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OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Hampton
arrived at 5:52 p.m.
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
May 4,2026-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 (Absent: Councilmember Hampton)
p.m.
Councilmember Jones reported that he is participating in the Closed Session remotely under Government Code Section 54953.8.3 "just cause" provision on the basis of having a contagious illness and is not able to participate in person.
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: City of Pasadena v. The Regents of the
University of California
LASC Case No. 25STCV31621
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Matthew Hawkesworth
and Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organization: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE regarding public employee
employment pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Position: City Manager
The above closed session items were discussed with no reportable action taken at this time.
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: 229 N. Euclid Ave. and 199 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Agency negotiator: Matthew Hawkesworth
Negotiating parties: David J. Shophet and David Pashaie CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): One potential case Council Minutes105/04/2026
n
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
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.
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:19 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Cole.
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
Interim City Manager Matthew E. Hawkesworth
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Police Commander Bill Grisafe introduced Sergeant Adam Rosen as the new Sergeant At Arms. Sergeant Rosen thanked the City Council for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. Mayor Gordo welcomed Sergeant Rosen and thanked Sergeant Cristian Alien for his service as the previous Sergeant At Arms to the City Council.
Mayor Gordo presented a certificate of recognition to longtime Pasadena Unified School District teacher Michael Dakan for 30 years of dedicated service to students and families throughout the Pasadena and Los Angeles communities.
Mayor Gordo issued a proclamation recognizing the month of May 2026 as Older Americans Month in the City of Pasadena. Katie Brandon, Senior Commission member/representative from
Pasadena Village, spoke on the importance of connecting senior citizens to supportive resources and invited the community to attend the upcoming event to celebrate Older Americans Month at Victory Park on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Mayor Gordo presented a proclamation proclaiming May 14, 2026 as Pasadena Bike to Work Day, and May 2026 as National Bike Month in Pasadena, and encouraged community participation in the event, while also noting the importance bicycle safety. Melody Wu, Associate Planner, thanked the City Council for the recognition and announced details of various events and bike rides to be held throughout the month in collaboration with Day One and the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition.
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Councilmember Jones
joined the meeting at 6:39
p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
Councilmember Hampton requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Jean M. St. Juste. He shared that Mr. St. Juste was a longtime Pasadena local who worked at Robin's BBQ and Pie 'n Burger, and was known for his happy demeanor.
Councilmember Hampton also wished Alma Stokes, longtime Pasadena resident, a happy 95th birthday.
Councilmember Jones reported that he is participating remotely under Government Code Section 54953.8.3 "just cause" provision on the basis of having a contagious illness and is not able to participate in person.
The following individuals spoke on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon, and/or advocated for the City to divest from specific companies:
Kate E., Pasadena resident
Bert Newton, Pasadena resident
Dylan Bannon, Pasadena resident
Brother Steven G. Sidlovsky, residence not stated, advocated for a resolution in support of preborn personhood.
Angela Gladding, residence not stated, expressed opposition to the goat grazing program occurring in the Arroyo area as a fire prevention measure, and urged the City to stop the program due to the environmental damage the animals are causing.
James Maddox, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding the process for the City Manager recruitment.
The following individuals advocated for the City to endorse a plant- based treaty and commit to sustainability in food consumption:
Samantha Lau, residence not stated
Madeline Ocampo, Monterey Park resident
Kevin Norton, IBEW Local 18, expressed concerns related to fleet procurement of electric vehicles, car chargers no longer in service, and the costs of an accelerated carbon free timeline, and proposed two changes to the City's budget for cost savings.
Les hlammer, Pasadena resident, provided comments regarding crime and Pasadena being a sanctuary city.
In response to public comment, Mayor Gordo requested City staff report on the City's electric vehicle chargers as part of the CIP budget presentation.
