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CITY OF PASADENA City Council Minutes April 13, 2026 – 5:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chamber

OPENING:

Mayor Gordo called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. (Absent: Councilmember Madison)

CLOSED SESSION

On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting recessed at 5:11 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: Roullier v. City of Pasadena

Los Angeles County Superior Case No.: 23AHCV02520

CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)

Name of Case: Yes In My Backyard, et al. v. Gavin Newsom, et al.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.: 25STCP04761

CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6

Agency Designated Representatives: Miguel Márquez, Matthew Hawkesworth, and Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn

Employee Organization: Pasadena Police Officers Association

CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL regarding significant exposure to potential litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): Two potential case

For the above closed session item with two potential cases, one item discussed with no reportable action at this time, and one item was not discussed.

CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE regarding public employee employment pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) and 54957.6

Position: City Manager

Agency Designated Representative: Victor M. Gordo

The above five closed session items were discussed, with no reportable action at this time.

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CONSIDERATION OF INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): One potential case

The above closed session item was not discussed.

On the order of the Mayor, the regular meeting reconvened at 6:39 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Masuda.

CEREMONIAL MATTERS

Mayor Gordo and Christopher Page, Economic Development Project Manager, presented a Legacy Business Recognition to The Ice House, highlighting the club's legacy as the oldest continuously operating comedy club in the nation and a cornerstone of Pasadena's cultural history. Johnny Buss, Ice House club owner, accepted the recognition and expressed gratitude to the City for its support and helping to maintain the longevity of the business.

Mayor Gordo presented a proclamation to Pasadena Beautiful Foundation and the City's Public Works Department, declaring April 18, 2026 as Arbor Day in the City of Pasadena and reaffirming the City's commitment to maintaining its tree canopy.

Mayor Gordo presented a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month and the week of April 19-25, 2026 as National Crime Victims' Rights Week, and encouraged everyone to participate in Denim Day on April 29, 2026 by wearing jeans. Dr. Luisa Ortega and Jennifer Thibault, from the Commission on the Status of Women, Lola Osborne, PRCS Deputy Director, City Attorney Bagneris, and Nicole Lemus, Victim Witness Advocate, accepted the proclamation and thanked the City Council for the recognizing the importance of addressing the underlying issues of sexual assault and helping to raise awareness.

Mayor Gordo also proclaimed April 24, 2026, as Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide in the City of Pasadena, noting the importance of joining the Armenian community in memorializing this moment in history and acknowledging those in the community with fallen ancestors.

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PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA

The following individuals expressed opposition to the removal of large trees in the lower Arroyo area and/or provided comments on the importance of saving mature trees:

Marina Romans, Pasadena resident Ann Scheid, Pasadena resident Ken Compton, Pasadena resident

The following individuals spoke on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon and/or advocated for the City to divest from specific companies doing business with Israel:

Kate E., Pasadena resident Marianne Albina, Pasadena resident Michael Flynn, Pasadena resident

Daniel Powell, Pasadena resident, invited the City Council to the grand opening event for the Pasadena Art Institute on May 9, 2026 and the Best Route 66 Celebration on June 6, 2026.

CONSENT ITEMS DISCUSSED SEPARATELY

Mayor Gordo and Vice Mayor Rivas both stated potential conflicts of interests with Project Nos. 10 and 12 from Consent Calendar Item 11, recused themselves from the projects, and left the meeting at 7:11 p.m.

MOTION:

FINANCE COMMITTEE: APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (Public Works Dept.)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Find that the proposed actions are not “projects” as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21065 and Section 15378(b)(4) and (5) of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, are not subject to environmental review; and
• Approve Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget as detailed in Attachment A of the agenda report.

It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to approve projects #10 (Lake Avenue Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements from Mountain Street to Maple Street (75105)) and #12 (El Molino Quick-Build Greenway Demonstration (75929)) from Consent Calendar Item 11. (Motion approved unanimously) (Absent: Councilmember Madison, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo)

CONSENT CALENDAR

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH ACCO ENGINEERED SYSTEMS, INC., TO PROVIDE INLET AIR CHILLER MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $450,954 FOR UP TO SIX YEARS (Water & Power Dept.)

