Correspondences — Burbank City Council, May 20, 2025

From: ben lecourt
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protest for increased charges
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 2:22:16 PM
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Hi,
I’m submitting this email to protest the potential increased fees for water services, sewer and refuse services.

Best regards,
Benjamin Lecourt
ATTACHMENT 3
From: Erina Galanukan
To: City Clerks
Subject: Written Protest for Proposed Rate Increase of Water, Sewer, and Refuse Services Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 9:34:16 AM
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Dear Burbank City Council and Utility Services Division, I am writing to formally protest the proposed increases to Burbank’s water, refuse, and sewer service rates. The projected rise would push my monthly utility bill over $30—an increase I simply cannot afford. I know I’m not alone. Many families in Burbank are already stretched thin by the rising cost of living, and this proposal would only add further strain.

This isn’t just a personal concern—this is a systemic one. Burbank is experiencing a population decline, and the financial pressure on residents is a significant factor. The Burbank Unified School District has already lost millions in funding due to declining enrollment, a clear signal that our city is becoming unaffordable for families. These proposed rate hikes will only accelerate that trend.

Burbank needs to ask itself: what kind of city do we want to be? Are we building a community that welcomes families, working professionals, and long-term residents? Or are we pricing them out, one utility bill at a time?
Please reconsider this proposal and look for alternative solutions that don’t place the burden on residents already struggling to make ends meet. I urge you to prioritize affordability and sustainability—not just in infrastructure, but in community-building. --
Erina Galanukan
Irving Drive
Burbank, CA 91504

From: Salmun Mousavi
To: City Clerks
Subject: Written protestation for BWP rate increase
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 9:36:00 AM
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To whom it is about to concern,
I am writing briefly to voice my dissatisfaction with the fact that BWP would even consider raising rates. In this economy, and with all the financial pressure the American citizenry is already receiving from the federal and state level, it is laughable and asinine to think that local government would follow suit. Our cities are meant to be bastions of stability while the country sinks into the mire.

Life is already expensive enough. Water is a human right. Don't make it more expensive.

Sincerely,
Sal Mousavi
Concerned Citizen and Bagpiper
I.A.T.S.E. Local 80 -- Motion Picture Studio Grips
From: Josie Vorenkamp
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protest - Increased rate for water, sewer & refuse services Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 10:16:29 AM
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Hello,
My name is Josephine Vorenkamp and I have been a Burbank resident for the last 11 years.

I'm emailing to officially submit my protest of the proposed rate increase for water, sewer and refuse services.
--
JOSIE VORENKAMP |PRODUCER

From: Pascia Cruise
To: City Clerks
Subject: BWP rate increase protest
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 10:42:18 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

This email serves to act as a written protest of the proposed BWP rate increase(s).

From: Emily Tse
To: City Clerks
Subject: Against rate increase for water, sewer, and refuse services Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 10:59:46 AM
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Hello,
We live in Burbank in the rancho-adjacent neighborhood.

I am writing to go against the proposed rate increases for water, sewer, and refuse services.

We do not want increased rates for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

Thank you,
Emily Tse and Cearka Sun
From: Nora Elkins
To: City Clerks
Subject: Written Protest to BWP rate increase
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 11:11:05 AM
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To whom it may concern:

This is my written protest to the proposed BWP rate increase prior to the public hearing on May 20, 2025 as I cannot attend in person.
--
Best,
Nora Elkins
From: Michelle Carmela De mesa
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protesting Increase rates and charges for water, sewer, and refuse services Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 11:55:18 AM
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To whom it may concern,
I am protesting the increase rate and charges for water, sewer and refuse service. We do not want to adopt the increase.

Regards,
Michelle De Mesa
From: Cristina DiMarzio
To: City Clerks
Subject: Increase to rates for Water, Sewer, and Refuse Services - Protest Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 12:44:57 PM
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Hello,
I’m writing to protest the proposed increases to water, sewer, and refuse rates. While I understand the need for infrastructure improvements, these hikes will put a financial strain on many residents, especially during tough economic times.

I’d like to see more transparency about how the extra funds will be used and urge the City to consider alternative solutions, like cutting costs or finding other funding sources, before raising rates. These increases will especially hurt low- and middle-income households, and I believe the community deserves more discussion on how we can move forward without such a heavy burden.

Thank you for considering this.
-Cristina DiMarzio
From: Chris Bower
To: City Clerks
Subject: Rate increases
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 12:49:19 PM
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I’d like to see more transparency about how the extra funds will be used and urge the City to consider alternative
solutions, like cutting costs or finding other funding sources, before raising rates. These increases will especially hurt low- and middle-income households, and I believe the
community deserves more discussion on how we can move
forward without such a heavy burden.

Thank you for considering this.

Sincerely,
Chris Bower
From: Caress Reeves
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protest: Increases to Rates and Charges for Water, Sewer, and Refuse Services Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 1:05:28 PM
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I’m writing to protest the proposed increases to water, sewer, and refuse rates. While I understand the need for infrastructure improvements, these hikes will put a financial strain on many residents, especially during tough economic times.

