Outgoing Mayor Perez honors staff and presents Keys to the City; public commenters press council on digital ads, housing and safety
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Summary
Mayor Nikki Perez presented Keys to the City and recognized staff accomplishments; 13 public comments included praise for nominees and concerns about an upcoming vote to repeal Burbank's ban on digital sidewalk advertising.
Outgoing Mayor Nikki Perez used the Dec. 15 reorganization meeting to present two Keys to the City, recognize multiple department leaders and staff for the year's work, and thank community volunteers and regional partners.
Perez presented a Key to long‑time community member Ross Benson and a second Key to Ever Huerta, a local youth leader and teaching intern. "This is a huge honor," Huerta said, thanking the council and describing his civic involvement with the Burbank youth board and local nonprofits.
Perez then acknowledged departmental leaders, including Crystal Palmer (Treasurer), Mandeep Samra (Burbank Water and Power general manager), the police and fire chiefs, and others for achievements ranging from voter outreach and public‑safety responses to new programs and awards for Parks and Recreation. City Manager Justin Hess presented a scrapbook commemorating Perez's year and listed legislative accomplishments the council advanced during her term.
During the public comment period the council heard 11 in‑person speakers and two callers (13 total). Several speakers voiced support for the reorganization nominees; others raised policy concerns. Terry Friedman warned the council about a planned vote the following day to repeal the city's ban on digital advertising and urged postponement, saying: "Council is pushing through a dramatic change to our city to sell our sidewalks, to become 8 foot tall installed digital advertising blocks on our streets visible to drivers, children..." The council did not act on that matter at this meeting.
Other commenters pressed for rent stabilization, praised regional economic partnerships, and called for transparency about recent public‑safety incidents. Valley Economic Alliance CEO Sonya Blake presented a certificate recognizing Mayor Perez's regional work on film industry advocacy and workforce programs.
The meeting closed after the reorganization votes and brief council remarks; regular sessions continue Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the Council Chamber, 275 East Olive Avenue.
