This South Pasadena City Council agenda includes key items affecting the city’s infrastructure and public facilities, including appointments to a newly restructured commission, approval of engineering work for two pocket parks, and emergency repairs at the Fire Department.
While categorized as a consent calendar meeting—typically reserved for routine matters—the issues at hand reflect meaningful developments for the community.
Public Works Infrastructure Commission Appointments
The Council will consider Mayor Janet Braun’s nominations of David Maling, Sam Hernandez, and Charles Trevino to the Public Works Infrastructure Commission (PWIC). These appointments complete a major restructuring of the City’s commission system.
Earlier this year, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 2393, which merged the Public Works Commission and the Mobility and Transportation Infrastructure Commission into a single advisory body: the PWIC. The consolidation was designed to streamline operations, reduce redundancy, and provide unified oversight over the city’s infrastructure and mobility issues.
Maling, Hernandez, and Trevino were members of the former Public Works Commission whose terms did not expire at the end of 2024. Under the ordinance, they are being transitioned into the new PWIC for a temporary term ending December 31, 2025. After this period, they will not be eligible for reappointment.
City officials have described this as a move toward efficiency, ensuring the new commission benefits from continuity while laying the groundwork for future appointments. The PWIC will advise the Council on a broad range of public infrastructure projects, including roads, sewers, public buildings, and transportation initiatives.
Berkshire and Grevelia Pocket Park Project Moves Forward
A second item on the agenda would authorize a task order with engineering firm Ninyo & Moore in the amount of $38,514. The contract covers material testing and geotechnical engineering services for the construction of two new pocket parks—one at Berkshire Avenue and the other at Grevelia Street.
The City will also vote to increase the total project budget accordingly, bringing the cost from $2.312 million to $2.351 million.
These pocket parks have been in the works since South Pasadena acquired the land—formerly Caltrans parcels once set aside for the abandoned 710 Freeway extension. After years of public workshops, community feedback, and design revisions, the City approved conceptual plans in 2021. Both sites are now in active development.
At 1107 Grevelia Street, the future park will feature a central plaza, drought-tolerant landscaping, benches, and a children’s play area. At 2006 Berkshire Avenue, the site—officially named Dr. Beatriz Solis Memorial Park—will include a four-square court, picnic areas, fitness equipment, and shaded seating.
The Ninyo & Moore task order ensures that all foundational and structural components of the parks are thoroughly tested and safe during construction. The parks are expected to open later this year.
Emergency Repairs at the Fire Station
The Council will also consider authorizing a $40,400 expenditure to BluSky Restoration Services to perform urgent restroom repairs at the Fire Department’s main station. The motion includes a waiver of the competitive bidding process, allowing the City to proceed with repairs immediately.
The restrooms at Station 81 are reportedly in deteriorating condition and pose a potential hazard to firefighters who work and reside at the facility during 24-hour shifts. The City has indicated that the work must be done quickly to prevent further damage or interruption to essential services.
BluSky Restoration Services is a contractor experienced in emergency repairs and restoration projects. The waiver of bidding requirements allows the City to expedite the process in cases deemed time-sensitive or necessary for health and safety.
❤️ CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE: ‘A Day in The Live of Our Firefighters’ (click here)
The Bottom Line:
City Admin & Community Oversight Operations Are Being Changed
While the March 26 meeting is categorized as a consent calendar session, the decisions being made are far from routine. The appointments to the Public Works Infrastructure Commission mark a significant step in reshaping how the City oversees infrastructure projects.
The pocket park project continues to transform previously vacant lots into valuable green spaces. And the fire station repairs, though less visible to the public, directly support the City’s emergency response capabilities.
The meeting will be held in person and is open to the public. It will also be broadcast live via the City’s website and Zoom. Written public comment must be submitted by noon on the day of the meeting.
For full meeting access information and the published agenda, visit the City of South Pasadena’s website.
