City Council’s Final 2015 Meeting Hears Plans to Cope with 10-Day Water Supplier Shutdown

For 10 days next spring Pasadena residents and businesses will be under strict water restrictions — relying solely on the city’s reserves — when major water supplier Metropolitan Water District turns off fresh supplies as it switches over to a new system. At  the Pasadena City Council’s final meeting of the year, the Council approved the first step needed to prepare the city for the shutdown.

The temporary restrictions will be in effect from February 29 through March 9, 2016. Water Engineering Manager Gary Takara offered a presentation describing the impact of the shut down. He also asked the Council to set a public hearing to consider temporary implementation of the level 4 water supply storage plan.

According to Takara, 60% of Pasadena’s water is imported from Metropolitan Water District (MWD). MWD is constructing a new ozone treatment facility in the City of LaVerne. He said while they’re switching over, the pipes have to be dry — forcing the city to turn to local ground water supplies and water stored in reservoirs.

Takara said the city will be operating five wells and will produce around 103 million gallons during the 10 days’ shutdown.

City residents currently use around 17 million gallons of water per day, Takara said, and explained that number fluctuates depending on if we have a wet or dry spring. During a typical March, he said the city’s water demands are around 23-24 million gallons a day.

MWD will suspend water deliveries beginning at midnight on Monday, February 29th. City staff is recommending that the City Council implement the level 4 water storage plan a few days before the shutdown — to give city workers time to prepare.

“There’s really no choice here. The math says if they’re turning the water off we have to go to a level 4,“ said Mayor Terry Tornek.

This is the third time in recent history Pasadena has faced similar shutdowns. According to Takara’s presentation, during the first in March, 2011 the water demand averaged 15 million gallons a day and then again in March, 2013 and the water demand averaged around 18 million gallons a day.

The Council approved the recommendation and scheduled a public hearing for January 25, 2016 at 7 p.m.

Also on Monday night, the council conducted a first reading of an Ordinance Prohibiting commercial marijuana activity. Two citizens,  Heidi Solesdorf and Susan O’Leary addressed the council to speak in opposition.

“The action that’s before us tonight, in terms of this ordinance, is designed to preserve the opportunity for the city to regulate these issues… the delivery and cultivation of medical marijuana,” said Mayor Tornek.

He said the purpose of the reading was to begin a discussion whether or not any modifications need to be made. Currently land use regulations are used to govern issues around medical marijuana dispensaries.

“The intent here is not to break new ground or take a position on these issues definitively but to preserve the opportunity for the city to regulate it rather than default to state regulation,” said Mayor Tornek.

The motion was approved and will be discussed again at a later date to be determined.

During the Ceremonial Matters portion of the agenda Allison Everett, the city’s new Accessibility & Disability Commissioner took her oath of office.

City leaders also recognized six city employees for 35 years of service. Two of them were presented proclamations at the meeting. Transportation Director Fred Dock recognized John Bertche for his work in the Transportation Department. Assistant City Manager, Julie Gutierrez recognized Clyde Scoby for his work in the Public Works Department.