OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
February 23, 2026 - 5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent: Councilmember Lyon)
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:03 p.m. to discuss the following closed session items:
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Cronkhite, M. v. City of Pasadena
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 24AHCV00045
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Truitt v. City of Pasadena
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 26STCP00634
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: The Maryland Homeowners Association v. City of Pasadena
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 26STCP00632
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property Addresses:
1. 866 Pasadena Avenue, Pasadena, CA
2. 1150 Pasadena Avenue, Pasadena, CA
3. 1151 Pasadena Avenue, Pasadena, CA
4. 235 Bellefontaine Street, Pasadena, CA
5. 165 Hurlbut Street, Pasadena, CA
6. 925 Jane Place, Pasadena, CA
7. 225 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, CA
8. 230 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, CA
9. 929 Pasadena Avenue, Pasadena, CA
10. 1030 Pasadena Avenue, Pasadena, CA
11. 602 St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA
12. 726 St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA
13. 215 Wigmore Drive, Pasadena, CA
Agency negotiator: Miguel Marquez
Negotiating parties: State of California, Department of Transportation
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Council Minutes102/23/2026
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
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): Four potential cases Two of the four cases from Closed Session Item E were discussed, with no reportable action taken for one of the cases at this time. For the second case, the City Council voted to enter as an amicus curiae in support of the plaintiffs in the matter of Barbara, et. al. v. Trump against the following parties: President Donald J. Trump, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; U.S. Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Semces; U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, U.S.
Secretary of State, and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The litigation challenges Presidential Executive Order 14160, which denies birthright United States citizenship to children born in the US after February 20, 2025 to parents who are undocumented or temporarily present in the US.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to authorize the City to join as amicus curiae. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Lyon)
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 closed session item was discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:48 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Madison.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick Cole
CouncilmemberTyron Hampton
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon (arrived at 7:15 p.m.)
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Council Minutes202/23/2026
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
INFORMATION ITEM
City Manager Miguel Marquez
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Mayor Gordo requested the meeting to be adjourned in memory of William Manuel DillonJr., brother of Juanita West Tillman, and spoke on Mr. Dillon's service to his country during the Vietnam War and his dedication to public service through his work at LA County Public Works and at the Veterans Hospital.
Mayor Gordo also requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson. He spoke on Rev. Jackson's advocacy for civil rights and unwavering commitment to justice in Pasadena and across the country.
REPORT ON THE RESPONSE OF OTHER LOCAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT JURISDICTIONS TO INTERACTIONS WITH
FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AGENTS ENGAGED IN IMMIGRATION
ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY (Office of the City Manager)
Recommendation: The agenda report 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.
Alex Souto, Deputy City Manager, provided a Powerpoint
presentation on measures taken by other jurisdictions in response to federal immigration enforcement activities. He also recapped the City's policies related to human rights and immigration policies, and reaffirmed that the City does not enforce Federal immigration laws.
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding recent federal immigration enforcement activities in the City, urged the City Council to take action to protect residents, and/or provided other comments relating to the matter:
Daniela Niven, Pasadena resident
Jennifer Collins, Pasadena resident
Karen Skelly, Pasadena resident
Spencer Skelly, Pasadena resident
Teri Stein, Pasadena resident
Sandra Garcia, Pasadena resident
Sharon Nicholls, Pasadena resident
Joanne Long, Pasadena resident
Rene Gonzalez, Pasadena resident
Humaira Afzal, Pasadena resident
Councilmember Hampton advocated for the City to terminate all contracts with Flock cameras. Eugene Harris, Police Chief, stated that the City has not shared any information with Flock. \
Council Minutes302/23/2026
Councilmember Hampton expressed concerns regarding reports of Flock camera data being shared with Federal agents, and asked that City staff review and investigate those reports, and return with information on whether data sharing has occurred.
Councilmember Cole and Mayor Gordo distributed and reviewed a draft resolution entitled, "Proposed Pasadena City Council Actions to Mitigate the Impacts of Federal Civil Immigration Enforcement Overreach on City Resources, Property, and Community Safety", which includes 13 separate directions to the City staff on actions to mitigate immigration enforcement in the City.
Vice Mayor Rivas expressed support for the draft resolution, and also advocated for the City to have a broader and more transparent discussion on how it has confirmed that the City's Flock camera data has not been accessed by the federal government for immigration enforcement purposes. She also noted that Pasadena Police Department may become aware of immigration enforcement
activities after residents report such incidents, and suggested that City staff present monthly reports to the Public Safety Committee depicting the scale and magnitude of the federal activity in the City.
