What To Watch In 2009

Flad will oversee 10 departments and 1,500 city employees and receive an annual compensation of nearly $217,500 when he assumes the position Jan. 6.

A joyous City Council unanimously appointed Flad as Alvord’s successor during its May 6 session, with each member praising the 42-year-old for his dedication and poise.

“In Burbank, we expect the gold standard,” Mayor Dave Golonski said at the meeting. “I have not the least lingering doubt Mr. Flad will carry on in the tradition of excellence for our community. We’re getting tremendous value.”

Looking ahead, Flad will oversee a tumultuous city deficit that is projected to be about $7 million, a council with at least one new member and an ongoing stream of projects throughout Burbank.

Candidates pack April ballots

On April 14, residents will return to the voting booth where they will be asked to decide on four races that could set a new course for the city.

Thirteen residents are vying for one open seat on the City Council, with Councilwoman Marsha Ramos opting not to run again, while Mayor Dave Golonski and Councilman David Gordon are each set to defend their positions.

The glut of new candidates includes retired firefighter and city board member Jess Talamantes, Planning Board member Gregory Jackson and 19-year-old Marine Pvt. Jeffrey W. Prutz.

Daniel D. Humfreville, chairman of Burbank Center for the Retarded; Lee Dunayer, a financial planner whose first run for the council in 2003 was upended by a potential conflict of interest; and Glendale Community College student Steven Ferguson have also been verified by the clerk’s office.