OPENING:
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
OLD BUSINESS
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
July 20, 2026-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Teleconference Location:
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Business Center
151 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Vice Mayor Rivas called the regular meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Hampton. (Absent: Councilmembers Jones and Lyon)
Mayor Victor M. Gordo (via teleconference)
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Tyron Hampton
Councilmember Justin Jones (absent)
Councilmember Jason Lyon (arrived at 7:05 p.m.)
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Interim City Manager Matthew E. Hawkesworth
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Jennifer Guess-Mayo, Assistant General Manager of Pasadena Water and Power (PWP), recognized the winners of the Be Water Wise Art Contest, Isabella B. and Jonpatrick S; and also presented Adrianna Baumle and Mildred Gonzalez with student scholarships awards for winning the PWP educational scholarship program.
Vice Mayor Rivas provided introductory comments and Sara Goldman, Accessibility & Disability Coordinator, presented the Robert Gorski Access Award to Nathan Wolford from Pasadena Village. Mr. Wolford expressed gratitude to the City for the honor and thanked his family, friends, and Pasadena Village for their support and providing him with opportunities to engage in this work alongside the accessibility task force to advocate for disability inclusion.
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);
Council Minutes107/20/2026
Councilmember Lyon
arrived at 7:05 p.m.
(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.
Karin Schnaider, Finance Director, presented a Powerpoint presentation providing information on the structure of a potential parking tax, common exemptions, and comparisons with other cities.
Councilmember Cole advocated for directing City staff to prepare resolutions to place a 10% parking tax ballot measure on the November 3, 2026 General Election, as a backup, in the event that the City Council decides not to move forward with a parcel tax ballot measure. He stated that the parking tax would require only a majority vote, would primarily be paid by commuters and visitors who use City roads, address the City's road deterioration and maintenance needs, and covers the $6 million funding gap for street/sidewalk improvements.
Mayor Gordo expressed concerns regarding placing multiple tax measures before the voters at the same election, and stated that the City Council should prioritize the parcel tax ballot measure to support the Pasadena Fire Department and fire infrastructure needs. He suggested deferring consideration of a parking tax ballot measure to the 2028 election.
Councilmember Masuda expressed continued support for the parcel tax ballot measure that was unanimously supported by the City Council on July 13, 2026, while acknowledging that road repairs are also a top priority in his district.
Councilmember Madison and Vice Mayor Rivas expressed
opposition for a parking tax ballot measure, noting concerns that placing both measures on the Novembers, 2026 ballot would reduce the likelihood of either passing. Vice Mayor Rivas noted that she may be open to exploring the parking tax ballot measure for the 2028 election.
Councilmember Cole clarified that his intent is to have City staff prepare the necessary resolutions for the parking tax ballot measure only as a contingency to be used if the City Council decides not to proceed with the parcel tax ballot measure on August 3, 2026.
Council Minutes207/20/2026
MOTION:
Jesus Rojas, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, expressed opposition to additional taxes and urged the City to pursue cost reductions and operational efficiencies.
Humaira, expressed concerns that not all residents received the City's public opinion survey regarding the potential tax measures.
The following individuals urged the City Council to remain focused on the Fire Chief's capital improvement plan and expressed support for the parcel tax:
Raffy Bitchakdjian, Pasadena Firefighters Association
Christiaan Miller, Pasadena Firefighters Association
Yadi, Pasadena resident, urged the City Council to prioritize funding for the Fire Department, while expressing reservations about relying on a parcel tax for the funding.
In response to public comment, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the public opinion survey was distributed to a random sample of voters and not to all Pasadena voters.
Councilmember Hampton reiterated his support for the proposed parcel tax measure while simultaneously advocating for a parking tax ballot measure, noting that a parking tax may shift more of the financial burden to commuters and visitors rather than to Pasadena residents and would require only a majority vote.
Discussion ensued regarding the potential placement of multiple tax measures on the November 2026 ballot, pros and cons of each tax, and the conditions of a special tax.
In response to Mayor Gordo's inquiry regarding whether a parking tax could legally be used to support public safety purposes, City Attorney Bagneris reported that if the proposed parking tax is a general tax and not a special tax, then the generated funds may be used for broader purposes.
Councilmember Madison reiterated his opposition to having an additional tax measure on the November 2026 ballot and cited a lack of economic analysis on how a parking tax may affect the City's business community.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation directing City staff to prepare resolutions for a 10% parking tax, if and only if the City Council chooses not to proceed with the parcel tax ballot measure (as previously directed on July 13, 2026) at the August 3, 2026 City Council meeting.
