AIRPORT PANEL TO HOLD FORUM RESIDENTS WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL TIME TO AIR CONCERNS AT SPECIAL MEETING.

Byline: Susan Abram  Staff Writer

The city committee gathering information on a proposed new Burbank Airport terminal to handle federally-mandated security requirements is holding a special meeting this week to gauge public opinion.

Some committee members said it's too early to know if the city-appointed group will meet its July 31 deadline to devise a recommendation on the issue that would go before voters in November.

``After that meeting we'll put our heads together,'' said member Victor Nerone. ``We're learning with the process and at the same time remaining open-minded.''

Since June, the 16-member Plan Evaluation and Review Committee has held two public meetings to gather information about the terminal that would accommodate the new screening machines and security personnel mandated in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Thursday's fatal shooting at Los Angeles International Airport showed the need for more security at airports, but some members said it would not affect their final recommendation.

``I think that before that happened, security concerns have been ongoing,'' said member Michael Bergfeld. ``There's just so many issues right now. I hope the public will view us as being a very open-minded group.''

The committee plans to hold a larger public forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Hilton Burbank Airport Hotel, 2500 N. Hollywood Way, to offer residents more time than usual to present their concerns.

That forum will be in addition to the regular public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the Burbank Airport.

The airport faces a year-end deadline for providing space for the now-mandated security personnel and screening machines.

The Airport Authority submitted plans on Monday to build a 40,000- square-foot facility that would accommodate the additional screening machines and personnel now required at the airport.

However, the Burbank Airport Authority told federal authorities this week it would not be able to meet the year-end deadline because of court delays over Measure A, a voter-approved initiative.

The airport authority on Tuesday submitted a letter to the Transportation Security Administration stating that because of a postponed ruling on the legality of Measure A, the authority would not be able to meet the year-end deadline.

A ruling on Measure A - which was passed by voters in October and puts conditions on any new construction at the airport - was to be decided in June, but the ruling has been postponed until Aug. 23.

The Airport Authority has not yet received a response from the federal agency, spokesman Victor Gill said on Friday.

The committee was formed to give the City Council a balanced cross- section of input by a diverse community group, Mayor David Laurell had said.

The city hopes to put the plan for a terminal on the Nov. 5 ballot.

``We're in the process of holding meetings for the next three weeks or so, to solicit as much input as we can,'' said member Dean Shelby.