OPENING:
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Jones
arrived at 5:08 p.m.
Councilmember Madisonarrived at 5:13 p.m.
Mayor Gordo stated a
conflict of interest with
Closed Session Item D,
recused himself from theitem, and left the meetingat 5:46 p.m.
CITY OF PASADENA
City Council Minutes
August 24, 2026 - 5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chamber
UNOFFICIAL UNTIL
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.(Absent: Councilmembers Hampton, Madison, and Jones) On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the following closed session items:
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Matthew Hawkesworth
and Tiffany Jacobs-QuinnEmployee Organization: Pasadena Fire Fighters Association
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Cltv^ of Pasadena_v. The Regents of the
University of California
LASC Case No. 25STCV31621 and Court of Appeals Court No.B353449CITY 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 AmericaThe above closed session items were discussed, with no reportableaction at this time.
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8Property Locations: 230 Wigmore Drive, 180 W. Glenarm Avenue, 1175 Pasadena Avenue, and 163 State Street
Agency Negotiator: Matthew Hawkesworth, Interim CityManager Negotiating Party: Bryan Wong, Chief Executive Officer, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): One potential case Council Minutes 1 08/24/2026
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers:
Staff:
SPECIAL ITEM
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
regarding significant exposure to potential litigation pursuantto Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): One potential caseThe above closed session items were not discussed.
On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:04p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Masuda.Mayor Victor M. Gordo Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Rick ColeCouncilmemberTyron Hampton (arrived at 6:36 p.m.)Councilmember Justin JonesCouncilmember Jason LyonCouncilmember Steve MadisonCouncilmember Gene Masuda Interim City Manager Matthew E. Hawkesworth
City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal BagnerisCity Clerk Mark Jomsky
PRESENTATIONAL UPDATE BY CONGRESSWOMAN LAURAFRIEDMAN ON FEDERAL ISSUES, PROJECTS, ANDPROGRAMS RELATED TO THE CITY OF PASADENA U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman provided an update on herefforts related to federal legislative priorities and accomplishments, federal investments in Pasadena, and public engagement through her congressional office. She briefly reported on federal priorities moving forward ranging from protecting health care access, addressing the rising cost of living, support for wildfire victims, preparations for the LA 2028 Olympic Games, housing affordabilityand opportunities, and transportation improvements.
In response to Councilmember Cole's inquiries regarding the rising national debt and federal deficit impacts, Congresswoman Friedmannoted that fiscal impacts may extend beyond the current presidentialadministration and noted potential impacts on healthcare and social sen/ices. She reported she is introducing a new bill to examine tax loopholes used by ultra-wealthy individuals.
Councilmember Madison voiced concerns regarding fire insuranceand higher premiums for homeowners, the lack of federal regulation for artificial intelligence in terms of its impact on foreign policy and national security, and the need for amendments to Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934.
Council Minutes 2 08/24/2026
PUBLIC COMMENT ON
MATTERS NOT ON THEAGENDA
Councilmember Lyon expressed concerns regarding the lack ofcongressional authorization for the ongoing war with Iran andrequested that the matter be discussed by Congress.
Congresswoman Friedman reported that the House ofRepresentatives had introduced a War Powers Resolution, but the Senate did not pass it. She also advocated for Congress to more actively exercise its constitutional authority to check the executivebranch and expressed hope for this change to occur following the November election.
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding surveillance technology, personal privacy, and federal funding priorities for healthcare and housing:
Yadi, Pasadena resident
Humaira, Pasadena resident
On order of the Mayor, with consensus from the City Council, theinformation was received and filed.
Elizabeth McDuffie, Pasadena resident, urged the City Council toreconsider a prior settlement agreement related to zoning violations that occurred on her property.
The following individuals advocated for the City to preserve the longtime partnership with Rose Bowl Riders and noted its impact on youth development:
Nora Alleman, Rose Bowl Riders
Eliza Jacobs, Rose Bowl RidersHeather Kodama, Rose Bowl riders Donna Tryfman, residence not stated, introduced herself as a candidate for judicial office in Los Angeles County.The following individuals advocated for the City Council to support higher, market-competitive pay to retain skilled workers in IBEW,ensure utility reliability for customers, and/or provided othercomments relating to labor negotiations:
Kevin Norton, IBEW Local 18
Tyler Robinson, IBEW Local 18
Larry Michalson, IBEW Local 18Russ Leimbach, IBEW Local 18 Yvonne Ramirez, AFSCME, advocated for the City Council tosupport increased compensation and employee retention for AFSCME members through fair labor negotiations.
