1 AMENDED
CITY OF BURBANK
CITY COUNCIL JOINT MEETING WITH THE PARKING AUTHORITY MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025
Call to Order
Present:
Absent:
Also Present:
A Closed Session Meeting of the City Council of the City of Burbank was held in the Council Chamber, 275 East Olive Avenue, on the above date.
The meeting was called to order at 4:04 p.m. by Vice Mayor Takahashi.
Council Members Anthony, Mullins, and Rizzotti, Vice Mayor Takahashi, and Mayor Perez (arrived 4:04 p.m.)
None.
City Manager Hess, City Attorney McDougall, and City Clerk Clark.
CLOSED SESSION AND COMMENT:
There being no response to the Mayor's invitation for Public Comment on Closed Session matters, the City Council recessed at this time to the City Hall First Floor Conference Room to hold a Closed Session on the following:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation a. Initiation of litigation pursuant to Govt. Code §54956.9(d)(4) City as Potential Plaintiff
b. Number of potential case(s): 1
2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
a. Pursuant to Govt. Code §54956.9(d)(1)
b. Name of Case: VCI v. City of Burbank
c. Case No.: 22BBCV00432
d. Brief description and nature of case: Department of Water and Power breach of contract matter
3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
a. Pursuant to Govt. Code §54956.9(d)(1)
b. Name of Case: Shahram Rasouli v. City of Burbank
c. Case No.: 24NNCV04282
d. Brief description and nature of case: Personal injury – auto accident
4. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
a. Pursuant to Govt. Code §54956.9(d)(1)
b. Name of Case: Mendez Garcia v. City of Burbank et al. c. Case No.: 24NNCV04734
d. Brief description and nature of case: Motor vehicle accident
5. Conference with Real Property Negotiator
a. Pursuant to Govt. Code §54956.8
b. Property: 2244 N. Buena Vista St, Burbank, CA 91504
c. Parties Whom Agency or City is Negotiating with: Home Again
LA (HALA)
d. City Negotiator: Simone McFarland, Assistant Community Development Director – Business & Economic Development
e. Terms Under Negotiation: Price, length of term, building improvement costs, contributions, and reimbursements
The meeting reconvened at 6:05 p.m. with all Council Members present. 7/ 15/2025
2 Call to Order A Joint Meeting of the City Council and the Parking Authority of the City of Burbank was held in the Council Chamber, 275 East Olive Avenue, on the above date. The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Mayor Perez.
Moment of
Reflection
Flag Salute
Roll Call
Present:
Absent:
Also Present:
Mayor Perez held a Moment of Reflection to begin the meeting with positive and collective support for our beloved community.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Perez.
Council Members Anthony, Mullins, and Rizzotti, Vice Mayor Takahashi, and Mayor Perez.
None.
City Manager Hess, City Attorney McDougall, and City Clerk Clark.
Mayor Perez indicated there would be five (5) periods of Public Comment at this evening’s meeting and those who wish to participate in the Joint General Public Comment and Public Hearing periods may call in at (818) 238-3335. The Reports to Council Public Comment periods will only be taken in person.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Perez announced Item No. 5 was postponed and will be brought back to Council at a future meeting.
Mayor Perez displayed a PowerPoint p resentation announcing the following: (1) Burbank Water & Power Business Bucks Program; (2) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project Community Meeting; (3) Media Industry Expo & Job Fair; and (4) National Night Out.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
Mayor Perez introduced Eric Hansen, Chair of the Family Services Agency Carewalk and former Burbank Park, Recreation, and Community Services Director, who presented Family Service Agency's 17th Annual CareWalk Award to Director Marisa Garcia on behalf of the Burbank Parks and Recreation Department.
Mayor Perez presented a Proclamation Declaring July 2025 as “National Parks and Recreation Month” in the City of Burbank and introduced Ara Messerlian, Park, Recreation, and Community Services Board Chair, who showed a video and made remarks.
Mayor Perez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Burbank resident Ruth Sherman in honor of her 105th birthday.
Mayor Perez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Detective Ryan Alexy for being named the recipient of the 2025 Rex Andrews Police Scholar Award and introduced Rafael Quintero, Burbank Police Chief ; Cynthia Wagner, Burbank Rotary Club ; and Detective Ryan Alexy, Burbank Police Department, who made remarks.
7/ 15/2025
3 Meeting recessed/
reconvened
Joint General Public
Comment
Motion
City Council Minutes
Parking Authority
Minutes
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Hess introduced Ken Berkman, Public Works Director, and Eric Lashley, Library Services Director, who provided an update on the City Hall Fountain and the Central Library project.
