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Public works outlines CIP quarterlies; Arroyo Seco joint project moves to full EIR after litigation
Summary
Public works staff reviewed dozens of CIP projects including library, parks, street and water works; staff said the Arroyo Seco / San Pasqual joint project is proceeding with a full Environmental Impact Report after litigation, and a local resident raised strong opposition during public comment alleging large tree loss and inadequate infiltration.
City staff gave a quarterly capital improvement program (CIP) update on Dec. 10 covering citywide facility repairs, library renovations, park pocket‑park openings, street reconstruction, stormwater projects and sustainability work.
Michael (project staff) and other public‑works presenters summarized completed items — including fire‑station overhead door replacement and library security work — and projects in design or procurement such as police locker‑room upgrades, library RFID procurement (item to Council mid‑December) and forthcoming bids for the golf driving‑range netting replacement.
Parks staff said two pocket parks at Grevillea and Berkshire are nearing completion with a grand opening set for Dec. 17. On transportation, staff described ongoing street reconstruction and slurry‑seal programs, Marengo corridor maintenance (which will reinstate bicycle lanes), and the Mission Street concept work tied to a Mission Slow Street outreach effort.
On sustainability, staff reported a Clean Power Alliance‑backed Civic Center solar and battery project (60% design) and planned EV chargers to support police fleet and Dial‑a‑Ride operations; the EV charger procurement will next go to Council.
Water‑system updates included a West Side reservoir replacement project (2,000,000‑gallon tank) with seismic analysis and a community meeting scheduled the next day. The sewer system repair program will begin a six‑year CCTV review to identify rehabilitation needs.
Staff addressed the Arroyo Seco / San Pasqual joint project (City of Pasadena is lead), saying design is complete but litigation prompted a switch from an initial study/mitigated negative declaration to a full EIR; Pasadena is expected to adopt that EIR by March 2026 before construction can start. During public comment later in the meeting, Angelo Gladding objected to the project and said it would remove "150 to 200 protected trees," would not infiltrate as geotechnical reports indicate, and would fail to perform required E. coli filtration; his remarks were recorded as public comment and reflect his opinion and cited concerns.
Commissioners asked staff to clarify funding phases and to make budget‑phase information clearer on future project slides; staff said they will include phase‑specific budget details in later reports and are pursuing grants (staff noted a $450,000 grant application for a citywide mobility plan update).
No formal actions were adopted on CIP items at the meeting; staff said quarterly CIP updates will continue and that staff will bring the toolbox and NTMP materials to Council in January.
