AGENDA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING NOTICE
AUGUST 26, 2025
PUBLIC MEETING 4:00 P.M.
MEMBERS
Justin Jones, Chair, District 3
Rick Cole, Councilmember, District 2
Tyron Hampton, Councilmember, District 1
Jason Lyon, Councilmember, District 7
STAFF
David Reyes, General Manager
Lisa Hosey, Assistant City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
MISSION STATEMENT
The City of Pasadena is dedicated to delivering exemplary municipal services, responsive to our entire community and consistent
with our history, culture and unique character.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Assistive Listening Devices are available from the City Clerk’s Office with a 24-hour advance notice.
Please call (626) 744-4124 to request use of a listening device.
Language translation services are available for this meeting by calling (626) 744-4124 at least 24 hours in advance.
Habrá servicio de interpretación disponible para éstas juntas llamando al (626) 744-4124 por lo menos con 24 horas de anticipación.
Items on the agenda may not be called in order listed.
Agendas and supporting documents are available on the Internet at http://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city-council-municipal-services-committee/ Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Municipal Services Committee after distribution of the agenda packet will be posted online and listed as: “Supplemental Agenda Material Received after the Posting of the agenda”.
Revised
PUBLIC COMMENT AT THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING FOR AUGUST 26, 2025, AT 4:00 P.M. WILL BE ACCEPTED IN-PERSON AND BY VIDEOCONFERENCE/TELECONFERENCE.
Link to City Meeting Policy:
cityofpasadena.net/CityCouncilMeetingPolicy
TO VIEW A LIVE STREAM OF THE MEETING:
http://pasadena.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=9 AND
WWW.PASADENAMEDIA.ORG
In order to facilitate public participation at meetings the City will accept public comment in the following manner:
1. Whether participating in-person or virtually at the meeting, members of the public may provide public comment by submitting a speaker card prior to the start of public comment on that item, at the following webpage:
www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/public-comment/
If a public comment speaker wishes to speak on more than one agenda item, please indicate which items on the online form (multiple item speakers will be handled according to the process posted on the agenda and as specified in the City meeting policy). Public comments are limited to 3 minutes each, and the Chair and Committee may limit this time if reasonable under the circumstances.
2. In-person Meeting Participation: Complete an online speaker card at the following website: www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/public-comment/ After submitting a public speaker card, members of the public may attend the meeting in-person by coming to the Pasadena City Council Chamber, Room S249 at City Hall at the date and start-time of the posted meeting.
Virtual Meeting Participation: For virtual participants, you may attend by connecting to the meeting using a computer, other electronic device, or by telephone. Please review the agenda to identify the published start time for the meeting and connect to the meeting just prior to, or at the start of the meeting.
To participate in public comment for an item and to be recognized to speak, it is required that the speaker login to the meeting using the same name or telephone number used on the Speaker Card form. This will allow City staff to locate and promote the speaker into the meeting when it is time for their public comment.
Participants’ phone calls to the Committee meeting will be recorded as part of the Committee meeting. By staying on the line and making public comment during the Committee meeting by phone, you are agreeing to have your phone call recorded. Following is the connectivity information for virtual participation:
Computer or electronic devices, join the meeting at: cityofpasadena.net/cczoom Telephone only dial-in: 1-669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 161 482 446
3. Speaker Card Help Line: If a public comment speaker needs assistance in completing a speaker card, please call the City Clerk’s Office at: (626) 744-4124. The help line will open 30 minutes prior to the posted start time of the meeting.
4. Members of the public may submit correspondence of any length prior to the start of the meeting, at the following email address:
[email protected]
Correspondence will be forwarded to the Committee prior to the start of the meeting, posted online, and made part of the legislative record for the item.
LIVESTREAM WITH CAPTIONING IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.PASADENAMEDIA.ORG, AND ALSO AT WWW.CITYOFPASADENA.NET/COMMISSIONS/AGENDAS,
IF YOU NEED A REASONABLE MODIFICATION OR ACCOMMODATION PURSUANT TO THE
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
BECAUSE YOU ARE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE ELECTRONICALLY AS SET FORTH ABOVE, CONTACT THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AT (626) 744-4124 OR [email protected].
CITY OF PASADENA
REGULAR MEETING OF
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
AUGUST 26, 2025
PUBLIC MEETING: 4:00 PM
PASADENA CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBER
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE, ROOM S249
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular meeting of the Municipal Services Committee will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., to discuss matters on the attached agenda.
Justin Jones, Chair
Municipal Services Committee
I HEREBY CERTIFY that this agenda in its entirety, was posted on the Internet at https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city-council-municipal-services-committee/ and on the Council Chamber Bulletin Board, Room S249, and the Bulletin Board in the rotunda area; City Hall, 100 North Garfield Avenue, this August 21, 2025, by 6:30 p.m. and that copies hereof were faxed, emailed or delivered to each member of the City Council and to each local newspaper of general circulation, radio or television station requesting notice in writing, all of which recipients are identified on the distribution herein below.
Zulma Ross
DISTRIBUTION:
MSC Committee Members Central Library General Manager Pasadena Weekly City Council City Clerk Director of Planning and Permitting Pasadena Star-News City Manager Director of Public Works Los Angeles Times Pasadena Now City Attorney Public Information Officer La Opinion Pasadena Journal In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, listening assistive devices are available from the City Clerk's Office with a 24-hour advance notice.
