Turf at two parks, a Ronald McDonald House expansion, and the housing pipeline

A ceremonial proclamation declaring October 2026 Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with commendations to Peace Over Violence and a representative of Shepherd's Door, and thanks to the city prosecutor's office, police department and city attorney. 00:01:29

• The mayor proclaimed October 2026 Domestic Violence Awareness Month on behalf of the council and presented commendations to local organizations. 00:03:10
• City staff noted the organizations work with the city prosecutor's office and police as resources for domestic violence victims, and that the city also has a victim witness advocate. 00:04:28

The city manager announced the recent death of an 18-year city employee who began in 2008 in what is now Parks, Recreation and Community Services and was most recently a program coordinator in the Rent Stabilization Department. The council adjourned the meeting in her memory and will send a letter to her family. 00:06:09

• City staff announced the employee's death and summarized her career, beginning in 2008 in Human Services and Recreation. 00:06:09
• City staff said she was later promoted into the Rent Stabilization Department, where she served until her death. 00:06:09
• The mayor said the council would adjourn in her memory and send a letter to her family. 00:07:15
• A councilmember recalled seeing her at work at the JRCC and offered condolences to her family and coworkers. 00:07:38

A required federal (TEFRA) public hearing and resolution letting the California Municipal Finance Authority issue up to $42,000,000 (agenda) in tax-exempt bonds for a residential rental project by 2K Colorado, LP at 2000-2030 East Colorado Boulevard and 25 South San Marino Avenue. The item was pulled at the start of the meeting and will be renoticed; two public commenters spoke on it during general public comment. 00:08:07

• Item 10 pulled from the agenda, to be renoticed; no vote taken. Result: withdrawn. 00:08:16

• City staff told the mayor before the agenda began that the TEFRA hearing would be canceled. 00:08:07
• The city clerk repeated later that the hearing was canceled and would be renoticed. 00:43:51

Not an agenda item. After a public commenter asked the council to advance a formal sister-city tie with Guanajuato, Mexico, the mayor said the city had become a Friendship City with Guanajuato, and a councilmember objected that only the full council can extend a sister-city invitation. At the end of the meeting the chair corrected the record, and the two disagreed again over whether the council had seen the letters. 00:14:56

• The mayor told the commenter he had exchanged communications with Guanajuato's mayor, that the city is now a Friendship City, and that a flag was ordered for display. 00:14:56
• A councilmember disagreed, and urged the full council to use its power to formally invite Guanajuato to be a sister city. 00:15:18
• A councilmember argued the sister city organization that let the mayor do this is operating unlawfully because it is not in good standing under state law. 00:16:03
• The mayor maintained that the mayor has always had authority to recognize friendship cities, noting the item was not on the agenda. 00:16:32
• The mayor corrected the record, saying he had sent a letter inviting Guanajuato's mayor to consider a friendship city relationship, which was accepted. 02:55:23
• The mayor said about six other cities have reached out to him, and he will make the same friendship-city suggestion to them. 02:55:23
• A councilmember objected that the council never got the letters until a member of the public obtained them through a public records request. 02:56:28
• The mayor said the letters were in his weekly green sheets to the council but that he would double check. 02:56:50
• A councilmember argued the person Guanajuato was referred to cannot act for Pasadena's sister cities organization because it is not in good standing. 02:57:11
• The mayor said the matter had been agendized and discussed at length before, and only one sister city committee is recognized by the city. 02:57:56

Routine items approved in one motion: an information report on an emergency equipment rental for the Path Two 35kV cable replacement, tax-revenue consulting contracts, a Franchise Tax Board data agreement, $2,756,073 (agenda) in federal HOME funds and amended terms for a senior affordable housing project at 280 Ramona Street, FY2027 operating budget amendments adding 2.0 permanent positions, General Fund reserve commitments, and receipt of claims. Items 6 and 8 were pulled for separate votes because of recusals. 00:32:06

• Gene Masuda (Councilmember, District 4) moved and Jason Lyon (Councilmember, District 7) seconded approval of the consent calendar except items 6 and 8. Result: passed. 00:39:28

• A councilmember raised the cost of building an ADU or converting a garage, and argued the city could help residents finance ADUs to house people for less than current per-unit costs. 00:37:29
• The mayor agreed to agendize a look at ADUs and other lower-cost housing options, noting state ADU law has changed. 00:38:30

Authorizes an agreement with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works for street resurfacing and ADA improvements on streets the city and county share, with the county's share estimated at $1,223,952 (agenda), which is also appropriated into the FY2027 resurfacing program. 00:39:31

• Motion to approve item 6; the chair named both Jason Lyon (Councilmember, District 7) and Tyron Hampton (Councilmember, District 1) when announcing the second, so who moved and who seconded is unclear. Result: passed. Recused: Justin Jones (Councilmember, District 3). 00:39:46

• A councilmember recused himself out of caution because his direct employer is L.A. County Public Works. 00:39:31

Amends the FY2027 Capital Improvement Program budget as detailed in an attachment not in the packet. One part (project four, the Raymond Avenue undergrounding/lighting district project, described by staff as $5,000,000 already budgeted) was voted on separately because the mayor owns a home in the district and recused himself. 00:39:46

• With Victor Gordo (Mayor) recused and Jess Rivas (Councilmember, District 5; Vice Mayor) presiding, motion to approve sub-item 4 of item 8 (Raymond Avenue project); mover and seconder unclear. Result: passed. Recused: Victor Gordo (Mayor). 00:42:08
• Jess Rivas (Councilmember, District 5; Vice Mayor) moved and Tyron Hampton (Councilmember, District 1) seconded approval of the rest of item 8. Result: passed. 00:43:06

• The mayor explained he owns a home in a lighting district in the item and recuses on that piece as a matter of practice. 00:39:46
• A speaker identified the recused piece as $5,000,000 already budgeted for the Raymond Avenue undergrounding project. 00:41:30
• A councilmember asked whether all the recommendations came from staff, and was told yes. 00:41:53

Second reading and adoption of an uncodified ordinance, introduced by Tyron Hampton (Councilmember, District 1), exempting qualifying Eaton fire repairs from the city's construction tax. 00:43:06

• Adopt on second reading the uncodified ordinance exempting qualifying Eaton fire repairs from construction tax (roll call). Result: passed, unanimous. 00:43:38

Staff recommended replacing the city's only two artificial turf athletic fields, at Villa Parke and Robinson Park, with recyclable artificial turf made without PFAS and filled with natural infill instead of rubber, while continuing to evaluate natural grass for future renovations, and finding the project exempt from CEQA. Staff said Villa Parke is funded in the FY2027 capital budget and Robinson Park is not, so Robinson will need a funding request later. The choice trades playing hours on two heavily used Northwest Pasadena fields against concerns about heat, chemicals, microplastics and cost. After 26 public speakers, the council approved the recommendation 5-3. 00:43:51