Council Minutes305/04/2026
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CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH ALLSTAR FIRE EQUIPMENT TO PROVIDE
SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA)
EQUIPMENT AND SERVICING FOR FIVE YEARS FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $800,000 (Fire 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 an effect on the environment; and
(2) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated March 13, 2026 submitted by Allstar Fire Equipment in response to specifications for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment and servicing, authorize the City Manager to enter into a five-year contract for an amount not-to-exceed $800,000. (Contract No.33657) Yadi, Pasadena resident, expressed support for the proposed contract.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH SWA GROUP FOR PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE
WASHINGTON PARK STORMWATER CAPTURE PROJECT FOR
AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $2,089,007 (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) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as the result of the competitive selection process, as specified by Section
4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with SWA Group for professional engineering and design services for the Washington Park Stormwater Capture Project in an amount not-to-exceed $2,089,007, which includes the base contract amount of $1,899,097 and a contingency of $1 89,910 to provide for any necessary change orders. Competitive price bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F) (contracts for professional or unique services) (Contract No. 33645); and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to extend the term of the contract as necessary without increasing the not-to-exceed amount.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ROAD REPAIR AND
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 (SB1) PROJECT LIST FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2027 (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council (1) Find that the proposed actions in the agenda report are not "projects" as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act Council Minutes405/04/2026
Item pulled from agenda
Councilmember Madison
returned to the meeting at
7:25 p.m.
(CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21065 and Section 15378(b)(4) and (5) of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, are not subject to environmental review; and
(2) Adopt a resolution approving the Road Repair and
Accountability Act (SB1) project list for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. (Resolution No. 10186)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE YOUTH
SERVICE CORPS (YSC) GRANT AWARD OF $1,500,000 FROM
CALIFORNIA VOLUNTEERS AND TO ENTER INTO A
SUBCONTRACT WITH PASADENA CITY COLLEGE FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $250,000 TO PROVIDE
RECRUITMENT SERVICES AND CAREER COUNSELING (Office
of the City Manager)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ONGOING OPERATION OF
MANAGED ENDPOINT CYBERSECURITY PROTECTION AND
MONITORING SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED
$968,124 FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS (DolT)
Yadi, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns noting that the proposed contract has not been discussed and heard by the Public Safety Committee nor the public due to meeting
cancellations.
hlumaira Afzal, Pasadena resident, expressed opposition to the proposed contract, citing surveillance and privacy concerns.
Councilmember Lyon requested that the item be held and referred to the Economic Development & Technology Committee, to discuss possible alternatives and receive details on the contract related to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Philip Leclair, Acting Assistant City Manager, reported that while the proposed vendor does business with DHS, its services are as a reseller of technology.
He also noted that the proposed contract would have a few months before actual implementation and that the tool is a new product to be added to the City's current cybersecurity portfolio.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH HENKELS & MCCOY WEST, LLC. TO
PROVIDE LABOR AND MATERIALS FOR FIBER OPTIC CABLE
INSTALLATION FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS (DolT)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council (1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (c) and Section 15303 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures;
Council Minutes505/04/2026
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(2) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated January 26,2026, submitted by Henkels & McCoy West, LLC. in response to
specifications for Fiber Optic Installation work, authorize the City Manager to enter into a five-year contract with a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,018,184, which includes the base contract amount of $885,378 and a fifteen percent contingency of $132,806 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No.33661); and (3) Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH RICKY PICKENS JR. FOR THREE YEARS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $440,201 ANNUALLY WITH TWO OPTIONAL,
ONE-YEAR EXTENSIONS, FOR GANG OUTREACH AND
VIOLENCE INTERRUPTION SERVICES; AND AUTHORIZE THE
CITY MANAGER TO INCREASE THE GENERAL FUND
APPROPRIATIONS BY $120,000 FOR FY 2026 (Public Health
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);
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement as the result of a competitive selection process specified by Section
4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code with Ricky Pickens Jr., an individual, to provide gang outreach and violence interruption services (GOVIS) for three initial years with an annual average base contract amount of $440,201 and two optional one-year extensions subject to approval of the City Manager for a total amount not-to- exceed $2,201,005 if the two, one-year extensions are granted.
Competitive bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F), contracts for professional or unique services (Contract No. 33656); and
(3) Amend the Public Health Department FY 2026 Operating Budget by appropriating $120,000 from the unappropriated General Fund balance to support this engagement. (Budget Amendment No. 2026-33)
Humaira Afzal, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns
regarding the proposed contract, citing lack of public input on the item.
The following individuals expressed support for the proposed contract:
Jose Camacho, residence not stated
Mark Button, residence not stated
Alien Edson, Pasadena resident
Sylvana Ortiz, residence not stated
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f
City Council
APPOINTMENTS,
REAPPOINTMENTS, &
RESIGNATIONS
City Clerk/ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
Pat Amsbry, Pasadena residence
Shamaya Harvey, Pasadena resident
Pastor Kerwin Manning, Pasadena resident
June Carr, Pasadena resident
Heavenly Hughes, Pasadena resident, provided comments
on community programs also playing a role in the reduction of gun violence.
