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OPENING:CLQSEDSESSION
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
September 15, 2026 - 5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
SPECIAL MEETING IN LIEU OF REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Gordo called the special meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent: Councilmember Jones)
On the order of the Mayor, the special 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: Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians - Kizh Nation v. Citv of Pasadena
Case No.: LASC Case No. 26STCP02578
Councilmember Jonesarrived at the meeting at5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): One potential caseThe 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 caseThe above closed session item was not discussed.
On the order of the Mayor, the special meeting reconvened at 6:16p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Cole.Mayor Victor M. Gordo Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Tyron HamptonCouncilmember Justin JonesCouncilmember Jason LyonCouncilmember Steve MadisonCouncilmember Gene Masuda Interim City Manager Matthew E. HawkesworthCity Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris City Clerk Mark Jomsky
Police Commander Bill Grisafe introduced Sergeant Barry Glockson,as the new Sergeant At Arms. Sergeant Glockson thanked the City Council for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. Mayor Gordo Council Minutes 1 09/15/2026
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
welcomed Sergeant Glockson and thanked Sergeant Adam Rosen for his service as the previous Sergeant At Arms to the City Council.
Mayor Gordo presented a proclamation declaring September 21, 2026 as Landscapers Appreciation Day in Pasadena, recognizingthe vital contributions and skilled services provided by landscapers,with special recognition for the work performed after the Eaton Fire and windstorm. Jose Madera, Director of Pasadena Community JobCenter, thanked the City Council for the recognition and encouragedthe City Council to support state legislation to help gardeners transition from fossil-fuel-powered equipment to electric toolsthrough grants or loans.
Mayor Gordo presented a proclamation declaring the month of October 2026 as First Tee - Greater Pasadena Month, and expressed his gratitude to First Tee - Greater Pasadena forenhancing the lives of youth through the game of golf. Ron Matthews, First Tee Board Member, and Bob Baderian, Executive Director, both accepted the proclamation on behalf of First Tee - Greater Pasadena and thanked the City Council and the Rose BowlOperating Company for their long-standing partnership and support.Councilmember Jones requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Gerald Freeny, the first Black President of the Tournament of Roses, and spoke on his leadership and dedication to the Tournament and the City, spanning over three decades.
Councilmember Cole also requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of James Marrin, co-founder of Pasadena Heritage, and spoke on his passion for architecture and craftsmanship, and helping to preserve Pasadena and its architectural legacy.
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding the operations and oversight of Rose Bowl Riders, urged the CityCouncil to review such matters, and/or provided other relatedcomments:
Cornelia Seiffert, Pasadena resident
Donna Guske, Pasadena resident
Regina Colombo, Pasadena resident
Sofia Sotomayor, residence not stated
Florence Kerns-Wilson, residence not stated
Colette Shelton, Pasadena resident
The following individuals expressed support for Heritage Housing Partners, spoke on their experiences living in the Heritage Housing affordable homes, and/or provided related comments:
Blair Miller, Pasadena residentMatt Lumpkin, Pasadena resident Karina Tore, Pasadena resident
Andy Walker, Pasadena resident
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Maggie Harvey, Pasadena resident
Phlunte Riddle, Pasadena resident
Tunisia Offray, Pasadena resident
Shirely Jackson, Pasadena resident
Andrea Johansen, Pasadena resident
D. DeWayne Riddle, Pasadena residentNoel Toro, Pasadena resident Matias Toro, Pasadena resident
Elizabeth McDuffie, Pasadena resident, urged the City Council to reconsider a former settlement agreement related to zoning violations on her property.The following individuals advocated for the City to establish a sister City relationship with Guanajuato, Mexico and/or provided otherrelated comments:
Rene Gonzalez, Pasadena International Sister Cities Association Connie de la Torre, Pasadena International Sister Cities Association
Blanca Perez, Pasadena International Sister Cities AssociationBlanca Flares, Pasadena International Sister Cities AssociationMarisol Ardon, Pasadena International Sister Cities Association Jesus Morales, Pasadena International Sister Cities Association Maria Mares, Pasadena International Sister Cities Association Vilma Torres, Pasadena International Sister Cities AssociationJose David, Pasadena International Sister Cities Association Civilo Oyos, Pasadena International Sister Cities Association Jose Hernandez, Pasadena International Sister Cities
Association
Manuela Rivas, Pasadena International Sister Cities Association Carlos Oyos, Pasadena International Sister Cities Association Simon Gibbons, Pasadena Housing Providers, thanked the CityClerk's Office for their assistance with the submission of a CharterAmendment initiative petition and provided comments Humaira, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding artificial intelligence and the need for a citywide policy regarding the use of artificial intelligence, and provided comments on areconciliation commission that will address past injustices against Black and Japanese American residents in Pasadena.Kelly Brinkman, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding the unsafe and neglected conditions of Caltrans-owned properties.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, provided comments on surveillance technology and the use of Flock cameras, and urged the City to develop a policy regarding the use of artificial intelligence.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ Executive
Director
In response to public comment, Vice Mayor Rivas reported that City staff is working with the City Council to agendize further discussion on Flock cameras prior to the contract coming up for renewal inFebruary 2027.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND CONTRACT NO.32112 WITH FEHR & PEERS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICESTO PREPARE TECHNICAL TRANSPORTATION STUDIES, TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $100,000 TO A NOTTO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $400,000, AND EXTEND THE CONTRACT THROUGH JUNE 25, 2027 (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 themeaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378;(2) Authorize the City Manager to amend Contract No. 32112 with Fehr & Peers to increase the contract amount by $100,000, thereby increasing the total not-to-exceed amount from $300,000 to$400,000 and extending the contract by eight months through June 25, 2027 (Contract No. 32113-2); and
(3) To the extent the amendments to Contract No. 32112 could beconsidered a separate procurement subject to the Competitive Selection Process, grant an exemption pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) 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 professionalor unique services.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND CONTRACT NO.
