OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Hampton
arrived at 6:01 p.m.
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
August 31, 2026-5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.(Absent: Councilmember Hampton) On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:01 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: Zhang and Miao v. Citv of Pasadena
Los Angeles County Superior Case No.: 25NNCV06418
The above closed session item was discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): One potential case The above closed session item was discussed, with the followingreportable action: Authorization was given to City staff to initiate civil litigation and the defendants and other particulars will, once formally commenced, be disclosed upon inquiry unless to do so wouldjeopardize the City's ability to effectuate service of process. (Motionapproved unanimously) (Absent: Councilmembers Hampton)
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8Property Location: 434-470 North Lake Avenue Agency Negotiator: Matthew E. Hawkesworth, Interim City Manager, or designee
Negotiating Parties: Holos CommunitiesUnder Negotiation: Price and terms of payment The above closed session item was discussed, with no reportable action at this time.
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Matthew Hawkesworth
and Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn
Employee Organization: Non-Rep Management and Executive Management
Council Minutes 1 08/31/2026
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ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ONMATTERS NOT ON THEAGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Citv of Pasadena v. The Regents of theUniversity of California LASC Case No. 25STCV31621 and Court of Appeals Court No.B353449CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL regarding significant exposure to potential litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): One potential case The three above closed session items were not discussed.On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:20p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Cole.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick ColeCouncilmember Tyron HamptonCouncilmember Justin Jones Councilmember Jason Lyon
Councilmember Steve MadisonCouncilmember Gene MasudaInterim City Manager Matthew E. HawkesworthCity Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Lisa Barrios and Vannia De La Cuba, Committee Co-Chairs, provided information on the upcoming Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade and Festival to be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Pamela Cantero, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Superintendent, also announced the upcoming schedule of City events celebrating Latino Heritage Month in October.
Liz McDuffie, Pasadena resident, urged the City Council toreconsider a former settlement agreement related to zoning violations on her property.
The following individuals advocated for the City to preserve the longtime partnership with Rose Bowl Riders:
Katie Murphy, Rose Bowl Riders
Salpy Manjikian, Pasadena resident
Eliza Jacobs, Pasadena resident
Abigail Johnson, Altadena resident
Nora Alleman, Pasadena residentHeather Kodama, Altadena resident Council Minutes 2 08/31/2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
PUBLIC COMMENT
CONSENT ITEMSDISCUSSEDSEPARATELY
Councilmember Jonesstated a conflict of
interest, recused himself
from the item, and left the
meeting at 7:01 p.m.
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding repairs and remediation needed at the Pasadena Affordable Homeownershipproject property located at Summit Grove and advocated for the City to intervene and address the matter:
Peter Smith, Pasadena resident
Jessica Claire, Pasadena resident
Carmelita Diamante. Pasadena residentLissa Sherman, Pasadena resident Viviana Delgado, Pasadena resident
Jessie Dahlstron, Pasadena resident
Gavin Dorman, Pasadena residentAdokiye Ngiangia, Pasadena resident Prince, residence not stated, provided remarks on housing related concerns.
Kelly Brinkman, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding the unsafe and neglected conditions of Caltrans-owned properties and advocated for a transparent sales process of these properties that will prioritize longtime residents and provide opportunities for homeownership.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, provided comments on surveillancetechnology and advocated for the City to establish a moratorium onthe use of Flock cameras.
In response to public comment, Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, and Vice Mayor Rivas all expressed concerns regarding theconditions of the affordable housing units and requested that the matter be promptly discussed at the next Housing, Homelessness, and Planning Committee.
Prince, residence not stated, expressed opposition to items on the Consent Calendar and raised concerns relating to taxation and homelessness.
ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR
THE EATON WASH STORMWATER CAPTURE PROJECT ANDAPPROVE PROJECT DESIGN PLANS (Public Works Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:(1) Find on the basis of the whole record before it (including the Initial Study and any comments received), that there is no substantial evidence that the project, as mitigated, will have a significant effect on the environment and that the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration reflects the lead agency's independent judgment and analysis; and therefore adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigated Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Eaton Wash Council Minutes 3 08/31/2026
MOTION:
Stormwater Capture Project pursuant to the CaliforniaEnvironmental Quality Act (CEQA); and (2) Approve the Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project reflected in the attachment Project Design Plans.