Councilmember Hampton advocated for the City to identify initiatives to help supplement gang outreach and violence interruption services, and requested that such alternative initiatives be agendized for discussion at a Public Safety Committee meeting. He also advocated for future budget discussions to identify additional investment opportunities in professional development and training for the Ricky Pickens' GOVIS team.
Mayor Gordo also encouraged Ricky Pickens' team to work with the new job training program at Pasadena City College, noting that their efforts in education and workforce development could complement one another.
ACKNOWLEDGE THE APPOINTMENT OF CASEY JAGUSCH TO
THE PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD TO SERVE AS THE
TENANT MEMBER REPRESENTING DISTRICT 2 (Councilmember
Cole Appointment)
ACKNOWLEDGE THE APPOINTMENT OF PAUL GOYNE TO THE
PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD TO SERVE AS THE
TENANT MEMBER REPRESENTING DISTRICT 4 (Councilmember
Masuda Appointment)
APPOINTMENT OF LEON DOELL TO THE NORTHWEST
COMMISSION (District 1 Nomination)
March 23, 2026
March 23, 2026
March 30, 2026
March 30, 2026
March 30, 2026
I
April 6, 2026
April 6, 2026
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena
Community Development Commission
City Council
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena
Community Development Commission
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena
Community Development Commission
Claim No. ClaimantClaim Amount
2026-0248
2026-0249
Yolanda Flores
County of Los Angeles
$35,000.00+
35,000.00+)
Council Minutes705/04/2026
MOTION:
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2026-0250 Farmers Insurance 200.00
2026-0251 Lucy Deyan 35,000.00+
2026-0252 Linda K. Watamura 350.00
2026-0253 Benjamin Franke 350.00
2026-0254 Duplicate of Claim No. 2026-0253 N/A
2026-0255 Marti Mackey 35,000.00+
2026-0256 Todd Michael Gireth 5,780.85
2026-0257 Hagop Baghdasarian 4,722.73
2026-0258 Anne Elise Wenzel 35,000.00+
2026-0259 Deontre Jerome Lutton 900.00
2026-0260 Duplicate of Claim No. 2026-0259 N/A
City Clerk Jomsky reported that one letter relating to Item 2, one letter relating to Item 5, five letters relating to Item 7, and one letter relating to Item 8, were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 4 and 5, with Item 5 (Carahsoft Technology Corporation) referred to the Economic Development & Technology Committee for further discussion.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR
2027 - 2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET
(Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council (1) Find that the proposed actions in the agenda report are not "projects" as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21065 and Section 15378(b)(4) and (5) of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, are not subject to environmental review; and
(2) Adopt by resolution the City's Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 - 2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget as summarized in Attachment A (of the agenda report) - Exhibit B contained in the resolution and any changes passed by a motion of the City Council at the May 4, 2026 meeting. (Resolution No. 10187) (Budget Amendment No. 2027 - 01 - Exhibit B - Continuing Projects) (Budget Amendment No. 2027 - 01 a - Exhibit B - New Projects) (Budget Amendment No. 2027 - 01 b - Exhibit B - PWP)
Recommendation of the Recreation and Parks Commission: On March 3, 2026, the Recreation and Parks Commission voted unanimously to support the Parks and Landscaping and the Arroyo Projects sections of the Recommended FY 2027 - 2031 CIP Budget.
Council Minutes805/04/2026
Recommendation of the Northwest Commission: On March 10, 2026, the Northwest Commission voted unanimously to support projects located completely or partially in Northwest Pasadena in the Recommended FY 2027 - 2031 CIP Budget.
Recommendation of the Transportation Advisory Commission:
On March 26, 2026, the Transportation Advisory Commission voted unanimously to support the Streets and Streetscapes and the Transportation sections of the Recommended FY 2027 - 2031 CIP Budget and recommends that City Council allocate additional funding for the citywide street resurfacing budget of at least $6 Million.
