City Council - Regular Meeting

[music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] Hey. Hey. Live from Burbank, the media capital of the world. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music]

[music] [music] [music] [music]

To [music] participate in the general public comment period, please call now at 81 8182383335 [music] for any scheduled public hearings. Please call when prompted to speak if you want the comment to be part [music] of the record. Speaking times will be determined by the total number of public comment cards [music] and callers in the queue at the start of each public comment period. [music] For 1 to 20 total speakers, each speaker will receive up to three minutes. For 21 [music] to 39 total speakers, each speaker will receive up to 2 minutes. And for 40 plus total speakers, each speaker [music] will receive up to 1 minute. No additional comment cards or calls [music] will be accepted once the public comment period begins. Interpreters are available for assistance [music] with in-person public comment. Please connect with them if you are in need of services.

[music]

Good evening and welcome to a regular meeting of the Burbank City Council on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026. I would like to let everyone know that Council Member Perez is currently in Washington DC attending the American Public Power Association legislative rally. She serves on the AAA policymakers council and the legislative rally is a great opportunity for her to speak with lawmakers and advocate on behalf of the city of Burbank. So, we miss you if you're watching, Nikki. Please join me for a moment of reflection. This moment is intended to begin our meeting with the positive and collective support for our beloved community. The city council welcomes everyone joining us this evening. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on our community and the work we will be doing tonight. Although each of us has their own unique reasons for being here, we are united in our passion for our wonderful city. As we pause, let us consider our individual contributions and what they mean to those around us. Let us find solace in knowing that by working together with a shared spirit of community and partnership, we will always act responsibly for the betterment of Burbank. Thank you. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. Please rise. Ready, begin. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you. Good evening, madam city clerk. How are you today? I'm terrific. How are you, Madame Mayor? I'm doing great. Will you please conduct the roll call? With pleasure. Council member Anthony present. Noting the absence of council member Perez. Council member Rosati I am here. Vice Mayor Mullins here. And Mayor Tagahashi here. Thank you. Thank you.

There will be three periods of public comment tonight. Members of the public may comment in person or by phone during the general public comment period and must submit cards or call before the general public comment period begins. The first public comment period is for general public comment on any matter concerning city business and/or any agenda item. If you are here in person and wish to speak during general public comment, please submit a yellow public card to address the council to the city clerk over here. If you would like to participate in the general public comment over the phone, please call now at 8182383335. Callers will be placed in a queue until the general public comment period begins, at which time no additional calls will be taken. Additional public comment periods will be available following each report to council this evening. Interpreters are also available for assistance with public comment. We have both Spanish and Armenian interpreters here with us this evening sitting in the front row. Please connect with them if you are in need of services and feel free to just walk over to them and speak with them if you would like some assistance. Tonight we are adjourning in memory of Linda Murphy, longtime resident and sports equality advocate who passed away on January 26, 2026. She was 82 years old. Miss Murphy grew up in Burbank and played on the very first Burbank Parks and Recreation Girls Softball League in 1957. Long before Title N, Miss Murphy advocated for unbiased playing rules, uniforms, equal gym time, and competitive play for girls and women. She broke through barriers to reach uncharted territory in female sports. Her ambition and persistence earned her

a spot on the first US Olympics women's volleyball team in 1964. She made every USA national team roster during her career, nine total. And her team won several recognitions through the years, including eight USA Open National Championship titles and fivetime first team all-American. Miss Murphy was named an all-time great player in 1971. Miss Murphy spent her career as a physical education teacher for Burbank Unified School District and coached at John Burrough's High School, Los Angeles Valley College, Cal State Northridge, and USA volleyball. In recognition of her enduring contributions, the city of Burbank established the Lindy Linda Murphy Pioneer Award. The award is presented annually as part of the parks and rec recreation civotan and jamboree event to honor a female athlete who exemplifies leadership, sportsmanship, and a commitment to inclusion and opportunity. Miss Murphy's lifetime advocacy for sports equality will forever benefit the girls and women in the Burbank community and beyond. So on behalf of the Burbank City Council, I would like to express my condolences to Linda's family and friends. Her legacy will live on in Burbank for years to come. And now we have five announcements. The following are announcements for February 24th, 2026. The city of Burbank is continuing community engagement for the potential new central library and public plaza through a series of community workshops. These workshops are intended to gather public input on priorities, needs, and ideas that will help shape the project's

early vision with future steps guided by community feedback and city council direction. The last workshop of this series will be held online Wednesday, February 25th from 7 to 8:00 p.m. Additional details and registration information are available at new burbank library.com. The city of Burbank is proud to launch Film Burbank, a new campaign celebrating Burbank's centurylong legacy as a premier destination for film, television, animation, and digital media production. With iconic studios and a streamlined permitting process, Film Burbank will showcase the resources, talent, and creative community that make Burbank the media capital of the world. Learn more at burbankca.gov/film Burbank. Burbank Tech Talks is hosting its next mixer on February 26th at 5:30 p.m. at Storyt. The focus for this mixer will be on the media industry. The event is a chance for creatives to meet fellow professionals, share stories, and explore opportunities in a relaxed setting. For more information and to RSVP, please email econ burbankca.gov. The city of Burbank has launched the second year of the pilot community events and program grant to eligible community nonprofit organizations for events and/or program initiatives that foster community engagement and benefit the Burbank community at large. The application period will open on March 2nd and close on April 2nd. For more information, including eligibility requirements, workshop information, detailed guidelines, important dates, and application link, please visit the city's web page. Join the Ike Smart City team for a community meeting to learn more about Ike's digital wayfinding kiosk program

on Tuesday, March 3rd from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Convention Center foyer, 2500 North Hollywood Way. Attendees will have an opportunity [clears throat] to interact with a live kiosk, learn how the technology supports wayfinding and mobility, and ask questions directly of the Ike team. All community members are welcome to attend. This concludes the announcements for this evening. All right, good evening everybody. Good evening.

So, our first presentation this evening is the presentation of a proclamation declaring February 19th, 2026 as a day of remembrance, Japanese American evacuation in the city of Burbank. I'd like to welcome Nancy Takayyama from the San Fernando Valley Japanese-American Community Center to join me at the podium. [applause] Welcome, Nancy. Grand open. Yes. Thank you for taking the time to come out to Burbank and join us this evening. Let me grab the proclamation here. Pardon me. Sorry, I should have grabbed it earlier. So, I'm going to read the proclamation and then we have an opportunity to speak.

Okay.

All right. So, here's the proclamation. Day of remembrance, Japanese American evacuation. Whereas on February 19th, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 90066, which authorized the forced removal and incarceration of over 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry, twothirds of whom were American citizens. And whereas this action uprooted families, disrupted lives, and caused immeasurable hardship and injustice to Japanese Americans, including those who lived and work in communities across California and here in Burbank. And whereas Burbank served as a local reporting and gathering location where Japanese-American residents were directed to appear, register, and prepare for removal under the authority of the wartime civic control administration. And whereas Japanese Americans were integral members of our society, contribute to agriculture, business, and civic life, and their forced removal left a lasting impact on communities throughout the state. Whereas following the war's end in 1945, many Japanese American families returned to Southern California to rebuild their lives amid s amid severe housing shortages, discrimination, and economic hardship caused by the executive order. And whereas in response to the urgent need for temporary housing, the federal government established trailer camps in Burbank, including a site on Wenot and a site on Magnolia to provide essential transitional housing for hundreds of returned families. Whereas the day of remembrance provides an opportunity to reflect on this dark chapter in American history, to acknowledge the resilience and strength of those who endure these injustices and to honor their contributions to rebuilding and enriching our communities. And whereas the city of Burbank recognizes that safeguarding civil liberties and con constitutional rights for all people is essential to the health and strength for our democracy and that we must remain vigilant against prejudice, discrimination, and violations of human rights. By observing this day of remembrance, let it serve as a crucial reminder to never repeat the injustices

such by as the ones committed against Japanese Americans during World War II, ensuring the protection of rights for all. So now, therefore, I, Tamila Takahashi, mayor of the city of Burbank, do hereby proclaim February 19th, 2026 as a day of remembrance, Japanese American evacuation in the city of Burbank. I encourage all citizens to honor the memory of those affected and to work together to ensure that such injustices are never repeated. [applause] I'm going to have you speak and then we'll be Thank you. I want to share a true story that some of you may have heard before or may even relate to. Sue was a high school student living at home with her parents. One day, without warning, federal agents entered their house. They handcuffed her father and took him away. No explanation, no information about where he was going, no timeline, nothing. For months, Sue and her family had no idea where he was being held. They felt helpless and alone. But their community did not turn away. Their local Catholic church stepped in. co-workers and neighborhoods neighbors organized a letterw writing campaign. Together they worked to contact government offices and demand an answer. Because of that effort, they were finally able to identify the agency holding her father and begin the process of finding him. Sue's father had been transferred from the Los Angeles County Jail to the Department of Justice camps, Tuna Canyon Detention Station in California, Lordsburg in New Mexico, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Fort Bliss, Texas, and finally Crystal City, Texas, before he was finally reunited with his family a year

and a half later. If you haven't figured it out, this happened in 1942, and Sue was my mother. February 19th, the day of remembrance, is observed each year to remind us that this forced removal happened here in America. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, formally apologizing for the wrongful incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans. Let's not wait another 46 years for America to recognize and correct the wrongful actions. Let us act, but be safe and know your rights. I share these red cards for for you to carry to protect yourself, family, and friends. I left these cards here and there's posters out in the lobby. Take home to your family, to your friends, and just know your rights. I thank Burbank for recognizing the day of remembrance of 19 uh February 19th. Thank you.

Thank you. [applause] So, [applause] thank you so much for sharing your personal story. And if it's okay, I'd like to share briefly my one of my personal stories, too. So, this here is an actual poster um a copy of an actual poster from a stack that didn't make it onto the um walls in Burbank, but it was in that stack of those who did. And this was a reporting poster with the address on Magnolia for if your mother had lived in Burbank, that's where she would have that's where her father would have reported. Um, so this is part of our history too. This is a real poster and this uh was hanging in our our home and now it's in my office and it's an important reminder for our own family. If my family right now, my husband is E is my children are nay uh takahashi. Um and uh if right now this was posted on the wall, our family would be that would be that. So it's very personal to us and I really appreciate you coming out to do this proclamation because it's the first time in Burbank we've done it and it's very important to me. So thank you. Thank you. [applause] Thank you.

Thank you. Appreciate it so much.

And the posters the posters will be out in the hallway for a little while for folks to see. Okay, great. There's pictures of the Winona camp out there to see what it was actually like in the housing that was available after the war for the folks. All right. All right. Next up to page two. Our next presentation this evening is a presentation of a proclamation declaring February 1st through 28th as National Children's Dental Health Month in the city of Burbank. I welcome Dale Gorman, executive director of Kids Community Dental Clinic, and Arander Ohanian, board member for the clinic to join me at the podium. [applause] And anyone else you want to have come up, the whole the whole team, please bring you all up. So, thank you for joining us. would you like to share a few words about the kids dental clinic?

Uh yes, thank you uh thank you mayor. Thank you uh council for uh for inviting us for having us over uh for this uh wonderful occasion. And I know we're we're talking about the national uh children's dental health month. Um um my name is Artin Dhan. I'm a member of the uh the Kids Community Dental Clinic. On behalf of everyone at the Kids Community Dental Clinic, uh thank you truly all for recognizing uh this month as the National Children's Dental Health Month, as well as recognizing some of our longest tenured dentists at the Kids Community Dental Clinic. Um [snorts] that's uh Dr. Knox and Dr. Mesarian. Um they will be receiving uh certificates tonight. Uh welld deserved and with our gratitude. um their decades of service to this community reflect extraordinary commitment to the health and the happiness of our children. We are deeply grateful that you've taken the time to honor their dedication. The Kids Community Dental Clinic has been a part of this community for decades and the impact of our work is clear. From inschool dental screenings and education programs to compassionate care provided in our clinic, we see healthier smiles, greater confidence and a brighter future in the children that we serve. Yet every day we meet kids who come to us carrying more than just tooth pain. They carry fear. They carry insecurity. And sometimes they carry that quiet feeling of being overlooked. But when they leave our clinic, they leave smiling. A real confident smile that says, "I'm care. I'm cared for and I matter." We've seen children who couldn't eat or sleep because of pain.

