for City transportation. He also stated that City staff can review the routes and other plan dynamics over the next few weeks, but cautioned that changes may be difficult since the Municipal Services Committee spent over a year reviewing and approving the plan. Transportation Director Siques also reported that the zero emission vehicle rollout plan included route analysis, resiliency, cost effectiveness, and bus size variations.
He added that this grant funding is tied to the directions the City has taken in terms of transit operations and maintenance facility funding and hydrogen fueling station funding. Transportation Director Siques confirmed that the grant funding has been encumbered specifically for hydrogen buses to ensure that the grant funds are not easily retracted by the federal administration.
Council Minutes 12 08/25/2025
MOTION:
Discussion ensued regarding the Municipal Services Committee's review of the zero-emission vehicle rollout plan, the City's policy direction, and the specifications of the grant funding for the proposed contract.
The following individuals advocated for the City to purchase battery electrical buses and/or provided cautionary comments regarding the complexities of hydrogen powered buses:
Darrell Clarke, Sierra Club Angeles Chapter
Lauren Siegel, Pasadena resident, Chair of the Environmental Advisory Commission
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to approve the staff
recommendation.
REPORTS AND
COMMENTS FROM
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Economic Development
and Technology
Committee
AYES: Councilmembers Jones, Lyon, Madison, Masuda,
Mayor Gordo
NOES: Councilmember Cole
ABSENT: Councilmember Hampton and Vice Mayor Rivas
ABSTAIN: None
PROPOSED PERMIT FEE REDUCTIONS FOR EATON FIRE
REBUILD SITES (Planning & Community Development Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the recommended fee reductions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 1 5061 (b)(3);
(2) Adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 General Fee Schedule to reduce or waive various Plan Check and Permit Fees for rebuilding eligible residential structures destroyed in the Eaton Fire (Resolution No. 10152);
(3) Direct the City Attorney to prepare within 30 days an ordinance to amend Title 4 of the Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) to exempt qualified reconstruction of eligible residential structures destroyed by the Eaton Fire from the City's fees for Construction Tax; and (4) Direct staff to explore other means of recovering the foregone fees.
Recommendation of the Economic Development & Technology Committee: On July 15, 2025, the Economic Development & Technology Committee (EdTech) recommended the City Council approve the proposed fee reductions for rebuilding eligible single- family structures destroyed in the Eaton Fire as follows:
1) Waive plan check and building permit fees collected into the Building Fund (204) and the General Fund (101) with a total estimated cost of $3,203,500;
2) Waive the Refuse Collection Administrative Fee and reduce the Deposit for the Construction & Demolition Waste
Management collected in the Refuse Collection Fund (406) Council Minutes 13 08/25/2025
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to a flat $1,000 per site reducing the overall funds collected from $1,500,000 to $125,000;
3) Waive Sidewalk Inspection and Repair Fees collected in the Project Management Fund (301) with a cost amount of
$14,250 for the inspections and an estimated cost of
$225,000 for the repairs for a total $239,250;
4) Waive Fire Sprinkler and Landscape Review Fees collected in the Building Fund (204) with a total cost amount of
$303,625;
5) Waive Electric Service Fees collected in the Electric Service Fund (411) with a total estimated cost amount of $504,000; 6) Defer discussion for Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) fees collected in the Water Service Fund (412) with a total
estimated cost of $3.5 million for PWP water service
customers.
The reductions outlined above would apply to projects that meet all of the following (eligible sites):
1) Single-family properties that were owner-occupied as of January 7, 2025, and the same owner (or a member of the same owner's family) is the applicant;
2) The reconstruction of 'like-for-like' single-family properties as allowed under the City's Rebuild Ordinance adopted March 24,2025;and
3) The reconstruction of red-tagged structures (primary dwelling and required parking) and not to the construction of new detached structures such as an accessory dwelling unit
(ADD) that did not exist prior to the fire.
Since the EdTech Meeting of July 15, 2025 staff heard from rebuild property owners requesting that the fee waivers be expanded from the criteria above to include the following:
1) Owner-occupied condominium units;
2) Owners who select a relocated home or a prefabricated, modular home. This category may exceed the 10% or 200
square foot like for like square footage cap but must still meet all other like for like provisions (height, setbacks etc.) and meet the square footage requirements of the Zoning Code.
Staff is supportive of the expanded eligibility criteria. Only four condominium units on the same site were lost and relocated or manufactured homes are based on floor plans that in most cases cannot be modified. With all other zoning requirements being met, there will be little to no impact.
The City Clerk's Office received one letter in support of the Economic Development & Technology Committee's recommendation, which was distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
Council Minutes 14 08/25/2025
I
MOTION:
QRDINANCE- FIRST
READING
ORDINANCE - SECOND
READING
Mayor Gordo reported out remarks submitted by Councilmember Hampton, who was unavailable to attend the City Council meeting due to travel, noting that the Economic Development & Technology Committee reviewed the matter twice, and thoroughly assessed all fees that can be legally waived, with the exception of pest, water, and power fees.
The following individuals expressed support for the staff recommendations and/or provided related comments:
Deborah Loxton, Pasadena resident
David Sharkey, Pasadena resident
Natalie, Pasadena resident
Anis Karim, Pasadena resident
Chris, Pasadena resident
Lauren Siegel, Pasadena resident
Tom Cali, Pasadena resident
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the staff
recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Councilmember Hampton and Vice Mayor Rivas)
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AMENDING TITLE 4, CHAPTER 4.19, SECTIONS
4.19.020,4.19.040,4.19.050,4.19.060, 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"
The ordinance was introduced by Councilmember Cole.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Jones, Lyon, Madison, Masuda, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Hampton, Vice Mayor Rivas
ABSTAIN: None
Adopt "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENA
AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 16 (SUBDIVISION
ORDINANCE), CHAPTERS 16.08, 16.16, 16.28, AND 16.36, OF
THE CITY OF PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY
PROCEDURES FOR APPROVAL OF A SUBDIVISION
CONTRACT" (Ordinance No. 7454)
Council Minutes 15 08/25/2025
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
The ordinance above was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Jones, Lyon, Madison, Masuda, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Hampton, Vice Mayor Rivas
ABSTAIN: None
On order of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjoined at 10:20 p.m. in memory of former Pasadena Mayor Bill Thomson.
Ki_-
VictofM. Gordo, Mayor
City of Pasadena
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Council Minutes 16 08/25/2025