Pasadena Council Moves to Transfer Oversight of Park

The Pasadena City Council, citing the need for better oversight of the Hahamongna Watershed Park, has declared its intention to shift the budget for the 300-acre facility’s operating company to the Public Works Department, effectively gutting the power of the nonprofit company’s board.

The declaration comes after nearly a year of infighting among the board of directors of the Hahamongna Operating Co., beginning with their controversial appointment of environmental activist Tim Brick as executive director of the Northwest Pasadena park.

A divided council narrowly approved a motion Monday night to notify the city-appointed board of its intention to incorporate the $475,000 annual park budget into the budget of the city Public Works Department. The move is designed to transfer oversight of the park, which is undergoing restoration after years of damage by gravel operations, from the largely autonomous board to Public Works Director Cynthia Kurtz, said Councilman William Crowfoot.

“It is not my objective to destroy the operating company. It is my objective to bring accountability and responsibility to one place: the council,” said Crowfoot, the motion’s author. “It is my desire Mr. Brick has a supervisor who reports through the chain of command to the City Council.”

However, the council cannot act on its declaration immediately because it is required to give the operating company board 45 days to respond. City Atty. Cristina Talley told the council that a provision in the city’s contract with the company requires the comment period for the board before council action.

Councilwoman Joyce Streator said the contract provision was another example of how the city has allowed the park board too much autonomy. “It seems to reinforce Councilman Crowfoot’s motion that we have given up an awful lot except being accountable for what happens,” said Streator, who joined council members Crowfoot, Chris Holden and Mayor Bill Paparian in supporting the shift of funds.

“I’m disappointed,” said Hahamongna Board Chairman Jim Schoedler. “But I think the 45-day comment period is real opportunity to change some minds.”