Council Minutes 3 08/24/2026
Councilmember Madison
left the meeting at 6:54p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager/ ExecutiveDirector
Anna Slotky Reitano, residence not stated, introduced herself as ajudicial candidate for Office No. 65 of the Superior Court of LosAngeles County.
Humaira, Pasadena resident, provided comments on the public turnout to protest Flock cameras at City Hall last week.
APPROVE FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 083373 FOR CREATION OFSEVEN AIR PARCELS FOR RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUMPURPOSES AT 814 MAGNOLIA AVENUE (Public Works Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the Final Map is not a project under Section 15268(b)(3) of the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines as a ministerial action, and if it is a project, it is exempt from CEQA under the "Common Sense" exemption pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) on the grounds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the approvalof the letter of credit, contract and Final Map may have a significant effect on the environment, and that the project was previouslydetermined Categorically Exempt from the California EnvironmentalQuality Act (Section 15332, Class 32, In-Fill Development Projects),and that no further CEQA approvals are required for the final tract map;
(2) Approve and enter Subdivision Contract with 814 Magnolia, LLC, and authorize City Manager to execute the Contract;(3) Approve and accept a letter of credit in the amount of $66,802.89 as a security guarantee that all public improvementswork as conditioned upon the developer will be satisfactorilycompleted in accordance with Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter16.36.040; (4) Adopt a resolution to approve Final Tract Map No. 083373 for the creation of seven air parcels for residential condominium purposes (Resolution No. 10208); and
(5) Authorize the City Clerk to execute the Certificate on the TractMap showing the City's approval of said Map.Recommendation of the Hearing Officer: Final Tract Map No. 083373 (Attachment A of the Agenda Report), for the creation of seven air parcels for residential condominium purposes, wasreviewed and approved in tentative form by the Subdivision Hearing Officer on March 2, 2022. The exercise of the right granted must be commenced within three years, or by March 2, 2025. The applicant submitted the final map to the City for review in June 2023.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE FINAL TRACT MAP NO.
083167 FOR CREATION OF EIGHT AIR PARCELS FORRESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM PURPOSES AT 673 AND 685 EAST CALIFORNIA BOULEVARD (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the Final Map is not a project under Section 15268(b)(3) of the State California Environmental Quality Act Council Minutes 4 08/24/2026
(CEQA) Guidelines as a ministerial action, and if it is a project, it is exempt from CEQA under the "Common Sense" exemption pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) on the grounds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the approvalof the letter of credit, contract and Final Map may have a significant effect on the environment, and that the project was previouslydetermined Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Section 15332, Class 32, In-Fill Development Projects), and that no further CEQA approvals are required for the final tractmap; (2) Adopt a resolution to approve Final Tract Map No. 083167 for the creation of eight air parcels for residential condominium purposes (Resolution No. 10209); and(3) Authorize the City Clerk to execute the Certificate on the TractMap showing the City's approval of said Map.Recommendation of the Hearing Officer: Final Tract Map No.083167 (Attachment A of the Agenda Report), for the creation ofeight air parcels for residential condominium purposes, wasreviewed and approved in tentative form by the Subdivision Hearing Officer on April 21, 2021. The exercise of the right granted must be commenced within three years, or by April 21, 2024. The firstsubmittal of the final map review was submitted in August 2022.
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH HARDY & HARPER, INC., FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR 2027 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
(CDBG) STREET RESURFACING AND ADA IMPROVEMENTPROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $1,288,100 (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find the contract proposed in the agenda report to becategorically 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 thatdistinguish this project from others in the exempt class, andtherefore, there are no unusual circumstances; (2) Award contract to the lowest and best bid dated July 30, 2026submitted by Hardy & Harper, Inc., in response to the bid specifications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 CDBG Street Resurfacing and ADA Improvement project, and authorize the CityManager to enter into a contract for a total not-to-exceed amount of$1,288,100 which includes the base contract amount of $1,171,000and acontingency of $117,100 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33807); and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve, within the contract authority, amendments to the subject contract including durationalextensions.
