n
OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Jones
arrived at 5:11 p.m.
Councilmember Hampton
and Mayor Gordo stated
potential conflicts of
interests with Closed
Session Item D, recused
themselves, and left the
meeting at 5:50 p.m.
In addition, Mayor Gordo
stated a conflict of interest
with Closed Session Item
E, recused himself, and
did not return to closed
session for this
discussion.
Councilmember Hampton
returned to the meeting at
6:21 p.m.
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
January 26, 2026-5:00 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 5:00 p.m. to discuss the following closed session items:
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Cuellar v. City of Pasadena
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 25STCV30286
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Citv of Pasadena v. The Regents of the
University of California
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 25STCV31621
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Yes In My Back Yard et al. v. Gavin Newsom, et aL
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 25STCP04761
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Pasadena Tenants Union, et al. v. City of Pasadena,et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 25STCP01916
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Miguel Marquez and
Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organization: Pasadena Police Officers Association, Pasadena Police Lieutenants Association, Pasadena Police Supervisors Association, Pasadena Management Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal
Employees, Laborers' International Union of North America, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, International Union of Operating Engineers, Pasadena Fire Fighters
Association, Pasadena Fire Management Association, Service Council Minutes101/26/2026
Mayor Gordo returned to
the meeting at 6:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
Employees International Union, Non-Rep Management, Non- Rep Non- Management, Executives
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Miguel Marquez and
Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organization: Pasadena Police Officers Association (PPOA)
The above closed session items were 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
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding significant exposure to potential litigation pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.9(d)(2): One potential case
The above two closed session items were not discussed.
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting was reconvened at 7:21 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Masuda.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Tyron Hampton
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
City Manager Miguel Marquez
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Tisha Washington, Program Coordinator, invited the community to the Black History Festival on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Pixie Boyden and Pam Burton, Chairs of the Black History Planning Committee, thanked the City Council for their partnership and support. Chair Burton also shared details for the Black History Breakfast that will take place on February 27, 2026.
Council Minutes201/26/2026
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
Mayor Gordo requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Sonya Amos, former longtime City employee, and spoke on her dedication serving the City through various organizations and positions.
Mayor Gordo also requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Peter Reed Miller, Pasadena native and photographer, providing information on his talent for visual storytelling and his extraordinary photographic accomplishments.
Luis Ayala, Athens Sept/ices, invited the City Council to visit the company's recycling facility in Irwindale.
Brandon Stansell, Athens Services, introduced himself as the new Regional Vice President of Government Affairs for the area which includes Pasadena, and expressed enthusiasm to be serving the City.
Joseph Robledo, residence not stated, advocated for a future park to be named after his father and former professional boxer, Canto "TNT" Robledo.
The following individuals thanked the Pasadena Police Department for their collaboration with Impact Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center and/or shared their success stories from the program:
Christina Gonzales, CEO at Impact Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center
Rudy Martinez, Impact Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center
James Ditton, Impact Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center
Timothy Ponticelli Brown, clinical specialist at Impact Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center
David Moore, Community Engagement Director at Impact Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center
Ronald Matthews, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City to prioritize local hiring.
The following individuals spoke on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recent federal immigration enforcement activities, and/or advocated for the City to divest from specific companies and to protect local communities:
Michael Bannoura, Pasadena resident
Cay, Pasadena resident
Randall Heyn-Lamb, Pasadena resident
Michael Flynn, Pasadena resident
Teri Stein, Pasadena resident
Council Minutes301/26/2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
Rene Gonzalez, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City to establish a sister city relationship with Guanajuato, Mexico.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH IMPEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC., FOR THE
PURCHASE OF SERVER AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT AND
SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $3,002,718 (DolT)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the recommended actions in the agenda report are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract without competitive bidding pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(H), contracts with other governmental entities or their contractors, with Impex Technologies, Inc., for the purchase of server and storage equipment, software, support, and professional services in an amount not-to-exceed $3,002,718, which includes the base contract amount and a five percent contingency (Contract No. 33540); (3) Grant the proposed contract an exemption from the Competitive Selection process pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code Section
4.08.049(B) contracts for which the City's best interests are served; and
(4) Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions and necessary change orders.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND CONTRACT NO.