▶ Hear it Did the health review consider the environmental commission's report? · 0:45

• Jess Rivas (Councilmember, District 5; Vice Mayor) moved to approve the staff recommendation (called the vice mayor's motion); a councilmember seconded. Roll call. Result: passed, 5-3. No: Rick Cole (Councilmember, District 2), Jason Lyon (Councilmember, District 7), Steve Madison (Councilmember, District 6). 02:54:34

• City staff said the recommendation covers only these two fields and does not set citywide policy, and the city will keep 20 natural grass fields. 00:44:18
• City staff said Robinson Park's turf is also near the end of its life but unfunded. 00:45:36
• City staff said natural grass would need a four-to-six-month closure to build and an annual three-month closure for renovation. 00:46:38
• City staff said mowing hybrid grass cuts synthetic fibers, so clippings must go to a landfill rather than green waste. 00:47:39
• City staff said natural infill runs about 20 to 30 percent cooler than rubber infill but still hotter than grass. 00:48:40
• City staff noted Palo Alto studied the same three options and its council chose artificial turf. 00:49:48
• City staff proposed a two-year pilot testing four grass seed varieties on 25,000 square feet of the Villa Parke multipurpose field to improve the city's natural fields. 00:50:55
• City staff estimated ten-year costs at Villa Parke of about $1.5 million for natural grass versus $2.4 million for turf, which includes $1.2 million to replace it. 00:52:04
• City staff said Rose Bowl staff believe hybrid renovation costs about the same as installation, estimated at $2.2 million for a field this size. 00:53:19
• City staff put maintenance cost per playable hour at $5.34 for turf versus $16.15 for grass, because grass would have 2,340 available hours, excluding capital costs. 00:54:26
• City staff said Public Health is drafting outdoor activity heat guidelines that will apply to both grass and turf fields. 00:55:29
• City staff said manufacturers make PFAS-free turf with third-party certification, and the contract scope would require proof. 00:57:37
• City staff reported the school district and Rose Bowl have little field space available to absorb structured league play. 00:58:39
• City staff corrected the staff report's $975,000 fiscal figure, saying the adopted FY2027 capital budget appropriates $1,125,000 to the project. 01:00:41
• City staff said Robinson Park would need a separate capital appropriation at a later date. 01:00:41
• A councilmember questioned the ten-year turf lifespan estimate, since the city's turf has lasted only eight years in each of two cycles. 01:01:45
• City staff said the Villa Parke field may have only one more season left. 01:02:09
• City staff estimated Robinson Park, about twice Villa Parke's size, at about $3.1 million for turf and $2.8 million for grass over ten years. 01:04:22
• City staff acknowledged the Robinson Park figures were put together at the last minute by scaling the formula to field size, and could not explain a discrepancy. 01:05:06
• City staff said sod would add roughly $100,000 or more per facility and could save about a month of closure. 01:06:59
• A councilmember said the presentation still felt like it was selling turf, despite the committee's request for a balanced one. 01:08:07
• A councilmember raised player safety, noting some elite athletes refuse to play on artificial turf, and worried about long-term effects on children. 01:08:40
• City staff said injury counts in the city's programs are about equal on turf and grass, though the types of injuries differ. 01:09:40
• A councilmember asked about the surface choice for a dog park in his district. 01:12:21
• City staff said natural grass is the better choice for dog parks. 01:12:35
• A councilmember praised the staff presenter but said he brings a bias, while noting the presentation's balance had significantly improved. 01:14:03
• City staff said rubber infill can reach 150 to 160 degrees, versus about 125 to 130 for natural infill, which is still hotter than grass. 01:15:51
• City staff said research shows turf products contain contaminants that can disrupt hormones or cause cancer. 02:00:32
• City staff said the science on how much of those contaminants reach the body is still developing. 02:01:36
• City staff cited a March 2026 state study of 35 California fields that found no toxic levels in players, coaches, referees or spectators, and called the risk low. 02:02:39
• The mayor said he had not heard sources cited for the public's claims that the fields are unsafe. 02:03:18
• City staff said the department reviewed studies the public sent in but discounted many as scientifically weak. 02:03:48
• City staff said the state study likely did not include newer products like the natural infill being proposed. 02:06:07
• City staff described the coming heat guidance, which uses wet bulb globe temperature rather than air temperature to set breaks or cancellations. 02:06:43
• A councilmember questioned why the state study was commissioned and paid for by CalRecycle, a recycling agency. 02:08:20
• A councilmember raised, as a rhetorical question, whether regulators can be captured by the industries they regulate. 02:09:19
• City staff said grass baseball fields close two to two-and-a-half months for renovation, and three months is the ideal minimum for soccer and football fields. 02:10:24
• A councilmember argued natural grass should be the minimum standard for Pasadena. 02:15:13
• A councilmember said the city underfunds and understaffs grass maintenance, and opposed the staff recommendation while remaining open to alternatives. 02:15:13
• A councilmember called turf a limited solution for high-use fields like Villa Parke, noting the multipurpose field will stay grass. 02:17:20
• A councilmember said the field's users overwhelmingly support turf, and moved the staff recommendation. 02:18:22
• A councilmember said Northwest Pasadena families depend on these fields, and a three-month closure is unacceptable. 02:19:14
• A councilmember argued active, well-used parks improve neighborhood safety, citing changes near Robinson Park. 02:20:17
• A councilmember said Villa Parke coaches, parents and players he met were unanimous for turf, and seconded the motion. 02:21:22
• A councilmember said the data do not show health harm to children from recreational play on turf. 02:22:28
• A councilmember said turf puts large amounts of microplastics and forever chemicals into the water table and creates heat islands. 02:23:33
• A councilmember said the lost play time could be solved with school district help, transportation or sod, and voted no. 02:24:34
• City staff told the questioner the proposed natural-infill product is cooler than the products public speakers described. 02:26:25
• City staff clarified that CalRecycle is a state agency under CalEPA. 02:26:54
• A councilmember said he would support the staff recommendation. 02:27:26
• A councilmember noted the Environmental Advisory Commission report, which the health director said he had not reviewed, cites studies showing potential risk. 02:28:16
• City staff said his department reviewed only contamination and health impacts, not broader environmental effects. 02:28:32
• A councilmember argued state law is moving away from artificial turf and the plan could be outlawed by the state. 02:28:46
• A councilmember argued it would be wrong to accept the risks for kids in the city's poorest areas. 02:34:07
• A councilmember challenged the characterization of the children near the two parks as the poorest in Pasadena, calling it disrespectful to their families. 02:35:18
• A councilmember said he would not describe any of the city's children as the poorest of anything. 02:35:29
• City staff said the specifications, including PFAS-free certification and natural infill, are not yet written into the recommendation but would be included if the council so directs. 02:38:33
• A councilmember asked that the turf specifications be posted at the park so parents know what children are playing on. 02:38:53
• City staff said the city applied for a grant for spectator shade structures at Villa Parke, Victory Park, Robinson Park and another park. 02:40:36
• City staff cited a Glendale study he worked on that found little real heat-island effect from fields of this size. 02:40:36
• A councilmember said he wished a soil or turf scientist had been part of the discussion, and asked staff to further explore hybrid and organic regenerative fields. 02:41:52
• City staff said the heat guidelines will apply to any surface, including blacktop, and use portable equipment. 02:44:50
• A councilmember asked the health director to look into whether a Proposition 65 warning is required for the turf. 02:45:14
• The mayor said that, given how heavily these two fields are used, the benefits of turf outweigh the drawbacks. 02:46:02
• The mayor recalled that when the fields were closed years ago, children played in streets and parking lots instead. 02:47:04
• The mayor recalled that enrollment in youth programs dropped significantly when the fields were closed. 02:48:04
• The mayor said he supports the recommendation and favors shade sails for players and fans. 02:50:46
• A councilmember clarified the shade grant covers spectator areas, not the playing field. 02:51:21
• City staff said sod could cut the closure from three months to two for roughly $100,000 more, as a rough estimate. 02:52:18
• A councilmember said he would oppose the motion, believing grass can be made to work. 02:53:12