REPORTING ON CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney McDougall reported that the City Council met in Closed Session regarding the agendized Closed Session items and City Council took no reportable action.
The City Council Meeting recessed at 6 :58 p.m. and reconvened at 7:05 p.m.
JOINT GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT:
Appearing to comment were: Ron Bax, Jeff Ferguson, Jason Lewis, Gina Black, Robbie Brody, Linda Cozakos, Farrah Assadi, Julie Markarian, Lynn Lipinski, Janet Diel , Jenny Deahl, Mark Scroggs, Mike Derian, Harry Timuryan, Bennett Taracena, Matthew Arat, Cynthia Pease, Leah Harrison, Stefanie Girard, Ara Messerlian, Kristy M. Maloof, Mayboll Carrasco, Meghan B., Kyle Anderson, Christina Boyar, Diana Pulver, Terri Freedman, Corey Mensing, Douglas Carlson, Kat Kosmala, Antoinette Dohmen, Daniel, Andrew H., Liz Bax, Ashley Ramsey, Alissandra Valdez, and David Blumberg.
Calling in to comment were: Marjani Elgenedy, Linda Walmsley, Michael Rosenkrantz, Rennie Gabriel, Jo Pimienta, Jackie Waltman, Anonymous, and April.
COUNCIL, CITY MANAGER AND/OR CITY ATTORNEY COMMENT:
Council Members and Staff responded to Public Comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
It was moved by Council Member Mullins, seconded by Council Member Rizzotti, and carried 5-0 by roll call vote for Item Nos. 1-4 and 7-8, and for Item No. 6, carried 4 -0-1 (Anthony, abstain), to approve the Consent Calendar.
Item No. 5 was postponed and will be brought back to Council at a future meeting.
1. City Council Minutes
Approve the City Council Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 24, 2025, and the Dark Meetings of July 1 and July 8, 2025.
2. Parking Authority Minutes Office
Approve the Parking Authority Minutes of the Joint Meeting of June 3, 2025.
7/ 15/2025
4 Adoption of an
Ordinance Amending
Burbank Municipal
Code Section 2-1-202
Relating to
Compensation of
Council Members
Adoption of a
Resolution Approving
the 2025 Title VI
Program Triennial
Update for
BurbankBus per the
U.S. DOT/FTA Title VI
Requirements and
Guidelines for
Federally Funded
Subrecipients
Adoption of a
Resolution Approving
an Entry and License
Agreement with
Nearby Businesses to
Use a Trash Enclosure
at the 133 E. Orange
Grove Avenue Public
Parking Structure, and
Delegating Signature
Authority to the
Executive Director as
the Chairman’s
Designee
Adoption of a
Resolution Authorizing
Acceptance of the
2024 Urban Area
Security Initiative
Grant, and Any Future
Amendments,
Accepting $247,041 in
Grant Funds, and
Amending the Fiscal
Year 2025-26 Budget
by Appropriating Funds
3. Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Burbank Municipal Code Section 2-1-202 Relating to Compensation of Council Members
ORDINANCE NO. 25-4,030
Adopt AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BURBANK AMENDING BURBANK MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2 -
1-202 RELATING TO COMPENSATION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS.
4. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the 2025 Title VI Program Triennial Update for BurbankBus per the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) / Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federally Funded Subrecipients
RESOLUTION NO. 25-29,632
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BURBANK APPROVING THE 2025 TITLE VI PROGRAM TRIENNIAL
UPDATE FOR BURBANKBUS PER THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) / FEDERAL TRANSIT
ADMINISTRATION (FTA) TITLE VI REQUIREMENTS AND
GUIDELINES FOR FEDERALLY FUNDED SUBRECIPIENTS.
5. Adoption of a Resolution of the Parking Authority of the City of Burbank Approving an Entry and License Agreement with Nearby Businesses to Use a Trash Enclosure at the 133 E. Orange Grove Avenue Public Parking Structure, and Delegating Signature Authority to the Executive Director as the Chairman’s Designee (with Parking Authority) (POSTPONED)
Recommendation:
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE PARKING AUTHORITY OF THE
CITY OF BURBANK APPROVING AN ENTRY AND LICENSE
AGREEMENT WITH NEARBY BUSINESSES TO USE A TRASH
ENCLOSURE AT THE 133 E. ORANGE GROVE AVENUE PUBLIC
PARKING STRUCTURE, AND DELEGATING SIGNATURE
AUTHORITY TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AS THE
CHAIRMAN’S DESIGNEE.
6. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of the 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant, and Any Future Amendments, Accepting $247,041 in Grant Funds, and Amending the Fiscal Year 2025- 26 Budget by Appropriating Funds
RESOLUTION NO. 25-29,633
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BURBANK AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS
DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE 2024 URBAN AREA SECURITY
INITIATIVE (UASI) SUBAWARD AGREEMENT AND ANY FUTURE
AMENDMENTS, ACCEPTING $247,041 IN 2024 UASI GRANT
FUNDS, AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025 -26
BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING FUNDS.
7/ 15/2025
5 Approval to Amend the
FY 2025-26 Adopted
Budget and
Appropriate General
Plan Maintenance
Funds for Consultant
Services to Update
and Apply the City’s
Travel Demand
Forecast Model to
Analyze Growth
Assumptions for the
Proposed Downtown
Burbank Transit
Oriented Development,
Golden State, and
Media District Specific
Plans
Approval of the City of
Burbank Tournament
of Roses 2026 Float
Rendering
Consideration of an
Appeal of a Decision of
the Permit Appeals
Panel to Uphold a Fine
Due to Violation of
BMC § 7-4-104 Illegal
Pruning of City Tree at
1083 E. Harvard Rd.
Public Hearing Opened
Staff Report
Rebuttal
Public Hearing Public
Comment
Public Hearing Closed
7. Approval to Amend the Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Adopted Budget and Appropriate General Plan Maintenance Funds for Consultant Services to Update and Apply the City’s Travel Demand Forecast Model to Analyze Growth Assumptions for the Proposed Downtown Burbank Transit Oriented Development, Golden State, and Media District Specific Plans
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025- 26 Budget to Appropriate General Plan Maintenance Funds in the Amount of $72,500 to Update and Apply the City’s Travel Demand Forecast Model to Projected Growth Assumptions for the Downtown Burbank Transit Oriented
Development, Golden State and Media District Specific Plans.
8. Approval of the City of Burbank Tournament of Roses 2026 Float Rendering
Approve the Burbank Tournament of Roses 2026 float rendering.
PUBLIC HEARING:
9. Consideration of an Appeal of a Decision of the Permit Appeals Panel to Uphold a Fine Due to Violation of Burbank Municipal Code, Section 7-4-104 Illegal Pruning of City Tree at 1083 East Harvard Road, Burbank 91501 Submitted by Marine Bezhanyan
The Public Hearing was opened at 8 :21 p.m. There were no Conflict- of-Interest disclosures. City Clerk Clark confirmed that there was a complete file of exhibits, correspondence including emails and other documents, and that two written correspondences were received from staff.
Ray Johal, Senior Assistant City Attorney, and Michael del Campo , Park, Recreation, and Community Services Assistant Director – Forestry Division , presented the report and responded to Council inquiries. Joseph McDougall, City Attorney; Juan Cardenas, Forestry Services Supervisor; and Justin Hess, City Manager, also responded to City Council inquiries.
Marine Bezhanyan, Appellant, presented the rebuttal.
Public Hearing Public Comment:
Appearing to comment was: None.
Calling in to comment was: None.
The Public Hearing was closed at 9:53 p.m.
7/ 15/2025
6 Motion
Appointment to Fill
Vacancies on Various
City of Burbank
Boards, Commissions,
and Committees
Staff Report
Public Comment
Motion
Council Action:
It was moved by Council Member Anthony, seconded by Council Member Rizzotti, and carried 5-0 by roll call vote, to deny the appeal and uphold the Permit Appeals Panel’s decision to uphold the fine issued by the Park, Recreation and Community Services Department for the violation of the Burbank Municipal Code related to the unauthorized pruning of a City -owned tree adjacent to 1083 East Harvard Road.
REPORTS TO COUNCIL:
10. Appointment to Fill Vacancies on Various City of Burbank Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Kimberley Clark, City Clerk , presented the report and responded to City Council inquiries.
Public Comment:
Appearing to comment were: James Coomes, Rachel Hastings Saunders, Romik Hacobian, Abdi Saghafi, Jessica Martin, Zach Martin, Narbeh Hartoonian, Kevin Morris, Meggy Kawsek, Eddy Polon, Brooks Pipher, Jillian Stein, Charles Wilson, Jeff Frame, Wendy Templeton, Samantha Wick, Colin Hoffmeister, Mercedes Cooper, and Sara Mendez.
Jackie Brenneman submitted a comment card but did not wish to speak.