[sighs] um finally be able to laugh again. We've seen shy kids find their voices after their very first visit. And we've seen parents sometimes with tears in their eyes whisper to our doctors, "Thank you. They're out of pain." Now, what we do and what these doctors do is more than just dentistry. It's healing. It's dignity and its community. And it's only possible because of the support and the recognition that we receive from you from from our city leaders. So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for helping build a community where every child, no matter their background, can grow up healthy, happy, and proud of their smile. Thank you. [applause]

Okay, Dale and Artton, would you like to do the the certificates first or Okay, let me do [clears throat] the certificates first and then we'll read the proclamation. So here, let's see. First, we have Timothy Knox. Timothy, [applause] Dr. Knox, I should say. Dr. Knox. So, welcome. Thank you. Thank you. So, Dr. Knox, in recognition of your decades of service to Burbank Kids Community Dental Clinic. How how many years have you been? 40.

40 years. Oh my goodness. [applause] On behalf of the Burbank City Council, I thank you for your commitment and dedication to serving the Burbank community and wish you all the best. There you go. And then don't go too far. And then Dr. um Charles I'm Mosen. Okay, welcome. Round of applause for Dr. [applause] Similarly, your decades of service. How many years?

40. 40 as well. [applause] Thank you so much. So, your 40 years of service to the Burbank Kids Community Dental Clinic. On behalf of the Burbank City Council, I thank you for your commitment and dedication to serving the Burbank community and wish you all the best. Thank you. [applause] Um, would you like Yeah, of course. Sure. Quick. Yeah. Um, I appreciate the city of Burbank for restoring this award on me. Of

course, sir. And I feel it goes to all of the uh the um people that work at the clinic. We have over a hundred volunteers, dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and under the leadership of Dale Gorman, uh it's an ideal ideal clinic for the children who are in need of dental care. And if there are any dentists here or you know of any dentists, we're always looking for volunteers and uh we appreciate any further assistance from the city of Burbank that they can offer our clinic. Thank you very much.

Thank you. [applause] I'm going to squeeze by here and grab the proc read this real quick and then we'll do pics. Okay. Okay. So, National Children's Dental Health Month, whereas in 1949, the American Dental Association proclaimed February 8th as National Children's Dental Health Day, which was extended to a month-long recognition in 1981. And whereas the Kids Community Dental Clinic of Burbank evolved out of a need to fill a crucial gap in oral health care services for children of low-income families. And whereas their mission is to provide affordable quality dental care and preventative education for children of the working poor in an environment conductive to promoting good health. And whereas chronic dental problems can lead to difficulty in eating, speaking, and concentrating and serious tooth decay is an infectious disease for which there is no immunization. And whereas routine dental examinations uncover problems that can be treated in the early stages when damage is minimal and restorations may be small. Now therefore, I, Tamila Takahashi, mayor of the city of Burbank, do hereby proclaim February 1st to 28th, 2026 as natural national children's dental health month. [applause] So, let's get the search receivers in the middle here. There we are. And then let's get you also. Okay, looking right here. And one more beautiful smile. [clears throat]

Right. Thank you so much. Thank you for all you do. Thank you. Can I do hugs toothbrush collection of here? here here. On behalf of Providence St. Joseph's Hospital where the clinic started. Um we did a dental drive and we also volunteered at the last event. Um obviously this is something that's near and dear to our house our hearts as well and we want to continue this sister's legacy with them. So thank you. Wonderful. Thank you. Congratulations all and thank you for all you do. [applause] All right. Next up is city manager. Do we have a report tonight?

Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. I actually do not have anything for tonight. So, uh, thank you. And you have to wait for me to get back to.

Yeah.

All right. Mr. City Attorney, will you please report on close session? Yes, Madame Mayor, vice mayor, members of the city council, and for the benefit of the public, the city council met in close session this afternoon at 5:00 p. p.m. this evening, actually, pursuant to government code section 54956.8 to meet with the city's real property negotiator, Miss Simone McFarland, assistant community development director to discuss price and terms of acquisition of 110 West Olive uh in the city of Burbank. The city council took no reportable action this evening.

Great. Thank you. All right. Now is the time for general public comment. I will be calling out the speaker's name as well as the person who is next in line to speak. In order to keep public comment moving in a timely fashion, we have a designated seat in the front row for speakers who are next up at the podium. And it says public comment on the seat. A timer is available at the podium. This is also the last call for anyone who needs an interpreter or the staff members will be released for the evening. Have you received any requests for interpretation? All right. Well, thank you for being here and being willing to serve and have a good evening. Okay. Persons may choose to use the first period of public comment to address an agenda report, but will not be able to speak on that report following the segment. When you speak, please state your name for the record. The general public comment period is now beginning and no additional cards will be accepted. Madame city clerk, how many public comment cards do we have for general public comment and how many callers?

We have 18 for in-person comments and we have five or potentially four callers because one is dropped and we do always let them call back. Okay.

Okay. So, if I'm doing my math right, that's 23. Okay. So based on 23 number of speakers, the time limit will be two minutes tonight. Okay. All right. So first up is going to be Christina Copelman followed by Glenn Forch. Welcome. You have two minutes. Good evening, Madame Mayor, uh vice mayor who's um uh potentially uh joining virtually and members of the city council. Um first and foremost, thank you very much for your time and attention and consideration. Um as a dedicated resident of uh our city, Burbank um for over six years and my background in civil engineering, um I uh am here to formally uh express my keen interest in potentially filling the vacancy to serve on the uh Burbank uh water and power board. I have long admired the uh board's work in shaping our daily lives and finally the opportunity has presented itself. So here I am. I am eager to contribute my skills because I want to leverage my two decades of public sector um engineering experience to directly benefit our community. Uh throughout my career, I have observed the critical need to uh aligning ambitious public uh project goals with practical constructibility and fiscal responsibility. [snorts] Uh I believe my technical background combined with extensive experience navigating public sector uh contracting and project management enables me to offer valuable actionable uh uh insight to this committee. I am deeply committed to enhancing our community and bringing practical results [clears throat] resultdriven perspectives shaped by years of public sector service. Uh I strive to promote

transparent efficient and sustainable development ensuring that the uh public infrastructure projects are delivered on time within budget and built to provide lasting value for um for both current residents and uh future generations. Serving in this role would allow me to give back to the community by applying my professional expertise to help shape policy, review projects, and guide decisions with long-term impact [clears throat] as a mother of two young boys and an active PTA member. Is that time? That's time. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Goes fast. All right. Next up is Glenn Forch, followed by Ron Bax.

Welcome. You have two minutes. Madame Mayor, Madame Vice Mayor, gentlemen, Councilman, uh my name is Glenn Forch. I live on Scott Road in Burbank. I'm here to talk about a safety issue of ebikes, e scooters, e uh skateboards that are running on the sidewalks. Uh they are a safety issue for people who have small children, animals, dogs, uh seniors who can't move very fast, uh and other people that can't hear them. I've almost been hit myself walking two times. Uh what I would like you to do is to consider a ordinance or adjusting a current ordinance to allow devices like this and the front of the E vehicles. And you know when you press the button to cross the crosswalk and it chirps. We a device like that to require if these guys are going to ride on the sidewalks, they'll have this and the noise so people can hear them and stay out of their way. I the safety issue is if they run into somebody, they're going to get hurt. They may fly like on Angelino and Glenn Oaks. Uh if the rider hits somebody, he may fly through the the window of a business, have a big mess. at my house where uh uh Reese's place and Orchard comes together on Scott, the houses have their um property right to the edge of their lots. So when the person is riding the ebike down Scott, he can't see who's coming up on Reese Place and vice versa. Same issue there. U some of these people when I came tonight, these kids were riding on Eaton. They were doing about 20 miles an hour going because they're going downhill. It's a real safety issue and I think we be have to be very positive to deal with it before somebody gets injured and that's my concern. Thank you for your time.

Thank you for your comment. Next up is Ron Bax followed by Robert Nielsen. Welcome. You have two minutes.

Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, council members, and staff. On February 13th, 2026, I sent an email to the council members and staff adding context to my presentation at the city council meeting on February 10th, 2026. No one has responded. Therefore, I would like to read it into the public record. It has now been 3 years of housing providers requesting a public meeting with the council. The council has expressed tacid commitment for such an event, but has yet to occur. The mediation provision proposed for the soft rent cap ordinance appears to be a bone thrown to housing providers to offset the numerous concessions that have been given to tenants. I am gled by the city's apparent ignorance that any savvy housing provider knows engaging in mediation is an invitation to be sued. It is extremely insulting that the city council is not placating which in itself is disrespectful but rather completely ignoring housing providers concerns. In fact, is far worse. Housing providers are being attacked, assaulted, assailed, reviled, vilified, scolded, disparaged, maligned, and dismissed. I implore you to investigate what it is to be a housing provider rather than rely upon speculation, assumptions, guesswork, or worse, hunches. You will find the universe housing providers operate in is far greater than owning property and collecting rent. Oh, by the way, I checked the housing enforcement unit website today. This is the form. It still hasn't been changed. It's been 9 months, I believe. There's still not a complaint form for housing providers can use. It took me 20 minutes to create and submit a proposed example. I expected the city staff would create an official version within the next last nine months, but I'm resigned myself to accept being disappointed. It demonstrates the utter disdain the city must have for housing providers. Thank you.

Thank you for your comment. Next up is Robert Nielsen, followed by Mark Scrogs. Welcome. You have two minutes.

Hi, I'm Robert Nielsen and I'm here for the Burbank Water and Power position. Um, I was an I was one of three applicants for this slot back in 2025. Although I was not selected, I still have a desire to serve my community, uh, my home. Uh, I have been a resident at Burbank for 27 years. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in environmental science and geology, I moved here and began my career in energy at Southern California Gas Company. More recently, I've been working fuel cell and hydrogen generation projects for municipalities, government agencies, and the private sector with 27 years experience in the regulated and deregulated commodity markets, and have partnered with various state and federal regulatory agencies on incentive programs, utility compliance, and joint project development. I have worked origination, structuring, transacting wholesale power and natural gas deals. In addition, I have managed the sales, purchase and exchanges of energy, transmission of a bundled services, including option, seasonal exchanges, locationational swaps, and asset optimization. Uh, I have indepth experience with virtual power plants, power purchase agreements, budgets, and finance. I have a long history of working with cities, municipal agencies to develop on-site generation projects, and decarbonization roadmaps. In addition, I have implemented demand response programs and electricity supply for many water districts throughout California. I currently subscribe to Burbank Water and Power's residential demand response program and I find it fantastic. Uh I welcome the opportunity to serve on the Burbank Water and Power board and use my experience to help the city reach its energy management goals. I thank you for your consideration for this position.

Thank you for your comment. Next up is Mark Scrogs followed by Stephanie Gerard. Welcome. You have two minutes. All righty. Good evening everyone. I'm Mark Scrogs. Um first I want to say that it's great that Hallmark is relocating or has relocated, I'm not sure what they've done yet, to Burbank. Um I covered the studio off and on for 25 30 years and um they're a good company. They used to film, just so you know, 12 to 14 movies, TV movies here. They did a lot of business in Southern California. Now they shoot mostly in Canada and in the Midwest. Um the same with their series. Their series I think are all in Canada. Um their projects are producer, star, and tax incentive driven. Um film Burbank, which just started, has to make filming here appealing for them and everyone, but especially with the incentives, which I've dealt with them on that. Um, so I just want to say that, you know, I've emailed the mayor saying that, you know, we should put a little Christmas town or a little Halloween town here because I think that's what they did in Utah to get movies. Um, seriously. Um, also with Warner Brothers Discovery, um, I was telling someone today, this is becoming like the HBO series industry with mega craziness replacing the the sex and the drugs. Um, it's just all over the place. Um, it's got to be stopped some one way or another. who knows how it can be done. Rob Bont, our attorney general, is finally getting involved. Um, it's great for people to reach out to him um through the AG website. Um, also um international corporations and and governments are going to probably try to stop it too since this is an international deal. So, just be aware of it because you can see a lot of businesses if Paramount particular takes over, you're going to see like Poquito Moss and Dog House and all these places start to really be hurting because there'll be less stuff going on there.

