1 CITY OF BURBANK
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JOINT MEETING WITH THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY,
HOUSING AUTHORITY, PARKING AUTHORITY,
AND YOUTH ENDOWMENT SERVICES FUND BOARD
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026
Call to Order:
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 Mayor Takahashi.
Present: Council Member(s) Anthony, Perez, Rizzotti, Vice Mayor Mullins, and Mayor Takahashi
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Hess, City Attorney McDougall, and City Clerk Clark Closed Session and Study Session Public Comment:
Appearing to comment were: Veronica Christenson and Marva-Lea Kornblatt.
Calling in to comment was: Jay Geisenheimer.
There being no further response to the Mayor's invitation for Public Comment on Closed Session and Study 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: Michelle Morris v. City of Burbank
c. Case No.: 25NNCV06802
d. Brief description and nature of case: Trip and fall
3. Conference with Real Property Negotiator
a. Pursuant to Govt. Code §54956.8
b. Property: Burbank Historical Society, 115 N. Lomita Street, Burbank, CA 91506, located on portions of George Izay Park
c. Parties Whom Agency or City is Negotiating with: Burbank Historical Society d. City Negotiator: Simone McFarland, Assistant Community Development Director – Business & Economic Development
e. Terms Under Negotiation: Ground lease renewal. Terms under negotiation include, but are not limited to, term of lease, rent, use, and maintenance. 2 The meeting reconvened in Study Session at 5:17 p.m. with Council Member Rizzotti recused from the Study Session item.
Study Session:
1. Update on the Status of the Burbank Rancho Neighborhood Specific Plan Development Process
Greg Mirza-Avakyan, Senior Planner, presented the PowerPoint Presentation and responded to City Council inquiries. Amanda Landry, Principal Planner, and Joseph McDougall, City Attorney, also responded to Council inquiries.
Christopher Buonomo, Senior Transportation Planner, and staff from Dudek were also available for Council inquiries.
Council Member Perez left the dais at 5:45 p.m.
The City Council Meeting recessed at 6:07 p.m. and reconvened at 6:17 p.m.
Council Members Perez and Rizzotti returned to the dais at 6:17 p.m.
Call to Order:
A Joint Meeting of the City Council and the Successor Agency, Housing Authority, Parking Authority, and the Youth Endowment Services Fund Board 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 6:17 p.m. by Mayor Takahashi.
Moment of Reflection:
Mayor Takahashi held a Moment of Reflection to begin the meeting with positive and collective support for our beloved community and asked for a Moment of Silence in honor of Renee Nicole Good.
Flag Salute:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Takahashi.
Roll Call:
Present: Council Member(s) Anthony, Perez, Rizzotti, Vice Mayor Mullins, and Mayor Takahashi
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Hess, City Attorney McDougall, and City Clerk Clark Mayor Takahashi indicated there would be two (2) periods of Public Comment at this evening's meeting and those who wish to participate in the General Public Comment period may call in at (818) 238-3335. The Reports to Council Public Comment period will only be taken in person.
Announcements:
Mayor Takahashi announced Consent Calendar Item No. 6 was removed from the agenda and would be brought to the City Council at a later date. 3 Mayor Takahashi displayed a PowerPoint presentation announcing the following: (1) Creative Industry Taskforce Community Workshop; (2) 2026 Homeless Count; (3) Golden State Neighborhood Protection Plan; (4) Infrastructure Oversight Board Vacancy; and (5) Art in Public Places Committee Vacancy.
Council Presentations/Recognitions:
1. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the Winners of the OurBurbank 2025 Holiday Decorating Contest
Mayor Takahashi announced and presented Certificates of Recognition to the following winners of the Our Burbank 2025 Holiday Decorating Contest: Dr. Terry Moren (Residential 3rd Place), Arnulfo Padilla (Residential 2nd Place), Smeed Family, Azoy Family, and Knetchel Family (Residential 1st Place), Hudson Das and Margot Das (Youth Category), and The Actor’s Group (Commercial).
2. Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to the Burbank Tournament of Roses Association
Mayor Takahashi presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Burbank Tournament of Roses Association and introduced Linda Cozakos, President of the Burbank Tournament of Roses Association, who made remarks and presented the float's replica of Burbank Police Department K-9 Spike's collar to Officer Corey Salas.