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding the longterm maintenance commitments of the proposed stormwater capture and infiltration project, including potential removal of trees, andadvocated for the City to further evaluate more cost-efficientalternatives:
Ken Kules, Pasadena resident
Lauren Seigel, Pasadena resident
Jenna Cobb, Pasadena resident, expressed support for theproposed project and spoke on the environmental benefits for clean water and green infrastructure.
In response to Councilmember Masuda's inquiry regarding the removal of trees during construction of the project, Dawn Petschauer, Stormwater Program Manager, reported that many of the trees proposed for removal are invasive trees, are in poor condition, and/or have slope stability concerns. She also reportedthat tree removal related to the project's engineering design and the City's Urban Forestry process have been followed, including approval of tree removals and replacement plantings.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding the project's long-term maintenance plan and staff training, Ms.
Petschauer reported that maintenance responsibilities involve thePublic Works and PRCS departments, and that the City is training internal staff through the Clean Water Certificate Program. She alsonoted that training materials will be tailored specifically to projectsbeing developed in the City.City Clerk Jomsky reported that one letter advocating for the City Council to defer the matter to allow the public additional time to review project materials, and one letter in support of the staffrecommendation in the Eaton Wash project, which were bothreceived by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council,posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Jones) Council Minutes 4 08/31/2026
Councilmember Jones
returned to the meeting at
7:19 p.m.
MOTION:
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ ExecutiveDirector
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: DIRECT THE CITYATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE WITHIN 60 DAYSAMENDING CHAPTER 13.10 OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPALCODE TO INCLUDE NONFUNCTIONAL TURF WATERING REGULATIONS IN THE "DEFINITIONS" AND THE"PERMANENT
WATER CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS" SECTIONS (Water
& Power Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for the Protection of Natural Resources) and there are no features that distinguish the action from others in the exempt classes, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances, and no other exception to the exemption applies; and (2) Direct the City Attorney to prepare and return with an ordinance within 60 days that amends Chapter 13.10 of the Pasadena Municipal Code ("PMC") to include nonfunctional turf wateringregulations in the "Definitions" and the "Permanent Water Conservation Requirements" sections, as required by State Law andas described in the Agenda Report.
Recommendation of the Municipal Services Committee: On
August 25, 2026, the Municipal Services Committee considered the proposed actions and voted unanimously to approve staff'srecommendation.
In response to Councilmember Madison's inquiries regarding the proposed regulations, City staff confirmed that single family homes are not included in the restrictions and explained that the Colorado River situation may be a factor in the development of state regulations. Councilmember Madison expressed concerns regarding the state's involvement in matters that are typically determined by local municipalities.
It was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by
Councilmember Jones, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: APPROVAL OF THE
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE SOUTH LAKE PARKINGPLACE COMMISSION AND PASADENA PLAYHOUSE PARKINGMETER ZONE ADVISORY COMMISSION (Transportation Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is not aproject subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA")pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within themeaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378;(2) Approve the Rules and Regulations of the South Lake Parking Place Commission (SLPPC); and
Council Minutes 5 08/31/2026
r~ City Council
APPOINTMENTS,REAPPOINTMENTS, &RESIGNATIONS
City Attorney
(3) Approve the Rules and Regulations of the Pasadena Playhouse Parking Meter Zone Advisory Commission (PPPMZAC).
