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Council approves purchase of crash‑rated downtown planters using TDA funds

2171839 · January 30, 2025

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Summary

Council voted to waive competitive bidding and authorized purchase and installation of crash‑rated concrete planters for Brand/ Central bridges and an Orange Street alleyway; vote was 4–1 with one dissenting vote over use of transportation funds for what some called beautification.

The Glendale City Council approved a motion on Jan. 28 to dispense with competitive bidding and to purchase 60 crash‑rated concrete pedestrian planters for downtown bridges and an Orange Street alleyway, citing beautification and pedestrian comfort as objectives. The staff report sought authorization to buy the planters as a TDA‑eligible small capital improvement.

The agenda described the purchase as a single‑source procurement from QCP Corp for specialized, crash‑rated concrete planters. Staff reported a purchase price of $297,008 and requested a resolution of appropriation for $266,525 in Transportation Development Act (TDA) grant funds to cover the project. Several councilmembers supported the project as a means to improve the walking environment and to create a more welcoming corridor linking north and south sides of Brand and Central. One councilmember objected, calling the work “beautification” rather than a true pedestrian‑safety capital project and urged greater private‑sector participation.

The council approved the purchase by roll call (four yeas, one nay). The tally recorded in the meeting minutes: Council Member Brotman — no; Council Member Garpetian — yes; Council Member Kasakian — yes; Council Member Najarian — yes; Mayor — yes. Staff said the Greater Downtown Glendale Association would help maintain the planters and that the city would work with public‑art or branding staff to refine signage or graphics to reduce visual clutter.

Ending: The project was approved and staff will proceed with purchase and placement; councilmembers asked staff to explore coordination with the city’s public‑art program and with downtown stakeholders on visual design and maintenance.