Council Action:
It was unanimously approved 5- 0 to make appointments to the following City of Burbank Boards, Commissions, and Committees:
• Paulina Safarian, Samantha Wick, and Sara Mendez to the Planning Commission for a full, 4-year term ending July 31, 2029;
• Romik Hacobian; Paul McKenna, Jr.; Narbeh Hartoonian; and James Coomes to the P olice Commission for a full, 4- year term ending July 31, 2029;
• Duanne Gilmore, Colin Hoffmeister, and Maria Coronado to the Infrastructure Oversight Board for a full, 4 -year term ending July 31, 2029;
• Jacqueline Brenneman, Stefanie Girard, Leaf Harrison , and Mercedes Cooper to the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission for a full, 4-year term ending July 31, 2029;
• Eddy Polon, Jason Lewis, Abdi Saghafi, and John Pipher to the Transportation Commission for a full, 4 -year term ending July 31, 2029;
• Charles Wilson , Rachel Hastings Saunders , Alissandra Valdez , Adrine Der-Tavitian, and Kevin Morris to the Sustainable Burbank 7/ 15/2025
7 Consideration of
Options and Impacts of
a Potential Citywide
Gas-Powered Leaf
Blower Ban
First Step Report on
Consideration of the
Implementation of
Interactive Kiosks
Staff Report
Public Comment
Motion
Commission for a full, 4-year term ending July 31, 2029; and
• Ara Messerlian, Robbie Brody, and Farrah Assadi to the Park, Recreation and Community Services Board for a full, 4 -year term ending July 31, 2029.
Council Members voted by consensus to continue with City business past 11:00 p.m. and to postpone discussion of Item No. 11 until the July 29, 2025, City Council meeting.
11. Consideration of Options and Impacts of a Potential Citywide Gas - Powered Leaf Blower Ban (POSTPONED)
Recommendation:
1) Allow the use of gas -powered leaf blowers to be eliminated through attrition; or
2) Direct staff to develop and introduce a draft Ordinance banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
12. First Step Report on Consideration of the Implementation of Interactive Kiosks
Courtney Padgett, Assistant City Manager, presented the report and responded to City Council inquiries.
Public Comment:
Appearing to comment were: Clay Collett and Terri Freedman.
Council Action:
It was moved by Council Member Anthony, seconded by Mayor Perez, and carried 5-0 by roll call vote, to direct staff to bring the item back for a Study Session to review and discuss the feasibility of a pilot program, community engagement, potential Burbank Municipal Code
amendments, and procurement process options.
Council Comments
Consideration of
Previously Introduced
Additional Agenda
Items
Motion
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Council Members reported out on Council committee assignments and attendance at conferences, regional meetings, and community events.
CONSIDERATION OF PREVIOUSLY INTRODUCED ADDITIONAL
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Vice Mayor Takahashi’s request to consider sending a letter of support for SB 805 - No Vigilantes Act (June 24, 2025)
It was moved by Council Member Anthony, seconded by Mayor Perez, and carried 4-1 (Rizzotti, dissent) by roll call vote, to bring back an item to provide a letter of support for SB 805 - No Vigilantes Act.
2. Vice Mayor Takahashi’s request to agendize a report regarding a potential ordinance requiring fire extinguishers when using weed removal tools in fire zones (June 24, 2025)
7/ 15/2025
8 _s/Kimberley Clark_________________
Kimberley Clark
City Clerk
_s/Tamala Takahashi__________________
Tamala Takahashi
Vice Mayor
APPROVED DATE: August 26, 2025
Motion
No action taken
Motion
Introduction of
Additional Agenda
Items
It was moved by Vice Mayor Takahashi , seconded by Mayor Perez, and carried 5-0 by roll call vote, to consider requiring fire extinguishers while using weed removal tools in fire zones when the 2025 Fire Code amendment item is brought to Council.
3. Council Member Anthony’s request to consider providing a letter to Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Adam Schiff, and Congressmember Laura Friedman regarding the constitutionality of President Trump’s use of military force without congressional approval (June 24, 2025)
Council took no action on this item.
4. Council Member Mullins’ s request to agendize a report on renaming the Landlord- Tenant Commission as the Housing Provider -Tenant Commission and amending BMC 2-1- 417 and other reference s to replace “landlord” with “housing provider” (June 24, 2025)
It was moved by Vice Mayor Takahashi, seconded by Council Member Anthony, and carried 5-0 by roll call vote, to consider renaming the Landlord-Tenant Commission when landlord- tenant matters return to Council in October 2025.
INTRODUCTION OF ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS:
Council Member Anthony requested an informational memo regarding banning the use of live ammunition during film and television production.
Adjournment ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 11: 58 p .m. to Tuesday, July 29, 2025, for a Regular Meeting in the Council Chamber – 275 East Olive Avenue, Second Floor.