Please call (626) 744-4124 to request use of a listening device. Language translation services may be requested with 24-hour advance notice.
Habra servicio de interpretacion disponible para estas juntas llamando al (626) 744-4124 por lo menos con 24 horas de anticipación.
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
AUGUST 26, 2025
Public Meeting: 4:00 P.M.
Council Chamber, Pasadena
City Hall 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249
The Municipal Services Committee may take action within its authority on any item listed on this agenda as it deems appropriate following consideration and discussion of the matter.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ma
y 27, 2025 (Regular meeting)
June 10, 2025 (Canceled meeting)
June 24, 2025 (Regular meeting)
July 8, 2025 (Regular meeting)
July 22, 2025 (Canceled meeting)
August 12, 2025 (Canceled meeting)
1. ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TITLE 10 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE
PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO DEFINE ELECTRIC BICYCLES, REMOVE
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AND UPDATE RIDING REGULATIONS
2. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPTED SPEED
HUMP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
3. DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 13.04.177 TO INCREASE
ALLOWABLE LIMITS FOR SOLAR CUSTOMER-GENERATOR SYSTEMS
INFORMATIONAL ONLY
Information only items contain no staff recommendations. The committee may, however, take action within its authority relating to informational items on the agenda as it deems appropriate following consideration and discussion of the matter.
PUBLIC MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURN
NEW BUSINESS
1 CITY OF PASADENA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER – S249
MAY 27, 2025
MEETING
OPENING The Chair called the meeting of the Municipal Services Committee to order at 4:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
Councilmember Tyron Hampton (Arrived at 4:12 p.m.)
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Jason Lyon
David Reyes, General Manager of Water and Power
Matthew Hawkesworth, Acting Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance
Lynne Chaimowitz, Assistant General Manager, Water and Power Varoojan Avedian, Assistant General Manager, Water and Power Stacie Takeguchi, Assistant General Manager, Water and Power Jen Guess Mayo, Assistant General Manager, External Affairs Lisa Hosey, Assistant City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT Solar Vic Aguilar, Sierra Madre resident, expressed concerns with the City’s policy and application process related to home solar installation and battery storage.
In response to public comment, David Reyes, General Manager of Water and Power, stated that staff will reach out to Mr. Aguilar to address his concerns.
NEW BUSINESS BUDGET WORKSHOP – FY 2026 RECOMMENDED OPERATING BUDGET
A. WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT
Councilmember Hampton
arrived at 4:12 p.m.
David Reyes, General Manager of Water and Power, provided introductory comments, and Lynne Chaimowitz, Assistant General Manager, Water and Power, presented the PowerPoint presentation on the item, including providing information on key initiatives, Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 accomplishments, FY 2026 outlook, appropriations by category, overview of fund, changes from FY 2025, and enhancement requests, with both responding to questions.
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary, reported that three 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:
Genette Foster, Pasadena resident
Cynthia Cannady, representing Pasadena 100
2 In response to Councilmember Cole’s inquiry on the department’s personnel budget, Acting Assistant City Manager/ Finance Director Matthew Hawkesworth responded that staff will provide data on personnel expenses to provide information on base, pension, medical benefits, and retirement compensation when this item is presented to the City Council; and responded to questions.
Councilmember Cole expressed concern s with adopting a budget before completing the rate study and urged aligning the budget with Resolution 9977's climate resilience goals ; and advocated for staff to move quickly to develop innovative programs that will allow residents to maximize battery storage and solar energy. He also advocated for additional internal staff efforts for the City’s public engagement, outreach, and communication efforts.
In response to Councilmember Lyon’s inquiry on advertising, Jen Guess Mayo, Assistant General Manager , External Affairs, responded that multiple advertising channels are used to reach diverse audiences, based on research showing repeated exposure is key to prompting action.
Councilmember Lyon suggested for staff to include a standing agenda item related to budget updates on all future Committee meeting agendas.
The Committee expressed concerns with the proposed budget which includes a particular amount of revenue from an anticipated rate increase and spoke in favor of approving the proposed budget without a rate increase.
Councilmember Hampton emphasized integrating preventive climate emergency actions (i.e. insulating wire, grounding, brush clearance, actions to manage the City’s facilities) into the budget planning. He requested that staff provide information on the number of fast electric vehicle chargers that are installed in the City , and recommended agendizing the matter for further discussion.
In response to Councilmember Hampton’s inquiry on electric vehicle (EV) chargers, Varoojan Avedian, Assistant General Manager, Water and Power, provided information on Level 2 charging stations throughout the City; and responded to questions.
Chair Jones urged incorporating climate change into the long-term general fund transfer budget plans and recommended that staff conduct a climate risk assessment to quantify potential financial exposure in the City’s budget due to climate change . He asked staff to provide information on Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) performance benchmarks (i.e. customer engagement, user satisfaction).
Councilmember Cole advocated for increased planning and investment in local water sources, including groundwater recharge and strong stormwater recapture.
3 In response to Chair Jone’s inquiry on reduced imported water, Stacie Takeguchi, Assistant General Manager, Water and Power, stated that staff and the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) are monitoring water availability, with climate modeling and allocation planning already in place.
Chair Jones applauded General Manager David Reyes and Water and Power staff for their leadership and hard work.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to approve the staff recommend ed budget, amended with no rate increase be built into the proposed budget, while recognizing that there is the likelihood of a rate increase after public discussion of a rate study, and forward the item to the City Council for consideration and further discussion. (Motion unanimously approved)
ADJOURNMENT On the order of the Chair, the meeting of the Municipal Services Committee was adjourned at 6:01 p.m.
