As part of Monday’s consent calendar, the City Council approved a contract of up to $780,844 for storm drain repairs and improvements as part of ongoing efforts to maintain aging infrastructure and reduce flood risks across the city.
Per the vote, the City Manager will enter into an agreement with Baldwin Park-based GRBCon Inc. for the fiscal year 2026 Annual Storm Drain System Repair and Improvements Project, according to a Department of Public Works report.
The project is designed to address deterioration across the City’s stormwater system, which includes about 34 miles of pipes, 1,300 catch basins and numerous culverts. Officials said many components vary in condition depending on age, materials and surrounding soil, with some pipes more than a century old.
Planned work includes replacing damaged pipes, installing cured-in-place pipe liners, repairing structural cracks in catch basins, replacing missing inlet screens and conducting routine maintenance such as cleaning and internal pipe inspections.
Public Works officials said the project is part of an annual program aimed at improving system reliability and minimizing the risk of flooding.
The contract includes a 20% contingency, or $130,141, to account for unforeseen conditions that may arise during underground work, where damage is often not fully visible until excavation begins.
City officials said the contractor has performed more than $1.1 million in work for the City over the past four years and has received favorable references from other agencies. The company is expected to create at least one new job as part of the project.
Construction is anticipated to begin in July, with all costs expected to be expended in fiscal year 2027. Funding will come from existing capital improvement program allocations, with no impact to the city’s general fund.
Here are the others items that passed on Monday’s consent calendar.
- A Contract for Power Plant Chiller Maintenance
A contract worth up to $450,954 to maintain critical systems at the city’s Glenarm Power Plant, a facility key to ensuring reliable local electricity service.
The City Manager will enter into an agreement with Acco Engineered Systems Inc., a Pasadena-based company, for inlet air chiller maintenance and inspection services, according to a report from the Water and Power Department.
The contract will run for an initial three-year term, with an option to extend annually for up to three additional years. The agreement includes a base cost of $409,956 and a contingency of $40,998, with an annual cost of $75,159 if all extensions are exercised.
The maintenance services are essential to keeping the Glenarm Power Plant’s gas turbines operating efficiently. The plant, which includes five natural gas-fueled generating units capable of producing about 200 megawatts of electricity, can ramp up power production within minutes to support grid reliability.
Three of the turbines rely on inlet air chiller systems that cool incoming air to improve performance, particularly during periods of high demand. Ongoing maintenance, inspections and emergency repairs are necessary to ensure those systems function properly, officials said.
The company has previously completed 24 contracts with the city totaling about $1.44 million since 2016, according to the report.
Officials said the contract aligns with city goals to maintain and enhance public infrastructure. The action is not subject to environmental review under state law because it involves routine maintenance services.
Funding will come from the Power Operating Fund, with no impact on the city’s general fund, officials said.
- $2.52 Million in Engineering Contracts for Power Plant Projects
Two engineering services contracts totaling up to $2.52 million to support ongoing and future projects at the city’s power plant.
Kewo Engineering Corporation of Diamond Bar and Worley Group Inc. of Monrovia will provide on-call engineering services for Pasadena Water and Power, according to a staff report.
Each contract will run for an initial five-year term with options for two one-year extensions, bringing the maximum value of each agreement to $1.26 million. The contracts are intended to support maintenance, regulatory compliance and capital improvement projects at the city’s power plant.
The services are needed as existing contracts near expiration and as multiple projects move forward simultaneously, requiring specialized engineering expertise.
Both firms have prior experience working with the city. Kewo has been awarded three contracts totaling about $1.24 million since 2019, while Worley has received five contracts totaling roughly $1.68 million since 2015.
Funding will come from the Power Capital Fund, with no impact to Pasadena’s general fund, officials said.
- A $3.53 Million Contract for Radio System Upgrades and Maintenance
The item was postponed and will go to Public Safety. The proposal would have authorized an agreement with Motorola Solutions Inc. for the purchase of radio equipment, parts and accessories through July 2029, according to a Department of Information Technology report.
The investment is aimed at ensuring reliable communications across multiple departments, including police, fire, public works and utilities. The system currently supports nearly 1,600 radios and related equipment used for mission-critical operations.
The contract would cover ongoing maintenance, equipment repairs and system upgrades, as well as the replacement of aging radios that have reached the end of their usable life. Officials said many radios currently in use are about 15 years old, making repairs more difficult and replacement parts harder to obtain.
A significant portion of the funding — about $2.85 million — would go toward replacing radio units, including 261 radios used by the Water and Power Department. Additional funds would support routine maintenance and a five-year extended warranty for more than 700 public safety handheld radios.
The contract will be executed through a cooperative purchasing agreement with Sourcewell, a government agency that negotiates pricing on behalf of public entities. The arrangement allows Pasadena to access discounted pricing and avoid a separate competitive bidding process.
