OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
July 13, 2026-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent: None)
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:14 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: Buenaventura, E. v. City of Pasadena
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 22STCV29629
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
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE regarding public employee
performance evaluation pursuant to Government Code Section 54057(b)(1)
Title: Interim City Manager
CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): Two potential cases "(One case discussed with no reportable action taken at this time; one case not discussed)
The above closed session items were discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property Locations: 230 Wigmore Drive, 180 W. Glenarm
Avenue, 1175 Pasadena Avenue, and 163 State Street
Agency Negotiator: Matthew Hawkesworth, Interim City
Manager
Negotiating Party: Bryan Wong, Chief Executive Officer, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: 78 N. Marengo Avenue (APNs 5723-026-902, 5723-026- 903 and 5723-026-900)
Council Minutes107/13/2026
\
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
Agency negotiator: Matthew E. Hawkesworth, Interim City Manager, or designee
Negotiating parties: Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide, Ace Hotel Group
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
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 6:54 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Hampton.
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
Interim City Manager Matthew E. Hawkesworth
Chief Assistant City Attorney Arnold F. Lee
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Mayor Gordo presented a proclamation recognizing the month of July 2026 as National Parks and Recreation Month and Parks Make Life Better Month. Pamela Cantero, Janine Andrade, and Jordan Grays, Parks Superintendents, all accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Department and thanked the City Council for the recognition. Parks Superintendent Cantero spoke on the importance of recreational services and provided details for the upcoming Parks After Dark summer event series.
Geoffrey Baum, Pasadena resident, announced his candidacy for Pasadena City College (PCC) Trustee and advocated for continued collaboration between the City and PCC.
The following individuals spoke on behalf of AFSCME Local 858 members, highlighted essential services provided by union members, advocated for a fair new labor contract, and/or provided other related comments:
Robert Montanez, Pasadena resident
Anthony Huerta, Pasadena resident
Andrew Duran, Pasadena resident
Council Minutes207/13/2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
Ronnie Winn, Pasadena resident
Marcus Baisley, Pasadena resident
The following individuals thanked the City for working to protect the trees that were designated to be cut down by the Pasadena Unified School District ("PUSD") and enforcing the City's Tree Protection Ordinance, and/or providing related comments:
Brian Fulcher, Pasadena resident
Amanda Elioff, Pasadena resident
Jessica Richards, Pasadena resident
Melissa Hoffs, residence not stated
Rene Gonzalez, Pasadena resident
Colin Campbell, South Pasadena resident, proposed that the City upgrade the City's Glenarm Power Plant systems to a portable fusion reactor using federal funds that his company has secured.
Kelly Brinkman, Pasadena resident, urged the City to enforce local health, building, and safety codes for the Caltrans properties, and to advocate for a fair and transparent process for the sale of Caltrans properties.
P.A. Brown, Pasadena 100, advocated for the City staff to provide an update on the funding and process to implement the additional 20 megawatts of solar to achieve the City's carbon free goals.
Dr. Lena Alsarraf, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City to establish a commercial vacancy tax to further subsidize affordable housing and homelessness prevention.