• About ten people spoke on non-agenda matters. Two raised the Rose Bowl Riders, an organization described as facing eviction after 80 years, and asked the city to pause the eviction and meet with its leadership.
• One speaker said the city lacks enough motel vouchers for about 300 unsheltered people and that council was not notified when they ran out. The same speaker asked for police data on how quality-of-life laws are enforced against unhoused people, and asked that both be agendized.
• Two speakers addressed the pulled 2000 East Colorado bond item. One questioned the project's height, parking and lost property tax revenue. The other supported the 100% affordable project and urged the utility to promote plug-in solar under the new state law.
• One speaker voiced support for a proposed $20,000 for sidewalk improvements under a specific plan the council recently approved for the commenter's area.
• One speaker asked the council to advance a formal sister-city relationship with Guanajuato and to issue a Sister Cities Day proclamation.
• A rental property owner said Pasadena's rent-control fair return petition and appeal process is broken and slow. He asked for enforceable deadlines, a way to fix math errors, and a corrected worksheet.
• One speaker thanked the council for the Black Legacy District and asked for at least $20,000 for banners.
• One speaker asked again for help filing police reports on a personal matter; the mayor referred her to the police department.
• Consent calendar: one speaker asked whether the contractor will pay for the emergency equipment rental on item 1. Another did not oppose item 4 but criticized the project's cost growth and urged cheaper housing models such as modular units and motel conversions.
• Item 11 (turf): 26 people spoke, about 16 against artificial turf and about 10 for it. Supporters included painters' union installers, youth and adult soccer coaches, little league leaders, and a speaker for Spanish-speaking park users; they cited playing time, access for lower-income families, and the cost and wear of grass.
• Opponents cited heat, PFAS and other chemicals, microplastics, greenhouse gases, injury rates, and environmental justice for Northwest Pasadena. Several urged sod, hybrid, or organic grass pilots instead. The chair of the city's Environmental Advisory Commission questioned the three-month grass closure estimate and the process.

• The item 10 TEFRA bond hearing for 2000-2030 East Colorado Boulevard was canceled and will be renoticed.
• The mayor said a look at ADUs and other lower-cost housing options would be agendized, apparently at the Housing, Homelessness and Planning Committee.
• Robinson Park's turf replacement is unfunded; staff will return later to request a capital appropriation.
• If the shade structure grant is awarded, staff will return to the council with a contract.
• Public Health is finalizing heat-safety guidance based on wet bulb globe temperature; the health director agreed to look into whether a Proposition 65 notice is required for the turf.
• Staff plans a two-year pilot testing four grass seed varieties on part of the Villa Parke multipurpose field.
• The mayor said he expects more discussions on fields and sport courts.
• The meeting adjourned in memory of a longtime city employee, and the council will send a letter to her family.

A set of 13 changes to the city's FY 2027 capital (construction and equipment) budget. Together they add a net $7,521,019 to the capital budget with no change to the General Fund (agenda). The biggest piece is $5,000,000 from the Underground Utilities Fund for street lighting on the Raymond Avenue undergrounding project, which is in design, with construction expected to start in March 2027 (agenda). The list also includes $750,000 from the Building Preventive Maintenance Fund for building maintenance (agenda). The staff report ties this to City Hall elevators: one recently broke down between floors with seven people trapped for almost two hours, and replacement parts are hard to find. Other pieces are a $1,000,000 federal HUD Community Project Funding grant to renovate the long-closed pottery/kiln room at the Jackie Robinson Community Center and make accessibility improvements; $116,029 collected from property owners and developers for sidewalk repairs; $250,000 in CDBG funds plus $75,000 in Street Occupancy Rental Fees for accessible pedestrian signal push buttons at 20 intersections; and several smaller Traffic Reduction Fee amounts to cover costs the traffic-safety grants don't pay for. Water and Power also moves money between projects without increasing it: $899,104, $1,360,872 and $446,930 (agenda). 00:16:15

• Rick Cole (Councilmember, District 2) moved the staff recommendation (the seconder called it his amendment); the second came from a member whose words fall under label S4; Victor Gordo (Mayor) was absent. Result: passed, unanimous. 00:19:24

• A councilmember moved the staff recommendation and said most of the items had already been approved or contemplated in some way 00:16:53
• A councilmember described three different ways the city handles sidewalk repair: the owner pays when pulling a permit, the city pays in certain areas, or the city repairs in emergencies 00:16:53
• A councilmember said the sidewalk approach is an inequity that should come back for discussion, but should not hold up this year's money 00:16:53
• A councilmember said the $5 million for the Raymond undergrounding project pushes Mountain Street back to 2031 00:17:54
• A councilmember said Raymond and Mountain together leave the city out of undergrounding for a long time, asked that this come back to the Municipal Services Committee, and said he supports all the items 00:17:54
• City staff said Water and Power will start the Mountain project in 2027, while Public Works will not reach its portion until around 2030 or 2031 00:18:38
• City staff said the only thing holding Mountain up is resources, and that the department doesn't want the whole street dug up at once 00:18:38
• City staff said the department will finish Raymond and then start Mountain right away in 2027 00:18:38
• A councilmember suggested the later date in the capital program reflects only the Public Works part of the project 00:19:17