So that's it for tonight. Thank you.

Thank you for your comment. Next up is Stephanie Gerard, followed by Carrie Norin. Welcome. You have two minutes. Thank you. Good evening, mayor and council members. I'm here tonight as a member of the Cultural Arts Commission to highlight the impact of Burbank's community arts grant program. The program launched a as a three-year pilot in October of 2023 through the city's parks and recck department. Its goals are simple but powerful. To support local arts and nonprofit arts organizations, expand access to arts experiences, encourage community participation, and celebrate the cultural diversity of Burbank. The program is open to professional artists and nonprofit groups across the Los Angeles County with projects required to take place here in Burbank. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel based on artistic merit, community impact, viability, and inclusion. The Burbank based arts received a residency credit to ensure local creatives are uplifted. With the recent announcement of our third cycle, the program has now supported 51 projects awarding nearly $ 160,000 with more than 60% of the grants going directly to Burbank based arts organiz artists and organization impact. But beyond the numbers, the program's impact has been profound. It has made ambitious cultural projects possible. Many artists told us their work simply would not have happened without this support. It has ensured artists are paid and valued. It has elevated the quality and professionalism professionalism of events. It has seated new programs and long-term growth. And perhaps most importantly, it has strengthened community connection, helping artists return to serve their hometown like the Burbank Philarmonic, the next speaker. Activate new spaces, partner with local venues and

businesses, and bring diverse audiences together. Again and again, we hear this program does more than fund projects. It signals that the city of Burbank values its artists and cultural cultural life. And I also just quickly I want to endorse Jean Marinelli for art and public places. Thank you for your comment. Next up is Carrie Norin followed by Natalie Tmaine. Welcome. You have two minutes.

Hi, I'm Carrie Norin. This is John Aedto. We're with the Burbank Philarmonic Orchestra. We're the only professional orchestra in the San Fernando Valley and we're one of the recipients of the community arts grant. Um we'd like to thank the city council for this generous award. Uh this grant will support our free concert. It's happening next month at Burbank High School. It's on Sunday, March 22nd at 3 p.m. We've scheduled this as a matinea so that families can attend and senior citizens. We're calling it free at 3. Uh the money from this grant is being spent in Burbank. Uh, we're employing local union musicians, renting two local venues. We're using local printers. Students from Burbank High will be on the tech crew, and a string quartet from Burbank High will be performing before the concert. In fact, these kids uh will have just returned from performing at Carnegie Hall. So, that's pretty cool. Um, I just want to give you a little uh background on the orchestra. Uh, it began as a community orchestra back in the 1920s here in Burbank. Uh after World War II, professional musicians were added from the local film studios. Uh in those early days, the symphony performed on a simple platform stage up in Stow Canyon. They had lanterns for lighting and the audience sat on logs. Uh that site is now the Starlight Bowl.

And the Starlight Bowl was built primarily as a venue for the orchestra. Uh today, as the only professional orchestra in the San Frernando Valley, we're proud to continue this tradition of free uh live professional quality orchestral music for the city of Burbanks. Uh this concert will uh involve dozens of artists in its production and touch hundreds of residents with its performance. And again, I want to invite the city council and the public to our free concert at Burbank High. It's Sunday, March 22nd at 3 p.m. Free at 3. Thanks very much. Thank you for your comment. Next up is Natalie Tmaine followed by Natasha Middleton.

Welcome. You have two minutes. Thank you. May I yield to Natasha for the by two minutes? Yes. Together. Okay. Yes, she does. So, you have four minutes together.

Thank you. Um, good evening, mayor and council. Uh on behalf of Pacific Ballet Theater, I want to sincerely thank the city of Burbank for your cultural cultural support um for the beautiful cultural arts grant and this is our second our second grant. Thank you. Your investment allows to provide meaningful and arts education and performing opportunities. The Civic Ballet Theater has long been committed to artistic excellence, accessibility, and I call this the hidden gem on u on uh Palm Avenue. Um but uh we are preserving the classical traditions of ballet and this year's uh is especially meaningful for us um for our founder, my father, who established the company in Los Angeles in the early 1950s, will be celebrating his 100th birthday. 100 years of life and legacy to this art. He has also passed that down to me and I have to also acknowledge the fact that he is a Navy World War veteran and his story is in a book right now. But um his vision was was simple but powerful building a lasting home for dance. Now 25 years I have been here in Burbank and I have continued to build that as artistic director. But lastly, ballet is transformative and powerful. Pacific Ballet Theater and our school media city dance remains committed to expanding and strengthening our community partnership, but we wish to thank you for believing in the arts. We thank you for supporting the youth and thank you for helping us carry forward a 100year legacy. But may I introduce the legacy himself, the original of the Ballet Rooster de Monte Carlo and the

original Pacific Ballet Theater, my father who will be 100 in August, Andre Tmaine. [applause] We will continue to bring as much as we can as your professional ballet company since 2000. Thank you. Thank you for your comment. Next up is Diana Pulver followed by Corey Mening. Welcome. Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, and council members. My name is Diana Pulver, and I am a housing provider. If the city wants to provide lowcost housing, then the city should get into the housing business. Instead of targeting housing providers with additional rent control, let's not forget that measure RC was voted down. And again, I say AB1482 is more than sufficient. Instead, the city should consider investing in the development of low-cost housing. If the cost of development is too high, the city could also consider purchasing existing property to convert into lowcost housing. At present, there are approximately 24 multi-unit family properties for sale in the city of Burbank. The city would be able to set its own rates, albeit with AB1482 in mind, and run its business as it sees fit. There are few public housing success stories. If done right, Burbank could set an example for other cities to follow. Thank you. Thank you for your comment. Next up is Corey Mening, followed by Cynthia Peas. Welcome. I sneezed and didn't really recover, so excuse my nasliness. Um, hello council.

Mayor Kagashi, thank you for your proclamation. Um, I think that's super important to acknowledge as part of our heritage. Um, I don't think I've ever commented on the same thing twice. So, tonight I wanted to bring up an email I received from Charge Point on February 2nd. Is that better? [snorts] That wasn't just the sneeze. Um, so ChargePoint said that they'll be charging a new fee starting in March between 25 cents and a dollar per session. Um, so that might not seem like a lot, but it'll add up. Um, I wasn't able to print 10 copies tonight, but I can forward it to you later. Um, I did forward it to DBWP that night asking if this would impact Burbank, but I didn't hear back. Um, so earlier tonight, I called Church Point and they confirmed it would impact all public stations starting March 1st. So, sweating intensifies. Um, that was the first I was able to confirm date on that. Um, so in this time of massively rising costs and junk fees, I'm really grateful for the existing BWP time of use, um, which is that time of use where as long as you're charging between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., your fees are lower. Um, so on normal day, I'm usually asleep at that time. And I think we all know with the coyote situation after dark, it's like I am legend. But at least that's something that's within our control. So in this time, you look at like what's in my control, what's not. So, the flat fee per session uh will fundamentally change how we're using these stations. So, if you're running errands or going to a park, it's not going to make sense to charge while like you're in the mall or at McCambridge Park. Um and visitors could potentially be charged more. I'm not a visitor and I'm still freaking out about it. Uh my vehicle won't charge from 0% in 2 hours. Don't ask how I know that. Um but it will take at least two sessions to attain full charge. and that means two fees. So, that being said, just wondering if it's something that we can

look into. Thank you [snorts] for your comment. Next up is Cynthia Peas, followed by Eric Hawk. Welcome.

Good evening, Mayor Takahashi and Honorable City Council and staff. Thank you for all you do. You have a challenging job. May you may the force be with you, as I say. Um, two quick subjects tonight. First of all, I moved out here in 1981 and while I was working, I took ballet lessons from that gentleman who was sitting behind me. Um, and then later on, his daughter comes to me and goes, I want to have a non a ballet company like my father. And Vice President Rollins from Warner Brothers gave me the money in 2000 in 2000 to start the nonprofit for the ballet roose. Okay. [clears throat] He's the last we we did something at the Bill Bullocks Wilshire that sold out and the LA Times was there and it was the seven men of the ballet roose back in the day. So I'm just very proud of them and they do they have danced with this the Burbank you know symphony um at the Starlight Bowl. So um maybe new things. So it's a new world. Uh I have to bring up an issue that um is kind of sensitive and I this is on behalf of two people. um a former member of the arts commission was in a fast food restaurant with her daughter and she was steered down by agents uh of the immigration department and had to leave the restaurant. And then secondly, a current art teacher that I have now through the city program was at Lowe's and they filmed him and then they took his license plate and they filmed the license plate as well. So, I just need you to be sensitive to what is going on right here in town. Um, it's starting to people are starting to worry about how they go out and that they carry their passports. Um, okay. And then back to the arts. Thank you for the grants. We have a new grant cycle. There was an animation program the um last week that

was absolutely fabulous. We're all excited about the potential of a new library and thank you for your comment. Next up is Eric Hawk, followed by Susan or Carol. Welcome.

All right. Hey, hey, to the wonderful members of the Burbank City Council, terrific city staff and others who've taken time out of their evening to participate in this meeting. My name, again, for the record, is Eric Hawk. I'm the current president of the board of directors of the Burbank Community Band. And first of all, uh, the Burbank Community Band and I are incredibly grateful for this city through its parks and recreation department, its cultural arts commission in efforts to develop the community arts grant program and support a variety of artists and artistic groups here in Burbank. Uh, the band is also incredibly grateful to have been selected as a recipient of funds uh, from this most recent community arts grant. some wonderful applicants were on the list this time around and uh we're just just really cool to be on the same list with them. Uh the support from this council certainly helps your community band uh share music here in Burbank. and about our show. On Saturday, April the 11th, uh at 2 p.m., the main stage of Dolores Middle School, the Burbank Community Band will be presenting Milestones of Freedom, a concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence as well as the 175th anniversary of California statethood. Um, the concert will present music composed in America in the late 1700s, but also, as the title suggests, milestones of freedom. The concert will highlight historic moments where freedoms and liberties have changed and expanded and transformed from the abolition of slavery, the birth of jazz, and the expansion of creative expression uh to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Uh, your community band is designing a concert that will be an uplifting event, an event highlighting great goals achieved through struggle and sacrifice and the making of a better land for us all. Uh, hope you all can make it to the show. That'll be a free

concert, Milestones of Freedom at Dolores Middle School, April 11th at 2 p.m. I'll end there. Good timing. Thank you for your comment.

Next up is Susan O' Carol followed by Harry Turan. Welcome. I'm here tonight for the SB79 update. I don't see an update on the council agenda, but it's been approximately a month since staff provided council with a report on the dangers of SB79. So, I'm assuming that a promised periodic update will be provided to council in the community tonight, particularly given the legislative timeline and the short time frame before SB79 takes effect. Here are my key questions. One, staff indicated they had appointments scheduled with key state legislative committees to discuss SB79, 677, and 908. What committees did city meet with, who attended, and what was the outcome? Two, what discussions have staff and council had with our state representatives, Senator Mingjavar and Assemblyman Schultz, regarding SB79? Will they and have they sponsored legislation to make SB79 less damaging? Third, staff indicated they would be sending a letter to Metro regarding the need for a supplemental or subsequent EIR for the BRT to address the significant land use changes of the BRT triggered by SB79. Has that letter been sent? Where can I and the community get a copy? Four. Metro is hosting a public meeting on the BRT. It does not appear that the design has changed to remove dedicated lanes on Olive. What progress has the city made in getting the BRT project changed? Five. As you know, the regional agency SCAg is required to designate the SBC SP79 qualified stops. What can staff tell you and the community about the status of the requirement? When does staff expect that to be finished? Council, I'm asking you

to ask staff to answer my questions. SB79 will result in major significant changes to the city. Your constituents need to see that protecting the city from SB79 is a priority given the harm it will do to residential neighborhoods, the burden it will place on our infrastructure, and the likely increased costs to taxpayers. Thank you, Madame Mayor, members of the city council and staff. Thank you for your comment. Next up is Harry Turan, followed by Dan K. Welcome.