Mike Polka, Pasadena resident, expressed safety concerns regarding the PUSD ongoing tree removal activities.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A FIVE-
YEAR CONTRACT WITH RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF
CALIFORNIA INC., FOR THE INSPECTION SERVICES AND
REPAIRS FOR CNG TRUCKS AND SERVICE VEHICLES IN AN
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $872,708 (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 January 20,2026, submitted by Rush Truck Centers of California, Inc., in response to bid specifications for Inspection, Services, and Repairs of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Trucks and Service Vehicles, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a five-year contract for a Council Minutes307/13/2026
total not-to-exceed amount of $872,708, which includes the base contract amount of $831,150 and a contingency of $41,558 to provide any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33771); and (3) Authorize the City Manager to approve within contract authority, amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH AME BUILDERS INC., DBA AME ROOFING
FOR THE HILL AVE LIBRARY ROOF REPLACEMENT AND
STRUCTURAL CONNECTIONS UPGRADE PROJECT FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $838,116 (Public Works 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, Class 1 - Existing Facilities, and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances;
(2) Award contract to the lowest and best bid dated June 4, 2026 submitted by AME Builders Inc., dba AME Roofing in response to the bid specifications for the Hill Ave Library Roof Replacement and Structural Connections Upgrade project, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for a total not-to-exceed amount of $838,116 which includes the base contract amount of $698,430 and a contingency of $139,686 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33774); and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve within the contract authority, amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A FIVE-
YEAR CONTRACT WITH WESTERN PUMP INC., FOR
AUTHORIZED GASBOY SERVICE AND REPAIR FOR
DISPENSERS AND WIRELESS NOZZLES AND ORIGINAL
EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER PARTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-
TO-EXCEED $514,364 (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 Western Pump, Inc., in response to the bid specifications for Authorized Gasboy Service and Repair for Dispensers, Wireless Nozzles, and Original Equipment
Manufacturer Parts, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a five-year contract for a total not-to-exceed amount of $514,364, which includes the base contract amount of $489,870 and a Council Minutes407/13/2026
contingency of $24,494 to provide any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33772); and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve within contract authority, amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A FIVE-
YEAR CONTRACT WITH BETTS COMPANY DBA BETTS TRUCK
PARTS AND SERVICE FOR HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK SPRING,
SUSPENSION, AND ALIGNMENT SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT
NOT-TO-EXCEED $694,313 (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 9,2026, submitted by Betts Company DBA Betts Truck Parts and Service in response to the bid specifications for Heavy-Duty Truck Spring, Suspension, and Alignment Services, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a five-year contract for a total not-to-exceed amount of $694,313, which includes the base contract amount of $603,750 and a contingency of $90,563 to provide any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33773); and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve within contract authority, amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH OCEAN BLUE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES,
INC., TO PROVIDE HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT AND
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES FOR THE WATER AND
POWER DEPARTMENT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED
$2,100,000 (Water & Power Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1 - Existing Facilities, and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of competitive selection process, as specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Ocean Blue Environmental Services, Inc. ("Ocean Blue") to provide hazardous waste management and emergency response services for the Pasadena Water and Power Department for seven years for a grand total amount not-to-exceed $2,100,000, which includes the option for two additional one-year extensions or an amount not-to-exceed Council Minutes507/13/2026
$600,000, whichever occurs first, at the discretion of the City Manager. Competitive price bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F) Contract for professional or unique services (Contract No. 33739); 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 A
CONTRACT WITH ARTISAN GRID SERVICES, INC., TO
REPLACE THE CALIFORNIA INDEPENDENT SYSTEM
OPERATOR'S REMOTE INTELLIGENT GATEWAY AND METERS
FOR THE WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $425,000 (Water & Power 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 California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1 - Existing Facilities, Section 15302, Class 2 - Replacement or Reconstruction, and Section 15303, Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt classes, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances;
(2) Award contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bid dated June 8, 2026, submitted by Artisan Grid Services, Inc., in response to the project plans and specifications to replace the California Independent System Operator ("CAISO") Remote Intelligent Gateway and CAISO meters for the Water and Power Department, authorize the City Manager to enter into a two year contract for an amount not-to-exceed $425,000, which includes the base contract amount of $340,000 and a contingency of $85,000 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33737); and (3) Authorize the City Manager to approve amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions.
APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF PASADENA AND THE PASADENA POLICE
OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FOR THE TERM OF JULY 1, 2026 -
JUNE 30, 2029 (Human Resources Dept.)
