OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Cole
arrived at 5:30 p.m.
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2026-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Teleconference Location:
II San Pietro di Positano
Business Center
Via Laurito 2
Positano, Italy
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Madison)
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:02 p.m. to discuss the following closed session items:
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Pasadena Unified School District v. City of Pasadena
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 26STCP02735
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: 615 S Catalina Ave LLC v. City of Pasadena, et aL
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 24STCP02861
The above closed session items were discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
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
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 25STCV31621
CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): One potential case
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding significant exposure to potential litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): One potential case The above closed session items were not discussed.
Council Minutes108/03/2026
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS AND
DEPARTMENTS
City Manager
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:03 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Rivas.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick Cole
CouncilmemberTyron Hampton (via teleconference at 6:10 p.m.) Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve Madison (via teleconference)
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Interim City Manager Matthew E. Hawkesworth
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beat Bagneris
City Clerk Mark Jomsky
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS RELATED TO CALLING A
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION CONSOLIDATED WITH THE
STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER
3, 2026, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE VOTERS
OF THE CITY OF PASADENA AN ORDINANCE ADDING
CHAPTER 4.110 TO TITLE 4 OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL
CODE, ESTABLISHING THE PASADENA FIRE, WILDFIRE,
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PARCEL TAX,
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE VOTES
CAST BY VOTERS VOTING ON THE PROPOSAL WITHIN THE
CITY
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)(4);
(2) Adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Pasadena requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles approve the consolidation of the November 3, 2026 Pasadena General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election for the purpose of submitting to the voters of the City of Pasadena an ordinance adding Chapter 4.110 (Pasadena Fire, Wildfire, Emergency Preparedness and Response Parcel Tax), subject to the approval of two-thirds of the votes cast by voters voting on the proposal within the City of Pasadena (Exhibit A to the resolution); and direct the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk to administer said election on behalf of the City of Pasadena (Resolution No. 10203);
(3) Adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Pasadena setting priorities for filing written arguments pertaining to City of Pasadena 911 Firefighter/Paramedic Emergency Medical/Wildfire Preparedness/Response Measure; and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis (Resolution No. 10204); and Council Minutes208/03/2026
n
Councilmember Hampton
joined the meeting at 6:10
p.m.
(4) Adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Pasadena providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments with respect to the City of Pasadena 911 Firefighter/Paramedic Emergency Medical/Wildfire Preparedness/Response Measure. (Resolution No. 10205)
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item providing information on the proposed ballot question for the parcel tax measure, the proposed parcel tax structure, and the implementation timeline of the parcel tax revenues over the course of 10 years.
Councilmember Hampton reported that he is participating remotely under the Government Code Section 54953.8.3 "just cause" provision on the basis of childcare needs and stated that no one over the age of 18 is in the room with him.
»
The following individuals spoke in support of a parcel tax measure to fund critical fire capital improvement program and infrastructure needs, citing the need for emergency preparedness, and/or provided other related comments:
Carlos Jalevera, West Pasadena Residents Association
Lee Wallace, West Pasadena Residents Association
Jacky English, West Pasadena Residents Association
Chein Vu, Altadena resident
Christiaan Miller, Pasadena Fire Management
Raffy Bitchakdjian, Pasadena Firefighters
Christina Terrazas, Local 809
The following individuals expressed opposition to the proposed parcel tax measure, advocated for the City to find alternative methods to cover the costs of fund the Fire Department and fire infrastructure needs, spoke on the impacts of additional financial burden, and/or provided other related comments:
Aida Dimejian, Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors David Kissinger, Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors Jesus Rojas, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles Claire Brian, Pasadena resident
Adam Bray-Ali, Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors Pete Kutzer, Pasadena resident
Councilmember Hampton expressed support for the staff
recommendation, while advocating for a 10-year sunset provision to allow voters the opportunity to remove or continue the parcel tax.
Councilmember Masuda expressed support for the proposed parcel tax measure and emphasized the importance of modernizing and improving City's Fire Department capacity and infrastructure.
Council Minutes308/03/2026
In response to Vice Mayor Rivas' inquiry regarding alternative methods to fund ongoing operational costs instead of relying on new taxes, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth noted that the City has been making incremental gains towards the Fire Department 10-year Capital Improvement Plan over the years, however, increased operational costs have presented challenges based on the City's existing revenue structure. Vice Mayor Rivas also expressed support to add a 10- or 15-year sunset on the proposed parcel tax.
Councilmember Cole expressed support for adding a 15-year sunset provision to the proposed parcel tax measure. He also advocated for reducing the levy to 170 per square foot instead of the proposed 19^, citing the need to lessen the financial burden on residents.
