BURBANK REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Tuesday, FEBRUARY 14, 2006

AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER - 275 EAST OLIVE AVENUE

This facility is disabled accessible.  Auxiliary aids and services are available for individuals with speech, vision or hearing impairments (48 hour notice is required).  Please contact the ADA Coordinator at (818) 238-5021 voice or (818) 238-5035 TDD with questions or concerns.

 6:30 P.M.                                                           

INVOCATION:           The Courts have concluded that sectarian prayer as part of City Council meetings is not permitted under the Constitution.

 FLAG SALUTE:

 ROLL CALL:

 JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY COUNCIL:

 1.      Downtown Burbank Partnership, Inc. Annual Report and Assessment:

 As part of the Redevelopment Agency (Agency) Board�s and the Council�s efforts to improve Downtown, a property-based Business Improvement District was formed to fund a variety of improvements in partnership with Downtown Burbank property owners.  On July 22, 2003, the Council approved the Business Improvement District and on October 28, 2003, the Council appointed the first Board of Directors for the organization now known as the Downtown Burbank Partnership, Inc.

The total annual assessment to the City and Agency is approximately $123,000; however, the Agency agreed to pay the City�s and Agency�s five-year share up front to help pay for capital items that could be installed sooner rather than later, such as holiday decorations, wayfinding and smart signage.  The remaining $597,000 annual assessment is paid by approximately 130 property owners throughout Downtown, excluding residential and non-profit property owners. 

A number of improvements and new programs were implemented during the last two years through the Downtown Burbank Partnership.  The improvements include new holiday d�cor, additional sidewalk/alleyway maintenance and security, a Goodwill Ambassador Program and a free wireless Internet access program.  Marketing and promotions have been an important focus of the Downtown Burbank Partnership and have been enhanced this year with the updated Downtown website (www.downtown-burbank.org) and Downtown directory brochure.  Also, a monthly newsletter with a circulation of 800 is sent to promote the latest happenings in Downtown, including special events, new retail and restaurants, space opportunities and the Saturday morning Farmers Market.  Downtown Burbank Partnership was also recognized by the California Downtown Association and California Festivals and Events Association for the 12 Days of Holiday Cheer brochure, logo and Best New Idea in working with other community groups as a combined effort.  This effort, The Taste of Downtown Burbank, benefits the Burbank Community YMCA. The website, www.tasteofdowntownburbank.com was established and was the source for 95 percent of the tickets sold prior to the event.  An updated leasing packet and staff-broker relations have also helped to cultivate interest from new retailers to locate in Downtown.  In addition, numerous events are planned and will continue for 2006 including the free-to-the-public summer swing/salsa concerts, the Downtown Burbank Fine Arts Festivals and the award-winning 12 Days of Holiday Cheer. 

Recommendation: 

Adoption of proposed City Council resolution entitled:

         A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK APPROVING THE ANNUAL REPORT AND LEVYING THE 2006-2007 ASSESSMENT FOR THE DOWNTOWN BURBANK PROPERTY AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT. 

RECESS to continue the Youth Endowment Services Fund Board and the City Council meetings.

 ADJOURNMENT.