City Manager/ Executive Director

Mayor Gordo and Vice Mayor Rivas returned to the meeting at 7:12 p.m.

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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(b); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of a competitive selection process, as specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Acco Engineered Systems, Inc. ("Acco Engineered") to provide inlet air chiller maintenance and inspection services at the Glenarm Power Plant for three years with the option for three additional one-year extensions subject to the approval of the City Manager for an annual amount of $75,159 and a grand total amount not-to-exceed $450,954, which includes a base contract amount of $409,956 and a contingency of $40,998. Competitive price bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter 1002(F) contracts for professional or unique services. (Contract No. 33616)

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE POWER PLANT WITH KEWO ENGINEERING CORPORATION FOR A GRAND TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $1,260,000 AND WORLEY GROUP, INC., FOR A GRAND TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $1,260,000 FOR UP TO SEVEN YEARS (Water & Power Dept.)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is not a “project” subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 21065 and within the meaning of Section 15378(b);
• Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of the competitive selection process, as specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Kewo Engineering Corporation ("Kewo") to provide engineering services for the Power Plant for up to seven years for a grand total amount not-to-exceed 1,260,000, which includes the option for two additional one-year extensions or an amount not-to-exceed 360,000, whichever occurs first, at the discretion of the City Manager. Competitive price bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F) Contract for professional or unique services ( Contract No. 33614); and
• Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as a result of the competitive selection process, as specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, with Worley Group, Inc. ("Worley") to provide engineering services for the Power Plant for up to seven years for a grand total amount not-to-exceed $1,260,000, which includes the option for two additional one-year extensions for an amount not-to-exceed $360,000, whichever occurs first, at the discretion of the City Manager. Competitive price bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F) Contract for professional or unique services. (Contract No. 33613)

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AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC., FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO-WAY RADIO EQUIPMENT, PARTS, AND ACCESSORIES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $3,530,000 (DoIT)

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND CONTRACT NO. 32171 WITH JASON ADDISON SMITH CONSULTING, INC. (DBA JAS PACIFIC) AND CONTRACT NO. 32173 WITH J LEE ENGINEERING, INC., TO INCREASE THE TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT FOR EACH CONTRACT BY $249,999 TO $1,610,772 AND $1,629,555 FOR BUILDING AND FIRE PLAN REVIEW SERVICES (Planning Dept.)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Find that the action proposed in the agenda report are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3);
• Authorize the City Manager to amend Contract No. 32171 with Jason Addison Smith Consulting, Inc. ("JAS Pacific") by increasing the contract amount by $249,999, thereby increasing the not-to-exceed amount from $1,360,773 to $1,610,772 for continued plan review services through the contract expiration of December 1, 2026 (Contract No. 32171-3);
• Authorize the City Manager to amend Contract No. 32173 with J Lee Engineering, Inc., by increasing the contract amount by $249,999, thereby increasing the not-to-exceed amount from $1,379,556 to $1,629,555 for continued plan review services through the contract expiration of December 6, 2026 (Contract No. 32173-3); and
• Find that Competitive Bidding is not required pursuant to the City Charter Section 1002(F), contracts for professional or unique services. To the extent this transaction could be considered a separate procurement subject to the Competitive Selection Process, grant the proposed contract amendment an exemption from the Competitive Selection Process set forth in the Competitive Bidding and Purchasing Ordinance pursuant to the Pasadena Municipal Code Section 4.08.049(B), contracts for which the City's best interests are served.

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND CONTRACT NO. 32968 WITH ECHO FACTORY, INC., INCREASING THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT TO $348,000 FOR MARKETING, BRANDING AND PUBLIC RELATION SERVICES (Office of the City Manager) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Find that the recommended action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code 21065 and within the meaning of the State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c) and 15378(b);
2. Authorize the City Manager to amend Contract No. 32968 with Echo Factory, Inc., to increase the contract by $98,000 thereby

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• increasing the grand total to a not-to-exceed amount of 348,000 ( Contract No. 32968-2); and
• Find that Competitive Bidding is not required pursuant to the City Charter Section 1002(F), contracts for professional or unique services. To the extent this transaction could be considered a separate procurement subject to the Competitive Selection Process, grant the proposed contract amendment an exemption from the Competitive Selection Process set forth in the Competitive Bidding and Purchasing Ordinance pursuant to the Pasadena Municipal Code Section 4.08.049(B), contracts for which the City's best interests are served.