Item discussed separately APPROVE AN AMENDED MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF PASADENA AND
THE PASADENA POLICE LIEUTENANTS' ASSOCIATION FOR
THE TERM OF JULY 1, 2024 - JUNE 30, 2028
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) TO
ACCEPT METRO GRANT FUNDING FOR OPEN AND SLOW
STREETS CYCLE 6 IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000 TO HOST AN
Item discussed separately
Council Minutes607/13/2026
OPEN STREETS EVENT IN 2026, TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT
WITH CICLAVIA, INC., TO PARTNER FOR THE 2026 EVENT,
AND TO AMEND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(DOT) FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2027 OPERATING BUDGET AND
FY2027 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE
$240,000 LOCAL MATCH (Transportation 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 Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within the meaning of State CEQA Guideline Section 15378(b);
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all agreements with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to accept the Cycle 6 Open and Slow Streets grant in an amount not- to-exceed $500,000;
(3) Authorize a contract, without competitive bidding pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F), contracts for Professional or Unique Services for $330,000, with CICLAVIA Inc., for the implementation and management of the program (Contract No.33798);
(4) Grant the proposed contract with CICLAVIA Inc., an exemption from the Competitive Selection process pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code Section 4.08.049(8) contracts for which the City's best interests are served;
(5) Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost amendments to the subject contract, including durational extensions and necessary change orders;
(6) Amend DOT'S FY2027 Operating Budget by recognizing and appropriating $83,385 of TDA Article 3 funding for the local match; and
(7) Amend the FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget to replace General Fund in the amount of $69,745 from the Pasadena Bicycle Program (75917) and in the amount of $86,870 from the Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements Program FY2021- FY2028 (75112) with Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF) funds in the same amount, and allocate $156,615 of General Fund to the DOT FY27 Operating Budget for the local match of the Open and Slow Streets Program Cycle 6 Grant as detailed in the agenda report. (Budget Amendment No. 2027-03)
In response to Councilmember Cole's inquiry, Joaquin Siques, Transportation Director, reported that the grant was specifically awarded to develop a multimodal connection between Memorial Park Station, Old Pasadena, and the Rose Bowl as part of the transportation planning related to future potential routes for the LA 2028 Olympics.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE ALL AGREEMENTS WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO)
FOR THE RECEIPT $674,769 IN FEDERAL TRANSIT
Council Minutes707/13/2026
Item discussed separately
LJ
City Council
APPOINTMENTS,
REAPPOINTMENTS, &
ADMINISTRATION (FTA) SECTION 5310 GRANT FUNDS FOR
THE PASADENA DIAL-A-RIDE MOBILITY MANAGEMENT
PROJECT AND PASADENA MYSTERY RIDER PROGRAM
(Transportation 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 15301 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all agreements with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) associated with the receipt of $674,769 in reimbursable Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 grant funding for the implementation of the City of Pasadena Mobility Management Program supporting the Pasadena Dial-A-Ride program.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO ACCEPT $2,400,000 IN METRO
ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE GRANT FUNDS, AMEND CONTRACT
31918 WITH CONNEXIONZ LTD., BY INCREASING THE NOT-TO-
EXCEED AMOUNT BY $1,757,342 FOR ONBOARD
TECHNOLOGY ON THE PASADENA PUBLIC TRANSIT FLEET,
AND AMEND THE FY 2027 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
BUDGET (Transportation Dept.)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF
EMERGENCY SERVICES (CAL OES) AGREEMENT NO.
A231012258-A2 AND AMEND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S
FISCAL YEAR 2027 ADOPTED OPERATING BUDGET (PFD)
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 execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. A231012258 with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for Regional Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response Training and Exercise Reimbursement to increase the total contract value from $247,200 to $324,450 and extend the period of performance through June 30, 2028; and (3) Amend the Fire Department's Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Operating Budget as detailed in the following report by increasing revenues and appropriations by $77,250. (Budget Amendment No. 2027-04)
APPOINTMENT OF CHRISTOPHER GUERRERO
NORTHWEST COMMISSION (District 7 Nomination)
TO THE
Council Minutes807/13/2026
RESIGNATIONS
City Clerk/ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED
RESIGNATION OF TUNISIA OFFRAY FROM THE HUMAN
SERVICES COMMISSION (District 7 Nomination)
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
May 18,2026
May 18,2026
May 25, 2026
May 25, 2026
June 1, 2026
June 1,2026
June 8, 2026
June 8, 2026
City Council
Successor
Community
City Council
Successor
Community
City Council
Successor
Community
City Council
Successor
Community
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Claim No. Claimant
2026-0292 Victory Bible Church of
Pasadena
2026-0293 Vincent D. Pagan
2026-0294 Duplicate of Claim No 2026-0243
2026-0295 Ava Lightwood
2026-0296 Deborah R. Toga
2026-0297 David Salamanyan
2026-0298 Duplicate of Claim No 2026-0243
2026-0299 Cal Land Engineering &
Associates, Inc.