Thank you for considering this.

Caress Reeves
From: ashley choy
To: City Clerks
Subject: Increases to Rates and Charges for Water, Sewer, and Refuse Services Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 1:07:03 PM
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Hello,
I am a Burbank resident and I would like to submit a written protest to the proposed increase in rates. It is already so difficult to survive in this economy and this proposal would make it so much harder. I formally protest this proposal.

Ashley Choy
From: Mee Yu
To: City Clerks
Subject: Water/Sewer fees and charges
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 1:29:13 PM
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Hi, my name is Mee Yu. I am a resident of Burbank. I formally protest this proposed price hike in utilities. Thank you.

Sent from my iPhone
From: karen koenig
To: City Clerks
Subject: Water and power rate increases
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 2:26:25 PM
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I’m just emailing to voice an opinion/protest the proposed rate hikes for water and power.

I don’t think the city appreciates how many residents including myself re barely surviving as it is. It’s a struggle most month to pay the Ayer and power bill and also put food on the table. I’ve had to choose between groceries or paying a bill more times than I can count and so the food being so expensive, rent in this city skyrocketing, and just existing in general becoming almost prohibitively expensive this is the very last thing residents need right now.

I truly can’t impress upon you how detrimental this would be. An extra $30 a month may not seem like much but that’s the difference between being able to put gas in your car or not, or buying food for a few days that isn’t ramen or not.

Please please reconsider this. With the cost of absolutely everything going up so sharply so quickly this is going to leave so many residents in such a difficult and scary position.

Please don’t do this to us, we are barely surviving as it is. ~K King (long time burbank redident$
From: Erica Chung
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protest Against Rate Increase
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 2:51:15 PM
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Dear Burbank City Council,
I’m writing to protest the proposed increases to water, sewer, and refuse rates. While I understand the need for infrastructure improvements, these hikes will put a financial strain on many residents, especially during tough economic times.

Thank you for considering this.

Erica Chung
From: Sarah Chung
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protest Against Rate Increase
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 3:10:10 PM
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Thank you for considering this.

Sarah Chung
From: Jesse Choy
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protest Against Price Hike
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 3:28:54 PM
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I formally protest this proposed price hike.

From: alex seymour
To: City Clerks
Subject: BWP Proposed Rate Increase 2025
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 3:36:58 PM
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I'm writing to protest the proposed increases to water, sewer, and refuse rates. While I understand the need for infrastructure improvements, these hikes will put a financial strain on many residents, especially during tough economic times.

I'd like to see more transparency about how the extra funds will be used and urge the City to consider alternative solutions, like cutting costs or finding other funding sources, before raising rates. These increases will especially hurt low- and middle-income households, and I believe the community deserves more discussion on how we can move forward without such a heavy burden.

Thank you for considering this.

From: Lisa Bohacek Hurt
To: City Clerks
Subject: Proposed water, sewage, & refuse rates
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 3:43:17 PM
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Hello,
I am writing to voice my opposition to the proposed increases to the water, sewage, and refuse rates in Burbank, scheduled to be discussed in a public hearing on May 20, 2025.

While I appreciate the need for infrastructure improvements, these rate hikes will put a financial strain on many Burbank residents, at a moment of significant inflationary and economically unstable times.

I urge the city to consider alternative solutions like cutting costs or finding other funding opportunities prior to rate increases. I believe the lower-and middle-income residents who will be hurt the most by these proposed increases deserve more discussion around how we can move forward without saddling those residents with such a heavy financial burden.

Thank you,
Lisa Bohacek Hurt

From: Angelo Flores
To: City Clerks
Subject: Opposing BWP rate increase
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 4:34:11 PM
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Hello,
I am a current resident of Burbank and I am against the proposal of increased rates. Future uncertainty of prices just from the proposed tariffs alone is already a burden to the city's residents and having this will do the city a disservice.

Please reconsider.

Regards,
Angelo
From: Paige Aamoth
To: City Clerks
Subject: Burbank Citizen Protest Proposed Increases
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 5:07:39 PM
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Thank you for considering this.
- Paige Aamoth
From: Michele Mekah Leins
To: City Clerks
Subject: Written protest to fee increases
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 7:34:21 AM
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NO INCREASED FEES!!
This is my written protest to the proposed increases to rates and charges to water, sewer and refuse services.

Michele Leins
N. Kenwood St.

Burbank , CA 91505

From: Andreas Herr
To: City Council DL; City Clerks
Subject: Opposed to Price Hikes for Water Sewer and Refuse Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 1:09:43 PM
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I’m opposed to these price hikes. Times are tough. Need to figure out how to do more with less or cut in other areas.

Let’s not move the goalpost for middle class america. Opposed to these price hikes.

