Nick’s News for July 2022
Welcome to the latest edition of "Nick's News," which is my monthly newsletter covering the latest developments at City Hall and events in the City of Burbank. In this month's issue of Nick's News, we will cover:
A brief recap of Burbank City Council meetings in June 2022.
A summary of the work that I'm doing outside of City Council meetings.
A preview of City Council meetings in July 2022.
A short summary of upcoming community activities and events.
However, I would like to begin by sharing that the City of Burbank recently adopted our fiscal year 2022-2023 budget after a months-long process involving several study sessions and a public hearing. Importantly, the budget adopted unanimously by the City Council projects a recurring General Fund balance of $280,605 in fiscal year 2022-2023, which is expected to increase to $1.7 million in fiscal year 2026-2027 as revenues continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. You can click here to read a short synopsis of the city budget "at a glance" prepared by our Financial Services Department.
Aside from our General Fund expenditures, Burbank Water and Power (BWP) constitutes the largest portion of the city budget. Last month, the Burbank City Council approved electric and water rate increases to account for increased operating costs and to make significant investments in our infrastructure so that BWP can continue to provide reliable energy and clean drinking water to our community. In the years ahead, we will need to continue making strategic investments in our utility infrastructure to ensure reliable service and plan for an energy procurement portfolio that is derived from 100% renewable energy sources.
Importantly, the Burbank City Council has also approved an expanded Burbank Utility Service Subsidy (BUSS), which will offer an ongoing 12% discount on electric service to income-qualified residents. You can click here to learn more about the BUSS program, including whether you may qualify and how to apply.
In summary, I am extremely proud of the City Council and staff's tireless work to prepare and adopt a balanced budget over the last several months, especially at a time when many communities continue to struggle financially from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. There remains much work to do in the years ahead, especially with regards to Burbank Water and Power's financial position to achieve 100% renewable energy procurement, but I believe that we are in solid financial footing moving forward.
Review of June 2022 City Council Activity
On June 7, 2022, 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 include:
Proclamations declaring June 2022 as "Pride Month," as well as June 19th as "Juneteenth" in the City of Burbank.
Approval of a design-build agreement for the Lake One Power Plant Emissions Retrofit Project.
Introduction of an ordinance updating the City of Burbank's development impact fees (DIFs).
Adoption of an Annual Action Plan allocating 2022-2023 community development block grant (CDBG) and HOME funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Adoption of resolutions calling for a general municipal election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Expansion of a citywide Lifting People Up Program in partnership with Home Again Los Angeles.
On June 21, 2022, 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 include:
Adoption of an ordinance updating the City of Burbank's development impact fees (DIFs).
Approval of contract documents and awarding a construction contract for the landfill gas collection and control system expansion.
Approval of a letter to the United States Congress supporting stronger gun control laws.
Approval of the City of Burbank's 2022 investment policy, and review of the City Treasurer's investment portfolio for the first quarter of 2022.
Appointment of Burbank resident Adrianos Facchetti to fill a vacancy on the Transportation Commission.
Approval of the Burbank Utility Service Subsidy (BUSS), a new income-qualified residential assistance program for Burbank Water and Power customers.
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 highlighting some of my work on these issues.
Sustainability - I recently completed my service as a member of the League of California Cities Environmental Quality Policy Committee. Over the last several months, I have worked with committee members and staff to make recommendations to the League of California Cities ("Cal Cities") regarding support and opposition to state legislation related to air quality, climate change, hazardous materials, solid waste and recycling, electronic waste, single-use plastics, and much more! You can review a full list here of all of the legislation tracked by the committee, including the position taken by Cal Cities and the current status of each bill.
Affordable Housing - I have continued to represent our community as a voting member of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Community, Economic and Human Development Committee. California state law recognizes that local governments play a vital role in developing affordable housing. As such, the state has mandated that all California cities plan for the housing needs of our residents—regardless of income. This state mandate is called the Housing Element and Regional Housing Needs Allocation, or RHNA. Over the next few months, the Community, Economic and Human Development Committee will be discussing the RHNA audit and potential RHNA reform to address the concerns of local jurisdictions.
