Present-

Council Members Campbell, Golonski, Ramos and Vander Borght.

Absent - - - -

Council Member Murphy.

Also Present -

Ms. Alvord, City Manager; Mr. Barlow, City Attorney; and, Mrs. Campos, City Clerk.

Potential Soccer

Field Sites Study

Session

Mr. Hansen, Park, Recreation and Community Services Director, provided the Council with information on potential soccer field sites.  He discussed several issues for consideration, including: the cost of development depending on type of surface, need for lighting, availability of water and ownership of land; type of surface, including natural and synthetic turf; and, size of fields such as 1.24 acres for an adult-size field, 0.58 acres for a youth-size field and 0.09 for a field for children up to six years of age.  He noted other issues such as neighborhood impact, availability of parking, support facilities such as restrooms and maintenance, use of existing developed park acres versus undeveloped acreage and ability to provide sufficient play area for youth and adults. He then discussed several potential sites and their pros and cons, including: the Armory site; Cabrini Basin; Bel Aire Ballfield; Fire Station 16; Palm Ballfield; Burbank High School; John Burroughs High School; John Muir Middle School; Jordan Middle School; Luther Burbank Middle School; Stevenson and Edison Elementary Schools; Lincoln Switching Station; and, the Fire Training Center.  He then requested Council direction with regard to priorities to pursue, additional properties to explore and the joint use option.

Mr. Golonski was supportive of pursuing the Armory site, but disagreed with consideration of the hillside sites due to traffic impacts on residential neighborhoods.  He suggested continuing to work with Burbank Water and Power (BWP) for rebuilt or relocated distribution station sites, acknowledged that Luther Middle School is already heavily utilized and that he would not want to further intensify the use, and noted that John Muir Middle School is too residentially adjacent.  He also suggested pursuing discussions with the Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) for the use of Jordan Middle School and working with the Redevelopment Agency to locate sites that may become available in the future.  He also noted the possibility of utilizing the top of the future Central Library parking structure as a recreational facility.

Mr. Vander Borght supported maintaining the Palm Ballfield option, citing the opportunity to work jointly with BWP.  He encouraged joint partnership with the BUSD particularly on improvements to the John Burroughs and Burbank High School field renovations.  He was also agreeable to pursuing improvements for Jordan Middle School and utilizing reconfigured or relocated BWP facilities.

Mr. Campbell was not supportive of utilizing switching and distribution station sites due to the associated cost and inadequate sizes.  He also expressed concern with the Armory site since it is in the Airport flight path, but supported maintaining the hillside area options, noting that an extensive public outreach process would have to be undertaken.  He also encouraged joint partnership with the BUSD on the high school sites but not middle school sites, citing issues with accessibility and allowing adults on middle school campuses.

Mrs. Ramos approved of the joint partnerships with the BUSD on the high school sites and supported use of the Jordan Middle School site for a youth field.  She also noted potential for improvements on the Luther Middle School campus, and expressed her preference to maintain the Palm Ballfield and Armory site options.  She stated that the joint partnership on the BUSD sites was higher in priority compared to the distribution stations.

Mr. Golonski informed the Council of prior community opposition to hillside recreational facilities.  Ms. Alvord elaborated on prior efforts of a Hillside Recreation Task Force. She also provided clarification on the Palm Ballfield site and noted that there maybe other potential options on property in close proximity to the Fire Training Center.

Mr. Vander Borght maintained support for the Palm Ballfield option but noted Council consensus to prioritize joint partnership with the BUSD.

Regular Meeting

Reconvened in

Council Chambers

The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Burbank was reconvened at 6:43 p.m. by Mr. Vander Borght, Mayor.

Invocation

The invocation was given by Reverend Ron Degges, Little White Chapel.

Flag Salute

ROLL CALL

The pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Mr. Kramer, Community Assistance Coordinator.

Present-

Council Members Campbell, Golonski, Ramos and Vander Borght.

Absent - - - -

Council Member Murphy.

Also Present -

Ms. Alvord, City Manager; Mr. Barlow, City Attorney; and, Mrs. Campos, City Clerk.