32786 WITH AMERICAN GLOBAL SECURITY, INC., FOR
SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR CALTRANS PROPERTIES
TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $220,000 AND
EXTEND THE CONTRACT TERM (Housing Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the recommended actions in the agenda report are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to amend Contract No. 32786 with American Global Security to increase the contract value by $220,000, thereby increasing the grand total to a not-to-exceed amount of $457,500, for provision of security services (Contract 32786-2): and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve a no-cost amendment to Contract No. 32786 to extend the term through June 30,2026.
Council Minutes401/26/2026
City Council
RESIGNATIONS,
APPOINTMENTS, &
REAPPOINTMENTS
City Attorney
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH ORIGAMI RISK LLC FOR A RISK
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (RMIS) FOR UP TO
FIVE YEARS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $591,760
(Office of the City Manager)
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") per section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; (2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract without competitive bidding pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F), contracts for professional or unique services, with Origami Risk LLC for a Risk Management Information System (RMIS) in an amount not-to-exceed $591,760, which includes three-year base contract amount of $300,363, and the option for two additional one-year extensions in the cumulative amount of $237,601, and a 10% contingency of $53,796 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33536); and
(3) Grant the proposed contract an exemption from the Competitive Selection process pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code Section
4.08.049(B) contracts for which the City's best interests are served.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF A DEDICATED
TRACKING/TRAILING CANINE FROM THE PASADENA POLICE
FOUNDATION (PPD)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 21065 and within the meaning of Section 15378(b); and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to accept the donation of a dedicated tracking/trailing canine from the Pasadena Police Foundation.
RESIGNATION OF BLAIR HANSEN FROM THE ARTS &
CULTURE COMMISSION (At Large/District 1 Nomination)
RESIGNATION OF AARON MILAM FROM THE ROSE BOWL
OPERATING COMPANY (District 2 Nomination)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO EXECUTE AN
AMENDMENT TO CITY CONTRACT NO. 33137 WITH OIR
GROUP LLC FOR INDEPENDENT POLICE AUDITOR SERVICES,
TO INCREASE THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT BY $350,000
AND EXTEND THE CONTRACT TERM BY TWO YEARS (Office of
the City Attorney)
Council Minutes501/26/2026
City Clerk/ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
MOTION:
PUBLIC HEARING
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed agenda report is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 21065 and within the meaning of Section 15378(b);
(2) Authorize the City Attorney to execute an amendment to City Contract No. 33137 with OIR Group, LLC for independent police auditor services, to increase the contract amount by $350,000, and to extend the contract term by two years: and
(3) To the extent this could be considered a separate procurement subject to the Competitive Selection Process, it is recommended that the City Council grant the contract an exemption pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) Section 4.08.049(B), contracts for which the City's best interests are served. (Contract No. 33137-1) October 27, 2025
December 1,2025
December 1, 2025
Pasadena Public Financing Authority
City Council Special Meeting
City Council Special Workshop Meeting
Claim No. Claimant
2026-0159 BradleyRobey
2026-0160 Tigran Arabyan
2026-0161 Pamela Hollmann-Morgan
2026-0162 Chloe Lisa Kirn
2026-0163 Alien Shay
2026-0164 Olden Denham
2026-0165 Brent Poydras
2026-0166 Rachel R. Pena
2026-0167 Haig Jerry Ashdjian
2026-0168 Jalen Harris
2026-0169 Keith McWilliams
2026-0170 Evelyn Ruvalcaba
2026-0171 Antonio Pinuela
Claim Amount
$1,500.00
35,000.00+
3,521.97
825.06
Not stated
Not stated
35,000.00+
10,000.00+
1,325.06
35,000.00+
794.73
Not stated
399.86
City Clerk Jomsky reported that one letter expressing concerns with donation of a dedicated tracking/trailing canine, 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.