Andreas Herr
N. California St
Burbank, CA 91505

As a concerned resident, I respectfully request that the City Council reconsider these proposed increases and engage in further dialogue with the community to find equitable solutions that support the long-term sustainability of Burbank’s utilities while minimizing financial hardship for its residents.

Please consider this letter as my formal protest against the proposed rate/charge increases. I trust that the City Council and BWP will take these concerns into account as they move forward with the decision-making process.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to receiving a response regarding the next steps in the review and consideration of these proposed rate changes.

Sincerely,
Eligio Fonseca
From: Kathy Fregoso
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protesting BWP Proposed Rate Increases
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 1:33:06 PM
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Hello,
As a resident of Burbank, I’m writing to protest the proposed increases to water, sewer, and refuse rates. While I understand the need for infrastructure improvements, these hikes will put a financial strain on many residents, especially during tough economic times.

Thank you,
Kathy Fregoso
From: Casey Montoya-Carrigan
To: City Clerks
Subject: Opposition to Proposed Utility Price Hike.

Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 1:33:08 PM
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Dear City of Burbank Council and Burbank Water and Power, I am writing as both a landlord and tenant in Burbank to express my strong opposition to the proposed 14% utility price hike. As someone living under rent control, I find this increase excessive, unfair, and frankly, hypocritical.

The city enforces rent control to maintain affordability and protect tenants—which I support.

However, increasing utility rates by 14% directly contradicts those efforts. Utilities are an essential service, and a price hike of this magnitude hits working families and housing providers alike, especially those of us trying to make ends meet in an already challenging market.

As a mom-and-pop property owner, it is already incredibly difficult to provide and maintain quality housing for our tenants while staying afloat ourselves. We’re not large corporations— we are small business owners rooted in this community. These utility price hikes only continue to squeeze out the small businesses and independent landlords who give Burbank its charm and character.

I support reasonable rent control that helps keep Burbank livable for everyone—but that must be paired with fair and measured policies across the board, including utility pricing. I urge the city to reconsider this proposal and seek more balanced solutions that don’t penalize the very people who live and work hard to make this city a great place to be.

Sincerely,
Casey Montoya-Carrigan

Burbank resident

From: Carol
To: City Clerks
Subject: No vote on increases for water, sewer and refuse services Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 1:33:13 PM
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I vote absolutely not!
From: Andrew B
To: City Clerks
Subject: Burbank Resident Protest – Water, Sewer & Refuse Rate Increases Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 1:33:15 PM
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Dear City Clerk,
I am writing to formally protest the proposed increases to the rates and charges for water, sewer, and refuse services in the City of Burbank.

As a resident, I am deeply concerned about the financial impact these increases will have—not just on myself, but on many individuals and families throughout our community. The cost of living has already risen significantly in recent years, from housing and groceries to energy and transportation. Adding further utility costs places an undue hardship on residents who are already struggling to make ends meet.

These essential services—water, sanitation, and refuse—are not luxuries. They are basic necessities that every person relies on to live a safe and healthy life. Increasing these rates without adequate consideration of the financial strain it causes could force difficult decisions upon our most vulnerable neighbors.

I urge the City Council and utility departments to reconsider this proposal and explore more equitable solutions that don’t disproportionately affect residents.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Andrew Beatrice
East Olive Ave Burbank CA 91501

From: Lana Sinovoi
To: City Clerks
Subject: Proposed BWP rate increase
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 1:33:31 PM
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Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to you because the proposed rate increases are very high and costly for the residents of Burbank. With the increase in living costs and everything around us, it is just too much to impose this increase on people right now. Residents are having a hard time with making ends meet and to add on this increase will make it that much harder to survive in this beautiful city of ours.

Please reconsider imposing the rate increase at this time. Let the economy rebound and people get back on their feet before any new increase is implemented.

I understand that you need a majority of protests to stop this, but many residents don’t understand or can’t write to the council for various reasons.

I do hope we get a majority to stop this at least for the foreseeable future.

Thank you for taking this letter into consideration.

Sincerely,
Svetlana Sinovoi
Burbank Resident of 28 years.

From: Sapna Kumar
To: City Clerks
Subject: Increase in Water Charges -- Protest
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 1:39:08 PM
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To Whom It May Concern,
I'm a resident of Burbank, CA, at N. Hollywood Way, 91505.

Currently, the city of Burbank allows rental increases by 8% each year. Since 2020, my rent has been raised three times, yet my salary remains the same. By increasing fees and charges for water services, my cost of living will drive me into debt. I hereby protest an proposed fee
and increase for water, sewer, and refuse services.

Sincerely,
Sapna Kumar

From: Ty Metcalfe
To: City Clerks
Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Rate Increases
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 2:51:44 PM
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Dear City of Burbank,
I’m writing to express my concern about the proposed increases to water, sewer, and refuse rates. While I understand the importance of maintaining and improving our infrastructure, these rate hikes would place a significant financial burden on many residents, especially during these challenging economic times.

I respectfully urge the City to provide more transparency about how the additional funds will be allocated. Before moving forward with these increases, I encourage you to explore alternative solutions such as cost cutting measures or securing other funding sources.

