HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-01-13-59-Regular Meeting477
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JANUARY 13, 1959
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting in the
Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall at 8:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 13,
1959. Mayor Scott E. Temple presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager
Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager
Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works
A. C. Gabriel, Purchasing Agent
Robert Gain, Fire Chief
Don Warren, Assistant Fire Chief
Leroy Starkey, Director of Finance
Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police
Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety
Dan McNutt, City Planner
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
Lester Bergslien, City Librarian
Della Doyle, City Clerk
There being no corrections or additions to the minutes of December 23,
1958, Mayor Temple ordered them approved as presented.
The City Clerk read the following correspondence:
A letter from Carl Fossette, Field Secretary of the Central Basin Water
Association expressing approval of the adoption of Resolution No. 358 on
December 23, 1958, and pledging support of the proposed Central and West Basin
Water Replenishment District.
A letter from the Build A Better Community Chairman of the Downey Junior
Woman's Club recommending the adoption of a City anti - litter ordinance. The
City Attorney reported this was probably already covered in the Downey
Municipal Code. The matter was referred to the City Attorney to follow up.
A letter from Mr. L. B. Schoonover, Director of Postal Installations
Division deferring action on Resolution No. 330, approved by the City Council
of the City of Downey, requesting that an adequate postal facility be provided.
Councilman Peavey recommended that a copy of this resolution be sent to our
new senator.
Letters from the County Boundary Commission announcing Annexations No. 18
and No. 19 to the City of Whittier.
A letter from Mr. Eugene Ctibor, Musical Director of the Downey Symphony
Orchestra expressing his appreciation and gratitude to the Mayor and Council
for their support of the Downey Symphony Orchestra.
A letter of appeal and deposit from Mrs. M. L. Sammartano protesting the
denial by the Planning Commission of Zone Exception Case #95 on January 7, 1959.
Mrs. Sammartano offered a schematic drawing of a sign proposed for erection at
the Aloha Gardens Apartments owned by her as further evidence. Councilman
Giddings moved, Councilman Dunnum seconded and it was so ordered that the drawing
be accepted as evidence, marked Exhibit F.
Councilman Dunnum presented a letter from the Stonewood Lodge Motel as
Exhibit G, protesting the use of the Sammartano property as a motel. Mrs. Sam -
martano swore on the Bible that charges previously brought against her were not
true and that she had no intention of operating a motel but only a hotel apartment
as stipulated on the sign as Exhibit F.
After reviewing the file submitted by the Planning Department, the summation
of evidence produced at the hearing before the Planning Commission, the application
and the drawing for the proposed sign, it was moved by Councilman Giddings,
seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that the exception
is necessary for the preservation of a substantial property right of the owner and
such exception will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare, nor to
47
the property of other persons located in the vicinity thereof and, therefore,
Mrs. M. L. Sammartano hereby is granted the right to erect a sign as presented
in Exhibit F on the property described in her application for a period of one
year commencing this date.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 1 Councilman: Stamps
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mayor Temple introduced Dr. O'Toole, Mr. William Wanamaker and Ed Schwaner
of the Rose Float Association. Mr. Wanamaker, Treasurer, presented a Financial
Report of the Association which indicated that the sum of $1,412.50 was needed
from the City in order to fulfill the City's commitment. Mr. King, City Manager,
reported that there was $1,500.00 in Account No. 331 that was available to meet
the City's prior commitment for the Rose Float Association and further stated to
the Council that the float had been completed by the builder, only by reason of
the prior commitment by the City that such amount would be paid by the City for the
completion of the float.
It was moved by Councilman Stamps, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed
by the following vote that the Council ratify and affirm the previous commitment to
the Rose Float Association and that the Council approve an allocation of $1,412.50
from Account No. 331 to the Rose Float Association in order to fulfill such commit-
ment by the City.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING TO CHAPTER
5 OF ARTICLE VI A NEW PART RELATING TO BILLIARD ROOMS.
The ordinance was read by title only.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed
by the following vote that the ordinance be referred to the City Attorney to be
amended.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING TO CHAPTER
1 OF ARTICLE III SECTION 3132.1 THERETO RELATING TO THE
INSTALLATION OF YIELD SIGNS.
The ordinance was read by title only.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
so ordered that further reading be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Stamps, and
passed by the following vote that said ordinance be introduced.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. 362
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
URGING THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO REVISE THE MAYO -BREED
FORMULA TO INCREASE SOUTHLAND HIGHWAY FUNDS.
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Giddings,
seconded by Councilman Peavey, and so ordered that further reading be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Stamps and passed
by the following vote that Resolution No. 362 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. 363
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY OF
INTENTION TO APPROVE AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE
BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT
SYSTEM AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY.