Recommendation of the Planning Commission: On April 8, 2026, the Planning Commission found the 28 recommended new projects in the Recommended FY 2027 - 2031 CIP budget to be consistent with the General Plan.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that 13 letters advocating for the City to fully fund the optimized strategic plan to transition to carbon-free electric power by 2030, 2 letters in support of keeping the artificial turf at Villa Park and/or in support of artificial turf in the City with approved regulations, 7 letters advocating for approval of additional funding for the Citywide Street Resurfacing Budget, upgrades to fire facilities, solar and batteries, and/or economic developments in City corridors, and 2 letters expressing opposition to artificial turf at City parks, 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.
(Prior to the start of the City Council meeting, City Clerk Jomsky conducted a random drawing, pursuant to segmentation rules provided by the FPPC, to determine the order in which the budget items would be considered.)
City Attorney Bagneris reported that City Council actions related to the public hearing and budget adoption will be segmented to allow members of the City Council with conflicts of interests to recuse themselves from certain segments of the budget, in accordance with segmentation rules provided by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). She reported on each recusal segmentation as follows:
Recusal Segment 1 - Mayor Gordo
• Raymond Avenue - Electrical System Undergrounding, Maple Street to North City Limits (3214)
• Pasadena Bicycle Program FY 2026-2030 (75919)
• Lake Ave Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements from Mountain to Maple (75105)
• Greenway (Bike Boulevard) Implementation (75126)
• El Molino Quick Build Greenway Demonstration Project
• Mobility Hub and First/Last Mile Improvements (A Line) • Brenner Park Playground Improvements (78200)
Council Minutes905/04/2026
• Installation of Shade Structures at Citywide Parks Athletic Field Seating Areas
• Sunset Reservoir Improvements (1075)
Mayor Gordo's conflict and recusal is based on property he owns close to the project sites. Mayor Gordo clarified that he does not own the property at 301 N. Lake, and City Attorney Bagneris reported that the Lake Ave Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements from Mountain to Maple (75105) will be removed from this segment, as Mayor Gordo is not conflicted from this project.
Recusal Segment 2 - Mayor Gordo and Councilmember Jones • Citywide Complete Streets Project (75105)
Mayor Gordo's and Councilmember Jones' conflict and recusal are based on property owned close to the project site.
Recusal Segment 3 - Councilmember Jones
• Lamanda Park Specific Plan Streetscapes & Median Island - Concept Study Project
Councilmember Jones conflict and recusal is based on property owned close to the project site.
Recusal Segment 4 - Vice Mayor Rivas
• Mountain Street - Electrical System Undergrounding, Lake Avenue to Hill Avenue Project (3213)
Vice Mayor Rivas conflict and recusal is based on property owned close to the project site.
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth provided introductory comments on the item. Joaquin Siques, Transportation Department Director, provided clarification on the transportation projects listed as "new projects without new appropriations" and noted that funding for these projects do exist through previously approved grants. He also reported that the projects are being reviewed by the Planning Commission for consistency with the General Plan.
Councilmember Hampton noted residents' concerns regarding vehicles speeding on residential streets and the lack of immediate solutions provided in the CIP budget, and suggested exploring modular speed humps as a temporary solution while the City identifies funding for permanent solutions. He also advocated for further discussion of the matter at a future Municipal Services Committee ("MSC") meeting. Transportation Director Siques reaffirmed that the City aims to implement safety improvements as quickly as possible, and noted additional time needed to identify funding, appropriate solutions, and conduct outreach to the public.
In response to Councilmember Masuda's inquiry regarding programming and transportation/corridor improvements pertaining to the aftermath of Eaton Fire, Transportation Director Siques reported Council Minutes1005/04/2026
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that the City has implemented permit parking adjustments and some fee waivers for impacted residents. He also reported that project implementation for north-south corridors in the fire impacted areas is being reconfigured to create a more human-scale, pedestrian centric environment.
Councilmember Cole raised concerns regarding compliance with State law requiring the planning authority to review the entire capital improvement program list. Phyllis Hallowell, Public Works Administrator, reported that the CIP was reviewed by the Planning Commission subcommittee, which recommended approval of the full CIP to the Planning Commission. Interim City Manager
Hawkesworth confirmed that the Planning Commission reviewed the entire CIP plan, including the 28 new projects as listed in the agenda report. Mayor Gordo further clarified that the City Council, as the planning authority, is reviewing the full CIP, which is consistent with the City's policy and state law.
