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Residents press council on immigration enforcement, tenant protections and city fees during public comment
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Summary
During general public comment the council heard calls to oppose ICE practices and requests for stronger tenant protections, plus concerns from housing providers about rising permitting fees and the potential legal exposure of city litigation. Speakers included organizers pressing for federal action and local housing providers warning about regulatory burdens.
Burbank — A wide range of community perspectives filled the public comment period at the Burbank City Council's Feb. 10 meeting, where speakers addressed immigration enforcement, tenant protections, permitting fees and local appointments.
Several speakers called for federal action on immigration enforcement and criticized ICE. Dan Kaye said immigrants are "the backbone of our economy" and denounced expanded enforcement funding; Joe Pimenta urged the council and public to "abolish ICE." These remarks were addressed and acknowledged by multiple council members, who reiterated limits on local authority over federal enforcement while expressing concern about reported incidents.
Housing issues also drew sustained attention. Diana Polvor, a housing provider, said permitting fees to increase electrical service in a three-unit property rose from approximately $1,600 to $6,200 year-over-year and argued that rising fees and regulatory burdens make housing providers unable to afford necessary upgrades. Ron Bax urged council to consult housing providers about a proposed 4% rent-cap mediation plan, warning mediation could expose providers to litigation.
Legal process was another recurring subject. Kenny Lim, an attorney appearing on behalf of Ethos Properties, urged the council to reconsider moving forward with litigation (the anticipated matter discussed in closed session) and warned that a separate filing could trigger an anti-SLAPP motion that would expose the city to attorneys' fees; he urged resolving issues within the underlying unlawful detainer case where possible.
Other callers asked the council to consider local appointments and infrastructure oversight: multiple applicants for the Infrastructure Oversight Board (Ward Smith, Marcus Davis, Fred Masabaki) described their qualifications and interest; Marcus Davis was later appointed to the board.
Why it matters: These comments reflect ongoing local concerns about housing costs and regulation, the limits of municipal authority over federal immigration enforcement, and the community role in council appointments and oversight.
What's next: Council acknowledged comments, directed staff to inspect reported vegetation hazards, and moved forward with scheduled agenda items including appointments and ordinance introductions. Formal litigation direction was previously given in closed session and was disclosed at the meeting.
