OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
In regard to Closed
Session Item D, Mayor
Gordo stated that he has
a conflict of interest as is
employed by LIUNA,
recused himself from the
matter, and left the closed
session meeting at 5:36
p.m.
Councilmember Madison
arrived at 5:39 p.m.
Mayor Gordo returned to
the Closed Session at
5:44 p.m.
Councilmember Hampton
arrived at 6; 11 p.m.
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
April 6, 2026-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent: Councilmembers Hampton and Madison)
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:02 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: Miguel Marquez and
Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organization: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Miguel Marquez and
Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organization: Laborers International Union of North America
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE regarding public employee
employment pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) and 54957.6
Position: City Manager
Agency Designated Representative: Victor M. Gordo
The above closed session items were discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
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 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 closed session items were not discussed.
Council Minutes104/06/2026
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:24 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Cole.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick Cole
CouncilmemberTyron Hampton
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
City Manager Miguel Marquez
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beat Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Mayor Gordo presented a proclamation declaring the week of April 11-17, 2026, as the Week of the Young Child in Pasadena. Eva Rivera, Office of the Young Child Program Coordinator, accepted the proclamation, shared a few words citing the importance of supporting early childhood education, and reaffirmed the City's dedication to early learning and development.
The following individuals spoke on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocated for the City to divest from specific companies:
Kate E., Pasadena resident
Rob Muthiah, Pasadena resident
Erin Scott, Pasadena resident
Randall Heyn-Lamb, Pasadena resident
Yadi, Pasadena resident, thanked City Manager Marquez for his service and leadership to the City, provided comments on the search for a new City Manager, and urged the City to advocate for wildfire protections and a comprehensive privacy program.
Les Hammer, Pasadena resident, provided comments regarding welfare fraud and mismanagement of public funds.
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 AXIOM GROUP FOR ON-CALL PAVEMENT
AND CONCRETE WALKWAY REPAIRS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-
TO-EXCEED $1,020,938 (PRCS Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find the contract proposed in the agenda report to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301, Council Minutes204/06/2026
n
City Council
APPOINTMENTS,
REAPPOINTMENTS, &
RESIGNATIONS
Class 1 - Existing Facilities, and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, here are no unusual circumstances;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to the lowest and best bid dated December 3, 2025 submitted by Axiom Group in response to on-call pavement and concrete walkway repairs for Parks, Recreation and Community Services and authorize the City Manager to enter into a five-year contract for an amount not-to- exceed $1,020,938 which includes the base contract amount of $928,125 and a contingency of $92,813 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33584); and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost amendments to the subject contract.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR CITYWIDE SALARY SCHEDULES
FOR THE YEARS OF 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 (Human Resources 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 Public Resources Code ("PRC") Section 21065 and within the meaning of California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines Section 15378(b); and
(2) Adopt a Resolution for Citywide salary schedules for the years of 2021,2022,2023,2024, and 2025. (Resolution No. 10185)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A FIVE-
YEAR CONTRACT WITH ECO TOWING AND RECOVERY, LLC
FOR HEAVY DUTY VEHICLE TOWING IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-
EXCEED $984,375 (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 February 2,2026, submitted by Eco Towing and Recovery, LLC., in response to specifications for Heavy Duty Vehicle Towing, authorize the City Manager to enter into a five-year contract for an amount not-to- exceed of $984,375, which includes the base contract amount of $937,500 and a contingency of $46,875 to provide any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33625); and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost amendments to the subject contract including necessary change orders.
RESIGNATION OF LOURDES GONZALEZ FROM THE
PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD EFFECTIVE APRIL 2,
2026 (At Large Nomination)
Council Minutes304/06/2026
n
City Clerk/Secretary
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
PUBLIC HEARING SET
MOTION:
OLD BUSINESS
Claim No. Claimant
2026-0236 Wawanesa Insurance a/s/o
Tig ran Araby
2026-0237 Ryan L. Brewer
2026-0238 Jerardo Javier Sanchez
2026-0239 Abigail Parsons
Claim Amount
$ 2,778.11
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
10,000.00+
April 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. -City Manager's Recommended Fiscal year 2027 - 2031 Capital Improvement Budget
May 4, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - City Manager's Recommended Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Jones, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION TO MITIGATE THE
IMPACTS OF FEDERAL CIVIL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
OVERREACH ON CITY RESOURCES, PROPERTY, AND
COMMUNITY SAFETY (Office of the City Manager)
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.