In response to Councilmember Jones' inquiry regarding the status of the City allocating $100,000 to support communities impacted by the federal immigration activities, City Manager Marquez reported that the initial effort to distribute funds was delayed due to the inability of the selected nonprofit to undertake the disbursement effort, and that the City is now working with the California Community Foundation to raise additional funds and disperse funds to other nonprofits in aid of those that need emergency assistance. hie also expressed support for monthly reporting of federal immigration activity in the City to the Public Safety Committee.
Councilmember Madison advocated for the City to partner with local organizations or non-profits to provide training to community members on how to safely and lawfully observe immigration activities, and for Pasadena Police Officers to ensure legal boundaries are not crossed when responding to crimes potentially committed by federal immigration officers.
Councilmember Lyon expressed support for the proposed resolution, as well as the suggested training for lawful observers and for Pasadena Police Officers to protect themselves from federal lawlessness. He advocated for the City to take expedited actions given the quick nature of the evolving crisis.
Councilmember Masuda expressed support for the proposed resolution and emphasized the importance of respect and transparency between the City and residents to preserve public safety.
Council Minutes402/23/2026
r
MOTION:
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
Mayor Gordo noted two changes to the proposed resolution, amending verbiage in Item 4 to state "...to evaluate a ban on any use of City property by civil law enforcement immigration enforcement entities..." and in Item 11 "to develop suggested appropriate language for signage.. ."
Councilmember Hampton expressed support for the resolution and asked that the City suspend existing contracts with Flock until City staff returns to the City Council with information on the cameras and data sharing. City Attorney Bagneris reported that since the Flock camera contract is not agendized, the City Council may only give direction for City staff to return with information.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the proposed draft resolution submitted by Mayor Gordo and Councilmember Cole to mitigate the impacts of federal civil immigration enforcement on City resources, property, and community safety (with direction to City staff to review and provide proposed recommendations on how to effectuate actions 1 through 13), approving amended language to action items 4 and 11, direct the Pasadena Police Department to report back on the Flock camera contracts at the next Public Safety Committee meeting, direct the Pasadena Police Department to provide monthly reporting to the Public Safety Committee on federal immigration enforcement occurring in the City, direct the City Manager to provide an update on the status of the $100,000 previously allocated by the City Council to fund support to community members impacted by immigration enforcement, and direct City staff to identify training opportunities for Pasadena Police Officers, community members, and lawful observers on best practices to observe federal immigration activities to ensure their public safety and protection. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None) Kathy Braidhill, Pasadena resident, spoke on the importance of public health and transportation, and advocated for increased walkability in the City.
Kate E., Pasadena resident, spoke on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and/or advocated for the City to divest from specific companies.
Rene Gonzalez, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City to establish a sister-city relationship with Guanajuato, Mexico.
The following individuals provided comments and concerns regarding to the removal of large healthy trees in the Arroyo Seco, and advocated for the preservation of the City's green canopy:
Marina Romans, Pasadena resident
Dennis Haupt, Pasadena resident
Council Minutes502/23/2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
Lisa Quinn, Pasadena resident
Kenneth Compton, Pasadena resident
Les hlammer, Pasadena resident, advocated for the time allotted for public comment on matters not on the agenda to be longer than 90 seconds per speaker.
Humaira Afzal, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns related to the use of Flock cameras and data sharing with federal immigration enforcement agencies.
Jessica Richards, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City to act on Zone Zero state legislation, and that advanced notice be given prior to healthy tree removals.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, spoke on the importance of due process and advocated for the City to uphold civil liberties relating to privacy and federal immigration enforcement activities.
