City’s Recreation and Human Service Department Could Take Over Park Maintenance

According to a department agenda, maintenance of city parks and the Arroyo could be transferred to the Recreation and Human Services Department.

The item will be discussed at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the City Yards, 233 W. Mountain St., Pasadena.

“We want to improve service delivery and efficiency,” said city Spokesperson Derderian.

According to Derderian, right now the public has to go to two separate departments to address park concerns.

“Most cities have a recreation program and park maintenance in one department. Pasadena is now adopting that model,” Derderian said.

The Department of Public Works is facing an increased workload due to Measure I funding.

Voters overwhelmingly passed Measure I in 2018, the three-quarter cent sales tax puts about $22 million in the city’s general fund. Mayor Terry Tornek proposed that the bulk of the new funds be used for “urgent capital projects,” with a five-year spending plan.

Derderian said the change will allow the Public Works Department to focus on capital projects.

“There will be no change to the number of staff,” Derderian said. “The union has been informed, but this not a meet and confer item.”

The item is set to go before the City Council next Monday. The move will take place in the spring and will become effective with the adoption of the 2021 budget in June.

According to Derderian, initially there will be no change in operating costs, but the city could realize some savings in the future due to increased efficiency.

“Residents will notice maintenance schedules changing the times when people are using the parks,” Derderian said.