Reporting on

Council Liaison

Committees

Ms. Alvord, City Manager, read a statement received from Council Member Murphy�s attorney regarding her absence from the Council meeting.

Mr. Vander Borght reported on the Community Services Building subcommittee meeting he attended with Mr. Campbell.

Mr. Campbell reported on the Arroyo-Verdugo Cities meeting and on a meeting he attended with members of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Southern California Association of Governments and Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa�s office, to discuss traffic and transportation issues.

406

Airport Authority

Meeting Report

Commissioner Brown reported on the Airport Authority meeting of July 18, 2005.  He stated that the Authority unanimously approved: the acquisition of radio equipment and frequencies to modernize the Airport�s communications system and permit easier and quicker communications between the public safety departments of the Airport and the cities of Burbank, Glendale and Los Angeles; a month-to-month extension of the agreement with the current contract parking operator; and, various consulting costs incurred due to a recent bond issue to acquire the Star Park property.  He also noted that American Airlines rescheduled an early morning departure to Dallas to comply with the voluntary curfew.

The Council received the report.

Initial Open

Public Comment

Period of Oral

Communications

Mr. Vander Borght called for speakers for the initial open public comment period of oral communications at this time.

Citizen

Comment

Appearing to comment were:  Gary Garrison, on the Downtown summer programs; Tara Sgambellone, on the chihuahua animal rescue case; Zoe Bright, inviting the Council to attend the Foothill Summer Theater production; Dr. David Gordon, on recent events in the City which were not broadcast on Channel 6 and urging the Council not to change the oral communications format; Theresa Karam, on recent events in the City; Maria Proctor, on abandoned shopping carts; Mark Stebbeds, expressing concern with the City�s website; Esther Espinoza and Mark Barton, on recent events in the City; and, Mike Nolan, on parking issues in the Downtown.

Staff

Response

Members of the Council and staff responded to questions raised.

Agenda Item

Oral Communications

Mr. Vander Borght called for speakers for the agenda item oral communications at this time.

Citizen

Comment

Appearing to comment were: Barbara Howell and Robert Olson, in support of expanding utility rate assistance for low-income residents; Paul Dyson, requesting the Transportation Commission be included in all discussions pertaining to traffic and transportation matters; Dr. David Gordon, on the NBC property sale and its impacts; Mark Stebbeds, on maintaining the current oral communications procedure and on contents of the Airport Authority report; Eden Rosen, on the Burbank Boulevard streetscape improvements and the oral communications format; Maria Proctor, Theresa Karam and Tara Sgambellone, on the oral communications format; Esther Espinoza, on the oral communications format and the Empire Interchange Improvement Project; David Piroli, on the Work Program and Performance Indicators and on the oral communications format; and, Mike Nolan, on the oral communications format and in support of the Burbank Fire Fighters Memorandum of Understanding.

Staff

Response

Members of the Council and staff responded to questions raised.

Jt. Mtg. with the

Redev. Agency

1108

Burbank Blvd.

Streetscape

Project Update

Mr. Lynch, Senior Project Manager, Community Development Department, updated the Council and Redevelopment Agency Board (Board) on the progress of the Burbank Boulevard Streetscape Project.  He presented the conceptual design, discussed the proposed project schedule and requested appropriation of funds for traffic/engineering studies and preliminary improvements to the area.  He explained that the 2004-05 Work Program called for continuing networking efforts with the Burbank Boulevard Merchants Group and coordinating possible streetscape plans.  He added that staff initially met with the Burbank Boulevard merchants to discuss potential improvements to the area and as a result, the Burbank Boulevard Banner Program was initiated in November 2004. 

Mr. Lynch informed the Council that two community meetings were held in February 2005 with the residents, property owners and merchants in the area, and some of the issues that emerged included traffic circulation, safety, blank concrete look of the area, the heat island effect and lack of identity for the area.  He added that at a subsequent meeting attended by the Council Subcommittee members, it was suggested that improvements be made along the entire boulevard, with several accent areas, and that staff study the possibility of using reclaimed water to irrigate the landscaping.  He noted that staff proposes to proceed with some immediate improvements, such as painting the traffic signals throughout the corridor, replacing street name signs and implementing the final phase of the Banner Program. 