Council Minutes307/20/2026
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Masuda, Mayor
Gordo
NOES: Councilmembers Lyon, Madison, Vice Mayor Rivas
ABSENT: Councilmember Jones
ABSTAIN: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
ITEMS ON THE CLOSED
SESSION AGENDA
Mayor Gordo stated a
conflict of interest due to
MOTION FAILED.
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth presented a Powerpoint presentation on the Fire Department's 10-year operational and organizational plan, ongoing investments in equipment and infrastructure, impacts of the proposed special parcel tax measure to households in Pasadena, and modeling of annual tax revenue.
Councilmember Hampton expressed support for a parcel tax ballot measure that sunsets in 10 years and imposes the least financial burden on residents.
Councilmember Cole spoke in support of a 30-year debt refinancing approach to spread costs over time while allowing fire facilities to be built sooner, and requested City staff to prepare an analysis on the first 10 years of debt service for a 30-year bond, including feasibility of exemptions, maintenance of effort, and a citizen oversight committee.
Councilmember Lyon requested additional information regarding how the proposed parcel tax measure would compare with existing property tax obligations for similar households to better understand the relative burden on residents.
Councilmember Madison expressed support for the request for additional information regarding exemptions and urged that the fire administrative headquarters project be prioritized sooner due to ongoing operational needs. He also requested additional information on whether the proposed additional fire station would require temporary facilities, replacement stations, or new construction to address future service needs.
By consensus of the City Council, the additional direction to City staff will return with the prepared election resolutions to place the parcel tax ballot measure to support the Pasadena Fire Department and fire infrastructure needs.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that public comment for closed session items will be heard prior to Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda, due to the closed session taking place after the regular meeting.
Council Minutes407/20/2026
his employer being
LI UNA, recused himself
from the item, and left the
meeting at 7:38 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding the negotiation process between LIUNA and the City, citing the bargaining unit's high vacancy rate and employee retention challenges, urged the City to consider a fair labor contract, and/or provided other related comments:
Jacinta Filiaci, LIUNA Local 777
Diana Para, LIUNA Local 777
Esteban Navarrete, LIUNA Local 777
Tanyikka Tinnon, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding long-standing unsafe and unhealthy housing conditions at her parents' Caltrans-owned property and advocated for greater transparency in the sales process of Caltrans properties.
JeffCymlewski, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City to add all miles of hiking infrastructure on the City's bike map and promote all available bike routes to improve road safety.
James Maddox, Pasadena resident, urged for the City Council to display greater respect and engagement with members of the public that address the City Council during public comment.
Colin Campbell, South Pasadena resident, suggested that the City upgrade existing infrastructure at the Glenarm Power Plant site by implementing a fusion reactor, and stated that his organization is prepared to pursue the concept with County of Los Angeles.
Lisa Quinn, Pasadena resident, expressed opposition regarding the planned removal of 17 trees in the Arroyo.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, provided comments on the use of artificial intelligence in local journalism produced by PasadenaNow, expressed concerns regarding factual errors, and requested the City bring back discussions related to Flock cameras during the upcoming meetings in August.
Kelly Brunkman, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding the unsafe and neglected conditions of Caltrans-owned properties and advocated for a transparent sales process of the properties that prioritizes longtime residents and provides them with an opportunity for homeownership.
Humaira, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns with the late start times of City Council meetings, Committee meeting cancellations, and the need for further Council discussion on Flock cameras.
Ken Compton, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding the removal of trees in the Arroyo and advocated for the City Council to take community engagement into consideration before removal.
Council Minutes507/20/2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
Diane Lee, Pasadena resident, requested clarification on a street sign in front of Blair High School and the confusion regarding parking tickets being issued in respect to the area.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT
WITH SINTRA GROUP INC., FOR BACKGROUND
INVESTIGATION SERVICES FOR FIVE YEARS FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $400,000 (Fire Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the project proposed in the agenda report is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a five-year contract with Sintra Group Inc., as the result of a competitive selection process, as specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC), to provide pre-employment background investigation services, for an amount not-to-exceed $400,000. Competitive price bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F) Contracts for professional or unique sen/ices. (Contract No. 33825)
AUTHORIZE THE TRANSITION FROM PROGRESSIVE DESIGN-
BUILD APPROACH TO DESIGN-BUILD APPROACH FOR THE
MUNICIPALLY OWNED SOLAR AND ENERGY STORAGE
PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE THE USE OF DESIGN-BUILD FOR
ALL PROGRAM SITES (Water & Power Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b); (2) Authorize the transition of the municipally owned solar and energy storage program from the Progressive Design-Build approach to the Design-Build approach, while continuing to utilize the Alternative Project Delivery method previously approved by the City Council; and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to utilize the Alternative Project Delivery method, Design-Build, for all sites of the municipally owned solar and energy storage program, subject to applicable Pasadena Municipal Code ("PMC") requirements and future contract approvals as required.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH OPCONNECT, INC., FOR THE FURNISHING
AND DELIVERY OF DIRECT CURRENT FAST CHARGING
EQUIPMENT FOR THE MAINTENANCE YARDS ELECTRIC
VEHICLE CHARGER EXPANSION PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT
NOT-TO-EXCEED $282,744 (Water & Power Dept.)
