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Council orders repairs, study for parks and mall gateway; staff to seek contractor remedies for San Fernando Park grass
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Summary
Council directed staff to pursue insurance reimbursement and repairs for a damaged mall sign, to bring a park maintenance plan back in November, and to explore partnerships and monarch‑habitat ideas for Cindy Montanez Park.
San Fernando councilmembers on Oct. 6 pressed staff to accelerate repairs and maintenance across parks and public spaces after receiving multiple resident complaints and site inspections.
Councilmember Patty Lopez requested an update on a damaged mall entrance sign that was struck by a vehicle. Staff said they had submitted an insurance claim, authorized initial repair work and will seek reimbursement; public works staff reported crews had been given a go‑ahead to purchase materials and begin repairs immediately. Interim public works director Bill Evans said there was no immediate life‑safety hazard but acknowledged the sign’s gateway role and promised repairs would begin promptly.
Council also addressed complaints about turf and plant survival at San Fernando Park. Staff said testing is complete and the city will pursue contractor remediation options and work with the city attorney as needed to determine responsibility; a capital‑and‑maintenance plan will be returned to council with priorities and timelines.
Cindy Montanez Park, a planned natural area adjacent to the river channel, was discussed as well. Staff noted the park is included in the city’s grant work (Pacoima Bikeway) and that maintenance of a natural park can be more labor‑intensive. Councilors asked staff to meet with the police chief about patrols, convene community meetings about park priorities, and to explore partnerships with nonprofit land stewards such as the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and local Rotary clubs. Councilmember Joe Fajardo proposed designating portions of the park as monarch habitat and suggested a resident outreach program to distribute milkweed plants; staff agreed to evaluate native milkweed varieties and potential partnerships.
Council directed staff to return in November with a community engagement schedule, a prioritized project list for park maintenance and an update on any contractor remediation actions. The public works department also reported completion of several bus shelters and a roof/HVAC project at Las Palmas Park.
