HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11-24-59-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
NOVEMBER 24TH, 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,
November 24th, 1959, Mayor James L. Stamps presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager
Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police
Robert Gain, Fire Chief
Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works
Dan McNutt, City Planner
Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety
Don Robison, Administrative Assistant
Donald Simpson, City Engineer
Della Doyle, City Clerk
Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk
Father J. Ward DeBeck of the Episcopal Church in Downey delivered the
invocation.
Councilman Temple presented Father DeBeck with a plaque commending
him for his service to the City of Downey, wishing him good luck in his
new post, and expressing regret for his leaving Downey.
Father DeBeck expressed his thanks to the Council for their fine
gesture.
Mayor Stamps announced that now is the time and place for the hearing
on Annexation No. 4 to the Downey County Lighting District.
Mayor Stamps asked the City Clerk if she had received any written
protests. The City Clerk stated there were none.
Mayor Stamps asked if there were any oral protests. There were none.
There being no written and no oral protests to Annexation No. 4 to
the Downey County Lighting District, it was moved by Councilman Temple,
seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that the hearing be closed.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote to grant the petition for Annexation No. 4 to
the Downey County Lighting District and order the boundaries of the
Downey County Lighting District to be altered and the territory petitioning
herewith be annexed thereto.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Clerk read the following written correspondence:
A letter from Mr. Cecil J.
addressed to Mr. Oren L. King,
his part at the groundbreaking
the members of the City Council
England of the Downey Community Hospital
City Manager, expressing appreciation for
ceremonies and expressing sincere thanks to
for their participation.
7 0
A letter from the City of Los Angeles expressing unanimous appreciation
of the efforts of the City of Downey in supporting the City of Los Angeles
in its endeavor to bring the 1963 -64 Worlds Fair to their city.
7.11
A letter from Mr. James C. Carson of the Downey City Bus Lines
setting fotth a proposed rerouting of the north side route of the
Downey City Bus Line as follows, in accordance with the recommendation
of the Transportation Committee:
Commencing at the intersection of Coolgrove and Tweedy Lane,
thence along Coolgrove, Guatemala, Botany, Tweedy Lane, Gallatin Road,
Lemoran Ave., Haledon, Florence Avenue, Vultee, Baysinger, Clancey,
Cecilia, the North Stonewood Center Drive, Stonewood Avenue, Lakewood
Boulevard, Fifth Street, Downey Avenue, Firestone Boulevard, Brookshire,
Stewart and Gray, Lakewood Boulevard, Meadow Road, Birchdale (Patton),
to its intersection with Stewart and Gray. Also school deviations and
industrial plants deviations by the most direct route.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Peavey
and passed by the following vote that Council accept the new route pro-
posal as outlined in the letter and map which accompanied it, to be
effective December 7, 1959.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and
so ordered that the minutes of November 10th, 1959 be approved as presented
and that the minutes of November 17, 1959 be approved as corrected.
RESOLUTION NO. 523
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REQUESTING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
TO DEFER CONSTRUCTION OF LINE D OF PROJECT NO. 428 OF
THE 1958 STORM DRAIN BOND ISSUE PROGRAM
The resolution was read by title only. Mr. Barhite, Director of Public
Works, explained that the deletion of South Gate's portion of the drain
would make the construction of Line "D" in Downey impractical; construction
of our own Project No. 428 must of necessity be curtailed to stay within the
allocated funds; the deferral on this project will not create any undue
hardship to the public streets or adjoining private properties from storm
water runoff.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and so
ordered that further reading of Resolution No. 523 be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 523 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
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 if there is any surplus money in the
Budget when Project No. 428 is completed, the storm drain be extended from
5th Street to 7th Street on Western Avenue, and that Project "C" (Myrtle
Street) be shown to have higher priority over Project "D ".
�— AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
After a summation of bids for Assessment District No. 18 (Tenth
Street) improvements, it was recommended that the contract be awarded to
the lowest and best bidder, W. R. Wilkinson, in the amount of $10,946.22.
rynp
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, 8eco.nded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that the bid for Assessment District
No. 18, improvement of Tenth Street, be awarded to the lowest and best
bidder, W. R. Wilkinson, in the amount of $10,946.22, and that all other
bids be rejected and bid bonds returned.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. WS 174
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 ( #13071
THROUGH #13375 $65,447.73) (Payroll)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further reading
be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS 174 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. WS 175
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 ( #5555
THROUGH #5668 $83,145.63)
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 Giddings, seconded by Councilman Peavey
and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS 175 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Clerk read a memorandum from the Director of Public Works
recommending acceptance for public use of sanitary sewer constructed
under P.C. #5175 located on Woodruff Avenue south of Florence Avenue.
This sewer has been approved by the Director of Public Works.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and passed by the following vote that Council approve acceptance for
public use of sanitary sewer constructed under P.C. #5175 on Woodruff
Avenue south of Florence Avenue.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Clerk reported that certain property owners have prepared a
petition requesting the formation of an assessment district for the
installation of sanitary sewers on Ardis Avenue, Stanbridge Avenue and
Rutgers Avenue, between Foster Road and Adoree Street, together with the
improvement of Stanbridge Ave. and Rutgers Ave. with curbs, gutters and
7,33
street paving between the same limits. It was recommended that the
City Council authorize circulation of this petition. Mr. Barhite ex-
plained the improvements would extend northerly of Foster Road directly
below Autonetics between Bellflower and Clark.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey
and so ordered that Council authorize circulation of the petition for
Assessment District No. 17 (Rutgers Avenue).