Council Minutes607/20/2026
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Article 19, Class 1, Section 15301, Existing Facilities, and that there are no features that distinguish the project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual
circumstances; and
(2) Award a contract to the lowest and best bid dated April 23, 2026, submitted by OpConnect, Inc. ("OpConnect") in response to the specifications for the Direct Current Fast Charging ("DCFC") Equipment, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a one-year contract for an amount not-to-exceed $282,744, which includes the base contract amount of $257,040 and a contingency of $25,704 to provide for any necessary change orders. (P.O. per staff)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH ROYAL INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE
FURNISHING AND DELIVERY OF ELECTRICAL SWITCHGEAR
AND COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT FOR THE
MAINTENANCE YARDS' ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER
EXPANSION PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED
$407,226 (Water & Power Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Article 19, Class 1, Section 15301, Existing Facilities, and that there are no features that distinguish the project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual
circumstances; and
(2) Award the contract to the lowest and best bid dated April 23, 2026, submitted by Consolidated Electrical Distributors Inc., DBA Royal Industrial Solutions ("Royal Industrial") for the furnishing and delivery of electrical switchgear and communications equipment, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a one-year contract for an amount not-to-exceed $407,226, which includes the base contract amount of $370,205 and a contingency of $37,021 to provide for any necessary change orders. (P.O. per staff)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH MOTIVE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS, LLC
FOR THE MAINTENANCE YARDS ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGER EXPANSION PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-
EXCEED $949,474 (Water & Power Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Article 19, Class 1, Section 15301, Existing Facilities, and that there are no features that distinguish the project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual
circumstances; and
Council Minutes707/20/2026
(2) Award contract to lowest and best bid dated April 16, 2026, submitted by Motive Energy Storage Systems, LLC ("Motive Energy") in response to the project plans and specifications for the Maintenance Yards EV Charger Expansion Project, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Motive Energy for one- year for an amount not-to-exceed $949,474, which includes the base contract amount of $863,158 and a contingency of $86,316 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 33746)
ADOPT A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TWO NEW
CLASSIFICATIONS AND UPDATING THE SALARY OF FIVE
EXISTING CLASSIFICATIONS REPRESENTED BY PMA,
AFSCME, AND NON-REPRESENTED MANAGEMENT (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) Adopt a Resolution establishing two new classifications and updating the salary of five existing classifications represented by PMA, AFSCME, and Non-Represented Management. (Resolution No.10202)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH KEENAN & ASSOCIATES FOR BENEFITS
INSURANCE BROKERAGE SERVICES FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS
FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $1,100,000 (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) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process, as specified in Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Keenan & Associates for benefits insurance brokerage services for a total amount not-to- exceed $604,270 over a three-year term, with two optional one-year extension periods that may be exercised concurrently, and a contingency of $62,067. The combined value of the optional extension periods is not-to-exceed $433,663, for a grand total not- to-exceed $1,100,000. Competitive bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F), contracts for professional or unique services. (Contract No. 33793)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH OVERDRIVE, INC., FOR THE PURCHASE OF
EBOOKS AND EAUDIOBOOKS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-
EXCEED $2,000,000 (Library Dept.)
Council Minutes807/20/2026
1 Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 21065 of CEQA and within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b);
(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract without competitive bidding pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(C), contracts for labor, materials, supplies or services available from only one vendor, with OverDrive, Inc. ("OverDrive") for the purchase of digital books and eaudiobooks, for an initial three-year term, with two optional one-year extensions at the approval of the City Manager, for a total contract length of up to five years, in an amount not-to-exceed $2,000,000. The full not-to-exceed amount shall be available for use throughout the initial term and any exercised option years until the not-to-exceed amount has been expended or the contract term has expired, whichever occurs first (Contract No. 33791); and
(3) Grant the recommended contract an exemption from the Competitive Selection process pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code Section 4.08.049(B), contracts for which the City's best interests are served.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO ACCEPT $2,400,000 IN METRO
ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE GRANT FUNDS, AMEND CONTRACT
NO. 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;
(Approved by City Council action at the July 13, 2026 meeting) Council Minutes907/20/2026
(3) Amend the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Program Budget, as detailed in the Fiscal Impact section of the agenda report (Budget Amendment No. 2027-05);
(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 (Contract No. 31918-3); (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.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: APPROVAL OF MEASURE
M MULTI-YEAR SUBREGIONAL PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2029
AND FISCAL YEAR 2030 PROPOSED PROJECT LIST
(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 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required; and (2) Approve the proposed project list referenced in Attachment A of the agenda report, to be reviewed by the Arroyo Verdugo Communities Joint Powers Authority (AVCJPA) Technical Advisory Committee before submittal to the AVCJPA Governing Board for final adoption and submittal to Metro as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 29 and FY 30 Measure M Multi-Year Subregional Plan (MSP) and request for funding.
