South Pasadena : Sidewalk Flap Patched

Residents recently complained to the City Council that sidewalk repair workers tore up their lawns, broke their sprinkler systems and did shoddy work.

The council responded by saying the city probably will reduce residents’ assessments for the city-contracted sidewalk repairs, possibly up to 50%. Also, the council said further payments would be withheld from the contractor, Whittier-based Fecit Strata, until residents are satisfied with repairs to their property.

Nikolai J. Samarim, the project coordinator for Fecit Strata, denied claims of sloppy workmanship and lawn damage beyond the trenching necessary to replace sidewalks. He said all of the work was approved by a city inspector.

Samarim also said he plans to file a claim against the city for payment of $50,000 to $60,000 he says is still owed him.

The $110,000 citywide sidewalk repair program began in July. More than 200 property owners had sidewalks repaired or replaced. Their assessments, which will be spread over a two-year period on property tax bills, ranged from $55.50 to $2,775.

City Manager John Bernardi is scheduled to report back to the council in January about what adjustments will be made in the assessments.