REJECT ALL BIDS IN RESPONSE TO SPECIFICATIONS FOR
UNMARKED DETECTIVE FLEET LEASE SERVICES (PPD)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find proposed action 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) Reject all bids received by January 12, 2026, in response to the Invitation for Bids for Unmarked Detective Fleet Lease Services.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE BID DATED
JUNE 20, 2025 FROM LEHR UPFITTERS OPCO, LLC AND
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR POLICE VEHICLE UPFITTING
IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED THE GRAND TOTAL OF
$750,000 FOR THREE YEARS (PPD)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to accept the bid dated June 20, 2025, from Lehr Upfitters OpCo, LLC (Lehr Upfitters) as the lowest price responsive and responsible bidder in response to the project plans and specifications for police vehicle upfitting (marked and unmarked); and enter into a contract in an amount not-to-exceed the grand total of $750,000 for three years, whichever occurs first. (Contract No. 33555)
Council Minutes602/23/2026
Item discussed separately
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH SHIHLIN ELECTRIC USA COMPANY LIMITED
FOR THE PURCHASE OF SUBSTATION POWER
TRANSFORMERS FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS FOR AN AMOUNT
NOT-TO-EXCEED $9,380,257 (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 State CEQA Guideline Sections 21065, 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3), and 15378, and as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required for the project; and
(2) Award a contract to lowest and best bid dated September 15, 2025, submitted by Shihlin Electric USA Company Limited ("Shihlin") in response to the specifications for Substation Power Transformers, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for up to five years for a grand total amount not-to-exceed $9,380,257, which includes the base contract amount of $8,527,506 and a contingency of $852,751 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No.33547)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH TRANSWEST TRUCK CENTER FOR FIVE
FORD E-TRANSIT CARGO VANS FOR A GRAND TOTAL
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $434,499 (Water & Power Dept.)
ADOPT RESOLUTIONS APPROVING AND ADOPTING
WORKERS' COMPENSATION ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE
PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION PROGRAM AGREEMENTS
BETWEEN THE CITY OF PASADENA AND THE PASADENA
FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION, LOCAL 809 (PFFA), THE
PASADENA FIRE FIGHTERS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
(PFMA), AND THE PASADENA POLICE LIEUTENANTS
ASSOCIATION (PPLA) (Office of the City Manager)
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 Public Resources Code ("PRC") Section 21065 and within the meaning of California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines Section 15378(b)(2);
(2) Adopt a resolution approving and adopting a Workers' Compensation Alternative Dispute Prevention and Resolution Program Agreements between the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Fire Fighters Association (PFFA) Workers' Compensation benefits (Resolution No. 10178) (Contract No. 24,395);
(3) Adopt a resolution approving and adopting a Workers' Compensation Alternative Dispute Prevention and Resolution Program Agreement between the City of Pasadena and the
Pasadena Firelighters Management Association (PFMA), for Workers' Compensation benefits (Resolution No. 10179) (Contract No. 24,396);
Council Minutes702/23/2026
(4) Adopt a resolution approving and adopting a Workers' Compensation Alternative Dispute Prevention and Resolution Program Agreement between the City of Pasadena and the
Pasadena Police Lieutenants Association (PPLA) for workers' compensation benefits (Resolution No. 10180) (Contract No. 24,397); and
(5) Authorize the City Manager to enter into Workers'
Compensation Alternative Dispute Prevention and Resolution Program agreements with the Pasadena Fire Fighters Association (PFFA), the Pasadena Firefighters Management Association (PFMA), and the Pasadena Police Lieutenants Association (PPLA), and to make amendments to the agreements as needed to
implement the objectives of the programs.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL
YEAR 2026 ADOPTED OPERATING BUDGET (Finance 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 State CEQA Guidelines Section 21065 and within the meaning of Section 15378(b); and
(2) Approve amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Adopted
Operating Budget as detailed in the agenda report and increasing the Citywide total Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) by 1.0 permanent FTE. (Budget Amendment No. 2026-27)
FINANCE/AUDIT COMMITTEE: RECEIVE AND FILE THE FISCAL
YEAR JUNE 30, 2025 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS (Finance
Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council and/or the Successor Agency to the Pasadena Community Development Commission review, discuss and file the following reports for the year ended June 30, 2025.
(A) Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
(B) Independent Auditors' Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Peri'ormed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards (This replaces what was called the "Management Letter.")