Funding will come from existing departmental budgets and capital projects, with about $1.66 million expected to be spent in the current fiscal year. There is no anticipated impact on the city’s general fund, officials said.
- Expanding Plan Review Contracts Amid Surge in Construction Demand
Expansion of two consulting contracts by nearly $500,000 to keep pace with a surge in construction plan reviews driven in part by rebuilding efforts following the Eaton Fire.
The votes amend existing agreements with Jason Addison Smith Consulting Inc., known as JAS Pacific, and J Lee Engineering Inc. to increase each contract by $249,999, according to a report from the Planning and Community Development Department.
The amendments will raise the total not-to-exceed amounts to $1.61 million for JAS Pacific and $1.63 million for J Lee Engineering, extending their capacity to provide building and fire plan review services through December.
The additional funding is needed to address a spike in demand for plan check services, particularly as rebuilding activity accelerates. The city relies on outside consultants to supplement staff during peak workloads and maintain timely turnaround for project reviews.
The contracts, originally approved in 2021 and later extended, are expected to run out of funds before their expiration dates due to increased activity. As of early April, more than half of the current fiscal year’s contract budget for plan review services had already been spent.
Plan review demand can fluctuate based on when approved projects are submitted, making it difficult to forecast workload needs. Maintaining multiple consulting firms allows the city to distribute work and avoid delays, the report said.
Revenue generated from building and plan review fees is expected to cover the cost of the contract increases, with no impact to the city’s general fund.
- Expanding Marketing Contract for Economic Development Campaign
Expansion of a marketing and public relations contract by $98,000 as the city looks to continue promoting its economic development initiatives to broader audiences.
The proposal will amend an agreement with Echo Factory Inc., a Pasadena-based firm, increasing the total contract amount to $348,000, according to a report from the city’s Economic Development Division.
The contract, originally approved in June 2024, supports marketing, branding and communications efforts aimed at attracting businesses, investors and talent to Pasadena. City officials said the campaign has focused on key sectors identified in the city’s five-year strategic plan, including life sciences, “deep tech,” cultural industries and small businesses.
During the first year, outreach efforts were primarily local, with the campaign expanding to a national audience in the second year. Officials said the proposed funding increase would allow the city to complete the third and final phase of the contract, which will focus on refining marketing strategies using data gathered during earlier efforts.
The city has spent $228,000 on the contract to date, including $108,000 in the first year and $120,000 in the second year. The additional funding is intended to support a more targeted, data-driven approach to outreach, building on what officials described as measurable results and expanded market reach.
City staff said Echo Factory has helped produce updated marketing materials, including brochures, social media content, messaging strategies and promotional tools designed to highlight Pasadena’s economic strengths.
Funding for the contract will come from the city’s General Fund, according to the report.
- $10.27 Million Contract for Citywide Street Resurfacing and ADA Improvements
Onyx Paving Company Inc. for the fiscal year 2026 Annual will handle Citywide Street Resurfacing and ADA Improvement Program, according to a Department of Public Works report.
The project will resurface approximately 18 miles of asphalt streets — about 5% of Pasadena’s roadway network — and include upgrades such as sidewalk and curb ramp reconstruction, curb and gutter repairs, and adjustments to utility infrastructure.
Officials said the work is part of the city’s ongoing Pavement Management Program, which prioritizes repairs based on regular condition assessments and aims to maximize the lifespan of roadways through timely maintenance.
The contract includes nearly $2 million in contingency and additional work funding to address unforeseen conditions and take advantage of competitive pricing. Construction is expected to begin in June 2026.
Funding will come from existing capital improvement program budgets, with no impact on the city’s general fund, officials said.
- $875,325 Contract for Elevator Maintenance at City Facilities
An agreement with Smartrise Elevator Service Inc. for routine maintenance and as-needed repairs of 30 elevators located at various city-owned properties, according to a Department of Public Works report.
The contract includes a three-year base term valued at $525,195, with options for two additional one-year extensions that would bring the total potential cost to $875,325 over five years.
The services are necessary to ensure reliable operation of elevators, particularly in older or heavily used facilities, and to address compliance issues that may arise during state inspections.
The company has 17 years of experience and has previously provided services for Pasadena and other public agencies, including the City of Alhambra and Santa Ana College, according to the report.
The contract includes a 10% contingency to cover unforeseen repairs, particularly for aging equipment or high-use systems.
Officials said the agreement aligns with city goals to maintain public facilities and ensure safety while managing costs responsibly.
Funding will come from the Building Maintenance Fund, with no impact to the city’s general fund, officials said.