David Reyes, General Manager of Pasadena Water & Power
("PWP"), presented a Powerpoint presentation and provided introductory comments on the City Council's priorities, the Department's competing objectives, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), the Power Delivery Master Plan, and the Optimized Strategic Plan (OSP). Lynn Chaimowitz, Assistant General Manager, presented information on the PWP capital improvement program and projects, key citywide initiatives to reinvest in projects to reach City- adopted climate goals, revenue needs, highlighted the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with policy, and reported on sustainability accomplishments in FY 2026.
Koko Panossian, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services ("PRCS") Director, provided a Powerpoint presentation on the planned parks and landscaping projects for FY 2027.
The above presentations by the Department of Water and Power (W&P), and the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Department were discussed by the City Council concurrently below.
Mayor Gordo advocated for funds to be allocated for park turf replacement and suggested that the matter regarding artificial vs. natural turf be further discussed by MSC. He also suggested that the City share field maintenance responsibilities with Pasadena Unified School District, given that the fields and parks are primarily used for youth activities.
In response to Councilmember Madison's comments regarding PRCS and how residential impact fees are intended to mitigate the impacts of new developments, City staff clarified that the City's policy was revised to allow spending across broader north-south geographic bands. Councilmember Madison expressed support for Council Minutes1105/04/2026
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the City Council to revisit the impact fee policy to allow for half the fees to be used within a quarter mile of the new developments to fund park and recreation space for those residents.
In regard to the W&P presentation, Councilmember Madison highlighted, what he viewed as, a lack of urgency on the part of City staff to implement the City's commitment to carbon free goals by 2030, with affordability being cited as a hinderance to implementation. He emphasized the need for the City to pursue a capital improvement strategy that includes long-term planning that pursues all possible technologies and funding options, and ensure the effort is not limited by present-day funding gaps.
Mayor Gordo praised the City for being a leader in carbon free energy implementation and expressed concerns regarding the remaining transition towards carbon free status in terms of the cost of continued implementation, financial impacts on residents, and the reliability of available technologies. He requested that City staff return with an update on currently available technologies, infrastructure reliability, and the operational performance of the City's electric vehicle charging systems.
In response to Councilmember Masuda's inquiry regarding PRCS's turf project at Hamilton Park, PRCS Director Panossian reported that the project will proceed with natural grass and that the decision was influenced by the inability to accommodate lighting infrastructure due to the shallow reservoir located beneath the field at the park.
In response to Councilmember Masuda's concerns about the City's ability to achieve carbon free energy by 2030, Assistant General Manager Chaimowitz reported that the City's water and electric funds are financially segregated, ensuring water infrastructure costs do not reduce funding for carbon-free electrical projects. She also stated that CIP budget includes unfunded but necessary projects to better identify future financial needs and priorities.
With regard to W&P, Councilmember Lyon expressed concerns that the City only has approximately 2 megawatts of solar projects planned for the upcoming fiscal year and agreed with the sentiment on the lack of urgency towards meeting the City Council's adopted 2030 carbon free energy goal. In response to Councilmember Lyon's concerns, General Manager Reyes and Assistant General Manager Chaimowitz reaffirmed the City's commitment to achieving sustainability goals and reported that funding has been allocated for future solar expansion phases, however, implementation has been constrained by procurement timelines.
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In response to Councilmember Lyon's inquiry regarding the proposed budget for another feasibility study, General Manager Reyes reported that the study would assist City staff with identifying site-specific locations, estimate project costs, and determine realistic implementation timelines.
Councilmember Hampton reiterated that achieving carbon free energy by 2030 is the City's adopted goal, while emphasizing that system reliability also remains a top priority for PWP. In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiries, General Manager Reyes reported that the City is continuously working on local solar generation, battery storage, and advanced metering infrastructure investments which are intended to reduce reliance on imported power while supporting grid reliability. He shared that PWP is collaborating with the City Manager's Office to evaluate building lease consolidations as a cost savings measure, and clarified that the City's permitting process is not causing project delays.
Regarding PRCS, Councilmember Hampton recommended having an MSC meeting to occur at either Villa Parke or Robinson Park to allow park users to directly voice their opinions on the artificial vs. natural turf matter. He expressed concerns regarding the City's agreement with iTennis and the lack of public benefit due to their reservation system. He advocated for shared maintenance of the tennis courts with the company, replacement of outdate and underused outdoor fitness equipment at City parks, and new shade structures at several City playgrounds. In response to
Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding the goat grazing brush abatement effort, PROS Director Panossian reported that the brush clearance is the first phase of the effort. He noted that the seeding/planting/revitalization is in the second phase.
