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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-02-10-59-Regular Meetingr MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FEBRUARY 10, 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, February 10, 1959. Mayor Edwin W. Giddings presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings ABSENT: Councilmen: None ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works Robert Gain, Fire Chief Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety Dan McNutt, City Planner Don Simpson, City Engineer Lester Bergslien, City Librarian A. C.. Gabriel, Director of Finance Della Doyle, City Clerk The Mayor announced that this was the time and place for the hearing on the Dempster Street Improvement No. 3 and asked if there were any protests. There were no oral protests. The City Clerk read a written protest from Mr. Wm. S. Steinman, 13660 Dempster Ave., Paramount, Calif., in which he stated he felt that he was assessed too much for Parcel No. 30, a small part of which fronted on Downey Ave. Mr. Simpson explained the assessment and presented a plat of the assessment district to be filed with the City Clerk. Councilman Dunnum stated it was his understanding that Downey Avenue improvements were to ,.._ come out of In -Lieu monies. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Stamps and so ordered that the matter be continued for hearing to February 24, 1959 and a determination made as to the amount of money involved in In -Lieu monies, and that the total assessment be reduced by that amount for the Dempster Street Improvement No. 3. Mayor Giddings asked the City Clerk if she had the following affidavits: 1. Affidavit of Publication 2. Affidavit of Posting 3. Affidavit of Mailing The City Clerk answered yes. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded_ y Councilman Temple and so ordered that the affidavits be received and filed. The Mayor announced that this was the time and place set for the hearing on Weed Abatement and asked if there were any protests. There were no oral and no written protests. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ^--� ordered that the council authorize the street superintendent to be instructed to proceed with the weed abatement program. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that authority be granted for the Department of Public Works to advertise for bids for the weed abatement contract. Mr. King reported that the Southern Pacific Railroad Company is cleaning up their weeds on the rights of way. Councilman Peavey introduced Mayor William McCann from Santa Fe Springs who read and presented a resolution of the City of Santa Fe Springs to the City Council of the City of Downey, expressing appreciation of the use of fire equipment. Mayor Giddings thanked Mayor McCann and recommended placing it in an appropriate spot in the City Hall. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the minutes of the meeting of January 27, 1959, be approved as corrected. The City Clerk read the following correspondence: A letter from the County Boundary Commission stating that the City of Whittier was anticipating annexation #1. A letter from John Quinn, Assessor, on the matter of the merger of Downey County Water District with the City of Downey, stating that there would be no change in the 1959 assessment roll. The letter was ordered filed. A letter from the City of Pico Rivera expressing a desire to work out a cooperative arrangement relative to law enforcement on Telegraph Road. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the Council authorize a Joint Powers Agreement be prepared and presented at the next Council Meeting. A letter from the General Telephone Company regarding removal of utility poles on Firestone Blvd., stating these poles should remain in place for the time being. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that a letter be sent to both General Telephone Company and the Edison Company recommending that they include in their next year's budget, or sooner, if possible, an item for removal of the utility poles on the south side of Firestone Blvd. between Brookshire Ave. and Paramount Blvd. A letter from the City Attorney in response to a question at the last Council Meeting as to whether Downey needed an anti- litter ordinance. The City Attorney, in his letter, stated the situation appeared to be sufficiently covered under Sections 4116 and 4901 through 4905 of the Downey Municipal Code Upon the question of Councilman Temple as to what a violation of this ordinance would involve, the City Attorney answered it would be a misdemeanor subject to $500 and /or six months. A letter announcing a Mayors and Councilmen's meeting on February 11, at 6 :30 P.M. at Hody's Restaurant in Lakewood. Councilman Peavey and Councilman Stamps are attending. Councilman Temple asked what the council's feeling was on continuing at- tendance at these meetings, which seemed to be primarily a social meeting. Mayor Giddings reported on the meeting called of Mutual Aid Cities which brought out that there should be more mutual aid between these cities on other services, such as library and street maintenance. Mayor Giddings stated it was very satisfying to have a meeting of this type where the greatest part of the meeting time would be devoted to mutual aid discussions. A letter from the City Engineer stating the Vernon Paving Company request- ing an extension of time to complete the contract for the Downey Improvement No. 4 -M, Smallwood Avenue, et al. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Stamps and so ordered that the Vernon Paving Company be granted an extension of 15 calendar days on the Smallwood Avenue paving. ORDINANCE NO. 118 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING THERETO A NEW SECTION TO BE DESIGNATED SECTION 3187 THERETO AND RELATING TO STATE HIGHWAYS. The ordinance was read by title only. Sol It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 118 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. 119 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 3186.5 RELATING TO INCREASING SPEED LIMITS. The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that further reading of the ordinance be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 119 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. 