AIRPORT SECURITY EXPANSION UP FOR VOTE.Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer BURBANK - In voting tonight on a proposed 1,100-square-foot security project at Burbank Airport, the City Council faces breaking the law no matter what decision it makes. If members vote to approve the expansion proposed by the Burbank Airport Authority, they will be violating the provisions of voter-approved Measure A, which requires an overnight curfew curfew [O.Fr.,=cover fire], originally a signal, such as the ringing of a bell, to damp the fire, extinguish all lights in the dwelling, and retire for the night. The custom originated as a precaution against fires and was common throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. and flight cap as part of any airport construction project. And if they deny the plan for the Southwest Airlines This article is about the American airline. For the former Japanese airline, see Japan Transocean Air. For the British airline, see Air Southwest. Southwest Airlines Co. terminal, the Airport Authority might be unable to comply with federal mandates to improve baggage screening by December. ``The council has a real predicament,'' City Manager Robert ``Bud'' Ovrom said Monday, adding that the city staff has recommended approval of the plan. ``The staff's position, as far as I'm concerned, should be that we have to stand by the higher level of government,'' Ovrom said. Measure A was overwhelmingly approved last October, but the city - concerned about enforcing its provisions - filed suit, challenging its legality le·gal·i·ty n. pl. le·gal·i·ties 1. The state or quality of being legal; lawfulness. 2. Adherence to or observance of the law. 3. A requirement enjoined by law. Often used in the plural. . And, in an unusual twist, the city also authorized au·thor·ize tr.v. au·thor·ized, au·thor·iz·ing, au·thor·iz·es 1. To grant authority or power to. 2. To give permission for; sanction: paying up to $100,000 in legal fees for a local resident to defend it. Council members had hoped for a ruling last month on the initiative's legality, but that decision has been postponed until at least Aug. 23. Attorney Peter Kirsch kirsch n. A colorless brandy made from the fermented juice of cherries. [French, short for German Kirschwasser; see kirschwasser. , who represents the city on airport issues, said the council could find itself facing a lawsuit as a result of tonight's vote. It could be sued for ignoring provisions of Measure A or for interfering with security measures Noun 1. security measures - measures taken as a precaution against theft or espionage or sabotage etc.; "military security has been stepped up since the recent uprising" security at the airport. ``The city is in the position they were worried about,'' Kirsch said. ``That's the problem with initiatives. The city has to comply strictly with its language. They cannot interpret parts of it. Only a court can interpret it.'' Howard Rothenbach, who co-authored Measure A, said the city can avoid a suit if it avoids expansion and votes only to cosmetically change the Southwest Airlines terminal, such as adding a trailer or by removing a wall. ``What the federal law mandates is that every piece of luggage is screened,'' Rothenbach said. ``It doesn't say anything about having to expand the terminal.'' Meanwhile, an assessment team from the Transportation Security Administration was deployed last week to Burbank Airport after officials announced they likely would miss the December deadline for implementing stricter baggage-screening methods. ``They'll come in, look at how the airport is configured, and make an assessment,'' said Greg Warren Greg Warren may refer to:
See tax-sheltered annuity (TSA). . ``It may not even need to undergo expansion.'' Meanwhile, the Airport Authority is moving forward with its plans for a 40,000-square-foot security annex an·nex tr.v. an·nexed, an·nex·ing, an·nex·es 1. To append or attach, especially to a larger or more significant thing. 2. , which includes the 1,100-square-foot project on tonight's agenda. Authority spokesman Victor Gill said the Airport Authority is prepared to fast-track construction on the project. ``Crews will have to work around the clock,'' he said. IF YOU GO The City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at City Hall, 275 E. Olive Ave. CAPTION(S): box Box: IF YOU GO (see text) |
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