2026-0300 Daniel Alejandro Sanchez
2026-0301 Leonardo Sanchez
2026-0302 Luis Sanchez
2026-0303 Tati Sanchez
2026-0304 Angelica Sanchez
2026-0305 Dominic Sanchez
2026-0306 Sofia Sanchez
2026-0307 Matthew Sanchez
2027-0001 John & Roxanne Basso
2027-0002 Ryan Hiosvany Muina
2027-0003 Spectral Imaging Laboratory
2027-0004 R. Saenz Construction Inc.
2027-0005 CSM OBO USAA aso Raul
Cervantes Jr, Blanca Salazar-
Cervantes
2027-0006 Emmanuel Sison Diamante
2027-0007 Subro Claims obo GEICO a/s/o
Virab Mirzoian
Claim Amount
$ 6,683.60
35,000.00+
N/A
126.70
800.00
10,000.00+
N/A
579.46
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
10,000.00+
5,902.87
10,000.00+
35,000.00+
10,000.00+
10,000.00+
5,089.51
Council Minutes907/13/2026
PUBLIC HEARING SET
MOTION:
CONSENT ITEMS
DISCUSSED
SEPARATELY
July 20, 2026, 6:00 p.m. -Consideration of an Uncodified Ordinance to Repeal Uncodified Interim Urgency Ordinance Nos. 7455 & 7457 that Prohibit Senate Bill 9 Applications within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in the Boundary of the Eaton Fire It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, with the exception of items 7, 8, and 11. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF PASADENA AND THE PASADENA POLICE
OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FOR THE TERM OF JULY 1, 2026 -
JUNE 30, 2029 (Human Resources Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Public Resources Code ("PRC") Section 21065 and within the meaning of California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines Section 15378(b); and
(2) Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOD) between the City of Pasadena (City) and the Pasadena Police Officers Association (PPOA) for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. (Contract No. 24,459)
APPROVE AN AMENDED MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF PASADENA AND
THE PASADENA POLICE LIEUTENANTS ASSOCIATION FOR
THE TERM OF JULY 1, 2024 - JUNE 30, 2028 (Human Resources Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Public Resources Code ("PRO") Section 21065 and within the meaning of California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines Section 15378(b); and
(2) Approve an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Pasadena (City) and the Pasadena Police Lieutenants Association (PPLA) for the term of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028. (Contract No. 24,460)
The following individuals expressed concerns with the proposed recommendations citing a lack of public transparency and justification for the recommended salary increases, advocated for other more urgent priorities, and/or provided other related comments:
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident
Humaira, Pasadena resident
Anthony Manousos, Pasadena resident
Yadi, Pasadena resident
Council Minutes1007/13/2026
MOTION:
Councilmembers Cole and Hampton noted the importance of providing additional context in staff reports and suggested providing more substantive information so the public can better understand the rationale for proposed labor agreements.
Councilmember Madison and Mayor Gordo expressed support for the proposed labor agreements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public safety through the retention of high-quality employees, and citing prior issues when the City lost numerous police officers to neighboring agencies due to below-market compensation levels.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by Councilmember Madison, to approve the staff recommendations for Consent Calendar Items 7 and 8. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO ACCEPT $2,400,000 IN METRO
ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE GRANT FUNDS, AMEND
CONTRACT 31918 WITH CONNEXIONZ LTD., BY INCREASING
THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT BY $1,757,342 FOR ONBOARD
TECHNOLOGY ON THE PASADENA PUBLIC TRANSIT FLEET,
AND AMEND THE FY 2027 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
BUDGET (Transportation Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council (1) Find that the proposed actions in the agenda report do not constitute 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 15301 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required, with the exception of the bus stop enhancements, which are found to be categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301, Class 1 - Existing Facilities, and that there are no features that distinguish the bus stop enhancements from other projects in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into all agreements with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) associated with the receipt of $2,400,000 in Metro Zero-Emission Call for Project grant funding for the Pasadena Transit Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Procurement Cost Adjustment Project;
(3) Amend the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Program Budget, as detailed in the Fiscal Impact section of the agenda report; (4) Authorize the City Manager to amend Contract No. 31918 with Connexionz Ltd., by adding $1,757,342, increasing the not-to- exceed amount to $3,155,951, for the purchase of onboard technology for the Pasadena public transit fleet, which includes a base amount of $2,996,193 and a contingency of $159,758 (5.3%) to provide for any necessary change orders;
Council Minutes1107/13/2026
n
MOTION:
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Clerk
(5) To the extent the amendments to Contract No. 31918 could be considered a separate procurement subject to the Competitive Selection Process, grant an exemption pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) Section 4.08.049(B), contracts for which the City's best interests are served. Competitive price bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F) contracts for professional or unique services; and
(6) Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost amendments to Contract No. 31918 including durational extensions and necessary change orders.