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Cole, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
ANNUAL RECRUITMENT AND VACANCY REPORT (Human
Resources Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council, after a public hearing:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is not a "project" subject to the California Public Resources Code ("PRC") Council Minutes601/26/2026
Councilmember Jones left
the meeting at 8:26 p.m.
Mayor Gordo stated a
potential conflict of
interest due to his work
associated with LI UNA,
recused himself related to
public comment, and left
the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
Section 21065 and within the meaning of California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines Section 15378(b); and
(2) Receive and file the annual report on recruitment and vacancy rates.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the public hearing notice was published on January 12, 2026 in the Pasadena Now and Colorado Blvd newspapers, and that one public hearing notice was posted in the rotunda at City Hall. He also reported that no correspondence was received by the City Clerk's Office regarding this matter.
Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn, Human Resources Director, presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item, providing information on vacancies across all City departments, recruitment activities and enhancements, and retention initiatives.
Councilmember Cole advocated for the City to invest in training for City employees to help develop internal talent.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's request for the City to sun/ey employee morale, Human Resources Director Jacobs-Quinn reported that the City uses the Gallup Poll survey with pre-selected questions that captures the employee's experience at the workplace.
City Manager Marquez stated that City staff could provide the City Council with an annual memo and a copy of the survey in the future.
Mayor Gordo advocated for an increased number of park safety specialists and expanding their presence to more hours and more park locations.
Councilmember Hampton advocated for City staff to look internally when opening management opportunities before recruiting externally. Councilmember Cole spoke in agreement regarding upward mobility of staff, and noted the importance of maintaining a reputable workplace environment.
Sandy Annala, Pasadena resident, praised the City for utilizing the Gallup survey and suggested distributing the summary analysis of the survey questions to the City Council.
Jeff Chilin, LUINA Local 777, thanked the City for working to reduce the vacancy rate for positions listed in L1UNA, and noted the importance of a stable workforce to reduce turnover costs and improve accountability and service to the public.
Chris Arices, LIUNA Local 777, expressed support of the City's MASH program and shared how the program provided him with opportunities and upward mobility in the City.
Council Minutes701/26/2026
MOTION:
Mayor Gordo returned to
the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
MOTION:
ORDINANCE - SECOND
READING
BRIEF REPORTS FROM
REPRESENTATIVES/
REQUESTS FOR
FUTURE AGENDA
ITEMS
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to close the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Jones)
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Councilmember Jones)
Adopt "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENA
AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 (ZONING CODE)
OF THE CITY OF PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE
PERMIT THRESHOLDS, SIGNAGE AND AWNING
REQUIREMENTS, OUTDOOR STORAGE, ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNIT AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT
REGULATIONS, TEMPORARY USE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS,
DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS, NOTICE PROCEDURES AND
AREAS WHERE ANIMAL GROOMING AND ANIMAL HOSPITAL
USES ARE PERMITTED USES" (Ordinance No.7464)
Mike Polka, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns related to light pollution and its impacts on wildlife, and he advocated for a dark sky ordinance to protect wildlife.
The ordinance was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Lyon, Madison,
Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Jones
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Madison requested that an action item be placed on the February 2, 2026 City Council meeting agenda to allow for the City Council to consider: rescinding the closure of the public hearing on the application for Safe Parking at All Saints Church (related to Minor Conditional Use Permit No. 7318) that occurred on November 17, 2025, rescinding the deemed denial of the CEQA action for failing to achieve five affirmative votes, and to reopen and set a continued public hearing for February 23, 2026 to consider the application on its merits, and directing City staff to return with an evaluation and recommendation on Class 1 - Existing Facilities, Class 3 - Small Structures Exemptions under the State CEQA guidelines, and the applicability of the statutory exemption for contracts to serve the homeless set forth in Public Resources Code Section 21080.10.
Mayor Gordo requested that the calls for service made to the Pasadena Police Department for the Central Library, All Saints Council Minutes801/26/2026
MOTION:
MOTION:
Church, and City Hall be distributed to the City Council, if the motion is approved.