Lets the City Manager sign an agreement with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works so the two can repave streets that cross the city-county line. About 2.8 miles in five segments would be repaved across their full width, instead of stopping at the jurisdiction line: Crestford Drive, Del Mar Boulevard, Eaton Canyon Drive, San Pasqual Street and Sierra Madre Villa Avenue (agenda). Pasadena would design and build the work. The county's share is estimated at $1,223,952 ($1,223,951.78) out of a total of $3,272,151.57. The city's share, an estimated $2,048,199.79, comes from money already budgeted for the FY 2027 resurfacing program (agenda). The item also adds the county money to that program, raising its budget from $11,121,923 to $12,345,875, per the staff slides. Work can include curbs, gutters, sidewalks, curb ramps, striping and traffic signal detectors. Construction is expected to start in spring 2027 (agenda). 00:20:38

• A councilmember moved the staff recommendation; seconded after the chair called on Gene Masuda (Councilmember, District 4); Victor Gordo (Mayor) was absent. Result: passed, unanimous. 00:20:38

• A councilmember moved the recommendation, calling it a good thing because many border streets are paved on one side only 00:19:42
• A councilmember said it makes no sense not to work with the county on the line down the middle, and praised staff for working it out 00:19:42
• A councilmember thanked staff and said you can see exactly where county paving ends and city paving begins 00:20:01

Routine first-quarter changes to the operating budget the City Council adopted on June 22, 2026. Carry-forwards of unfinished FY 2026 purchases, contracts and grants add a net $8,851,482 (agenda). Most of that money is for fire engines and rescue ambulances delayed by long build times, and for vehicles replacing ones lost in the Eaton Fire. New amendments add a net $1,928,799 and two permanent Management Analyst II positions. Those positions would expand the city's development services concierge program, which helps applicants through permitting, at $179,766 this year and about $282,000 a year after that (agenda). Other amendments include $55,612 from the General Fund to finish a laundry room, shower room and restrooms and fix attic access at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church for the Bad Weather Shelter; $832,300 in Measure A rental-assistance funds; $935,551 for two street sweepers; about $432,000 for the Dine Out Grant Program (the packet lists both $432,467 and $432,167), which the federal grant fully reimburses; and $150,000 in Measure B funds for a public health mobile command unit to replace one destroyed in the Eaton Fire (agenda). Overall, the General Fund's unappropriated balance would drop by a net $1,702,558 (agenda). 00:20:38

• Motion to approve the staff recommendation (the mover can't be heard in the transcript); a councilmember seconded; Victor Gordo (Mayor) was absent. Result: passed, unanimous. 00:23:51

• A councilmember noted the $55,000 going to the bad weather shelter and said the health department is insisting on a $300,000 kitchen upgrade before the church's kitchen can be used for the shelter 00:21:10
• A councilmember called it absurd to hold Trinity Lutheran to the upgrade when its kitchen has been used for thirty years without anyone getting food poisoning 00:21:10
• A councilmember said the city should either pay the $300,000 or reach a more sensible compromise, since the shelter is stuck microwaving pre-prepared meals 00:21:10
• A councilmember argued that restaurant-style standards don't fit because the site is a homeless shelter, not a restaurant 00:21:10
• A councilmember agreed with the point and asked whether the City Manager's office could come back with a recommendation on moving the kitchen forward 00:22:15
• City staff said that once the facility serves the public, state health and safety standards for food kitchens apply, including plan check review when equipment or plumbing is involved 00:22:37
• City staff said she doesn't know what the $300,000 covers and that the public health department isn't requiring specific upgrades; the facility can choose how to comply 00:22:37
• A councilmember asked whether the requirement would apply if the people served were church members 00:23:27
• City staff said serving food to the congregation counts as a private event with no health code rules, but serving the public triggers them 00:23:33
• A councilmember suggested talking with the church about making some of the people served members of the church 00:23:51
• A councilmember said he and the department official he spoke with take their duties seriously but disagree on how to read the law and resolve the issue 00:24:27

The yearly formal action that sets aside General Fund reserves: $54,737,400 for emergencies (15 percent), plus up to $18,245,800 as an operating reserve (5 percent), for a total of $72,983,200 (agenda). The final operating reserve amount will be set once the FY 2026 financial statements are done. The emergency money can be used only in a declared federal, state or local emergency. The operating reserve can be used only during extreme budget deficits or major economic uncertainty caused by events outside the city's control. Changing either use takes a council resolution (agenda). Reserves rose from $68,390,000 in FY 2025. The city's Section 115 pension trust fell from $14,273,745 to $8,337,795 after the council approved a $7 million extra payment to CalPERS in December 2025 (agenda). Staff report no fiscal impact. 00:24:53

• A councilmember moved to adopt the reserve commitments under city policy (the seconder can't be heard in the transcript); Victor Gordo (Mayor) was absent. Result: passed, unanimous. 00:26:01

• A councilmember called the item a no-brainer and moved to adopt the reserves under city policy 00:25:09
• City staff clarified that staff were not bringing a new policy: the reserve amounts rose because they are percentages and revenues increased 00:25:23
• City staff said the paper had described this as a change in policy, but nothing changed except the amounts 00:25:23

• No public comment on matters not on the agenda, and none was announced on item 4.

• A councilmember asked that the city's uneven approach to paying for sidewalk repairs come back for discussion; no date was set.
• A councilmember asked that the Raymond Avenue and Mountain Street undergrounding schedule come back to the Municipal Services Committee. Water and Power staff said work on Mountain starts in 2027.
• A councilmember asked whether the City Manager's office could come back with a recommendation on the Trinity Lutheran kitchen for the Bad Weather Shelter. Asked whether it should come back, a councilmember pointed to a difference of opinion with the health department but did not clearly ask for it. No formal follow-up was set.
• Per the packet, items 3 and 4 go on to the City Council, listed on the slides as Council items 5 and 7. The staff reports for items 2, 3 and 4 are addressed to the Council through this committee. The chair closed by saying they would see everyone in an hour.
• Construction on the shared LA County streets is expected to start in spring 2027 (agenda). Construction on Raymond Avenue street lighting is expected to start in March 2027 (agenda).