Mayor Gordo announced that following their discussion, the Finance Committee agreed to bifurcate the motion for the item above: 1) to accept the grant funds (staff recommendations 1 and 2), and 2) defer action on the remaining recommendations related to transit technology issues to be reviewed by the Municipal Services Committee.
City Clerk Jomsky noted that the recommendation from the Finance Committee is to approve staff recommendations 1 and 2 tonight, with staff recommendations 3 -6 to be deferred to the July 20, 2026 City Council meeting, following the discussion of the short-range transit plan at the Municipal Services Committee meeting on July 14, 2026.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to approve staff recommendations 1 and 2 tonight, with staff recommendations 3- 6 to be deferred to the July 20, 2026 City Council meeting, following the discussion of the short-range transit plan by the Municipal Services Committee meeting on July 14, 2026. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE
"CERTIFICATE OF THE CANVASS OF THE ELECTION
RETURNS" AS PREPARED AND CERTIFIED BY THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK
FOR THE PASADENA PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION
CONSOLIDATED WITH THE JUNE 2, 2026 STATEWIDE
PRIMARY ELECTION
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is not a project subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as defined in Section 21065 and Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required for the project; and
(2) Adopt a resolution accepting the "Certificate of the Canvass of the Election Returns" (Exhibit A to the resolution) as prepared and certified by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk for the Pasadena Primary Municipal Election, consolidated with the Statewide Primary Election held on June 2, 2026 declaring the following persons, receiving a majority of the votes cast, are Council Minutes1207/13/2026
MOTION:
OLD BUSINESS
elected to the following offices, each for a full term of 4 years (Resolution No. 10201):
Justin L. Jones Member of the City Council, District 3
Jessica Rivas Member of the City Council, District 5
Jason Lyon Member of the City Council, District 7
The City Council congratulated the Councilmembers Jones and Lyon, and Vice Mayor Rivas for their successful re-election campaigns.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Rivas, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM VICE MAYOR RIVAS
TO CALL FOR REVIEW A HEARING OFFICER'S DECISION TO
THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS REGARDING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 7100 AND CERTIFICATE OF
EXCEPTION NO. 449, LOCATED AT 1453 AND 1467 NORTH
LAKE AVENUE AND 874 LADERA STREET (Vice Mayor Rivas)
Vice Mayor Rivas provided introductory comments on the item and reported that City staff met with residents to discuss the conditions imposed by the hearing officer. She recommended for City staff and residents to focus and resolve remaining issues through an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The following individuals expressed support for the call for review and provided comments regarding the safety concerns for the events that occur at the location:
Brad Tesan, Pasadena resident
Nathaniel Peterson-More, Pasadena resident
Rose Malmberg, Pasadena resident
Gricelda Valenzuela, Pasadena resident
Armen Gharehbagloo, Applicant and Pasadena resident, stated that his business has complied with the conditions imposed by the hearing officer and has worked to address residents' concerns, and spoke in opposition to the call for review.
Nisha Kuttothara, Pasadena resident, expressed appreciation for the business and their support for neighbors during the Eaton Fire.
Vice Mayor Rivas acknowledged the importance of having
successful businesses in the North Lake area, while recognizing the need for businesses to coexist with adjacent neighbors/residents.
