Pasadena Public Works to Update Finance Committee on Capital Improvement Program Progress

The Pasadena Finance Committee is scheduled to receive an information-only update Monday on the city’s Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Program, with a third-quarter monitoring report tracking 196 active infrastructure projects ranging from library seismic retrofits to street resurfacing and electric system upgrades.

The report, prepared by Public Works Director Gregory de Vinck, summarizes activity through March 31 across nearly every category of municipal infrastructure. Because the Finance Committee is a strictly advisory body of the City Council, its review of the report will not result in binding action; the committee will receive the information and may forward observations to the full City Council, which retains final authority over the Capital Improvement Program budget and any amendments to it.

Of the 196 projects reviewed, 51% are categorized as ongoing, 16% are in planning, 13% are in design, 11% are in construction, 7% had no activity in the third quarter, and 3% are listed as completed.

Among the highest-dollar items in the report is the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovations project, with a total estimated cost of $204.86 million and a Phase II construction contract awarded March 2. A materials, testing and inspection contract was awarded March 9, with construction scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year 2026 and a target completion date of Sept. 30, 2028. The project is in the construction phase, with 9% of life-of-project appropriations spent to date.

The report also tracks the Annual Citywide Street Resurfacing and ADA Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2026, with a total estimated cost of $54.2 million. According to the report, advertisement for that program was posted in the third quarter, with contract execution and construction anticipated in the fourth quarter. The prior year’s program, with a $10.2 million estimated cost, is listed as completed.

Pedestrian and traffic safety projects feature prominently. The Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements Program for Fiscal Years 2021-2028, totaling $2.06 million, will continue with design of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at Marengo Avenue and Wallis Street, Green Street and Chester Avenue, Green Street and Michigan Avenue, and Villa Street and Oakland Avenue. The Holly Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit, with a total estimated cost of $10.58 million, is in the design phase, with construction advertisement anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter.

Several large transit and utility projects are also in motion. The Construction of Transit Operations Maintenance Facility carries a total estimated cost of $100 million, with design continuing in the third quarter. The Sunset Reservoir Improvements project, totaling $83.45 million, is in the design phase following completion of a solar feasibility study in the third quarter. The Subtransmission Path 2 Upgrade for the electric system is estimated at $66.17 million, with procurement of new underground cables planned for Fiscal Year 2026.

The report flags Eaton Windstorm and Fire Recovery work for the water system, totaling $14.86 million, with construction continuing at the Allen Reservoir in the third quarter and a finalized assessment report for the Don Benito Reservoir.

A handful of projects are flagged for attention in the report’s color-coded legend: completed projects, projects delayed by external factors, projects delayed by internal factors, and projects over budget. The Conductor Replacement Program is listed at 101% of appropriations spent to date on a life-of-project basis, and the Distribution Transformer Replacement Program is listed at 113%.

The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 11, in Pasadena City Hall Council Chamber, Room S249, 100 North Garfield Avenue, in Pasadena. For more information call (626) 744-7311 or visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/agendas/.