Council Minutes 5 08/24/2026
Item discussed separately
City Council
APPOINTMENTS,
REAPPOINTMENTS, &RESIGNATIONS
Four appointments to the
Pasadena Enhance
Infrastructure FinanceDistrict Public Financing
Authority (EIFD)
discussed separately
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TOENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH ELEGANT CONSTRUCTION,INC., FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A PREFABRICATED STEEL
STRUCTURE AND SITE WORK AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
HELIPORT FACILITY FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED
$1,641,875 AND AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2027CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET (Public Works Dept.)FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TOEXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH PASADENA COMMUNITYFOUNDATION TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
TUBERCULOSIS CLINICIAN ENGAGEMENT AND ACTION FOR
RESPONSE ("TB CLEAR") PROGRAM FOR AN AMOUNT NOTTO-EXCEED $518,869 FOR TWO YEARS AND RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE $254,754 TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 PUBLIC
HEALTH DEPARTMENT OPERATING BUDGET AND INCREASE
THE PERSONNEL ALLOCATION BY 1.0 FULL-TIME
EQUIVALENT (Health Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Find that the proposed actions in the agenda report are not aproject subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 21065 of CEQA and Sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3), and 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such,no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required; (2) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Pasadena Community Foundation ("PCF") to accept and administer$518,869 in UniHealth Foundation grant funds on behalf of the City of Pasadena to expand tuberculosis program services through June 30, 2028 (Contract No. 33846); and(3) Amend the Fiscal Year 2027 Public Health Department operating budget by recognizing and appropriating $254,754 in the Health Fund (203) and increase the personnel allocation by 1.0 fulltime equivalent ("FTE") limited-term grant-funded position. (Budget Amendment No. 2027-07)
RESIGNATION OF CHERYL RIZZO FROM THE PASADENAPLAYHOUSE PARKING METER ZONE ADVISORY COMMISSION (At Large Nomination/District 7)ACKNOWLEDGE THE APPOINTMENT OF KATHRYN BARGERTO THE PASADENA ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY (LosAngeles County Board of Supervisors Nomination) ACKNOWLEDGE THE APPOINTMENT OF ARIEL TORRESSOCARRAS TO THE PASADENA ENHANCED
INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICT PUBLIC FINANCING
AUTHORITY (Los Angeles County Board of Supen/isors Alternate Member Nomination)
Council Minutes 6 08/24/2026
City Clerk/ Secretary
CLAIMS RECEIVED AND
FAILED
MOTION:
CONSENT ITEMSDISCUSSEDSEPARATELY
Councilmember Madison
returned to the meeting at
7:04 p.m.
ACKNOWLEDGE THE APPOINTMENT OF RANDY SHULMAN TOTHE PASADENA ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCINGDISTRICT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY (Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Public Member Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF CYNTHIA KURTZ TO THE PASADENA
ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE DISTRICT PUBLICFINANCING AUTHORITY (City Council/Public Member Nomination Effective as of July 20, 2026)
DESIGNATION OF VICE MAYOR JESS RIVAS AS PRIMARY
VOTING DELEGATE AND COUNC1LMEMBER RICK COLE ASALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE FOR THE LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO TO BE
HELD ON SEPTEMBER 23 - 25, 2026 IN ANAHEIM, CA
Claim No. Claimant
2027-0033 Darleen Lee Callaghan
2027-0034 Lan Khanh Tan
2027-0035 Dana Treister2027-0036 Sarah Hartshorn
2027-0037 Neal Wrightson & Laurie Taylor
2027-0038 Matthew Michael Price
2027-0039 Ryna Aviram
2027-0040 Yicheng Zhu
Claim Amount
$ 1,000.00
446.19
1,450.00
741.35
35,000.00+
35,000.00+
1,711.56
700.00
It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, with theexception of Item 4 and the four appointments to the Pasadena Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District Public Financing Authorityunder Item 6. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Councilmember Madison)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TOENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH ELEGANT CONSTRUCTION,INC., FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A PREFABRICATED STEELSTRUCTURE AND SITE WORK AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
HELIPORT FACILITY FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED
$1,641,875 AND AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2027CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET (Public Works Dept.)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:(1) Find the contract proposed in the agenda report to becategorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1 - Existing Facilities, Section 15302, Class 2- Replacementor Reconstruction, and Section 15303, Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and that there are no features thatdistinguish this project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances;
Council Minutes 7 08/24/2026
(2) Award contract to the lowest and best bid dated June 1, 2026, submitted by Elegant Construction, Inc., in response to the bid specifications for Construction of Prefabricated Steel Structure andSite Work project, and authorize the City Manager to enter into acontract for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,641,875 whichincludes the base contract amount of $1,491,875 and a contingencyof $150,000 to provide for any necessary change orders (Contract No. 33808);(3) Amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Capital Improvement Program Budget by appropriating $900,000 from the unappropriated fund balance in the Public Safety Augmentation Fund 202 to the Mobile Operation Center (71919) project (Budget Amendment No. 2027-06); and
(4) Authorize the City Manager to approve within the contractauthority, amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions.
