PURPOSE: 

The purpose of this report is to present the City Council with a request from the Burbank Armenian National Committee.  The Committee has asked that they host a Candidate Forum in the City Council Chambers on Saturday, January 13, 2007, commencing at 10 A.M.  They further request that the forum tape be edited by City PIO staff, by adding graphic identifiers, and cablecast on government access TV in Burbank frequently.

ANALYSIS:

On May 21,1996, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 24,741, which establishes policies regarding the use of City cable broadcast facilities for election candidate forums.  Through adoption of the resolution, the Council expressed its belief that �it would be in the public interest for the City to permit, at no cost recovery, access by qualified organizations to use City facilities for the purpose of broadcasting debates and forums provided that neutrality is maintained in how the program is conducted so as to ensure that public funds are utilized solely for public education and information.�

Resolution 24, 741 further states, �No�organization which has endorsed or may endorse a candidate for office or has taken a position or may take a position on the merits of any City of Burbank ballot proposition shall be entitled to sponsor a program.�  The Burbank ANC has sponsored candidates for the Burbank City Council in the past.

A written copy of resolution 24,741 was provided to the Chair of the ANC Burbank on December 13, 2006.

The Council has already authorized a Candidate Forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Glendale/Burbank, for Thursday, January 25, 2007.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the Council not approve the request from the ANC as they do not meet the criteria set forth in Resolution 24,741.

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