Council to Address Eaton Fire Recovery, Tenant Protections, Infrastructure Improvements at Monday’s Meeting

The Pasadena City Council is set to meet on Monday to consider action items related to fire recovery efforts, local tenant protections, employment programs, and significant infrastructure improvements.

Key among the issues before the Council is the consideration of sending a letter of support to Congressional leadership backing Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for $39 billion in federal funding dedicated to recovery efforts related specifically to the Eaton and Palisades Fires. Mayor Victor Gordo would be authorized to sign this letter on behalf of the City Council. This agenda item requires a direct vote by the Council and could play a significant role in securing financial resources to help Pasadena residents and businesses recover from the devastating effects of the fires.

Further addressing the fallout of the Eaton Fire, Jeffrey Prang, Los Angeles County Assessor, will deliver an informational presentation at the meeting. Prang’s presentation will detail the fire’s impact on local property values and provide residents guidance on assessor services available to them, including reassessments and potential tax relief measures.

A pivotal tenant protection issue will also be reviewed, the Pasadena Rental Housing Board’s request that the City Council direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance within 60 days adopting available tenant protections under the Ellis Act (Government Code Section 7060 et seq.). These protections specifically assist tenants who are at risk of displacement when landlords withdraw rental units from the housing market. The Council’s direction will require a formal vote.

The Council will consider authorizing several substantial contracts involving City infrastructure and environmental compliance:

First, the Council will vote on a contract authorization with Montrose Environmental Group, LLC (doing business as Montrose Air Quality Services, LLC) for air emissions testing services at the Glenarm Power Plant. The proposed seven-year contract, valued at up to $1,317,700, includes two optional one-year extensions, ensuring Pasadena’s compliance with environmental regulations and the safe operation of the power facility.

The Council will also vote on authorizing a seven-year contract valued up to $717,000 with Radian Generation Holdco, LLC, doing business as Radian Generation, for compliance services related to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. This contract also includes two optional one-year extensions and is vital to maintaining reliability and regulatory standards for Pasadena’s electrical infrastructure.

Another significant infrastructure project on the agenda involves awarding a nearly $3 million contract to Stephen Doreck Equipment Rentals, Inc., for the installation of a ductile iron water main on Oak Knoll Avenue. The contract includes a base amount of $2,552,930 and an additional contingency of $382,940 to address unforeseen construction issues, ensuring a robust and reliable water delivery system.

In employment and social services, Councilmembers will vote on authorizing the City Manager to enter into contracts related to the Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment (H.I.R.E.) grant. The City will accept $675,000 in funding over two years from the Foothill Workforce Development Board, sub-awarding $220,000 of these funds to The Flintridge Center. The funds are aimed at assisting individuals who are reentering society after involvement with the criminal justice system, providing vital support for employment services.

Additional items include authorization for the City Manager to enter into a five-year office lease agreement with the State of California at 1207 E. Green Street for the Foothill Workforce Development Board, in an amount not exceeding $788,235.

Public participation is encouraged, with specific provisions to maximize accessibility. The meeting will be broadcast live on Charter Cable Channel 3 and rebroadcast daily. Residents interested in the broadcast schedule may contact (626) 794-8585. To enhance inclusivity, assistive listening devices will be available during the meeting, and language interpretation services can be requested by calling (626) 744-4124 at least 24 hours in advance.

Public comments on issues not listed on the agenda will occur at the start of the meeting and will be limited to 20 minutes in total. Individual comments will be capped at three minutes each.

Additionally, the City Council meeting can be watched live via the Charter Cable broadcast, and members of the public unable to attend can access recorded broadcasts by calling the provided number.

The agenda also includes procedural items such as approval of past meeting minutes, claims filed against the City, a quarterly investment report, and appointments to various local commissions and boards.

The City of Pasadena’s website, which can be accessed by clicking here, has more detailed agenda materials, including staff reports.

The public meeting and public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Pasadena City Hall, located at 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249, following a closed session scheduled for 5 p.m.