City Manager Marquez provided introductory comments on the item and Alex Souto, Deputy City Manager, provided a Powerpoint presentation, noting the federal government's recent action on federal immigration enforcement activities in the City and the City's response to mitigate impacts on City-owned or controlled property.
Councilmember Hampton suggested exploring posting temporary signage stating the prohibition of using City-owned or controlled property for federal immigration enforcement activities, until permanent signage can be installed.
In response to Councilmember hlampton's inquiry regarding recourse if the federal government decides to use City parking lots for federal immigration enforcement activities, Eugene Harris, Police Chief, reported that Pasadena Police Officers would contact supervisors, document the situation, notify federal agents of the City's prohibition, and then observe to ensure no unlawful conduct occurs. Councilmember Hampton expressed concerns that the lack of action would create a false sense of protection for vulnerable residents. Police Chief Harris emphasized the importance of not creating a conflict between various law enforcement agencies and to avoid repercussions.
Council Minutes404/06/2026
n
City Attorney Bagneris clarified that federal immigration enforcement is protected by federal pre-emption laws, limiting the City's authority to intervene. She also noted that the City does not have the authority to regulate federal immigration activity on private property.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding possibly ticketing unmarked or rented vehicles being used by federal agents, Police Chief Harris noted that the vehicles may still be protected if used in the course of official duties. City Attorney Bagneris clarified that the proposed restrictions on federal immigration enforcement activities are City policies, not enforceable municipal code violations.
Arnold Lee, Chief Assistant City Attorney, provided legal context noting that prior legislation SB627 was struck down for unlawfully targeting federal agents citing intergovernmental immunity, and that similar legal challenges remain ongoing.
Discussion ensued regarding the City's limited authority, the importance of gathering documentation for potential future litigation, and protecting City staff and Pasadena Police Officers from legal risks.
Councilmember Cole acknowledged City staff's legal and public safety concerns but expressed disagreement with the approach and advocated for more action to protect residents from federal immigration enforcement activities. He suggested adding, "Know Your Rights" information on the City's website, and distributing informational cards/pamphlets at City counters. He also suggested that the policy be reviewed by the Public Safety Committee or Community Police Oversight Commission.
Mayor Gordo advocated for City staff to evaluate potential gaps or loopholes in the current Zoning Code that could allow unintended use of mass holding facilities, and recommended strengthening verbiage through ordinances to prevent such outcomes.
Councilmember Lyon expressed concerns regarding the purpose and effectiveness of the proposed City signage, noting that the signs may be performative if the City is unable to enforce. He advocated for the City to take a more assertive approach.
Vice Mayor Rivas acknowledged the City's limited authority on the matter but expressed support for exploring stronger measures, including adopting an ordinance to reinforce restrictions on the use of City property and enable potential post-incident enforcement, and a prohibitive Zoning ordinance to prevent detention/holding centers in the City.
Council Minutes504/06/2026
n
Councilmember Madison
left the meeting at 7:56
p.m.
MOTION:
Councilmember Madison expressed concerns regarding current federal immigration enforcement practices and the direction of the U.S. Department of Justice. He also expressed support for the City's proposed policy approach and cautioned against pursuing Zoning changes, which may be ineffective and not a good use of City staff time and resources. He emphasized the need to avoid unintended consequences from City actions and to ensure that responses remain lawful and are aligned with protecting the community.
Councilmember Jones expressed support for the proposed policy, suggested that the Legislative Policy Committee could further review and enhance the policy, and thanked the City staff for their work. He advocated for further review and discussion on land use regulations by the Housing, Homelessness, and Planning (HHP) Committee.
Councilmember Jones also requested City staff determine whether the policy applies to City operating companies and Pasadena Transit.
Councilmember Masuda reflected on the parallels of the current situation to the Japanese American internment camps and emphasized the importance of protecting residents while adhering to the rule of law.
