Nick’s News for September 2021
Good morning everyone,
Welcome to the latest edition of "Nick's News." If this is the first time that you're receiving it, please note that "Nick's News" is my monthly newsletter covering what's happening at Burbank City Hall, as well as upcoming events in our community. In this edition we will cover:
A brief recap of the developments at Burbank City Hall in August 2021.
A preview of City Council meetings scheduled for September 2021.
Upcoming community activities and events.
However, I would like to begin by sharing that the City of Burbank has begun the process of preparing a new five-year plan to address homelessness in our community. As you may know, the new homeless plan that city staff is developing will encompass goals and strategies that the City of Burbank will carry out between 2022 and 2027. Please note that you can read the current homelessness plan here for background and context.
We all know that homelessness is the great humanitarian crisis of our time. According to the 2020 Los Angeles County Homeless Count, the County of Los Angeles recorded a roughly 13% increase in homelessness. In fact, it's estimated that more than 66,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness. The challenges seem insurmountable at times, but I truly believe that by working together with our public and non-profit sector partners we can find long-term solutions.
The truth is - it's going to take significant effort from local, state, and federal agencies to find long-lasting and meaningful solutions. While acknowledging that there are legal and financial obstacles, the Burbank City Council is committed to reducing the number of our unhoused residents to 50% of the 2022 Los Angeles County Homeless Count population of Burbank by the end of 2027.
Over the next few months, Burbank city staff will be conducting a series of virtual community outreach meetings to gather public input in identifying strategies and opportunities to meet the City Council's ambitious goal. I encourage all of you to attend and share your input with our city staff. Stay tuned for more information in the months ahead!
Recap of August 2021
Each month I summarize the notable events at City Council during the prior month. Below is a brief recap of the Burbank City Council meetings held in August 2021:
August 3, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
August 10, 2021 - This regularly scheduled meeting started with a moment of silence dedicated to the three young lives tragically lost in a senseless speed racing incident on Glenoaks Blvd. on August 3rd. After observing this moment of silence, the City Council received a presentation of grant funding made by Providence St. Joseph Medical Center to the City of Burbank for homeless programs and services. The City Council also approved a sizable "Consent Calendar" that included the following items: adoption of an ordinance establishing prima facie speed limits on city streets; receipt and review of the 2020-21 Fire Inspection Performance Report by the Burbank Fire Department; approval of a lease agreement for operation of a Hydrogen Station located at 145 W. Verdugo Avenue; approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Burbank Fire Fighters Chief Officers’ Unit; adoption of a resolution establishing the salary and conflict of interest code designation for various planning positions; extension of the local state of emergency caused by COVID-19; and approval of a Reimbursement Agreement to construct pedestrian safety improvements at the Buena Vista Street & Riverside Drive intersection. Next, the City Council received a report regarding Assembly Bill 1177 and approved amendments to two transmission service agreements at the request of Burbank Water & Power. Additionally, the City Council received an update on pending state housing legislation and adopted a resolution reaffirming our commitment to local land use decision-making. Lastly, the City Council discussed and directed city staff to develop a COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy for city employees. Please click here to view the video recording of this meeting.
August 17, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
August 24, 2021 - The City Council's regularly scheduled meeting began with an update from the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority on the status of the replacement terminal, as well as an update from our Sister Cities Committee on 2022 travel plans. Next, the City Council approved a "Consent Calendar" that included the following items: adoption of resolutions continuing appropriations from fiscal year 2020-21 to fiscal year 2021-22; execution of a Subaward Agreement with the County of Los Angeles to support the city's supplemental nutrition programs and supportive services; approval to send letters to county, state, and federal redistricting agencies advocating for the preservation of the tri-cities (Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena) in the same electoral districts; and approval of support positions on the proposed 2021 Cal Cities Annual Conference Resolutions. As described above, the City Council proceeded to adopt 7 guiding principles and directed city staff to develop a five-year (2022 – 2027) Homelessness Plan. Additionally, the City Council tabled a planned discussion of a parking management plan for the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station for six months. The City Council also approved the naming of the "Ron E. Davis" administration building and ecocampus at Burbank Water and Power. Lastly, the City Council engaged in an informative study session about Senate Bill 35 and its applicability to future land use decision-making in the City of Burbank. Please click here to view the video recording of this meeting.
