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Mayor Braun outlines infrastructure, finance and housing priorities in State of the City; council honors Police Chief Celinski
Summary
Mayor Janet Braun called 2025 “pivotal,” highlighting a new city manager hire, financial stabilization and an infrastructure focus that includes a proposed street‑repair bond; the council also presented Police Chief Brian Celinski with recognition for 32 years of service.
Mayor Janet Braun on Dec. 3 told the South Pasadena City Council and audience that 2025 was “a pivotal and transformational year” for the city, citing the hiring of Todd Heilman as city manager, completion of financial staffing and auditing work, and a renewed focus on infrastructure and housing.
Braun said the city rebuilt its finance team after staffing shortfalls, resulting in a clean opinion from the auditors for the 2023–24 fiscal year and general fund reserves of more than $17,000,000. She said the council adopted priorities grouped under governance, operational efficiencies, finance, infrastructure and housing and noted that mergers of several commissions were before council in a separate ordinance.
On infrastructure she highlighted a FY26 capital plan that includes $17 million for street repairs and said staff are studying financing options for a possible bond measure of roughly $80 million to address a backlog of repairs. She also said the city will pursue sidewalk repairs, a West Side Reservoir EIR, sewer upgrades tied to a consent judgment and a public–private partnership option to invest $11–$12 million in the Arroyo Seco golf course.
The mayor listed incoming development projects that will increase housing stock and downtown activity, and she stressed emergency preparedness after regional wildfires earlier in 2025.
The council paused the program to honor Police Chief Brian Celinski for 32 years of service. A representative from State Senator Perez’s office presented a senate recognition certificate, and Chief Celinski addressed the chamber, thanking council and the community.
"I just wanted to thank the council," Celinski said, adding that he felt “like the luckiest person” for the professional relationships and community partnerships formed during his career.
The meeting recessed for a short celebration with photos and refreshments and then resumed for the regular agenda.