Mayor Gordo also requested that City staff be directed to explore additional sites for the Safe Parking program, including locations that are controlled by the City (i.e., City-owned property).
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to place an action item on the February 2, 2026 City Council meeting agenda to allow for the City Council to consider: rescinding the closure of the public hearing on the application for Safe Parking at All Saints Church (related to Minor Conditional Use Permit No. 7318) that occurred on November 17, 2025, rescinding the deemed denial of the CEQA action for failing to achieve five affirmative votes, and to reopen and set a continued public hearing for February 23, 2026 to consider the application on its merits, and directing City staff to return with an evaluation and recommendation on Class 1 - Existing Facilities, Class 3 - Small Structures Exemptions under the State CEQA guidelines, and the applicability of the statutory exemption for contracts to serve the homeless set forth in Public Resources Code Section21080.IO.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Lyon, Madison, Masuda, Vice
Mayor Rivas
NOES: Councilmember Hampton and Mayor Gordo
ABSENT: Councilmember Jones
ABSTAIN: None
It was moved by Mayor Gordo, seconded by Councilmember
Hampton, to direct City staff to work with the current proposer at All Saints Church to utilize City facilities that would not add to an existing problem, and for the new Housing, Homelessness, and Planning Committee to explore alternative sites for the Safe Parking program at other locations throughout the City, including City-owned property such as Rose Palace, prior to the February 2, 2026 City Council meeting.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Lyon, Madison,
Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Jones
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Madison also inquired about the State legislative initiative known as Zone Zero, relating to vegetation located around homes, and requested discussion of the matter at either an upcoming Public Safety Committee meeting or a Legislative Policy Committee meeting. Vice Mayor Rivas noted that City staff will bring the matter to a Public Safety Committee meeting in the near future.
Council Minutes901/26/2026
INFORMATION ITEM
Councilmember Hampton
and Mayor Gordo stated
each had a conflict of
interest due to owning
rental property in the City
of Pasadena, recused
themselves from the item,
and left the meeting at
9:07 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA CONT'D.
PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD AND RENT
STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL
YEAR 2025
Recommendation: The agenda report is a joint report of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board and the Rent Stabilization Department and is for information only. The City Council may; however, take action relating to this item as it deems appropriate following consideration and discussion of the matter.
Allison Henry, Chair of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, provided information on the Board's activities such as sen/ing in a quasi-judicial manner, hearing appeals, utilizing ad hoc committees, and reviewing median rent and eviction data. Helen Morales, Rent Stabilization Director, reported on successfully working with Loyola Center as part of a Conflict Resolution effort to resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants.
Councilmember Cole emphasized the importance of performance measures and cost controls, and expressed support for robust training for Pasadena Rental Housing Board Members, as well as all commissioners, to increase the effectiveness of all City boards and commissions. He advocated for the staff report to acknowledge the setbacks and obstacles faced by the Board and Rent Stabilization Department.
Councilmember Lyon echoed similar sentiments, noting that the report should reflect the economic diversity throughout the City and the economic critique for small-time housing providers.
In response to Councilmember Masuda's inquiry regarding the pay for Pasadena Rental Housing Board Members, Rent Stabilization Director Morales reported that the Board Members are paid 2.5 times the Pasadena minimum wage at $45.00 per hour, which pursuant to the City Charter, cannot exceed 20 hours per week.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that 10 letters advocating for the City Council to reconsider the City's Rent Stabilization Department, expressing concerns with the actions of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, and providing comments related to the staff report, which were all received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
Following discussion, on the order of the Vice Mayor, by consensus of the City Council, the information was received and filed.
Bert Newton, Pasadena resident, spoke on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocated for the City to divest from certain companies doing business in and with Israel.
Council Minutes1001/26/2026
ADJOURNMENTVice Mayor Rivas announced details for the upcoming Mayor's State of the City event, to be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Community Center.
On order of the Vice Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 9:47 p.m. in memory of Sonya Amos and Peter Read Milled
lUIM.
ATTEST:
Victor M. Gordo, Mayor
City of Pasadena
Council Minutes1101/26/2026