Wait till those are passed out before I talk. I guess I should give some props to the Boy Scouts merit badges sitting through uh city council meeting. Good evening. Last month, the California Association Realtors launched home ownership matters, a state statewide public education and advocacy campaign focused on making home ownership a central priority in California's 2026 housing agenda. But conversations about housing just don't just belong in Sacramento. They belong here in city council chambers because housing policy becomes real at the local level. Right now, for many Californians and many here in Burbank, home ownership feels increasingly out of reach. Prices remain high. Inventory is limited. Regulations are layered and complex. When families cannot put down roots, neighborhoods lose stability. When the middle class is locked out of ownership, upward mobility narrows. And when working residents are residents are priced out, cities lose generational investments, civic engagement, and continuity. Homeownership is not just a housing issue. It's a community stability issue. To elevate this conversation statewide, California Association Realtors placed an ad in the official Super Bowl program to remind Californians that homeownership matters. But awareness alone is not enough. Real progress requires collaboration at every level of government, including here in Burbank. And as we advocate for expanding pathways to ownership, it is important to remember who realtors are in this process. Realtors are among the most heavily regulated and complianced drivend driven professionals in the state. We operate under a strict fiduciary duty, a legal obligation to place our clients interests above our own. We adhere to federal housing laws,

state complex, state statutes, and local ordinances. In fact, your colleague Chris Rosati, who also serves as a realtor, understands firsthand the depth of compliance our profession requires. He knows that fiduciary responsibility is not a slogan. It is enforcable. Accountability is not an option for us. It is fundamental. Just ask Chris. Remember, council, your decisions matter. Home ownership matters. Thank you. Thank you for your comment. Next up is Dan K, followed by Joe Pimeient. Welcome.

Hello. Good evening, city council, city staff, fellow Burbank residents. Um, there's a few things I want to talk about tonight. Um, number one, Airbnbs. I know the city's interested in looking into short-term housing um perhaps banning it more forcefully throughout the city. I uh totally agree with that. I think the available residential housing in this city should be used to house our community members. Um I think we have plenty of hotels and I know there's also discussions about as the Olympics are coming in 2028 u making some kind of allowance for Airbnbs. I just want to voice my opposition. Um, once again, we are in an affordable housing crisis and I think all the available rental housing really needs to be maintained for uh residents uh to live here. Um, number two, um, before I have a complaint, I want to compliment city staff. Um, I ride my bike to work every day. Um, I commute by bike. I've made a couple 311 requests for overgrown plants that were blocking some bicycling areas and staff was very responsive. They they trimmed them. They took care of that. So, thank you. We have awesome staff here in Burbank. Um, but the Burbank Channel bike path has been closed for a few weeks now. Um, I'm not sure why. I'm I'm curious. I know it's a small section, but I notice when there's like a street closure, when something happens to a street, it gets taken care of so quickly because the cars need to go. Um, I hope that we can give the same attention to bike paths and and to people who who commute and get to where they go by bicycles. Um and finally, I know that there is a lot of differences in opinion between tenants and uh landlords, but one thing we have agreed on is we want more affordable housing in this city. And and one thing I'm kind of learning a little bit more about is Burbank Housing Corporation um where they offer affordable housing based on income. I would love for city council to to invite them to come up and let tell the city, talk to you. Um, let us know kind of what they do and and if there's possibilities how they could expand in

the city so we can offer more affordable housing, which I think everyone can agree on. Thank you.

Thank you for your comment. Next up is Joe Pimeient and two dinosaurs. And you can see there does everybody see that? And then after that's David Donahghue. It's the weather's been better, right? Uh good evening, mayor, vice mayor, council members, staff, and everybody present in the chamber. Uh first and foremost, I do want to express my gratitude for Mayor Takahashi for the uh for the proclamation of this evening. It is a very important thing to make, you know, to make aware of. It's very important that we do not forget that part of our history. And as we keep saying that that something like that should never happen again, we're unfortunately what we're seeing is that things like that continue to happen. But we are trying to prevent that as you all know. Now, um, similar to what some other speakers said, I am also in support of more public housing. I think that's that's a great idea because obviously that is what we need. We do have a housing crisis. Um, but more specifically today, uh, I want to talk about something that, um, comes up a lot whenever we're having this conversation and that is when we when we start hearing from everyone coming at this angle is how hard times are hitting everyone. And that is important to note. However, I do think it's important to put it in a matter of perspective because hard times don't look the same for everybody. Hard times look very different for everyone depending on what they are going through, what their situation is, what their status is, what their conditions are. And that is how it is very it is very crucial to make the distinction when someone says no it is very difficult to be you know to be you know to be affording to live here but that can mean well I have to cut back on a couple of nights out in the town versus no it's getting very difficult to live here I have to come back and I have to cut back on my medication. I have to cut back on groceries or other essentials. That is important because again as it has happened multiple times several people have come to this podium imploring for us for an immediate solution and saying I can't afford to live here anymore and if something is not done immediately I will no longer be living here only to find out the following meeting that they have been displaced. It's very important to make this and it's important very important to note this as this conversation keeps going. I know that you all are all very receptive to this situation but I can't

say this enough. It is important to note the distinction from where people are coming from when it comes to affordability. Uh with my last bits, uh just yay for the BRT. I hope it does happen. I do hope that we get a designated lane because as we all know, it makes street safer. So once more, thank you for your service. Enjoy your evening. Have a great night. Thank you for your comment. And next up is David Donahghue. And that's my last card for in person. Welcome.

Good evening, Mayor Tagahashi, council members and staff. My name is David Donahghue and I'm here tonight to talk about something that's been publicized recently in the community against Council Member Rosati. I have known Chris and watched him serve and and seen him engage residents across the neighborhoods with of every background. The accusations that he is motivated by something might be racial anonymous is not only false, it's defamatory. Let me be clear. Being labeled a racist is one of the most damaging accusations that can be made against a person. It attacks their character. It attacks their integrity. It attempts to permanently stain a reputation their his reputation. And these accusations are false. Disagreement over policy is not racism. Debate over governments is not xenophobia. And asking difficult questions is not some level of harassment. Throwing those labels at someone without evidence diminishes real instances of discrimination and cheapens serious conversations our society must have particularly now. And I would ask Chris because I know this has to be personal is how this has made him feel. Mr. Rosati, council member Rosati has attended countless community events and engage residents directly. He has taken votes he knew would be unpopular with certain groups because he believed that they were in the long-term interest of the community. This is not opportun opportunism. That is conviction. Public service is not about comfort. It is about accountability, fiscal responsibility, and representing the people who elected you even when the political pressure is intense. And if you believe something is wrong, argue the policy. If someone believes a vote was misguided, chant challenge the vote by attacking another council member's character with labels like that is

substant without substantiated proof crosses a line. Thank you for your comment. And that's the last of our in-person comment. Madame city clerk, do we still have callers on the line? Yes, we have four, Madame Mayor. Okay, please send them through. The first caller is Chris. Welcome. You have two minutes.

Good evening, council. I have very serious concerns about the recent recall effort uh initiated by Daniel Kleman against Councilman Rosati. Recalls are very serious tools meant for serious misconduct. They should be grounded in facts, not frustration, speculation, or inflammatory labels. Before we take such a drastic step, we owe it to our community to focus on verifiable facts. I have known Council Member Rosati for over 40 years. And I know him as a devoted husband and father, the son of immigrants, parents, a successful business owner, and someone that consistently makes time to serve Burbank. Whether you agree with his positions or not, his re record reflects a commitment to helping all residents of Burbank thrive. I also want to point out Council Member Rosati regularly attends, organizes, and supports community events and charitable efforts that benefit all residents of Burbank. The accusations being circulated, terms like racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, or serious charges, such labels should never be used lightly. If they're going to be used in a public forum, they must be supported by clear, credible evidence. Disagreement over policy does not automatically equate to prejudice. When we blur that line, we lower the standard of civil civic discourse and erode trust in our institutions. I was particularly troubled to learn that during the meeting in question, Council Member Rosati approached Mr. Kleman directly, provided his contact info, and offered to meet one-on-one to discuss concerns. But Mr. Kleinman didn't take up the offer. This is not the action of someone avoiding accountability. It is the action of someone willing to engage. We can and should debate policy. We can challenge decisions that is democracy. But if we are going to pursue a recall, it must be based on substantiative facts

and clear wrongdoing, not character attacks. Burbank deserves thoughtful dialogue, respectful disagreement, and truth. Thank you for your comment. That's two minutes. Thank you. The next caller is Danielle. Welcome. You have two minutes.

Good evening, council uh members and mayor. I was surprised to learn about the petition to recall uh Councilman Rosati. If you know anything about him, you know that much of the language in this petition is reprehensible and untrue. Christopher Rosati is not only the only community community member that does not support law enforcement but respects it, cherishes them for keeping our community safe. It is not racist to to support law enforcement. Something also that I find very concerning in the council is that two of our council members signed the petition. Are different differing viewpoints not allowed in this council? And what kind of energy is that bringing to the council and the members around it? Isn't this why we have these conversations because of the hard discussions and the topic? Um, on the rent control issue, I have also a concern that council member Zotti has had to recuse himself for being a housing provider, but while two of the the council members that are tenants do not. It just really seems like a double standard and very unfair. I was at one of his um rallies during his campaign and there was a woman there that was really struggling with um being evicted and or being priced out of Burbank and Chris had offered her offered to find her an apartment and an a something that she could afford and is if that's not helping the community member what is and I'd also like to ask the council members how they how they feel about what's going on and how this has affected them as a council um and how Chris is, you know, how it's affecting him because this has to be very very difficult on him and his family. So, thank you for listening. I appreciate your time.

Thank you for your call. Next caller, please. The next caller is Ken Anderson. Welcome. You have two minutes. Hello, Ken Anderson. Uh born, raised, and currently living in Burbank. Uh, I was shocked to hear about the recall of Christopher Rosati. I've known him for many years. I know he loves the city of Burbank. He's an honest and he has integrity. Uh, I just wanted to give my support and appreciation to Chris Rosati. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your call. Next caller.

The next caller is Terry Freriedman.

Welcome. You have two minutes. Thank you. And good evening, Mayor Takahashi, Vice Mayor Mullins, council members, staff, and community members attending and watching tonight. Uh, today I'm sharing my serious concerns over the consideration for permitting Airbnb type short-term rentals in private residential housing and zoned areas. Allowing short-term rentals is a great way to harm businesses, workers, homeowners, renters, and communities in one fell swoop. First, driving customers away from hotels in a time when they, like many brick-and-mortar businesses, are still trying to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. It's harmful to the loyal established businesses that operate here and employ a portion of Burbank's workforce. Further, members of the council are well aware of the housing stock and housing stabilization issues that the city is slowly working to fix, and short-term rentals require difficult to track enforcement and greater city resources. Beyond this, short-term rentals also convert residential areas designed for building tight-knit communities into an series of disruptions and unpredictability for the surrounding neighbors with the experience of living next door to a hotel. People come and go at odd hours. There's an influx of trash. There's more recycling contamination. Tourists who don't have an obligation to being neighborly or respecting spaces. One of my friends lives in Sherman Oaks shares a property line with a bed and breakfast operator out of their house and it's the worst part of my time spending at her home. The guests smoke. They t take up excessive street parking and they could be loud and obnoxious. So with that, we should not be looking to create loopholes in our housing uh or ordinance. We should be working to protect what we currently are trying to fix. And with my remaining moment, I will add that not only do the policy decisions of our council members matter.

How they work to protect them and voice their support for minorities also matter. Thank you. Thank you for your call. Do we have any more callers? That was our last speaker. That was our last speaker. Okay. There now being no further public comment, I now declare the general public comment period close. Now is the time for a brief response from city council, city manager or city attorney. City manager, city attorney, do you have a response? Yes.