Recommendation of the Transportation Advisory Committee:
On June 25, 2026, the Transportation Advisory Commission (TAG) recommended that the City Council approve the Measure M MSP FY29 and FY30 project list. Additionally, TAG recommended that the Department of Transportation continue to study and consider public and particularly local resident concerns as to whether the proposed project at Avenue 64 and Nithsdale Avenue is the most effective means of traffic calming and promoting safety along the Avenue 64 corridor in light of ongoing improvements already implemented and planned along Avenue 64.
Council Minutes1007/20/2026
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: PASADENA TRANSIT
AND PASADENA DIAL-A-RIDE 2026 SHORT RANGE TRANSIT
PLAN ADOPTION (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 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required for the project; and
(2) Adopt the Short Range Transit Plan and recommendations, including the modified Route 10 recommendation.
Recommendation of the Transportation Advisory Committee:
On May 28, 2026, after reviewing and discussing the draft Short Range Transit Plan, the Transportation Advisory Commission voted unanimously to support staff's recommendation for adoption of the Plan by City Council.
Recommendation of the Municipal Services Committee: City staff presented the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) to the Municipal Services Committee on July 14, 2026. Committee members supported the plan and requested staff include policy language that all notifications for City-organized or City-sponsored events accessible by transit include transit information to enhance accessibility and support sustainable transportation choices. This language has been added to the recommendations section of the SRTP. This practice will help residents and visitors understand their full range of travel options and encourage the use of public transit.
Councilmember Cole acknowledged the City's investment in the public transit systems and urged the City to increase marketing and revitalize the public transportation experience to increase ridership.
Jeff Cyrulewski, Pasadena resident, expressed support for the proposed short-range transit plan and commended City staff on their public outreach efforts.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH SUPERB ENGINEERING
FOR THE SIERRA MADRE BOULEVARD MEDIAN
ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-
EXCEED $6,337,927 (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, and no exceptions to the exemption apply;
Council Minutes1107/20/2026
City Council
APPOINTMENTS,
REAPPOINTMENTS, &
RESIGNATIONS
City Clerk/ Secretary
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
MOTION:
(2) Award contract to the lowest and best bid dated April 15, 2026 submitted by Superb Engineering in response to the bid
specifications for the Sierra Madre Boulevard Median
Enhancements project, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for a total not-to-exceed amount of $6,337,927 which includes the base contract amount of $5,761,752 and a contingency of $576,175 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33794); and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve within contract authority, amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions.
Mike Polka, Pasadena resident, commended the City for
adopting its climate action plan and encouraging the use of native plants where feasible.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the one letter expressing concerns with the City removing trees from the Sierra Madre Boulevard median enhancement project was received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
ACKNOWLEDGE THE APPOINTMENT OF CYNTHIA KURTZ TO
THE PASADENA ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING
DISTRICT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY (City Council/Public Member Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF THOMAS KING TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
ADVISORY COMMISSION (At Large Nomination/District 7)
APPOINTMENT OF JANET L. MILLER TO THE ACCESSIBILITY
AND DISABILITY COMMISSION (District 2 Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF TUNISIA OFFRAY TO THE COMMISSION ON
THE STATUS OF WOMEN EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2026 (District
3 Nomination)
Claim No.
2027-0008
2027-0009
2027-0010
Claimant
Alba N. Iraheta
Harambee Ministries
Selene Bush
Claim Amount
$ 796.38
10,000.00+
35,000.00+
It was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by
Councilmember Masuda, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Jones and Mayor Gordo)
Council Minutes1207/20/2026
PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION:
MOTION:
ORDINANCES - FIRST
READING
ADOPTION OF A CODIFIED ORDINANCE TO REPEAL
UNCODIFIED INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE NOS. 7455 AND
7457 THAT PROHIBIT SENATE BILL 9 APPLICATIONS WITHIN
A VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE IN THE
BOUNDARY OF THE EATON FIRE (Planning Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Executive Order N-32-25; and
(2) Adopt a Codified Ordinance to Repeal Uncodified Interim Urgency Ordinance Nos. 7455 and 7457.