ATTEST:
____________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
__________________________
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
Municipal Services Committee
4 CITY OF PASADENA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
JUNE 10, 2025
MEETING
The regular meeting of the Municipal Services Committee, scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on June 10, 2025, and was posted.
ATTEST:
____________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
__________________________
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
Municipal Services Committee
5 CITY OF PASADENA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER – S249
JUNE 24, 2025
MEETING
OPENING Acting Chair Hampton called the meeting of the Municipal Services Committee to order at 4:09 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair (Arrived at 4:12 p.m.) Councilmember Tyron Hampton
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Jason Lyon
David Reyes, General Manager of Water and Power
Lynne Chaimowitz, Assistant General Manager, Water and Power Kelly Nguyen, Assistant General Manager, Water and Power Lisa Hosey, Assistant City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT No one appeared for public comment on matters not on the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was move by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Cole, to approve the minutes of May 23, 2025, as submitted. ( Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Jones)
NEW BUSINESS ELECTRIC RATE STUDY UPDATE
Chair Jones arrived at 4:12
p.m.
David Reyes, General Manager of Water and Power , Lynne Chaimowitz, Assistant General Manager , and Tony Georgis (City consultant), Managing Director of NewGen Strategies and Solutions, jointly, summarized the agenda report as part of the PowerPoint presentation on the item, including providing information on electric rate study process and overview, financial modeling preliminary findings, projected cost trends and cost of service structure, optimized strategic plan (OSP) and integration into the future rate plans, and implications to the system wide effective rate; with all responding to questions.
In response to the Committee’s inquiry related to the staff recommendations, Mr. Reyes responded that staff recommends the Committee to direct staff to move forward with an annual matching accelerated plan for the next two years.
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary, reported that three 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:
Genette Foster, Pasadena resident
Cynthia Cannady, representing Pasadena 100
Carl Selkin, representing Social Justice Committee of PJTC 6 Sanford Krasner, representing Pasadena 100
Sam Berndt, Pasadena resident
In response to Chair Jone’s inquiry related to the agenda, Lisa Hosey, Assistant City Attorney, responded that the Committee may provide general guidance and/or a motion for this item.
Councilmember Cole advocated for a strategically long -term financial plan using bonds and reserves and supported aiming for the Hourly Matching Accelerated or Hourly Matching Accelerated Plus targets.
Councilmember Lyon voiced frustration with the staff report and the premature rate study information, noting that the Committee has not yet made key policy decisions on the 2030 carbon-free plan, and advocated for major public outreach and education efforts prior to moving forward with a rate plan. He also expressed concerns with making a decision on rate increases without information on what staff is trying to accomplish in the next two years; and advocated for specific proposals, not generic broadly projected numbers.
Councilmembers Hampton and Lyon voiced support for the City to be 100% carbon-free on an hourly basis by 2030.
Councilmember Hampton asked staff to provide energy resource scenarios with hourly rate payer information on the City to be 100% carbon-free by 2030, half way to that goal or if no changes were made.
Mr. Reyes stated that staff is prov iding information aligned with the carbon free by 2030 goals, taking into consideration the reliability and affordability steps to reach such goals.
Councilmember Cole asked staff to consider what is the most affordable option to get to 100% carbon-free, and plan for relatively short-term goal. He asked staff to provide information on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Edison (SCE) four-year rate projections.
Following discussion, the Committee agreed for staff to study the “Hourly Matching Accelerated Plus” and the “Annual Matching Accelerated Plus” as “guardrails”, as well as providing information on how to cost effectively reach the goal of 100% carbon -free by 2030. In addition, the Committee asked for a two -year rate plan in order to provide information so that the Committee can make further recommendations on the Electric Rate Study (ERS) and OSP.
Following further discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, and forward the item will be presented to the City Council f or consideration and discussion, including the Committee’s guidance as detailed above.
INFORMATIONAL ONLY METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT UPDATE BY CYNTHIA KURTZ
Councilmember Hampton was
excused and left the meeting
at 5:57 p.m.
Chair Jones provided introductory comments related to the Metropolitan Water District memo update submitted by Cynthia Kurtz.
7 Following a brief discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
OPTIMIZED STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
General Manager Reyes provided introductory comments, summarizing the Optimized Strategic Plan (OSP) outline, and stated that the final OSP will include a path to 100% carbon-free energy, and responded to questions.
Kelly Nguyen, Assistant General manager of Water and Power, provided information on the completion target date of the OSP, and responded to questions.
The following individuals provided comments on the matter:
Cynthia Cannady, representing Pasadena 100
Amy Majeske, representing League of Women Voters
Alan Bair, Pasadena resident
Shayne Smith, representing Pasadena 100
Simon Anuszczyk, Pasadena resident
Tim Cook, representing Sustainable Climate Change 2030
Sanford Krasner, representing Pasadena 100
Mark Rutkowski, La Cañada Flintridge resident
Sam Berndt, Pasadena resident
Felix Breden, representing Environmental Advisory Commission Betty Gao, Recording Secretary, reported that six 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.
