Finance Committee to Hear Plan to Buy Barriers for Outdoor Dining

Although the city did not receive the anticipated grant funding to buy concrete barriers that are being used to protect people enjoying outdoor dining, city officials are moving forward with plans to save money by buying the equipment instead of renting.

On Wednesday, the Finance Committee is expected to authorize the city manager to enter into a $230,000 contract with Ellis Equipment for TSleds and K-Rails.

An additional $35,000 would be appropriated from the General Fund operating reserve for on-street dining to the Department of Transportation.

K-Rails are temporary concrete barriers that are used for perimeter protection, prohibit access and define walkways.
The barriers are being used to protect outdoor dining areas along Colorado Boulevard in Playhouse Village and Old Pasadena.

The city has paid $151,000 for rentals of K-rails and TLS2 SLEDs and will pay an additional $110,000 to rent the barriers until June.

Last year, the city submitted an unsuccessful grant application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Protective barriers were installed on July 11, when the city implemented its first phase of outdoor dining along Colorado Boulevard. This was after outdoor dining guidelines were issued and an online application process was implemented to make it easier for businesses to have protective barriers installed.

On July 18, the second phase of the project was implemented after Ellis Equipment offered to supply the K-rails and a purchase order was approved. The third phase started on Aug. 8, which covered K-rail rentals up to Oct. 18. That was later extended until January.

Gov. Gavin Newsom allowed restaurants to resume outdoor dining last week after shutting everything down in December.

The matter could go before the City Council next week.