City Manager Report:
City Manager Hess introduced Gina Kozai, Administrative Analyst II - Burbank Police Department, who provided an update on the City’s film permitting process.
Reporting on Closed Session:
City Attorney McDougall reported that the City Council met in Closed Session regarding the agendized Closed Session items and, for Item No. 1, City Council authorized staff to initiate litigation. The details regarding the defendant and the nature of the case would be disclosed upon request after the litigation has been filed and served on the defendant. For Item Nos. 2 and 3, City Council took no reportable action.
Joint General Public Comment:
Appearing to comment were: Roy Simison, Mike Van Gorder, Ron Bax, Hilda Avanessian, Angelica Ulloa, Diana Pulver, Suzanne Weerts, David Donahue, Carmenita Helligar, Jo Pimienta, Mark Scroggs, Dan K., Susan O'Carroll, and Jomo.
Calling in to comment were: Kreigh Hempel and Ali.
Council, City Manager, and/or City Attorney Comment:
Council Members and Staff responded to Public Comment.
Consent Calendar:
It was moved by Vice Mayor Mullins, seconded by Council Member Perez, to approve the Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-5 and 7-15, with Item No. 15 approved as amended. The motion carried 5-0 with the following roll call vote: AYES: Anthony, Perez, Rizzotti, Mullins, and Takahashi. NOES: None.
4 Item No. 6 was removed from the agenda and will be brought back to Council at a future meeting.
Council Member Rizzotti requested a brief update on Item No. 8. Mandip Samra, Burbank Water and Power General Manager, responded to Council inquiries.
For Item No. 15, Vice Mayor Mullins requested to modify the proposed City Council Meeting Schedule to move the Council Meeting of November 24, 2026 to November 17, 2026.
1. City Council Minutes
Approve the City Council Minutes of the City Council Reorganization Meeting of December 15, 2025; the Regular Meeting of December 16, 2025; and the Dark Meetings of December 23 and December 30, 2025, and January 6, 2026.
2. Successor Agency Minutes
Approve the Successor Agency Minutes of the Joint Meeting of September 9, 2025.
3. Housing Authority Minutes
Approve the Housing Authority Minutes of the Joint Meeting of December 9, 2025.
4. Parking Authority Minutes
Approve the Parking Authority Minutes of the Joint Meeting of October 14, 2025.
5. Youth Endowment Services Fund Board Minutes
Approve the Youth Endowment Services Fund Board Minutes of the Joint Meeting of September 9, 2025.
6. Adoption of a Resolution Correcting Resolution No. 25-29,664 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Design-Build Contract with Landscape Structures, Inc. and Delegating Authority to Approve Plans and Specifications for Shade Structures at Robert E. Gross Park Ballfields (REMOVED) Recommendation:
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK CORRECTING RESOLUTION NO. 25-29,664 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACT WITH LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES, INC. AND DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SHADE STRUCTURES AT ROBERT E. GROSS PARK BALLFIELDS.
5 7. Adoption of a Resolution Awarding Contract Documents Including Plans, Specifications and Environmental Analysis, and Authorizing the Execution of a Construction Contract for Bid Schedule No. 1542, Burbank’s Home Again Los Angeles (HALA) Access Center, to Cal-City Construction, Inc., as the Highest Ranked Bidder and Best Value to the City
RESOLUTION NO. 26-29,676
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK
AWARDING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS INCLUDING PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS, AND AUTHORIZING
THE EXECUTION OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTFOR BID SCHEDULE NO. 1542, BURBANK’S HOME AGAIN LOS ANGELES (HALA) ACCESS CENTER, TO CAL-CITY CONSTRUCTION, INC., AS THE HIGHEST RANKED BIDDER AND BEST VALUE TO THE CITY.