Mr. Lynch also reported that based on the comments received from the community meetings, an overall conceptual plan was developed, consisting of the following four major components: 1) standard treatment including resurfacing streets, more banners, painted light standards and some landscape mediums; 2) improvements at the two main intersections along the boulevard at Hollywood Way and Buena Vista Street including palm trees, tree lighting, low level accent landscaping and intersection accent paving; 3) accent areas for a pedestrian feel including benches, bike racks and accent trees; and, 4) addressing the gateways to the boulevard, including specialized landscaping, signage elements, landscape mediums and a public art component at the intersection with Victory Boulevard.  He suggested that an art committee be formed to help guide the project for that particular location.  He also stated that in order to mitigate traffic issues in the area, it was suggested that the seven traffic signals along the corridor be better synchronized.

My. Lynch then discussed the associated project costs estimated at $8,613,600 excluding the public art component, and noted that funding for the project was anticipated to come from several sources, including Redevelopment Agency funds, Transportation Impact Fees and Burbank Water and Power funds.  He also discussed the project timeline and requested that the Council appropriate $225,000 to fund the following immediate improvements: $50,000 for painting traffic signals; $60,000 for implementing the final phase of the Banner Program; $15,000 for enhancing street signs; and, $100,000 for surveys, traffic signal design work and engineering studies.

Mr. Golonski was not supportive of the conceptual design, expressed concern with several line items and their estimated costs, and suggested that staff return with a refined conceptual design at a future date.

Motion

It was moved by Mr. Campbell and seconded by Mrs. Ramos that �the following resolution be passed and adopted:�

1108

Burbank Blvd.

Streetscape Imp.

RESOLUTION NO. 27,021:

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK CONSENTING TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF BURBANK EXPENDITURE FOR CERTAIN BURBANK BOULEVARD STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS.

Adopted

The resolution was adopted by the following vote:

Ayes:      Council Members Campbell, Ramos and Vander

              Borght.

Noes:      Council Member Golonski.

Absent:   Council Member Murphy.

Redev. Agency

Reso. Adopted

Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. R-2134 Amending Fiscal Year 2005-2006 Budget and Making Certain Findings for the Purpose of Financing Part of the Burbank Boulevard Streetscape Project was adopted.

8:37 P.M.

Recess

The Council recessed to permit the Redevelopment Agency to hold its meeting.  The Council reconvened at 8:38 p.m. with the same members present.

Motion

It was moved by Mrs. Ramos and seconded by Mr. Campbell that "the following items on the consent calendar be approved as recommended.�

1502

PSA with Calif.

Environmental for

Empire

Interchange Proj.

RESOLUTION NO. 27,022:

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK APPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BURBANK AND CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL FOR A SUBSURFACE ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION TO PROCEED WITH THE EMPIRE INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.

1502

Arroyo Verdugo

Transit Corridor

Study

A report was received from the Community Development Department, requesting that the Council authorize staff to proceed with the Arroyo-Verdugo Transit Corridor study, and that $30,000 be appropriated to fund the City�s share of the consultant cost.  The report indicated that studies by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Arroyo Verdugo Subregion have shown that there is a substantial unmet demand for transit services along the east-west corridor between the City of Pasadena and the North Hollywood/Bob Hope Airport area, and beyond in both directions.  It was noted that while the MTA provides regional bus services through the area, the services are generally too infrequent and the routes too circuitous to provide viable travel alternatives for commuters and other travelers needing to make lengthy trips.

The report stated that while the principal goal of the proposed transit corridor is to link the Downtown areas of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena, as well as connect the Metro Red/Orange and Gold Lines, no work has yet been conducted to determine the actual route, or the type of transit technology.  It was noted that there has been some agreement that a route that generally parallels the 210 Freeway/State Route134-Interstate 5 Freeway corridor may be the most feasible but other alignments may prove to be equally feasible, and could potentially be better situated with respect to areas of anticipated demand.  

