Nick’s News for December 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 November 2021.
A preview of City Council meetings scheduled for December 2021.
Upcoming community activities and events.
As we approach the end of the calendar year, I would like to begin by reflecting on the city's accomplishments over the past year. At the start of the year, the City Council adopted a list of goals that prioritized economic recovery, sustainability, housing, and homelessness. Despite the continuing challenges of COVID-19, the City Council took steps to provide much needed financial assistance and relief to our small businesses and our tenants. We also made significant progress in achieving our housing and sustainability goals. Here is a short list of just some of our accomplishments over the past year:
Coordinated the disbursement of forgivable business loans and rental assistance payments to organizations and individuals adversely impacted by COVID-19.
Created and approved the hiring of a Sustainability Coordinator to oversee Burbank Water and Power's sustainability efforts citywide.
Authorized the hiring of a Homeless Services Coordinator and initiated an update to the city's 5-year homeless action plan.
Approved the construction of over 800 units of new housing, including the addition of 80 units of housing for very low income individuals and families.
Continued our work on updates to the Housing Element of the Burbank 2035 General Plan, as well as several area specific plans.
Redesigned the City of Burbank website and approved plans to move forward with the launch of a citizen services app for your smart phone or device.
There remain many challenges ahead as we continue to prioritize these goals, but I truly believe that the City of Burbank is moving in the right direction. The future is brighter than ever for our community! As we look at a new year quickly approaching, Allie, Ella, and I would like to wish all of you a safe, relaxing, and happy holiday season!!
Recap of November 2021
Each month I summarize the notable events at City Hall during the prior month. Below is a brief recap of the Burbank City Council meetings held in November 2021:
November 2, 2021 - The City Council meeting began with Mayor Frutos presenting a certificate of recognition to the winners of the City of Burbank's Clerk's Cup. Mayor Frutos also issued a proclamation declaring November as Burbank Temporary Aid Center month in the City of Burbank. Former City Attorney Amy Albano was also presented with a certificate of recognition for her 10 years of service to our community. The City Council also received informational presentations from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, as well as the Metro NoHo-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Project. Next, the City Council adopted a "Consent Calendar" that included the following items: approval of a month-to-month lease agreement for 333 S. Front Street Suites 100 and 210; approval of the updated City of Burbank records retention schedule; and the appointment of Joseph H. McDougall as the new Burbank City Attorney. The City Council also appointed a Burbank resident to serve on the Senior Citizen Board. Additionally, the City Council introduced an ordinance to establish the streamlined ministerial review and public oversight process for Senate Bill (SB) 35 development projects. Lastly, the City Council approved a surplus property protocol to identify and dispose of surplus property. Please click here to view the video recording of this meeting.
November 9, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
November 16, 2021 - The City Council meeting began with the administration of the oath of office for Joseph H. McDougall as the Burbank City Attorney. Subsequently, Mayor Frutos issued a proclamation declaring November 14th to 20th as United Against Hate Week, as well as a proclamation declaring November 25th to December 10th as 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in the City of Burbank. Additionally, Mayor Frutos presented certificates of recognition to the winners of the OurBurbank 2021 Halloween Decorating Contest and the Burbank 2021 Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Next, the City Council approved a "Consent Calendar" that included the following agenda items: authorization to submit an application for Proposition 68 grant funds to construct the Dick Clark Dog Park; acceptance of $16,808 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Justice for training to enhance police and community relations; acceptance of $26,954 in California Library Services Grant funds; approval of an Engineering Services Agreement for the design of the Brace Canyon Park Sports Complex; adoption of findings for the continued virtual meetings of the City Council and boards, committees and commissions; approval of an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for the preparation of the Downtown Burbank Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan and related environmental analysis; and authorization to apply for the California Arrearage Payment Program and the California Water Board Payment Program. The bulk of this City Council meeting was devoted to a public hearing regarding a proposed mixed use housing development, pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 330, located at 2311 N. Hollywood Way. Ultimately, the City Council denied the appeal and upheld the Planning Board's determination that the project satisfied all legal requirements set forth under SB 330 and other state laws. Lastly, the City Council appointed a Burbank resident to serve on the Art in Public Places Committee. Please click here to view the video recording of this meeting.
