By Julie BUTCHER

On Tuesday night, the Glendale City Council voted unanimously “to officially recognize the Republic of Artsakh and call upon the President of the United States and Congress to recognize Artsakh’s independence for the purpose of bringing peace to the Armenian Highlands.”

“Two years ago, I had the honor of appearing before you to advocate for the renaming of two blocks of Maryland Avenue to Artsakh Avenue, despite the recommendation of the Planning Commission and the opposition of some business owners,” Saro Kerkorian testified, this time by phone. “Tonight, from Stepanakert to Washington, D.C., from Yerevan to Moscow, the world again looks to you to take another bold step affirming the Armenian peoples’ right to live in freedom rather than oppression, the bold step to recognize the democratic institutions of the Republic of Artsakh over the tyranny of Baku, in support of the right of self-determination for the people of Artsakh. After three decades, they deserve a seat at the table of nations. The road to peace – in the face of genocidal actions – is through the recognition of the independence of Artsakh.”

Councilmember Ara Najarian called for the resolution, adding that it is “truly astonishing that we’re on the verge of genocide number two against the peaceful population of Artsakh. They’re a real country; they have a parliament and democratically-elected leaders, universities and schools and concert halls and they’re being wiped out as we speak – literally wiped out.”

Speaking in support of the resolution, Najarian noted that while “it may not deter Turkish or Israeli-made drones from slamming into their schools but, as a city with more than 100,000 Armenians, it’s on all of our skins at this point, it is the right thing to do.”

In addition to the recognition, early in the council meeting Glendale police officer Anthony Chacon was recognized for receiving the 2020 Volunteer Award from the National Center for Urban School Transformation for his work with the students at Horace Mann Elementary.

“The kids have a special place in my heart. In police work, we deal so much with the fruits. I like to think of the children as the roots,” Chacon thanked the council for the honor.

Later in the meeting the council debated moving forward to allocate funding for a project “visioning” the future of the Verdugo Wash as an open space resource. The Verdugo Wash is a tributary of the Los Angeles River, currently a 9.5-mile flood control channel, connected to 18 Glendale neighborhoods. City staff is proposing to spend $440,000, including an additional $200,000 from Measure M funds, to develop plans focused on supporting bicycle and pedestrian activities, perhaps creating opportunities for commuting, potential opportunities for habitat restoration, sustainability and to “create a unique identity and a memorable experience.”

City staff recommended contracting with the firm !melk. Principal Jerry Van Eyck explained the name of the design firm; melk is the Dutch word for milk.

“We are extremely stoked for the opportunity and appreciate the openness and candidness of the council and look forward to working with you to transform this currently utilitarian infrastructure into a green amenity that will be embraced by everyone – we’re imagining a very recognizable open space with a unique natural identity to Glendale, and we anticipate working with you to develop an actionable plan,” Van Eyck told the council.

John Howell, chief executive and general counsel for the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy, called in to support the proposal and to add the Wash’s potential as a wildlife corridor, “the secret to biodiversity.”

“I’m proud to be a Glendalian tonight,” Shana Bostin also expressed her support for moving forward, suggesting the addition of an emphasis on native plants and the inclusion of a technical advisory committee.
Another caller added, “All I can say is ‘Wow!’ This is a ‘meet your moment’ kind of time for the city. There are all sorts of open space concerns. I support the expanded scope; robust public engagement is important – you’re going to see a resounding ‘yes.’”

Next, the council took action to move forward with its pending plans to seat a Sustainability Commission made up of five voting members and two ex-officio student members of high school age or older. The commission had been previously discussed and the city has hired a sustainability officer. The commission would help oversee a climate action and sustainability plan for the city, help develop strategies to reduce carbon emissions, protect and enhance health and resilient ecosystems, such as making recommendations to help the city develop zero-waste programs, seek participation from businesses, public interest groups and residents, and would develop an annual work plan.
City Sustainability Officer David Jones proposed what he described as an aggressive implementation schedule, advertising for commissioners soon in order to hold the first commission meeting in February or March 2021.

Finally, the council once again acted to change city rules for the maintenance of parkways. The changes introduced require another vote to be approved. They include allowing the use of loose materials, such as gravel or wood chips, reducing the amount of material from 50% live to 30%, increasing the height limit on allowable materials, and, notably, redefining the definition of a parkway to exempt areas without sidewalks. The new proposed regulations would add a requirement for property owners to maintain an “adequate parkway in a safe and non-dangerous condition and that they be directly liable for injuries or damage that results from their failure to do so.”

The amended measure will be back for a final vote at a future council meeting.