Mayor Gordo denounced the ongoing federal immigration
enforcement practices. He acknowledged the City's strong public response and peaceful demonstrations and noted the difficulties of the City's limited authority.
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding the Pasadena Police Department's activities unknowingly aiding the federal government's immigration enforcement activities, data sharing, and/or provided other related comments:
Sarah Nordstrom, Pasadena resident
Humaira Afzal, Pasadena resident
Yadi, Pasadena resident
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, expressed support for an ordinance and noted that there is an important distinction between a City policy and an ordinance adopting City laws.
Spencer Skelly, Pasadena resident, urged the City Council to take action and stand up for the City and its residents.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to refer to the Housing, Homelessness, and Planning Committee the matter of auditing the City's Zoning Code in consultation with City staff for potential loopholes related to inappropriate uses (e.g., detention facilities) and recommend any necessary updates; revamp the City's webpage to Council Minutes604/06/2026
n
PUBLIC HEARINGS
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Manager
be more user-friendly and providing clear information in English and Spanish for residents seeking guidance; direct the Community Police Oversight Commission to discuss with the Police Department the implementation and review of new policies related to federal immigration enforcement; direct City staff to distribute "Know Your Rights" materials through City facilities and communication channels; and direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance effectuating policies for future City Council consideration.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Madison
ABSTAIN: None
CONDUCT A TAX EQUITY AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT
(TEFRA) PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR
THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY (CMFA)
FOR THE BENEFIT OF 600 NORTH ROSEMEAD, LP
NOTE TO THE PUBLIC: The public hearing is cancelled and will not be held.
CONDUCT A TAX EQUITY AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT
(TEFRA) PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR
THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY (CMFA)
FOR THE BENEFIT OF COLORADO CREST, LP LOCATED AT
1756-1776 EAST COLORADO BOULEVARD
NOTE TO THE PUBLIC: The public hearing is cancelled and will not be held.
CONDUCT A TAX EQUITY AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT
(TEFRA) PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR
THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY (CMFA)
FOR THE BENEFIT OF COLORADO GRAND OAKS LP,
APARTMENT PROJECT LOCATED AT 2155-2193 EAST
COLORADO BOULEVARD
NOTE TO THE PUBLIC: The public hearing is cancelled and will not be held.
CONTINUATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP
ON ISSUES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DISCUSSION
OF CITY BUDGET, CITY COUNCIL BUDGET PRIORITIES,
CRITERIA FOR PRIORITIZATION, MID-YEAR ADJUSTMENT
PROTOCOLS, AND OTHER MATTERS IDENTIFIED BY
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL (Office of the City Manager) Recommendation: The workshop presentation to be presented at the meeting 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.
Council Minutes704/06/2026
n
Phillip Leclair, Chief Information Officer, presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item and Matt Hawkesworth, Assistant City Manager, provided information on the funding approaches for the council-established top priorities, with both responding to questions.
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, advocated for increased funding for housing vulnerable and unsheltered individuals.
The following individuals urged for the proposed CIP budget to be revised to align funding with Council-adopted climate and energy goals and/or provided related comments:
Gennette Foster, Pasadena resident,
Sam Berndt, Pasadena resident
Mark Rutkowski, Pasadena resident
Sandy Krasner, Pasadena resident
Carl Selkin, Pasadena resident
Ana Soulriver, Pasadena resident
Peter Eisenhardt, Pasadena resident
Sunshine, residence not stated
Audrey Ma, Pasadena resident
Yadi, Pasadena resident, provided comments on the transient occupancy tax and expressed concerns regarding the Police Department's active intelligence center.
Humaira Afzal, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns
regarding the Police Department's active intelligence center.
Councilmember Cole proposed having budget workshops in
September and January to establish priorities and allow for early discussions ahead of the budget adoption in June.
Councilmember Lyon stated that established budget priorities approved by the City Council are intended to be fully protected from budget cuts and should be the starting point of the budget. He stated that external funding may supplement the priorities but should not replace the City's core funding commitments. He also requested updated figures that more accurately align with and reflect the City Council's budget priorities.