Concerning W&P, Councilmember Cole suggested bonding for municipal solar and battery projects as a financially sensible option to consider, as the City eventually owns the generating asset and reduces future purchased-power costs. Assistant General Manager Chaimowitz reported that while investments provide value, the City must remain fiscally solvent and maintain adequate revenues to satisfy bondholder requirements. In response to Councilmember Cole's comments regarding more aggressive investments in solar, Mayor Gordo expressed caution when expanding municipal solar investments without addressing operational and financial risks, limitations of current solar technologies, and long-term value. He also emphasized concerns about maintaining sufficient power for essential operations at night that may pose infrastructure and public safety issues.
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In response to Councilmember Jones' inquiry regarding identification of municipal solar sites, General Manager Reyes reported that City staff has identified an initial group of sites on city-owned buildings in coordination with the Public Works Department. He also shared that future phases require analysis of parking lots, open space areas, infrastructure, grid connections, and cost-effective ness, and confirmed that the feasibility study results would be presented to MSC.
Mayor Gordo reiterated that municipalities are limited to cost recovery and generally do not operate utility services to generate profits from residents, and expressed concerns about framing solar investments as profit generating ventures. Mayor Gordo advocated for City staff to allocate funding for much needed improvements at Villa Parke, noting that it is the City's most utilized community center.
The following individuals expressed concerns with the proposed CIP budget, urged the City Council to reject a budget that does not align with the carbon free climate goals established in Resolution No. 9977, advocated for accelerated climate initiatives, and/or provided related comments:
Claudia Funke, Pasadena resident
Cynthia Cannady, Pasadena resident
Wes Reutimann, Pasadena resident
Diane Morgan, Pasadena resident
Sam Berndt, Pasadena resident
Mimi Fitzgerald, Pasadena resident
Pastor Kerwin Manning, Pasadena resident
Alan Bair, Pasadena resident
Martha Zavala, Director of Advocacy from the League of Women Voters, advocated for a year-round shelter and expressed support for increased battery storage for solar energy.
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, urged the City to prioritize and allocate funding for a year-round shelter for unhoused
individuals.
Myung-soo Seok, Los Angeles resident, requested the City Council to allow industry and labor participation in discussions regarding artificial turf installation.
Terry Saucier, Los Angeles resident, expressed opposition to artificial turf installations and urged the City Council not to stall artificial turf at Robinson Park and Villa Park.
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MOTION:
MOTION:
Councilmember Jones
stated a conflict of interest
related to his rental
property, recused himself
from Segment 3, and left
the meeting at 10:58 p.m.
MOTION:
Councilmember Jones
returned to the meeting at
11:00 p.m.
Vice Mayor Rivas stated a
conflict of interest,
recused herself from
Segment 4, and left the
meeting at 11:00 p.m.
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Rivas returned
to the meeting at 11:01
p.m.
Mayor Gordo stated a
conflict of interest related
to his rental properties,
recused himself from the
Segment 1, and left the
meeting at 11:02 p.m.
Daniel Powell, Pasadena Institute of Art, expressed concerns regarding the bill for utility charges and security deposits for a newly occupied commercial property despite minimal usage of utilities.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Cole, to close the public hearing.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation for Segment 3 (as detailed above) for the Lamanda Park Specific Plan Streetscapes & Median Island - Concept Study Project.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Lyon, Madison,
Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Jones
ABSTAIN: None
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation for Segment 4 (as detailed above) for the Mountain Street - Electrical System Undergrounding, Lake Avenue to hlill Avenue Project.
IJones, Lyon, AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton
Madison, Masuda, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Rivas
ABSTAIN: None
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to approve the staff recommendation for Segment 1 (as detailed above) for Raymond Avenue - Electrical System
Undergrounding, Maple Street to North City Limits, Pasadena Bicycle Program FY 2026-2030, Greenway (Bike Boulevard) Implementation, El Molino Quick Build Greenway Demonstration Project, Mobility Hub and First/Last Mile Improvements (A Line), Brenner Park Playground Improvements, Installation of Shade Structures at Citywide Parks Athletic Field Seating Areas, and Sunset Reservoir Improvements.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas
Jones, Lyon,
Council Minutes1505/04/2026
nMOTION:
Councilmember Jones
stated a conflict of
interest, recused himself
from Segment 2, and left
the meeting at 11:03 p.m.
