r~
OPENING
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
PUBLIC COMMENT
INFORMATION ONLY
01 CITY OF PASADENA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER - S249
APRIL 08, 2025
MEETING
The Chair called the meeting of the Municipal Services Committee to order at 4:15 p.m.
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
CouncilmemberTyron Hampton (Arrived at 4:58 p.m.)
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Jason Lyon
David Reyes, Interim General Manager of Water and Power Israel Del Tore, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development
Jesse De Anda, Building Official of Planning and Community Development
Jen Guess Mayo, Assistant General Manager, External Affairs Caroline Monroy, Deputy City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
No one appeared or public comment on matters not on the agenda.
REVIEW OF ENERGY REQUIREMENTS FOR SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION
David Reyes, Interim General Manager of Water and Power, provided introductory comments, and Jesse De Anda, Building Official of Planning and Community Development, presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item, including providing information on Sustainabte Codes and Laws, and responded to questions.
Councilmember Cole suggested creating a policy to promote the cost, health, and environmental benefits of voluntarily replacing gas appliances with efficient electric appliances.
In response to Chair Jones inquiry on educating residents on rebuilding with electric appliances, Israel Del Toro, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development, assured that the message will reach the community, especially those rebuilding from the fire.
Following brief discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
OPTIMIZED STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
David Reyes, Interim General Manager of Water and Power, provided introductory comments, and Nick Schlag, Partner of Energy Environmental Economics (E3), summarized the staff memo as part of the Powerpoint presentation on the item, including providing information on the City's current Portfolio Development Phase of the 04/08/2025
Councilmember Hampton
arrived at 4:58 p.m.
Optimized Strategic Plan, resource options available to meet Resolution 9877 goals and results from case studies to meet those goals, with both responding to questions.
Chair Jones advocated for staff to conduct community outreach on residential solar installations at Robinson Park, Washington Park, and Villa Parke, with significant outreach measures into Northwest Pasadena.
In response to Chair Jone's inquiry regarding community outreach related to residential solar installations, Jen Guess Mayo, Assistant General Manager of External Affairs in Water and Power, stated that outreach will begin at the Linda Vista Library, with plans to expand to additional libraries and community centers. Water and Power Interim General Manger Reyes added that a detailed outreach plan will be developed following upcoming budget discussions.
In response to Councilmember Lyon and Chair Jone's inquiry regarding Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) assigned to the Glenarm Power Plant, Water and Power Interim General Manager Reyes responded that staffing would be reduced to essential maintenance roles if the plant transitions to a backup energy source; and stated that training is underway for existing staff for the upcoming local energy project at the Glenarm site.
Councilmember Hampton requested that staff provide a legal analysis on the City's ability, legal procedures and requirements related to operating Glenarm Power Plant as a backup energy reliable source or the closure of the power plant.
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary, reported that thirty-one letters of correspondence were received by the City Clerk's Office, which were distributed to the Committee, posted online, and made part of the record for this item.
The following individuals provided comments on the matter:
Cynthia Cannady, representing Pasadena 100
Allan Spring, Pasadena resident
Hans Rosenberger, Pasadena resident
Sandy Krasher, Altadena resident
Danny Parker, representing Pasadena 100
Scan Devey, representing Pasadena 100
TonyVong, representing PCC Environmental Sustainability Club Colt Reichman, representing PCC Environmental Sustainability Club (ESC)
Eva Gonzalez-Arreola, representing PCC ESC
Sylvia Holmes, Pasadena resident
Tom King, Pasadena resident
Yadi, Pasadena resident
Water and Power Interim Manager Reyes stated that staff is currently revieing the Preparatory Studies findings draft reports and will soon be released in the final draft formats as soon as possible. 02 04/08/2025
Councilmember Lyon stated that he believes portfolios six and seven (referenced in the Powerpoint) (Portfolios Designed to Meet 100% of Annual Needs: Accel Local Resources and Accel Local Resources Plus) best align with Resolution 9977. He advocated for the final portfolio to include that the Glenarm Power Plant to serve only as a backup source; and emphasized the need for a clear timeline if the 2030 carbon-free goal is delayed. He also advocated for a strong focus on solar and solar incentives, battery storage integration, and a robust aggressive public outreach campaign with dedicated staff.
Councilmember Cole stated that portfolios four and five (Portfolios Designed to Meet 100% of Hourly Needs: Accel Local Resources and Accel Local Resources Plus) are realistic to meet the criteria while reaching 100% carbon free goal, and that portfolios six and seven (Portfolios Designed to Meet 100% of Annual Needs: Accel Local Resources and Accel Local Resources Plus) would be back-up if the Committee were to aim for accelerated local resources, which gets the City to 100% in normal operations. He expressed concerns with the City financially investing in the portfolio three (hlydrogen Conversion). In addition, he asked Water and Power staff to determine the next steps to get to 100 megawatts of installed additional solar for residential rooftop solar and for at least 50 megawatts of installed battery storage.
Councilmember Cole emphasized the importance of relying on local dedicated staff over hiring outside consultants for outreach efforts.
Councilmember Hampton echoed Councilmembers Lyon's and Cole's comments supporting portfolios six and seven (Portfolios Designed to Meet 100% of Annual Needs: Accel Local Resources and Accel Local Resources Plus); and advocated to allow residents to build out solar panels as much as possible. He spoke on the need for staff to meet with local contractors to improve collaboration efforts, provide a streamlined permitting process for solar panel installation, prioritize solar installation timelines, and provide better access to essential equipment, especially solar meters.
Chair Jones echoed Councilmembers Lyon, Cole, and Hampton's comments in supporting staff guidance on portfolios four through seven (Portfolios Designed to Meet 100% of Hourly Needs: Accel Local Resources and Accel Local Resources Plus; and Portfolios Designed to Meet 100% of Annual Needs: Accel Local Resources and Accel Local Resources Plus). He emphasized the importance of in-depth discussions on partnering with solar contractors, engaging the local community for outreach efforts, collaborating with the Planning Department with permitting and incentives, and establishing training programs for internal employees.
Councilmember Lyon requested staff to provide data and case studies information related to the Glenarm Power Plant used as a backup source along with market energy purchases.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
SOLAR SYSTEM INSTALLATIONS & PERMITTING PROCESS
03 04/08/2025
r- ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
t^
Due to time constraints, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the above referenced item will be continued to a future Committee meeting.
On the order of the Chair, the meeting of the Municipal Services Committee^v^adjourne^TQt:12 p.m.
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Cou^cilmejmberJi^'ffn^efhes, Chair
Municipal Service^-Ccmmittee
Betty Gab
Recording Secretary
04 04/08/2025