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Giddings,
seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading be waived.
4'
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Stamps,
and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 363 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 ABSENT: 0
RESOLUTION NO. 364
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
OF INTENTION TO ORDER A CHANGE IN PROCEEDINGS. DOWNEY
" IMPROVEMENT NO. 4 -M. (Smallwood Avenue) (Hearing
Date, January 27, 1959)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Peavey, seconded by Councilman Stamps and so ordered that further reading be
waived.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Stamps and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 364 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 ABSENT: 0
RESOLUTION NO. 365
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ABANDONING THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE VERDURA AVENUE ET AL
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 5 -M.
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further reading
be waived. -
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 365 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 ABSENT: 0
RESOLUTION NO. 366
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT NO. 24266
ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION THEREIN OFFERED, APPROVING AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDERS AND ACCEPTANCE OF A
SURETY BOND. (DOHRMAN)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading
be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Stamps, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that Resolution Ho. 366 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 ABSENT: 0
RESOLUTION N0. 367
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST, CON-
VENIENCE, AND NECESSITY REQUIRE THE ACQUISITION OF THE
FEE TITLE TO CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR FIRE STATION PURPOSES.
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Giddings, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading
be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 367 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was agreed that the City Manager obtain an appraisal relative to the
Florence Avenue Fire Station site.
RESOLUTION NO. WS 130
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE
FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID. ( #6803
through 7090 $563,210.92) Payroll.
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading
-� be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS 130 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
After a review of the warrants register it was moved by Councilman
Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that Warrant #3208
in the amount of $20,047.00 to Morrison Escrow Company be deleted.
RESOLUTION NO. WS 131
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE
FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID. ( #3141 -3207,
3209 -3266 $107,251.50)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further reading
be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS 131 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Attorney submitted the Mutual Aid Agreement for the Civil
Defense of Area E setting forth the pro -rata share for the participating
cities.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that the agreement be approved and the City
Manager be given authority to execute.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Councilman Dunnum suggested that an ordinance for beautifying our
parking lots be considered. It was referred to the City Manager and to the
Planning Commission for study.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
so ordered that printing of the Downey Municipal Code be expedited.
It was reported by Donald C. Simpson, City Engineer, that the petition
for Improvement District No. 24, the improvement of Stamps Avenue, has been
returned with 827/o of the owners having signed said petition.
It was moved by Councilman Stamps, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
approved by the following vote that authority be given to prepare plans and
specifications.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
486-
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and passed by the following vote that authority be granted to employ the
firm of Burke - Williams and Sorensen to prepare the necessary legal documents.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that funds be advanced to pay costs incurred
until the bonds are sold.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
A summation of bids received on January 9, 1959 for Contract #21 for
traffic signals at Florence Avenue and Rives Avenue was presented and it was
recommended that the bid be awarded to the lowest and best bidder, Steiny and
Mitchel, Inc. in the amount of $9.128.00.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and
passed by the following vote that the bid for Contract #21 for traffic signals
at Florence Avenue and Rives Avenue be awarded to the lowest and best bidder,
Steiny and Mitchel, Inc. in the amount of $9,128.00.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
A summation of bids received January 5, 1959 for Contract #20, Painting
City Buildings, was presented and it was recommended that the bid be awarded
to the lowest and best bidder, J. F. Just Company, for $3,355.00.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that the bid for Contract #20, Painting City
Buildings, be awarded to the lowest and best bidder, J. F. Just Company, in
the amount of $3,355.00.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was recommended by Richard G. Barhite, Director of Public Works, that
the Downey Welcome signs installed by the Anderson Electrical Company be
accepted by the City Council and authorization be granted to file a Notice of
Completion.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that the five Downey Welcome signs installed by
the Anderson Electrical Company be accepted and authorization granted to file
a Notice of Completion.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 5 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that the Downey Welcome signs be properly main-
tained by the City.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 5 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mr. Donald C. Simpson, City Engineer, recommended that the City Council
accept the work done by the Griffith Company on Contract #18, resurfacing of
Ardis Avenue, and authorize the filing of a Notice of Completion.
48i
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and
so ordered that the work done by the Griffith Company on Contract #18,
resurfacing of Ardis Avenue, be accepted and authorization granted to
file a Notice of Completion.
Mr. Donald C. Simpson, City Engineer, reported that street improve-
ments in Tract #23734 and Tract #23900 had been completed and recommended
that the City Council accept the improvements and authorize the release of
the bond.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and
so ordered that the street improvements in Tract #23734 be accepted and
authorization granted to release the bond.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
so ordered that the street improvements in Tract #23900 be accepted and
authorization be granted to release the bond.