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC., FOR THE ANNUAL CITYWIDE STREET RESURFACING AND ADA IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2026 PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $10,269,680 (Public Works Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Find the contract proposed in the agenda report to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Class 1, §15301, Existing Facilities, and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract as a result of the competitive bid process, as stated by Section 4.08.045 of the Pasadena Municipal Code with Onyx Paving Company, Inc., for the Annual Citywide Street Resurfacing and ADA Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2026 project for an amount not-to-exceed $10,269,680, which includes the base contract amount of $8,282,000 and a contingency of $1,987,680 to provide for additional paving scope and unforeseen change orders. (Contract No. 33629)

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH SMARTRISE ELEVATOR SERVICE INC., FOR ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES IN TOTAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $875,325, FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS (Public Works Dept.)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• 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
• Award contract to lowest and best bid dated February 18, 2026, submitted by SmartRise Elevator Service Inc., in response to specifications for Elevator Maintenance and Repair Services, authorize the City Manager to enter into a three-year contract for an amount not-to-exceed of $525,195, which includes the base contract

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amount of 477,450 and a contingency of 47,745; and to exercise up to two optional one-year extensions, in the annual amount of 175,065, which includes a 15,915 contingency, for a maximum total term of five years and a grand total amount of 875,325. (Contract No. 33636)

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH GRBCON, INC., FOR THE ANNUAL STORM DRAIN SYSTEM REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENTS FISCAL YEAR 2026 PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $780,844 (Public Works Dept.)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Find the contract proposed in the agenda report to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Class 1, §15301, Existing Facilities, and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; and
• Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract as a result of the competitive bid process, as stated by Section 4.08.045 of the Pasadena Municipal Code with GRBCon, Inc., for the Annual Storm Drain System Repair and Improvements Fiscal Year 2026 project for an amount not-to-exceed $780,844, which includes the base contract amount of $650,703 and a contingency of $130,141 to provide for unforeseen change orders. (Contract No. 33630)

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND CONTRACT NO. 30489-0 WITH HDR ENGINEERING, INC., BY $2,147,667 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $8,107,089 FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE PASADENA TRANSIT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FACILITY PROJECT (Public Works and Transportation Depts.)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Find the authorization to amend a contract for professional services 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;
• Authorize the City Manager to amend Contract No. 30489-0 with HDR Engineering, Inc., by $2,147,667, increasing the not-to-exceed amount to $8,107,089 for professional services for the Pasadena Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility project; and
• To the extent this transaction could be considered a separate procurement subject to the Competitive Selection Process, grant the proposed contract amendment with HDR Engineering, Inc., an exemption from the Competitive Selection Process set forth in the Competitive Bidding and Purchasing Ordinance pursuant to the

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Pasadena Municipal Code Section 4.08.049(B), contracts where the best interests of the City are served. ( Contract No. 30489-2)

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES, INC., FOR BIDDING AND CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR THE HYDROGEN FUELING STATION PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $316,800 (Public Works and Transportation Depts.)

Item held; to be discussed at a future meeting

Approving the balance of the projects listed in the agenda report and excluding Project Nos. 10 and 12, which were acted on separately above.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (Public Works Dept.)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Find that the proposed actions are not “projects” as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21065 and Section 15378(b)(4) and (5) of the State CEQA Guidelines, and as such, are not subject to environmental review; and
• Approve Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget as detailed in Attachment A of the agenda report. (Budget Amendment No. 2026-31) (Budget Amendment No. 2026-31a)