These changes will disproportionately impact low and middle income households, and I believe the community deserves a more thorough discussion about how we can address infrastructure needs without placing such a heavy burden on residents.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Ty Metcalfe
South Bel Aire Ave.
91501
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
From: [email protected]
To: City Clerks
Subject: Written Protest Submission-- 2 votes for NO!
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 4:13:45 PM
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Dear Burbank City Council,
Please DO NOT increase the fees, rates &/or charges for water, sewer, and refuse services for the Burbank community. Count us among the hopefully vast majority of residents & business owners that DO NOT support the proposed rate increases for fiscal year 2025-2026 and 2026- 2027!
THIS represents our written protest, two VOTES for NO--to be considered and counted at the public hearing May 20, 2025.

Please confirm receipt of this email/written protest to vote NO.

Sincerely,
Joe Guzaldo and Peggy Jo Jacobs
E. Grinnell Drive
Burbank, CA 91501

From: Carly Ryan
To: City Clerks
Subject: BWAP Protest
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 11:19:11 PM
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Hi,
My name is Carly Ryan and I am writing a protest against the rates increase for the city of Burbank Water and Power.

Thank you,
Carly Ryan
Sent from my iPhone
From: Tyler Emery
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protest in increase in rates
Date: Monday, April 14, 2025 9:04:39 AM
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Hello, my name is Tyler Emery, and I’m a resident of Burbank. I’m calling to formally oppose the proposed increases to water, sewer, and refuse service rates.

While I recognize the importance of maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure, I’m deeply concerned about the financial strain these rate hikes would place on residents—especially given the current economic challenges many in our community are facing.

I respectfully ask the City to provide greater transparency about how the additional revenue would be allocated, and to actively explore alternative funding solutions that do not pass the burden directly onto ratepayers.

I urge the City Council to reconsider these proposed increases and to engage more fully with the community in finding fair and sustainable paths forward.

Thank you for your time and attention. I’m available at if you’d like to discuss this further.
--
Best regards,
Tyler Emery

TYLER'S GYM
Magnolia Blvd
www.TylersGym.com
Burbank, Ca 91505

From: Alexis Emery
To: City Clerks
Subject: Increase in rates
Date: Monday, April 14, 2025 9:05:41 AM
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Hello, my name is Alexis Emery, and I’m a resident of Burbank. I’m calling to formally oppose the proposed increases to water, sewer, and refuse service rates.

I urge the City Council to reconsider these proposed increases and to engage more fully with the community in finding fair and sustainable paths forward.

Thank you for your time and attention. I’m available at if you’d like to discuss this further.
--

From: Jack Stroud
To: City Clerks
Cc:

Subject: Public hearing: May 20th 2025, Utility increases Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 8:09:03 AM
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City Clerk,
My wife and I are not able to attend the public hearing to consider increases to rates and charges of our utilities.

We are in strong opposition to the proposed fee rates! We live at E. Harvard Rd. We are now senior citizens, living on a fixed income. Burbank utility costs are already extremely high and services have been reduced. My family has resided in our home in Burbank since 1922.

It is the job of our elected officials to keep our utility cost down and our streets safe. This has not been the case now for at least 3 decades.

Please consider this email an opposition to the fee increases.

Respectfully,
Jack & Rita Stroud
E Harvard Rd, Burbank, CA 91501

From: Shania Huffman
To: City Clerks
Subject: Written Protest to the Proposed Increase of Water/Sewer/Refuse Rates - Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 8:09:09 AM
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I am writing to protest BWP's proposed rate increase of water, sewer and refuse services in Burbank, California.

The reasons for the increase as listed in the packet sent in the mail include purchased water, operations, and maintenance as well as capital improvement programs for maintaining and modernizing Burbank's water infrastructure.

First, from my understanding, most of the water in Burbank comes from Lake Oroville and MWD. Rainfall in Southern California has increased in recent years,
the population of Burbank has been on a steady
decline since 2021, and water use has also decreased amongst residents. Thus, demand for water is not a good reason for a price increase and
the cost of water should be decreasing for BWP. If MWD is increasing the price of water, this should not be passed onto Burbank residents. This should be dealt with between MWD and BWP.

The packet states that "modernizing Burbank's water infrastructure" is another reason for the increase.

Just two years ago BWP increased the water rate. I understand that the water infrastructure is constantly being changed and modernized but every two years seems excessive. I don't believe it is a necessity to
update these processes this often, and upgrades that are not a necessity for BWP should not be implemented at the expense of Burbank residents.

Thank you for your time.

A Happy Burbank Resident,
Shania Huffman
--
From: BETTY VANOLE
To: City Clerks
Subject: Rate Increases for Water, Sewer & Refuse
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 8:09:15 AM
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Dear City Clerks,
How can you increase these rates when hundreds of apartments are being built, therefore, Burbank Water and Power will be taking in thousands of dollars as people move into these hundreds of apartments or is that a pipe dream because people will not be able to afford to live in these apartments.They certainly aren't being built for the low income.