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California asked to expand its Pasadena hospitality home, which houses families of children getting treatment at nearby hospitals, onto two parcels on S. St. John Avenue: 762 S. St. John Ave. and a vacant parcel (AIN 5719-005-908). The package includes a zone change from RS-4 to RS-4 HH (Hospitality Home overlay) for those two parcels, and a modification of the existing minor conditional use permit to cover them. It also asks for a variance to pave 54 percent of the Pasadena Avenue front yard where 30 percent is allowed, for a circular driveway; a variance and a minor variance for a solid, six-foot fence along St. John Avenue where 50 percent openness and four feet are required; a certificate of exception to merge the four parcels into two; and removal of one Chinese Elm (agenda). Staff described other work: an elevator addition and accessibility remodels to the two Craftsman houses, a replacement Building C of about 1,200 square feet, and a parking lot of up to 25 spaces off St. John with a trash enclosure. Staff said capacity stays at up to 17 families with no change in staff. The commission only makes a recommendation; the City Council decides. The site sits next to a single-family landmark district across St. John Avenue, and the two Pasadena Avenue houses and the St. John building are contributing historic buildings. 00:01:57

▶ Hear it Does the fire department really need the wider driveway? · 0:26

• A commissioner moved staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the CEQA exemption and approve the applications, with three added or clarified conditions of approval; a commissioner seconded. At a commissioner's request, the fence-height minor variance (agenda item 5 of the seven applications) was split off, and this vote covered everything else. Result: passed. No: a commissioner. 01:28:26
• Separate vote on the minor variance allowing a six-foot front-yard fence along St. John Avenue where four feet is allowed. Result: passed. No: a commissioner, a commissioner. 01:28:55

• City staff explained that the paving variance would allow 54 percent front-yard paving on Pasadena Avenue where the code allows 30 percent 00:03:47
• City staff said Building C, now about 600 square feet, would be demolished and replaced with a building of about 1,200 square feet for offices, laundry and storage 00:11:06
• City staff said the facility would keep serving up to 17 families, with no change in the number of families or in staff capacity 00:12:09
• City staff said the vacant parcel would become a parking lot for up to 25 cars, with delivery access and a trash enclosure 00:13:13
• City staff said the one protected tree would be removed to make room for the parking lot entrance on St. John Avenue, and replacement trees would be required as a condition 00:18:26
• A commissioner asked how the public could weigh in on the fencing and the Pasadena Avenue frontage if the designs are only reviewed at plan check 00:21:25
• The applicant's representative said the organization has been renting the property for 22 years and wants to own it and create a safe, accessible campus 00:32:14
• The applicant's representative said the house has never had 50 people at once and the realistic maximum is about 35 00:41:38
• The applicant's representative said the organization has 14 staff, 10 of them part time, with one person on site around the clock 00:42:01
• A commissioner asked why the project needs much more parking when the site has worked with 13 spaces since 2006 00:42:39
• The applicant's representative said parking has been a problem, with people parking on Pasadena Avenue and St. John, and the goal is to keep parking on site and out of the neighborhood 00:43:35
• A commissioner asked that any open metal gate have smooth, well-coated metalwork so children can't get hurt, possibly as a condition of approval 00:45:41
• The applicant's representative said the new Building C will be built to take rooftop solar and the project is trying to go all-electric but faces power-capacity problems 00:47:02
• City staff said extending the hospitality home overlay follows a process in the zoning code and is not spot zoning 00:49:12
• City staff said the site stays subject to single-family standards on noise, deliveries, lighting, setbacks and lot coverage, like any neighbor 00:50:59
• City staff said the buildings already contribute to the historic district and the city's historic preservation staff reviewed the exterior changes 00:52:16
• City staff agreed to add a condition requiring fencing materials and illustrations to go to the city's design and historic preservation staff during plan check 01:00:03
• A commissioner questioned the circular driveway, noting it adds a curb cut and makes the frontage less friendly to pedestrians 01:00:50
• The applicant's architect said the circular driveway was worked out with the fire department, which will use it to reach the property 01:01:36
• City staff confirmed the St. John building has been used by the organization, he believed for about six years, without the needed permit, and this process would bring it into the operation 01:03:23
• The applicant's representative said the team looked at ways to save the elm but found none that would keep the parking lot 01:05:23
• A commissioner asked staff to clarify the condition saying final on-site and public right-of-way plans are reviewed at plan check, which staff agreed to do 01:07:55
• A commissioner said she fully supported all the applications, saw no flaws in the findings, and offered to move staff's recommendation 01:14:21
• A commissioner backed the expanded use but objected that a six-foot fence on St. John would block a passerby's view of the historic building 01:15:23
• A commissioner said he was also inclined to deny the variance allowing more than half the Pasadena Avenue front yard to be paved 01:16:27
• A commissioner said he leaned toward approval and gave weight to the families' need for privacy in judging the fence variance 01:17:20
• City staff explained that the lot qualifies for a circular driveway, but the fire department's need for a wider driveway pushes paving over the limit 01:18:35
• The applicant's representative said the driveway grew from a 12-foot residential width to about 18 feet at the fire department's request 01:20:16
• A commissioner said emergency medical access matters even more at a facility like this 01:20:33
• City staff said the 710 specific plan work is studying Pasadena Avenue and St. John Avenue, including whether Pasadena Avenue could become two-way 01:22:41
• A commissioner argued that six-foot fences are common around large homes like these and need not be out of character 01:23:25
• A commissioner objected that a six-foot fence in a front yard is unusual 01:23:46
• City staff explained that merging the lots creates a double-frontage lot where both street sides count as front yards, which is why the fence variance is needed 01:25:10
• A commissioner noted that neighbors across St. John would face about 140 feet of fencing 01:25:34

These amendments to Titles 16 and 17 of the municipal code would carry out state laws. They would allow small-lot subdivisions and housing projects of 10 or fewer lots in residential zones, keep two-unit (SB 9) projects from facing stricter standards than other housing, allow SB 9 projects in historic districts if no historic structure is affected, and process lot line adjustments and subdivisions of four or fewer lots ministerially (agenda). The agenda recommended continuing the item to October 28. Staff instead asked to continue it to a date uncertain so they could fold in new state bills the governor had signed. 01:29:47

• Motion to continue item 3B to a date uncertain; moved and seconded (movers not clearly identified in the audio). Result: continued, unanimous. 01:30:30

• City staff asked to continue the item to a date uncertain because newly signed state bills affect the amendments, which will be re-noticed when they return 01:29:47

Staff had planned to brief the commission on AB 2576, a state bill the governor signed that takes effect January 1. Staff described it as a cleanup bill to SB 79 that expands protections for historic resources. The briefing was postponed so staff could finish researching the bill. 01:30:45

• City staff described the bill as a cleanup of SB 79 that expands historic protections, and said staff needs more research before presenting, likely on October 28 01:30:45

Staff proposed moving regular Planning Commission meetings to the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Permit Center Hearing Room. The agenda gives the start as November 18, 2026. Staff said the City Council's move from Mondays to Tuesdays set off a chain of committee schedule changes. The Housing, Homelessness & Planning Committee moved to the second and fourth Wednesdays, the commission's current nights, and the same staff support both. No action was taken because a resolution is needed; it returns October 28. 01:30:45

