After frustration with major public works project, South Pasadena starts new commission

South Pasadena on Wednesday established a new commission to review major public works projects after improvements to the Fair Oaks corridor went over budget and took longer than expected to complete -- angering business owners and residents who demanded greater transparency and input.

“Had the commission been established prior to the Fair Oaks project, we believe it would have identified and hopefully prevented some of the more significant problems associated with the project,” said Diana Mahmud, a member of the group Women Involved in South Pasadena Political Action.

The Fair Oaks Corridor Improvement Project — which lasted from November 2010 to September 2011 — went roughly $294,000 over its original estimated price tag of $4 million. Throughout the duration of the project, local business owners and residents demanded that monthly meetings be established as a venue for information and discussion.

People who took part in the meetings felt they were so productive that they insisted a Public Works Commission be formed.

The City Council, which approved an ordinance in November forming the commission, appointed four members Wednesday night, each with a background in construction or engineering.

The group is slated to work with public works officials on major construction projects that cost more than $250,000 by reviewing design concepts and construction documents to convey potential obstacles to the public and City Council.

“The commission will review and give input to streamline and update our existing policies and procedures for installing new stop signs or other road signs,” Councilwoman Marina Khubesrian said.

Commission members include construction project manager Alexander Main; civil and traffic engineer John E. Fisher; engineer Clinton L. Granath; and retired contractor Mathew M. Pendo.

Councilman Philip Putnam will choose his candidate when the commission is up and running, according to the city.

Of the 10 applicants who applied, Khubesrian said she chose Pendo because of his extensive background in competitive contract bidding and supervision of underground construction, noting that he “was effective in his efforts to point out the contractors’ errors during the resident forums of the Fair Oaks project.”

City Manager Sergio Gonzalez said he welcomed the new addition to City Hall.

“We have a lot of community input and a lot of community interest,” he said. “We want to make sure we provide residents with a venue to help.”

And help is what they’ll get, Mahmud said, adding that the community is eager to oversee city funds as South Pasadena rebuilds its infrastructure.

“The commission is an excellent vehicle to vet public works projects by informed members of the community before such contracts are awarded, and to provide public input regarding such projects as they are constructed,” she said.

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