FINANCE COMMITTEE: AMEND FY 2026 OPERATING BUDGET OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION TO AWARD 2025 DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS FOR MICRO-ENTERPRISES (Office of the City Manager)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Find that the recommended action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code 21065 and within the meaning of the State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c) and 15378(b);
• Authorize the Economic Development Division, City Manager's Office, to oversee the Disaster Relief Funds for Micro-Enterprises program; and
• Amend the Office of the City Manager's Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget by recognizing revenue and appropriating 125,500 in 2025 Disaster Relief Funds for the Micro-Enterprise Program. ( Budget Amendment No. 2026-32)

LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SEND A LETTER TO the STATE BOARD of FORESTRY COMMENTING ON ZONE ZERO (Fire Dept.)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is covered by the “Common Sense” exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment; and

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(2) Authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection stating Pasadena's position on Zone Zero that include Option 4 for vegetation management and Option 2 for tree management.

City Clerk Jomsky reported that 16 letters expressing support for sending the proposed letter to the California Board of Forestry and/or providing related comments were received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item.

City Council

APPOINTMENTS, REAPPOINTMENTS, & RESIGNATIONS

APPOINTMENT OF MATTHEW HAWKESWORTH TO SERVE AS INTERIM CITY MANAGER EFFECTIVE APRIL 17, 2026

RESIGNATION OF BRANDON LAMAR FROM THE PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD (Alternate Tenant Nomination)

RESIGNATION OF BRENDA HARVEY-WILLIAMS FROM THE GAMBLE HOUSE ADVISORY BOARD EFFECTIVE APRIL 30, 2026 (City Nomination)

City Clerk Jomsky reported that 1 letter thanking Brandon Lamar for his service on the Pasadena Rental Housing Board and advocating for the City Council to consider more balance on the Board when making future appointments was received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this resignation.

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PUBLIC HEARING SET

May 18, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – Approval of the Annual Action Plan (2026) and Related Funding Applications for the Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership Act, and Emergency Solutions Grant Programs

MOTION:

It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, including the remainder of the projects listed in Item 11, and with the exception of Items 3 and 10. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison)

CONSENT ITEMS DISCUSSED SEPARATELY

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC., FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO-WAY RADIO EQUIPMENT, PARTS, AND ACCESSORIES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $3,530,000 (DoIT)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Find that the recommended actions in the agenda report are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment;
• Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract without competitive bidding pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(H), contracts with other governmental entities or their contractors, with Motorola Solutions Inc., for the purchase of radio equipment, parts, and accessories, in an amount not-to-exceed $3,530,000 through July 24, 2029;
• Grant the recommended contract an exemption from the Competitive Selection process pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code Section 4.08.049(B) contracts for which the City's best interests are served; and
• Authorize the City Manager to approve no-cost amendments to the subject contract including durational extensions and necessary change orders.
• The following individuals expressed opposition to the proposed contract, as well as concerns relating to surveillance and immigration enforcement:

Martha Ruffman, Pasadena resident Randall Heyn Lamb, Pasadena resident Teri Stein, Pasadena resident Humaira Afzal, Pasadena resident

Councilmember Madison arrived at 7:20 p.m.

Councilmember Cole expressed concerns regarding Motorola's position in law enforcement communication systems limiting competition in the market, the difficulty of switching to another provider, and potential ethical concerns in the procurement processes.

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In response to Councilmember Hampton's inquiry regarding agreements with neighboring cities to use the same brand of devices, Philip Leclair, Chief Information Officer, reported that the City's communication infrastructure is deeply integrated with Motorola systems, which also includes a regional connected Interagency Communications Interoperability (ICI) System where all neighboring cities use Motorola communication equipment. He emphasized that interagency standardization is critical for emergency responses and interagency operability.

Councilmember Hampton requested City staff conduct a more in-depth analysis of the contract and proposed that the item return to the City Council at the next regular meeting.

Mayor Gordo expressed concerns regarding the cost and feasibility of transitioning away from Motorola.

Councilmember Madison expressed support for tabling the item while cautioning against over scrutinizing vendors based on associations, noting that this could lead to impractical standards for procurement and set a precedent where routine or previously approved contractual add-ons are repeatedly reevaluated. He also noted that no questions were raised about the proposed contract prior to the meeting, despite established City Council guidelines and practices to vet such matters with City staff in advance of meetings.