Council Minutes1307/13/2026
MOTION:
REPORTS AND
COMMENTS FROM
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Finance Committee
It was moved by Vice Mayor Rivas, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to approve a call for review of the matter by the Board of Zoning Appeals. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
REVIEW OF CITY REVENUE SOURCES AND OPTIONS FOR
REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS FOR THE GENERAL FUND
(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) Direct City staff on the preparation of any necessary resolutions to place one or more tax measures on November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election ballot for the City of Pasadena;
(3) Direct City staff on the preparation of a separate supplemental voter information pamphlet to send to voters in the City of Pasadena for all related City of Pasadena ballot measures for the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election; and
(4) Direct City staff to hold a meeting on July 27 or August 3 to approve the final documents for submission before the August 7, 2026, deadline.
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth and Karin Schnaider, Finance Director, provided a Powerpoint presentation on various potential revenue measures available through local taxes or bond measures, and reported on the types of dedicated services that might be funded through new revenue efforts.
Councilmember Hampton stated that he is generally opposed to imposing new taxes but acknowledged that declining revenue and increasing operational costs require the City to evaluate revenue sources to maintain quality municipal services. He expressed support for a parking tax, noting that benefits may come from the large volume of commuters and visitors that come to Pasadena, and a well-framed parcel tax that outlines specific uses of the revenue, which may garner community support.
Councilmember Jones expressed support for exploring a parcel tax to generate funds for fire facility improvements, and indicated interest in including streets/sidewalk improvements as part of the dedicated services to be funded by such a parcel tax.
Councilmember Masuda expressed support for exploring a
transaction and use tax, as well as a parcel tax.
In response to Councilmember Lyon's inquiry regarding whether City staff had preliminary information regarding the level of public's support for a voter tax, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that previous community outreach gauging priorities has indicated Council Minutes1407/13/2026
n
strong support for fire-related investments, moderate support for street improvements, and continued interest in affordable housing and homelessness services.
Councilmember Madison stated his preference to focus on a single ballot measure rather than multiple measures due to the difficulty of securing voter approval, expressed support for a parcel tax over a sales tax, noting that a sales tax may be more regressive. He advocated for the proposed ballot measure to indicate necessity for a city-owned, city-operated Fire Department headquarters and a fire training center.
The following individuals expressed support for placing a property transfer tax on the November 2026 ballot, with the funds dedicated to affordable housing opportunities and supportive housing for unhoused individuals, and/or provided other related comments:
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident
Bert Newton, Pasadena resident
Humaira, Pasadena resident
Dr. Lena AISarraf, Pasadena resident
Yadi, Pasadena resident
Jill Shook, Pasadena resident
P.A. Brown, Pasadena resident, expressed support for a
property transfer tax for affordable housing and homeless services, as well as a parcel tax dedicated to fire prevention.
Anthony Manousos, Pasadena resident, suggested using
parking tax revenues to fund the safe parking program and expressed support for new taxes if revenues are dedicated to affordable housing and homeless services.
Rian Barrett, Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors, urged the City Council to consider the cumulative financial impact of multiple local tax measures on top of existing taxes.
The following individuals expressed support for placing a measure on the November 2026 ballot to fund Fire Department priorities:
Christiaan Miller, Pasadena Firefighter Management
Association
Raffy Bitchakdjian, Pasadena Firefighter Management
Association
Daniel Powell, Pasadena resident, spoke on the financial burden of existing taxes and encouraged the City to prioritize cost savings and operational efficiencies before seeking additional taxes.
Council Minutes1507/13/2026
Adam Bray-Ali, Pasadena resident, spoke in opposition to a property transfer tax, noting the failures of Los Angeles' Measure ULA.
Donna Sider, Pasadena resident, urged the City Council to evaluate budget priorities before seeking additional taxes, and expressed support for a property transfer tax.
Councilmember Lyon reflected on the City Council's previously established priorities and noted that adequate progress has not been made on fire infrastructure. He expressed support for a property tax funding measure dedicated to fire services and infrastructure.
Vice Mayor Rivas expressed reluctance to place any measure on the November 2026 ballot and suggested spending the next year studying options, however, she expressed support for a narrowly focused measure to support the City's Fire Department infrastructure and training needs.