Sonia Berndt, Pasadena resident, expressed opposition to theproposed appropriation and advocated for the funds to be utilized for more urgent needs such as shelter for unhoused residents.Councilmember Cole expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency for the proposed appropriation and timeliness ofdelivering the information to the City Council.
Councilmember hlampton reported that information regarding the necessity of the heliport facility was disseminated by the Police Department during a Public Safety Committee meeting.
In response to Vice Mayor Rivas' inquiry regarding why the item wasnot incorporated in the CIP budget earlier, Interim City Manager Hawkesworth reported that the transition to a 5,000 sq/ft hanger was initially disclosed in a 2023 staff report when the prefabricated hanger was authorized by the City Council, however, the 2023 estimate did not anticipate the additional site preparation and related costs now being proposed. Hayden Melbourne, Principal Engineer, reported that the larger hanger triggered additional code and construction requirements that were not anticipated, and thatconstruction costs increased due to escalation and inflation.
Councilmember Lyon expressed support for the item while alsoemphasizing the need for complete and timely information to bepresented to the City Council.Mayor Gordo reported that the item was discussed by the FinanceCommittee, stated that the original concept was substantiallydifferent from the current proposal, and recognized that City staffappropriately identified an opportunity to combine functions into a larger facility rather than constructing separate buildings.
Council Minutes
8 08/24/2026
MOTION:
Mayor Gordo stated a
conflict of interest,
recused himself from theitem, and left the meeting
at 7:20 p.m.
JC, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns relating to noise pollution and the reliability of the company for aircraft hangers.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the staff
recommendation.
AYES: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Lyon, Madison,
Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: CouncilmemberCoIe
ABSENT: NoneABSTAIN: NoneACKNOWLEDGE THE APPOINTMENT OF KATHRYN BARGERTO THE PASADENA ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY (Los
Angeles County Board of Supervisors Nomination)
ACKNOWLEDGE THE APPOINTMENT OF ARIEL TORRESSOCARRAS TO THE PASADENA ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICT PUBLIC FINANCINGAUTHORITY (Los Angeles County Board of Supen/isors Alternate Member Nomination)
ACKNOWLEDGE THE APPOINTMENT OF RANDY SHULMAN TOTHE PASADENA ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY (Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Public Member Nomination)
APPOINTMENT OF CYNTHIA KURTZ TO THE PASADENA
ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE DISTRICT PUBLICFINANCING AUTHORITY (City Council/Public Member Nomination Effective as of July 20, 2026)
Councilmember Cole expressed concerns regarding the nominationprocess given the Mayor is recused from participating on this item, and that the City Charter provides for the Vice Mayor to make thenomination, not City staff. He emphasized that appointments to boards are a responsibility of the elected City Council and suggested that the appointment to the EIFD be returned to the Vice Mayor for nomination.
Vice Mayor Rivas expressed support for the nomination of Cynthia Kurtz to the EIFD and also agreed that the nomination process beclarified for future reference.
In response to Councilmember Madison's inquiry regarding appointment authority, City Clerk Jomsky reported that when AtLarge appointments occur, typically the Mayor will bring forth a nominee for City Council consideration. City Clerk Jomsky noted that Council Minutes 9 08/24/2026
MOTION:
Mayor Gordo returned to
the meeting at 7:36 p.m.RECOMMENDATIONSFROM OFFICERS ANDDEPARTMENTS City Manager
this was a new board, and his understanding is that only one application was received by City staff and was placed on the agendafor Council consideration. Councilmember Madison stated that the Legislative Policy Committee may review such nominationprocedures for when the Mayor is recused on a matter.