(C) Pasadena Center Operating Company Financial Statements (D) Rose Bowl Operating Company Basic Financial Statements (E) Pasadena Community Access Corporation Financial
Statements
(F) Pasadena Fire and Police Retirement System A Pension Trust Fund of the City of Pasadena, California Financial Statements (G) City of Pasadena, California Air Quality Management District Fund Financial Statements
(hi) Pasadena Housing Successor Pasadena, California Financial Statements
Council Minutes802/23/2026
City Council
RESIGNATIONS,
APPOINTMENTS, &
REAPPOINTMENTS
(I) City of Pasadena, California Foothill Workforce Development Board Financial Statements
(J) Independent Accountants' Report on Agreed-Upon Procedures Applied to Appropriations Limit Worksheets
(K) Independent Accountants' Report on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures for review of Deferred Compensation
(L) The Auditors' Communications with the City's Finance/Audit Committee
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN THE AMOUNT OF
$218,505 IN MEASURE A FUNDS FOR THE HOMELESS
INCENTIVE PROGRAM; AMEND THE HOUSING
DEPARTMENT'S FISCAL YEAR 2026 OPERATING BUDGET BY
RECOGNIZING THE SAME AMOUNT IN REVENUE AND
APPROPRIATION (Housing Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the recommended action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to approve and execute the Interagency Agreement and all related agreements, amendments, and documents with the Los Angeles Community Development Authority to receive Measure A Funds for the Homeless Incentive Program (HIP) in the amount of $218,505 for twelve months. Neither Competitive Bidding nor Competitive Selection are required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(H) and Pasadena Municipal Code Section 4.08.049(A)(3), contracts with other governmental agencies (Contract No. 24,387);
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve and execute
subsequent amendments to the Interagency Agreement, or to enter into new Interagency Agreements, to receive additional Measure A funds for the HIP in a total amount not-to exceed $700,000 over the next three Fiscal Years 2027, 2028, and 2029; and
(4) Approve a budget amendment by recognizing and
appropriating the amount $218,505 in the Other Housing Fund (238) to the Housing Department's Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget for the Measure A HIP landlord incentives and administrative funding. (Budget Amendment No. 2026-28)
APPOINTMENT OF BEATRIZ VILLAREAL TO THE COMMISSION
ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (District 5 Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF ANNE LEE TO THE HUMAN SERVICES
COMMISSION (Mayor Nomination)
Council Minutes902/23/2026
n
City Clerk/ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
MOTION:
CONSENT ITEM
DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
APPOINTMENT OF RICK COLE AS THE CITY OF PASADENA'S
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SANITATION
DISTRICTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF
DIRECTORS (DISTRICTS 15, 16, AND 17) (City Nomination)
REAPPOINTMENT OF MARGARET McAUSTIN TO THE ROSE
BOWL AQUATICS CENTER BOARD EFFECTIVE MARCH 1,
2026 (City Nomination)
January 26, 2026
January 26, 2026
January 26,2026
City Council Special Meeting
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena
Community Development Commission
Claim No. Claimant
2026-0197 International Transportation LLC
2026-0198 Wilson Manor HOA
2026-0199 Jezarelle Nailga Lopez
2026-0200 Nickolas Wallace, Sr.
2026-0201 AlmaGiron
2026-0202 Blanca Salazar
2026-0203 Duplicate to Claim No. 2026-0081
2026-0204 Jucorie Shelton Lee Tryon
2026-0205 Jermaine Renee Cervantes
2026-0206 Great West Casualty Company
2026-0207 Sarah R. Shelton
2026-0208 Maribel Juarez
2026-0209 Aleida Galindo
2026-0210 Mikael Mekardjian
2026-0211 QingyinChen
2026-0212 NataleeRamos
2026-0213 RamseyConder
Claim Amount
$9,872.30
887.00
10,000.00+
10,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
N/A
35,000.00+
10,000.00+
10,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
10,000.00+
1,500.00
68.44 Not stated
499.55
It was moved by CouncilmemberCole, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, except for Item 4. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH TRANSWEST TRUCK CENTER FOR FIVE
FORD E-TRANSIT CARGO VANS FOR A GRAND TOTAL
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $434,499 (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 December 18, 2025, submitted by Transwest Truck Center ("Transwest") in Council Minutes1002/23/2026
F]
MOTION:
PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION:
REPORTS AND
COMMENTS FROM
CPUNCILCQMMITTEES
Legislative Policy
Committee
response to the specifications for Five Electric Cargo Vans with Custom Upfitting, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for a grand total amount not-to-exceed $434,499, which includes the base contract amount of $394,999 and a contingency of $39,500 to provide for any necessary change orders.
