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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-23-59-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JUNE 23RD, 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, June 23, 1959. Mayor Edwin W. Giddings Presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Dunnum, Peavey, Stamps, Temple, Giddings ALSO PRESENT: Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works Ray Lake, Director of Bldg. & Safety Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police Robert Gain, Fire Chief Wm. Goggin, Asst. City Planner Della Doyle, City Clerk Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the public hearing on the Tenth Street Assessment #18 be continued to July 14, 1959, at 8 :00 A.M. in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the minutes of June 9th, June 13th and June 16th be approved as read. The City Clerk read the following written correspondence: The City Clerk stated she had several letters in regard to Zone Exception Case #121 but that no official appeal had been received and asked the Council for permission to hold these pending receipt of any appeal. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the correspondence relating to Zone Exception Case #121 be held pending any appeal. An invitation signed by Supervisor Frank Bonelli from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission to attend the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena official opening and dedication ceremonies in Exposition Park on Saturday, July 4, at 2 :00 P.M. A note of thanks for the City's donation to the Downey Museum of Art from Faith Temple, membership chairman. A letter from Eastern Air Lines expressing gratitude for the City's participation and interest in establishing a direct one - carrier Southern Transcontinental Route signed by Eddie Rickenbacker, Chairman of the Board. A letter from Rollie D. Walters thanking the Public Works Department for grading a ditch alongside a school fence in his district. A letter from Major R. H. Wehking commending the Police Department on its official work in the All American Market robbery. A letter from Assemblyman George A. Willson reporting that Assembly Bill 2789 relating to County Free Libraries has been referred to an interim committee for study. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the City Manager be instructed to send a letter to Assemblyman Willson in appreciation of his work on the bills on which the City urged support or opposition. Council Minutes 6/23/59 _l_ f A letter from Assemblyman George A. Willson giving a report on the legislative session just closing. A letter from Senator Thomas H. Kuchel in reply to the Mayor's letter requesting that the senator take whatever action that may be necessary to withhold annexation of the Cheli Air Force Base to the City of Bell, or any other city, until the program for the future development of the entire area is analyzed for the benefit of all concerned. The Senator's reply stated that the matter of annexation of areas by a city is entirely within the jurisdiction of the State, and the Federal Government has no authority whatever in the problem of what community annexes another, except when federally -owned property is to be included in the area annexed. A resolution of the Board of Directors of the Downey Chamber of Commerce in recognition and commendation to the Downey Police Department, its officers; K. C. Corbin, V. C. Long, L. A. Tarantino, R. S. Ferguson, Investigators, R. A. Harrington and R. M. Fyffe, for their recent apprehension of several robbery suspects in an attempt to rob the All American Market in Downey. An invitation to attend an open house at the opening of the Southern California offices of the Lieutenant Governor of California, The Honorable Glenn M. Anderson, from 3 to 6:00 P.M. this afternoon, June 23, 1959. An invitation from Thompson Ramo Wooldridge, Inc. to visit their display at the Air Polution Control Exposition June 22 -24 at the Hotel Statler•Hilton in Los Angeles. Communications from the Cities of Lakewood, Inglewood and San Gabriel and accompanying resolutions requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to exercise all possible control to not increase the present level of taxation within the County, and asking the City of Downey to support the program. RESOLUTION NO. 441 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO EXERCISE ALL POSSIBLE CONTROL TO NOT INCREASE THE PRESENT LEVEL OF TAXATION WITHIN THE COUNTY The resolution was read in full. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Stamps and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 441 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None A letter was read from the acting president of the Board of Commissioners, D. C. with a copy of a resolution passed at the United States Conference of Mayors at its annual meeting in Miami in support of municipal self - government for Washington, D. C. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that the City Council support the resolution adopted at the U. S. Conference of Mayors at Miami, Florida. ORDINANCE NO. 127 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTIONS 4229, 4230 AND 4231 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH SAID SECTIONS RELATE TO DOG LICENSES The ordinance 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 Temple, seconded by Councilman Stamps and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 127 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Council Minutes 6/23/59 -2- ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186.5 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO INCREASING SPEED LIMITS BY ADDING SUB- SECTION (b) The ordinance 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 Temple, seconded by Councilman Stamps 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 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION 3186 RELATING TO RESTRICTED SPEED LIMITS The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, 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 said ordinance be introduced. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. 128 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE VIII OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 8114 WHICH SAID SECTION RELATES TO SOIL PIPES AND DRAIN LINES FROM GARBAGE DIS- POSAL UNITS The ordinance was read in full. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 128 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. 129 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE VIII OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING THERETO SECTION 8115 WHICH SAID SECTION RELATES TO THE QUALITY OF PLUMBING FIXTURES The ordinance was read in full. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 129 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Council Minutes 6/23/59 -3- RESOLUTIONV NO. 442 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO REMOVE STOP SIGNS AFFECTING NORTH AND SOUTH BOUND TRAFFIC ON BROOK - SHIRE AVENUE AT 2ND STREET The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Stamps, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Stamps, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 442 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 443 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING BUDGET AND APPROVING MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR EXPENDITURE OF GAS TAX ALLOCATION FOR MAJOR CITY STREETS 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. 443 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS 152 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. ( #10092 through #10396 $60,047.45) (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 152 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS 153 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. ( #4368 through #4479 $31,868.53) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading be waived. Council Minutes 6/23/59 -4- GI It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS 153 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Giddings requested the Assistant City Manager to write a letter to the Mayor of Huntington Park asking that the agenda for the meeting of Mutual Aid Cities next Monday night, June 29, include, marked "urgent ", an item in regard to the Cities' paying for County Sheriff's services and general county services which are not being furnished. The City Manager's report showed that there are still two areas of contractual services with the County which are the maintenance and repair of traffic signal highway safety lighting and underground street lighting maintenance and operation; secondly, the use of electronic data for the use of the City's traffic sign, pavement striping and marking inventories. It was recommended that the City Council approve the continuance of the street maintenance agreement between the City and the County of Los Angeles for a period of one year ending June 30, 1960. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that in accordance with the City Manager's report the Council approve the continuance of the street maintenance agree- ment between the City and the County of Los Angeles for a period of one year ending June 30, 1960. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Stamps, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that a sewer connection fee in the amount of $168.75 be reimbursed to Mr. Monte Robson. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Traffic Committee's report recommended that the City approve finan- cial participation with the State in the modification of traffic signals at the intersections of Lakewood Blvd. and Telegraph Road and Lakewood Blvd. and Florence Avenue providing for left -turn movements, as well as modification and installation of median islands. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that the City Council approve financial partici- pation with the State Department of Highways in modernizing Traffic Signals at the intersections of Lakewood Blvd. and Telegraph Road and Lakewood Blvd. and Florence Avenue. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. Barhite, Director of Public Works, in answer to a question from Councilman Dunnum as to the progress of modification of the traffic signal at Lakewood Blvd. and Firestone Blvd. informed the Council that no City participation will be required at this intersection and thus it will be done at no cost to the City. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that the State Highway Department be informed of the urgency of changing throughout for left turns at the intersections of Lakewood Blvd. and Firestone Blvd. and Lakewood Blvd. and Imperial Highway. AYEg: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, D'unnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Council Minutes 6/23/59 -5- i It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to authorize engaging a right of way appraiser for Florence Avenue between Downey Avenue and Paramount Blvd. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to authorize final acceptance and filing of Notice of Completion on Cash Contract #17 - Old River School Rd. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None • ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None After a summation of bids for library books it was recommended by the Assistant City Manager that the bid be awarded to the lowest and best bidder, Los Angeles News Co., on the discount basis of 362% for trade editions and approximately 25% for technical books. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the bid for library books be awarded to the lowest and best bidder, Los Angeles News Co., on the discount basis of 362% for trade editions and approximately 25% for technical books, subject to the approval of the City Attorney and rejection of all other bids. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager's report contained a recommendation of the Sanitation Committee that Mr. A. V. Hohn be granted permission to change his collection days from the entire district being collected on Saturday to distribute this collection for pickup in District II of his area each day of the week. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Mr. A. V. Hohn be allowed to change his schedule of rubbish collections in District II. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Attorney reported that last Thursday he had filed an applica- tion with the Attorney General's Office for leave to bring suit against the Downey County Water District to have it declared terminated and reverted to the City. He stated that this would be a civil action to determine which position is correct - -that of the Water District or that of the City. Mr. Kendall submitted a bid summary for gasoline prepared by the Purchasing Agent. After a summation of the bids received, it was recommended that the bid be awarded to the lowest and best bidder, Tide Water Oil Company, in the amount of .2379 per gallon. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote to award the bid for gasoline to the lowest and best bidder., Tide Water Oil Company, in the amount of .2379 per gallon, with the approval of the City Attorney, and to reject all other bids. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. Kendall reported that the Public Works Department is now proceeding with the second discing in the weed abatement program. Council Minutes 6/23/59 -6- • F� Mr. Kendall requested that the Council declare a holiday for all City employees other than Police and Fire personnel, Friday, July 3, 1959, as July 4th falls on Saturday this year. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Friday, July 3, be designated a legal holiday. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum, and passed by the following vote that the City Attorney prepare an amendment to the present ordinance to provide that after a final decision has been rendered on a Planning application, the matter cannot be reopened for at least a six -month period. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that 5th Street be declared a City street of major importance and to notify the State Division of Highways and the County of Los Angeles. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Stamps, Temple, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that a study be made by the Traffic Committee regarding no parking on 5th Street between Downey Avenue and Paramount Blvd. Councilman Dunnum stated that inasmuch as there is considerable street deficiency in the City of Downey, a further study should be made by an absolutely disinterested, impersonal, as far as possible, individual, to determine where these streets exist in order that a priority can be estab- lished in a businesslike, systematic way to establish them where they are first needed. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the Director of Public Works and /or the City Engineer make a study and report to the Council on street deficiencies and a suggested order of priority. Councilman Dunnum requested that a breakdown of the petty cash fund be furnished the Council as well as a breakdown once a month of money received in parking meters on streets and from each parking lot. It was also re- quested that a report as complete as possible'be given of traffic fines col- lected. Councilman Temple asked about the feasibility of checking sound by a sound meter or other means in view of the fact that he has received several complaints regarding unnecessary or objectionable noise. A complaint had also been received regarding unnecessary or objectionable industrial noise. Councilman Dunnum stated that any ordinance governing industrial noise would be questioned as to its constitutionality; that there had been a previous study of this nature made by the League of California Cities whose findings were that if a noise actually is a disturbing one, there is a question of fact - -is it an unnecessary noise2 is it a nuisance? or offensive? Council Minutes 6/23/59 -7- Councilman Dunnum further stated that the matter of decible has not nec- essarily been upheld. Along this line, it was recommended that the Police Chief and the City Manager investigate industrial noises and the possibility of the present ordinance being too strict. Councilman Temple inquired if it is necessary to have Stewart and Gray Road a truck route. It was recommended that the Traffic Committee conduct • study as to whether or not Stewart and Gray Road should be maintained as • truck route, as was the case when it was still under County jurisdiction. Mayor Giddings requested that an explanation be included in the warrants when expense statements are involved rather than just stating "expense reim- bursement", thus clarifying any of these items over $25.00. Mayor Giddings commended the City Attorney for his assistance at the public hearing held last Thursday, June 19th, through his pre- advice and advice during the meeting. Mayor Giddings presented a gavel turned out of the wood of the original White House to the City Council for its use at subsequent meetings. Council Peavey introduced Byron White who presented a storm drain problem at the intersection of Myrle and Firestone Blvd. Mr. White stated the catch basin is inadequate as well as the drain itself. Mr. Barhite, Director of Public Works, stated an adequate storm drain could be installed for approximately $3,000 and that this money could be used from the $50,000 fund primarily for use.in street work but might be included for drainage. Mr. Barhite stated the existing catch basin could be enlarged and additional, more adequate pipe installed. Councilman Peavey recommended that Mr. Barhite see if there are suffi- cient funds to establish an adequate storm drain at Myrtle Street and Firestone Blvd. and report to the Council. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 A.M. IN City C erk MAyor Council Minutes 6/23/59 -8-