Uh yes. Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. I have uh two items. Uh the first is uh there was a discussion about uh Chandler and uh um why that's closed. So So it is closed. Um uh during the rains we ended up having some uh debris called a sinkhole minor sinkhole type of uh activity right near Ferdo and Providencia. So we have closed that off. Uh PIO has posted that and has announced that uh um as best we can. We do not have it's a little bit of an engineering issue. So I I can't give you an exact uh date or whatever but for the safety of the public we have closed that off and uh um sometimes these tend to be a little tricky. So, uh, but obviously we will work to, uh, uh, repair that as as fast as we can. As far as, uh, SB79 or or, uh, yeah, 79. Uh, so just a couple things. Um, uh, one is we have, uh, city staff and that includes, uh, city manager's office, uh, city attorney's office as well as community development. Uh, we have met with Assembly Member Schultz's office, uh, from staff from there, staff from Senator Menar's office. Uh we have we actually this week we're meeting with staff from the Senate housing committee u working with our our state advocacy firm on that. Uh we have two letters that we recently sent uh to Metro uh requesting analysis and uh strongly worded uh to them and uh we could uh not we and that's something we probably should have done prior to and and probably do this uh more often is is we will give you copies of that. Well, we could also give that to Miss So Carol as well, but we do have copies of that that we could provide uh the council as well as uh the public. And then, uh we are wrapping up the SCAG letter this week. So, so all that is happening. So, uh I think I got all five of her items. Okay. Thank you.

Mr. City Attorney, do you have anything? No. Council members, who would like to go first? Yes. Council member Anthony. Uh thank you. Um, Madame Mayor, I know it's a little unorthodox, but I see we do have uh some scouts in the audience, and they're probably working on their Citizens of the World sign off if I'm not mistaken. Uh, if it's possible after all of this, could you take just a couple minutes to explain the agenda and why we do things in order? I'm sure they would appreciate it. And I know we have a pretty short meeting, so if if if you're up for it. Very briefly. Okay.

All right. Thank you. um to the uh recipient of the mayor's proclamation. Um that story you told it was heartbreaking and when you said it happened in 1942 at the end, I was not expecting that year because it could have been a story told today. Um, we're seeing we've seen in [snorts] our history um policy uh that was not very in hindsight appreciative of our community and it's unfortunate. Um, but thank you for being here today to tell that story. uh so that we may learn from it and that we may do better moving forward. Um and thank you uh to the mayor for that being the first time. I'm actually surprised um that we brought that back, but I believe I believe you mentioned this um uh I want to say maybe a year and a half ago when February 19th, 1942 rolled around, you went back and you looked at the minutes of February, March, April, the months that the interament was happening, and you looked through the minutes of the Burbank City Council. and you couldn't find one mention of it,

one speech about it, an agenda item.

And so to think that the community was going through that and the elected leadership at the time was not taking action or discussing what action could be taken. Uh I I feel that was a a missed opportunity and uh hope to not have that happen again. Um I do want to say um to the gentleman who was talking about ebikes and licenses um we have an agenda item uh on consent number two. And uh Mr. Tamuran, I absolutely agree with you. Home ownership is vital. Uh you're probably going to enjoy consent item agenda number four. uh 24 subdivision units for sale. So, whatever we can do in the city um to help with both of those items, u I'm I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Rosati. Would you like to go next or

Yeah, let let me take a a swing of it. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Um, so thank you for the folks who came out for to memorialize the the day of remembrance for Japanese Americans and and for that story. Very, very moving. And depending on how late you're here, I'd like to come out and take a look at your the photos in the in the lobby if they're still up. So, thank you. Um, and thank you to all the folks who give so much time. I mean, we're talking decades for the kids dental clinic. Um you you do also do amazing work in our community. Um Mr. Forch, uh thank you for I've seen those before um that go on the ebikes. Uh as you know, we just passed an ordinance. Um I don't know how much those things cost. Be great if we can give those away. Um they they do notify people early on that you're coming up on somebody, so might not be a bad idea. Um, uh, Mr. Nielson, thank you for applying to the DWP board. We'll be, uh, going over that later. Um, and Natalie, thank you for uh, sharing uh, the story about your father and the in the ballet. U, my dad's 97. Uh, they both are doing amazing. So, uh, I appreciate you bringing them. And Mr. Mening, thank you. Uh, regarding the charge point, um, I've been reading about it as well. I have concerns as as as as you do. Um, and then we'll we'll talk about some of the rest of the the mess on our um

our callers. Um, so I just wanted to just simply say that uh, Mr. Klyman, you're entitled to your opinion and I welcome your opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts. And I thank the callers that called up. Um, I I know that there was some disparaging remarks about me and racism and you know my brother called me. Such a good guy. Such a good guy. And he said to me, "Does that guy know you? Does he know that you come from a mixed race family? Does he know that our mom and dad fostered a black child from South Central for several years and tried to adopt them? Does he know that our parents are immigrants? Does he know that my in-laws are immigrants and that your nieces are half Hispanic? Does he know that your best friend that you have coffee with every Saturday morning in the same location is black and that my roommate in college for four years is black? And I told my brother, you know, he doesn't know cuz he doesn't know anything about me. He's never met me. And when I offered to meet with him, he never called me back. with regards to compliance. Several people mentioned uh me being not compliant with um the rent control and so I'm glad that our staff is here uh Mr. McDougall and um our city manager.

Every single time they've asked me to recuse myself, I have I have not gone outside of their guidance. What you don't know is when I leave this building, I can say whatever I want as a resident of this community. And Mr. Climman, you don't have those facts. And if we have a public hearing on rent control, I can walk through that door, recuse myself, walk through that door, pull a card, give it to the clerk, and come up as a resident, and say what I want about rent control. Your facts are completely wrong. Uh, several callers actually called about my commitment to the to the community. I'm not one to spite the football, but when you come after my family and you come after what I've done in this community for the last 30 years, I'm going to spike the football. It started when I was seven years old watching Jerry Lewis tell. I grabbed a pickle jar, went out to Le Neman Reeds Lumber City, and I raised nearly $1,000 for the teleathon, and I haven't stopped since. Over 30 years, I've served over 30 organizations and raised with help over a hundred million dollars for this community. and recently 30,000 for BCR because of you. Because I believed in you and what you wanted and I knew I could do it. And

believe it or not, out of everything we've done here on this council, that is the most proudest thing is to be able to work with you on that commitment. Someone mentioned about me uh helping somebody with with finding an apartment. Yeah, that's true. I did that. Two years ago, I walked into FSA and and met with Lori Blake. I had an apartment that was vacant. Please fact check me all you want. I had a apartment that was vacant and I walked in and I said, "Hey, Lori. I want to give FSA this apartment at below market rate at five or 10 years, whatever the lease is, fixed fixed rate. As an investor, that is the stupidest thing you can do. as a resident of this community that I love so much. That was the personal sacrifice I was willing to make because I think that they do God's work and I wanted to be a part of it. So, Mr. Clemen, your facts are 100% off. And I'm asking you tonight to take down that petition because it is fraudulent. It lacks merit and lacks facts. Thank you, Madame Mayor. I yield.

All right, Vice Mayor, would you like to go? Thank you. Um, first I want to start congratulating. Thank you for bringing that proclamation firsthand here to our city first time and thank you for being here tonight and sharing your wonderful story. Really appreciate it. Um to the dental clinic folks, awesome work, Dale and her group and her board and all the doctors just do an amazing job and it's really heart touching when you see it being done to the children helping them and the stories they shared. It's really heartfelt that they do this commitment without looking for rewards or charge or anything. So I do uh appreciate Dale and her team for everything they do for our children. uh uh in regards to the speakers uh applying for boards and commissions. We'll deal with that shortly. Uh and Mr. Forch, I saw you talking to the chiefs. I hope uh the two of you were able to talk about your your suggestion. I wish you were here a week ago, was it two weeks ago when we were talking about ebikes? That would have been great in the discussion. So, briefly, great idea. We'll see what we can do hopefully. Um the chief and you um would you like to come up? Of course the chief wants to say something.

It's an agenda matter. You want to wait for consent? You can ask him for comments.

Great. Thank you. Thank you, Chief. Sorry made you get up, but we'll we'll get you back here soon. Um Mr. Nielson again of uh Burbank uh water and power. Are we going to talk about that? Uh, so the entire group that came and talked about grants, the arts grants, it sound like there's so many different great projects that's taking place from the dance studios, the ballet, um, all the other the orchestra, everything that they have been successfully securing the funds for to do their projects. It's really wonderful to see that happen. uh that include also Miss Cynthia Peace um talking about the grants. Um okay, Mr. Eric, thank you. Always a pleasure seeing you. Thank you so much. And Susan, of course, you keep us on track. So, I do appreciate that. If you're still in the Yes, you are still in the audience as you heard the city manager. But I do appreciate you coming and reminding us. Thank you for always reminding us what we have done and what we need to continue doing. Um Harry uh Turrian, thank you for being here as well. I love the fact that we're talking about ownership. this is what we need for our future generation. And I really love the fact that the Burbank Realtors or the realtors as a whole is involved in this because we do need to give hope to our future generations that one day they're going to own their own property. And as council member Anthony said, we have 24 units here on the agenda. So this is wonderful to see people owning their own homes. um with the callers. I know Daniel, you spoke, Daniel and couple of um other folks. Um Terry spoke about the agenda item that we're going to talk about

later on. Airbnb, stick around, you'll see what we're all going to discuss about it. Can't, you know, again, it's on the agenda, so we'll talk about it later. And everyone else, thank you for being here. Appreciate it. And we're moving on. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. As always, thank you everyone for coming out tonight and um taking some time out of your busy schedules to be here and share what's important to you. Share what's going on with in the community and your concerns. Thank you to all who have met with us during the week since our last couple weeks since our last council meeting. Those who called in, sent emails. Um let's see. Um, so for the folks who spoke about the boards and commissions tonight, uh, we will get to that a little bit later. It's a short meeting, so if you can stick around and, uh, we'll we'll get to that item in a minute. Um, for Mr. Forch again about the noise u makers on the bikes, I own an ebike and I would love one of those duads for my ebike. I've been meaning to get a little bell, but I haven't had a chance to, but I like the idea better of a little like noise maker. Um, and I'm willing to be a volunteer to pass those out to other ebikers. So, I'm willing to do that. And, um, Mr. Scroggs, I just wanted to point out that you joke about Halloween Town, but we are Halloween Town.

Yeah. So, I I you know, if there was a community member or group of community members who wanted to build a Halloween Town here in Burbank, I would be supportive of that. I would be encouraging that. I think it'd be cool. Uh to all the folks who came out about the arts program, the community arts grant program, 51 projects funded. That's amazing. Thank you to everyone. Everyone who applies, everybody who comes to speak about your events. You know, I attend as many as I can and I always love them so much and I love to see the enthusiasm during the community arts commission meeting and everyone sharing and I I'm I'm thank you for taking it to heart to come here and share it with the broader community what's going on. There's also an arts calendar where all these events are listed. So if you folks in who are watching didn't catch the details, you can go to our arts calendar and get all the details. And then some of the other things were addressed already. I want to also echo sentiments to Mr. Turan about the home ownership matters program. This is excellent expanding pathways to home ownership. Thank you. We need that. and uh to Dan K about the 311 requests that you sent in. Thank you for using the app and I just filmed my first mayor's show and it's all about the 311 app. So, tune in in a in a few days and it's pretty cool. It's fun and glad to hear that it's working well for you. Keep using it and spread the word. And I'm so glad that you brought up BHC. Please continue to look into this organization. it needs as much as support as we can and let's collaborate on how we can support that organization for sure and um so that's it generally um thank you all for coming and then um council member Anthony asked me to very very briefly share with our scouts about the agenda okay so you all have your copy of the agenda right so there's kind

of three main sections of our agenda tonight and the first two you saw already first one is about the proclamations and kind of the recognizing community efforts. So if you do a big project or you get a big awards, we sometimes will bring up folks from the community to congratulate you for all the hard work you're doing in the community. And then the next big part is the public comment which you saw where you all if you wanted to could come up use a card and talk about what's important to you. You there's no age limit so anybody at any age can speak about what you want to talk about. So, if you come back another time, feel free to come speak about what's important to you in the city. And then the next section are all the items of business that we do. And you'll see in a minute, we're talking about the different things that are going on in the city and we make decisions about how we fund things, different laws, how we use land, and discussion about the issues that come up in the city. So, I hope you're enjoying the meeting tonight and thank you for being here.

