Nick’s News for October 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 from September 2021.
A preview of City Council meetings scheduled for October 2021.
Upcoming community activities and events.
However, I would like to begin by wishing all of you an early "Happy Halloween!" The City of Burbank is quickly getting ready to launch several fun, festive, and safe ways to celebrate this year including a:
Floating Pumpkin Patch [Verdugo Aquatic Facility] from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 24th.
Halloween Skatefest [Valley Skate Park] from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on October 30th.
Haunted Adventure: The Escape Rooms [McCambridge Recreation Center] from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on October 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th, and 31st.
Halloween Lane: Carnival [McCambridge Park] from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on October 31st.
To learn more about all the "Halloween Happenings" hosted by the City of Burbank this year, please visit: https://www.burbankca.gov/web/parks-recreation/halloween.
Lastly, please remember that there is still time to register your home or business as a participant in the 2021 Outdoor Halloween Decorating Contest. The homes and businesses entering this year's contest will be viewed by the judges on October 25th, and the winner(s) will be announced on October 26th. In the meantime, you can also drive around town and see all this year's entries in the weeks leading up to Halloween night. I encourage you to take part in one of my very favorite Burbank Halloween traditions!
Recap of September 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 September 2021:
September 7, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
September 14, 2021 - Mayor Frutos began this City Council meeting by issuing a proclamation recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Burbank. Next, the City Council approved a "Consent Calendar" that included the following agenda items: review of development impact fees (DIF) and adoption of a resolution regarding the continuing need for unexpended DIF balances; approval of an amended professional services agreement for environmental document preparation related to the 2021-2029 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice updates to the Burbank 2035 General Plan; approval of a three-year enterprise license agreement for geographical information systems licensing; and approval of a support position on a proposed Cal Cities Bylaws amendment. The City Council also conducted a public hearing on a resolution authorizing Burbank Water and Power to move to Stages II and III of the city's sustainable water use ordinance. Additionally, the City Council appointed a Burbank resident to serve on the Community Development Goals Committee. Lastly, the City Council debated and approved a COVID-19 testing policy for city employees. Please click here to view the video recording of this meeting.
September 21, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
September 28, 2021 - The City Council meeting started with the recognition of Burbank's 2021 firefighter of the year, police officer of the year, and employee of the year. We also recognized city employees with 20 or more years of service. Next, Mayor Frutos issued a proclamation recognizing September 28th as "National Voter Registration Day" in the City of Burbank. The City Council also approved a "Consent Calendar" that included the following agenda items: adoption of a resolution authorizing acceptance of the California Office of Traffic Safety 2022 Selective Traffic Enforcement Grant for $100,000; approval of an amended professional services agreement for preparation of the Golden State Specific Plan and related environmental analysis; and adoption of findings to continue virtual meetings for the City Council and all boards, commissions, and committees during the COVICD-19 pandemic. Additionally, the City Council reviewed and approved Burbank Water and Power's updated residential electric vehicle (EV) charging station rebate program. The City Council also received an update from city staff on the Burbank Police Department's film production safety services staffing process. Lastly, the City Council discussed and ultimately rejected a proposal to place a parcel tax for large commercial properties on the upcoming ballot in 2022. Please click here to view the video recording of this 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 had the opportunity to represent the City of Burbank, alongside Mayor Frutos and Councilmember Springer, at the 2021 League of California Cities (Cal Cities) Annual Conference and Expo in Sacramento. It was an incredible opportunity to meet with elected officials and city leaders across the State of California to exchange ideas on how best to promote economic revitalization, address homelessness, expand affordable housing opportunities, and build more environmental resiliency in our community.
Upcoming City Council Meetings
The Burbank City Council has already met once and will be meeting twice more during the month of October. There will be many important topics of conversation during these upcoming meetings. Below is a list of the meeting dates and tentative agenda items:
October 5, 2021 - The City Council meeting started with Mayor Frutos issuing a proclamation recognizing October 11th as Indigenous People's Day in the City of Burbank. He also issued a proclamation declaring the week of October 3rd to 9th as "Fire Prevention Week." Next, the City Council approved a "Consent Calendar" that included the following agenda items: approval of contract documents awarding a construction contract for irrigation replacement at DeBell Golf Club; and adoption of a resolution extending the local emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City Council conducted a 2020-2021 state legislative update session and discussed recently passed state housing bills, including Senate Bills 8, 9, and 10. Lastly, the City Council received updates on the enforcement of the flavored tobacco ban and sales to minors. Please click here to view the video recording of this meeting.
October 12, 2021 - The City Council meeting will begin with a federal legislation update presentation from our advocates in Washington, D.C. The City Council will next consider a "Consent Calendar" that consists of the following agenda items: introduction of an ordinance prohibiting the sale of helium-filled Mylar balloons in the City of Burbank; amendment of the 2021-2022 budget to appropriate $280,000 to complete the Community Services Building security project; appointment of Youth Board members for the 2021-2022 school year; and approval of a design-build contract for the ballfield lighting modernization project at George Izay Ballfield, Valley Ballfield, and Valley Skate Park. Next, the City Council will appoint Burbank residents to fill vacancies on the Burbank Housing Corporation Boards of Directors and the Community Development Goals Committee. Additionally, the City Council will consider approval of a Renewal Agreement for the acquisition of capacity and a renewal transmission service contract with the Southern California Public Power Authority. Lastly, the City Council will again consider a COVID-19 vaccination policy for city employees and contractors. Please click here to view the complete meeting agenda.
October 19, 2021 -There will be no City Council meeting.
October 26, 2021 - The City Council meeting will begin with Mayor Frutos acknowledging the winners of the City of Burbank Clerk's Cup. There will also be a presentation on the City of Burbank's 2021 Helen Putnam Award from Cal Cities for Project Hope and other senior services. Next, the City Council will review a "Consent Calendar" that consists of the following agenda items: adoption of an ordinance prohibiting the sale of helium-filled Mylar balloons in the City of Burbank; and adoption of a resolution accepting grant funds from the State Citizen's Option for Public Safety for $254,162.98. The City Council will also consider Burbank Farmers' Market parking management options, and will receive an update from the Burbank Economic Recovery Taskforce (BERT). Additionally, the City Council will evaluate and approve the proposed city surplus property protocol. Lastly, the City Council will consider authorization to issue water revenue bonds not to exceed $31 million for water system capital investments. Please click here to view the complete meeting agenda once it's posted.
Upcoming Events
There are several other noteworthy events happening this month, some of which I've highlighted below.
Today and tomorrow, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the City of Burbank is promoting "Second Chance Garage Sale Weekend." This is a city-wide garage sale event where residents may hold a garage sale without obtaining a permit.
At 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15th, the Burbank Arts and Education Foundation will be hosting its IMPACT party. This will be a great fundraiser designed to support our BUSD students and schools. To learn more and to purchase tickets please visit burbankartsanded.org.
At 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 20th, the Burbank Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2021 State of the City Address & Luncheon. It's not too late to purchase a ticket and to hear Mayor Frutos discuss the incredible work that the City of Burbank has undertaken over the past year!
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.
Lastly, please consider joining me for my monthly community conversation at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 19th. I'll come ready to answer your questions and to discuss a variety of topics ranging from the city's economic recovery measures, affordable housing and homelessness strategies, and much more! You can RSVP today by visiting: https://www.nickforburbank.com/events. Please feel free to submit your question in advance by emailing nick@nickforburbank.com.
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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