• City staff explained that the Housing, Homelessness & Planning Committee now meets on the commission's nights, so the commission needs to move to the first and third Wednesdays 01:31:49
• A commissioner said he has a standing meeting on first Wednesdays that would conflict 01:32:35
• City staff said staff recommends keeping the 6:30 p.m. start time 01:32:45
• City staff said other nights are taken by bodies like the Design Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, and Mondays run into holidays and leave less time to review packets 01:35:15

Staff gave a spoken update, not on the agenda, on plans to upgrade the commission's new hearing room: another large screen, smaller tables to tighten the U-shaped layout, built-in microphones, and two cameras, so audiences can see and hear the commissioners. 01:36:53

• City staff said staff met with an AV specialist and is getting quotes for screens, microphones, new tables and cameras 01:36:53

Members reported on related bodies. The Design Commission reviewed housing projects and has more large ones coming up. The Board of Zoning Appeals ruled on a banquet facility on North Lake Avenue. The CIP subcommittee reviewed projects tied to the North Lake Avenue plan. 01:39:11

• A commissioner reported that on September 22 the Design Commission held a preliminary consultation on a 12-unit, four-story building at 36 S. Berkeley Ave. and continued again its review of a 32-unit project at 810 N. Marengo 01:39:17
• A commissioner reported that the Design Commission voted to move its meetings to the first and third Thursdays at 6:30 in the Permit Center 01:39:17
• A commissioner previewed the Design Commission's next-night review of 225 units at 444 N. Fair Oaks and 153 units at 1946 Colorado, about 400 units in all 01:40:22
• A commissioner reported that the Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously upheld the hearing officer's approval of a banquet facility on North Lake Avenue 01:41:41
• City staff said the banquet case had been called up by a council member, some conditions changed, and the board's decision was not called up or appealed to the City Council before the deadline 01:42:24
• A commissioner reported that the CIP subcommittee met September 23 on projects related to the North Lake Avenue plan, with recommendations coming to the commission 01:43:07
• City staff announced that the next meeting will include the capital improvement call-for-projects public meeting and an environmental justice element update, plus an open house the next evening at Robinson Park 01:43:34

Commissioners asked about proposing capital projects, raised concern about how much development is concentrating along Colorado Boulevard, and thanked staff for the move to the new hearing room. 01:44:19

• A commissioner asked whether the commission can submit its own capital improvement call-for-projects recommendation 01:44:22
• City staff said a proposal from the full commission needs consensus; otherwise a commissioner can submit one individually 01:44:51
• A commissioner urged a broader look at how much development is accumulating in one area along Colorado Boulevard 01:45:23
• A commissioner thanked staff for helping the commission move into the new space 01:46:07

• Public comment on items not on the agenda: the chair said there were no speakers, in person or online.
• Item 3A (Ronald McDonald House): two in-person comment turns, three people in all, every one supportive. A representative of the preservation group Pasadena Heritage praised the project and repeated two requests from the group's letter: coordinate the zone change and lot merger with preservation easements being developed for the houses as part of the former Caltrans property sale, and pay close attention to the fencing, gate and landscaping on St. John Avenue so they fit the neighboring historic district. Two longtime supporters of the house, speaking together, cited children's mobility needs, security problems with trespassers, and safer car and van circulation. No one spoke online.
• After the hearing closed, it was reopened so the Pasadena Heritage representative could answer a commissioner's question. She explained that the easements would protect exterior and interior historic features (fireplaces, original woodwork, pocket doors) in all three houses.
• A commissioner mentioned written public comment raising concerns about the item's effect on the nearby historic district.

• Item 3A: the commission's recommendation goes to the City Council, which makes the final decision on the Ronald McDonald House applications; staff said it will report back.
• Item 3A: if the preservation easements are recorded before the lot merger, staff said it will work with the applicant to update the legal descriptions.
• Item 3B (code amendments for state housing laws) is continued to a date uncertain and will be re-noticed; staff is incorporating newly signed state bills.
• The AB 2576 briefing is expected back on October 28.
• A resolution moving commission meetings to the first and third Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. comes back October 28; the agenda gives November 18, 2026 as the start.
• Next meeting: the capital improvement call-for-projects public meeting with the CIP subcommittee, and an update on the general plan's environmental justice element. The recording gives the date as October 20; the commission's next regular meeting is October 28.
• Environmental justice element open house at Robinson Park the next evening (October 15), 6 to 8 p.m.
• The Design Commission reviews 444 N. Fair Oaks (225 units) and 1946 Colorado (153 units) on October 15.
• Staff is getting quotes for audio-visual upgrades to the hearing room.

A motion to approve the minutes of the committee's September 14, 2026 special meeting, with two corrections raised from the dais, was moved and seconded. No vote was heard before the chair moved on to new business. 00:00:39

• A councilmember asked for two corrections: the draft minutes list Jason Lyon (Councilmember, District 7) as absent even though they show him seconding a motion, and they mention the Public Safety Committee somewhere on the second page 00:00:52

This was an information report the committee had asked for. Under the State Density Bonus Law, a developer who sets aside homes at below-market prices can build more units than local zoning allows. The developer can also ask for up to five concessions from development standards, such as floor area or height, and for as many waivers as needed, such as setback or building-separation rules. The staff memo says the city's ability to deny these requests is very limited. Pasadena currently has 23 major housing projects (70 or more units each) submitted or under construction, totaling 4,160 units. Of those, 1,066 (25.6%) are bonus units and 1,525 (36.7%) will be affordable (agenda). Staff is updating Zoning Code Chapter 17.43 to remove the old separate Affordable Housing Concession Permit process. Concessions and waivers would instead be reviewed together with a project's other approvals. That change is expected at City Council in early 2027. Information only; no vote. 00:01:48

