Nick’s News for January 2022
Happy New Year! I hope that all of you had a joyful and relaxing holiday season with family and friends. Together we will work hard to make 2022 an even better year for the Burbank community!
In this month's issue of Nick's News we will cover:
A brief recap of Burbank City Council meetings in December 2021.
A summary of the initiatives that I'm working on in the community.
A preview of important City Council meetings in January 2022.
A short summary of upcoming community activities and events.
In the meantime, please feel free to visit my community page to learn more about what's happening in Burbank and how you can get involved! You can also click on one of the icons at the bottom of this newsletter to get real-time updates by following one of my social media accounts.
Review of December 2021 City Council Activity
On December 7, 2021, the Burbank City Council conducted a regularly scheduled meeting. Both the agenda and video from the meeting are available for viewing on the City of Burbank's website. The highlights from this meeting included:
Continued discussion of an ordinance establishing a Senate Bill 35 streamlined ministerial review process.
Analysis of traffic safety measures on Glenoaks Blvd. and adjacent roadways.
Approval of an Affordable Housing Agreement with the Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC) for construction of affordable ADUs on existing BHC properties.
On December 13, 2021, the Burbank City Council underwent its annual reorganization process. Jess Talamantes was unanimously elected Mayor of the City of Burbank for the 2021-2022 term, with Konstantine Anthony elected by a majority of the City Council to serve as his Vice Mayor.
On December 14, 2021, the Burbank City Council conducted a regularly scheduled meeting. Both the agenda and video from the meeting are available for viewing on the City of Burbank's website. The highlights from this meeting included:
Adoption of an urgency ordinance allowing restaurants to continue using private parking lots for outdoor dining.
Approval of a memorandum of understanding with the Burbank Peace Officers Association (BPOA).
Approval of the creation of a 2022 Burbank Charter Review Committee.
Discussion of the updated Development Impact Fee (DIF) nexus study.
What am I working on?
Outside of City Council meetings, I am busy working to support each of the adopted city goals. Below is a short synopsis of my work on each issue.
Economic Recovery - Throughout January 2022, I'll be conducting meetings with various leaders from the Chamber of Commerce to develop a list of actionable goals for 2022 to support the economic recovery of our small and micro enterprises in Burbank. I plan to share my findings as part of the City Council's goal setting meeting on January 31st.
Homelessness - The City of Burbank is currently creating a 5-year homelessness action plan to connect our unhoused population with resources and ultimately reduce our unhoused population. I have formed a working group of community leaders to review the current plan and to develop a list of proposed actionable items for consideration by the City Council for inclusion in the updated plan.
Housing - I am continuing to represent the City of Burbank, as part of the Arroyo Verdugo Communities Joint Powers Authority, and as a voting member of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Community, Economic and Human Development Committee. This month I will be participating in an informative panel discussion on how local governments can expand home ownership opportunities.
Sustainability - I was recently selected to represent the City of Burbank as a member of the League of California Cities Environmental Quality Policy Committee. I will be working with local leaders statewide over the next few months on issues related to air, water and water quality, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), solid waste and recycling, hazardous materials, coastal issues, utilities, and wildfires.
Additionally, I am excited to announce two new initiatives to improve my accessibility to Burbank residents and stakeholders:
I will be conducting virtual office hours at City Hall from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on January 11th and on January 25th. I will be available to address your questions or concerns by telephone or by Zoom. Please feel free to schedule a particular time to chat by calling (818) 238-5750 or emailing Nschultz@burbankca.gov.
I also invite you to join me for a Walk & Talk on Saturday, January 15th. Each month I'll be visiting a Burbank park for a leisurely walk with my neighbors to answer questions and to hear your concerns. This month I'll be visiting Johnny Carson Park from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We will be meeting at the park entrance on Bob Hope Drive across from Warner Blvd. For more information please visit my social media pages or send me an email.
Upcoming City Council Meetings for January 2022
The Burbank City Council will be meeting on four separate occasions this month. We will not be meeting on Tuesday, January 18th. As a reminder, you can view the agenda forecast and the meeting agendas by visiting the Burbank City Clerk's webpage. Below is a short summary of each upcoming meeting.
On January 4, 2022, the City Council will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting at which the following agenda items will be considered:
Adoption of an ordinance amending the zone map to allow for the construction of an electrical distribution facility at 228 S. Naomi Street.
Adoption of an ordinance establishing the streamlined ministerial review and public oversight process for Senate Bill 35 development projects.
An overview of Burbank Water and Power's water conservation programs.
On January 11, 2022, the City Council will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting at which the following agenda items will be considered:
Approval of updated Burbank Water and Power rules and regulations governing utility service.
Adoption of an ordinance prohibiting the sale of mylar balloons in the City of Burbank.
Introduction of an ordinance to manage parking at off-street city lots and structures.
Approval of the City of Burbank's Final Environmental Impact Report comment letter for the California High Speed Rail project.
On January 25, 2022, the City Council will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting at which the following agenda items will be considered:
Adoption of an ordinance to manage parking at off-street city lots and structures.
Introduction and adoption of an urgency ordinance to amend zoning definitions, land use tables, and development standards in response to Senate Bill 9.
Renaming the City of Burbank's Verdugo Recreation Center in honor of former city manager Mary Alvord.
Creation of a foundation to support or supplement arts in the City of Burbank.
Lastly, the Burbank City Council will conduct our 2022 goal setting meeting from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 31st. If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact the City Council by emailing citycouncil@burbankca.gov.
Burbank Activities and Events
Join the California Art League (CAL) for their Opening Reception at the Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 7th. For more information and gallery hours, please contact the Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center.
On Wednesday, January 12th, experts from the Burbank Recycle Center will be hosting a "Curb Your Recycling" training over Zoom. This 90-minute Zoom session is an essential starter kit to help you navigate past the confusion of packaging with tips on how to reduce creating disposal in the first place. Please click here to learn more and to register for this event.
On Monday, January 17th, the Los Angeles Clippers are hosting "Burbank Youth Day" at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. Come watch them take on the Indiana Pacers! The first 50 ticket purchasers are invited to watch the pre-game warm-ups at 10:30 AM. Click here to learn more about the event and to purchase tickets.
Thanks again for reading this month's edition of Nick's News. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like to discuss, please do not hestitate to contact me using the button below. It's an honor and privilege to represent you!