The Pasadena City Council on Monday will weigh changes to a lease with the California Institute of Technology’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), allowing solar parking canopies at the West Arroyo lot, 4800 Oak Grove Drive in Pasadena.
If approved, the current five-year lease would be replaced with a 10-year initial term and a 10-year renewal option. The amendment would permit construction of 31,635 square feet of solar canopies, generating about 616 kilowatts of clean energy for JPL operations. Rent would remain $10,667 per month for the first five years, rising to $11,200 monthly for the next five. Over the 10-year term, the lease totals $1.3 million. If renewed, rent would adjust to market rate with average 3 percent growth, potentially totaling more than $2.7 million. City officials said the project will not expand current uses or create unusual circumstances. Lease revenue will be directed to the Water Fund without impacting the General Fund.
Other consent calendar items include an amendment with Los Angeles County to add $469,063 in Measure H funds for homeless services. This brings the contract total to nearly $1.8 million, supporting Friends In Deed and Union Station Homeless Services, as well as a full-time Community Services Representative. The amendment aligns with the city’s adopted Fiscal Year 2026 Housing budget and will not affect the General Fund.
The Council will also consider a five-year renewal for AltaMed Health Services Corporation’s lease at 1855 North Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena. The nonprofit healthcare provider could remain through June 2035, with estimated new rent income of $3.39 million over the added term. Annual rent will increase, and the agreement supports fiscal responsibility and healthcare access, directing revenue to the Building and Maintenance Fund and General Fund.
Three contracts—each not exceeding $500,000 over three years—will provide plan review and inspection services after the Eaton Fire and January windstorm, which damaged 185 structures. The total $1.5 million expense will be paid via the Building Fund, offset by plan check fees. FEMA funding may reimburse 75 percent; no General Fund impact is expected.
Additionally, authorization is sought for a Progressive Design-Build method to modernize the Primary Power Dispatch Center, ensuring resilience and updated infrastructure. No General Fund impact is expected.
An extension for Vox Network Solutions, Inc. will maintain legacy telecommunications systems through June 2026 as the city finalizes its Teams Phone System transition; funding remains within existing contract limits.
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