In response to Councilmember Madison’s inquiry regarding potential impacts of delaying the proposed contract, Chief Information Officer Leclair reported that service and emergency communications from the Police Department would not be impacted by a 3-week delay of approval of the item.

Mayor Gordo expressed support for a discussion with other regional agencies to explore reducing reliance on Motorola products and fostering a more competitive market among alternative providers.

MOTION:

It was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Hampton, to table the item and direct City staff to conduct a more in-depth analysis of the contract and return with additional information at the May 4, 2026 City Council meeting. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)

OLD BUSINESS

CONSIDERATION OF RECONNECTING PASADENA 710 VISION PLAN FOR THE RELINQUISHED 710 STUB PROPERTY

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Find that the action proposed in the agenda report is covered by the “Common Sense” exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment; and

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2. Review, discuss, and provide direction in the following areas: Immediate Next Steps:
3. a.Transition the land use concepts from the Vision Plan to the Planning Department and initiate environmental analysis, entitlements, and regulatory requirements;
4. b.Direct staff to continue to develop and recommend financing mechanisms for developing the 710 Stub area;
5. c.Direct that the 710 Stub area become the City's first sustainable, resilient and carbon neutral district;
6. d.Initiate work on options for City Council consideration of a governance structure to guide the development of the area;

Restorative Justice:

• e.Acknowledge past harms to former residents, businesses and institutions required to vacate the relinquishment and surrounding area to clear the path for the freeway construction;
• f.Consider and/or further research all targets, goals, and programs delineated in the Restorative Justice Framework of the Vision Plan report as part of consideration of a Citywide approach to restorative justice. This includes the draft definition of restorative justice, targets for affordable housing, the creation of a community oversight committee, a community benefits planning framework, policies for wealth generation through home and business ownership, business development support, workforce development, and other public benefits through Restorative Justice;
• Land Use:
• g.Set a goal of developing a minimum of 1,800 residential units in the relinquishment area. This will include a mix of units for ownership and rentals of varying affordability and size;
• Mobility, Access and Reconnection:
• h.To advance reconnection, accessibility, multi-modal and active transportation, and community safety, include the Boulevard and Paseos street and access concept as the working option to carry forward in the land use entitlement process (item "a" above);
• i.Direct staff to continue to work in partnership with Caltrans regarding the transition of the existing freeway-to-freeway to a local-to-freeway/freeway-to-local access system, as well as in the creation of Transit Mobility Hub on Caltrans property in the area immediately north of and connected to the relinquishment area;

Other Items:

• j.Direct staff to continue to work with Caltrans to identify a new location for the stormwater facility located in the southern portion of the relinquishment area; and
• k.Continue to grow existing partnerships – and seek new partnerships – with public, private, and non-profit agencies and entities that enhance the delivery of positive outcomes from the relinquishment area for the City of Pasadena and its residents and businesses.

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Recommendation of the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group: At their final meeting on March 18, 2026, the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group voted not to take a position on the Vision Plan. They instead chose to submit their own report to the City Council "...to highlight, supplement and make certain recommendations regarding the Vision Plan". Please see Attachment C of the agenda report.

Councilmember Hampton suggested having a third workshop solely on the Restorative Justice Framework portion of the 710-stub project to allow for a more focused and dedicated discussion with increased community participation.

Councilmember Lyon expressed opposition to delaying the matter, noting that certain aspects of the project are only being deferred to committees, therefore, there is no need to delay the matter.

Discussion ensued regarding bifurcating the restorative justice framework portion of the project, the process for hearing public comment, and having parallel discussions for land use development and restorative justice elements.

MOTION:

It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Councilmember Madison, to bifurcate the restorative justice elements for discussion at a future City Council meeting.

AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo

NOES: Councilmember Lyon

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager, provided introductory comments on the item and an overview of the staff recommendations. Wendy Macias, Project Manager, provided a review of clarifying questions raised by the City Council pertaining to relinquishment, the Vision Plan, parking, mobility/access points, street grid concepts, engineering studies, governance models, and infrastructure costs.

