1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: February 4, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Kimberley Clark, City Clerk
BY: Melissa Dekermenji, CMC, Records Manager
and Kimberley Clark, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Review of the City of Burbank Boards, Commissions, and Committees
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to s taff on proposed changes to the City of Burbank Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
BACKGROUND
At the July 18, 2023, City Council Meeting, Council Member Mullins requested a first step report on the composition of the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees (BCC s).
Subsequently, on April 9, 2024, Council Member Mullins requested a discussion of the BCC attendance policy.
The Council has established various BCC s to review City programs, projects, and community issues. These groups provide greater community participation and input into local government while facilitating quality decisions by the Council. The City’s BCCs provide additional lines of communication between the public and the Council to enhance City government responsiveness. BCC benefits include focusing attention on specific issues, encouraging citizen participation, providing a community viewpoint, and making recommendations based on a thorough analysis of alternative solutions. BCC members serve in an advisory capacity with limited decision -making authority. Each BCC has the opportunity to provide input and make recommendations to the Council; however, they do not determine or establish City policy or administrative direction.
2 DISCUSSION
This report provides an overview and summary of the purpose, role, powers and duties, and composition of the City’s 23 appointed Boards, Commissions, and Committees. The BCCs are presented as follows: (1) BCCs Established by the Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) and Charter and (2) Other BCCs. Furthermore, at the request of Council, staff has included recommendations for changes to existing BCCs.
BCCs Established by the BMC/Charter
Art in Public Places Committee (BMC §§ 2-1-422; 10-1-1114) Purpose: The Art in Public Places Committee reviews and approves proposed public art projects ensuring compliance with the Burbank Municipal Code Section 10 -1-1114. The Committee also makes recommendations to the City Council on expenditures from the Art in Public Places Fund.
Composition: The Art in Public Places Committee consists of seven (7) members: one (1) Planning Commission Member chosen by a majority of that Commission; one (1) Park, Recreation and Community Services Board Member chosen by a majority of that Board; and five (5) at-large members chosen by the City Council, one of whom shall be chosen from the business community following a recommendation by the Chamber of Commerce, one from the residential community (however, the directive concerning these prescriptive appointments is not followed), with the remaining three members selected at large.
Board of Building and Fire Code Appeals (BMC § 2-1-414; Chapter 9-1) Purpose: The Board of Building and Fire Code Appeals may recommend proposed code amendments, consider appeals of code applications and interpretations, fees for such appeals, and review proposals of alternate methods and materials of construction. In hearing an appeal, the Board cannot waive the requirements of the Building and Fire Code.
Composition: The Board of Building and Fire Code Appeals consists of five (5) members qualified by experience and training to make decisions on matters pertaining to building construction and fire prevention.
Board of Library Trustees (BMC § 2-1-409)
Purpose: The mission of the Board of Library Trustees is to act in an advisory capacity to the Council on all things pertaining to public libraries. Over time, the Board’s purpose has developed into working in an advisory capacity to ensure the optimal operation of the entire Burbank Library System, including representing the community and sharing concerns and/or suggestions with Library staff, act ing as a liaison between the Library and the Council, and at all times, representing and/or promoting the Library and all of its undertakings.
3 Composition: The Board of Library Trustees consists of seven (7) members.
Burbank Cultural Arts Commission (BMC § 2-1-425)
Purpose: The Burbank Cultural Arts Commission (BCAC) makes policy and funding recommendations on matters related to the implementation of the City’s Cultural Arts Plan, helps engage the community by participating in various public education, outreach, and promotional activities related to cultural arts, and performs other duties as requested by Council.
Composition: The Burbank Cultural Arts Commission is composed of nine (9) members, of which six (6) are Burbank residents and three (3) may be residents or non -Burbank residents. The appointments by the Council may be from the business community at - large, a person engaged in the arts or who represents a diversity of art disciplines such as arts education, art in public places, dance, live theater, film, the studio and recording industry. media affiliated resources, music. and visual arts.
Burbank Water and Power Board (BMC § 2-1-418)
Purpose: The Burbank Water and Power Board is c ommitted to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable water, electric, and related services to meet BWP customers’ needs. This advisory board reviews and make s recommendations related to power, electricity, water, capital improvements, and related operations.
Composition: The Burbank Water and Power Board consists of seven (7) members.
Charter Review Committee (Burbank Charter § 1400)
Purpose and Composition: Not more than five (5) years following completion of the previous Charter review or the completion of the citizen committee review, whichever is most recent, the Council shall appoint a citizen committee of five (5) members, with one appointed by each Council Member, to consider the Charter and advise the Council whether a comprehensive Charter review is necessary. The committee may recommend a full review ; a limited, focused review ; or no review. Upon such recommendation , the Council may appoint a full Charter Review Committee, the number and appointments of which shall be determined by the Council, to determine what, if any, Charter changes should be placed before the voters.
