Matthew E. Hawkesworth

The City Council conducted a regular meeting covering various administrative and legislative matters. Key discussion topics included the authorization of several contracts for services such as vehicle immobilization systems, janitorial services, credit card processing, software services, and community meeting facilitation. The Council addressed budget amendments, housing allocations, and appointments to regional boards and commissions. A significant public hearing was held regarding the Affinity Project (Planned Development #39) at South Arroyo Parkway, which was continued to a future date pending further analysis and additional conditions. Additionally, the Council adopted a resolution to continue allowing remote teleconference meetings and held a closed session to discuss employee performance evaluations and pending litigation.

The City Council addressed numerous items including the proposed reconfiguration of Orange Grove Boulevard, police department oversight and staffing, and the implementation of a new customer information system for the Water and Power Department. The council approved multiple contracts for municipal services, such as janitorial supplies, fire personnel uniforms, arterial speed management, water main installations, and parking structure ADA improvements. A significant portion of the meeting focused on establishing regulations for commercial cannabis businesses, including land use, buffer distances, and taxation, which were submitted to the voters for the June 5, 2018 election. Additionally, the council reviewed hearing officer decisions related to a residential care facility and a mixed-use development project and approved various budget amendments and grant funding allocations.

The City Council meeting included a closed session regarding real property negotiations for 924 East Washington Boulevard. The Council received an update on the Bob Hope Airport ground transportation facility and discussed potential governance changes and land use redevelopment. Various contracts and agreements were approved, including supplemental law enforcement services for New Year's activities, sublease agreements in Old Pasadena, and participation in the Healthy Way LA Health Care Initiative. Financial items included the issuance of pension obligation bonds and debentures for the Fire and Police Retirement System, the adoption of an escheat policy for unclaimed money, and public hearings regarding revenue obligations for Maranatha High School and the reallocation of homeless prevention funds. Additionally, the Council discussed parking regulations around the Gold Line station, amendments to the Transportation Advisory Commission rules, and conducted the first reading of an ordinance to regulate plastic and paper bag usage.

The committee and city council held a joint meeting to conduct a public hearing regarding the fiscal year 2017-2021 recommended capital improvement program budget. Discussions covered several key areas, including municipal buildings and facilities, the water system, the electric system, street lighting and electrical system undergrounding, technology, the Rose Bowl, and the Pasadena Center.

The scheduled regular meeting was cancelled.