My husband and I as senior citizens are against
these rate increases.

Sincerely,
Betty & Chuck Vanole

From: Aidan Traynor
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protesting Proposed Service Fee Hikes
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 11:28:06 AM
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Hello,
I’m Aidan Traynor, a Burbank resident of around three years now. I’m writing in to officially protest the proposed increases to refuse, water, and sewer service rates. I am concerned about any unnecessary hikes, especially with the overall economic outlook so uncertain.

Thank you for your understanding, and have a pleasant day.

From: Edmond Noblejas
To: City Clerks
Subject: Written Protest for “To Consider Increases to Rates and Charges For Water, Sewer, and Refuse Services” Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 1:06:14 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hello,
With the current political climate of President Trump and applied tariffs, costs are rising drastically for businesses and consumers.

I am in protest for raising rates on all utilities. Please, if at all possible, try to find other avenues to keep up with rising costs rather than putting it on the community to handle the costs!
Thank You,
Edmond Noblejas
From: Brian Kortbus
To: City Clerks
Subject: Water, Sewer, and Refuse written protest
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 8:04:39 AM
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Hello!
Brian K here, I live by Magnolia & 6th as a renter.

We're getting crushed everywhere else with rising costs thanks to the orange clown and corporate greed, now is not the time to further punish us renters just for existing.

Looking over the mailed letter, I'd love to hear more about this 26.4% increase for administration -- are you all giving yourselves a 26.4% raise here or can you justify what exactly this entails to the public that shows a real value to us?

On the 15.1% for infrastructure improvements, have we not been saving up any money for improvements until now? Are we running a zero-sum operation here with no money for improvements? Will these improvements lead to lower costs in 2-5 years or is this just to further justify a permanent increase in costs to residents? Why can't we use the new paid parking in Downtown Burbank to offset the costs here? what are we using the new metered parking income for if not Burbank's well being?

I understand that water costs are going to increase, and it's fair to offset those costs in our monthly rates, however everything else in this letter feels like an excuse to take even more from the residents,
renters especially.

Apartment buildings are far, far more efficient than single family homes for the water and trash infrastructure, if you need to increase costs it should be carried more by single family homes if at all.

Thanks!
Brian
From: Claudia Gold
To: City Clerks
Subject: In protest of all the Burbank rate increases !!! Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 5:56:48 PM
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Hello City Clerks,
I am writing to you in protest of the proposed increases to both the water services and for the sewer services. I also am against the refuse rates increasing as well.

I feel my water/power bill has gotten so high in the last few years, because of previous increases.

Please count me as a NO for raising all these rates.

With gratitude,
Claudia Gold
N. Parish Pl
Burbank, CA
91506

From: Indra Bartona
To: City Clerks
Subject: PROTEST: Increases to Rates and Charges
Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025 9:28:10 AM
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To the City Clerk Office:

This written protest is from both my husband and myself. Matt and Indra Bartona.

We have been residents here in Burbank for almost 20 years.

We are strongly against any raising for Rates and Charges.

The current level is already too high after your previous raises.

WE STRONGLY PROTEST THE INCREASE TO RATES AND CHARGES.

This proposal
to raise rates and charges is not supported by this household.

Thank you for acknowledging this written protest.

Matt and Indra Bartona.

From: Josh Cobb
To: City Clerks
Subject: Public Hearing - Written Protest
Date: Monday, April 21, 2025 8:06:26 AM
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This is a note to the City Council, regarding the proposal to consider increases to rates and charges for water, sewer, and refuse services.

To the Members of the City Council:

There comes a point when the gap between leadership and the lives of those they claim to serve grows too wide to ignore. This proposal to increase fees and charges on utilities—basic, non-negotiable services people rely on to live—is not just tone-deaf and craven. It’s dangerous.

You know the reality that all of us are facing. Costs are soaring across housing, groceries, gas, insurance, and more. And now, as families stretch every dollar to make ends meet, you’re considering asking us to pay even more… for the exact same water, the same power, the same service. That’s not governance. That’s mismanagement, incompetence, and cowardice... as the buck is passed down to the people and thinly disguised as necessity.

The people didn’t create this issue. We didn’t vote for inefficiency, for bloated overhead, for reckless spending. But now we're being told to pay the price for it AGAIN. And what are we getting in return? Are the streets cleaner? Are the roads smoother? Are services more reliable, more equitable, more forward-thinking? Or is this just the easiest lever to pull when you guys are unwilling to do the harder work of rethinking priorities and tightening your own belt? We are not your fucking ATMs. We are the people who live here, raise our children here, care about this city and carry the weight of its every decision. We already pay too much. And we are at a breaking point.

This council needs to wake up and face the uncomfortable truth: It is your duty and responsibility to find another way. That's literally why you are here. Stop putting this burden on the backs of the residents. If the city cannot maintain core services without pushing more cost onto those least able to absorb it, then the issue is not funding. It’s leadership. It's you.