City Attorney Bagneris also noted that certain provisions in the Pasadena Municipal Code do expressly provide for City Council nominations and Mayor nominations forAt-Large positions.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Councilmember Madison, to approve the appointments to the EIFD under Item 6. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent:
Mayor Gordo)Councilmember Hampton requested that the City Council receive an update on the public comment request related to the zoning violationmatter and financial hardship described by the public speaker. City Attorney Bagneris reported that City staff will prepare a confidential memo for the City Council regarding the matter.In response to Councilmember Hampton's comments regarding the Flock cameras, Vice Mayor Rivas reported that the Public Safety Committee is exploring potential meeting dates to continue discussion on the matter.
CONSIDERATION OF THE URBAN LAND INSTITUTETECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL (ULI TAP) REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE RELINQUISHED 710 STUBPROPERTY
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)(3) as CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment; and (2) Provide feedback and direction to staff in the following areas:
a. The recommendations prepared by ULI TAP; and
b. Options for governance models to engage in public/private partnerships; develop infrastructure improvements;
implement Council-approved restorative justice elements;and oversee development, buildout and management ofthe relinquishment area.
Wendy Macias, Project Manager, provided introductory remarks onthe item and introduced Richard Bruckner, Chair of the ULI TAP, and David Grannis, PointC Consultant. Chair Bruckner presented a Powerpoint presentation on the phased development and potential shared governance structures that balance accountability and efficiency. Consultant Grannis spoke on the ULI TAP'S initial Council Minutes 10 08/24/2026
discussions and the process of developing an appropriate governance structure.
Councilmember Madison emphasized the importance of generatinga return on the City's investment, expressed support for having the City Council be the accountable governing body of the "710 StubProperty", and recommended increased engagement with privatesector developers and experts.Councilmember Cole expressed support for adopting the UL1 TAP'S recommended principles, indicating the City's intentional progress on the project. He advocated for the City Council to create a board with financial and development expertise to supervise the project on behalf of the Council.Councilmember Lyon emphasized that the project is a generationalproject and expressed support to adopt the recommended principlesand suggested that the City consider existing quasi-independentcorporation models.
Mayor Gordo emphasized balancing urgency with the need to proceed with caution for this important project and effort.
Councilmember Cole proposed that the City Council endorse theULI's recommended principles as guidelines to shape the CityCouncil's actions moving forward. He also proposed establishing acommittee consisting of the 710 Ad Hoc Committee, 710 Advisory Group members, and project consultants to develop a governance structure.
P.A. Brown, Pasadena resident, urged the City to move moreexpeditiously, noting that four years have already passed since the City acquired the property.
David Corrales, Pasadena resident, urged the City to consider moving forward with the sale and purchase process ofCaltrans properties.
Mic Hansen, Pasadena resident, thanked the City and the ULI TAP for their work and expressed support for the creation of an independent entity to oversee implementation and
development.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that one letter advocating for the freewaystub to be governed by elected officials of the City and not to be outsourced was received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to theCity Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.
Council Minutes 11 08/24/2026
MOTION:
ORDINANCES -SECOND READING
Councilmember Lyonstated a conflict of
interest, recused himself
from the item, and left the
meeting at 8:29 p.m.
Councilmember Lyon
returned to the meeting at
8:30 p.m.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cole,seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to endorse as guidelines theprinciples articulated on page 3 of the ULI report, as follows:
• Establish a clear and durable "north star"
• Approach the project as a phased, outcomes-driven process • Create governance structures that balance accountability and execution
• Reduce uncertainty to attract investment• Center restorative justice throughout implementation (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
Discussion ensued regarding potential next steps for City staff and developing a governance structure.
Following discussion, the City Council agreed by consensus to direct City staff to work with the 710 Ad Hoc Committee and consultants, with input from the Chair and Vice Chair of the Reconnecting 710 Committee, to develop governance structure options for
consideration of the full City Council.