Councilmember Madison expressed opposition to implementing a transfer tax, citing concerns about its structure and equity, and voiced support for a parcel tax that distributes costs more equitably by requiring all property owners to contribute.
Councilmember Cole reiterated support for a parcel tax dedicated to fire station modernization, earthquake preparedness, and emergency response capacity, hie suggested that a transfer tax be studied and discussed at a later time.
Mayor Gordo expressed agreement with placing a measure on the November 2026 ballot focusing exclusively on fire infrastructure. He acknowledged that housing and homelessness remain important City priorities but viewed fire infrastructure as requiring more immediate action.
Councilmember Hampton reiterated his preference for a parking tax dedicated to funding street and sidewalk improvements to the ballot.
Relatedly, Councilmember Lyon expressed opposition to placing multiple tax measures on the ballot noting that it may jeopardize achieving the required two-thirds voter approval needed for a parcel tax measure.
Councilmember Cole made a motion to direct City staff to prepare a ballot measure for a parcel tax and develop as much as possible a "finer grained" expenditure plan. Councilmember Madison reiterated his request for the measure to incorporate funding for the fire station renovations, a new fire station, a City-owned headquarters, and a fire training center.
Council Minutes1607/13/2026
MOTION:
f
ORDINANCE - FIRST
READING
Councilmember Jones left
the meeting at 10:04 p.m.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's request for additional information on the proposed parking tax, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the proposal is for a 10% tax on off-street paid parking, where parking operators could either absorb the tax or pass the cost on to customers. Interim City Manager Hawkesworth also reported that City staff is recommending for the exemption framework be designated later via resolution instead of a ballot measure to allow flexibility for refinement in the future.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Madison, to approve the staff recommendation, with direction to City staff to prepare election resolutions related to a parcel tax ballot measure and develop a "finer grained" expenditure plan as possible.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Following further discussion, Councilmembers Cole and Hampton advocated for City staff to return to the City Council with additional information on a potential parking tax ballot measure as well.
Councilmember Madison expressed support for studying alternative taxation methods in the future, but spoke in opposition to a parking tax measure, emphasizing the need to build consensus around the proposed parcel tax for fire infrastructure and safety. Councilmember Cole clarified that the intention is only a request for additional information.
On the order of the Mayor, with consensus of the City Council, direction was given to City staff to return with additional information on a potential parking tax for further City Council discussion at the July 22, 2026 City Council meeting.
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AUTHORIZING THE SETTING OF THE FISCAL
YEAR 2026-27 TAX RATE FOR THE CITY'S GENERAL
OBLIGATION BONDS (CENTRAL LIBRARY PROJECT)
APPROVED BY THE VOTERS AT THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024
STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION AND REQUESTING AND
AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO LEVY A
TAX ON ALL REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF PASADENA AS
A VOTER APPROVED LEVY WITH RESPECT TO SAID BONDS"
The ordinance above was introduced by Councilmember Madison:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Lyon, Madison,
Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
Council Minutes1707/13/2026
ORDINANCE - SECOND
READING
MOTION:
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST;
ABSENT: Councilmember Jones
ABSTAIN: None
Adopt "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENA
AMENDING PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 2, ARTICLES
Ill AND IV TO UPDATE PROVISIONS REGARDING TERM LIMITS
AND TRAINING OF MEMBERS OF ADVISORY BOARDS,
COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND BOARDS OF OPERATING
COMPANIES CREATED BY CITY COUNCIL"
Councilmember Hampton reported that after reflecting on correspondence and feedback that received from his constituents, he is no longer supportive of the ordinance.
Councilmember Madison expressed concerns regarding clarity in the staff report and requested that City staff provide a new fact sheet when the item returns in the future.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to table the item until the July 22, 2026 City Council meeting, when a full City Council is present.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Lyon, Madison, Masuda, Vice
Mayor Rivas
NOES: Councilmember Hampton and Mayor Gordo
ABSENT: Councilmember Jones
ABSTAIN: None
On'ord^r of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned, at 10:09 p.m.
i/Vk
Victor M. Gdrdo, Mayor
City of Pasadena
Ctt^CTerk
Council Minutes1807/13/2026