Burbank Urges Panel to Move Meetings to Evening

The Burbank City Council last week asked the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority to switch its twice-monthly meetings from morning to evening to make attendance easier for area residents who work during the day.

The council voted 5 to 0 to adopt a resolution making the request. The council also called for Glendale and Pasadena, which run the airport with Burbank, to submit similar requests.

“There have been complaints off and on from homeowners groups. It’s difficult for anyone to attend the morning meetings because of work,” said Burbank Mayor Mary Lou Howard, who sits on the nine-member authority. Glendale, Pasadena and Burbank each elect three members to the authority, which sets airport policy.

Representatives from several homeowners groups praised the council’s efforts.

“I think it’s an excellent idea. The public really can’t have input at these meetings unless it has an easy ability to attend,” said Richard Close, president of Sherman Oaks Homeowner’s Assn.

However, authority President Robert Garcin said he opposes evening meetings and would vote “no” on such a proposal.

“Morning meetings provide ample access for the public,” Garcin said, adding that evenings are inconvenient for him.

Asked if he would support Burbank’s effort, Glendale Mayor Jerold F. Milner said he would “consider it.” Pasadena Mayor William Bogaard said he would study the issue and talk to airport authority members before deciding.

Leland Ayers, the authority’s vice president, said: “Whatever time they call the meeting, that’s the time I’ll be there.”