17409 WITH OUTFRONT DECAUX STREET FURNITURE, LLC TO
CONTINUE BUS SHELTER MAINTENANCE AND ADVERTISINGTHROUGH AUGUST 31, 2028 (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 Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378;(2) Authorize the City Manager to extend Contract No. 17409 with Outfront Decaux Street Furniture, LLC through August 31, 2028 for an estimated annual revenue generation of up to $360,000 based on a monthly rate of $300 per shelter (Contract No. 17,409-9); and (3) Grant the proposed extension and exemption from the competitive selection process of the Competitive Bidding and Purchasing Ordinance, pursuant to Pasadena Municipal CodeSection 4.08.049(B), contracts for which the City's best interests are served.
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Humaira, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City to spend funds on campaigns and advertising to increase bus ridership and addshade structures or trees near bus stops.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO ACONTRACT WITH AMERICAN PIPELINE SERVICES TOFURNISH LABOR AND MATERIALS FOR THE INSTALLATIONOF DUCTILE IRON WATER MAINS IN VILLA STREET ANDCOLORADO BOULEVARD FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED$3,871,586 (Water & Power Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed project referenced in the agenda report is statutorily and categorically exempt from environmental reviewunder the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Public Resource Code Section 21080.21 and State CEQAGuidelines Sections 15301 and 15302, and there are no features that distinguish the project from others in the exempt classes, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances, and no otherexception to the exemption applies; and (2) Award contract to lowest and best bid, dated July 21, 2026,submitted by American Pipeline Services in response to the bidspecifications for Installation of Ductile Iron Water Mains in VillaStreet and Colorado Boulevard, and authorize the City Manager toenter into a contract for a term of 14 months for an amount not-toexceed $3,871,586, which includes the base contract amount of $3,519,623 and a contingency of $351,963 to provide for any necessary change orders. (Contract No. 33878)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTOCONTRACTS WITH BKF ENGINEERS, PSOMAS, AND TETRATECH, INC., FOR ON-CALL SURVEY CONSULTING SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $1,000,000 FOR EACHCONSULTANT (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 Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within themeaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378;and (2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into individual contracts, as the result of a competitive selection process specified by Section
4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code with BKF Engineers; Psomas; and Tetra Tech, Inc., for On-Call Survey Consulting Services for a total amount not-to-exceed $1,000,000 for eachconsultant over a five-year term. Competitive price bidding is notrequired pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F) (contracts forprofessional or unique services). (Contract No. 33857 - Tetra Tech) (Contract No. 33858 - Psomas) (Contract No. 33859 - BKF)FINANCE COMMITTEE: QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT - QUARTER ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 (Finance Dept.)
