Brookside Golf Course Netting, Other Amendments to 2025 Capital Improvement Program Budget Approved by City Council

The City Council will consider significant amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget at Monday’s meeting.

The amendments include updated funding allocations for ongoing infrastructure improvements, the approval of new projects, and a major financial advance to the Rose Bowl Operating Company (RBOC) for safety enhancements at the Brookside Golf Course.

If passed, the amendments could address a range of city needs, from sidewalk repairs to stormwater management and fire risk mitigation.

The following projects are part of the amendments:

Brookside Golf Course Cantilevered Netting Project

A $1,047,460 advance from the General Fund to the Rose Bowl Operating Company (RBOC) would fund half of the remaining $2.6 million cost of the Brookside Golf Course Cantilevered Netting Project.

This project would also enhance safety along the Rose Bowl recreational loop, installing 3,320 linear feet of cantilevered netting along West Drive and Rosemont Avenue. This additional netting would supplement the existing vertical netting system to create a canopy over the walking path adjacent to golf holes south of Washington Boulevard.

The RBOC would contribute $1,300,000 toward the cost, with $252,540 already paid in 2023 for the pilot phase. The City would loan the remaining $1,047,460 to the RBOC with repayment scheduled over 10 years. The project is set to begin in FY 2025.

Miscellaneous Sidewalk Repair Program (FY 2021-2025)

In a move to maintain pedestrian safety and accessibility, $190,054 would be appropriated for sidewalk repairs as part of the ongoing Miscellaneous Sidewalk Repair Program. These funds were collected from property owners and developers as conditions of property development and sales. The program focuses on replacing damaged sidewalks along city streets, ensuring that Pasadena’s sidewalk network remains in good condition and accessible to all residents.

Villa Parke Community Center — ADA Improvements

The center would receive an additional $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to complete ADA improvements to the center’s locker rooms and parking lot. The project’s total cost has increased due to higher-than-expected construction bids. Staff would replace $290,000 previously funded by Residential Impact Fees (RIF) with the CDBG funds and add $110,000 to cover the increased costs. This project would help make the facility more accessible to people with disabilities, enhancing the overall community center experience.

Annual ADA Sidewalk Improvement Program

The City would also allocate an additional $100,000 in CDBG funding to the Annual ADA Sidewalk Improvement Program. These funds would be used to expand the program’s scope in Northwest Pasadena, allowing for the replacement of additional concrete sidewalk pads. The expanded work aims to further improve pedestrian access and safety across the city’s sidewalk network, specifically focusing on areas with aging or damaged infrastructure.

Improvements at City Yards Facility

To support continued operations, $150,000 from the Sewer Fund would be used for improvements at the City Yards Facility. This funding would support the construction of a new six-inch sewer lateral, approximately 100 feet long, to connect to an existing clarifying system. This work is expected to be completed by May 2025, ensuring that the City Yards Facility continues to function smoothly.

Water Distribution Mains Project

The Water and Power Department has recommended transferring $800,000 from the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project to the distribution mains project to accelerate water main replacements. The transfer is necessary due to the early completion of water mainline replacement projects on Bellefontaine Street and Glenarm Street, along with the addition of a new project on Oak Knoll Avenue. This shift allows the department to stay on track with critical water infrastructure upgrades.

Water Meters and Services

In this project, $600,000 would be transferred to the Meters and Services project to replace damaged water meters, address aging water mains, and manage increased costs from supply chain issues. A total of $80,000 was transferred from the AMI project, and $270,000 was shifted from the Water Reuse Project, ensuring sufficient funding for the necessary replacements.

Water SCADA Improvements

A $50,000 allocation would go to the Water and Power Department from the Water Fund to the Water SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system for equipment repairs to replace communication equipment damaged during the Eaton Fire, which is critical for real-time monitoring and control of Pasadena’s water infrastructure.

Electrical Infrastructure Improvements

Several key power infrastructure projects would also receive funding adjustments. A $1.3 million transfer of funds would be made to the conductor replacement program to replace underground conductors on the belmont circuit. Additionally, $900,000 would be transferred to the Electrical Vault Replacement and Reinforcement Program to address increased work related to vault repairs and asbestos remediation. Both projects are critical for maintaining system reliability and ensuring power stability throughout the city.

Fire Threat Mitigation Projects

To mitigate fire risks, $3.3 million would be allocated from the Power Fund to expedite undergrounding high-voltage power lines in high-risk areas like Canyon Close Road and Fox Ridge Drive. The funding would support efforts to reduce fire ignition risks in the city’s wildland-urban interface. The work will be completed in phases, with substructure work in Canyon Close and Fox Ridge completed in FY 2025 and electrical work to follow in FY 2026.

Subtransmission Upgrades

The Water and Power Department would receive funding for two major subtransmission projects. The subtransmission cable upgrade project would receive $1.95 million to accelerate upgrades along the 34-30 circuit between Santa Anita and Chester substations. Additionally, $1.75 million would be transferred to the subtransmission path 2 upgrade, which includes repairs and improvements to critical 34.5kV subtransmission lines between Glenarm and Santa Anita Receiving Stations.

Purchase of Specialized Equipment

The purchase of a Backyard Digger Derrick, a piece of specialized construction equipment for utility work. The proposed $300,000 would fund the acquisition of this equipment, which has been delayed due to manufacturing and delivery issues. It would be used to assist with digging holes, lifting materials, and setting utility poles in confined spaces.

Washington Park Stormwater Capture Project
The following item is in District 5 and was held because Vice Mayor Jess Rivas, who represents the arena, was absent:

In total, $12.7 million for funding from the Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W) would be used to design a regional stormwater capture system at Washington Park to improve water quality in the Eastside storm drain and the Rio Hondo River. The project would also include urban greening elements such as permeable pavement and increased shade canopy, benefiting both the environment and the community.