By Ruth SOWBY

At a meeting of the Glendale City Council on Tuesday, Mayor Ardy Kassakhian recognized organizers for their “excellent fireworks program.” He continued, “People showed up in record numbers.” 

Mayor Kassakhian also reminded council attendees and those watching the broadcast about Saturday’s upcoming 27^th Annual Cruise Night on Brand Boulevard. The Night will feature the “Sounds of Santana” and is being promoted as “The Coolest Luau in Glendale.”    

Councilmember Paula Devine announced that the city’s composting program is currently being rolled out. Free containers to store household organics are available for pickup at 548 W. Chevy Chase in Glendale.    

Councilmember Ara Najarian announced a $34.6 million grant received by the City of Glendale to electrify the blue bus line with 20 battery-operated electric busses and a new parking deck.

Items were acted upon and seconded. Of note was a resolution of the appropriation of $1,405,456 to provide funding for the memorandum of understanding between the city and the Glendale Police Officers’ Association for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.    

Oral communications commenced with public comments limited to three minutes. An issue was brought Brought up by neighbors on the 1400 block of Cleveland Road concerning a home health care business operating without permits. It was decided by councilmembers that the city manager might refer the matter to the appropriate department for investigation and subsequent report. 

With no new business the council meeting adjourned.   

Following a brief recess a re-organization ceremony was held recognizing incoming and outgoing councilmembers and other city officers. State Senator Anthony Portantino administered the oath of office to City Treasurer Rafi Manoukian, City Clerk Suzie Abajian and newly elected city councilmembers Elen Asatryan, Dan Brotman and Ara Najarian. Councilman Najarian is the longest serving councilmember, having been elected to five terms on the council. He was also recognized as the new chair of the Los Angeles Metro Board of Directors, in addition to his ongoing chairmanship of Los Angeles Metrolink.      

In his remarks Najarian said, “I bring my decades of experience … that no other person could bring to the dais. This is our city. Let’s make it sparkle.”