8. Adoption of a Resolution Ratifying And Approving Community Energy Reliability And Resilience Investment Program Grant Applications for an Award of $5,186,701 for the Burbank Grid Forward 12kv Conversion Project, Commitment to Fund $36,800,000 over Fiscal Years 2027-28, 2028-29, 2029-30, and 2030- 31, and Authorizing the Burbank Water and Power General Manager, as the City Manager’s Designee, to Negotiate, Execute, and Implement All Required and Related Agreements and Forms with the California Energy Commission and the Department of Energy
1. RESOLUTION NO. 26-29,677
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK
RATIFYING AND APPROVING GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR AN AWARD OF $5,186,701 FROM THE COMMUNITY ENERGY RELIABILITY AND
RESILIENCE INVESTMENT (CERRI) PROGRAM FOR THE BURBANK
GRID FORWARD 12KV CONVERSION PROJECT (PROPOSED
PROJECT) BY BURBANK WATER AND POWER (BWP), COMMITMENT
TO FUND $36,800,000 OVER FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2027-28, FY 2028-29, FY 2029-30, AND FY 2030-31, AND AUTHORIZING THE BWP GENERAL MANAGER, AS THE CITY MANAGER’S DESIGNEE, TO NEGOTIATE,
EXECUTE, AND IMPLEMENT ALL REQUIRED AND RELATED
AGREEMENTS AND FORMS WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY
COMMISSION (CEC) AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE);
2. Authorize BWP General Manager to accept all grant funds under these agreements.
9. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Grant Agreement with California Fire Foundation for Disaster Relief and Recovery, Acceptance of Grant Funds in the Amount of $25,000, and Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget by Appropriating Funds Towards the Burbank Fire Department’s Wildland Program
6 RESOLUTION NO. 26-29,678
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH
CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY, ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 AND
AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING FUNDS TOWARDS THE BURBANK FIRE DEPARTMENT’S WILDLAND
PROGRAM.
10.Acceptance of an Additional $382,630 from the Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department - Funding for the Contracted Elderly Nutrition Program and Related Amendment of the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Adopted Budget
1. Accept $382,630 from the County of Los Angeles Aging and Disabilities Department, Net County Cost (NCC) and Modernizing Older Californias Act (MOCA) Funding, and Intensive Program (NSIP) Funding to extend the Contracted Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) Older Americans Act Title III C- 1 and Title III C-2 Services and Approve the Executed Elderly Nutrition Program Amendment One.
2. Amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Adopted Budget as follows upon receipt of the grant funds in FY 2025-2026 by appropriating $362,930 (NCC funding $87,000, MOCA funding $250,000 and NSIP funding $25,930) from revenue account 001.PR000.48010.1007.000000 (General Fund, Other Intergovernmental Revenue, Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department Nutrition State C1) to expenditure account 001.PR42A.62300.0000.000000 (General Fund, Supplemental Nutrition Program, Special Department Supplies) and appropriating $19,700 (NSIP C2 Funding $19,700) from revenue account
001.PR000.48010.1008.000000 (General Fund, Other Intergovernmental Revenue, Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department Nutrition State C2) to account number 001.PR42A.62300.0000.000000 (General Fund, Supplemental Nutrition Program, Special Department Supplies).
11.Acceptance of a Grant from California Library Literacy Services in the Amount of $39,570 for Adult Literacy Services and Amendment of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget
Accept a grant from California Library Literacy Services in the amount of $39,570 for Adult Literacy Services and authorize the Library Services Director or his designee to take all actions necessary to receive such funds and amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget as specified to receive and appropriate these grant funds.
7 12.Acceptance of a Donation to the Library Services Department in the Amount of $50,000 from the Friends of the Burbank Public Library to Support Early Childhood Learning and Library of Things Collection and Authorization to Amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Adopted Budget
Accept a donation from Friends of the Burbank Public Library in the amount of $50,000, authorize the Library Services Director or his or her designee to take all actions necessary to receive such funds, and amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget as specified to receive and appropriate these funds.
13.Approval of Bikeway License Agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Construction and Maintenance Agreement with Southern California Regional Rail Authority, and Use Agreement with Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the San Fernando Bikeway Project
Approve the following agreements related to permitting and construction of the San Fernando Bikeway Project, with reasonable changes in form and substance approved by the City Attorney’s Office, and authorize the Community Development Director, as the City Manager’s designee, to execute such Agreements and any necessary amendments thereto:
a. Bikeway License Agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority b. Construction and Maintenance Agreement with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority
c. Use Agreement with Los Angeles County Flood Control District
14.Review of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (with Successor Agency, Housing Authority, Parking Authority, and Youth Endowment Services Fund Board)
Note and file.
15.Approval of the Proposed City Council Meeting Schedule for March 2026 through February 2027
Approve the proposed City Council Meeting Schedule for March 2026 through February 2027.
