Nick’s News for August 2021
Good morning everyone,
Welcome to the latest edition of "Nick's News," which is my monthly newsletter covering what I'm working on at City Hall, as well as upcoming events in the City of Burbank. In this edition we will cover:
A brief recap of the developments at Burbank City Hall in July 2021.
A preview of City Council meetings scheduled for August 2021.
Upcoming community activities and events.
However, I would like to begin by offering a reflection on the senseless loss of life in our community last week. A Burbank Police Department press release revealed that a reckless street racing incident at Glenoaks Blvd. and Andover Drive resulted in a fatal crash that needlessly took the lives of three young passengers: Natalee Moghaddam (19 years-old), Jaiden Johnson (20 years-old), and Cerain Baker (21 years-old).
The loss of life this past week was a tragedy for the family and friends of the victims, and for the entire community. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims during this extraordinarily difficult time. Please join the Burbank City Council for a moment of silence at the start of tonight's meeting as we pay our respects to the victims and their families. Moving forward, we must look at any and all opportunities to protect our kids and make our streets safer.
Recap of July 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 July 2021:
July 6, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
July 13, 2021 - This meeting started with a proclamation declaring July 2021 to be "Park and Recreation" month in the City of Burbank. The Rotary Club of Burbank awarded former Burbank Police Department (BPD) Chief Scott LaChasse with its lifetime achievement award. Afterwards, City Manager Justin Hess introduced Interim BPD Chief Michael Albanese to the City Council and the community. Next, the City Council considered a lengthy consent calendar that included: approval of an amendment to a professional services agreement for COVID-19 hazardous materials consulting services; and direction for our advocacy efforts during the 2021 redistricting process to preserve the representation of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena in the same electoral districts. The bulk of the meeting involved the City Council's selection of 27 people to serve on the various boards, commissions, and committees that advise and assist the City Council in our work for the city. The City Council also reviewed the City of Burbank's existing low-income assistance programs and approved the new COVID-19 residential recovery assistance program coordinated by Burbank Water and Power (BWP). Additionally, the City Council adopted a resolution for a draft initial study of the Burbank Operable Unit (BOU) Remediation System Upgrades Project. Lastly, the City Council received an update on the Intermountain Power Plant, which continues to serve as an energy source for BWP. Please click here to view the video recording of this meeting.
July 20, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
July 27, 2021 - The City Council held a regularly scheduled meeting in which Vice Mayor Talamantes presided given Mayor Frutos' absence. The City Council approved a Consent Calendar that included: adoption of an ordinance amending the Burbank Municipal Code related to the evaluation and payment of claims, as well as settlement authority; and authorization for the City Manager to accept an Urban Areas Security Initiative Grant of $633,753 for the Burbank Fire Department (BFD) and the Burbank Police Department (BPD). Next, city staff introduced an ordinance to the City Council related to prima facie speed limits on city streets. Lastly, the City Council received an update on BPD's parking citation appeal and payment plan process, while also agreeing to bring the agenda item back for further discussion (and possible revisions) at a later date. Please click here to view the video recording of this meeting.
There were also several noteworthy community events this past month. Notably, I had the opportunity to meet with the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters and tour their Sylmar Training Center. I also attend the Ribbon Cutting for Simple Life Delivery at the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, and joined the Kiwanis Club of Burbank for their First Annual Golf Ball Drop.
Outside of City Council meetings, I have continued to represent the City of Burbank on the Board of Directors for the Valley Economic Alliance. 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 twice during the month of August. There will be many important topics of conversation during these upcoming meetings. Below is a list of the meeting dates and tentative agenda items:
August 3, 2021 - There was no City Council meeting.
August 10, 2021 - After beginning the meeting with a moment of silence, the City Council will receive a presentation of grant funding by Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center to the City of Burbank for homeless programs and services. The Consent Calendar will consist of several noteworthy items including: adoption of an ordinance setting prima facie speed limits on city streets; receipt of the 2020-2021 fire inspection performance report from the Burbank Fire Department; approval of a lease agreement to continue operation of a hydrogen station; approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Burbank and the Burbank Fire Fighters' Chief Officers' Unit; and consideration of a reimbursement agreement to construct pedestrian safety improvements at the Buena Vista Street and Riverside Drive intersection. Next, the City Council will review Assembly Bill 1177, which is titled the California Public Banking Option Act. The City Council will also consider approval for the General Manager of Burbank Water & Power to execute amendments to the Hoover Transmission Service Agreement and the Intermountain Power Project Transmission Service Agreement. Additionally, the City Council will receive a report from city staff regarding updates on pending housing legislation in the State Legislature. Lastly, the City Council will consider adoption of a COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy for city employees. Please click here to view the complete meeting agenda.
August 17, 2021 -There will be no City Council meeting.
August 24, 2021 - The City Council will receive updates from the Burbank Sister City Committee and the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. The Consent Calendar will include several important items such as: approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) and the City of Burbank for cooperative use of McCambridge Swimming Pool; and updates from the Burbank Economic Recovery Taskforce. The City Council will also receive a report from city staff regarding planning and updates on homelessness. The City Council will also consider approval of a parking management program for the downtown Burbank Metrolink Station and the city surplus property protocol. Lastly, the City Council will approve the naming of the Ron E. Davis Burbank Water & Power (BWP) Administration Building and EcoCampus. Please click here to view the complete meeting agenda once it's posted.
Upcoming Events
Given the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County attributable to the Delta Variant, I will be continuing to host my monthly "Community Conversation" utilizing a virtual platform. As such, I hope that you will be able to join me for my next event at 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 21st. I will be available to answer your questions and to discuss your ideas/concerns about our community. If you would like to join me for this exciting event, please RSVP by visiting: https://www.nickforburbank.com/events. At 6:00PM on August 11th, the Community Development Department will be co-hosting a virtual community meeting regarding the proposed construction of a one-story, 880 square feet Starbucks drive-thru, with a surface parking lot, located at 1200 North Hollywood Way. Please note that the purpose of this meeting is to inform area property owners and residents of the pending project, and to solicit input in advance of a decision being made on the proposed project. Importantly, the project will require issuance of a conditional use permit by the Burbank Planning Board in the near future. For questions or to provide public comment, please contact David Kim at dkim@burbankca.gov.
At 6:30 PM on August 12th, you are invited to join Mayor Frutos and Vice Mayor Talamantes for a Chandler Bike Path Walk and Talk hosted by OurBurbank. This will be a great opportunity to speak with our Mayor and Vice Mayor about the issues facing our community.
In the meantime, 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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