Madame Mayor, could I ask two quick follow-up questions? one the third part that you said all those things on the agenda that is business of the city we all have to vote on that. Yes, correct. We all have to vote. The five of us were typically five but four of us vote on those things. So why is it that we do the public comment before we take the vote and I think the kids would like to find that out. Yeah. If you haven't figured it out already part of important for us to hear from the community about what's important to you before we vote. So we get emails, we get phone calls, we meet with people and then pe folks come to the lecture to give us their points of view on the items that are going to be on the agenda. So it helps us make better decisions when we hear from you what your opinions are. Madame Mayor, thank you.

If I could clarify. So also the public is supposed to get notice of what's on the agenda. So, Council Member Constantine Anthony actually just requested an item that's not on the agenda, but I think in the spirit of the Brown Act, I'll just contribute by saying this should have been posted on the agenda so that the public knew it was going to happen.

Yes, you're right. May I copa? So, thank you for being here, everyone. And that's for folks maybe who didn't know, too. So, it's a kind of an educational opportunity for everybody. Okay. So, next up, we are on the consent calendar. We had a short meeting, so it was okay. I was willing to to go there. Um, we have the consent calendar next, which may be enacted in one motion. Madam City Clerk, please read the consent calendar. Thank you, Madam Mayor. We have seven items tonight on the consent calendar. Item one is approval of the city council minutes of the regular meeting of February 10th, 2026 and the dark meeting of February 17th, 2026. Item two is adoption of an ordinance amending article 28, chapter 1, title 6 of the Burbank Municipal Code regarding electric mobility devices. Item three is adoption of a resolution amending and restating the compensation plan for unrepresented mid-management employees. Item four is adoption of a resolution approving final tract map number 84031 and related subdivision improvement agreement for project at 529 through 537 East Palm Avenue. Item five is adoption of a resolution approving contract documents, plans, and specifications authorizing execution of a construction contract for bid schedule number 1536 phase 3A side slope liner expansion project with Sukoot Construction LLC and finding of SQA exemption and approval of the first amendment to the professional services agreement with Civil and Environmental Consultants Incorporated. Item six is approve approval and authorization of the community development director to execute a fourth

amendment to the on call professional services agreement with more Akafano Goldzman to extend the term from March 16, 2026 to March 16th, 2027. And item seven is acceptance of a donation to the city of Burbank Animal Shelter in the amount of $5,000 from the Carrie and Dick Clark Foundation. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, madame mayor. I'd like to make a motion to move the consent calendar, but however, I do need a quick update from the chief on item number two. Thank you, Mike. Is there a second? Second. Second. Sorry,

mayor, vice mayor, council, staff, your police chief, Rafael Cano. Uh, the clarifying. So the concern of the gentleman was associated with he would like an audible device on all ebike or e-mobility that traverse through those areas that are not the downtown district or the corridor. Uh, in looking through the section, section F. In looking through the section, section F, it states, "Any person operating a bicycle or device on the sidewalk outside of the downtown shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian and when overtaking and passing a pedestrian shall give an audible signal and she'll pass to the left of the pedestrian only under conditions permitting such movement and safety." So that requirement already exists and further trying to clarify and communicate that to the gentleman who was present during public comment. He would like a device that is continuously going off and audible when someone is riding any type of e-mobility device. And he described it as similar to an ice cream truck.

I see. Okay. So this doesn't just they don't have control over making it giving that sound and stopping it. This will constantly be on as they're writing their email. No, that's what the gentleman is requesting. Okay. What is incorporated within the section? It says when you come up or you are approaching a pedestrian on the defined access path, you must audibly uh make yourself aware or known when passing pedestrians.

Yeah. Okay. And to clarify, um, when someone's riding on the sidewalk or the street that they the reckless riding of a bicycle that might injure somebody or knock somebody, that's not allowed. So that's already not allowed, too. That so it's not just about the making a noise to say, "Hey, I'm here." But to be safe when going around people as well. Correct. Yeah. Okay. Thank you, Chief. Thank you. All right. We have a first and a second. Could we get a roll call, please? Council member Anthony. Uh, yes to all the items. Council member Rosati. Yes. Vice Mayor Mullins?

Yes. And Mayor Tagahashi? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. So, we have two reports to council this evening. After staff's presentation, the city council will proceed with in-person public comment only. Speakers will be allowed to speak on the item at the conclusion of the presentation as long as the speaker has not spoken on the item during the first period of public comment. Please be sure to submit your public comment card now as no additional public comment cards will be accepted once the comment period commences following staff presentations. The first report to council tonight is the appointment to fill one vacancy on the art and public places committee for unexpired term. I welcome Madam City Clerk Kimberly Clark to please present the report.

Thank you again. Thank you again, Madame Mayor. Kimberly Clark, city clerk. Tonight, I will be presenting reports to council. Item number one. On January 6th, 2026, the city clerk's office began advertising and accepting applications for one vacancy on the art and public places committee for an unexpired term ending July 31st, 2026. This vacancy was created by the resignation of committee member Patricia Hollis. To obtain qualified candidates, a notice of vacancy was advertised through the following channels. The city's website, city council meeting announcements, all social media platforms managed by the city clerk's office. Press releases sent to the Burbank leader and my burbank.com. notices posted on the city hall bulletin board, community groups and organizations, and through constant contact email notifications. The deadline for submitting applications to the city clerk's office was Thursday, February 5th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The city clerk's office received a total of seven applications. Pamela Pile, Mercedes Molina, Tanya Papazian, Marjani El Janedi, Lernick Minus, Gene Marinelli, and Zarra Gomez. The applications are listed in the order received. Please note that applicant Lernick Minus has also applied for the Burbank Water and Power Board. If appointed to the Art and Public Places Committee, this applicant's name will be removed from consideration for the Burbank Water and Power Board appointment, which will be presented in the next report. At this time, I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

Thank you. We will do public comment first and then move on to the vote. I have one public comment card and that's Jean Marelli. And Jean, you have up to three minutes since you're the only speaker. So, welcome. Hi, I'm Jean Marinelli and I probably don't need three minutes, but um let me introduce myself. I've lived nearly 30 years as a homeowner here in Burbank. I have participated in many, many of the arts programs. I worked as a professional French horn player for nearly 30 years. I've played in the Burbank Philarmonic. Um I've not played in the Burbank band. I played in the LAPD band. Um, I am a member of the Burbank Arts Association. I'm a member of the Burbank Rose Paro Rose Parade Float Association. I am a part-time teacher in the Burbank schools. And uh, but tonight I come here as a longtime fan of the work of the Art and Public Places Committee in Burbank. I've never really been available until now to volunteer for something like this, but here I am. Uh, but over the last 30 years, I've been stopped in my tracks many times when I have encountered a new piece that I've never seen before, and sometimes I'm stopped again by the same piece. Uh it I love the idea that that we are using art to enhance places that are normally used for commerce or uh moneym. And I just think art is so important to uh to provide joy uh emotion, provoke thought, and bring people together that might be admiring at the same time. Um, and I would love

to help in some way on this committee. I've always wanted to and um anyway that is and I'm available finally. So, thank you Stephanie from the uh cultural arts commission for my endorsement. And uh I know Stephanie through Burbank's art, Burbank Art Association. And I also know Carrie Norin who spoke earlier as uh president of the Burbank Philarmonic and he's hitting me up. He wants me to be on that board, too. But I'm available for this. Thank you.

Thank you for your comment. We now have completed public comment for this report. All right. So, we have no further discussion or questions. We'll move on to the vote. I will read each name and if you could give me a show of hands. Pamela Pile Mercedes Molina Tanya Papazian Marjani Elgeni Lernick Minas Gan Marinelli Gene Marinelli is appointed. Congratulations. Congratulations.

That was easy. [laughter] showing up goes a long way. But I have to say for, you know, for both of these uh commissions and we are so blessed here in Burbank, we have so many qualified folks. So it it's always a hard decision and um we are very blessed. So for those who are watching, if you were not selected, please continue to apply for future boards. I I would also like to add to uh apply but also a couple of very important things if you can hear me out there is when you apply please contact the council and talk to us and ask to either meet or have a conversation so we know who you are. Also it really goes a long way if we if you come to the meeting and introduce yourself. If we haven't met with you in person, at least we get to see that you're here and who you are. It does it does help us and it helps you as well.

Thank you. More we know about you, the better. Yeah. Okay. Next up is second report to council tonight is the appointment to f appointment to fill one vacancy on the Burbank Water and Power Board for unexpired term. Madam city clerk, please present the report.

Thank you, madam mayor. Now, I will be reporting um sorry, presenting reports to council item number two. On January 12th, 2026, city clerk's office began advertising and accepting applications for one vacancy on the board for an unexpired term ending July 31st, 2028. This vacancy was created by the resignation of board member Christopher Malote. to obtain qualified candidates. A notice of vacancy was advertised through the same channels I just said a few minutes ago. The deadline for submitting applications to the city clerk's office was Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The city clerk's office received a total of seven applications. Thomas Yuper, Robert Gandian, Robert Nielsen, Lernick Mus, Michael Goldstein, Leila Kashani, and Christina Copelman. The applications are listed in the order received. Uh please note that if well that doesn't apply now. At this time I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. Okay.

Thank you. We do have one public comment. So we'll hear that first. Uh Leila Kashani, you have up to three minutes. Thank you. I got my timer. Okay. Honorable mayor, vice mayor, council members, and staff, thank you for the time to speak. Um, my name is Laya Kashani and I'm seeking this appointment. It's I have an MBA in finance uh and accounting from Georgetown University. I have a degree in political science and minors in um French literature and mathematics from UC San Diego. Um I also have a business here in Burbank, a tax firm. It's called CBIS Data Tax. It's right on Hollywood Way and we are in the midst of it. So I came here in the middle of that with clients in the office. Um, it's my first board position application, but I know it's an important one. Um, but I also know I'm a good fit and I've reviewed the council mandates for this board. I've viewed some of the archive videos and the way they discuss and the minutes and I'm confident that I can contribute effectively to this board. Um, since 2007, I've worked as a consultant in many energy sectors, oil and gas, utility, pipelines, terminals, including clean energy such as wind, solar, ethanol, biodeiesel, also nuclear. Not that we would bring that here, but these are heavily regulated industries with very long project lifespans, licenses, permits, environmental and safety regulations that are very complex. from the city to state to federal levels. They are high dollar, high hazard, high-risk activities just like what Burbank water and power manages every single day for this city. I'm comfortable to be on the board because

in these fields I have analyzed budgets, maintenance programs, daily operations. I've even reviewed community impact programs. If you recall, I sent out an email. I mentioned that energy suppliers should never be seen, heard, or smelled. And I have that experience as well. Unfortunately, I have worked disaster recovery. So, I know what it entails for a community to be ready. I've worked explosions on sea, the BP disaster. I've worked fires on land, and we can name a few, refineries. I've seen spills in remote and public areas. And I believe that these experiences bring me a view that how should a community be ready to respond. I've also seen power losses due to earthquakes in South America. So I think I can bring some perspective to this board. Before consulting, I was a GM of a division at GE. I actually got to work under Jack Welch. If that means something to some of the older folks here like myself. Um, I handled a half billion dollar division providing supply chain services around the world. So, I'm used to looking at big numbers. I'm used to advising big leaders

and on serious matters. I definitely know. Thank you for your comments. Sorry. Yeah, it's been three minutes. Sorry. No, I want to hear the rest, but it's been three minutes. Thank you so much for your comment. All right. Uh, if there's no comments or questions, we'll move on to the vote. I will read the names and see a show a hands vote please. Thomas Yuper, Robert Gavandian, Robert Nielsen, Lernic Mina, Michael Goldstein, Leila Kashani. Leila Kashani is appointed. Congratulations. Thank you.