APPOINTMENT OF LORIS MEMIC TO THE HUMAN SERVICESCOMMISSION (District 7 Nomination)APPOINTMENT OF PEDRO GIOVANNI ROSSEL TO THECOMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION (District 5 Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF YOLANDA SEPULVEDA TO THE DESIGN
COMMISSION (At Large Nomination/District 2)
REAPPOINTMENT OF TIMOTHY HEPBURN, CITY OF LA
VERNE, AS CITY OF PASADENA REPRESENTATIVE TO THE
METRO GOLD LINE FOOTHILL EXTENSION CONSTRUCTION
AUTHORITY SERVING AT THE PLEASURE OF THE COUNCIL
FOR A TERM OF FOUR YEARS (Mayor Gordo)REAPPOINTMENT OF BILL RUH, CITY OF MONTCLAIR, AS
CITY OF PASADENA ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THEMETRO GOLD LINE FOOTHILL EXTENSION CONSTRUCTION
AUTHORITY SERVING AT THE PLEASURE OF THE COUNCIL
FOR A TERM OF FOUR YEARS (Mayor Gordo)
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: APPROVE THE RULES ANDREGULATIONS FOR THE TRAINING AND ONBOARDING OFMEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHTCOMMISSION (City Attorney's Office.) 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 Rules and Regulations for training and onboardingof members of the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC).
Advisory Commission/Board/City Council CommitteeRecommendation: On March 12, 2026, the CPOC voted 7- 4 to adopt the Rules and Regulations pertaining to training andonboarding of members of the CPOC (Attachment A of the agenda report). On June 17, 2026, the Public Safety Committee votedunanimously (with one absence) to approve the proposed Rules andRegulations.
In response to Councilmember Madison's inquiry regarding the CPOC members voting "no" on the item, Shannon Prior, Principal Administrative Analyst, reported that some commissionersdisagreed with the annual "Police Ride-Along" requirement, Council Minutes 6 08/31/2026
City Clerk/ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVEDCLAIMS RECEIVED ANDFILED
PUBLIC HEARINGS SET
MOTION:
MULTIPLE AGENDAITEM COMMENTREPORTS ANDCOMMENTS FROMCOUNCIL COMMITTEES Finance Committee
preferring that the requirement apply only to a commissioner's first year of service.
August 17, 2026
August 17, 2026
City Council
Successor Agency to the Pasadena
Community Development Commission
Claim No. Claimant
2027-0041 John and Joan Fauvre2027-0042 Uros Raskovski
2027-0043 Nathan Kar2027-0044 Brett D. Kenyan
2027-0045 Rene Horacio Gonzalez2027-0046 Patricia Duran2027-0047 Joseph Rock2027-0048 Ramon Garcia Claim Amount
$ 1,316.08
926.45
937.00
2,500.00
35,000.00+35,000.00+35,000.00+
2,900.00
September 29, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - Approve the Submission of theConsolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report (2025 Program Year) for Projects Funded From Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant & Home InvestmentPartnership Act It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve all remaining items on the Consent Calendar. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
Prince, residence not stated, expressed concerns regarding the City's standing committees relating to Item 7, expressed opposition to Item 8, and proposed that the City send a letter to LA County Board of Supervisor Kathryn Barger in regard to Item 14, andprovided comments regarding the federal administration's impact on equal opportunity employment relating to Item 15.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND CONDUCT THE FIRST READINGOF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF THE ELECTRIC REVENUE/REFUNDING BONDS 2026A SERIES IN
AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $104,000,000 AGGREGATE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT (Water & Power 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 California Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b); (2) Adopt a Resolution authorizing the invitation of bids for thepurchase of Electric Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2026A Series of said city, approving a notice of intention to sell bonds, a preliminaryofficial statement, a notice inviting bids, authorizing the publication Council Minutes 7 08/31/2026
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MOTION:
ORDINANCE-FIRSTREADING
INFORMATION ITEM
of a notice of intention to sell bonds, and authorizing certain otheractions in connection therewith (Resolution No. 10210); and (3) Conduct the first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF PASADENA AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE BY THE CITY OF
NOT TO EXCEED $104,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF CITY OF PASADENA ELECTRIC REVENUE
REFUNDING BONDS, 2026A SERIES, PAYABLE OUT OF THELIGHT AND POWER FUND, AND APPROVING THE EXECUTION
AND DELIVERY OF A TWELFTH SUPPLEMENT TO ELECTRIC
REVENUE BOND FISCAL AGENT AGREEMENT, ANDCONTINUING DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH".