Councilmember Lyon, referring to the draft OSP outline, Page 7, under “Options to Accelerate Local Resource Development” , asked staff to solidify each of the seven headings when staff presents an update to the Committee.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
ADJOURNMENT On the order of the Chair, the meeting of the Municipal Services Committee was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
A
TTEST:
____________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
__________________________
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
Municipal Services Committee
8 CITY OF PASADENA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER – S249
JULY 08, 2025
MEETING
OPENING The Chair called the meeting of the Municipal Services Committee to order at 4:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
S
taff:
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
Councilmember Tyron Hampton (Absent)
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Jason Lyon
David Reyes, Interim General Manager of Water and Power Joaquin Siques, Director of Transportation
Greg de Vinck, Director of Public Works
Ribeka Toda, Engineer of Department of Transportation
Sebastian Hernandez, Principal Planner of Department of Transportation
Garrett Crawford, Public Works Administrator
Lisa Hosey, Assistant City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT Cynthia Cannady, representing Pasadena 100, urged the Committee to develop a solidif ied plan in response to climate emergency and provided information regarding residential solar tax credit.
Carlos Javelera, Pasadena resident, urged staff to engage and educate residents on federal solar tax incentives, solar installation process, and Net Energy Metering (NEM).
Joan Chin, Pasadena resident, voiced concerns related to the health of the tree that was replaced at Robinson Park Recreation Center , Fair Oaks Avenue side of the center.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Councilmember Cole, second ed by Councilmember Lyon, to approve the minutes of May 13, 2025, as submitted. ( Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Hampton)
NEW BUSINESS AMEND SECTION 4.19.040 OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE
TO UPDATE THE TRAFFIC REDUCTION AND TRANSPORTAION
IMPROVEMENT FEE FOR EXISITING LAND USE CATEGORIES
AND TO ADD NEW LAND USE CATEGORIES TO THE FEE
STRUCTURE
David Reyes, General Manager of Water and Power , and Joaquin Siques, Director of Transportation, provided introductory comments, and Ribeka Toda, Engineer of Department of Transportation, and John Muggridge, (City consultant) Principal of Fehr & Peers, jointly summarized the agenda report as part of the PowerPoint presentation on the item, including providing information on recommendations, background, funding breakdown, existing fee overview, nexus analysis, 9 project list, proposed changes and fees, fee comparison, and targeted stakeholder outreach, with both responding to questions.
Councilmember Cole expressed concerns with the methodology used to develop the proposed Traffic Reduction and Transportation Improvement Fee (TR/TIF), noting that he is not criticizing staff as he understands the data used is what is available, and expressed concerns with the number of unfunded projects. He advocated for staff to lower the TR/TIF for New Development Projects for Multi-Family per dwelling unit rate. In addition, Councilmember Cole spoke on the importance of building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and advocated for a significant reduction or gradual sliding scale of ADU fees.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cole, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to approve the staff recommendations, amended as “no fee be assessed for ADUs because it is de minimis in terms of the amount it will generate”, with the option for staff to provide additional recommendations related to ADU fees; and forward the item to the City Council for consideration and further discussion. ( Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Hampton)
INFORMATION ONLY UPDATE ON PASADENA TRANSIT ZERO -EMISSION ROLLOUT PLAN
Joaquin Siques, Director of Transportation, provided introductory comments, and Sebastian Hernandez, Principal Planner of Department of Transportation, summarized the memo as part of the PowerPoint presentation on the item, including providing information on background, rollout plan, propulsion technologies, Transit Operations Maintenance Facility (TOMF), history changes in operational needs, hydrogen fueling station, environmental impact, Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) transition update, ZEB projects, next steps, with all responding to questions.
Rudy LeFlore, (City consultant) representing The LeFlore Group, highlighted the potential operational challenges with battery -electric buses, including charging-related risks and infrastructure costs ; and responded to questions.
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary, reported that one correspondence was received by the City Clerk’s Office, which was distributed to the Committee, posted online, and made part of the record for this item.
The following individuals provided comments on the matter:
D
arrell Clarke, representing Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Lauren Siegel, Pasadena resident
The Committee recessed at 5:28 p.m. and reconvened at 5:30 p.m.
Councilmember Cole expressed skepticism with the City using green hydrogen to fuel the City’s Fuel Cell Electric Buses, noting its energy inefficiency in comparison to the direct use of renewable energy.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
10 MASTER STREET TREE PLAN UPDATE
Greg de Vinck, Director of Public Works, provided introductory comments, and Garrett Crawford, Public Works Administrator, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item, including providing information on the City’s Master Tree Plan history and background, tree species recommendations, current tree inventory, draft guiding principles, and responded to questions.
Councilmember Cole encouraged staff to continue planting native oak trees throughout the City; and emphasized the need to include native trees and trees that provide considerable amount of shade as an explicit part of tree planning in the City.
Councilmember Lyon echoed Councilmember Cole’s comments related to prioritizing the planning of trees for shade in the City and advised staff to include phasing out fire-prone trees in the future.
Chair Jones asked staff to provide information on how staff prioritizes tree planning and advocated for an Arbor Day event in Northwest Pasadena or District 3.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
PUBLIC COMMENT
(Continued)
Solar Vic Aguilar, residence not stated, provided information on a meter socket adapter and advocated for the City to utilize the equipment on City meters.
In response to public comment, Chair Jones, responded that staff will reach out to Mr. Aguilar for additional information.
ADJOURNMENT On the order of the Chair, the meeting of the Municipal Services Committee was adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
__________________________
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
Municipal Services Committee
ATTEST:
____
________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
11 01 07/22/2025
CITY OF PASADENA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
JULY 22, 2025
MEETING
The regular meeting of the Municipal Services Committee, scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on July 22, 2025, due to a lack of quorum, and was posted.