August 31, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
Outside of City Council meetings, Councilmember Anthony and I have continued to represent the City of Burbank on the Board of Directors for the Valley Economic Alliance. Mayor Frutos and I have also been regularly attending meetings of both the Sustainable Burbank Commission and the Burbank Police Commission to serve as a resource for the commissioners. I also joined Assemblymember Friedman and Vice Mayor Talamantes in recognizing the Tallyrand as the "Small Business of the Year" for the 43rd Assembly District. Lastly, I received an orientation as part of my next adventure: volunteering with the Burbank Animal Shelter!
Upcoming City Council Meetings
The Burbank City Council will be meeting twice during the month of September. There will be many important topics of conversation during these upcoming meetings. Below is a list of the meeting dates and tentative agenda items:
September 7, 2021 - There will be no City Council meeting.
September 14, 2021 - The City Council will begin the meeting with Mayor Frutos issuing a proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. There will also be a sizable "Consent Calendar" that includes the following items: review of development impact fee funds; approval of a professional services agreement for the Golden State Specific Plan; approval of a memorandum of understanding between the Burbank Unified School District and the City of Burbank for cooperative use of the McCambridge Swimming Pool; and approval of a professional services agreement for preparation of environmental documents for the 2021-2029 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice General Plan Update. Next, the City Council will consider introduction of an ordinance to amend the Burbank Municipal Code to allow short-term rentals (STRs) in our community [note: the Burbank Planning Board has recommended that the City Council ban STRs]. The City Council will also consider approval of the city surplus property protocol. Lastly, the City Council will appoint one Burbank resident to serve on the Community Development Goals Committee. Please click here to view the complete meeting agenda once it's posted.
September 21, 2021 -There will be no City Council meeting.
September 28, 2021 - The City Council will begin the meeting with Mayor Frutos issuing a proclamation recognizing City of Burbank employees with 20 or more years of service to the community. A proclamation will also be issued declaring September 28th as "National Voter Registration Day." Next, the City Council will consider a "Consent Calendar" that includes the following items: adoption of an ordinance to amend the Burbank Municipal Code to allow short-term rentals (STRs); and approval of contract documents and awarding of a construction contract for the DeBell Golf Club irrigation replacement. The City Council will also receive updates from the Burbank Economic Recovery Taskforce (BERT), as well as from city staff on the enforcement of the flavored tobacco ban and sales to minors. The City Council will also consider authorization for Burbank Water and Power to issue water revenue bonds (not to exceed $31 million) for water system capital investments. Lastly, the City Council will receive an update on the Burbank Police Department's film production safety services staffing process and alternatives. Please click here to view the complete meeting agenda once it's posted.
Upcoming Events
Given that the City of Burbank has begun the process of drafting a new five-year homelessness action plan, I will be devoting this month's "Community Conversation" to a detailed discussion about the obstacles and opportunities to address homelessness in Burbank. I am honored to be joined this month by Albert Hernandez, the Chief Executive Officer of the Family Promise of the Verdugos. This will be an informative and exciting event that you won't want to miss! Please consider joining us at 6:30 PM on Monday, September 20th. You can RSVP today by visiting: https://www.nickforburbank.com/events. There are several other noteworthy events happening this month, some of which I've highlighted below.
The City of Burbank and the County of Los Angeles are partnering to offer a free household hazardous and electronic waste drive-thru collection event TODAY at the Burbank Fire Department Training Center, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please click here for more details.
At 6:30 PM on Thursday, September 9th, the Burbank Public Library will be hosting Ms. Arreola-Munoz, a Community Relations Officer with the Department of Homeland Security. This informational session will cover the naturalization process and what you need to become a U.S. citizen, including: an overview of the eligibility requirements; a step-by-step description of the process; and free preparation materials. Please click here for more details and to register for this great online event.
At 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 29th, 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 rich soil! Please click here for more details and to register for this great online event.Lastly, I am excited to share that the Burbank City Clerk's Office is currently accepting applications for two vacancies: one vacancy on the Burbank Housing Corporation Board of Directors; and one vacancy on the Community Development Goals Committee. The deadline to apply is 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 30th. Please consider applying today!
In addition, you can check out the City of Burbank's calendar of events to learn more about some of the latest happenings in our community, including upcoming Board and Commission meetings. Staying in Touch
As a reminder, you will find my latest press releases, blog posts, and upcoming events on my 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).
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 it. In the meantime, please stay safe and be well. Thank you for reading!
Your Friend,
Nick
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