Nick’s News for November 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 October 2021.
A preview of City Council meetings scheduled for November 2021.
Upcoming community activities and events.
However, I would like to begin by sharing that the City of Burbank and the Burbank Veterans Committee will be hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony at the McCambridge Park War Memorial on Thursday, November 11th. The event will start at 11:00 a.m. and will feature a Condor Squadron Flyover. Please join us for this event to honor our veterans!
As we approach the end of the calendar year, I would also like to note that my December 2021 issue will cover the City of Burbank's accomplishments over the past year, as well as a look towards City Council reorganization on December 14th. In the meantime, we will continue our work on updating the Housing Element of the Burbank 2035 General Plan, updating several specific plans for parts of our community, and updating our Homelessness Action Plan. Stay tuned for many more important updates in the months ahead!
In the meantime, I am truly thankful for this incredible opportunity to serve our community as a member of the City Council. This holiday season, I will remain grateful for the progress that we have made together; however, I will continue to reflect on the opportunities for continued progress in the new year. As we gather with family and friends in the coming weeks, Allie, Ella, and I wish you and your loved ones a happy early Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season!
Recap of October 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 October 2021:
October 5, 2021 - The City Council meeting began with Mayor Frutos presenting proclamations declaring October 11th as Indigenous People's Day, and the week of October 3rd to 9th as Fire Prevention Week in Burbank. Next, the City Council adopted a "Consent Calendar" that included: adoption of the City Council meeting minutes; approval of contract documents and awarding a construction contract for DeBell Golf Club Irrigation Replacement to American Landscape; and adoption of a resolution extending the local state of emergency caused by COVID-19. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to a 2021 state legislative study session to review recent housing legislation that will impact Burbank. Lastly, the City Council received an update 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 - Mayor Frutos began this City Council meeting by issuing a certificate of recognition for BPD Officer Ashley Burk as the 2021 Rex Andrews Police Scholar Award recipient. Next, the City Council approved a "Consent Calendar" that included the following agenda items: introduction of an ordinance to ban the sale of Mylar balloons in the City of Burbank; approval of a budget amendment for the community services building security project; appointment of members to the Youth Board; and adoption of a design-build contract for the ballfield lighting modernization project at George Izay Park, Valley Ballfield, and Valley Skate Park. The City Council subsequently appointed two residents to fill vacancies on both the Burbank Housing Corporation Board of Directors and the Community Development Goals Committee. Additionally, the City Council granted Burbank Water and Power approval to execute a Renewal Agreement for the Acquisition of Capacity and Renewal Transmission Service Contract for the Southern Transmission System. Lastly, the City Council approved a COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy for city employees and contractors. Please click here to view the video recording of this meeting.
October 19, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
October 26, 2021 - The City Council meeting started with a presentation of the Cal Cities 2021 Helen Putnam Award in recognition of the City of Burbank's Project Hope and other senior services. Subsequently, Mayor Frutos issued proclamations recognizing October 2021 as both Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Filipino American History Month. The City Council also approved a "Consent Calendar" that included the following agenda items: acceptance of $254,162.98 in grant funds from the State Citizen’s Option for Public Safety Program; adoption of resolutions ordering the summary vacation of easements at 624-628 S. San Fernando Boulevard, and at 3401 Empire Avenue; and adoption of findings to continue virtual meetings for the City Council, as well as all Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Next, the City Council authorized Burbank Water and Power to issue Water Revenue Bonds not to exceed $31 million for water system capital investments. Lastly, the City Council also considered parking management options for the Burbank Farmers Market, followed by an update from the Burbank Economic Recovery Taskforce (BERT). 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.
Upcoming City Council Meetings
The Burbank City Council has already met once and will be meeting once again during the month of November. Below is a list of the meeting dates and tentative agenda items:
November 2, 2021 - The City Council meeting started with Mayor Frutos issuing a certificate of recognition for the winners of the Burbank Clerk's Cup, and a proclamation declaring November 2021 as Burbank Temporary Aid Center month. The City Council and staff also reflected on the tenure of outgoing City Attorney Amy Albano. Next, the City Council received an update from the Los Angeles County Vector Control District. A presentation was also made by staff to the City Council regarding the status of the North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project. The City Council subsequently approved a "Consent Calendar" that included the following agenda items: approval of a month-to-month lease agreement with Pacific Capital Real Estate Investment Corporation; approval of an updated Records Retention Schedule and amendment of the Citywide Records Retention Schedule; and appointment of Joseph H. McDougall as the next Burbank City Attorney. The City Council proceeded to appoint a Burbank resident to fill a vacancy on the Senior Citizen Board. Additionally, the City Council deliberated upon the introduction of an ordinance establishing a streamlined ministerial review process for Senate Bill 35 development projects. Lastly, the City Council approved the process for identifying and disposing of surplus City property. Please click here to view the video recording of this meeting.
November 9, 2021 - There will be no City Council meeting.
November 16, 2021 - The City Council meeting will begin with Joseph H. McDougall taking the oath of office and being introduced to the community as our new Burbank City Attorney. Mayor Frutos will also present a proclamation recognizing 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, while also presenting certificates of recognition to the winners of the 2021 OurBurbank Halloween Decorating Contest. Next, the City Council will consider a "Consent Calendar" that includes: adoption of an ordinance establishing a Senate Bill 35 Ministerial Design Review Process; acceptance of $16,808 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Justice for training to enhance police and community relations; acceptance of a California Library Literary Services grant; approval of a professional services agreement for the design and engineering of the Brace Canyon Sports Complex; approval of a professional services agreement for the Downtown Burbank Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan; and adoption of a resolution extending the local state of emergency due to COVID-19. The City Council will also conduct a public hearing regarding an appeal of the Planning Board's approval of a development review, conditional use permit, tentative parcel map, and density bonus request for a development project located at 2311 N. Hollywood Way. Lastly, the City Council will appoint a Burbank resident to serve on the Art in Public Places Committee. Please click here to view the complete meeting agenda.
November 30, 2021 -There will be no City Council meeting.
Upcoming Events
There are several other noteworthy events happening this month, some of which I've highlighted below.
Beginning on Wednesday, November 10th, and ending on Wednesday, December 1st, the Parks and Recreation Department is conducting public engagement and outreach to help identify and determine the needs of Burbank residents and stakeholders regarding future improvements to George Izay Park and its amenities, facilities, and buildings. Information gathered during this process will guide the ultimate vision and development of a Park Master Plan. Explore the project site to learn more about this exciting project and how to get involved in the upcoming community outreach process.
At 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10th, the City of Burbank will host a second virtual community meeting to discuss the City's 5-year Homelessness Action Plan. Attendees will be able to provide input regarding homeless issues in Burbank. Please click here to learn more about the City's current and planned efforts to address this important issue.
On Thanksgiving Day, the Burbank YMCA will be having its 12th Annual Burbank Community YMCA Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. This year's event will be virtual. Organizers encourage participants to run through their neighborhoods and continue the tradition of running on Thanksgiving morning. Proceeds will benefit the Burbank Community YMCA, with a portion of the proceeds going to the new Social Impact Center. Please click here to register today.
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 12:00 PM on Sunday, November 14th. I’ll be discussing some of the most pressing issues at Burbank City Hall including:
The proposed North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project.
The City's proposed process for streamlined ministerial review of Senate Bill 35 development projects.
The City’s 5-year Homelessness Action Plan currently in development.
I'll come ready to answer your questions and to discuss your concerns about our community. You can RSVP today by clicking here or 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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