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Recommendation: This report is for information. There is no staffrecommendation for this item. The City Council may; however, takeaction relating to this item as it deems appropriate followingconsideration and discussion of the matter.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TOENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR $3,239,091 WITH THECALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTFOR THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION OPPORTUNITY ACTPROGRAM AND AMEND THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2027OPERATING BUDGET BY $808,267 TO RECOGNIZE ANDAPPROPRIATE THE FUNDS (City Manager-Career Services) 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 andwithin the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c) and 15378(b);
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract to receive funding in the amount of $3,239,091 for a two-year term to implement the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act grant program andexecute any related documents necessary to implement the program(Contract No. 24,527); and(3) Amend the City Manager's FY 2027 Operating Budget by recognizing revenues and appropriating $808,267 in the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Fund (Fund 681) and increase the personnel allocation by 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) limited-term grant-fundedpositions. (Budget Amendment No. 2027-08) FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TOEXECUTE AGREEMENTS TO ACCEPT FEDERAL COMMUNITYPROJECT FUNDING OF $850,000 AND ENTER INTO A SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH PASADENA CITY COLLEGE TOUSE FUNDS FOR A NEW FACILITY FOR JOBS CREATION
TRAINING AND EDUCATION AND AMEND THE CITY
MANAGER'S OFFICE FISCAL YEAR 2027 OPERATING BUDGET
(City Manager's Office)
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 themeaning of Section 15378(b);(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development for acceptance of$850,000 in Community Project Funding, and execute anysubsequent agreements regarding this grant award (Contract No. 24,528);
(3) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a sub-recipientagreement, without competitive bidding pursuant to City CharterSection 1002(H), contracts with other governmental entities, with Council Minutes
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City Council
APPOINTMENTS,
REAPPOINTMENTS, &RESIGNATIONS
City Attorney
City Clerk/ Secretary
CLAIMS RECEIVED ANDFILED
Pasadena City College to use funds for a new facility for jobs creation training and education (Contract No. 24,529);
(4) Grant the proposed subrecipient agreement an exemption from the Competitive Selection process pursuant to Pasadena MunicipalCode Section 4.08.049(8), contracts for which the City's best interests are served; and(5) Amend the City Manager's Office Fiscal Year (FY) 2027Operating Budget by recognizing revenue and appropriating$850,000 of federal Community Project Funding. (Budget Amendment No. 2027-09)
APPOINTMENT OF MARLENE DECKER TO THE LIBRARYCOMMISSION (District 6 Nomination)
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A GRANTSUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES CENTERS FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE (L.A. CADA) TO EXECUTESUBCONTRACTS AND OPERATE PASADENA'S HOMEDIVERSION PROGRAM FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $3,677,869 FOR A SERVICE PERIOD UP TO THREE YEARS,
FROM OCTOBER 1, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2028
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 Guidelines Section 15378;(2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Grant Subrecipient Agreement, following a competitive selection process pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code Section 4.08.047, with Los AngelesCenters for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. Cada) to execute subcontracts and operate Pasadena's HOME Diversion Program foran amount not-to-exceed $3,677,869 for a service period of up to three years, from October 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
Competitive price bidding is not required pursuant to City CharterSection 1002(F) (contracts for professional or unique services)(Contract No. 24,530); and (3) Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost amendments to the subject agreement including durational extensions.
Claim No. Claimant
2027-0049 AT&T Services, Inc.
2027-0050 Nancy La Scala2027-0051 Gayla Burnside Gordon2027-0052 Jalen Michael Spicer2027-0053 John and Anne David2027-0054 Arman Ter-Grigoryan 2027-0055 Erica Webster
Claim Amount
$ 6,151.92
35,000.00+
1,948.48
8,081.915,040.74
35,000.00+35,000.00+
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PUBLIC HEARINGS SET
2027-0056 Drake Buchanan 35,000.00+
2027-0057 Duplicate to Claim No. 2027-0054 N/A
2027-0058 Tyrone Anthony Cafarchia 850.002027-0059 United Restaurants LLC 6,000.00 2027-0060 Nashat Metri 35,000.00+
September 29, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - Consideration of the
Recommended General Plan Amendment, Specific Plan Adoption, Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Text Amendment and Proposed Environmental Determination
MOTION:
REPORTS ANDCOMMENTS FROMCQUNCIL COMMITTEES
Economic Development
and TechnologyCommittee
October 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - Hold Tax Equity and FiscalResponsibility Act (TEFRA) Hearing and Adopt a Resolution for the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) for the Benefit of 2K Colorado, LP
It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by CouncilmemberLyon, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar. (Motionunanimously approved) (Absent: None) PROPOSED PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS TOESTABLISH A PILOT MICROENTERPRISE HOME KITCHENOPERATIONS (MEHKO) PROGRAM (Public Health Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:(1) Find that the proposed project referenced in the agenda reportis statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)"Common Sense" exemption and categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities), and there are no features that distinguish the project from others in the exempt classes, and therefore, there are not unusual circumstances, and noother exception to the exemption applies; and(2) Direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance within 60 daysamending Title 8 of the Pasadena Municipal Code to establish a pilot Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) Program for two years.
Manuel Carmona, Public Health Director, presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item, providing information on the pilot program, potential impacts on economic development, and the role of Pasadena Public Health and associated costs.In response to Councilmember Cole's inquiry regarding theestimated cost for the program, which increased from $175,000 to $225,000 since the project was previously presented to the EdTechCommittee, Public Health Director Carmona reported that after reviewing all responsibilities to launch the program, City staff determined than an additional full-time employee would be needed to ensure the program was adequately staffed and functional.