Councilmember Lyon expressed support for putting the proposed parcel tax measure on the ballot for the voters to decide, and supported adding a sunset provision. He acknowledged the financial burden that a parcel tax may impose on commercial buildings but noted that the Eaton Fire demonstrated an urgent need for improved infrastructure of the City's Fire Department. In response to Councilmember Lyon's concerns on how to ensure that the tax revenues are only used for the stated purposes, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the measure is structured as a special tax, meaning revenues are restricted to be used only for the designated purposes, and cannot be transferred to the General Fund. He suggested that the City Council can add language to the ordinance and certain provisions in the documents identifying specific capital projects, such as the retrofitting of Fire Stations 33 and 37.
Councilmember Madison expressed concerns with reducing the proposed tax amount, noting that anticipated costs tend to increase overtime, and stated his support for the proposed funding approach as it represents the fairest method of generating new revenue available to the City.
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth elaborated that the proposed ordinance to amend the Pasadena Municipal Code, if approved by voters (Exhibit A of the Resolution Calling of the Election), already provides the guardrails in terms of uses of the proposed parcel tax revenues, but the language can be added to further bolster and ensure specificity and transparency for use of parcel tax revenues.
Councilmember Jones expressed support for a 15-year sunset provision, a "check-in" with the City Council at year 1 5, and additional language that identifies specific projects and provides more guardrails to the measure. Interim City Manager Hawkesworth suggested the "check-in" be done sooner to evaluate the project timeline, provide updates on the status of deliverables, and to allow time for City Council and staff to strategize next steps.
Council Minutes408/03/2026
ORIGINAL MOTION:
SUBSTITUTE MOTION:
Councilmember Cole also noted that the proposed ordinance language for the special tax has an annual audit requirement that would require annual "check-ins" with the City Council, providing opportunities for adjustments and public input.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Councilmember Cole, to approve the staff
recommendation, amended to set a 15-year sunset provision and to direct staff to add additional language that identifies specific projects and provides more guardrails to the measure that ensures parcel tax revenues are spent towards the Fire Department and specified fire infrastructure needs.
Councilmember Madison expressed support for the staff
recommendation, while noting concerns with adding guarantees or sunset provisions to the special parcel tax measure. City Attorney Bagneris clarified that the proposed ordinance already contains guardrails that restrict the use of revenues to specified projects.
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth added that if a sunset provision were added to the proposed tax, it would require the tax to return to the voters for renewal or an extension, should additional funds be necessary to complete the workplan. City Attorney Bagneris and Interim City Manager Hawkesworth advised that any sunset provision should align with election year cycles.
Mayor Gordo highlighted the need for continued investment in public safety infrastructure and emergency response services, noting the impacts and lessons learned from the Eaton Fire, the need for earthquake preparedness in California, potential limitations of mutual aid during regional disasters, and maintaining the expected high service levels and standards for Pasadena.
Councilmember Hampton reiterated his desire to set the sunset provision at 10 years, and made a substitute motion to approve the staff recommendation with a 10-year sunset provision. (Substitute motion failed due to lack of second)
In response to Councilmember Cole's inquiry regarding how the City could ensure financing and completion of retrofitting Fire Stations 33 and 37 within 10 years, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth stated that the City Council could adjust their priorities to accelerate the reconstruction of the two stations or advance funding from other reserves and repay the funds with future tax revenues.
Councilmember Cole requested a friendly amendment to
Councilmember Jones' motion, to reduce the sunset period from 15 years to 10 years, and adding language that prioritizes the retrofit of Fire Stations 33 and 37 within the first 10 years.
Council Minutes508/03/2026
Vice Mayor Rivas expressed concerns regarding the practical implications of a shorter 1 0-year sunset provision noting that planned projects may not be fully completed before seeking voter renewal.
Councilmember Lyon also advocated for a longer sunset which would allow operational funding to continue even after capital investments are completed to fund next stages.
Councitmember Madison voiced reservations about a sunset provision, emphasizing potential challenges with operational funding and achieving two-thirds voter approval if the measure is placed on the ballot again in the future. He expressed opposition to the friendly amendment and support for original motion.
Mayor Gordo expressed support for a definitive sunset provision with a check-in at year 5.
Councilmember Lyon and Vice Mayor Rivas expressed support for a 14-year sunset provision in alignment with election year cycles.
In response to Councilmember Madison's inquiry regarding what other operational expenses will be funded by the revenue, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the tax revenue will fund two new rescue ambulances, a new fire engine, a new fire truck, and year-round brush abatement. Interim City Manager Hawkesworth noted that these operational costs reflect the current 10-year capital plan, and that future infrastructure and equipment needs will inevitably arise beyond that period.
Councilmember Madison advocated for a 14-year sunset provision, citing the inefficiencies of having funding expire in 10 years. He proposed an alternative friendly amendment to Councilmember Jones' original motion to change the sunset provision from 15 years to 14 years.