Reports to Council:
1. Appointment of City Council Members to Committee and Liaison Roles for the 2026 Calendar Year
Cathryn LaBrado, Assistant to the City Manager, presented the report and responded to City Council inquiries. Justin Hess, City Manager, also responded to Council inquiries.
Public Comment:
Appearing to comment was: None.
8 Council Action:
It was approved by Council consensus to appoint members of the City Council to Committee and Liaison roles as listed below for the 2026 calendar year.
1. Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Mayor Takahashi and Council Member Perez
2. Airport Ad Hoc Committee
Mayor Takahashi and Vice Mayor Mullins
3. Audit Committee
Vice Mayor Mullins and Council Member Perez
4. Burbank Unified School District/City Council Committee Mayor Takahashi and Vice Mayor Mullins
5. Economic Development Subcommittee
Vice Mayor Mullins and Council Member Rizzotti
6. Fiscal & Treasurer’s Review Group
Council Member Anthony and Council Member Rizzotti
7. Public Information Office Advisory Committee
Mayor Takahashi and Vice Mayor Mullins
8. American Public Power Association Policy Makers Council Council Member Perez
9. Arroyo Verdugo Communities Subregion Joint Powers Authority Vice Mayor Mullins and Council Member Rizzotti (Alternate)
10. Burbank Glendale Pasadena Regional Housing Trust Board of Directors
Council Member Perez and Vice Mayor Mullins (Alternate)
11. Disaster Council (BMC Section 5-2-103 designates Mayor) Mayor Takahashi and Vice Mayor Mullins
12. Domestic Violence Task Force
Vice Mayor Mullins and Council Member Anthony
13. League of California Cities
(Annual Statewide Voting Delegate)
Mayor Takahashi and Vice Mayor Mullins (Alternate). If neither is available, one of the remaining Council Members can serve as alternate. 9 14. League of California Cities (LA Division)
Mayor Takahashi and Vice Mayor Mullins
15. San Fernando Valley Council of Governments (SFVCOG) Mayor Takahashi and Council Member Perez (Alternate)
16. San Fernando Valley Service Sector Governance Council (Metro) (No Seat Currently Available)
17. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) District 42 Representative
Council Member Perez
18. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Annual General Assembly Voting Delegate
Mayor Takahashi and Vice Mayor Mullins (Alternate)
19. Valley Economic Alliance (Board of Directors)
Mayor Takahashi and Council Member Perez
20. Board of Library Trustees
Council Member Perez
21. Burbank Cultural Arts Commission
Mayor Takahashi and Council Member Anthony (Alternate)
22. Infrastructure Oversight Board (IOB)
Mayor Takahashi and Vice Mayor Mullins
23. Parks and Recreation Board
Council Member Rizzotti and Council Member Anthony (Alternate)
24. Planning Commission
Council Member Rizzotti
25. Police Commission
Vice Mayor Mullins and Council Member Rizzotti (Alternate)
26. Senior Citizen Board
Vice Mayor Mullins and Council Member Anthony (Alternate)
27. Sustainable Burbank Commission
Mayor Takahashi and Council Member Perez
28. Transportation Commission
Council Member Anthony and Council Member Rizzotti (Alternate) 10 29. Youth Board
Council Member Perez
30. Burbank Association of Realtors
V
ice Mayor Mullins and Council Member Rizzotti (Alternate)
31. Burbank Chamber of Commerce
Mayor
Takahashi
32. Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Working Group Council Member Perez and Mayor
Takahashi (Alternate)
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. Mayor Takahashi’s request for a first step report on the Downtown Paseo improvements and plans for the cultural market (December 16, 2025).
It was approved by roll call vote to direct staff to provide a first step report on the Downtown Paseo improvements and plans for the Downtown Burbank Cultural Market. The motion carried 5-0 with the following roll call vote: AYES: Anthony, Perez, Rizzotti, Mullins, and Takahashi. NOES: None.
Introduction of Additional Agenda Items:
Vice Mayor Mullins requested to a Council Presentation to recognize the creators of Piper's Pals at a City Council meeting.
Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. to Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for a Regular Meeting in the Council Chamber – 275 East Olive Avenue, Second Floor.
_s/Tamala Takahashi_________
Tamala Takahashi
Mayor
_s/Kimberley Clark____________
Kimberley Clark
City Clerk
APPROVED DATE: January 27, 2026