ATTEST:
____________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
__________________________
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
Municipal Services Committee
12 CITY OF PASADENA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
AUGUST 12, 2025
MEETING
The regular meeting of the Municipal Services Committee, scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on August 08, 2025, and was posted.
A
TTEST:
____
________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
____
______________________
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
Municipal Services Committee
13 ITEM #1
14 15
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24 City of Pasadena
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TITLE 10 (VEHICLES
AND TRAFFIC) OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL
CODE TO DEFINE ELECTRIC BICYCLES,
REMOVE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AND
UPDATE RIDING REGULATIONS
Municipal Services Committee
August 26, 2025
Item #1
25 City of Pasadena Department of Transportation
Recommendations
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that the actions proposed herein are not a
“project” subject to the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines
Section 21065 and within the meaning of Section
15378(b).
26 City of Pasadena Department of Transportation
Recommendations
2. Direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance within 60 days amending Title 10 of the Pasadena Municipal
Code (PMC) Chapter 10.60 – Bicycles to amend the
following items:
a) Update the definition of a “Bicycle” to include “electric bicycle” as a type of bicycle according to the California Vehicle Code (CVC);
b) Remove bicycle registration and licensing requirements as the CVC prohibits municipalities from having this requirement; and c) Update PMC 10.60.140 - Riding Regulations with speed limits and conditions for when a bicycle may be ridden on a
sidewalk.
27 City of Pasadena Department of Transportation
Commission Recommendation
Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC)
• TAC recommendation: Support staff’s
recommendations to proposed modifications to
Section 10.60 – Bicycles.
28 City of Pasadena Department of Transportation
Compliance and Reference
AB 1909 OmniBike Bill
• Took effect in 2023
• Items relevant to the PMC Chapter 10.60 Bicycles
> Prohibits bicycle licensing requirement
> Allows e-bicycles more access to bikeway facilities
California Vehicle Code (CVC)
• Bicycle definition consistent with CVC 231 and 312.5
> Electric bicycle as a type of bicycle, specifications and classification types
5 29
City of Pasadena Department of Transportation
Defining Electric Bicycles in PMC
10.60.020 Definitions
A. "Bicycle" means any device upon which a person may ride which is propelled by human power through a system of belts, chains or gears having either two or three one or more wheels as defined by California Vehicle Code 231.; or is with one of the wheels at least 20 inches in diameter or having a frame size of at least 14 inches, or having four or more wheels. An electric bicycle is a type of bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts and as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 321.5.
6 30
City of Pasadena Department of Transportation
Ordinance Deletions
Prohibits local jurisdictions from requiring any
bicycle registration.
• Deleting following sections of the PMC
>10.60.030 Registration-Required-Exceptions
>10.60.040 Registration-Duration-Fee-Issuance
>10.60.050 Registration indica-Replacement
>10.60.060 Attachment of indica
>10.60.070 Requirements of secondhand dealers
>10.60.080 Purchaser to transfer registration
>10.60.090 License-Expiration
>10.60.100 Change of address report required
7 31
City of Pasadena Department of Transportation
Proposed Changes to Riding Regulations
• Yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians on a sidewalk • Remove prohibition to bicycle riding on a sidewalk in front of a church, school, or place of public assembly
• Instead of no person operating a bicycle in an
“unsafe manner,” changed to focus on “violating”
existing laws
• The rider of a bicycle shall not ride on a sidewalk at a speed greater than ten (10) mph or no more than five
(5) miles per hour where pedestrians are present, or at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or
property.
32 City of Pasadena Department of Transportation
Overview of Sidewalk Regulation Findings
9 State/Municipal Speed Limit Summary of Conditions Applicable to Sidewalk Riding Hawaii 10 mph Ten (10) miles per hour or less on sidewalk/area Oregon None
Considered unsafe to approach a crosswalk, driveway, curb cut, or pedestrian ramp faster than a normal walking speed when a vehicle is approaching
Long Beach 15/5 mph - Fifteen (15) miles per hour
- Five (5) miles per hour where pedestrians are present Huntington
Beach 10/5/2.5 mph
- Ten (10) miles per hour
- Five (5) miles per hour where pedestrians are present - Two and half (2.5) miles per hour, between designated points, when the yellow lights are flashing.
Orange County/
Laguna Woods/
Mission Viejo
5 mph
- Five (5) mph
- Except within a business district, adjacent to school in session, recreation center when in use, church during services, or other sidewalk where prohibited by posted signs
33 City of Pasadena Department of Transportation
Riding Regulation Updates
34 ITEM #2
35 36
37 38
39 40
41 42
Department of Transportation
Proposed Amendments to the City Council’s
Adopted Speed Hump Policies and
Procedures
Municipal Services Committee
August 26, 2025
Item #2
43 Department of Transportation
Recommendation
• It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the “Common Sense”
exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may
have an effect on the environment; and
2. Amend the Speed Hump Policies and Procedures to the
following:
a. Lower the minimum daily traffic volume eligibility
requirement to 500 car trips per day from 1,000 car trips per day.
b. Revise the current 67% approval requirement for total households and remove the non-vote as equivalent to a
no vote, to an approval requirement 67% of ballots
returned.