City Manager King recommended that the City Council approve the
actuarial contract between the State Employees' Retirement System and the City
of Downey.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that the actuarial contract between the State
Employees' Retirement System and the City of Downey be approved as presented.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The following committee appointments were approved by the City Council:
Councilman Giddings' appointment of Frederick L. Nelson,
9700 Garnish, Downey, to the Rose Float Association.
Councilman Stamps' appoiltment of Rex Dyer to the Parks
& Recreation Advisory Board.
The City Attorney presented a new contract between the architectural
firm of Anthony and Langford and the City of Downey for the preliminary
drawings and cost estimates for the Library Building.
Mr. John Bower of 9618 Shellyfield Rd., Downey, recommended the possi-
bility of considering the library building as a shelter during disaster.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that the contract be approved as presented and
the mayor authorized to execute said contract.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Inasmuch as the City Council had earlier allocated $3,000.00 for the
engineering costs of the Cole Street Improvement District #1 and petitions
were circulated on that basis, Councilman Peavey moved, Councilman Giddings
seconded and it was passed by the following vote that a new resolution be
drawn to include this.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSTAIN: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
Mr. King, City Manager, explained that because of the increase in
building permits and revenues over those anticipated at budget, it would
be necessary to transfer additional funds to Account #3810 -399 (Contract
Plan Checking) .
48Z
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and
passed by the following vote that $5,000.00 be transferred from the General
Funds to Account #3810 -399.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mr. King reported that petitions have been presented to the Post Office
Department by the citizens of Downey requesting that they be served by the
Downey Post Office rather than by the Hollydale or Paramount Post Office.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that a formal letter be sent to the Regional
Operations Manager of the Post Office Department in San Francisco requesting
that their petitions be granted at the earliest possible date.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mr. King reported that property owners are circulating petitions for a
proposed Mercury vapor lighting district, Improvement District No. 20,0.n 2nd
Street, and recommended that the City Council support this action.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that the City Council will be glad to sign the
petition and authorize the necessary funds after 51% of the property owners
have signed, excepting the city property.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Due to extra work load in the Finance Department it was recommended that
an additional typist clerk be employed to relieve this burden.
Councilman Giddings moved, Councilman Peavey seconded and it was passed
by the following vote that authority be granted to employ a Typist -Clerk II
at Pay Key 8A, $281 per month, for the Finance Department.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mr. King recommended that we retain our present contractural agreement
with the County and State for maintaining traffic signal and highway safety
lighting and operation for the remainder of this fiscal year, but include
the costs of our own operation, maintenance and capital outlay in the coming
budget effective July 1, 1959. Mayor Temple so ordered.
Mr. King reported that the School District was having a soil analysis
and foundation test before constructing their new administration offices and
recommended that the City join with them on a 50/50 basis and have the same
done for our Library Building.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that authority be granted for making a soil
_ analysis and foundation test of the Library Building with the City of Downey
paying the cost on a 50/50 basis with the School District in the amount of
approximately $300.00.
5 AYES: Councilmen: Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
0 NOES: Councilmen: None
0 ABSENT: Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Stamps, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and
passed by the following vote to accept Mayor Temple's resignation with
regret.
AYES:
4
Councilmen:
Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSTAIN:
1
Councilman:
Temple
It was
moved
by Councilman
Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that Councilman Giddings be elected as the
next mayor.
AYES:
4
Councilmen:
Dunnum, Stamps, Peavey, Temple
NOES:
00
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSTAIN:
1
Councilman:
Giddings
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and
passed by the following vote that Councilman Stamps be elected as the next
mayor pro- tempore:
AYES:
4
Councilmen:
Dunnum, Giddings, Peavey, Temple
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSTAIN:
1
Councilman:
Stamps
In accepting the office, Mayor Giddings stated his work would no doubt
be made easier by the wonderful ground work of the former mayors and that he
hoped to have the wholehearted support of the Council and the continued team-
work which has existed since the Council was formed.
Mayor Giddings suggested that he would like to hold a meeting twice a
month with people who have items to bring to the attention of their councilman
or the mayor, such meetings to be set up on the first and third Fridays of each
month from 4 :00 to 6:00 P.M., the first meeting to be on January 16, 1959-
Mayor Giddings announced he would like to have a dinner meeting of the
City Council with the chairmen of the various citizens committees, the president
and manager of the Downey Chamber of Commerce and the president of the Junior
Chamber at least once a month, the first meeting to be held on January 20, 1959,
at the Port Mar Restaurant from 6:30 to 9:00, and that members of the press are
welcome.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11 :00 A.M.
,
City Cle�fk ! - Mayor