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In response to Councilmember Lyon's inquiry regarding the rationale for regulating MEKHOs differently from brick-and-mortar restaurants, Public Health Director Carmona spoke on disparities based on the volume of meals and noted that most MEHKOs are not serving full meals. He added that MEHKOs would be subject to applicablebusiness-license requirements comparable to restaurants and wouldreceive one inspection per year focused on the home kitchen.
In response to Vice Mayor Rivas' inquiry regarding program funding, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the cost would need to be incorporated into the City's ongoing operating budget,and that the pilot program would provide more information aboutactual costs, program demands, and workload.
Councilmember Madison expressed concerns regarding theMEHKO pilot program in terms of zoning implications, parking, salestax collection, alcohol regulation, and public health oversight.Councilmember Masuda acknowledged concerns regarding the potential impact on existing restaurants, while expressing support for the proposed program and opportunities for new small businesses.The following individuals expressed support for MEHKOs, spoke on the program's positive impacts, emphasized the lack of negative impact on brick-and-mortar businesses, and/or provided other related comments:
Richard Gomeztrejo, residence not statedRoger Overstreet, Pasadena residentPatrick Haugen, Pasadena resident Egor Chumak, residence not stated
Elianne Rodriguez, Executive Director for LEAFLatoya Patillo, Pasadena residentLauren Wolfer, Pasadena residentStrefan Fauble, Pasadena resident, expressed opposition to theimplementation of MEHKO, and raised concerns regarding the program cost to applicant ratio and liability exposure for landlords if customers enter buildings for MEHKO related activities.
Councilmember Cole expressed support for the equity elementsbehind the MEHKO program, while raising concerns regarding thecost of the program and future economic uncertainty.
Councilmembers Hampton and Jones stated that MEHKOs mayalready be operating informally in the community and viewed the pilotprogram as an opportunity for residents to become legitimatebusinesses.
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ORIGINAL MOTION:
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SUBSTITUTE MOTION:
ORDINANCES -SECOND READING
It was moved by Councilmember hlampton, seconded by
Councilmember Jones, to approve the staff recommendation,amended to add a one-year check-in to review the program'sprogress and expenditures.
Councilmember Madison expressed opposition to the proposed program, emphasizing concerns relating to neighborhood parking, the development ofADUs, impacts on the quality of life, and the needfor the program logistics to be further analyzed.
Discussion ensued regarding the funding cost of operating the pilot program, the promotion of small business opportunities andeconomic development, the need to regulate businesses that may be operating informally, and potential impacts on local neighborhoods.
Mayor Gordo advocated for the item to return to the EconomicDevelopment and Technology Committee (EdTech) for further discussion and analysis on the impacts/consequences of the proposed program.
Councilmember Cole requested that City staff reach out to othercities that have implemented MEHKO programs and gatherfeedback from their experiences.
It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by CouncilmemberMadison, to refer the matter back to the Economic Development & Technology Committee for further discussion and analysis. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
Adopt "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENAAUTHORIZING 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 THE LIGHT ANDPOWER FUND, AND APPROVING THE EXECUTION ANDDELIVERY OF A TWELFTH SUPPLEMENT TO ELECTRICREVENUE BOND FISCAL AGENT AGREEMENT AND ACONTINUING DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH" (Ordinance No.7479)
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: NoneABSTAIN: None
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BRIEF REPORTS FROMREPRESENTATIVES/REQUESTS FORFUTURE AGENDAITEMS ADJOURNMENTATTEST:
Adopt "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENAAMENDING TITLE 2, ARTICLE I, CHAPTER 2.05, SECTION2.05.060, AND CHAPTER 2.28, SECTION 2.28.050 OF THE
PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS
OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON TUESDAYS" (Ordinance No.7480)
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: NoneABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Jones expressed concerns regarding the absence of a comprehensive citywide artificial intelligence ("Al") usage policy.
He emphasized the need for a citywide policy addressing the protection of the City's and residents' data, appropriate use of Al tools by City employees, and data-security. He also advocated for a separate discussion regarding Al agents being used to carry out Citybusiness.
Councilmember Hampton also advocated for the City Council to have a discussion regarding dynamic pricing and proposed requiring businesses to notify customers when facial-recognition technology is being used.
On pt^der of the Mayor, the special meeting of the City Counciladjourned at 9:01 p.m. in memory of Gerald Freeny and James iarrin.
J^_ ki -
Victor M. Gor9o, Mayor
City of Pasadena
^fty k
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