2 44
Department of Transportation
Transportation Advisory Commission
Recommendation
• On June 26, 2025, the Transportation Advisory
Commission (TAC) supported staff’s recommended
amendments to the current Speed Hump Policies
and Procedures to provide greater applicability of
speed humps.
3 45
Department of Transportation
Background
• Recommending modifications to the Speed Hump Policies and Procedures to minimize the requirements to create an easier path for streets that have a documented speeding issue
• The adopted Speed Hump Policies and Procedures have two criteria that often impede the implementation of speed humps:
> Street segments must meet the traffic volumes of at least 1,000 car trips per day
> Voting process requires a 67% approval of the total
household.
4 46
Department of Transportation
Current Physical Criteria
• Local Residential Streets and
Access Streets – Residential with
one lane in each direction 1,200 ft.
of continuous distance between
stop signs or traffic signals. 600 ft. if
segment closes a gap to make
road continuous
• Less than 5% grade
• Must have adequate vertical and
horizontal alignment and sight
distances
• Not be installed on streets with
horizontal or vertical curves
• Should be avoided where
drainage gutter or flow of water is
in the center of the roadway
5 47
Department of Transportation
Current Operational Criteria
• 25 MPH speed limit
• Speeds of at least 33 MPH (85th Percentile - 8 miles over posted limit
• At least 1,000 car trips per day and less than 4,000
• Street should not be a primary access route for
emergency vehicles
• Street should not be a truck route or a transit route • Should not be installed where a significant portion of traffic will be diverted to nearby residential or local streets
6 48
Department of Transportation
Historical Changes to the Speed Hump Policy
1984 2004 2011 2020
Car trips per day:
Lower Limit 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000
Car trips per day:
Upper Limit 3,000 4,000 4,000 4,000
Minimum Length 800 ft. 1,200 ft.
1,200 ft./600 ft.
if the segment
closes a gap to
make the road
continuous
1,200 ft./600 ft. if
the segment
closes a gap to
make the road
continuous
Classification
Local and Collector
Residential
Local
Residential
Only
Local
Residential Only
Local
Residential and
Access Streets
Residential
Only
Vote
65% of total
households
67% of
households
67% of
households
67% of
households
7 49
Department of Transportation
Current Administrative Criteria
• 67% approval of all households(Super Majority) Ballots not returned count as NO votes
• Neighborhood that recently conducted an NTMP process
for speed humps will not be considered until all the
recommendations from the NTMP process have been fully
implemented, measured or evaluated
8 50
Department of Transportation
Comprehensive Research and Analysis
• Review of best practices and
guidelines from the government
agencies and professional
associations:
> Institute of Transportation Engineers
(ITE)
> Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA)
> California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans)
> American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO)
> National Association of City
Transportation Officials (NACTO)
• The existing policy is consistent and
conservative 9
51 Department of Transportation
Neighboring Cities Speed Hump Policies
10 Pasadena Glendale Burbank
Car trips per
day:
Lower Limit 1,000 1,000 500
Car Trips Per
day: Upper
Limit 4,000 10,000 5,000
Minimum
Length
1200 ft./600 ft. if
segment closes a gap
to make road
continuous 500 ft 250 ft
Speed
85th Percentile Speed
must be at least 33 MPH
85th Percentile
Speed must be at
least 30 MPH
85th Percentile
Speed must be at
least 30 MPH
Classification
Local Residential Only
and Access Streets
Residential
Local street, a
neighborhood
collector street, or
a street per the
General Plan
Local or Collector
street per the
General Plan
Vote 67% of total households 67% of households 67% of households 52 Department of Transportation
Internal Review of Speed Hump Requests
• Staff reviewed all speed hump requests between January 2023 – April 2024
• Eight street segments had the required 85th percentile speed of at least 33 MPH but had less than the required minimum of 1,000 car trips per day
• A lower minimum requirement of at least 500 car trips per day would have advanced the 8 streets to the resident
voting process
11 53
Department of Transportation
Analysis of Speed Hump Voting Results
• Reviewed Voting Process between January 2023 – April
2025
• Three street segments failed to receive the required
minimum
• Increasingly challenging to obtain the 67% approval from all households due to a lack of participation and a mix of residential uses (higher densities)
• The primary factor is that a non-vote is equivalent to a 'no' vote
• Changing the approval requirement of 67% of total
households to a more obtainable approval for local
residential streets that have a documented speeding issue • Remove the current non-vote, which equals a no vote.
12 54
Department of Transportation
Fiscal Impact
• Currently, City installs 8-10 speed humps per year
> Approximately 2 streets per year
> Estimated cost of $4000 - $5000 per speed hump
• Recommended policy modifications
> Would increase the number of streets eligible based on volume
> May result in more corridors being approved due to the voting requirement modification
• Speed Humps would be installed as the CIP
budget for this program allows
> Budget is reviewed annually to determine anticipated funding needs.