The report added that the cities of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena have identified the need to develop a land-use vision for the transit corridor as a component of this study.  Not only would the land-use vision aid the individual cities in implementing measures to facilitate transit-oriented development along the corridor, a coordinated land-use plan would be an important element of future initiatives aimed at securing funding for transit infrastructure.  It was also stated that Planning Company Associates (PCA, David Grannis-Principal) has been identified as being uniquely qualified to provide the services needed for this effort to succeed.

Staff was directed to proceed with the study, and that $30,000 be appropriated to fund the City�s share of the consultant cost.

1011-2

MOU with

Burbank Fire

Fighters

RESOLUTION NO. 27,023:

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF BURBANK AND THE BURBANK FIRE FIGHTERS (BFF) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 BUDGET.

1503

1504

BWP Monthly

Operations Report

The monthly Water and Power Operating Report for the month of June 2005 was received from Burbank Water and Power.

The report was noted and filed.

Adopted

The consent calendar was adopted by the following vote:

Ayes:      Council Members Campbell, Golonski, Ramos and

              Vander Borght.

Noes:      Council Members None.

Absent:   Council Member Murphy.

201-1

Oral

Communications

Mr. Barlow, City Attorney, outlined the current oral communications format which includes: the Closed Session Oral Communications Period for three minutes; Initial Open Public Comment Period of Oral Communications for a maximum of two minutes on any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City; Agenda Item Oral Communications which allows a maximum of four minutes on any action item on the agenda; and, Final Open Public Comment Period of Oral Communications which allows two minutes and is held at the end of the meeting on any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City, but is limited to those speakers who did not speak at the Initial Open Public Comment Period of Oral Communications. 

Mr. Barlow then gave a history of previous oral communications procedures and elaborated on the action item requirement for the Agenda Item Oral Communications Period. He requested that the Council consider the matter and give direction as desired.

Motion

It was moved by Mrs. Ramos, seconded by Mr. Campbell and carried with Mr. Golonski voting no and Ms. Murphy absent that �the current oral communications format be maintained with modification to allow comments on the Airport Authority report under the Agenda Item Oral Communications Period.�

213

NBC Outside

Counsel Legal

Options

Mr. Barlow, City Attorney, reported that pursuant to Council direction, staff issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) to seven firms to respond to a list of questions relating to the proposed sale of the Catalina property by NBC.  He added that responses were received from two firms, which are both experienced in the matter.  He requested that the Council select one of the firms and give direction that the firms be provided with the necessary documents.  He also noted that the associated funds would be appropriated from the Airport Fund. 

Motion

It was moved by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mrs. Ramos and carried with Ms. Murphy absent that �staff be directed to retain the services of Shute, Mihaly and Weinberger, and include reviewing the Planning Board and Council minutes and tapes, in the scope of services.�

1705-2

1601-1

1502

Art in Public

Places Project

on Chandler

Blvd.

Mr. Hansen, Park, Recreation and Community Services Director, requested Council approval of the proposed Art in Public Places project on the Chandler Bikeway and authorization to purchase the selected bronze sculpture.  He reported that on October 26, 2004, the Council amended the Fiscal Year 2004-05 budget by appropriating $50,000 from the Public Art Fund for the development of an art project for the Chandler Bikeway.  He noted that the Site Specific Selection Committee formed in May 2004 for the purpose of selecting two Art in Public Places projects at Burbank Water and Power, was also directed by the Council to select the art piece for the Chandler Bikeway project.  He added that artwork from a dozen artists was carefully reviewed and the Committee reached a consensus on the selection of a bronze sculpture created by W. Stanley Proctor, titled �The Wagon Pull,� featuring two children, two dogs and a wagon.  He added that the Committee also considered nine potential site locations and agreed that the ideal site would be the corner of Keystone Street and Chandler Boulevard, the site nearest to Edison Elementary School.  He reported that staff has negotiated a price of $44,000, not including Sales Tax and an additional $1,500 will be needed for shipping costs.  He added that the installation cost will be approximately $700, bringing the total cost to $49,830.  He noted that there is currently $50,000 in the Chandler Bikeway Art Piece Project account and that there will be no additional fiscal impact.