])
Adopt "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENAAMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO ESTABLISH THEARBOLEDA DRIVE (LD-29) LANDMARK OVERLAY DISTRICT" (Ordinance No. 7475)
The ordinance above was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Madison,
Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: NoneABSENT: Councilmember Lyon
ABSTAIN: NoneAdopt "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENAAMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO ESTABLISH THE MESITA ROAD (LD-30) LANDMARK OVERLAY DISTRICT"
(Ordinance No.7476)The ordinance above was adopted by the following vote:AYES: Councilmembers Cole, h^ampton, Jones, Lyon, Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: NoneABSTAIN: None
Council Minutes 12 08/24/2026
Vice Mayor Rivas stated a
conflict of interest,
recused herself from theitem, and left the meeting
at 8:31 p.m.
Councilmember Madisonstated a potential conflict
of interest, recused
himself from the item, andleft the meeting at 8:32
p.m.
INFORMATION ITEM
Councilmember Madisonand Vice Mayor Rivasreturned to the meeting at 8:34 p.m.
)3
Adopt "AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PASADENA GRANTING ASSIGNMENT OF A NON-EXCLUSIVE
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION FRANCHISE FROM ROBERT M.ARSENIAN TO SOUTHLAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. AND AMENDING UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE NO. 7396'
(Ordinance No. 7478)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: NoneAdopt "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENAAMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 (ZONING CODE)
OF THE CITY OF PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO
IMPLEMENT THE 2025 NORTH LAKE SPECIFIC PLAN INCHAPTER 17.34 (NORTH LAKE SPECIFIC PLAN) AND AMENDTHE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO MODIFY THE BOUNDARIES OFTHE 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 ZONESPECIFIC STANDARDS), SECTION 17.20.020 (ZONING MAPAND ZONING DISTRICTS), AND AMENDING ZONING CODE SECTIONS 17.30.030 (2023 CENTRAL DISTRICT SPECIFICPLAN - ALLOWABLE LAND USES) AND 17.30.080 (2023CENTRAL DISTRICT SPECIFIC PLAN - OPEN SPACE) FORCONSISTENCY" (Ordinance No. 7477) The ordinance above was adopted by the following vote:AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon, Masuda, Mayor Gordo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Madison and Vice Mayor Rivas
ABSTAIN: None
UPDATE REGARDING THE PROGRESS OF THE CENTRAL
LIBRARY SEISMIC RETROFIT AND RENOVATIONS PROJECT(Public Works Dept.) Recommendation: This agenda item is presented for information only. The City Council may; however, take action relating to this itemas it deems appropriate following consideration and discussion ofthe matter.
Council Minutes 13 08/24/2026
Interim City Manager Hawkesworth provided introductory comments on the item, and Greg de Vinck, Public Works Director, presented a Powerpoint presentation on the construction progress and ongoing project timeline. Hayden Melbourne, Principal Engineer, presented information on the local workforce, outreach activities, economicimpacts of the project, the Mayor's Technical Oversight Committee, and the project budget and financial status.
In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding thenumber of Pasadena residents employed on the project, Principal Engineer Melbourne reported that seven residents are working on the project under the Tier 1 local-hire category as of June 30, 2026, while noting that the project is projected to meet the 10% local-hire goal. Councilmember Hampton expressed support for the
pari:icipation of local businesses in project procurement and emphasized the importance of ensuring that local businesses have an opportunity to bid on work for the Central Library project.Councilmember Cole expressed concerns regarding the local hireprocess on a project-by-project basis and emphasized that the City should aim to create long-term career pathways that allow workers to gain experience, develop skilled trades, and continue to live in the City.
Mayor Gordo highlighted the partnership between the City andPasadena City College, noting PCC's efforts to expand its skilledtrades program.
City Clerk Jomsky reported that one letter informing the City Council that PCL Construction joined the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association and providing comments on the matter wasreceived by the City Council, distributed to the City Council, postedonline, and made part of the public record for this item.The following individuals spoke in support of PCL Construction, the importance and positive impacts of local-hire efforts on the Central Library Project, and/or provided other related comments:
Peter Matich, Flintridge Center
Joe Fuchs, Western States Regional Council of CarpentersAlfred Hernandez, Pasadena resident Edgar Tirade, Pasadena resident
FIavio Andrade, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City Council to study implementation project agreements, community workforce agreements, and construction career policies before going out to bid for major components of the project.
On order of the Mayor, by consensus of the City Council, the information was received and filed.
Council Minutes 14 08/24/2026
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
ATTEST:
Victor M. Gordo, Mayor
City of Pasadena
City Clerk
Council Minutes 15 08/24/2026