Hillary Norton, former Chair of the California Transportation Commission, praised the City for fostering a process based on accountability, reconnection, sustainability and resilience.

Sarah Jepson, from Southern California Association of Governments, commended the City for its leadership on reconnecting communities and expressed regional support for the City.

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Blair Miller, Pasadena resident, expressed opposition to separating the restorative justice elements of the project and emphasized the need to structure the entire project around addressing past harms.

Michael Warner, Pasadena resident, advocated for maintaining traffic flow and not disrupting existing transportation patterns, and proposed building over the existing right of way to restore housing and retail.

Michael Warner II, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding the impacts of traffic congestion and spillover into surrounding areas.

Marcus Renner, 710 Community Fellows Program, requested that the City dedicate a space within the project to a 710 Reconnecting Communities Interpretive Center for social and educational programming.

RJ Sakai, Sequoia School, encouraged the City to sustain youth engagement and activate community partnerships with Sequoia School and local neighbors.

Bruce Bailey, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding traffic efficiency and proposed design modifications to allow for more park space and residential space.

Wes Hampton, Pasadena resident, encouraged more public debate to produce a stronger, more effective project and noted that the project may increase disconnection without additional public input.

City Clerk Jomsky reported that 1 letter expressing concerns relating to the redistribution of traffic into adjacent neighborhoods and advocating for the City to include alternative solutions in the Vision Plan to accommodate traffic within the project area, 1 letter advocating for the City to create a Reconnecting Community Center within the 710 project area for cultural reflection, education, and community reconnection, and 6 letters expressing support for the proposed 710 project while providing several comments and/or suggestions for how to improve the Plan, were all received by the City Clerk's Office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record for this item, in addition to the letters that were previously received as part of this item during the March 30, 2026 council meeting.

Councilmember Madison urged City staff to gather input from experienced developers to identify how to maximize financial and community value of the project site. He also expressed concerns that environmental analysis has not begun despite receiving funding.

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In response to Councilmember Hampton’s inquiry regarding the flow of traffic, Joaquin Siques, Transportation Director, reported that another traffic analysis will be conducted to identify alternatives and prevent traffic from flowing into adjacent residential streets, as well as how to maintain access to the medical corridors. He advocated for further discussion on the governance structure for project.

Councilmember Cole expressed concerns regarding traffic impacts and advocated for the City to work with professionals with real estate development expertise.

Mayor Gordo expressed support for the staff recommendations and noted that they should serve as the outline for what the 710-stub area will become.

Councilmember Cole spoke in support of adopting the staff recommendation, with Item 2f to be brought back for City Council consideration at a future City Council meeting, and with an amendment to Item 2i to direct City staff to include affected neighborhoods and communities in the discussions with Caltrans on how best to transition existing freeway-to-freeway to a local-to-freeway/freeway-to-local access system.

In response to Councilmember Cole's comments, Assistant City Manager Harvey-Williams proposed adding an additional staff recommendation directing City staff to regularly provide City Council with progress updates and seek direction regarding all aspects of overall Reconnecting Pasadena program.

Councilmember Madison expressed concerns regarding the report referencing “carbon neutral” rather than the City’s adopted goal of “carbon free”. Acting City Manager Hawkesworth noted that parts of the project may reach climate goals but may not be carbon free (i.e. recycling concrete as its torn from the ground). Councilmember Cole suggested revising the sustainability verbiage to state “toward a carbon free future”.

Councilmember Madison expressed preference for gardens and terraces as opposed to the boulevards and paseos concept. Discussion briefly ensued regarding reducing regional cut-through traffic and maintaining local access. Vaughan Davies, Perkins Eastman consultant, reported that some of the advantages for the boulevards and paseos concept allows for street network flexibility and providing a north to south greenway connection.

Councilmember Cole suggested changing the verbiage for Item 2h to state “access concept as the a working option”.