Motion

It was moved by Mr. Campbell and seconded by Mr. Golonski that �the following resolution be passed and adopted:�

1705-2

1601-1

1502

Art in Public

Places Project

on Chandler  Blvd.

RESOLUTION NO. 27,024:

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK APPROVING THE CHANDLER BIKEWAY ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROJECT AND THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BURBANK AND W. STANLEY PROCTOR.

Adopted

The resolution was adopted by the following vote:

Ayes:      Council Members Campbell, Golonski, Ramos and

              Vander Borght.

Noes:      Council Members None.

Absent:   Council Member Murphy.

1503-2

1504-2

Rate Assistance

Programs

Mrs. Fletcher, Assistant General Manager/Customer Service and Marketing, Burbank Water and Power, presented a report on the City�s rate assistance programs; Lifeline and Life Support.  She explained that in order to qualify for the Lifeline Program, customers must be either 62 years and older, or have a permanently disabled person living in their low-income household.  She added that qualifying for the Life Support Program required that customers have a household member who uses certain specified medically-required life support equipment but there was no income requirement.  She noted that the City currently has 2100 members on the Lifeline Program and 89 on the Life Support Program.  She reported that the City�s rate assistance programs are the most generous in the region and that Burbank spends more, per customer, on rate assistance than any other local utility in Southern California.

Mrs. Fletcher stated that last year, the Council directed staff to provide more information on the impact of a means test on the current Life Support Program customers and to explore the possibility of expanding rate assistance to more low-income households.  With regard to the means test for the Life Support Program, she reported that an independent research firm was retained to contact all Life Support Program customers and collect information on income and medical expenses related to their life support equipment.  She reported that the research found that most customers live in one-to two-person households and that over half earn less than $30,000 a year and have approximately $5,000 in annual medical expenses.  She noted that therefore, approximately 56 percent of current participants would qualify for rate assistance if a means test were required for eligibility.  She also noted that an appeal process would be established to consider special circumstances.

With regard to expanding program participation, Mrs. Fletcher reported that staff considered several options, including: reprogramming funds allocated to existing programs, such as the Shade Tree, Home Rewards and renewable energy programs; imposing a rate increase; or, modifying the Project Share program to provide annual rather than one-time assistance.  She noted that currently, Project Share provides up to $100 to customers who are experiencing a temporary financial hardship and modifying the program would allow qualifying customers to receive up to $100 each year to help pay their municipal services bill.  She reported that using Project Share to expand rate assistance to more low-income households has several advantages since the program is already in place, the impact on BWP and the General Fund would be neutral and the impact on staff resources would be mitigated because the Burbank Temporary Aid Center administers the program.

Mrs. Fletcher concluded with staff�s recommendations to: continue the Lifeline Rate Assistance Program without modification; modify Project Share to provide annual financial assistance; and, to add an income means test to the Life Support Program.

Motion

It was moved by Mr. Golonski, seconded by Mrs. Ramos and carried with Ms. Murphy absent that �staff be directed to prepare the necessary ordinance for the Council�s consideration at a future meeting.�

201-1

Work Program

(IT, Mgmt.

Svcs., and BWP)

Ms. Wyatt, Information Technology Director, presented the Work Program Highlights and Performance Indicators for the Information Technology Department.

Mrs. Sarquiz, Management Services Director, presented the Work Program Highlights and Performance Indicators for the Management Services Department.

Mr. Davis, General Manager, Burbank Water and Power, presented the Work Program Highlights and Performance Indicators for Burbank Water and Power.

10:14 P.M.

Reconvene Redev. Agency

Meeting

The Redevelopment Agency meeting was reconvened at this time.

Final Open

Public Comment

Period of Oral

Communications

Mr. Vander Borght called for speakers for the final open public comment period of oral communications at this time.

Citizen

Comment

Appearing to comment was Eden Rosen, on invocations, the Council�s decision on the oral communications format and commending the graffiti removal crew.

Staff

Response

Members of the Council and staff responded to questions raised.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:16 p.m.

                                                       Margarita Campos, CMC

                                                                    City Clerk