▶ Hear it What does it take to deny a density bonus concession? · 1:04

• City staff said the committee had requested the report and that staff had tried several times to schedule it 00:01:48
• City staff said staff is updating the zoning code to comply with state law and to clarify how concessions and waivers are reviewed 00:02:15
• City staff explained that applicants can request up to five concessions and an unlimited number of waivers, and that the city's ability to deny them is very limited 00:03:19
• City staff reported 23 major housing projects in the city totaling 4,160 units, 18 of them with density bonus units and seven of them 100% affordable 00:06:24
• City staff said the most common requests are for floor area, setback, open space, and height 00:06:24
• City staff added that parking is missing from the list because parking reductions usually come automatically and don't have to be requested as a concession 00:07:12
• A councilmember questioned why central parts of the city count as very low vehicle travel areas, and said they remained skeptical 00:09:24
• City staff explained that the designation means residents there drive fewer miles per person, based on census data and state modeling 00:09:54
• A councilmember asked staff to move quickly past background the committee already knew, given the length of the agenda 00:11:23
• City staff said that after a 2021 court case, cities can no longer require financial information to prove a concession is needed for a project to be feasible 00:11:32
• City staff said in answer to a question about historic resources that the more direct the impact, the more defensible a denial would be 00:15:38
• City staff said a taller building next to a shorter historic one might not meet the threshold for an impact on a historic resource 00:15:48
• City staff said the San Francisco project was ultimately reapproved at six stories, and that the chance a project could be redesigned to meet the code is not a valid reason to deny it 00:17:40
• City staff noted that in the Jurupa Valley case the city approved all but about three of the waivers and was still challenged 00:18:35
• City staff said Glendale's denial failed because no specific findings of adverse impact were made, and that the state housing department said it had listened to the whole council meeting 00:20:28
• City staff said, when asked, that neither the state nor the court gave guidance on what would have justified a denial 00:21:13
• City staff said staff could find no example where the state or a court agreed a concession could be denied; the Santa Monica case was resolved when the applicant redesigned 00:21:34
• City staff explained that the public, applicants, or cities can ask the state housing department for a determination, and that cities often reversed course after its letters because of litigation risk 00:24:24
• City staff said the state housing department contacts the city fairly often because it hears from applicants 00:24:34
• The committee chair said the state housing department now has enforcement authority, and called its technical assistance letters arbitrary and capricious because they act as precedent without clear standards 00:25:22
• City staff said the updates to Chapter 17.43 and the concurrent-processing section are expected at City Council early next year 00:27:23
• City staff noted that concessions used to go to the hearing officer through a separate permit, and now go through design review 00:27:57
• The committee chair remarked that the city has little to no discretion in design review 00:28:21
• A councilmember called it disappointing that the waived standards often support livability, and asked whether the city publicly tracks its progress toward its state housing targets 00:41:43
• City staff said the city tracks projects through several phases and reports to the state every year; staff was not sure whether the numbers are posted online as a dashboard 00:42:46
• City staff said many market-rate and mixed-use projects are moving slowly or are on pause, while 100% affordable projects with funding are moving ahead 00:45:06
• A councilmember concluded that the roughly 4,000 pipeline units may not all be built, or not soon 00:45:28
• City staff noted that pipeline numbers run higher than in the past because applications now stay valid longer 00:46:21
• A councilmember urged working with state legislators, rather than fighting Sacramento, on a bill that would return some local control to cities that produce affordable housing 00:47:53
• The committee chair acknowledged a different view on local control but said common ground is key 00:48:56
• A councilmember asked how many of the pipeline units are in 100% affordable developments; staff said they would gather that breakdown 00:49:04
• A councilmember said the state has won the fight over local control and that the city's changes to projects now come at the margins 00:50:29
• A councilmember criticized one-size-fits-all state laws such as SB 79, and said the city delayed its implementation to spread density in a way that suits Pasadena 00:51:29
• A councilmember said District 7 alone has 936 units in the pipeline, with about 1,500 more within a block or two, and described an emerging urban village along Colorado 00:53:05
• A councilmember relayed complaints from tenants of affordable and supportive housing who lack parking and pile up street parking tickets, and asked staff for ideas 00:54:11
• A councilmember argued that much of the region's land goes to cars and that underground parking adds $40,000 to $50,000 per space to the cost of a unit 00:57:45
• City staff said state law treated parking as a cost barrier, and that the city cannot require parking but the transportation department could look at managing street parking 01:00:52
• The committee chair said Pasadena is built out and has a strong affordable housing record, and objected to cookie-cutter state mandates 01:04:00
• The committee chair argued that car ownership and car use should not be conflated, and that the regulations are arriving before adequate transit exists 01:06:02
• A councilmember said they would not vote to spend public money on litigation or on refusing to follow state housing law, while advocacy in Sacramento continues 01:11:24
• The committee chair said many proponents of the state legislation have spent little time in Pasadena and model it on denser cities like San Francisco 01:12:28

Staff gave its twice-yearly update on major projects submitted in the past six months: over 50 homes, or over 25,000 square feet of nonresidential space. The last update was in March. All five new projects were residential, and staff said all of them use the density bonus. (1) A school district site on Pasadena Avenue in District 1: 110 units, all affordable, on 5.3 acres, with 223 parking spaces, under a state law that lets school districts build housing for staff. (2) 444 North Fair Oaks Avenue in District 5: 225 units, 33 affordable, four to six stories, just under 300 parking spaces. (3) 452 North Los Robles Avenue, the former 99-cent store site, in District 3: 289 units, 44 affordable, up to seven stories, 532 parking spaces. (4) 1946 East Colorado Boulevard, the Cameron's site, in District 7: 154 units, all affordable, with 77 parking spaces. (5) 2006 East Colorado Boulevard in District 7: 144 units, all affordable, with 60 parking spaces; consolidated design review is tentatively set for November. Neighbors are now notified at the preliminary consultation stage of design review. Information only; no vote. 01:19:28

▶ Hear it Why review projects that are wildly out of code? · 0:38

• City staff said the update covers projects over 50 residential units or over 25,000 square feet of nonresidential space, and that only residential projects came in during the last six months 01:23:08
• City staff described the school district project as 110 units, all affordable, on 5.3 acres, in two- to three-story townhouses and stacked flats 01:23:08
• The committee chair disclosed owning property very close to the 444 North Fair Oaks site and offered to step out while it was discussed 01:26:26
• City staff described 444 North Fair Oaks as 225 units with 33 affordable, at about 121 units per acre, subject to objective design standards 01:26:55
• City staff described the former 99-cent store site project as 289 units with 44 affordable, reaching seven stories, with 532 parking spaces 01:28:07
• City staff described the Cameron's site project as 154 units, all affordable, at four to six stories 01:30:08
• City staff described 2006 East Colorado as 144 units, all affordable, on a 40,000-square-foot site, with 60 parking spaces 01:31:36
• City staff noted that a recent code amendment requires public notice for preliminary consultation, and that staff plans this update every spring and fall 01:32:38
• City staff explained that preliminary consultation happens before a project takes shape, and that projects often don't yet meet code at that stage 01:33:53
• A councilmember questioned why projects that are far out of code go to preliminary consultation at all 01:34:45
• City staff said staff must bring a project forward once the applicant submits the required items 01:35:09
• City staff confirmed that preliminary consultation counts toward the state's five-meeting limit 01:35:21
• The committee chair called the requirement another imposition from Sacramento 01:35:59
• A councilmember asked about the status of the former 99-cent store project; staff said it has been submitted for preliminary consultation but not yet scheduled 01:36:27
• City staff said a city-hosted community meeting would count as one of the five meetings, but an applicant-hosted one would not 01:37:11
• City staff advised against a councilmember hosting a meeting on the project because it could count toward the five-meeting limit, and offered to look into it 01:37:33
• A councilmember asked for a public list of the developers behind each project 01:38:53
• City staff said staff sends a monthly list of new projects with the applicant and case planner, keeps an online development activity map, and could add council field representatives to the distribution list 01:40:18
• The committee chair said, responding to public comment, that the state acted because of other communities rather than Pasadena, and objected that SB 79 applies to only five counties 01:46:33