Council Minutes

04/13/2026

Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the staff recommendations, with an amendment to Item 21 to direct City staff to continue to work in partnership with affected neighborhoods, communities, and Caltrans regarding the transition of the existing freeway-to-freeway to a local-to-freeway/freeway-to-local access system, to add direction to City staff to regularly provide City Council with progress updates and seek direction regarding all aspects of overall Reconnecting Pasadena program, revise the sustainability verbiage to state "toward a carbon free future", and to change the verbiage for Item H to state "access concept as the a working option".

AYES: Councilmembers Cole, Hampton, Jones, Lyon, Madison, Masuda, Vice Mayor Rivas, Mayor Gordo NOES: None

・・・・・・ ・ ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

PUBLIC HEARINGS

HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS & PLANNING COMMITTEE: SUBMITTAL OF PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY ANNUAL PLAN (2026) TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (Housing Dept.)

Councilmembers Hampton and Jones left the meeting at 9:38 p.m.

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City of Pasadena (the “City”), as Successor Agency to the Pasadena Community Development Commission, after a public hearing:

Councilmember Lyon left the meeting at 9:40 p.m. ABSENT: None

1. Find that the recommended action in the agenda report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment; and
2. Approve the City's Public Housing Agency Streamlined Annual Plan (2026), as attached to the agenda report, and authorize the City Manager to execute any and all documents regarding its submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
3. City Clerk Jomsky reported that the public hearing notice was published on March 2, 2026 in the Pasadena Press and that no correspondence was received by the City Clerk's Office for this item.

MOTION:

It was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by Councilmember Cole, to close the public hearing. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Lyon)

MOTION:

It was moved by Councilmember Madison, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to approve the staff recommendation. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Hampton, Jones, Lyon)

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Councilmember Lyon returned to the meeting at 9:45 p.m.

CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED FISCAL YEAR 2027 - 2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET (Public Works Dept.)

• Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
• Open the public hearing on the City Manager's Recommended Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 - 2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget; and
• Continue the public hearing to May 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., as necessary, and thereafter at each subsequent meeting of the City Council until the City Council determines that the public hearing may close and then formally adopt the FY 2027 – 2031 CIP Budget.

City Clerk Jomsky reported that the public hearing notice was published on March 30, 2026 in the Pasadena Press and that 23 letters urging the City Council not to approve the proposed CIP budget until revisions are made to prioritize funding for carbon free projects as set forth in the City's optimized strategic plan, 2 letters expressing opposition to artificial turf at city parks and/or providing comments relating to health and environmental impacts, 1 letter expressing support of the proposed CIP and advocating for additional infrastructure projects to improve street safety and walkability, and 1 letter expressing opposition to an active intelligence center, were received by the City Clerk's office, distributed to the City Council, posted online, and made part of the public record.

Brent Maue, Deputy Director of Public Works, provided introductory comments for the item and presented a PowerPoint Presentation outlining the City's capital improvement projects.

Blair Miller, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding the delays for street safety projects and advocated for quick build opportunities.

The following individuals advocated for the City to prioritize and increase funding for projects that will directly achieve the City's carbon free goals and/or provided related comments:

Sam Berndt, Pasadena resident

Sanford Krasner, Pasadena resident

Cynthia Cannady, Pasadena resident

Tom King, Pasadena resident

Shayne Smith, Pasadena resident

Councilmember Madison requested City staff to provide additional information clarifying the discrepancy between the 20 MW solar and the 75 MW storage goals identified in the optimized strategic plan and what is reflected in the proposed CIP.

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04/13/2026

Councilmember Cole requested City staff to provide information on alternative projects to achieve the City's carbon free goals, alternatives to artificial turf as discussed at the Municipal Services Committee meeting, and alternatives for modest investments in solar when the item returns at the City Council's May 4, 2026 meeting.

MOTION:

It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Madison, to continue the public hearing to May 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmembers Hampton and Jones)

ADJOURNMENT

On order of the Mayor, the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 10:02 p.m.

Uht m.

Victor M. Gordo, Mayor

City of Pasadena

ATTEST:

City of Pasadena

City Clerk

Council Minutes

04/13/2026