Recommendation of the Planning Commission: On June 24,
2026, the Planning Commission considered the codified ordinance at a noticed public hearing and recommended that the City Council adopt the environmental determination and the uncodified ordinance as presented by staff.
(Discussed and considered concurrently with Item No. 17, including for public comment purposes.)
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the public hearing notice was published on July 6, July 9, and July 16, 2026 in the Pasadena Press and that no correspondence was received by the City Clerk's office for this item.
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Cole, to close the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Jones and Mayor Gordo)
It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by
Councilmember Cole, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Jones and Mayor Gordo)
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA REPEALING ORDINANCE NOS. 7455 AND 7457
PROHIBITING URBAN LOT SPLITS AND CONSTRUCTION OF
MULTIPLE DWELLINGS PURSUANT TO SENATE BILL 9 IN
VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES WITHIN THE
BOUNDARY OF THE EATON FIRE"
{Discussed and considered concurrently with Item No. 15, including for public comment purposes.)
The ordinance above was introduced by Councilmember Cole:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Lyon, Madison,
Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Jones and Mayor Gordo
ABSTAIN: None
Council Minutes1307/20/2026
Vice Mayor Rivas stated a
conflict of interest,
recused herself from the
item, and left the meeting
at 8:19 p.m.
ORDINANCE - SECOND
READING
Vice Mayor Rivas returned
to the meeting at 8:22
p.m.
Conduct first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17
(ZONING CODE) OF THE CITY OF PASADENA MUNICIPAL
CODE TO IMPLEMENT THE 2025 NORTH LAKE SPECIFIC PLAN
IN CHAPTER 17.34 (NORTH LAKE SPECIFIC PLAN) AND
AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO MODIFY THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE NORTH LAKE SPECIFIC PLAN,
REDESIGNATE ZONES WITHIN THE NORTH LAKE SPECIFIC
PLAN AREA AND AT 60 S. VIRGINIA AVENUE, 701 AND 709 N.
MENTOR AVENUE, AND 1311 AND 1321 N. MENTOR AVENUE
IN CHAPTER 17.20 (ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE LAND
USES, AND ZONE-SPECIFIC STANDARDS), SECTION 17.20.020
(ZONING MAP AND ZONING DISTRICTS), AND AMENDING
ZONING CODE SECTIONS 17.30.030 (2023 CENTRAL DISTRICT
SPECIFIC PLAN - ALLOWABLE LAND USES) AND 17.30.080
(2023 CENTRAL DISTRICT SPECIFIC PLAN - OPEN SPACE)
FOR CONSISTENCY"
Prior to voting on first reading of the ordinance, Councilmember Madison reported that his spouse works for Planned Parenthood, which owns a property within the specific plan boundaries. Following discussion, City Attorney Bagneris advised Councilmember Madison to recuse himself from the item, out of an abundance of caution, while City staff looks into the potential conflict of interest.
Due to the lack of quorum relating to the recusals of Vice Mayor Rivas and Councilmember Madison, as well as the absence of two Councilmembers, the matter was held to a future City Council meeting.
Adopt "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" (Ordinance No.7473)
The ordinance above was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Lyon, Madison,
Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Jones and Mayor Gordo
ABSTAIN: None
Council Minutes1407/20/2026
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Hampton
left the meeting at 9:35
p.m.
On the order of the Vice Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 8:25 p.m. to discuss the following closed session items:
(Absent: Councilmember Jones and Mayor Gordo)
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) Name of Case: The Maryland
Homeowners Association v. City of Pasadena,et al.
LASC Case No. 26STCP00632
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Truitt v. City of Pasadena, et al.
LASC Case No. 26STCP00634
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: 245 Ramona Street and 207 N Garfield Avenue
Agency negotiator: Matthew E. Hawkesworth, Interim City Manager
Negotiating Party: James Koerner, State of California, Joyce Chang, County of Los Angeles
Under negotiation: Price and terms
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Matthew Hawkesworth
and Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organization: Laborers International Union of North America
CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): One potential case The above closed session items were discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding significant exposure to potential litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): One potential case The above closed session item was not discussed.
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Council Minutes1507/20/2026
ADJOURNMENT
n
ATTEST,
City^Cferk
On ord^r of the Vice Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourn^d^at 10:00 p.m.,
^
Victor M. Go^do, Mayory
City of Pasadena
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Council Minutes1607/20/2026