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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Capital Improvement Project No. 26-01, Sparr Heights Large Valve Replacement Project.
1. Resolution adopting Specification No. 4045 for Glendale Water & Power Department’s Capital Improvement Project No. 26-01 - Sparr Heights Large Valve Replacement Project and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for May 5, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Glendale Water & Power Department’s (GWP) Capital Improvement Project, Sparr Heights Large Valve Replacement Project, will replace eleven inoperable water system valves at nine locations along North Verdugo Road (Oakwood Avenue to Castera Avenue) within the Sparr Heights area. These valves are critical for isolating sections of the potable water system and their current condition limits operational control and leads to larger service disruptions.
The project was prioritized following a June 2025 water main break that impacted approximately 400 residents and highlighted the need for reliable system isolation valves. Replacing these valves will improve system reliability, enhance emergency response, and reduce impacts to the community.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Specification for the Sparr Heights Large Valve Replacement Project and direct the City Clerk to advertise for bids.
ANALYSIS
GWP’s Capital Improvement Project No. 26-01 - Sparr Heights Large Valve Replacement Project is proposed to address multiple inoperable water system valves located along North Verdugo Road and within the surrounding Sparr Heights area.
These valves are critical components of the potable water distribution system, as they allow for localized shutdowns during maintenance or emergency repairs.
Currently, a number of these valves are no longer functional, significantly limiting the Water Division’s ability to isolate sections of the system and resulting in broader 25c
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service disruptions than necessary.
The proposed project includes the replacement of eleven inoperable valves at the following nine locations:
3500 North Verdugo Road (12” Gate Valve)
La Crescenta Avenue & North Verdugo Road (12” Gate Valve) 3170 North Verdugo Road (16” Gate Valve)
3016 North Verdugo Road (Two (2) 16” Gate Valves and 12” Gate Valve) Sparr Boulevard & North Verdugo Road (12” Gate Valve)
2918 North Verdugo Road (16” Gate Valve)
1297 North Verdugo Road (24” Gate Valve)
North Verdugo Road & East Mountain Street (24” Gate Valve) 3435 Angelus Avenue (12” Gate Valve)
These valves play a vital role in isolating large segments of the distribution system.
Their replacement will significantly improve operational flexibility by allowing smaller, more controlled shutdown areas, thereby reducing the number of affected residents during future maintenance or emergency events.
The urgency of this project was emphasized during a potable water main break that occurred in June 2025, which resulted in approximately 400 residents experiencing a loss of water service. GWP Water Division crews responded during non-working hours and worked for over ten hours to address the emergency. Upon arrival, crews identified that several valves within the affected area were inoperable, which significantly delayed the ability to isolate the break and prolonging the service outage.
In response to this incident and the identified system deficiencies, the GWP Water Division has prioritized the replacement of these inoperable valves to enhance system reliability, improve emergency response capabilities, and minimize future service disruptions. Staff have since prepared the project plans and technical specifications necessary for construction and are now ready to proceed with advertising the project for competitive bids.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact at this time, as a cost estimate is not available. Staff will return at the time of contract award with a detailed appropriation request.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
The item herein is to adopt specifications to solicit bids and is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and thus a CEQA analysis is not required.
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CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Choose not to adopt Specification for Capital Improvement Project, the Sparr Heights Large Valve Replacement Project, and not to advertise for bids. This would result in continued reliance on inoperable water system valves during both emergency and planned shutdowns, compromising the reliability of the potable water system and increasing the risk of broader service disruptions.
2.Consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Scott K. Mellon, P.E., General Manager - Glendale Water & Power Prepared by:
Chisom Obegolu, P.E., Assistant General Manager – Water Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None.