Councilmember Jones
and Mayor Gordo returned
to the meeting at 11:04
p.m.
MOTION:
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Gordo
ABSTAIN: None
It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation for Segment 2 (as detailed above) for the Citywide Complete Streets Project.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Lyon, Madison,
Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Jones and Mayor Gordo
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Cole spoke in favor of approving all other portions of the proposed CIP budget, but suggested amendments: 1) the City maintain a neutral position on the natural turf vs. artificial turf discussion until the matter is discussed by MSC and has the benefit of any recommendations; 2) adding $11.25 million in FY 2028 CIP funding to be used towards adding an additional 5 megawatts of municipal solar generation, with funding sources to be identified by City staff, including possible funding sources from project reallocations and reserves; and 3) requested substantive discussions regarding the remaining City Council priorities.
Councilmember Hampton expressed support for the motion.
Mayor Gordo expressed caution on approving additional funding allocations before identifying funding sources.
Councilmember Lyon expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed solar implementation timeline and advocated for the City to pursue a more aggressive renewable energy implementation approach. He suggested carving out the Water and Power Department CIP projects for a separate discussion. Mayor Gordo requested that the motion include direction to City staff to return with renovation and investment plans for Villa Parke.
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth noted that the stated concerns are related to the electrical portion of the Water and Power Department CIP budget, and do not involve the water section.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the remaining portions of the CIP budget, with the exception of the PWP electrical C IP projects, and with the following amendments: 1) the City maintain a neutral position on the natural turf vs. artificial turf discussion until the matter is discussed by MSC; 2) direct City staff look into possible funding sources from project reallocations and reserves; 3) direct the City Council standing committees to have substantive discussions regarding the remaining Council Minutes1605/04/2026
{
n
MOTION:
City Council priorities; and 4) direct City staff to return with renovation and investment plans for Villa Parke.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Discussion ensued regarding the pace of implementation and the feasibility of reaching 9 megawatts of solar capacity. Mayor Gordo suggested approving the plans for 2 megawatts of solar as proposed and have City staff return with recommendations on how to add additional megawatts in FY27. Councilmember Madison and Vice Mayor Rivas expressed support for establishing periodic check-ins tied to the Request for Proposal timelines and the CIP review process.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to add $11.25 million in FY 2028 funding for at least an additional 5 megawatts of solar, with funding sources to be identified by City staff, along with periodic check-ins tied to the RFP timelines and the CIP review process.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Madison, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: Councilmembers Lyon and Masuda
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
OPENING OF THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
2027 CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED OPERATING BUDGET
(Finance Dept.)
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 Sections 15060(c) and 15378(b);
(2) Open the public hearing for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Recommended Operating Budget; and
(3) Continue this public hearing to each subsequent regular meeting of the City Council at 6:00 p.m. until June 15, 2026,or such other date as the City Council may determine, at which time the City Council will be asked to close the public hearing and adopt the FY 2027 Recommended Operating Budget.
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, urged the City Council to decrease funding for the Pasadena Police Department and to reallocate funds for housing services for unsheltered individuals.
Council Minutes1705/04/2026
n
MOTION:
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Council
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
Yadi, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns that certain items in the proposed budget were not discussed by City Council Committees and she advocated for the City to further invest in public safety, public health, and housing instead of police surveillance technology.
P.A. Brown, Pasadena resident, suggested the City partner with non-governmental organizations to share costs or look for items to deprioritize.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to continue the public hearing to May 1 1,2026 at 6:00 p.m.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONDUCT AN APPOINTMENT PROCESS FOR AN AT-LARGE
MEMBER POSITION AND THE ALTERNATE TENANT MEMBER
POSITION ON THE PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD
(PRHB) TO FILL UNSCHEDULED VACANCIES FOR THE
REMAINDER OF THE UNEXPIRED TERMS ENDING MAY 24,
2027
Due to the lateness of the hour, the above item was held to a future meeting by consensus.
On or^eT\of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned ^t 1,1:40 p.m. in memory of Jean M. St. Juste. ^
Victor M. Gordo, Mayor
City of Pasadena
CTtyCr
Council Minutes1805/04/2026