HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-25-57-Regular MeetingE
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
HELD MARCH 25th, 1957
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting in the
Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall at 7:30 P.M. on March 25, 1957
with Mayor Stamps presiding.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEN: Carroll M. Dunnum, Edwin W. Giddings, Scott E.
Temple, James L. Stamps.
ABSENT: COUNCILMAN: Hollis M. Peavey
Also present: Glenn Kendall, Acting City Manager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
John Crowley, City Consultant
Della Doyle, City Clerk
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum, and
unanimously carried that the minutes of the meetings held on March 8th, 11th,
14th and 18th, 1957 be approved as presented.
ORDINANCE N0. 19
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING ARTICLE VII OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY
ADDING THERETO A NEW CHAPTER TO BE DESIGNATED CHAPTER 2
AND RELATING TO SANITARY SEWERS AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE.
Ordinance No. 19 was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple,
seconded by Councilman Dunnum, and carried by a roll call vote that further read-
ing be waived.
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEN: Dunnm, Giddings, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMAN: Peavey.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum, and car-
ried by a roll call vote that said ordinance be adopted.
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMAN: Peavey
Councilman Peavey took his place at 7:40 P.M.
ORDINANCE NO. 20
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 9226 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE.
(Re: Checking Fees - Subdivisions.)
Ordinance No. 20 was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum,
seconded by Councilman Temple, and unanimously carried by a roll call vote that
further reading be waived.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple, and unani-
mously carried by a roll call vote that Ordinance No. 20 be adopted.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
Council Minutes 3/25/57
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ORDINANCE NO. 21
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 9102.1 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE.
(Re: Planning Commission Resolutions No. 4 & 5)
Ordinance No. 21 was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum, and unanimously carried by a roll call
vote that further reading be waived.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum, and unani-
mously carried by a roll call vote that Ordinance No. 21 be adopted.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
RESOLUTION N0, 53
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
EXPRESSING ITS APPRECIATION TO HARRY C. WILLIAMS.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey, and unani-
mously carried by a roll call vote that Resolution No. 53 be adopted.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
r.. ABSENT: 0
RESOLUTION NO. 54
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPOINTING ROYAL M. SORENSEN AS CITY ATTORNEY, FIXING
HIS SALARY, AND PROVIDING FOR COMPENSATION FOR EXTRA
EMPLOYMENT.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum, and unani-
mously carried by a roll call vote that Resolution No. 54 be adopted.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
RESOLUTION NO. 55
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING AND REQUESTING THE COUNTY ENGINEER TO MAINTAIN
THE MASTER HOUSE NUMBERING MAP.
Resolution No. 55 was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dun-
num, seconded by Councilman Temple, and unanimously carried by a roll call vote
that further reading be waived.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple, and unani-
mously carried by a roll call vote that Resolution No. 55 be adopted.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
Council Minutes 3/25/57 -2-
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RESOLUTION NO. 56
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DISASTER -CIVIL
DEFENSE AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES INSIDE THE CITY
LIMITS.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple, and unani-
mously carried by a roll call vote that Resolution No. 56 be adopted.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
The Acting City Manager was requested to investigate the possibility of Dow-
ney handling their own Civil Defense program.
RESOLUTION NO. 57
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR MAINTENANCE OF STATE HIGHWAY IN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
Resolution No. 57 was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple,
seconded by Councilman Dunnum, and unanimously carried that further reading be
waived.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple, and unani-
mously carried that Resolution No, 57 be adopted.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
Councilman Dunnum reported that some of the streets and sidewalks are in a
hazardous condition and need immediate attention.
Mr. Fred Dodge, 8635 Firestone Blvd. offered his services to survey the side-
walk situation and make a report to the Council.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple, and unani-
mously carried that Mr. Fred Dodge be authorized to make a survey of the conditions
of sidewalks in Downey.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
Councilman Dunnum suggested that a luncheon be planned for Monday, April lst,
1957 to welcome Mr. Oren King on his first day as City Manager of the City of Dow-
ney.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Peavey and unani-
mously carried that the Council go on record commending the Planning Commission on
the manner in which they have handled scene very difficult situations.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
Councilman Peavey asked if the 7th street "No Parking" signs had been approved.
The Acting City Manager reported that this problem is now being studied by the
Traffic Committee.
The Acting City Manager was asked to investigate which streets are going to
be opened through from Downey Avenue to Lakewood Blvd* and approximately when this
would be accomplished.
Council Minutes 3/25/57 -3-
Rr
Councilman Temple discussed the problem of speed limits near schools and
parks.
Mrs. Courtney Van Riper, 12726 Brock Ave., President of the P.T.A. urged
that immediate steps be taken to regulate the speed zones on Imperial Blvd.,
Mrs. R. G. Lasher2 12745 Brock Ave., Safety Chairman for the P.T.A. outlined
the problems of the area and stated that their problems were unique because of
the area not having crosswalks and sidewalks to adequately protect the children
crossing the thoroughfare of Imperial Blvd. She said that in addition they did
not feel that there were adequate school signs posted for motorists to observe
necessary caution in this area.
