The Glendale City Council addressed a wide-ranging agenda that included traffic safety, public art, West Glendale street improvements, autonomous delivery robots and an extensive discussion of the Police Department’s use of Flock automated license-plate-reader cameras.
TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS — APPROVED 5–0
The Council unanimously accepted two California Office of Traffic Safety grants: $352,000 for selective traffic enforcement and $40,000 for motorcycle safety, education and training.
Vote: Asatryan, Bartrosouf, Brotman, Gharpetian and Kassakhian — Yes.
MURAL ORDINANCE — APPROVED 5–0
The Council unanimously approved Glendale’s new mural ordinance following discussion about permit costs, maintenance requirements and the City’s approach to encouraging public art.
The Council also approved a reduction in the mural permit extension fee and directed staff to return with a resolution establishing a subsidized rate for the first 100 qualifying mural permits. The discussion specified that subsidized murals should provide a public benefit by being visible to the public.
Vote: Asatryan, Bartrosouf, Brotman, Gharpetian and Kassakhian — Yes.
CENTER FOR ARMENIAN ARTS LEASE — APPROVED 5–0
The Council unanimously approved a long-term lease of City-owned commercial property to the Center for Armenian Arts, which has occupied the property since 2023.
The organization sought an additional five-year term to continue programming, exhibitions, workshops and speaker events. The proposed base rent was approximately $2,927 per month.
Vote: Asatryan, Bartrosouf, Brotman, Gharpetian and Kassakhian — Yes.
CITY INVESTMENT POLICY — APPROVED 5–0
The Council unanimously adopted Glendale’s FY 2026–27 investment policy and accepted the City Treasurer’s annual investment portfolio report.
The City’s investment portfolio was reported at approximately $1.1 billion as of June 30, 2026. Council discussion covered investment returns, liquidity, diversification and the City’s investment strategy.
Vote: Asatryan, Bartrosouf, Brotman, Gharpetian and Kassakhian — Yes.
WEST GLENDALE STREET IMPROVEMENTS — APPROVED 3–1–1
After an extended debate, the Council approved a roughly $14.5 million West Glendale pavement-management project involving street resurfacing, bicycle facilities, pedestrian improvements, traffic striping and intersection modifications.
Residents and council members raised concerns about parking, bicycle-lane design, pedestrian safety, neighborhood outreach and traffic conditions. The final motion included modifications discussed by the Council, including examination of the feasibility of a quick-build traffic circle and related pedestrian improvements.
Vote: Asatryan — Yes; Bartrosouf — Yes; Brotman — Yes; Gharpetian — No; Mayor Kassakhian — Abstained.
The measure passed 3–1–1.
AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY ROBOTS — APPROVED 4–1
The Council approved a one-year pilot program for autonomous delivery robots following debate over pedestrian safety, sidewalk obstruction, crosswalks, response times when a device becomes disabled, insurance requirements and the number of robots that could operate in the city.
Council members modified some of the proposed operating requirements before taking the final vote.
Vote: Asatryan, Bartrosouf, Brotman and Kassakhian — Yes; Gharpetian — No.
The pilot program passed 4–1.
FLOCK LICENSE-PLATE CAMERAS — COUNCIL SEEKS ADDITIONAL REVIEW
The meeting’s longest discussion focused on the Glendale Police Department’s use of Flock Safety automated license-plate-reader cameras.
Police described the cameras as an investigative tool that photographs vehicles and license plates and records information such as the date, time and location. The system can be used by investigators to identify vehicles potentially connected with crimes.
Council members questioned police extensively about data retention, access by outside law-enforcement agencies, auditing of searches, cybersecurity, federal and immigration-enforcement access, Flock’s access to Glendale data, artificial-intelligence tools and possible future expansion of the camera network.
Public speakers expressed differing views. Supporters cited the cameras’ usefulness in criminal investigations, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, data sharing, cybersecurity and oversight.
Several council members indicated that additional safeguards and policy discussions were necessary, including consideration of how many cameras should operate in Glendale and what controls should govern access to the information.
Council action: The Council did not take a final vote to approve, expand or terminate the Flock program. The Police Department’s report was received, and the discussion resulted in direction for additional work on policies involving data sharing, auditing, privacy safeguards and future use of the system.
ARMENIAN DETAINEES AND ARTSAKH
Earlier in the meeting, the Council heard a presentation concerning Armenians detained in Azerbaijan, including former Artsakh political and military leaders.
The presentation addressed the detainees’ treatment and prison conditions, access to family members, international legal proceedings and efforts seeking their release.
Council members discussed the issue and the role that international institutions, diplomacy and the Armenian diaspora could play.
Council action: Presentation and discussion; no substantive vote was taken.
FOOD WASTE PREVENTION WEEK
The City proclaimed September 28 through October 4, 2026, as Food Waste Prevention Week.
The presentation highlighted programs that recover edible food from restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and other businesses for distribution to organizations serving people in need. The discussion also addressed Glendale’s organic-waste collection efforts.
Council action: Ceremonial proclamation; no substantive policy vote.
$150,000 LITIGATION SETTLEMENT — APPROVED 5–0
Near the end of the meeting, the Council authorized a $150,000 settlement in litigation identified in the meeting transcript as Timothy Hernandez v. City of Glendale. The settlement was described as being in exchange for a full release of claims.
Vote: Asatryan, Bartrosouf, Brotman, Gharpetian and Kassakhian — Yes.
The settlement was approved 5–0.
REMAINING ITEMS CONTINUED
With the meeting approaching eight hours, the Council moved remaining agenda matters to a future meeting. One advertised public-hearing item required a formal continuance because of public-notice requirements.
The meeting then concluded after nearly eight hours of proceedings.