Recommendation of the Finance Committee: On August 24,
2026, the Finance Committee considered the proposed actions andvoted unanimously to approve staff's recommendation.
It was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
Conduct the first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE BY THE CITY OF
NOT TO EXCEED $104,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF CITY OF PASADENA ELECTRIC REVENUE
REFUNDING BONDS, 2026A SERIES, PAYABLE OUT OF THELIGHT AND POWER FUND, AND APPROVING THE EXECUTION
AND DELIVERY OF A TWELFTH SUPPLEMENT TO ELECTRIC
REVENUE BOND FISCAL AGENT AGREEMENT AND A
CONTINUING DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT IN CONNECTIONTHEREWITH" Asher Smith, Pasadena resident, expressed support for theproposed electric bond refinancing and urged the City to applysavings towards financial relief for electric ratepayers facingcontinued rate increases.The ordinance above was introduced by Councilmember Hampton:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: NoneABSTAIN: None
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN EMPLOYMENT ANNUAL REPORTFOR 2021,2022,2023, 2024, AND 2025 (Human Resources Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within Council Minutes 8 08/31/2026
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS ANDDEPARTMENTS
City Manager
MOTION:
ORDINANCE-FIRSTREADING
the meaning of California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines Section 15378(b); and(2) Receive the Equal Opportunity in Employment Annual Report, which is submitted for information only.
Councilmember Hampton advocated for a more in-depth discussion regarding implementation of criteria for local hire and creating more job opportunities for members of the Pasadena community.Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn, Human Resources Director, provided information on the City's Employee Demographics Dashboard as anew public-facing tool for workforce transparency.
On order of the Mayor, by consensus of the City Council, theinformation was received and filed.
AMENDMENT TO PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION2.05.060 AND SECTION 2.28.050 TO HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON TUESDAYS ANDSEPTEMBER 2026 SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is covered by the "Common Sense" exemption set forth in State CEQAGuidelines Section 15061(b)(c) as CEQA only applies to projectsthat may have a significant effect on the environment;(2) Conduct first reading of "An Ordinance of the City of Pasadena Amending Title 2, Chapter 2.05, Section 2.05.060 and Chapter 2.28, Section 2.28.050 of the Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter to hold regular meetings of the City Council on Tuesdays"; and
(3) Direct City staff to proceed with the recommended specialmeetings of City Council Committees for September 2026,incorporating outreach and notification to members of the public.
It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
Conduct the first reading of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OFPASADENA AMENDING TITLE 2, ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 2.05,SECTION 2.05.060, AND CHAPTER 2.28, SECTION 2.28.050 OF
THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO HOLD REGULAR
MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON TUESDAYS"
The ordinance above was introduced by Councilmember Cole:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: NoneABSTAIN: None
Council Minutes 9 08/31/2026
RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM OFFICERS ANDDEPARTMENTS
City Manager
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON RESTRUCTURING
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:(1) Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is coveredby the "Common Sense" exemption set forth in State CEQAGuidelines Section 15061(b)(c) as CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment; and (2) Discuss and provide guidance on restructuring City Council Committees including committee size, meeting times, meeting dates, and equitable member participation.
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth provided introductory comments on the item, noting that the City Council's decision to move regularCity Council meetings to Tuesdays creates scheduling conflicts forCouncil Committees that currently meet on Tuesdays. He stated thatCity staff is seeking City Council direction on solutions, such as Committee restructuring and/or alternative dates for Committee meetings to take place.Councilmember Cole expressed opposition to restructuring or reducing the number of City Council standing committees andreported that the existing committees that he is currently a memberfunction well. He suggested having alternate members for eachCouncil Committee to address ongoing quorum issues.
Councilmember Madison also expressed opposition to reducing the number of Committees, citing the importance of specialized nature of Committees. He proposed returning to a two-member quorum forfour-member committees, which would allow meetings to proceed if two members are present. He expressed opposition to having alternate members for committees, noting that it could complicate Brown Act compliance and communication between committeemembers.