Mr. Clarence Murphy, 7931 Borson stated that because of the speed limits now
existing that heavy trucks were driving at excessive speeds on city streets and
felt that they should be better patroled.
Mr. Jack Carlson, Principal of Imperial School, stated that there are other
schools with much the same type of problem and all should be surveyed.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings, and unani-
mously carried that a thorough investigation be made and steps be taken to correct
the speed regulations near schools and parks within the city.
The Acting City Manager was requested to contact the Pius X School asking
their cooperation in controling school children that are not obeying the traffic
regulation in crossing Gardendale and are creating a dangerous situation.
Councilman Peavey stated that when we have our own Police Department it will
be much easier to control the traffic situations as they arise.
The Acting City Manager reported that the double- double white lines on Fire-
stone Blvd* were not being properly observed by motorists and suggested that a
campaign be initiated through the newspapers to educate the public before a strict
enforcement program be started. The Council concurred with this recornendation.
Councilman Temple opened the subject of drainage from Stewart and Gray Road.
Mr, J. Me Page, 12005 Samoline expressed concern as to how the drainage would
effect the area south where the drain would terminate.
Mr. Jim Hughes, 12004 Morning Ave. asked what kind of a drainage system was
anticipated. The Acting City Manager informed the Council that he was working on
this problem and that no action would be taken prior to informing the council.
Mr. Gilbert Powers, 7934 Borson asked what action was being taken on the
Smallwood lighting district. He was informed the County was working on the neces-
sary papers for the proposed district.
Mr. John Crowley reported that the population figures he had obtained show
Downey had a population of 28,000 plus in 1950. This is over the maxi.mun popula-
tion.to qualify for redevelopment funds.
Councilman Dunnum asked for a report on the progress of the contest to be
conducted in the schools of Downey to develop a seal, motto, and colors for the
City.
Mr. Jim Brown, President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, volunteered to
take the project to his board of directors with the possibility that the Jr.
Chamber would conduct the contest for the City.
The City Clerk read a letter from the Downey Board of Realtors, Inc. com-
mending the members of the City Planning Commission for their time and effort de-
voted to the good planning of Downey.
A letter from the Downey Junior Woman's Club thanking,,th Mayor and Council
members for their cooperation in proclaiming March 2nd as Downey Clean -Up Day"
was read.
A letter from the Downey Coordinating Council expressing their appreciation
to the Council for their services and inviting them to attend a Coordinating
Council meeting was read.
Council Minutes 3/25/57 -4-
59 "
A letter was read from the Downey Council of Parents and Teachers, Inc. re-
questing that all available material regarding youth laws be made available to
them so that it could be incorporated into a booklet for the school use. The City
Manager was requested to write a letter to the effect that any information that
was now available would be inadequate in a very short time and when this informa-
tion was more complete it would be made available to them.
A letter was read from Assemblyman Frank G. Bonelli reporting the failure of
Assembly Bill 64 banning the sale of crime horror comic books.
The Acting City Manager presented a request for a public telephone booth in
the building.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple, and unani-
mously carried by a roll call vote that the telephone booth in the building be
retained by the City.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Staff s.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
A request from the Valley Decorating Company stating that if the City pay the
balance due on the 1957 Rose Float at an earlier date than July 10 1957 a cash dis-
count would be allowed. This was referred to the Director of Finance, Roy Showal-
ter, for his recommendations.
Mr. Roy Noxsel, 10525 Western Ave., Vice President of the Jr. Chamber of Com-
merce asked for the Council's backing and approval of a fair or circus to be con-
ducted and sponsored by the Jr. Chamber to raise funds for the 1958 Rose Float.
Two informal petitions for Assessment Districts were presented and ordered to
be filed with the City Engineer as soon as possible.
A letter was presented regarding the street and drainage problem on Alameda
Street between Paramount Blvd. and Downey Ave.; the Acting City Manager was request-
ed to handle this inquiry.
Legal notification was given of a proposed Annexation No. 11 to the City of
Dairy Valley.
The City Manager presented demands No. 103 thru 106 for the Council's con-
sideration. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey, and
unanimously carried that the City Council, after audit of demands No. 103 thru
106 finds and determines that the demands are proper and the total amount thereof
does not exceed the income and revenue for the year in which the indebtedness was
incurred, but that there are not sufficient funds presently available for their
payment, and the same shall not be approved for want of funds. The City Clerk shall
endorse upon the demand the fact that the demand has been audited by the City Coun-
cil and not approved for want of funds.
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple, Stamps.
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
Mr. Roy Noxsel, Vice - President of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce asked that the
Council approve the Jr. Chambers sponsoring a Vablic fireworks display to be held
on July 3rd, 1957. The Council approved this display.
Mr. Wally Phisters 7822 Firestone Blvd. question the tentative business li-
cense fee set on auto wrecking and salvage yards.
Mr. Charles Faught, 7820 4th Place also stated that the tentative fee would
make operation prohibitive.
This matter will be reconsidered by the Council.
RESOLUTION NO. 58
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING THE EMPLOYMENT OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE &5SISTANT
Council Minutes 3/25/57 -5-