120 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOEY AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BEING RESPECTIVELY, SECTIONS 2801 RELATING TO THE DIS- POSAL OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY, 4202 RELATING TO POUND SERVICE, 4505 RELATING TO CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS, 6514.1, 6527, AND 6530 MATING TO TAXI CABS, 6538.1 RELATING TO PAWNBROKERS, AND 6547.1 RELATING TO DEALERS IN OLD GOLD. The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 120 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings 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 so ordered that further reading be waived. qIt was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that said ordinance be introduced. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Clerk was handed a written communication which she read appealing a zoning exception on Case No. 93. Action on this protest was deferred until such time as the protest is qualified by a deposit. 56s" RESOLUTION NO. 384 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CERTAIN ACCESS RIGHTS DEDICATED TO THE CITY OF DOWNEY. The resolution was read by title only. It -was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 384 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSTAIN: 1 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. Barhite, Director of Public Works, presented a map of the area to be dedicated for-access rights for filing with the City Clerk. RESOLUTION NO. 385 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND HIGHWAY SAFETY LIGHTING ON LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND FIRE- STONE BOULEVARD. The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, 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. 385 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION N0. 386 A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY TO VACATE THAT CERTAIN EASEMENT FOR LIGHT AND AIR ALONG FONTANA STREET. The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilmen Temple, 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. 386 be adopted and a hearing set for March 10 at 8:00 A.M. in the Council Chambers. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Clerk read a letter from the Chairman of the Personnel Advisory Board requesting a new classification be established for Communications Operator and Superintendent of Records be reclassified from Lieutenant to the rank of Captain in the Police Department, and that the classification of Purchasing Agent be elevated two pay keys. The Personnel Advisory Board also requested a correction of Section 3, Article 12 to read 60% rather than the 75% which is now unworkable. After detailed discussion Councilman Peavey moved and Councilman Stamps seconded that these changes be approved for action to take effect on July 1, 1959, at the time of budget. Councilman Dunnum requested a more complete report of the circumstances behind the request for the changes. Mr. Kendall outlined the thinking of the Personnel Advisory Board precipitating their recommendation for reclassifications in the Police Department and an upgrading of pay key for the Purchasing Agent. Councilman Dunnum stated he felt he was not completely informed and would like to preface his vote on the conditions that a more complete report be submitted by the City Manager relative to the reasons back of the recommendations, the circumstances surrounding the workload of the Purchasing Agent, how much over- time had been accumulated by the Purchasing Agent and an over -all picture of the effect of such reclassification and upgrading in the Police Department. Councilman Peavey, with the consent of Councilman Stamps withdrew the motion, and Councilman Peavey moved, it was seconded by Councilman Stamps and passed by the following vote that this matter be tabled for further study. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Giddings suggested that where committees or boards are involved, or department heads, in an exception to a rule, the Council have a briefing session where questions may be brought up in order to have a complete picture thus saving time at a council meeting where something is brought up with little or no advance information. This would enable the Council to be in a better position to act intelligently and possibly avoid delaying of final action by the Council. RESOLUTION N0. 387 A RESOLUTION OF THE CTTY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING PART II OF THAT CERTAIN DOCUMENT ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION NO. 255. (Personnel Rules & Regulations) The resolution was read seconded by Councilman Peave; No. 387 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: NOES: 0 Councilmen: ABSENT: A Councilmen: in full. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, y and passed by the following vote that Resolution Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings None None RESOLUTION NO. WS 134 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 (63335 through X63447 $38,211.03). The resolution was read by title only. Councilman Peavey recommended that the Department of Public Works look into the matter of painting of line markings on city streets in order to possibly save the City some money for contracting for this work. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS 134 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Jf, _l r RESOLUTION NO. WS 135 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 #7388 through #7681 $61,072.94) . (Payroll) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 135 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. King reported that the Council had previously approved the use of funds from the street improvement fund for Borson St. east of Glynn Ave., Old River School Rd. between Country Club Road & Via Rio Nido, Telegraph Road west of Birchbark Ave. and northwest corner of Otto St. and Downey Ave. and requested authority to advertise for bids. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to authorize the advertising for bids for the improvement of the following: (a) Borson St. east of Glynn Ave. (b) Old River School Rd. between Country Club Road & Via Rio Nido (c) Telegraph Road west of Birchbark Ave. (d) Northwest corner of Otto St. & Downey Ave. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Giddings asked if there were any oral communications. Mr. Wm. S. Steinman, 13660 Dempster Ave., Paramount, Calif. inquired as to whether there is any coordination between neighboring cities on weed abatement. He was advised there is none but that it could be taken up with another city's Director of Public Works, and that there usually is coopera- tion between the cities in requests of this nature. Mrs. Sammartano, 9007 Muller, Downey, asked permission from the Council to change the wording of her sign at the Aloha Gardens Apartment Hotel. She was advised that the Council's previous action was final and such a request would have to go through the Planning Commission. Mr. King submitted a report from Chief of Police Robinson outlining the need for additional personnel facilities for the Police Department. Two rooms, 1 detention room and 1 interrogation room, were being recommended at the sum of $1200. Prisoners have up to the present time been kept in space which is in the public eye, with the need for someone to watch them. The room recommended for the detention of prisoners would hold from 6 to 8 prisoners, and the other would be for interrogation. �• It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that authority be granted to proceed with Chief Robinson's request. Councilman Stamps commented that unless petitions being circulated for the Water Replenishment District would meet the required number of 150,000, 50% of which have presently been obtained, it would forestall placing this item on the ballot for the March election. He urged further endeavor in securing the necessary signatures. 5 Mr. Leon Emerson, immediate past president of the Chamber of Commerce, presented the Council with an All American Awards Placque for Honorable Mention. Mayor Giddings commended those who went to the All American Awards meeting in Colorado Springs and presented the story of Downey for the excel- lent job they had done and stated that he felt the only reason we did not win was because we were.a new city. Councilman Temple brought up the problem of vacant stores in the City. Mr. C. Larry Hoag, President of the Chamber of Commerce, reported that the ,—, Chamber had a meeting this morning and those present are cognizant of this problem and suggestions for "face lifting ", painting up, etc. have been made. However, no definite action was taken at this time. Councilman Temple also stated that one of the major objectives of the City should be to get one or more large department stores in the City. Councilman Peavey stated that during the past week a former committee member had passed away, Mr. Arch Fuller, who had served on the first Planning Commission, and had been very active in the incorporation of the City of Downey. Councilman Peavey said he felt it fitting and proper for the Council to send Mrs. Fuller a resolution expressing their regrets at the passing away of Mr. Fuller and that such resolution be spread in the Council Minutes. Councilman Peavey moved, it was seconded by Councilman Stamps and so ordered that a resolution expressing the Council's regrets at the passing away of Mr. Arch Fuller be spread in the Council Minutes. Councilman Temple moved that the motion be amended to include closing of the meeting in memory of Mr. Fuller. It was so ordered. Councilman Peavey reaffirmed his appointment to the Library Board of Mrs. Kay Knox, 7950 E. 5th Street, Downey. Councilman Peavey inquired what action had been taken on the parking lots in regard to the City paying the rent and the County collecting the money from the parking meters. Mr. King stated that he would contact Mr. Art Wills of the County again to try to clear this matter up. He reported that there had been W several meetings but as yet no satisfactory solution had been reached. The lease for the lot on 2nd and New Streets (Bert Douglas) will have to be rene- gotiated this month and a complete survey of the lots will be presented before that time. Councilman Peavey inquired if any action had been taken on the matter of all day parking on Gallatin School House Rd. east of Paramount Blvd. Mr. King said that he would investigate the matter and see what could be done. Councilman Dunnum stated that there seemed to be a great deal of "sign" confusion throughout the city. The signs were not only badly in need of main- tenance but they were not located at the City limits. He particularly mentioned the "Welcome to Downey" sign on Paramount just off the Santa Ana Freeway and suggested the possibility of a screen being placed over the sign for protection from further mutilation. Mr. King reported that a metal re- placement was being considered. Councilman Dunnum also recommended that an investigation of the cost of moving these signs to the City limits be made as soon as possible. Along this same line, Councilman Temple recommended that the City Limits signs of Downey also be checked with reference to the locations and the popula- tion information shown on them. Mayor Giddings reported he had attended the graduation at the Police Academy of one of our police officers and that he was not only proud that one of our policemen was successful in graduating, but he was quite impressed with the good reputation the Downey Police Department has with high officials in the Los Angeles Police Department. Mayor Giddings reported that the meeting with citizens on Friday afternoon prior to Council Meeting had worked out very well. He felt the questions raised at the Friday meeting and settled at that time had saved much time for the Council Meeting. 50"`' Mayor Giddings announced that as a result of business he will be out of town for about a month beginning on Wednesday of next week and that Mayor Pro - Tempore Stamps will take over at the Council Meetings as of February 18 to the 15th of March. The plans and specifications of the Library Building were submitted by Messrs. Anthony and Langford, architects. After discussion it was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote to authorize the firm of Anthony and Langford to draw up alternate plans and specifications for bids on tilt up, as well as concrete block structure, such alternate plans not to exceed the maximum cost of $1,000. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Stamps It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to authorize drawing up a new contract to employ the firm of Anthony and Langford as architects for the Library Building. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Stamps There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjour d at 11:30 A.M. City Clerk V Mayor