Nick’s News for January 2021
Happy New Year!
Welcome to the very first issue of "Nick's News." This is my monthly newsletter covering the latest stories, developments, and upcoming events in the City of Burbank. But first, I have to start with acknowledging that I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been sworn in as one of your newest members of the Burbank City Council on December 14, 2020.
I know that we don't need to look very far to understand that the challenges before us are difficult. We all know that Burbank, like much of the country, is facing an unprecedented public health and economic crisis. The harm inflicted upon our entertainment industry, our airport, our small businesses, and the workers that depend on these industries is immeasurable. However, I believe that these seemingly insurmountable problems must be met with bold and innovative ideas, and through the collective spirit and resolve of our community, we can tackle these issues together.
I know that Burbankers are up to the task! It will be an honor to be a part of that effort, alongside my colleagues on the Burbank City Council, as we all work together in the days and months ahead to save and restore our local economy.
Recap of December 2020
After being sworn in on December 14, 2020, we elected our new Mayor and Vice Mayor for 2021. The following evening, I had my very first full meeting as your City Councilmember. At that meeting, I asked for an update from city staff on our Economic Recovery Plan and raised the prospect of creating a taskforce that would involve community stakeholder participation. With the creation of a Burbank Economic Recovery Taskforce to supplement our economic recovery plan, we will be positioned to bring bold new ideas forward to help restore and revitalize our local economy. Please stay tuned for a staff report on our economic recovery plan and progress to date, as well as my taskforce proposal, at the February 9th meeting of the Burbank City Council.
I was also appointed by my colleagues to serve in the following roles and functions for the City of Burbank:
Member of the Burbank City Council's Fiscal & Treasurer’s Review Group.
Alternate Member of the Arroyo Verdugo Communities Subregion Joint Powers Authority.
Member of the Valley Economic Alliance.
Liaison to the Sustainable Burbank Commission.
Liaison to the Burbank Police Commission.
I was also thrilled to join Burbank for Armenia and ANCA Burbank shortly before the holidays to discuss ways that the City of Burbank can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through community discussions/events and the appointment of residents to city boards and commissions.
Upcoming Community Events
When I ran for Burbank City Council I promised that, if elected, I would have open conversations with the community each month. Please join me for my very first "Community Conversation" at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 17th. We will be discussing:
* Questions about city programs and resources.
* Ideas to improve our community.
* Concerns about Burbank’s economic recovery and future.
If you would like to join me for my first community conversation, please RSVP by visiting: https://www.nickforburbank.com/events.
I also encourage you to visit the City of Burbank's calendar of events to learn more about some of the latest happenings in our community. For example, you can attend the upcoming virtual Community Workshop on the Downtown Burbank Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan at 6:00 PM on January 21st. Check it out!
Upcoming City Council Meetings
Every month I will also try to give you a rough idea of what to expect in terms of upcoming City Council meetings and agenda items. For the remainder of January 2021, here is the tentative list of meeting dates and agenda items:
January 12, 2021 - Please click here for the meeting agenda and instructions for how to view and participate. Of note, the City Council will be receiving an update on Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, considering a resolution to extend the local state of emergency concerning COVID-19, and reviewing a report from city staff on efforts to mitigate power outages caused by mylar balloons.
January 19, 2021 - There will be no City Council meeting in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
January 26, 2021 - City Council will be considering adoption of an urgency ordinance to amend the administrative use permit process, appointing a Burbank resident to fill a vacancy on the Burbank Transportation Commission, and receiving a report on the city's enforcement of face covering requirements. Please click here to view the meeting agenda once it is posted.
Staying in Touch
Please know that you are receiving this newsletter because you were either on my campaign supporter list or you have requested to be included on my monthly newsletter recipient list. If you no longer wish to receive these newsletters, however, please click the "unsubscribe" button below.
I also believe that "knowledge is power." So, please feel free to forward this newsletter to your family and friends. If you know someone who would like to be added to the recipient list, please ask them to visit my community page and sign-up to receive the monthly newsletter.
You will also find my latest press releases, blog posts, and noteworthy events on the community page. I encourage you to keep in regular contact with me by regularly visiting my community page or by following my social media accounts (see links below).
I will send out the next edition of "Nick's News" during the first full week of February. In the meantime, please stay safe and be well. Thank you for reading!
Your Friend,
Nick