13 55
ITEM #3
56 57
58 59
60 61
62 City of Pasadena
City of Pasadena
Status of Solar Installations and
Recommendations to Increase
Allowable Limits
Pasadena Water and Power
&
Planning and Community Development
August 26, 2025
Item #3
63 City of Pasadena
Key Topics
• Overview of Solar System Installations in Pasadena
• Solar Systems and Pasadena’s Electric Grid
• Pasadena’s Competitive Solar Incentives
• Solar Permitting Process Overview
• Improvements
• Recommendation on Allowable Solar System Sizing
2 64
City of Pasadena
Typical Residential Solar System with
Energy Storage
3 65
City of Pasadena
4 Growth of Solar System Installations in Pasadena
66 City of Pasadena
5 Continued Growth of Solar in Pasadena
67 City of Pasadena
Commercial,
12,059 , 40%
Residential,
17,920 , 60%
Size of PV Systems (in KW AC)
6 Solar Installations
by Customer Sector and Capacity
Commercial,
120 , 4%
Residential,
2,952 , 96%
Count of PV Systems
68 City of Pasadena
7 • Pasadena Municipal Code
• PMC 13.04.177 - Solar system size is intended to offset all or part of the facility's own electrical requirements
• Pasadena’s Regulations 21 and 23
• Regulation 21 – Electric Service Requirements (ESR)
• Regulation 23 – Distributed Generation Facilities
Interconnection Requirements
Solar System Installation Requirements
69 City of PasadenaBenefits:
• Advances clean energy goals
• Can reduce peak demand: Alleviates system
load during peak demand periods when
paired with energy storage
• Proximity to load: Decreases reliance on long-
distance transmission, thereby minimizing
energy losses
Solar Systems and Pasadena’s Electric Grid
8 Key Factors to Address:
• Excess solar gets sent back to grid – potential voltage rise and/or overloading
• Infrastructure upgrades vary based on solar penetration in an area – new transformers or other equipment required
• Mismatch timing of solar production with energy consumption (when not paired with storage)
Moving Forward:
• Aligning production and demand: Inclusion of battery energy storage and customer response to Time of Use (TOU) pricing • Continue to strategically upgrade local distribution system 70 City of Pasadena
Evolution of Solar Incentives
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/95-96/bill/sen/sb_0651-0700/sb_656_bill_950804_chaptered.html The structure as we know it today (NEM
1.0) was first adopted in 1995 (SB656).
There have been many changes since
State Legislation
NEM 1.0 applied to all California publicly-
owned utilities (except LADWP) and
investor-owned utilities
Impacted Power
Utilities
• Customers must have eligible generating
systems
• Billed/credits through a net metering
structure
Structure
71 City of Pasadena
Evolution of Solar Incentives
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/95-96/bill/sen/sb_0651-0700/sb_656_bill_950804_chaptered.html Compensation rate adopted by Utility’s
ratemaking authority – i.e., City Council.
Rate ordinance in place since 2008 in
PMC
Compensation Rate
Program is subject to cap (i.e., the
incentive can be replaced after a certain
amount of customer adoption). Pasadena
reached its cap in 2020
Limits/Sunset
Many have gone to a model beyond
“NEM”, once their cap had been
reached. Glendale is on NEM 1.0,
Burbank is now considering NEM 3.0+
State of Our Peers
72 City of Pasadena
11 Electric Rate Structure
Your electricity rate is made up of five components:
• The Monthly Customer Charge is a flat fee on every bill that covers billing metering, customer service, and PWP’s call center. It doesn’t change no matter how much energy you use.
• The Grid Access Charge is a flat fee that helps recover fixed costs and ensure compliance with Proposition 26.
• The Energy Charge covers the costs to procure electricity and natural gas and the cost to generate electricity.
• The Transmission Charge is the cost of delivering electricity from the generating plants to our substations.
• The Distribution Charge is the cost of delivering electricity from our substations to you. It includes operation and maintenance, capital investment, and debt service.
• Residential distribution rates are tiered; the rate changes depending on how much energy you use.
73 City of Pasadena
A Day for NEM Customers
EXAMPLE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
74 City of Pasadena
Energy Charge with PCA
$0.13903
Transmission Charge
$0.0161
Distribution Charge
$0.0575
$0.21263 per
kWh
Amount per kWh not billed or
credited for renewable electrical
generation facility use
On a Sunny Morning
Customer Avoided
Costs - self-generation
and use that is not
billed
EXAMPLE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
75 City of Pasadena
Mid-day - Credit
Customer CREDIT of
$0.13903 per kWh
for a bi-monthly customer
EXAMPLE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
76 City of Pasadena
After Sundown - Charge
Customer CHARGED
$0.13903 per kWh
EXAMPLE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
77 City of Pasadena
GLENDALE
LADWP
PASADENA
EDISON
Does not yet have AMI nor TOU. PWP
offers competitive NEM incentives. Pilot
rebate program for storage. Oversizing
generally prohibited, but will allow an
additional 3,000 kWh with EV.
Time Of Use
Rates
Advanced Metering
Infrastructure
NEM
Incentives
Solar & Storage
Rebates
Oversizing
Allowed
BURBANK
Has AMI. No TOU. Offers NEM incentives
(there is current proposal to revise).
No rebates for solar and storage. Oversizing
allowed up to 150% for systems with
combined battery storage. Net credit balance
rolls over.
Has aging AMI (replacement planned). No
TOU. Offers NEM incentives. No rebates
for solar and storage. Oversizing allowed
up to 110%. Net credit balance rolls over.
Pasadena’s Competitive Solar Incentives
Only has small amount of AMI (pilot). No TOU required for the self- generation rate. Offers NEM incentives. No rebates for solar and storage. Oversizing allowed up to 1MW. No cash out for net credit balance. Net credit balance rolls over. Minimum $10 bill plus adjustments.
Has AMI and TOU. Net Energy Billing for new solar installations.
Offers $750-$1,000 rebate through CCA provider. Oversizing allowed up to 150%. No cash out for net credit balance. Annual net credit balance does not roll over.