November 23, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
November 30, 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.
Upcoming City Council Meetings
The Burbank City Council will be meeting three times during the month of December. Below is a list of the meeting dates and tentative agenda items:
December 7, 2021 - The City Council meeting will begin with Mayor Frutos issuing certificates of recognition to Burbank students named as recipients of the 2021 Congressional Award, as well as the Burbank Bike Angels for their restoration and donation of bikes to families in need. Mayor Frutos will also present a proclamation recognizing December 7th as Pearl Harbor Day , as well as a proclamation declaring the week of November 13th to 19th to be Transgender Awareness Week in the City of Burbank. Next, the City Council will consider a "Consent Calendar" that includes the following agenda items: adoption of the Burbank Public Housing Agency Section 8 program administrative plan update; approval of the Housing Successor Annual Report for 2020-2021; acceptance of a bequest of $187,988.05 from the Estate of Liu Yin Ying Wu to the Burbank Central Library; and approval of the Burbank Hospitality Association annual report.
The City Council will also consider adoption of an ordinance to establish the streamlined ministerial review and public oversight process for Senate Bill (SB) 35 development projects. Additionally, the City Council will review a city staff analysis of traffic safety on Glenoaks Boulevard and adjacent roadways. There will also be a review of the Annual Financial Report and General Fund's Financial Status, as of September 2021, conducted by the City Council. Moreover, the City Council will consider approval of an affordable housing agreement with the Burbank Housing Authority and the Burbank Housing Corporation for a new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) development project. Lastly, the City Council will appoint a Burbank resident to serve on the Transportation Commission. Please click here to view the agenda and staff reports for this meeting.
December 13, 2021 - The City Council will be conducting its annual reorganization meeting starting at 10:00 AM. The City Council will be selecting a new Mayor and Vice Mayor for the 2021-2022 term. We will also thank Mayor Bob Frutos for his service to the community over the past year.
December 14, 2021 - The City Council meeting will begin with a presentation of recognition to Burbank Water and Power (BWP) Electrical Distribution Crew for mutual assistance provided to the Imperial Irrigation District. Next, the City Council will consider a "Consent Calendar" that will include the following agenda items: adoption of an urgency ordinance to allow restaurants the continued use of their private parking lots for outdoor dining; approval of the City Council meeting schedule for 2022; approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Burbank Police Officers' Association; adoption of findings for the continued virtual meetings of the City Council and boards, committees and commissions; approval of the formation of the 2022 Charter Review Committee; renewal of authority for the BWP General Manager to enter into contracts for power supply products and services; and authorization to extend outdoor dining including the use of street parking.
The City Council will also conduct a public hearing regarding the introduction of an ordinance for a zone map amendment to change the zoning designation for 228 S. Naomi Street for construction of an electrical distribution facility. Additionally, the City Council will review the City Treasurer's investment portfolio report for September 2021. Next, the City Council will conduct a study session regarding development impact fees, as well as conduct an annual review of planned developments and development agreements. City Council members will also be appointed to committees and liaison roles for 2022. Lastly, the City Council will receive an update regarding BWP's renewable portfolio standard procurement plan and enforcement program. Please click here to view the complete meeting agenda.
December 21, 2021 -There will be no City Council meeting.
December 28, 2021 -There will be no City Council meeting.
Upcoming Events
There are a variety of fun holiday activities taking place around the community over the next few weeks. In fact, there are so many that I cannot list all of them here! However, there are several excellent resources that you can use to keep up to date on all of the latest holiday happenings. For example, you can visit the new website for Elevate Burbank, which has compiled an extensive list of holiday events. You can also visit the City of Burbank's holiday events calendar for further information. I hope to see you out in the community over the next few weeks!
Additionally, the Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC) has partnered with Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center to provide a free flu vaccination clinic on Saturday, December 11th. The clinic will take place at BHC's Verdugo Activity Center, which is located at 241 West Verdugo Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome!
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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