So do better, or resign. Because we aren't paying for this shit.

From: Kathy Chikato
To: City Clerks
Subject: Protest for Rate increases
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 10:38:26 AM
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To Whom it may concern.

My Name is Kathy Chikato I live at E Verdugo Ave Burbak Ca. I want to express my opinion that I am NOT in favor of a rate increase. I will try to attend the meeting but if I cant I wanted to voice my opinion
Thank you
Kathy Chikato

From: Lalie Fitzgerald
To: City Clerks
Subject: Burbank Water & Power, Rates and Life Rates for low income Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 11:54:05 AM
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Dear City Clerks:

I understand that the cost of everything goes up and we (the city) need to keep things working.

My problem with this increase will be another cost that I will incur, my income is less than the required income for, Life Rates for low income, below $62,400. I have been a resident and customer of Burbank Water & Power for more than 50 years and never been late with my payment.

I have not applied for this great program because they
need my SS#. My Social Security number got on to a dark web, now I am extremely cautious giving my SS# on an application that may be available to more dark webs.

It would seem to me that, Burbank W & P with my payment history, could accept my application for this low income discount without my SS#.

Respectfully, Eulalia (aka Lalie) Fitzgerald
N Edison Blvd 91505
Sent from my iPad

From: Jeff Traintime
To: City Clerks
Subject: Services Increase $
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025 1:15:17 PM
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Hello,
I’ve been fortunate to live in Burbank for nearly 40 years. I have always been amazed at the quality of our city services, particularly when compared to some of the surrounding cities.

Although I don’t welcome a price increase, I trust the leaders of our city and its departments when they say these increases are necessary.

I suspect you will receive a lot of complaints about these increases.

I, however, long ago learned that you generally
get what you pay for, and I’m willing to pay the cost to live in a great city.

Regards,
Jeff Traintime
N. Fairview St.

From: Tagui Ter-Stepanyan
To: City Clerks
Subject: Rate changes
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 4:11:53 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Burbank Department of Water and Power,
I am writing as a concerned resident of Burbank to express my strong opposition to the proposed increases in utility rates. While I understand the need for infrastructure maintenance and operational improvements, raising rates at this time places an unfair burden on residents and businesses already facing high costs of living.

Many in our community are still recovering financially from recent economic challenges, and further rate hikes will only add to the strain. I urge you to explore alternative solutions, such as budget optimization, grant funding, or phased implementation plans that would lessen the immediate impact on customers.

Please consider the financial wellbeing of your constituents and reject or revise the proposed rate increases. I respectfully ask that you prioritize transparency and public input throughout this process.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,
Tagui Ter-Stepanyan
Zareh Ter-Stepanyan

S Glenwood Pl
Burbank CA 91506
Sent from my iPhone

From: Henry B
To: City Clerks
Subject: Proposed Rate Increases for 2026-2027
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 8:05:02 AM
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Dear BWP,
I have seen the letter and announcement regarding the proposed rate increases. I have no comments regarding the water, sewer or the rubbish rates since they are within reasonable ranges.

The electric rate increase of 9.9% for the next two years is insane. Especially since our building is all electric. Our bill will easily increase by 40-50% which is double of what we're paying with current rates.

With the current inflation rates and barely 3-4% increases in salaries, that will make living much harder. Rents are also increasing by 7-9% year on year as landlords push those costs on tenants without any mercy.

Are you going to increase the income limits for the low income programs? If not, then you'll have lots of customers who can't pay the bill. You would better hire more folks to manage the uncollectables accounts and write offs as many will struggle to keep up.

I hope you reconsider and keep the electric increase to 5% max for the next two years.

Thank you,
Henry Boghosian
Customer Service Representative
Glendale Water & Power
From: Raye Rodriguez
To: City Clerks
Subject: Do Not Raise Water, Sewer & Refuse Service Prices Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 3:25:35 AM
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Hello,
I am Raymond Rodriguez, a Burbank resident, and I'm writing to protest the proposed Water, Power, Sewer & Refuse Service price hikes. As a member of the entertainment industry I have been struggling to get work and pay my bills since 2020. My utilities, particularly electricity and gas, have already gone up significantly in the past couple years, and I can no longer afford my apartment. I'm doing my best to stay where I am because I like my apartment and I like living in Burbank, but it's becoming untenable.

Please do not raise our rates any more.

Thank you,
Raye
--
Raye Rodriguez (he/him)

From: Max Sinovoi
To: City Clerks
Subject: Rate Increase????????
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 5:02:23 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to you because the proposed rate increases are very high and costly for the residents of Burbank.

With the increase in living costs and everything around us, it is just too much to impose this increase on people right now. Residents are having a hard time with making ends meet and to add on this increase will make it that much harder to survive in this beautiful city of ours.

Please reconsider imposing the rate increase at this time. Let the economy rebound and people get back on their feet before any new increase is implemented.

