By Julie BUTCHER

The Glendale City Council opened its regular meeting Tuesday night announcing support of “Walktober,” encouraging kids to walk to school on Oct. 2, International Walk-to-School Day, and throughout October, highlighting the benefits of walking: exercise, social engagement and neighborhood familiarity.

Mayor Ara Najarian reported to the council that he had attended the College Hills Homeowners Association meeting where participants had asked him about the possibility of utilizing license plate recognition software as is being used in other neighborhoods. In response, Najarian said the city’s police chief is working on guidelines and the city attorney is reviewing potential privacy issues.

Najarian also mentioned that numerous cities are exploring the banning of flavored vaping products in light of health risks that have been reported.

City Clerk Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian reported on the mock voting event held over the weekend. Councilmember Vartan Gharpetian said that “it was easy and fun, and you can easily fix your mistakes. I was concerned [there’d be problems].”

Community member Tony Passarella addressed the council, raising concerns about the safety of new “5G” cell towers that are being installed across the city.

The council adjourned in the memory of Irma Hopkins, 30-year community services and parks worker who served more than 1.5 million meals to Glendale senior citizens.

  Julie BUTCHER