Dave Golonski appointed mayor of Burbank

The City Council on Tuesday appointed Dave Golonski to his fourth term as mayor during its annual reorganization ceremony.

He replaced Jess Talamantes, who has held the position since May 2011.

Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy was selected by her peers to be vice mayor, a position that typically leads to the mayorship.

Both appointments were made on a 4-1 vote, with Councilman David Gordon — who has long been kept out of the mayoral rotation — dissenting.

As the new mayor, Golonski — first elected to the council in 1993 — thanked his colleagues for having the faith to allow him to represent Burbank again.

“Every year is a different situation,” Golonski said. “We [have had] financial challenges eight of the last 10 years. Every challenge has an opportunity [for us] to be creative and seek those out.”

Bric was nominated by Talamantes as vice mayor but declined the nomination, citing concerns about the challenges the position would bring since he must also run his restaurant business.

Bric said he felt everyone should have an opportunity to be vice mayor, but added that he didn’t think it should be someone who was up for election next year.

He, in turn, nominated Gabel-Luddy.

“I’m humbled by this opportunity,” Gabel-Luddy said, adding that she planned to listen and hear what the community had to say.

Bric’s term ends in 2015, along with Gabel-Luddy, while the terms for the other council members end in April 2013.

Before the nominations and votes for the new mayor and vice mayor, Talamantes began the meeting by looking back on his time as mayor, during which the council addressed an $8-million budget shortfall.

“But it ended on a great note,” he said.

For his last event, he attended the homecoming of National Teacher of the Year Rebecca Mieliwocki at Luther Burbank Middle School.

Talamantes, who was elected to the council in 2009, thanked each department chief and presented flowers to his mother and wife.

“It takes a toll on the family,” Talamantes said.

Speaking to his wife, Sandy, he said it had been a great three years, “especially this year as centennial mayor, and you were a part of that.”

Flowers were also presented to Karen Turner, Talamantes’ executive assistant.

“From deep down in my heart, thank you for all your help and keeping me in line,” he said.

Golonski presented plaques to Talamantes on behalf of the council before the reorganization, adding that he worked very hard and “made the community proud.”