I understand that you need a majority of protests to stop this, but many residents don’t understand or can’t write to the council for various reasons. I do hope we get a majority to stop this at least for the foreseeable future.

Thank you for taking this letter into consideration.

Sincerely,
Max Sinovoi
From: Miguel Sutter
To: City Clerks
Subject: NO to the rate increases.

Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 4:44:49 PM
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Just writing to express my disagreement on any increase in charges. Our BWP fees are high enough, about $100 just on fees alone.

Charge the high user and abuser of water and power not single family homes that try to save as much as possible.

Miguel Sutter, Burbank resident
From: Anna Redlefsen
To: City Clerks
Subject: Rate increase
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 6:52:44 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hello,
I strongly oppose the increase of the rates for water, sewer and refuse services.

My address is N Toluca Park Dr, Burbank, CA 91505
Anna Redlefsen

From:

To: City Clerks
Subject: Rate Increases
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 9:22:21 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I am writing to you with this written protest regarding the proposed rate increase for water, sewer and refuse services.

Burbank citizens are already struggling with all the other increases that we are facing.

I have lived in Burbank for 38 years. Any increases made to a landlord will definitely be passed onto the tenant.

Our city is busting at the seams and the quality of life here has diminished greatly.

I, like so many are trying to hang on, but I'm afraid that raising rates will force people like myself to move.

Thank you for taking my opposition into consideration. I do hope you make the right/fair decision.

Cathy Walters
S. Sixth Street
Burbank, CA

From: Kim
To: City Council DL
Subject: Increased rate
Date: Monday, April 28, 2025 1:16:03 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

To whom it may concern,
I am writing in opposition to the proposed rate increases for water, sewer, and refuse. This proposal will put an undue burden on people who are already paying extremely high rates, and are struggling financially. The economy has slowed significantly and prices are going up. The cost of living in Burbank is already high, basic necessities such as housing and food keep increasing. This unsustainable for the people of this city. Regardless of the strain on the system, the people are not in the position to support these increases. Summer is fast approaching and our BWP bills, are going to be exorbitantly high, and adding this rate increased, will push a lot more people into defaulting on their bills.

Please, think of the
greater good for the people. The strain that everyday people living in this city, many of whom are on fixed incomes, are currently barely able to cover their expenses, and are on the brink of homelessness. Do not approve these increases at this time, do the right thing for the general population. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Kim Bonaccorso
From: WILLIAM BALLAS
To: City Council DL; Hess, Justin
Cc: Kim Williams; Lance Williams; Margaret EarthLink; PAT maskell; Laurie Pane; Laurie Pane; Craig Kossow; Benjamin Logan
Subject: Burbank Water & Power Provides FREE EV Charging to BWP Employees Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 4:50:38 PM
Attachments: BWP EV 2.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Council Members & Mr. Hess,
When Council Members cast their vote on May 20, 2025
to increase electric rates for businesses and residential customers the following should be noted:

BWP employees DO NOT PAY to charge their EV vehicles while at work.

I am guessing this employee benefit was not negotiated
and included in the employees MOU.

The attached 4 page email thread says this benefit was given (in my opinion) "out of whole cloth" by using the Council-adopted Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and
Transportation Electrification Plan.

I assume these plans will not reimburse primarily businesses as mandates are given to them in the not too distant future to achieve carbon neutrality.

Finally, although I am not aware of the particulars discussed in the numerous public meetings on the May 20, 2025 vote,
I doubt free EV charging was a topic of discussion ?
William F. Ballas
Burbank

REFERENCES CITED
Arrouvel, C., and Prinzhofer, A., 2021, Genesis of natural hydrogen:

New insights from thermodynamic simulations: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, v. 46, no. 36, p. 18,780–18,794, https:/ / doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.03.057 .

Biddle, K.T., 1991, The Los Angeles Basin—An overview, in Biddle, K.T., ed., Active Margin Basins: American Association of Petroleum Geologists Memoir 52, p. 5–23, https:/ /doi.org/10.1306/M52531C1.

Blay-Roger, R., Bach, W., Bobadilla, L.F., Reina, T.R., Odriozola, J.A., Amils, R., and Blay, V., 2024, Natural hydrogen in the energy transi - tion: Fundamentals, promise, and enigmas: Renewable &
Sustainable Energy Reviews, v. 189, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. rser.2023.113888 .

Crowell, J.C., 2003, Overview of rocks bordering Ridge Basin, south- ern California, in Crowell, J.C., ed., Evolution of Ridge Basin, Southern California: An Interplay of Sedimentation and Tectonics:

Geological Society of America Special Paper 367, p. 89–112, https:/ / doi.org/10.1130/0-8137-2367-1.89.

Ellis, G.S. and Gelman, S.E., 2024, Model predictions of global geo - logic hydrogen resources: Science Advances, v. 10, no. 50, https:/ / doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado0955 .