Civil Service Board (BMC §§ 2-1-504, 2-1-506)
Purpose: The Civil Service Board acts in an advisory capacity to the City Manager and City Council on problems concerning personnel administration and holds hearings and appeals as needed.
Composition: The Civil Service Board consists of five (5) members.
4 Heritage Commission (BMC § 2-1-420)
Purpose: The Heritage Commission is an advisory body to both Council and staff concerning historic resources. The Commission is authorized to issue permits for alteration of designated historic resources.
Composition: The Heritage Commission is comprised of five (5) Burbank residents who are appointed by the Council and serve four-year terms.
Infrastructure Oversight Board (BMC § 2-1-426)
Purpose: The Infrastructure Oversight Board (IOB) shall oversee and make recommendations to the Council regarding the infrastructure of the City (not part of an enterprise fund). The mission of this Board, in part, is to ensure the reliability, maintenance, and safety of the City’s infrastructure. Oversight parameters may include safety, funding, planning, construction (i.e. , high-level review of scope, schedule, cost, and risk of infrastructure projects), operations, maintenance (reviewing the adequacy of existing maintenance programs), and implementatio n of best practices related to infrastructure.
Composition: The Infrastructure Oversight Board consists of seven (7) members.
Landlord-Tenant Commission (BMC § 2-1-417)
Purpose: The Landlord-Tenant Commission is committed to resolving residential landlord and tenant disputes through education, informal mediation, and providing resources.
Composition: The Landlord-Tenant Commission consists of five (5) members.
Park, Recreation and Community Services Board (BMC § 2-1-410) Purpose: The Park, Recreation and Community Services Board supports the Park, Recreation, and Community Services Department to carry out its mission to provide enrichment opportunities through dedicated people, beautiful parks, and inspiring programs. As an advisory body to the City Council, the Board makes recommendations to the Council on all matters pertaining to public parks, squares, and grounds in the City, including rules and regulations; acquisition of park sites ; matters affecting policy , procedures, and operations; contracts; funding and awarding grants.
Composition: The Park, Recreation and Community Services Board consists of five (5) members.
Planning Commission (BMC §§ 2-1-411; 10-1-1901 and following) Purpose: The Planning Commission is appointed by the City Council and is tasked with directing the long-term growth and development of the City through the ongoing review, approval, and/or recommendations on land use development projects, general plan land
5 use policies, zoning regulations, and associated specific plans, rules and regulations. The Planning Commission helps facilitate future growth and development as envisioned by the City by providing expert input during their deliberation on land use planning matters at community meetings and public hearings. The Planning Commission also hears zoning-related applications and appeals of zoning decisions.
Composition: The Planning Commission is comprised of five (5) Burbank residents who are appointed by the Council and serve four-year terms.
Police Commission (BMC § 2-1-413)
Purpose: The mission of the Police Commission is to ensure on behalf of the Council that the Burbank Police Department maintains the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the community.
Composition: The Police Commission consists of seven (7) members.
Senior Citizen Board (BMC § 2-1-415)
Purpose: The Senior Citizen Board is committed to advocating for senior citizen -related issues, conducting outreach, advising on program development that will benefit older adults in our community, and encouraging older adult participation and engagement with City government.
Composition: The Senior Citizen Board consists of seven (7) members, all of whom shall be senior citizens (55+ years of age).
Sustainable Burbank Commission (BMC § 2-1-424)
Purpose: The Sustainable Burbank Commission shall advise and make recommendations to the Council on matters related to the implementation of the City of Burbank Sustainability Action Plan and help engage the community by participating in various public education, outreach, and promotional activities related to environmental sustainability.
Composition: The Sustainable Burbank Commission is composed of nine (9) members appointed by Council , including six (6) Burbank residents and three (3) members who may be residents or non -residents representing either the business community at large who is engaged in environmental issues, the real estate or development industry, or faith- based or non-profit community. Additionally, representatives from the following are non - voting liaisons: the Board of the Chamber of Commerce, the Youth Board, the Planning Commission, the Burbank Water and Power Board, the Superintendent of the Burbank Unified School District or their designee, and the Executive Director of the Burbank - Glendale-Pasadena Airport or their designee.
