Redevelopment

Karen S. Kim BURBANK -- After a disappointing launch in 1999, Burbank's Homeownership Program -- with improvements and new incentives -- is avidly seeking qualified participants again. "There wasn't much participation in 1999, and as a result, the staff looked at various factors that might have contributed to that," Redevelopment Project Manager Jennifer Mack said. What staff came up with was a revised program that was approved in March and implemented last month.

Laura Sturza In an attempt to keep the wolf outside the door, Burbank is issuing interest-earning bonds and stashing at-risk money in an escrow account, hoping to safeguard the cash from state seizure. Gov. Gray Davis' proposed cuts threaten up to $19 million of Burbank's budget for redevelopment projects, including affordable housing, mortgage and home- rehabilitation programs. But because Davis' plan, part of his $35 billion in budget cuts, targets funds that were not legally committed to projects by Dec. 1, the city's efforts might come too late.

Karen S. Kim BURBANK -- Two city agencies are at odds over Burbank's funding of an earthquake gas shut-off valve installation program. Although Burbank's redevelopment agency gave $23,645 this past year to continue the valve program, Burbank Fire Department officials said they're not sure if installing the valves is a good idea. The fire department will make a recommendation to the city after a staff meeting Feb. 22. "We probably will not be in favor of having a gas shut-off valve in every home," Burbank fire Marshal Dave Starr said.

Paul Clinton CIVIC CENTER -- Sue Georgino is coming home. Georgino, who worked in City Hall for seven years in the 1980s, will replace outgoing Community Development Director Bob Tague in January. Tague is leaving the city after nine years. Georgino, 50, left Burbank in 1989 to take the top redevelopment staff post for Brea, in Orange County. She will become the first woman to head Community Development. Georgino lives in Burbank with her husband, Victor, a Ventura County developer.

BURBANK — Officials are waiting to see how much the city stands to lose if Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declares a state fiscal emergency on Jan. 10 — a move that could result in the loss of millions of dollars for Burbank and other city governments. “We’re definitely worried,” City Manager Mary Alvord said. “We know that the redevelopment agency will be a target. Those funds are very precious to us. It’s going to be a very difficult year.

The City Council this week approved Burbank's $636-million budget after closing a $1.3-million gap - a relatively small wound compared to other cities that have been hit especially hard by the loss of local redevelopment. The $1.3-million budget gap was less than last year and did not require lay-offs. Compare that to Glendale, which is struggling to close a projected $15.4-million gap through a mix of lay-offs and early retirements. While acknowledging that Burbank is in a “much better” condition than other cities, Financial Services Director Cindy Giraldo told the City Council on Tuesday that “our work is not over.” “Staff will continue to explore options to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and enhance revenues so that we can better position the city for the future,” she said.

The accusation that Councilman Dave Golonski personally benefited from votes he cast on redevelopment issues is ludicrous. I have worked with Councilman Golonski on a variety of city issues. While I have not always agreed with him on how he has voted, I know he listens to both sides of an issue and votes in what he believes to be the best interest of the city. Frankly, it is unethical to exploit a government agency in hopes of achieving a political gain.

It might skew the city's crime statistics, but over the past two weeks, thousands of Burbank citizens were "mugged." City Council candidate Howard Rothenbach has been leaving coffee mugs at voters' doors throughout town. Rothenbach finished last in the pack of finalists in February's primary election. With the April 10 general election approaching, he obviously needs to attract more attention. He's hoping to accomplish that by delivering a mug emblazoned with his name and campaign slogans to at least 3,500 citizens who voted in the primary, and perhaps to as many as 10,700.

Walt Meares It's that time again. Three Burbank council seats are up for grabs and the candidates are asking what we see as issues. As an interested citizen, the following concern me: 1. Redevelopment: What's our total bonded debt and when will it be paid off? What are the net annual tax benefits to us of after debt service? Is this return adequate to the effort we invest? What are the City's payroll costs for Redevelopment? Why isn't some form of reporting of Redevelopment financial status presented at least once a month?