Fuis, G.S., Ryberg, T., Godfrey, N.J., Okaya, D.A., and Murphy, J.M., 2001, Crustal structure and tectonics from the Los Angeles basin to the Mojave Desert, southern California: Geology, v. 29, no. 1, p. 15–18, https:/ /doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2001)029<0015:CSATFT >2.0.CO;2.

Horsfield, B., Mahlstedt, N., Weniger, P., Misch, D., Vranjes-Wessely, S., Han, S., and Wang, C., 2022, Molecular hydrogen from organic sources in the deep Songliao Basin, PR China: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, v. 47, no. 38, p. 16,750–16,774, https:/ /doi. org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.02.208 .

Jackson, O., Lawrence, S.R., Hutchinson, I.P., Stocks, A.E., Barnicoat, A.C., and Powney, M., 2024, Natural hydrogen: Sources, systems and exploration plays: Geoenergy, v. 2, no. 1, https:/ /doi. org/10.1144/geoenergy2024-002 .

Perrodon, A., 1992, Petroleum systems: Models and applications:

Journal of Petroleum Geology, v. 15, no. 2, p. 319–325, https:/ /doi. org/10.1111/j.1747-5457.1992.tb00875.x .

Saucier, H., 2025, Rethinking the resource potential of natural hydro - gen: American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Explorer.

Sawyer, D.S., Hsui, A.T., and Toksöz, M.N., 1987, Extension, subsid - ence and thermal evolution of the Los Angeles Basin—A two- dimensional model: Tectonophysics, v. 133, no. 1–2, p. 15–32, https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(87)90277-0.

Zgonnik, V., 2020, The occurrence and geoscience of natural hydro - gen: A comprehensive review: Earth-Science Reviews, v. 203, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103140.

From:

I am writing to you with this written protest regarding the proposed rate increase for water, sewer and refuse services.

Burbank citizens are already struggling with all the other increases that we are facing.

I have lived in Burbank for 38 years. Any increases made to a landlord will definitely be passed onto the tenant.

Our city is busting at the seams and the quality of life here has diminished greatly.

I, like so many are trying to hang on, but I'm afraid that raising rates will force people like myself to move.

Thank you for taking my opposition into consideration. I do hope you make the right/fair decision.

Cathy Walters
Burbank, CA

From: Indie World
To: City Clerks
Subject: Re: DO NOT INCREASE OUR RATES IN BURBANK
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 1:20:48 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

DO NOT INCREASE OUR RATES IN BURBANK
On Thu, May 8, 2025 at 11:37 AM Indie World wrote:

DO NOT INCREASE OUR RATES IN BURANK
On Thu, May 8, 2025 at 11:27 AM Indie World wrote:

From: Mental Illness
To: City Clerks
Subject: Re: DO NOT INCREASE OUR RATES IN BURBANK
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 1:21:09 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

DO NOT INCREASE OUR RATES IN BURBANK
On Thu, May 8, 2025 at 11:37 AM Mental Illness
wrote:

DO NOT INCREASE OUR RATES IN BURANK
On Thu, May 8, 2025 at 11:27 AM Mental Illness
wrote:

From: The Infamous
To: City Clerks
Subject: Re: DO NOT INCREASE OUR RATES IN BURANK
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 1:21:59 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

DO NOT INCREASE OUR RATES IN BURBANK
On Thu, May 8, 2025 at 11:36 AM The Infamous wrote:

DO NOT INCREASE OUR RATES IN BURANK
On Thu, May 8, 2025 at 11:28 AM The Infamous wrote:

From: Richard Redlefsen
To: City Clerks
Subject: Rate increases
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025 7:13:03 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hello,
I strongly oppose the
increase of the rates for water, sewer and refuse services.

My address is Toluca Park Dr, Burbank, CA

From: Thomas Saito
To: City Clerks
Subject: Proposed BWP rate increases
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 11:45:16 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I have lived in Burbank for many years. BWP requests for rate increases are virtually an annual ritual now. The increases are never denied, whether BWP can justify the need for the increases or not. This year is no exception. BWP provides customers with information regarding the new rates for water, sewer and refuse services but there is no transparency as to the proposed expenditure of the actual increases.

What is the actual budget that BWP will be working with? As in the past, this year's request relies heavily on the phrase "increased operations and maintenance costs", without being more forthcoming about those rising costs. What percentage of the proposed increases will actually be used to pay for the salaries and pensions of BWP employees?
Several issues need to be raised regarding BWP's overall service to the community:

BWP's billing system was not operational for several months and no explanation was offered.

On January 8, my neighborhood had no power for 14 hours.

No notifications or updates were provided
by BWP to us.

BWP's watering rules are not publicized and are not enforced.

Many residents use their sprinklers daily
or on the wrong days. If water waste is so important to BWP, why aren't its own rules enforced? Do not approve the large increases for BWP until it can provide customers with more information regarding the need for the increases and how they will actually be used.

Thomas Saito
Burbank

Burbank City CouncilMay 20, 2025

Burbank City Council
May 20, 2025