Glendale council approves streetlight restoration contract, reappoints airport commissioners and agendizes Pride funding discussion

Glendale City Council members voted on multiple routine and membership items during the May 13 meeting, approving a streetlight restoration contract for Glendale Water and Power, reappointing the city’s representatives to the Burbank‑Glendale‑Pasadena Airport Authority Commission and directing staff to agendize a future report and request related to a Pride in the Park sponsorship.

Streetlight contract: The council approved a one‑year contract with Streetlight Restoration Specialist, Inc. (Specification No. 3,995) to repaint and restore decorative street lighting in the Rossmoyne (Montrose) and Honolulu Road neighborhood areas for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $269,280 plus a 10% contingency of $26,928. The item drew a public comment from Beth Brooks, who questioned the per‑pole cost (she calculated roughly $1,200 per pole). Council member Brotman and staff said the scope is more than painting: crews will likely need lead‑abatement procedures, tenting, wiring repairs, traffic control and prevailing‑wage work. Staff said the project is funded from the electric utility budget, not the city’s general fund. Assistant General Manager Chris Hyscoes explained the contract’s environmental and safety specifications and said the work is intended to extend the poles’ useful life by 10–15 years. The motion passed on the consent calendar.

Airport Authority appointments: The council appointed three individuals to four‑year terms on the Burbank‑Glendale‑Pasadena Airport Authority Commission beginning June 1, 2025, reappointing incumbents including Mr. Quintero and two other nominees recorded in the meeting record. City staff explained that the Joint Powers Agreement allows each participating city to name three representatives; Glendale’s practice has varied between elected and non‑elected appointees. Council discussion noted practical attendance obligations — the commission’s meetings and subcommittee work often start in the morning — and that commissioners serve at the pleasure of the council. The reappointments moved on a roll call that recorded four yes votes and one abstention.

Pride in the Park/agendize request: Council member Brotman asked that the council agendize a request to consider sponsoring up to $5,000 for Glendale Out’s Pride in the Park event on June 7, 2025, at Adam Square Mini Park, with Glendale Arts serving as the fiscal sponsor and paying event invoices so the city’s grant would be traceable through an established 501(c)(3). The item drew an extended public discussion and strong, split public comment: speakers described the event as family‑friendly and urged council support; other speakers objected to city sponsorship. Staff and council members clarified that the sponsorship would be paid to Glendale Arts, which would handle invoicing and reimbursements, and that the council would later see an item with a detailed budget and disbursement procedure. The council voted to agendize the item for a future meeting; the roll call recorded three yes votes, one no and one abstention.

Why it matters: The streetlight contract affects neighborhood streetscape and public infrastructure funded through the utility budget. The airport appointments place seats on a regional joint‑powers board that oversees a busy regional airport. The Pride agendize vote does not appropriate funds immediately but moves a controversial, community‑interest request to a future agenda for fuller deliberation and a vote.

Ending: Staff will return with any required contract documents and the Pride sponsorship report routed through Glendale Arts for accounting. Reappointed commissioners take office June 1, 2025; the streetlight contractor will begin work per the contract schedule.