In response to Councilmember hlampton's inquiry, Varoojan Avedian, Assistant General Manager of Water & Power, confirmed that the proposed vehicles for purchase are electric vehicles.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
QUASI-JUDICIAL ACTION: APPEAL OF THE DESIGN
COMMISSION'S DECISION TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION
FOR CONCEPT DESIGN REVIEW (DHP2025-00258) FOR A NEW
FOUR-STORY, 93,539 SQUARE-FOOT RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WITH 260 AT-GRADE AND
SUBTERRANEAN PARKING SPACES ON PROPERTY OWNED
BY CALTECH AT 1364 EAST GREEN STREET (Planning Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council continue the public hearing to March 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
It was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to continue the public hearing to March 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
REQUEST BY THE LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE TO
REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
ESSENTIAL SERVICES RESTORATION ACT BALLOT
MEASURE; AB 1768 (BRYAN) - TRANSACTIONS AND USE
TAXES: COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES; AND THE POTENTIAL
INCLUSION OF A CITY OF PASADENA 1/4 CENT SALES TAX
INCREASE BALLOT MEASURE FOR THE JUNE 2, 2026
PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Recommendation: This agenda item is presented 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.
Mayor Gordo provided background information on the item.
Councilmember Madison expressed concerns that the proposed tax initiative would disproportionately affect lower-income residents and noted that it is unclear how much the City would receive back from the county. He also expressed concerns of the potential implications on residents should the federal government take more funding from the City. He stated that he is not prepared to support the county's sales tax initiative at this time, and advocated for additional studies Council Minutes1102/23/2026
n
MOTION:
Municipal Services
Committee
and monitoring of the legislation by the City Council's Legislative Policy Committee, and the City's state lobbyists.
Mayor Gordo spoke on the need for continued funding for mental health services and other health services. He advocated for City staff to review the services that may be lost if federal funding goes away, and provide recommendations to the City Council.
Councilmember Masuda noted that he would not be able to support the proposed legislation and voiced concerns that it may economically be harmful to Pasadena residents.
Councilmember Jones expressed concerns that without the proposed measure or an alternative method, many residents in Pasadena and throughout LA County would lose their medi-cal health insurance, which would be even more harmful to residents.
Councilmember Madison advocated for the City staff to be directed to conduct research and analysis on the implications of the proposed tax measure on residents in Pasadena, and return to the City Council with additional information on April 13,2026.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by Councilmember Cole, to direct City staff to conduct research and return to the City Council on April 13, 2026 with information and an analysis on the proposed ballot measure, potential implications on residents over the next 10 years, funding for Huntington Hospital, AB 1768 (Bryan), the City's plan for its own sales tax measure, and implications of the federal government taking more funding from the time the City or Country approves the measure. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
SET A DATE OF MARCH 2, 2026, TO OPEN A PUBLIC HEARING
FOR ELECTRIC RATE ADJUSTMENTS AND DIRECT THE CITY
ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE LIGHT AND POWER RATE ORDINANCE AND
ADOPT THE UTILITY RATE RESOLUTION (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 for the project;
(2) Set a date of March 2, 2026, to open a public hearing for the recommended electric rate adjustments;
(3) Direct staff to prepare the Utility Rate Resolution with a three- phase rate adjustment plan (effective March 2026, October 1, 2026, and March 1,2027); and
Council Minutes1202/23/2026
MOTION:
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA CONT'D.
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
(4) Direct the City Attorney's Office to prepare an ordinance amending the Light and Power Rate Ordinance, Title 13, Chapter
13.04 - Power Rates and Regulations, to reflect the proposed electric rate adjustments, eliminate outdated or obsolete provisions, and align the ordinance with current industry best practices.
Recommendation of the Municipal Services Committee: On
February 10, 2026, the Municipal Services Committee received the report and unanimously recommended that this item be placed on the February 23, 2026, agenda to open a public hearing on March 2, 2026, and subsequently continue the public hearing to March 16, 2026.
Councilmember Jones briefly provided background information on the item.
In response to Councilmember Madison's inquiry regarding the adjusted capacity for residential solar from 150% to 200%, Councilmember Jones reported that the solar capacity is a separate matter that will return to the Municipal Services Committee for further discussion on the feed-in, tariffs, and solar programs.
It was moved by Councilmember Jones, seconded by
Councilmember Cole, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
Sandy Annala, Pasadena resident, expressed appreciation for the City Council and City staff for their hard work.
On order of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjo^frneltl at 9:58 p.m. in memory of William Manuel Dillon, Jr. and Reverend Jesse Jackson.
hA
Victor M. Gordo, Mayor
City of Pasadena
r Ort^
Council Minutes1302/23/2026