I was I was going to vote for someone else, but I'll just make it unanimous. It's fine. You know, you do it differently than I used to do it at my other agency. We used to call all the names just for that reason, but I'll get used to it eventually.

No worries. No worry. I I wanted to support Christina, but it's fine. I'll I'll make it unanimous, please. And again I we only have one spot and anyone who has applied pretty you all would be really fast fabulous in the position. So please apply again when another position comes across would love to see you apply and have you come back. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. All right. Congratulations. We are on to the next item. We will now hear council comments including reporting on council committee assignments, attendance at conferences, regional meetings, and community events. Who would like to go first? Council member Rosati.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, on Wednesday, February 11th, I attended the Burbank Police Department coffee with a cop. Uh, very well attended. Uh, really a lot of people. Um, first time to come to an event like that. Um, and it was kind of like in the middle of the morning, so I was surprised, but it was it was well attended. Um, I did go to the groundbreaking of the future home um of the Boys and Girls Club. Very exciting. Uh, a lot of folks are excited. Holla, did I of the Oh, sorry. The former Boys and Girls Club, correct?

Um, and really exciting to to see that project move forward. Um, and then we went on a tour uh of the ranch lot and just so beautiful. I mean, uh, the space that they provided uh provide for the the the cast and employees and everything. It it's it's really well thought out. Um, I really enjoyed uh the landscaping and the the the trees. Uh, some of those oak trees are just stunning. Um, and I know how expensive they are. So, it was a very well uh thought out project. Um, and then I was at the park and recck board um at uh 6 p.m. And then Wednesday uh I attended uh the Burbank Police Department hosted the 2025 annual military equipment uh meeting and report. And later that night, we had the police commission meeting. And on Thursday, February 19th, I went to the Burbank Police Foundation had um a dinner for the officers and uh thank you for the folks that provided that dinner um on Saturday, February 21, I think it was uh Pikito Moss. And then on on February uh 21st on Saturday, I attended the adaptive sports expo. And boy, every year it just gets bigger and better. And and I said this last week, last time last meaning, it it just it's so prideful to be a member of this community, to be a leader uh in in what's going on in that community um of adaptive sports. And I I just want to give special thanks to our staff and Marissa, if she's still here, she's not. um and and the folks on the commission that really put a lot of thought in into this program and it it's

only getting bigger and better and it's making a lot of folks really happy. Uh afterwards we went over to the playground, I took my son and everyone was able to participate in wheelchairs and and whatnot. So when you see that it kind of just warms your heart. And then on Monday, February 23rd, um I was at the last night at the the planning board meeting. It was an interesting meeting. Um maybe we'll get uh 17 voters. Maybe Miss Clark. Maybe we'll get 17 voters. Uh some some folks that were excluded from the the voter roles. Um we're actually going to see it here on council. So, uh I won't say much more about it. Thank you. Yeah.

I I would just like to thank the planning commission. It was and our staff. They did a great job and thank you for being there, council member. Ma'am, thank you. Uh, Council Member Anthony,

thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, I'm sorry I missed the, uh, the groundbreaking. I, um, I had some, uh, former co-workers at Universal Studios ask me to help them out with an issue they were having over there that morning. But, uh, I did make it to the ranch tour later that day. Uh, we all split up and took some different, uh, guided tours. Um, this is the old Warner ranch. Uh, they've uh uh revamped it. Um, and it is like the topline state-of-the-art uh film production studios. If you have a TV show or a movie that you want to shoot, that is the place to do it. Um, and uh I agree that Burbank adaptive sports expo was absolutely fantastic. Um, great turnout from the community. Uh I did get one uh critique. Uh an individual said that they did uh great outreach to get people to the expo. Yet when they were there, there wasn't much outreach to the individuals present who attended. They felt it was almost as if you had to already know what was going on when you showed up. So I'm going to talk to the individual and see if there's uh something we can do for the next time. You know what I'm saying? Mhm.

Madam Mayor, they did have a welcome tent. They did. Yes. No, I mean it was Yes. I'm It was at the very beginning at the at the culde-sac. Yeah. I'm going to talk to the individual because I feel like they may have missed something because we did some great outreach. I They didn't know who I was. Not that I am somebody, but they immediately came over to me and said, "There's all this stuff. Here's a list and here's a button. Here's this." So, yeah, I saw that, too. So, yeah, I'm going to do some outreach and digging on what happened. There was Yeah. Uh and uh Yeah. Thank you.

Okay. Great. Uh Vice Mayor, you uh where do I Yes. started on Thursday the 12 groundbreaking of um Holla. Um wonderful event. Congratulations. Can't wait till we do the ribbon cutting and we start using that facility. um did the tour like uh council member Rosadi and Anthony mentioned and the only thing I could say yes they are open for business and yes they want you to come and use the studios the offices everything we saw there was just I can't describe it it's it's the best place you want to be working or shooting a movie uh or the cafeteria the just every floor had something very unique um that represent the high quality of Warner and uh the project itself. So we we had a great time uh just wandering around the whole entire lot. Um the same night it was kind of a busy Thursday. Um I attended the Armenian Western Dascese uh welcome event between their Japanese sister city and the dascese. Uh had lots of entertainment from both sides Japanese and Armenian. lots of great food that I enjoyed. Um so that was a good event. Um on the 18th I attended the um annual military equipment report here in the chamber followed by the police commission. Um they did have uh two or three speakers with questions regarding uh the use of military equipment. staff did an excellent job explaining when they're used and why. Uh, you know, it's always confusing when you hear the word military because it's

it makes it sound like we're fighting a war here. We're not. They're just that's the name for it. So, uh, staff did a great job really presenting it and and the commissioners also had good questions. So, the meeting went well. And along with that on the police commission meeting to give a quick update, um they dived into discussion about what council expectations are for them and how to agendaize or ask for future agenda items. U so they're going to be bringing it more at future meetings to talk some more about uh council's expectation, their role, identifying what their mission is. So, that's if you want to watch it in the future, that's something they're going to be talking about. Um, then on Thursday the 19th, I met I think I met with maybe it might have been Wednesday, it's on the wrong date. uh with um Lynn uh Lib Leenski from Zanta to talk about uh the 90th anniversary and kind of provide some guidance, locations and things that uh Zanta can do for their first gayla. They well it's their second but they haven't had one in so many years. Um then today at noon the mayor and I went to Burbank High School uh talked to the students about to the model Congress club. Uh they had some tough questions for each one of us and uh great kids, you know, their future of our community. They were really wonderful. They're they're trying to introduce government to the classroom and have the kids feel comfortable that we are human. We do have favorite movies. We do have some things that we struggle with, you know, whether being on council. I know. Can you imagine?

[laughter] It's called juggling your schedule. When you have four events at one time, what do you do about it? So, uh it was it was a fun um hour with the students. So, that was good time for me. Thank you.

All right. Yep. All right. I too went to on February 12th went to the groundbreaking at uh the Home of LA access center and you know in addition to all the services they're going to have and the the wonderful facility uh this is going to be our first tiny homes in Burbank which is so exciting and these are specifically for families and it's a safe place for them to temporarily live while they're looking for permanent housing. I'm so happy we'll be able to do this. It's great. And then I also went on the on the ranch lot tour. Everything you say, I echo everything everyone said about it. Um it's a fullervice facility and I think that's a unique thing about the studios too is that anything that a filming um project would need is there space for the staff or the non-filming staff to work close by. Um every support needed. And then we also got to walk up in the rafters, which was pretty cool because I didn't know that you could actually walk up there. So that was pretty fun. And on the 17th, I attended the National League of Cities remotely attended the National League of Cities Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee meeting. And again, we're still talking about federal level advocacy for um quality immigration um policy and among other things, child care, parks and wreck, libraries, etc. That same day, later in the afternoon, I went to two ribbon cutings back toback on Magnolia. Cute little shops, Hive and Hangar and Joy and Honey. Please go there. They are adorable. And they're both really nerdy about their projects products. So, you can learn all about bees and all about skincare and it's going to be amazing. And then on the 19th, I attended with some city staff the Chamber of Commerce monthly board meeting to give updates about the city. Saturday the 21st uh in the morning

bright and early to 8:45 I attended the parks and wreck youth leadership program and spoke about the mayor's mayor's role and answered questions for the kids same age as what we um who we met with today and then um also attended later in the morning the adaptive sports expo um reflecting what council member Rosati said about how it's bigger this year than each year it gets bigger and more attendance and there was a performance there by wheelchair dancers, which was really fun.

The roulettes is what they're called. Roulette, sorry. Rolets, sorry. Yeah. So awesome. So fun. And I got to meet an Olympian. There was a wheelchair Olympian. She did she does wheel scare wheelchair downhill skiing and wheelchair uh racing. So pretty cool. Yeah. And then let's see. Uh on Sunday I went to Burbank Mu Music Music C Center's one-year anniversary gala concert and they're just down the road here and their kids are amazing and adorable and they're doing a fabulous job. So if y'all anyone in the community wants to learn music and you're under 18, head over to that facility. They are just the cutest thing. Violins, piano, singing, all sorts of things. And then today earlier we went to the model congress at Burbank High School and got to visit with the kids. It's super fun. Okay, now is the time for the consideration of previously introduced agenda items. As a reminder, this is council's process for adding additional agenda items. One item for consideration tonight is my request during the meeting last meeting on February 10th, 2026. So council members are allotted two meeting two minutes to provide a brief explanation of the request along with how the request ties to city council goals. After that, city council will vote on whether or not the item should be added as an additional agenda item for consideration at a future needed meeting. If needed, council may provide clarification or additional information to staff regarding the agenda item request. Okay. So, the item is my request to consider the inclusion of options beyond a full prohibition of short-term rentals, including the possibility of a limited number of city authorized short-term rentals when staff returns with the report prior to council direction. And the reason why I asked

this is the last time we talked about short-term rentals was September 24th, 2024 at a council meeting, and council gave direction to staff to bring back an ordinance on a full ban on short-term rentals. The council was clear during that meeting. We all agreed that there were too many Airbnbs and too much Airbnb disruption in the communities, and we voted yes on this item. So I've over this time since this since that happened I've asked staff on the dis a couple times when we'll be getting this item back as this was one of my items and um and I I realize it's on currently on the list of things to come back to us at some point as many of our housing items are. So, I've been doing research during this time and looking at how other cities are navigating this issue and it's looking like attempting to implement a full ban could be an approach that might make it difficult or impossible to enforce. And so, um, and many cities across the state and country are implementing more strategic regulations and working on with companies that specifically do this work of enforcement according to the regulations. So, while I'm still holding my direction and my vote for the full ban that we had in on the 24th 24, I would like to ask that staff bring back a second option using other cities ex examples of a limited allowance of short-term rentals and regulations for those limited short-term rentals so that we can consider our options for how to create an ordinance we can enforce. Um, also when staff brings back this item that we provide a the staff provides a procon of the two approaches including cost success of enfor potential success of enforcement and how it would impact our ability to respond to reports of disruption. And so for me it's just really important that this comes back and it's been a long time and I feel like this will help staff be able to bring back a report in a timely manner so we can actually address this issue. It's been far too long that we've been

sitting on it. So that's why I decided to bring this forth this way. Hope that makes sense. Yes. So um I guess it's our time to discuss whether to bring it back or not.

