Pasadena Moves Ahead With Nearly $1 Million Plan for Weed and Debris Removal Arroyo Seco Area

The City Council approved a five-year, nearly $1 million contract with Greenfield Management to provide weed and brush clearance in the Arroyo Seco, a move officials say is critical to reducing wildfire risks in hillside areas.

The City Council also called on City staff to review a local hiring ordinance to see if it can be used to supplement the service.

The ordinance was designed to ensure that residents in Pasadena, particularly disadvantaged workers, benefit directly from City contracts.

“Brush clearance is a moderately skilled, steady job that residents in Pasadena are fully capable of performing,” said Ronald Matthews.

“City-supported programs such as MASH and youth-serving organizations like Outward Bound Adventures could readily provide local crews for this work.”

The scope includes removing non-native vegetation, applying mulch in designated zones, and collecting litter and debris.

All activities must comply with the Lower Arroyo Seco Master Plan, Arroyo Seco Design Guidelines, the Arroyo Seco Management Plan and the City’s Tree Protection Ordinance.

The City Manager will enter into a contract not to exceed $995,280, which includes a $904,800 base amount and $90,480 contingency funding for change orders.

A three-person crew will work daily eight-hour shifts on brush removal, vegetation management and debris clearing along roads and trails.

The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, which oversees the work, has relied on contracted services for brush clearance since 1999.

Brush clearance is considered essential in fire-prone hillside areas.

Both the Pasadena Fire Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department require vegetation management to create defensible space around infrastructure and natural resources.

The City received six bids after publishing its solicitation on July 3.

Greenfield Management, based in City of Industry, submitted the lowest responsible bid of $180,960 annually.

Other bids ranged from $338,000 to $748,800.

Greenfield, currently serving under a temporary purchase order set to expire at the end of September, was judged to have performed satisfactorily and to meet prevailing wage requirements.

Funding for the contract will come from existing appropriations in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services General Fund budget.

The contract amount and the contingency fees will equal $199,056 annually, for five years.

The contract includes a contingency of $90,480.