Public Safety - Over the last several months our community has grown increasingly concerned about gun violence tragedies across our country. I have continued to meet with parents and community members concerned about the city's efforts to reduce gun violence. I have also met with subject matter experts across the country, as well as other elected officials, to brainstorm creative solutions for Burbank. The City Council will soon be considering what steps to take at our meeting on July 26th. Stay tuned for more information! In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or ideas.
Lastly, I will be participating in a virtual town hall hosted by Assemblymember Laura Friedman entitled "Curbing Gun Violence in California" at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 7th. I will be joining Assemblymember Friedman, BUSD School Board Member Dr. Emily Weisberg, and Tanya Schardt, the Senior Counsel for Brady United.
Please click here to join us for this important discussion regarding the prevalence of gun violence and federal, state, and local government efforts to improve public safety.
Overview of City Council Meetings for July 2022
The Burbank City Council will meet three times during the month of July 2022. 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 July 12, 2022, the City Council will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting in Burbank City Hall at which the following agenda items will be considered:
A proclamation declaring July 2022 as "Parks & Recreation Month" in the City of Burbank.
Updates from the Burbank Glendale Pasadena Airport Authority.
Approval of contract documents awarding a construction contract for the annual sidewalk repair project in Zones 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Appointments to fill vacancies on various Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
Authorization for pre-planning and feasibility analysis for developing a Tiny Homes Village at the Northeast Corner of N. Lincoln Street and N. Victory Place.
Approval of a budget amendment to fund legal costs related to state housing law enforcement actions.
On July 19, 2022, the City Council will conduct a special joint meeting with the BUSD Board of Education in Room 104 at the Community Services Building. The prevention of gun violence and school safety are expected to be some of the topics of discussion at this meeting.
On July 26, 2022, the City Council will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting in Burbank City Hall at which the following agenda items will be considered:
Presentation of a legislative update from State Senator Bob Hertzberg's Office.
Approval of a Classroom Training Agreement with National League of Cities Race Equity and Leadership Program to support racial equity work in the City of Burbank.
Consideration of a staff report investigating the effects of firearm retailers in the City of Burbank, as well as possible regulatory frameworks.
Review of public comment and hybrid communication options for public meetings of the City Council, Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
Burbank Activities and Events
Each month, I highlight some of the activities and events taking place in our community. As a reminder, you can view the complete calendar of events maintained by the City of Burbank by visiting our webpage. Below are just a few events that I'd like to bring to your attention.
Join Leadership Burbank for a recruitment mixer at the Burbank Chamber of Commerce at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, Wednesday, July 13th. This is an incredible organization that offers a great opportunity to learn more about the Burbank community, while developing your leadership skills. Please click here to RSVP for this event today!
On Monday, July 18th, the American Red Cross is having a blood drive at the Joslyn Adult Center (1301 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91506) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you can't attend this month, please note that the American Red Cross is hosting a monthly blood drive at the Joslyn Adult Center. You can click here to make an appointment to donate blood, platelets, and/or plasma.
At 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 19th, 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.
At 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27th, you are invited to join the experts from Burbank Recycle Center and LA Compost as they show you how to take your green "waste" and transform it into your yard's rich soil as part of this "compost at home" virtual workshop! Please click here to register today.
You are invited to participate in a monthly "Community Circles" event at the Buena Vista Branch of the Burbank Public Library on Wednesday, July 28th at 7:00 p.m. This event will be presented by the Burbank Human Relations Council in partnership with the Burbank Public Library. The facilitated conversation will present an individual or societal story highlighting underrepresented voices and identities. It will be followed by sharing our personal reflections and a supportive exploration of how individuals and the community can connect, embrace our differences, and make sure Burbank is welcoming.
Relay for Life of the Greater Valley, including the cities of Burbank, Chatsworth, and San Fernando will be having an on-site event at Los Angeles Valley College from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 24th. This year's overall theme is “Rainbow of Hope.” It's not too late to sign up to form a team or to volunteer! Please click here to learn more about this year's event.
Thanks again for reading this month's edition of Nick's News. As always, 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.
If you have any questions or concerns that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact me by using the button below. Stay safe and be well!