6 Transportation Commission (BMC § 2-1-419)
Purpose: The Transportation Commission works to develop an adaptable and efficient mobility system that enhances Burbank’s quality of life, strengthens its economy, and ensures equal access. The Transportation Commission guides the community and Council on advancing the City’s transportation system, implementing adopted plans such as the Burbank2035 General Plan Mobility Element and Complete our Streets Plan , and monitoring the use of transportation funding. Their recommendations prioritize a balanced network that meets the needs of all users, including transit riders, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and individuals with mobility, visual, or hearing chall enges. The Commission may also make recommendations on traffic programs and parking.
Composition: The Transportation Commission consists of seven (7) members. The Council shall give consideration to appointing persons affiliated with the following groups:
small business, large business, transportation technology research and development organizations, homeowners, the Burbank -Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, transportation management organizations or associations, and other special needs groups such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and bicyclists.
Youth Board (BMC § 2-1-416)
Purpose: The Youth Board is committed to increasing youth engagement with City government through communication, advocating for youth -related issues, conducting outreach, advising on program development that will benefit youth in our community, and encouraging youth participation in government affairs.
Composition: The Youth Board consists of seventeen (17) members, four (4) of whom shall be selected as follows: one from Burbank High School, one from John Burroughs High School, one from Providence High School , and one from Monterey High School.
Seven (7) members shall be appointed by a three -fifths (3/5) vote of all the Council members. Six (6) members shall be designated as voting alternates and shall be selected as follows: one from Luther Burbank Middle Scho ol, one from Dolores Huerta Middle School, one from John Muir Middle School, one from St. Finbar, one from St. Francis Xavier, and one from St. Robert Bellarmine. The middle school representatives shall be members of either the seventh or eighth grade clas s. Should any designated school fail to submit a student representative for the Board, the vacant seat may be filled with an additional at -large member. No member shall be over 20 years of age at the time of appointment to the Board.
7 Other Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority
Purpose: The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority is a separate governmental entity created in 1977 under a joint powers agreement between the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena for the sole purpose of owning and operating the Hollywood Burbank Airport. The mission of the Airport Authority is to provide state-of-the-art regional airport facilities and related services that are efficient, safe, convenient, and user-friendly, while being a good neighbor.
Composition: The Airport Authority consists of nine (9) commissioners, three (3) from each city. The commissioners from each city are appointed by their respective City Councils.
Burbank Housing Corporation
Purpose: The Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC) is a non -profit affordable housing developer in Burbank, California. Chartered in 1997 with the assistance of the City of Burbank’s Redevelopment Agency, BHC has positively impacted the Burbank community and helped house hundreds of low- and moderate-income families by providing over 300 affordable rental units, four after-school and family resource centers, and two nationally accredited childcare centers.
Composition: A nine-member volunteer Board of Directors operates BHC. In accordance with its By -laws and Articles of Incorporation, the directors are appointed by different segments representative of the Burbank community: the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministerial Association, the Board of Realtors, Wesley Senior Housing, and the Advisory Council on Disabilities. To include BHC tenants in BHC decision -making process, two board positions are reserved for BHC residents. Council appoints two board members.
Community Development Goals Committee
Purpose: The Committee functions as the liaison entity between the City (Community Development Department) and the public (Burbank residents) on matters relevant to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Composition: The Committee consists of nine (9) members appointed by Council.
Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District
Purpose: The Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District, initially known as the Southeast Mosquito Abatement District , was established in 1952. The District provides vector (insect) control services throughout its service area which includes 35 cities and certain portions of the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
8 Composition: Each city within the boundaries, as well as Los Angeles County, may have representation on the Board. The Council appoints the City’s representative to the District for a four-year term.
Metropolitan Water District (Directorship)
Purpose: The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) is a special district governed by a 38 - member board of directors representing MWD’s 26-member public agencies. MWD provides drinking water to approximately 18 million people in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties.
Composition: Governed by a Board of Directors comprised of 38 members, each member agency is entitled to at least one director; additional directors are based on the assessed valuation for district purposes. As a member agency, the City of Burbank through the Council appoints one director.
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Committee
Purpose: Through direct action, alliances, partnerships, and joint powers authorities, the Conservancy's mission is to strategically buy back, preserve, protect, restore, and enhance treasured pieces of Southern California to form an interlinking system of urban, rural, and river parks; open space; trails; and wildlife habitats that are easily accessible to the general public. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy helps preserve more than 72,000 acres of parkland in both wilderness and urban settings and has improved more than 114 public recreational facilities throughout Southern California.
Composition: The Conservancy consists of nine (9) voting members, three (3) ex officio members, and six (6) legislative members. This policy-making entity for the Conservancy is broadly representative of state, regional, and local interests. A 26 -member Advisory Committee meets jointly with the Conservancy and offers citizens the opportunity for even greater participation. The Council appoints one representative to this Committee.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
Each BCC provides a valuable benefit and advantage to our community. Some staff members who work closely with the City’s BCCs, have recommended potential modifications to the current BCC structure and composition. Staff is seeking direction from Council on the proposed recommendations.
