City proposes outsourcing public works to Willdan Engineering for redevelopment oversight

The Sierra Madre City Council held a regular meeting on March 25, 2025, where key discussions focused on streamlining public works functions and addressing fire hydrant flow assessments.

During the meeting, staff proposed contracting Willdan Engineering to manage all public works functions related to redevelopment projects. Willdan Engineering, which already serves as the city’s engineer and fire code marshal, would oversee post-entitlement work. The council was informed that Willdan could provide a turnaround time of ten business days for these services. However, there was no immediate quantifiable estimate of time or financial savings associated with this change. Any amendments to the existing contract would require further approval from the city council.

Additionally, the council discussed the process of measuring fire hydrant flows, which is essential for ensuring adequate water supply for fire safety. Previously, this task was handled by a city fire official who is no longer with the city. The fire chief expressed a desire to train a new staff member for this role but noted that, in the interim, they have reached out to the city of Pasadena for assistance. As of the meeting, the city had not yet received a response from Pasadena's water department regarding this matter.

The discussions highlighted the city's efforts to enhance efficiency in public works while ensuring public safety through proper fire hydrant assessments. Further updates on these initiatives are expected in future council meetings.