Staff proposed removing the provision that lets a councilmember or the planning director ask for a large project's predevelopment plan review to be presented to the City Council as an information item. Under state law (SB 330), that presentation would count as one of the five public meetings allowed for a qualifying housing project. Staff would instead give this committee general updates on newly submitted projects, which would not count toward the limit (agenda). Staff is seeking a recommendation. The item was not heard and was pushed to the next meeting after a committee member had to leave. 01:45:47

• Defer the item to the next meeting (by consensus; no formal motion). Result: continued. 01:46:08

• City staff said staff is seeking a recommendation on the predevelopment plan review item 01:46:04

The committee set its regular meeting for the second Wednesday of each month, and reserved the fourth Wednesday for special meetings as needed. A resident said the public can comment on topics not on the agenda only at regular meetings. 01:48:21

• Jason Lyon (Councilmember, District 7) moved, seconded by Justin Jones (Councilmember, District 3), to hold regular meetings on the second Wednesday of the month, with the fourth Wednesday reserved for special meetings as needed (the chair stated the motion afterward, and said the vote was unanimous among the members present, after a councilmember had left). Result: passed, unanimous. 01:49:08

• City staff proposed the second Wednesday of each month for regular meetings, with the fourth Wednesday held for special meetings as needed 01:48:37

Because the November regular meeting date falls on Veterans Day, staff proposed a special meeting on Thursday, November 19, and will poll members to confirm it. Staff then laid out the committee's planned agenda for the rest of the year. November: the quality of affordable units (a joint housing and planning item), the quadrennial inspection program together with hoarding cases, and the annual count presentation. December 9: possible school safety zones, a check-in on the continuum of care, the environmental justice element, and models for the year-round shelter. The possible October 28 special meeting was dropped because no items were ready. No formal vote. 01:49:23

• City staff proposed Thursday, November 19 for a special meeting because the regular Wednesday falls on Veterans Day 01:49:23
• A councilmember said November 19 is open on their calendar 01:50:25
• A councilmember asked for a poll so members can check their calendars 01:51:08
• City staff said staff is continuing work on the year-round shelter and will return in December on the potential school safety zones 01:52:50
• City staff said the November discussion of affordable unit quality will be a joint housing and planning item covering how the city permits, inspects, and finances such projects, but not specific projects 01:54:13
• City staff said the December school safety zone item will include maps and heat maps, and staff wants direction on whether to pursue an ordinance 01:55:20
• City staff said staff has toured a tiny home village, will tour a motel conversion next week, and plans to see a newly built shelter before discussing shelter models 01:56:25
• A councilmember asked whether the council could influence who is appointed to the new continuum of care board; staff said the council does not under the current governance structure, and the new board is not expected until early next year 01:57:42
• A councilmember called the work plan ambitious and doubted the committee would get through all of it 01:58:49
• City staff said staff has nothing ready for an October 28 special meeting 02:00:02

• Item 1 (density bonus concessions and waivers): about six people spoke. Most supported more housing and density. One welcomed the state's role, citing 577 unhoused people in the city, 322 of them without shelter. Another cited a severe shortage for renters and the value of living near transit. A third urged Pasadena to copy cities that streamline approvals, such as Anaheim. A fourth said capital is moving into affordable and senior housing and urged the city to trust the state's data. One speaker raised concerns about a proposed East Colorado project seeking five concessions and two waivers to reach 78 feet where 39 is normally allowed, and urged the city to use its traffic study guidelines, as Santa Monica did.
• One speaker on item 1 raised a funding gap of just under $500,000 for repairs at a specific affordable housing property (Summit Grove). The chair said the comment was off the item and asked him to contact the chair's office.
• Speaking out of order on items 4 and 5, one resident asked for regular meetings twice a month and few special meetings, so the public can raise non-agenda items. She also asked for updates on the year-round shelter, unmet bad-weather shelter needs, and the impact of the federal HR 1 on unhoused residents.
• Speaking out of order on item 5, a homeowner in an affordable ownership development asked the committee to agendize a review of the city's relationship with the nonprofit Heritage Housing Partners. He said four of its last five projects faced construction-defect lawsuits, and that the nonprofit is not letting owners sell or rent their units. He suggested a dedicated housing department staffer for low-income projects.
• Item 2 (major projects): three people spoke. One renter praised walkable neighborhoods and the city's e-bike rebate. Another supported the new projects for adding residents, tax revenue, and students, and asked for a public tracker of progress on housing targets. A third questioned whether the city is weighing the cumulative effects of growth on traffic and infrastructure, citing the 532 parking spaces planned on Los Robles, and criticized the design of the 2006 East Colorado project.

• The predevelopment plan review item (agenda item 3) moves to the next meeting; staff is seeking the committee's recommendation.
• Regular meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of each month, with the fourth Wednesday reserved for special meetings as needed.
• Staff proposed a November special meeting on Thursday, November 19, and will poll members, including Rick Cole (Councilmember, District 2), to confirm.
• The possible October 28 special meeting is not expected to be held because staff has no items ready.
• Planned for November: the quality of affordable units (joint housing and planning item), the quadrennial inspection program with hoarding cases, the annual count presentation, and possibly a regular reporting item.
• Planned for December 9: possible school safety zones (with heat maps, and direction sought on an ordinance), an update from the interdepartmental team on complaints and a dashboard, a continuum of care check-in, an environmental justice element update, and year-round shelter models.
• Staff expects to bring updates to Zoning Code Chapter 17.43 (density bonus) and the concurrent permit processing section to City Council early next year (memo: early 2027; presented to the Planning Commission September 9, 2026).
• Staff will gather a breakdown of how many pipeline units are in 100% affordable projects.
• Staff will look into whether a councilmember-hosted community meeting would count toward the five-meeting limit and report back to a councilmember.
• Staff will add developer names to future project update presentations, and may add council field representatives to the monthly new-projects distribution list.
• Staff plans to present the major projects update every spring and fall.
• Consolidated design review for 2006 East Colorado Boulevard is tentatively scheduled for November.
• A speaker said they will hold a district meeting with city staff on Monday about development along Colorado.