- $2.15 Million Increase for Transit Facility Design Contract
The project involves designing a new facility to support Pasadena Transit bus operations and Dial-A-Ride services. The planned site spans multiple parcels along East Foothill Boulevard and East Walnut Street and is intended to accommodate future growth and the city’s transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Originally approved in 2016 with a smaller scope and budget, the project has undergone significant changes, including expansion from a single parcel to a multi-site facility and an increase in projected fleet size. Officials said the revised design must now support up to 50 fixed-route buses and 19 paratransit vehicles, along with additional support vehicles.
The contract amendment reflects additional engineering work needed to complete updated designs, environmental documentation, entitlement approvals and construction plans. HDR has served as the project’s design consultant throughout its development and is expected to continue coordinating final design efforts.
City officials said retaining HDR will help maintain continuity and avoid delays that could result from bringing in a new consultant at this stage.
The project received $65.4 million in Metro Measure R funding in 2022 to support its development. However, preliminary estimates indicate a remaining funding gap of about $27 million, which the city is working to reduce through design changes and property acquisitions aimed at lowering construction costs.
Funding for the amendment will come from existing capital improvement funds, with no impact to the city’s general fund, officials said.
- $316,800 Contract to Support Hydrogen Fueling Station Project
This item was tabled. (See related story).
- $5.4 Million in Capital Improvement Budget Adjustments
Changes to the fiscal year 2026 Capital Improvement Program, reflecting updated funding needs for dozens of active and planned projects, according to a report from the Department of Public Works.
The adjustments span a wide range of initiatives, including street resurfacing, park improvements, building maintenance and transit upgrades. Officials said the changes are part of routine midyear reviews to ensure project budgets align with current conditions and funding sources.
Among the largest changes is a $2.68 million transfer to continue building maintenance projects, including upgrades to fire stations, libraries and city facilities. Additional funds are also proposed for traffic safety improvements along Lake Avenue, where nearly $10 million in grant funding has been secured for pedestrian and roadway enhancements.
The plan also includes funding for zero-emission transit initiatives, with more than $2.3 million reallocated to support the transition of Dial-A-Ride vehicles and related infrastructure.
Smaller adjustments include funding for park upgrades, such as court resurfacing at Hamilton Park, and improvements to street lighting, storm drain repairs and sidewalk accessibility projects.
Officials said many of the changes are tied to new grant funding, reimbursements or reallocations from completed projects, allowing the city to maximize available resources without impacting the general fund.
If approved, the amendments would increase the overall fiscal year 2026 capital improvement budget by approximately $5.43 million, with funds drawn from a variety of dedicated sources.
- $125,500 in Disaster Relief Grants for Small Businesses
Amendment to the fiscal year 2026 operating budget to allocate federal Community Development Block Grant funds for a new Micro-Enterprise Disaster Relief Program, according to a report from the city’s Economic Development Division.
The program is designed to assist local businesses with five or fewer employees whose owners meet income eligibility requirements. Officials said the grants will help cover expenses such as rent, utilities, inventory, payroll and marketing costs.
The city expects to award approximately 25 grants of up to $5,000 each to qualifying businesses operating within the City. Applicants must have a brick-and-mortar location in the city and meet federal income guidelines, defined as earning below 80% of the area median income.
City officials said the program is part of Pasadena’s broader five-year housing and community development plan approved in 2025 and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Outreach efforts have included newsletters, press releases and direct communication with businesses, with applications available online. The deadline to apply is April 16.
Officials said the program aims to stabilize small businesses still recovering from disaster-related impacts while supporting the local economy.
The funding must be fully spent by June 30, 2026, and will not be available in future years. The action is not subject to environmental review because it does not involve physical development or changes to the environment, according to the report.
- Pasadena to Urge State Flexibility on ‘Zone Zero’ Wildfire Regulations
The mayor will send a letter to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection outlining Pasadena’s preferred approach to “Zone Zero,” a state-mandated ember-resistant area within five feet of structures in high fire hazard zones.
The concept stems from Assembly Bill 3074, passed in 2020, which requires the creation of defensible space standards aimed at reducing wildfire risk. State officials have been working to finalize the rules, with Gov. Gavin Newsom directing regulators in 2025 to expedite adoption. The regulations have yet to be finalized.
Under the current proposal, property owners would be required to remove combustible materials and manage vegetation and trees within the immediate perimeter of structures. Once adopted, the rules would apply immediately to new construction, while existing properties could have up to three years to comply.
Pasadena officials are recommending a more flexible approach than some of the stricter options under consideration.
For vegetation management, the City supports an option that allows limited, well-maintained plants and ground cover near structures, rather than a complete ban on vegetation. For tree management, officials favor guidelines that require branches to be kept clear of chimneys but do not mandate additional restrictions tied to local tree protection ordinances.
Fire officials said the recommendation reflects concerns raised during years of stakeholder discussions, including the need to balance wildfire safety with local environmental conditions and existing tree protections.
City leaders argue that a one-size-fits-all policy may not be appropriate for the City and are advocating for local control in implementing the regulations.
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