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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-09-22-58-Regular Meeting416 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY HELD SEPTEMBER 22, 1958 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned meeting at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall on September 22nd, 1958. Mayor Scott E. Temple presided. PRESENT: Councilmen: Dunnum, Peavey, Temple ABSENT: Councilmen: Giddings, Stamps It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey, and passed that the meeting adjourn to the cafetorium. The City Council of the City of Downey reconvened in the cafetorium. PRESENT: Councilmen: Dunnum, Peavey, Stamps, Temple ABSENT: Councilman: Giddings ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Della Doyle, City Clerk Wilma C. Erickson, Deputy City Clerk Donald Simpson, Assistant City Engineer Dan McNutt, City Planner Don Warren, Assitant Fire Chief Robert W. Gain, Fire Chief Ivan A. Robinson, Police Chief Ray T. Lake, Director of Building & Safety Mrs. T. J. Pert of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented the Council with a new flag of the United States, together with copies of the Flag Code. Mayor Temple accepted in behalf of the Council and expressed deep apprec- iation. Mayor Temple announced that this was the time for reconsideration of the fire station site at 9500 Florence Avenue. Mr. King gave a resume of the discussions in the past. Mr. Sorensen gave a report on the escrow proceedings on the property and explained that the report from the title company revealed that they could not deliver a clear and free title of the property because of miscellaneous liens and indebtednesssand in his opinion the property title was not marketable. MR. King read a petition signed by ten residents of the area in question and reported that he had received several telephone calls stating that they wanted fire protection in that area. He also said that the Fire Underwriters recommended a fire station in the vicinity of Florence and Woodruff and that property on the north side of Florence and Woodruff was being considered. He hoped to have further recommendations for the council in the near future. Mayor Temple asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak. Ther being none, it was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Stamps and passed by the following vote that the City of Downey withdraw from the excrow proceeding on the 9500 East Florence property and pay the escrow fees: 4 AYES: Councilmen: Stamps, Peavey, Dunnum, Temple 0 NOES: 1 ABSENT: Councilman: Giddings. Mayor Temple announced that this was the time for reconsideration of the traffic problem around Harvey's Drive -In. Mr. King gave a brief report on the traffic problem, stating that it seemed to be practically solved and that the traffic counts showed a marked decrease in the residential area. Noise should be reported to the Police Department because there is an existing ordinance covering unnecessary noises. He recommended that no further 1£gislation be enacted at this time. 4 -7 Mr. King expressed appreciation to the Police Department, the Traffic Engineer and the Public Works Department as well as to Harvey's for full cooperation on this traffic problem. When Councilman Peavey inquired about the trees to be planted, Mr. Ray May- field, attorney for Harvey's Broiler, said that they would be planted as soon as he and the Director of Public Works could get together to determine the kind of trees that would be most desirable. The following people spoke on the problem. Mr. James C. McPhail, 7411 Firestone Place Mr. William Carmack, 7429 Firestone Place Mr. L.W.Owen, 7419 Firestone Place Mr. Doug. Bishop, 7429 Third St., Mrs. Margaret Owen, 7419 Firestone Blace Mr. McPhail inquired as to the ordinance that was to be presented restricting the operation of drive -ins. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING TO ARTICLE VI THEREOF A NEW CHAPTER TO BE DESIGNATED AS CHAPTER 8 AND RELATING TO DRIVE -IN RESTAURANTS. Mr. Sorensen read the ordinance in brief and said that if the Council wished to act upon said ordinance, it would be valid. Mr. Mayfield, Attorney for Harvey Ortner, asked the Council to hesitate before passing this ordinance because of the far reaching authority given the Chief of Police. He suggested that the Council meet together with other drive - in operators to discuss an ordinance suitable to all concerned- if one was really necessary. When asked what would be done about the noise and rowdyism in the vicinity of Harvey's Broiler, Chief of Police Ivan A. Robinson remarked that the Police Department was investigating all reports and had proper legislation to control noise. As for the traffic, he remarked that the traffic controls are being worked on, and when fully activated, and used to advantage by the police officers, would affect better control of traffic in the residential area. It was his opinion that the traffic could be controlled without an ordinance, and he did not like the dictorial control the ordinanee placed upon him. Councilmen Dunnum and Stamps commended Chief Robinson for his remarks and the stand taken against the proposed ordinance. Councilman Peavey remarked he was willing to vote for an ordinance to regulate the closing of drive -ins to 12 :00 midnight. Councilman Stamps said the ordinance was too drastic. Councilman Dunnum felt it a very derious problem, but personally ftkt they should exhaust all other solutions before taking drastic action by passing the proposed ordinance. The problem should be kept under constant surveillance, and if things are not cleared up, then act on the problem. He proposed to go along with the recommendations of Mr. King and Chief Robinson. After considerable discussion between the Councilmen, it was moved by Council- man Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Stamps, and passed by the following vote that the proposed ordinance regulating drive -ins be tabled with the thought in mind that the problem be kept under constant surveillance by the Police Department and with the request that the people in the area keep the Council advised at all times regarding the situation in the area of Harvey's Broiler. 3 AYES: Councilman: Stamps, Dunnum, Temple 1 NOES: Councilman: Peavey 1 ABSENT: Councilman: Giddings. 71-- 4_1� The City Clerk read a letter from Ralph and Betty Lucci requesting an extension of 279 days for the improvement of streets dedicated and approved on their Sub- division Tract #21227, to prepare for and meet the demands set forth by the City of Downey to qualify for zoning on their proposed 40 story developement. Mr. Bill Lister, 12631 East Imperial Highway, Imperial Square, Santa Fe Springs, spoke in behalf of the Luccis' request. Mr. Vernon Duckett, 3406 West Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, also speaking in behalf of the Lucci's, said they needed time for financing and leasing. If the extension cannot be granted, he asked that assurance be given that these streets could be abandoned at a later dats. City Attorney, Royal M. Sorensen, reported that the bond has a time limit and that improvements mast be made within a certain time or the bond would have to be forfeited. Mr. McNutt reported that another extension of time was uncalled for since the property owners to the north, Mrs. Moore, has had her property approved for tentative subdivision. Mr. Stanley J. Sedlacek, 10319 Western Drive, spoke against the extension of time. It was moved by Councilman Peavey,seconded by Councilman Dunnum, and passed by the following vote that an extension of 30 days be granted, contingent on approval of the bonding company, to allow for time to work out plans and details for presentation of the situation. 4 AYES: Councilmen: Dunnum, Peavey, Stamps, Dtafm= 11�'16�1 0 NOES: Councilmen: 1 ABSENT: Councilman: Giddings There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. City Clerk Mayor