1. Establishing a Consistent Member Composition
To establish uniformity, consider setting an appropriate and consistent member composition. Staff recommendations included establishing a consistent composition of five (5) members - or in the case of some BCCs , no more than seven (7) members - for all City-initiated BCCs. An exception would be the Youth
9 Board (see section 2e, below). If Council opts to reduce the size of a given BCC, this could be gradually implemented as current terms expire or positions become vacant. The City Clerk’s Office conducted a survey of 52 cities (Attachment 1) and found that, on average, each had 12 BCCs comprised of 5–7 members.
2. Consolidation, Changes to Membership, and BCC Name Changes a. Remove the requirement to appoint one member to the Art in Public Places Committee from the residential community and one member from the business community following a recommendation from the Chamber of Commerce.
b. Consolidate the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and Art in Public Places Committee as a new commission potentially named the Cultural Affairs Commission. This new Cultural Affairs Commission would maximize and leverage resources, including staffing, to achieve goals and objectives in an efficient manner.
c. Consider changing the name of the Community Goals Committee to a more descriptive name such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Goals Committee.
d. Allow all members of the Youth Board, including “middle school voting alternates,” to be voting members.
e. Add a member to the Youth Board drawn from the high school student body of Lycee International (LILA) de Los Angeles.
f. Reduce the Youth Board to 13 members, 10 of whom (11 if LILA is added) would represent the designated schools as stated in the BMC with three (or four) members appointed at-large to maintain an odd member number (13 or 15) for voting purposes and to allow non -designated schools an opportunity for representation.
3. Attendance Policy and Causes for Removal
Currently, BMC § 2-1-403: ABSENCES AND VACANCIES (Attachment 2) provides limited reasons for BCC member removal, namely absences (three consecutive regular meeting absences or failure to attend 75% of regularly scheduled meetings in a 12-month period).
Council may wish to simplify the attendance requirement in the code:
10 a. A member’s second absence would continue to trigger a warning, but rather than staff notifying the BCC chair, staff would directly notify the member in writing with a copy provided to the chair and the City Clerk. b. Instead of relying on the member’s appointment date or their attendance during the previous quarter , Council could amend the code to apply to situations where a member misses three meetings during the 12 -month period of August 1 to July 31, with the absence count resetting the following August 1st. Upon the third absence the City Clerk would implement the existing procedure (i.e., the matter is placed on the Council’s agenda for consideration and action to either excuse the absences or remove the member.
c. Additionally, should the Council excuse the member’s three absences and the member misses a fourth meeting, Council may wish to amend the code so that upon the member’s fourth absence within that 12-month period, the City Clerk would implement the existing procedure . Alternatively, Council may authorize the member’s automatic removal by City staff. d. Finally, Council may amend the attendance requirement in the code to allow the members of the BCC to confer and recommend to Council a member’s removal for situations that are not tied solely to three or more missed meetings, such as repeated absences after an excusal hearing.
Council may wish to add additional reasons for BCC member removal:
a. Violation of the policies outlined in “City Council Expectations of Board, Commission, and Committee Members” (Attachment 3).
b. Failure to attend training sessions mandated by the City.
Other Council Considerations:
The Council may wish to consider other aspects of managing the City’s BCCs, including:
• Implementing term limits for BCC members
• Eliminating the requirement for members to be registered electors of the City • Requiring members of the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and the Sustainable Burbank Commission to be Burbank residents
• Removing non-voting liaisons from the Sustainable Burbank Commission • Addressing whether individuals serving on one BCC can apply to serve on another without resigning from their current position ; alternatively, Council may wish to
11 require serving BCC members to complete their term before applying for a different BCC.
• Establishing guidelines for the conduct of BCC meetings similar to the guidelines recently established for City Council meetings; Council may also wish to ask BCCs to establish annual or biennial goals and report out on progress.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity involves internal reorganization and has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. As such, it is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. However, each BCC requires City staff support and resources.
CONCLUSION
Staff is seeking direction from Council as to which proposals they wish to pursue and approval to return with more information and an outline of the steps necessary to implement them. Staff’s initial recommendations provide multiple benefits including reducing overlapping roles and duties, increasing the efficient use of City staff and resources, ensuring qualified and trained BCC members, and establishing defined guidelines and standards for all BCCs.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Survey of Cities
Attachment 2 – BMC § 2-1-403: Absences and Vacancies
Attachment 3 – City Council Expectations of Board, Commission, and Committee Members