In response to Councilmember Lyon's inquiry regarding the underlying problem that the proposal was intended to solve, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that there has been quorum issues, and that when meetings are cancelled and rescheduled, a significant administrative burden is created. Councilmember Lyon emphasized the need for Councilmembers to prioritize and reserve time to attend Committee meetings, and suggested that those who cannot consistently make that time commitment should considerstepping off the committee. He also advocated increasingtransparency and accountability by publishing Committee members'attendance and availability records when a meeting is cancelled dueto lack of quorum.
Council Minutes 10 08/31/2026
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Vice Mayor Rivas recommended establishing a policy for the City Council to refrain from scheduling individual Council District eventsat the same time as a Council Committee meeting. She also acknowledged the value of maintaining limits on discussions outside formal meetings which may lead to more productive formal meetings.
Councilmember Masuda expressed support to maintain the currentcommittee structure and for having a two-member quorum forcommittee meetings.
Councilmember Madison recommended establishing clearboundaries for City Councilmember communications outside public meetings, suggesting that the City Council receive Brown Act refresher training, advocated to establish regular meeting times andlocations to reduce rescheduling, and emphasized the need toconsider the community's availability and participation whendetermining meeting times.Councilmember Lyon supported establishing a fixed schedule for each committee and recommended reserving two-hour blocks for committee meetings to take place.
Discussion continued regarding committee member attendance, resolving quorum issues, adjustments that may work for full-time working members of the City Council, and other Brown Act considerations.
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns with the proposed consolidation of committees and subject matters that would negatively affect public engagement.James Maddox, Pasadena resident, provided comments on the lack of specificity in the mission statements for each CityCouncil Standing Committee.
Humaira, Pasadena resident, spoke in support of greater accountability and transparency regarding CityCouncilmembers' attendance for Council Committee meetingsand meeting cancellations.Yadi, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns that the cancellations of Legislative Policy Committee meetings maylimit opportunities for the public and the City Council to address time-sensitive state legislation.Allison Henry, Pasadena resident, expressed support for using alternate members to address attendance and quorum challenges at Council Committee meetings and provided other related comments.
Council Minutes 11 08/31/2026
City Council
MOTION:
MOTION WITHDRAWN:
On order of the Mayor, by consensus of the City Council, theinformation was received and filed, and no further action was taken on this item.
DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY COUNCIL MEETING POLICYISSUES, INCLUDING THE START TIME OF CITY COUNCILMEETINGS, AND A POLICY TO NOT START COMPLEXMATTERS AFTER 10:00 P.M. (Councilmember Lyon) Councilmember Lyon provided introductory comments on the item, noting challenges related to timeliness of meetings, packed agendas, cancellations of City Council meetings, and possible solutions to resolve such issues.
Vice Mayor Rivas also expressed concerns relating to the City Council's timeliness and suggested implementing a hard-stop for closed sessions that take place prior to the open session of City Council meetings, being cognizant of the public's time, and possibly returning back to closed session after concluding the open session agenda.
Councilmember Madison emphasized the need to manage themeeting agendas to ensure that significant matters are addressed without unnecessarily extending the meetings into the late evening.
He suggested formalizing the City Council's practice of not starting discussion on significant agenda matters after 10:00 p.m., and to implement time limits on Councilmembers' comments.Councilmember Lyon requested that City staff develop a calendarwith less meeting cancellations and additional City Council meetingson Tuesdays to allow for ample time for the City Council to complete their work.
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by CouncilmemberLyon, to introduce an ordinance moving the start time of City Council open sessions to 6:30 p.m. if between now and the end of the year,the City Council convenes more than three times after 6:30 p.m.
Discussion ensued regarding the potential impacts of an inflexible stopping point, time limits for City Councilmember comments, andcontinuing closed session matters at the conclusion of all opensession items.
Mayor Gordo expressed concerns regarding artificial timerestrictions for Councilmember comments.
Councilmember Cole withdrew his motion, but emphasized that the City Council should establish meaningful accountability for managing meeting duration.
