ATTACHMENT 1
Burbank City Council: Honorable Mayor Konstantine Anthony, Honorable City Council Members City of Burbank, California
Regarding: Sustainable Burbank Commission Member Absences
June 28, 2023
Dear Mayor Anthony, Vice-Mayor Schultz, and Honorable City Council Members,
In the past few months, one of our esteemed Sustainable Burbank Commission Members, Commissioner Kevin O’Brien, has unfortunately been able to attend at least 75% of commission meetings. As per the provisions outlined in Burbank Municipal Code 2-1-403, the commission to which the member has been appointed, who fails to attend at least seventy five percent (75%) of the regularly scheduled meetings during a twelve (12) month period, which commences on the date of the appointment of the individual member to office, the attendance record of such member shall be reviewed by the commission to which the member was appointed. The commission shall consider the reason for the absences with the member and make a determination whether the absences should be excused or unexcused by the City Council.
Mr. O’Brien has been a dedicated member of the Commission since his appointment in July 2017.
Unfortunately, he could not attend 4 regularly scheduled meetings, July and October 2022, March and April 2023, falling below the 75% threshold for attendance. During the June 26, 2023 Commission meeting, in accordance with the code, the commission discussed Mr. O’Brien’s absences.
Mr. O’Brien expressed his regrets for missing the Commission meetings. He had an unexpected family emergency, a family member death, a pre-scheduled family vacation during Burbank Unified School District spring break and was out sick with the flu not wanting to expose other commissioners during post-covid recovery.
Following Mr. O’Brien’s explanation, the Commission members discussed his overall performance and contribution to the community. Commission members were given an opportunity to express their thoughts, and as the chair, I also shared my perspective. I am please to inform you that every Commission member expressed unwavering support for Mr. O'Brien to remain on the Sustainable Burbank Commission.
Therefore, based on the unanimous sentiment expressed by the Commission, it was moved by Commissioner Schanberger and carried with a 7-0 vote that a letter be composed on behalf of the Commission to the Council, to recommend the Council excuse these unavoidable absences.
RECOMMENDATION
We kindly request your understanding and consideration in excusing Mr. O’Brien’s absences. His sincere dedication to efforts promoting sustainability makes him an indispensable member of the Commission. We are confident that he will continue to make valuable contributions.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. The entire Commission sincerely appreciates your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Robin Gemmill
Chair, Sustainable Burbank Commission