Yeah. Um so back in 2024 where we had a lot of discussions in regards to Airbnb and um I remember the conversation about uh addressing also the housing needs addressing taking those units off the market which would put a greater impact on our housing stock and and also greater impact on the issues that we have been dealing with since 2024 and prior um regarding our tenants and finding affordable housing in the city. And this would actually put an additional um hardship on finding availability in the city of Burbank. And in in the discussion back then, I also recall because we had so many um ADUs are being built in the city. And since then, I'm sure we've had a lot more added to um to the list of what we had back in 2024 and the impact on parking. Uh and you know, people the community were complaining that they're running out of parking spaces. And so I I I appreciate you kind of putting a little fire, bring something back, but to bring it back, not to discuss what we want to see, maybe perhaps we can allow temporary or allow it to happen in the city because um in my opinion, even if we allow um I'm going to use a number 100 50 whatever 50 or 100 um housing to get permits for uh Airbnb. There's still going to be a lot more addition who will be violating our our permits who are not going to take a permit. So, we're now adding the

hundred to an additional hundred that is already in existence that we don't know about and it's hard to enforce. You're absolutely right because unless we get somebody who calls us, this is what happens. We all get emails and then we pass it on to staff. Then they go out and they enforce it like noise ordinance or parking issues or anything that's relating to that. I am in support of bringing something back or having staff bringing something back to put the complete ban on Airbnb, but not to say we'll allow a certain numbers to be allowed in the city. If we are, and I know I'm I'm I'm throwing everything out there, too. Um, if we're concerned because we're going to be having the Olympics coming in 2028, that's going to put an impact uh where people are going to stay in the city of Burbank. I know we have a ton of hotels and we we get to from hotels. So, it's very profitable for us and the hotels as well. So I I'm not in favor of allowing a certain number of people to do it because that's all that's going to add more to our stock that we don't want in the city.

So tonight we're not debating at least what I'm asking for is not to debate between the two. But to allow staff to provide that information to us so that when it comes back to us, we have that information to like to compare it to. Cuz right now with with the ask that we've given staff for a full ban. The full ban is and and all a lot of other cities are having other are having difficulties with this. It's very very difficult to implement and enforce. So are you asking just for information incl include it? Yeah. So when it comes So when the full ban comes back, you want other options of what other cities are doing instead of a full ban. Yes. To get compliance.

Exactly. Because what right now we have what I have been receiving the information is we have over 900 Airbnbs. It's just getting worse. And so we need a way to at least enforce better what we've got now. And if we're waiting for the the kind of a way to find get the full ban until we get the report back, we'll be waiting and waiting and waiting. But if we get the ban full ban back, we're going to still get that. And then also in addition in examples of what other cities have done in there a different kind of strategic way to approach it. Then we can see kind of how it works and we still can do the full band when it comes back but I want to have that comparison so that we are able to move forward with it if that makes sense. Yeah. Council member Rosati. Oh yeah.

Okay. So I'm a little bit confused. So my my my position is we're finally seeing [clears throat] inventory and prices come down and I don't want to do anything that's going to make the housing market a commodity for investors. The other thing is our hotels are our partners and they're continuing to come to Riverbank and continuing to build and continuing to expand and I don't want to send a message to the hotels that you're not our partner. Um, and and I I don't want our neighborhoods to become commerce and and and operating a business. So, I heard you say you wanted to have a limited number.

No, I don't I don't want to have a limited number. Actually, I still support the full ban, but I'd like to have the option presented to us so that it opens up for us to understand how enforcement works because right now with without having any kind of regulation around Airbnbs, it is it's very very difficult for us to enforce and a full ban also doesn't have regulations. And so, it's difficult for cities to enforce full bans. It may not be impossible, but it's it's not it's very difficult to do. So we we could bring it back an ordinance to do full uh ban, but other cities who have done that basically are in the same situation we're in now, which is it's hard to enforce. I I can tell you that the desert communities have some of the strictest bans

in California. And you get nailed with the $2,500. Uh you talking about Palm Springs? Uh no, Palm Springs is actually the most liberal because they you can actually Airbnb in Palm Springs, I think, 100 days out of the year. But other cities like Rancho Mirage, Lita, the first the first sighting is 2500 bucks. Yeah. And you don't do it again. So I'm in favor of a full ban only and nothing outside of that. Okay. So if that's the case, that's fine. But we we really need to get this brought back. So staff Yeah. Go ahead.

Yeah. No, I I am also having staff agreeing to having staff bring a full ban that the item that's on the agenda basically that was requested back in 2024. Um, and then I want to hear from staff what their plan is to enforce or implement looking at other cities like the desert, like other cities who do have enforcement units who can do it. So, at that time, we can decide whether we do a full ban with a penalty or not or leave it as it is right now where we only receive calls and then pass it on to staff.

Yeah, those are the only two options I'd be in favor of. Yeah. Otherwise, I don't want enforcement or passive enforcement. Exactly. I don't want to allow a small amount of permits. I I want to allow either a full ban or or leave it as what we're doing right now, case by case, we go out and address it when we get the call.

So, question to staff, if we continue with the full ban approach compared to bringing it back with an a second option compared it to, will that be any difference in when staff will bring back the item? Well, it depends on what you what that second option is. Um, if you're going to ask us to I mean, we would ultimately uh right now the direction is to come back with uh uh the ban and figure out how best to enforce that.

And I think um it sounds like uh um some of you would like additional information on on the enforcement and what we could do to enforce if we do that ban. But then there's kind of the second phase of should should we have the option of still doing some something else and how that could potentially work to maybe better regulate or have as an alternative uh uh to the ban that may help us regulate. Um that that could take longer because what we would probably do is take our existing staff report which we provided those two options and uh look at at enhdating it and enhancing that. So, um,

is it all right if we just do that second part after we get the first report? Would you be comfortable with that? Seeing seeing what enforcement we have available to us and then if we need to bring something else back, we can do.

I'm comfortable with that, too, as long as it gets the wheels in motion. Um, I don't want it to drag on too long. So if the staff prepares does prepare the staff report for a full ban, we discuss it thoroughly and we come to the conclusion that I've pretty much I mean if that happens that you know what I've been looking at is that it's going to be tough. But you know what? Okay, we we do um and then staff goes back to make a second report, it's going to elongate the process, but if that's what the process is that that council wants to go through, I'm totally fine with that. Just at some way just get this ball rolling. Be good. I and I think if I may um I think the the public really needs to hear the challenges that we have to do a full ban. I think that we also need to remind there's been change in our housing dynamic. There's been change, you know, in the housing stock and and I think it's a healthy discussion to bring it back in in 2026 and talk about challenges and also talk about uh what our current numbers are. So I I'm in whenever staff brings it back for a full band, fresh the staff report, remind everybody and then we can have that discussion when it comes back.

And we can certainly remind I mean in the first report we do talk about the challenges of of just a flatout ban. There there are challenges to that. That's it's not, you know, identifying them is is kind of the key. Um but we you know that that's we're going to try to figure that out and how best to enforce that. I I will tell you, you know, we're looking towards the end of the year to do this. I mean, it hasn't been one of those where we've been getting inundated with calls, but again, you know, we're working on rent issues, SB79 specific plans, ma facilitating major development projects. So, this one, as far as priority, we still want to get it done uh soon. Uh but as far as priority, I'd rather get a specific plan SB79 uh come back with, you know, major development projects. this one just hasn't been as as uh um uh he hefty for us to have to implement quicker. So, we're trying to be deliberate and figure out ways the best way to enforce uh uh if we go full out ban,

right? And I appreciate you saying that to priorities. The timing is also important too in my opinion because you mentioned the Olympics that as we get closer to the Olympics, there'll be more and more pressure. folks will be interested in Airbnb being out their units and if we don't have a mechanism a good mechanism to enforce we'll get and we just have what we have now then it will be uh we'll they'll just it'll just be more units that are being used and so if we can figure out how to get this wrapped up in some shape or form get moving before the Olympics gets here so that we have a mechanism to ensure that doesn't um get used um you much broader during the the Olympics council member

I just want to reiterate something that very important that our city manager said and we need to finish these specific plans. It leads to housing and people are waiting for these specific plans so we can maybe get the Kmart site developed and maybe get the KIA site developed and I really really want to get these specific plans done to get housing to our residents who you hear them every night every time we have a meeting. So, yeah, it's not that it's important, but I think getting these specific plans are are just really key for not only our revenue because we're in the red the next three years for revenue tax purposes, synergy, and and housing.

Okay. So, what about this proposal? So, um, to get the Airbnb topics, torture rentals back in the queue, focusing on full ban, and then if it's okay in the staff report to have a reminder of what we brought up the previous time as a comparison just and then also a full discussion on the challenges or the the the way that enforcement works. Would that work for everybody? Yeah, I mean, we would include the last staff report just for you along with what you guys directed us to do.

Yeah. And the good news is 2028 is almost it's two years away. So I I mean give him a breather so he can bring the SB79 and the and the specific plans and this is what we're looking at in the next 6 months, 7 months of uh getting some of these reports back to us. Um and and I definitely agree with you. It is important. We we discussed it and we said okay we don't want to do it. bring us a full ban and we've been nonstop with housing issues. Yeah. And I don't want to create another problem for housing issues that they need to come back to fix. So let it be for now what we're doing and then bring the report back

I think stage. Okay. By the end of the year. Okay. All right. Thank you. So I think that it's pretty much status quo with just a little bit more direction, a little bit more input. So it doesn't need to be voted on. I think we got it. Yeah. No, we we have direction. So, I feel good. Thank you for ch working through this and bringing [clears throat] the um item back to our um attention and hierarchy. Great. Thanks. Okay, now is the time for introduction of additional agenda items. Do members of the council have any items to introduce? Yes, vice mayor.

I do. Um and that is to support uh sending a letter regarding SB 1198. We all received the email from uh Robe Kakopian for regarding the support of driving safety campaign and so the letter would be sent to senator Mjavar uh copying her staff and then also the Armenian uh association. So, if we if council agrees, we send a letter to support to the senator supporting the um actual bill that she's putting together for the driving safety campaign. Is this

So, if I could I I I think we uh could forgo the additional agenda item step, assuming that it fits into our recently adopted legislative platform, which I think it does regarding safety and reckless driving. So, um, so if if the council agrees, uh, we will double check the, uh, um, the language and stuff, I think it falls within the the platform and, uh, bring it, uh, uh, we could draft up a a letter for signature to support and, uh, you guys don't then have to, uh, agendaize it. Perfect. Sounds good. Yeah. Council member,

uh, so I have two items. Uh, one in the similar vein. Uh, last year I believe we wrote a letter in support of um, Assembly Member Herabdian's uh, push to get um, Armenians uh, listed on the um, uh, census. Um, there's a letter I received from the Glendale city clerk about uh, sending a letter in support to our Congress members. Um there's something happening at the the Justice Department where they're slow rolling that issue. So I can get you the language uh if you want to uh bring it back. It's basically reaffirming our support for uh Armenians to be uh uh considered on a separate line in the census. And I can get you the language if you want.

Yeah, we did send a letter. I think at the time it was Shiff and uh I I forget who else but um uh we could re look at that and uh we have new electeds so we could uh uh uh revisit that and send additional letters. Okay. If if this group agrees. Yeah, it's under this is not a period to agree to send letters. This is still underneath our our leg.

Yeah, but you're not voting on anything right now. This is to add additional agenda items. So, this is what I'd like to add that letter and I'll give you the language so we can uh talk about it in the next uh session. Uh and then my other agenda item uh can I get something in the Whammer? Uh just a um a memo and I want to try to be super narrow on this so it's not too much work. uh any state or city ordinance uh that we've ever passed uh that regulates um um uh rental properties for fewer than 12 months lease. So

that's that needs to come back as an additional agenda item. We are really uh I mean we've been in a three-year process on tenant protection. So, well, this is what what I'm what I'm looking This is going to require prioritization for report back just

see if I can be narrower with this. Um, I guess I guess just information back if if trying to do it so it doesn't have to be part of this whole thing. [laughter] Well, so every report that's been brought back to the council in the last three years has a chronology of every effort the council has made. Okay, let's do this. So, we could send you a prior staff report which details everything that's been before the council. Yes, I've gone through those and it's not it's not enough. Well, so you should bring them back for discussion.

Yeah. So, let me ask you this. Um, can I ask that the next time we bring back anything to do with rentals or tenant protections uh to include a discussion on leases less than 12 months. How would I could I So, you would wait for the item to come back because we already received direction from council and we're working on the direction we receive from council. Okay. All right. Yeah, that could be a question and further information in our next report that comes back. That's fine.

Great. Anything else? Okay, guess what? Right on time, like literally two minutes according to my little timing paper, two minutes before the projected end time, we now adjourn the meeting in memory of Linda Murphy to Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 for a joint meeting in the council chamber here at 275 East Olive Avenue, second floor. Thank you and good night all.