In response to Councilmember Jones' inquiry, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the City Council may reduce or eliminate the parcel tax and that the tax cannot be later increased without voter approval.
Councilmember Hampton reiterated his support for a 10-year sunset provision, stating that for residents already experiencing financial burden, a 10-year sunset may be more palatable to voters.
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the City's library parcel tax will require renewal in 10 years and should the parcel tax pass, there is possibility that the renewal of both the Library Parcel Tax and the Fire Department and Fire Infrastructure Parcel Tax measures would be considered by voters at the same election, creating a competitive scenario between both measures for funding.
Council Minutes608/03/2026
nAMENDED MOTION:
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
Councilmembers Jones and Cole accepted
Madison's alternative friendly amendment for a
provision on the proposed parcel tax measure.
Councilmember
14-year sunset
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Councilmember Cole, to approve the staff
recommendation with a 14-year sunset provision and to add specific language to the proposed ordinance guaranteeing the seismic retrofitting of Fire Stations 33 and 37.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Jones, Lyon, Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Hampton
For clarification purposes, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the proposed ballot question will be revised, as follows:
"City of Pasadena 911 Firefighter/Paramedic Emergency
Medical/Wildfire Preparedness/Response Measure. To help maintain fire, paramedic, 911 response; prepare for/ respond to wjldfires/earthquakes/medical emergencies; recruit/retain well- trained firefighters; maintain lifesaving equipment/fire alert communication; shall City of Pasadena's measure annually levy 190 per square foot of improved property, with low-income senior exemption, providing approximately $22,100,000 annually until ended by voters, expiring after 14 years, requiring accountability, independent audits, oversight, public spending disclosure; all funds must be used to support local fire protection/emergency medical response services, be adopted?"
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth also stated that the language for the sunset provision will be added to the ordinance as Section
4.110.240, as follows: "The special parcel tax established by this ordinance shall automatically expire 14 years after its effective date unless extended by a subsequent ordinance approved by the voters of the City of Pasadena. Upon expiration, no further taxes shall be levied pursuant to this chapter, and any remaining funds shall be used exclusively for the purposes authorized herein until expended." The following individuals urged the City Council to continue supporting partnerships with Rose Bowl Riders and Myrtle Hill Farm, noting the importance of community partnership and youth programs:
Heather Kodama, Rose Bowl Riders
Caleb Kodama, Rose Bowl Riders
Council Minutes708/03/2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council
APPOINTMENTS,
REAPPOINTMENTS, &
RESIGNATIONS
City Clerk/ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FILED
PUBLIC HEARING SET
REAPPOINTMENT OF JER-ADRIANNE "JUJU" LELLIOTT TO
THE NORTHWEST COMMISSION (District 5 Nomination)
REAPPOINTMENT OF CHRISTIAN JONES
NORTHWEST COMMISSION (District 5 Nomination)
TOTHE
REAPPOINTMENT OF MALISSA BARNWELL-SCOTT TO THE
HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION (District 5 Nomination)
June 15, 2026
June 15, 2026
June 22, 2026
June 22, 2026
June 29, 2026
June 29, 2026
July 6, 2026
July 6, 2026
July 8, 2026
City Council
Successor
Community
City Council
Successor
Community
City Council
Successor
Community
City Council
Successor
Community
City Council
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Agency to the Pasadena
Development Commission
Special Meeting
Claim No. Claimant
2027-0011 Harkness HOA Association
2027-0012 Justin Kirn
2027-0013 Katherine M. Stride
2027-0014 Yanco Eden Javier
2027-0015 Kirn Mari Uballez-Torres
2027-0016 Refugio Jaquez
2027-0017 Quinto M. Lewis
2027-0018 l-Verbatim
2027-0019 Keith Gallo
2027-0020 Adam Uttley
Claim Amount
$3,000.00
505.44
35,000.00+
7,000.00
Not stated
611.23
6,357.56
5,630.88
900.00
390.90
August 17, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - Approve the Designation of the Arboleda Drive Landmark District and a Zoning Map Amendment to Establish the Arboleda Drive (LD-29) Landmark Overlay Zoning District
August 17, 2026, 6:00 p.m. -Approve the Designation of the Mesita Road Landmark District and a Zoning Map Amendment to Establish the Mesita Road (LD-30) Landmark Overlay Zoning District Council Minutes808/03/2026
MOTION:
ORDINANCE - SECOND
READING
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
cit7
It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Adopt "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" (Ordinance No. 7474)
Councilmember Cole noted that the ordinance was passed as an emergency ordinance and was not intended to be permanently in effect. He also reported that the City Council's decision to repeal these ordinances was made in response to legal circumstances.
The ordinance above was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
K^\
On order o]f
adjqurned
the Mayor,
0:04 p.m.
regular meeting of the City Council
Vv\,
Victor M. Gordo, Mayor
City of Pasadena
er
the
Council Minutes908/03/2026