Council Minutes 12 08/31/2026
City Clerk
MOTION:
ORDINANCE - SECONDREADING
Humaira, Pasadena resident, thanked the City Council for addressing the matter and expressed support for Councilmember Cole's proposal for a potential ordinance to change the council meeting start time.
On order of the Mayor, by consensus of the City Council, the information was received and filed.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PASADENA ADOPTING A REMOTE ACCESSDISRUPTION POLICY FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS IN COMPLIANCE WITH SENATE BILL 707 AND GOVERNMENTCODE SECTION 54953.4 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); and (2) Adopt a resolution adopting a Remote Access Disruption Policy for City Council Meetings in compliance with Senate Bill 707 and Government Code Section 54953.4. (Resolution No.10211) City Clerk Jomsky provided a Powerpoint presentation on recent changes to state law amending Brown Act open meeting requirements, including a new requirement that the City Council adopt by resolution procedures for addressing technology disruptions for remote public participation during City Council meetings.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding alternative backup options for remote public participation such as landlines, City Clerk Jomsky stated that City staff can look into a landline backup option. Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the City also has backup options for internet connectivity.
It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: 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" (First reading conducted on June 22, 2026)
Council Minutes 13 08/31/2026
City Clerk Jomsky reported that the one letter expressing concerns with term limits for commissioners was received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made partof the public record for the item.Councilmember Hampton stated that he no longer supports this proposal and will be voting no.Councilmember Cole expressed concerns that current commissioner term limits are not consistently being enforced, with many commissioners serving well-past their term limits. He also expressed support for keeping the current six-year term limit for commissions (except the RBOC and other similar boards that havetwo four-year terms) and suggested implementing a two-year graceperiod for current commissioners to avoid disruption.Councilmember Lyon stated that many commission ordinances allowcommissioners to serve indefinitely if no replacement is appointed, which leads to extended tenures beyond the established term limits.
He expressed support for a six-month grace period and having theseat naturally vacate if a City Councilmember does not make anappointment to replace the outgoing commissioner, and the removalof term limits for Parking Place Commissions due to the limitedeligible candidate pools.
Councilmember Masuda expressed opposition to implementing termlimits for commissioners and advisory board members, noting thatthe issue is complicated and that creating a rigid rule may not workeffectively.
Vice Mayor Rivas emphasized the need to establish consistent, enforceable term limits that are applied fairly across the board.Councilmember Madison expressed opposition to the proposal,citing challenges with filling commission seats and that removingexperienced commissioners could create recruitment difficulties. He expressed support to rescind the policy and allow each district todetermine its own appointment practices.
Discussion ensued regarding at-large appointees to district seats, challenges with finding residents willing to serve, and potential graceperiods after term expiration.Councilmember Lyon suggested that when a commissioner's termexpires, the commissioner's seat would become vacant unless the City Councilmember renominates the commissioner for one year,and annually thereafter, subject to City Council approval. He alsoreiterated his preference for eliminating term limits for parking placecommissions.
Council Minutes 14 08/31/2026
MOTION:
ADJOURNMENTATTEST:
Councilmember Cole spoke in support of Councilmember Lyon'sproposal and also suggested removing term limits for historic neighborhood district representatives on the Historic Preservation Commission.
Rene Gonzalez, Pasadena resident, urged for increased
community outreach for vacant commission seats and requested that the City Council fill the District 3 vacancy on the Human Relations Commission immediately.
It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Cole, to direct City staff to prepare an ordinance that vacates acommissioner's seat once the commissioner's term has expired, unless the City Councilmemberwith nominating authority chooses torenominate that commissioner for an additional one-year term, and allowing for successive one-year renominations thereafter, with each renomination subject to City Council approval; and that removes term limits for parking place commissioners, as well as term limits for representatives of historic neighborhood districts on the Historic Preservation Commission.
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon,
Madison, Masuda, Mayor Gordo
NOES: Vice Mayor Rivas
ABSENT: NoneABSTAIN: None
On/«<der of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Counciladjourned at 9:51 p.m. \iA_VA.
Victor M. Gordo, MayCity of Pasadena
Ciiyci r
Council Minutes 15 08/31/2026