The South Pasadenan News
South Pasadena officials unveiled a slate of 62 public works projects totaling nearly $24.8 million for the upcoming fiscal year, despite ongoing staffing shortages in the city’s Public Works Department. The comprehensive plan was presented during the June 4 City Council meeting as part of the city’s five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
City Manager Todd Hileman identified street repairs as the most urgent priority. More than $11.2 million—nearly half the total budget—is earmarked for street-related improvements, including sidewalk replacements, asphalt reconstruction, new ADA-compliant ramps, and general roadway maintenance throughout the city.
The overall $24.81 million plan will be funded through a mix of unspent funds from the current year ($10.4 million carried over from FY 2024–2025) and new allocations from the upcoming FY 2025–2026 city budget (just over $14 million).
Additional transportation upgrades—such as traffic signs, bollards, pedestrian crossing enhancements, and other safety features—account for $6.1 million. Notably, this includes $1.2 million for Intelligent Transportation Systems along the Fair Oaks Avenue corridor, a technology-driven initiative aimed at improving traffic flow and safety.
Parks and recreation projects will receive approximately $3.2 million, much of it going toward continued work on two “pocket parks” located on Grevelia Street and near Berkshire Avenue. The library will see $547,231 in dedicated improvements.
Water infrastructure also features prominently in the plan, with $1.3 million allocated for upgrades to city reservoirs and water lines, and another $1.3 million designated for the sewer system. Stormwater drainage improvements total $387,711.
However, the feasibility of completing all 62 projects was a central concern at the meeting. Public Works Director Ted Gerber acknowledged that staffing remains a key limitation. While the City Council has already approved new positions—including staff assigned specifically to the CIP—Gerber noted the difficulty in hiring qualified personnel quickly.
“To be honest, that’s the big question of the evening,” Gerber said. “You’ve already approved adding positions, but knowing that hiring takes time, we’re supplementing with contract staff. The CIP budget will cover those costs.”
Mayor Janet Braun expressed concern about whether the department could realistically deliver on all proposed work. Gerber responded that while the plan is “possible,” the timeline and scope ultimately depend on available staffing and resources.
“It just scales based on how much we can actually support,” he said, acknowledging that some projects may need to be deferred if hiring lags or priorities shift.
The City Council is scheduled to formally vote on adopting the Capital Improvement Program at its next meeting on June 18. If approved, the CIP will be incorporated into the city’s overall budget for FY 2025–2026 later this summer.