>100%
>100%
As of publication date, for informational purposes only >100%
>100%
>100%
78 City of Pasadena
Additional Net Energy Metering Rate
Compensation for Net Producers (when energy
produced is greater than energy received):
• Net Producers receive additional compensation
– 2.5 cents per kWh for renewable energy
credits
• Net Producers billed monthly or bi-monthly
receive an additional 6.6 cent premium per
kWh
Distribution and Transmission per kWh rates are
only charged on net consumption. Net producers
pay $0 in distribution and transmission charges and
net consumers pay on any consumption less
production.
In addition to avoided costs, Pasadena compensates solar customers in a variety of ways
Pasadena’s Competitive Solar Incentives
79 City of Pasadena
$180.01
$(15.29)
$35.21
$(50) $- $50 $100 $150 $200
Without solar
With Solar (Net Producer)
With Solar (Net Consumer)
MONTHLY RESIDENTIAL BILL EXAMPLE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY • Customer receives 375 kWh
• Customer produces 250 kWh
• Net Consumer of 125 kWh
• Customer receives 250 kWh
• Customer produces 375 kWh
• Net Producer of 125 kWh
• Customer uses 700 kWh
Pasadena’s Competitive Solar Incentives
80 City of Pasadena
Building Permit Process
19 PWP
Application
submitted on
PowerClerk
PWP Initial
Review
Building
Permit
PTO Request &
PWP
Inspection
PWP Meter
Installation
•Permission to
Operate
Building
& Safety
Building
Permit
Building
Inspection
Fire
Fire
Inspection on
ESS*
• Same Day Permit Issuance
> Over the Counter or Express Solar
> Building Permit is valid for 2-Years on Single Family properties and 3-Years on Multifamily and Commercial properties in accordance with City Council Ordinance 7416 (November 2023).
*Energy Storage System (ESS)
81 City of Pasadena
• Solar Express
• Over the Counter
• Standard Solar Permit
> All other types of Solar and Battery Systems
Building Permit Types
20 SB379
38.4 KW
Single Family Residential
Roof Mounted Solar
Battery Optional
82 City of Pasadena
Building Permit Inspection Requirements
21 Inspections Required Solar
Only
Battery
Exterior
Battery
Interior
Fire Alarm and Fire Ratings X
Fire Final Inspection X X
Building Final Inspection X X X
PWP Inspection X X X
83 City of Pasadena
Customer Experience Improvements
• Maintenance fixes on Express Solar Permitting
system that complies with SB379 (Wiener, 2022)
> Improved system integration with PowerClerk software
> Improved immediate customer feedback on the
application validation
• Simplified inspection request options via online
scheduling system
• Improved inspection coordination between
Building and Fire services
• Currently evaluating the effectiveness of Solar
Express system implemented in 2023
22 84
City of Pasadena
• Streamline Interconnection Agreements
> For solar systems exceeding 15kW, customers are no
longer obligated to include the City as an additional
insured on their property/liability insurance
> For customer convenience, PWP is now accepting
electronic signatures
• Simplified Account Verification Process
> PWP now only requires the most recent utility bill, instead of the previous 12 months' statements
23 Customer Experience Improvements
85 City of Pasadena
Future Improvement Considerations
• Evaluate NEM Program and Alternatives
• Develop TOU Rates to Further Incentivize
Energy Storage – upon AMI implementation
• Increase of Threshold (15kW) for Liability
Insurance Requirements
24 86
City of Pasadena
Additional Programs in Development
• Low Interest Loan Program
• Pilot Energy Storage
Incentive Program
• Outreach and Education
Campaign
• Identification of Suitable
Municipal Properties for
Solar Investments
25 87
City of Pasadena
• Direct the City Attorney’s Office to prepare an ordinance amending PMC Section 13.04.177 and related regulations
and return to City Council with proposed changes within 60 days with the intent as follows:
> to allow solar system sizing up to 150%* of the customer’s maximum annual historical usage within the past five years, as supported by a load projection and a customer-provided affidavit for sizing over 100%; and,
> to allow solar systems sizing greater than 150%* of the customer’s maximum annual historical usage within the past five years, as supported by a load projection and a customer-provided affidavit for sizing over 100%, if paired with an energy storage system. * Subject to localized distribution grid sufficiency
26 Recommendations
88 City of Pasadena
• Direct PWP staff to provide the Municipal Services
Committee recommendations to incentivize battery
storage, such as a battery rebate program, in advance
of time-of-use rate implementation.
• Find that the proposed actions are exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant
to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the common
sense exemption (formerly the “general rule”), and Public Resources Code (“PRC”) Section 21080.35, as such, no
environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required.
27 Recommendations
89 City of Pasadena
• There is no fiscal impact as a result of this action at this time. PWP will research options for a battery rebate
program, as well as potential costs of upgrades to the
electrical grid that may be associated with the proposed changes to the Municipal Code. .
28 Fiscal Impact
90 City of Pasadena
Resources for Customers/Contractors
29 Websites
• PWP Solar: PWPweb.com/solar
• PWP Solar Application Portal: pwpinterconnect.powerclerk.com • Pasadena Solar App
Express: https://mypermits.cityofpasadena.net/Permit/Express Contact Information
• PWP Electric Service Planning (626) 744-4495 (option 1) • PWP Customer Service (billing questions) (626) 744-4005 • Pasadena Permit Center (626) 744-4200
91