BURBANK REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Tuesday, February 17, 2004

AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER - 275 EAST OLIVE AVENUE

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5:00 CLOSED SESSION IN CITY HALL BASEMENT LUNCH ROOM/CONFERENCE ROOM:

Conference with Real Property Negotiator:

Pursuant to Govt. Code �54956.8

Agency Negotiator:  Assistant Executive Director/Susan M. Georgino.

Property:  301 North San Fernando Boulevard (Former Crown Bookstore).

Parties With Whom Agency is Negotiating:  Len Borden, Roberts Department Stores, 3002 Midvale Avenue, Suite 208, Los Angeles, California  90034.

Name of Contact Person:  Jennifer Mack.

Terms Under Negotiation:  Purchase of property.

When the Agency reconvenes in open session, the Agency may make any required disclosures regarding actions taken in Closed Session or adopt any appropriate resolutions concerning this matter.

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:

REPORTS TO THE AGENCY:

1.      IMPLEMENTATION OF DOWNTOWN WAYFINDING SIGNAGE PROGRAM:

On July 11, 2000, the Redevelopment Agency (Agency) Board directed staff to implement a Village Public Improvement Program, which included analyzing a Downtown Wayfinding and Signage component.  Staff has been working with Hunt Design Associates to develop a complete wayfinding signage program for Downtown Burbank.  The primary intent of the program will be to reinforce the visual identity of Downtown Burbank primarily through directional signage and environmental media that will improve awareness of regional destinations along with improvement of vehicular circulation within the area.  Once established, this system will clearly direct visitors to public parking areas, government and civic offices as well as specialized districts.  On March 25, 2003, staff presented details of this program, designed by Hunt Design Associates, which included sign types, sign specifications, community outreach efforts and preliminary cost estimates. 

During the meeting, some concerns were raised about the proposed sign program relative to current governmental sign regulations.  While the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices provides for specific colors, font, size, arrow shapes and boarders for each type of official traffic control device, many cities have adopted sign programs that vary from the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices guidelines and they have been designed to be consistent, recognizable and clear with highly legible elements featuring simple messages. 

At the March 25, 2003 meeting, the Agency Board adopted a motion directing staff to complete final designs and initiate a competitive bidding process for the fabrication, construction and installation of the signage program.  Prior to initiating the bidding process, staff decided not to complete construction documents on the signs as proposed, until the concerns raised at the meeting were addressed and necessary modifications to the signage program were made.  These concerns ranged from adherence to sign regulations, outreach to boards and committees (including the recently formed Property-Based Business Improvement District), cost and intended messages for each sign.  Staff was able to remove eight district identification signs from the program and eliminate the second panel of each sign to reduce the overall cost to implement the program.   Also, staff made further refinements to the directional arrows to simplify and enhance readability. 

The Property-Based Improvement District Board of Directors approved the proposed design at its meeting on December 15, 2003 and has earmarked $300,000 for the entire cost of the work.

Recommendation:

Staff recommends that the Agency Board approve the signage program as proposed, and direct staff to complete a competitive bidding process for the fabrication, construction and installation of the downtown signage program.

2.      APPOINTMENT TO THE BURBANK HOUSING CORPORATION�S BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

The purpose of this report is to request the Redevelopment Agency (Agency) Board  consider making one appointment for a two-year term on the Burbank Housing Corporation�s Board of Directors ending November 1, 2005.

On January 5, 2004, the Secretary's Office began advertising and accepting applications for one vacancy on the Burbank Housing Corporation.  This vacancy was advertised in the local newspapers, posted on the City Website and notices were run on the Channel 6 scroll in order to obtain qualified candidates. As of the January 30, 2004 deadline, one application from Ruth Martinez-Baenen has been received. 

The Burbank Housing Corporation was organized to improve and preserve the existing housing inventory in the City of Burbank that is affordable to low-income and moderate-income persons and to provide community assistance and property management services at existing affordable housing projects within the City.

Recommendation:

Staff recommends that the Redevelopment Agency Board consider the application of Ruth Martinez-Baenen to a two-year term on the Burbank Housing Corporation�s Board of Directors ending November 1, 2005.

RECESS to conclude the City Council meeting.

ADJOURNMENT.