The Burbank City Council’s send off for Council Members Sharon Springer and Bob Frutos was not typical. Usually, outgoing members say their goodbyes during the council reorganization meeting. Surprisingly, both Springer and Frutos declared they had prior commitments and would be skipping the December 19 reorganization meeting. So the December 13 council meeting became the last for both Springer and Frutos. It is worth a look back at some of the events of that meeting.
During the first public comment section, State Senator Anthony Portantino praised Springer and Frutos for their years of service and presented each with a certificate of appreciation. Near the end of the meeting, Springer and Frutos were lauded by staff with City Manager Justin Hess thanking them for their “leadership and service to this community.” Springer was elected in 2017 to the council. Her fellow council members selected Springer to serve a one-year-term as mayor of Burbank in 2019.
Sharon Springer’s comments
Springer ran for re-election in 2022, but she did not receive enough votes to retain her seat. At the meeting, a special video touching on some of the highlights in Springer’s council term was played. In her comments, Springer recounted some of her council achievements, but did not reveal any future plans. Springer summed up her time on council this way: “This has been a purpose filled position for me and I’m grateful for the experience.” (Springer’s comments at 4:28:45 of the Dec.13 council meeting on Youtube).
Bob Frutos’s comments
Frutos talked about the joy of serving 9 years on the council, twice as mayor. Frutos said,” I have had a great time, even in the midst of difficult times.” However, Frutos is moving on with excitement about the future, which includes a new gig. First, he apologized for arriving late to the meeting. The reason: he’s in training as a conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad! He calls the new position “his third dream job.” Frutos says working as a Los Angeles Police Officer for 28 years was his first dream job and mayor of Burbank his second.
Last June, Frutos announced he would not seek re-election and would be retiring from the city council. (Frutos’ comments about his retirement and future plans begin at 4:35:30 of the Dec.13 council meeting on Youtube). Also, here’s the link to the “Thank You, Bob” video put together by the city staff.