In response to Councilmember Jones' inquiry and public comments regarding carbon free initiatives, Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the Water & Power Department is developing a public document outlining direct investments and projects that aim to achieve carbon free energy goals adopted by Resolution No. 9977.
.1
Council Minutes804/06/2026
1 City Council
Mayor Gordo and
Councilmember hlampton
reported conflicts of
interests related to rental
property, recused
themselves from the item,
and left the meeting at
9:57 p.m.
Councilmember Jones proposed aligning annual City Manager performance evaluations with City Council established priorities and key performance indicators (KPIs), expressed interest in establishing an enhanced infrastructure financing district in northwest Pasadena, and encouraged continued funding for supportive housing services.
In response to Councilmember Jones' inquiry regarding potential layoffs, Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth noted that some grant- funded positions may be eliminated, but the City will attempt to reassign employees to other vacancy positions wherever possible.
Councilmember Hampton advocated for the City to work with Pasadena Unified School District to align capital projects and utilize funds for shared goals (i.e. infrastructure, safety improvements, green energy, etc.)
Vice Mayor Rivas highlighted the difficulty of prioritizing multiple projects and goals given the budget constraints and deficits. She also expressed support for quarterly budget discussions to evaluate progress on meeting goals and adjusting priorities as funding changes.
Mayor Gordo urged caution and emphasized that budget cuts should be well thought out and methodical. He suggested that City staff explore and evaluate potential revenue-generating ideas such as parking taxes, credit card convenience fees, red light camera revenues, etc. He also expressed support for potential collaboration with PUSD on shared land use opportunities, exploring a regional fire/emergency assessment district with neighboring cities, reviewing park and facility rental fees, and leveraging revenue opportunities in the 710 corridor.
Following discussion, on the order of the Mayor, with the consensus of the City Council, the information was received and filed.
CONDUCT AN APPOINTMENT PROCESS FOR ONE AT-LARGE
MEMBER POSITION ON THE PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING
BOARD (PRHB) TO FILL AN UNSCHEDULED VACANCY FOR
THE REMAINDER OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING MAY 24,
2027
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action 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) In accordance with Resolution No. 10120, conduct a consensus building process and appoint one At-Large Member position on the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, for the remaining unexpired term due to an unscheduled vacancy, term ending May 24, 2027.
Council Minutes904/06/2026
MOTION:
City Clerk Jomsky presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item, providing an overview of the process to fill an unscheduled vacancy for one At Large Member position on the Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB).
The following applicants presented information on their background, qualifications, and interest in being appointed to the PRHB:
Brenda Lyon, Pasadena resident
Elisia Farmer, Pasadena resident
Simon Ybarra, Pasadena resident
Richard Starratt, Pasadena resident
Desolina Avila, Pasadena resident
Simon Gibbons, Pasadena resident
Elizabeth Crespin, Pasadena resident
David Coher, Pasadena resident
Brandon Lamar, Pasadena resident
Yadi, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns related to privacy of tenant information.
The following individuals urged the City Council to consider applicable expertise and skillsets when making their appointment to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the PRHB and/or provided related comments:
Emily Wernberg, Pasadena resident
Alan Bair, Pasadena resident
Adam Bray Ali, Pasadena resident
Ginger Berglund, Pasadena resident
Allison Henry, Pasadena resident
Ash Riveire, Pasadena resident, expressed support for Simon Ibarra to be appointed to the PRHB.
Following the City Council's consensus building process and further deliberation, it was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, appoint David Coher to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the Pasadena Rental Housing Board.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Jones, Lyon, Masuda, Vice
Mayor Rivas
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Hampton, Madison, and Mayor Gordo ABSTAIN: None
City Clerk Jomsky reported that three additional unscheduled vacancies on the PRHB (one At Large Member, and two Tenant Member seats) will be scheduled for appointment at the May 4,2026 City Council meeting.
I
5 Council Minutes1004/06/2026
1 n
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
City^^l
On orde111i of the Vice Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjournetJ at ,11:02 p.m.
^1M.
Victor M. Gordo^ Mayor
City of Pasadena
-^
'L
;
)
Council Minutes1104/06/2026