After a summation of bids for the City Parking Lot No. 2, Contract
No. 34, it was recommended that the bid be awarded to the lowest and
best bidder, Copp Paving Co., Inc., in the amount of $3,959.34.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, Seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that the bid for City Parking Lot No. 2,
Contract #34, be awarded to the lowest and best bidder, Copp Paving Co.,
Inc., in the amount of $3,959�.3:4t and that all other bids be rejected and
the bid bonds returned.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mr. Barhite, Director of Public Works, reported that the owner of the
market on the south side of Imperial Highway west of Paramount Boulevard,
proposes remodeling and modification of an existing building. Part of the
work involves the refacing of the front wall of the market which, at this
time, extends approximately 3 inches into the right of way of Imperial
Highway. From a practical standpoint, this encroachment offers no problems
to the present roadway or the contemplated roadway improvements. However,
upon the advice of the City Attorney it was suggested that before a build-
ing permit be issued to remodel the market building, including that portion
of wall lying in the right of way, the City Council take the following
minute action:
1. Authorize the encroachment of the existing building into the
right of way on Imperial Highway per the attached map, subject
to the conditions that:
a. The owner or owners, their assigns, successors, heirs
or future purchasers will never acquire any interest,
real or otherwise, in that portion of Imperial Highway
so occupied.
b. That they will specifically agree in writing that at
such time as they are directed by any proper public
official to remove that portion of the building which
encroaches, it will be done forthwith.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that authority be granted the Department of
Building and Safety to issue a building permit subject to the conditions
recommended by the Director of Public Works as outlined above, to the
owner of the market on the south side of Imperial Highway west of Paramount
Boulevard.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Manager reported that the work on Fire Station No. 4 on
Florence Avenue is now completed and has passed final inspection and the
approval of Robert Gain, Fire Chief. It was recommended that Council
accept the work and file a Notice of Completion.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple
and so ordered that the work on Fire Station No. 4 on Florence Avenue be
accepted and Notice of Completion filed.
The City Manager introduced Mr. William Cornett, City Manager of
the City of South Gate, and then reported that in response to a request
by the City of South Gate and the City Council of Downey, a study was
just completed to determine an equitable distribution of the costs of
the proposed signalization of Garfield and Gardendale Streets between the
Cities of South Gate and Downey. This revealed a factor of 35 /80ths to
be used for the City of Downey's proportionate share of the cost, with the
total cost of the City being broken down as follows:
Signal cost - $6600.00 x 35/80 $2900.00
Construction of 65 ft. of curb &
gutter plus construction of
6000 sq. ft. of 2" pavement 700.00
Total cost for City $3600.00
It was suggested that the City Council authorize the City to proceed
with this work at their convenience and bill the City for it in June of
1960, and by minute action request the City Manager to include the amount
in the 1960 -61 budget.
Mr. James Elliott, Hollydale, who lives near the intersection of
Gardendale and Garfield, stated that this intersection is literally a
"death trap" and warrants immediate installation of an adequate traffic
signal.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and
so ordered that the City Attorneys of the City of Downey and the City of
South Gate work out a proper agreement for joint participation for instal-
lation of a traffic signal at Gardendale and Garfield.
'- Mr. King read a letter addressed to Mr. Richard P. Roe, attorney for
the Park Water Company, relative to the acquiring of a grid system within
the City by purchase of their facilities.
Councilman Dunnum stated that a grid can be supplied to Downey and the
Park Water Company acquired on a basis where no bonds need be issued, and
there will be no increase in the water rate. The purchase price, he said,
can be determined by independent appraisers mutually acceptable, paid out
of the income derived from the sale of the water.
Councilman Dunnum further stated that he has no desire to be in the
water business in the surrounding cities; therefore, in any proposed agree-
ment with the Park Water Company there should be a provision to sell the
interests outside of the City of Downey thereby reducing the purchase price
accordingly. The interest of the City of Norwalk should be immediately
studied to see if a mutual interest can be reached.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that the letter presented to the Council
addressed to the attorney of the Park Water Company be authorized and
delivered-to Mr. Roe so that the water study may be expedited.
AYES:
4
Councilmen:
Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilman:
None
ABSTAIN:
1
Councilman:
Stamps
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that the Water Committee and Finance Com-
mittee enter into the water study along with the proper city officials.
AYES:
4
Councilmen:
Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSTAIN:
1
Councilman:
Stamps
7',15*
The following budget transfers were requested by the City Manager:
Account No. 1- 3030 -612 (Furniture and Fixtures) transfer $292 in the
Police Department to Autos and Trucks Account No. 1 -3030 -621 and $50
from Account No. 1- 3030 -612 (Furniture and Fixtures) to Account No.
1- 3030 -694 (Special Police Equipment); and in the Public Works Depart-
ment transfer $25 from Account No. 1 -4010 -612 (Furniture and Fixtures)
to Account No. 1 -4010 -611 (Office Equipment); and $50 from Account No.
9- 3530 -499 (Materials and Supplies) to Account No. 1- 3530 -612 (Furniture
and Fixtures) in the Fire Department. It should be noted that these are
all capital improvements.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that the budget transfers be approved
as listed above.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
Chief Robinson of the Police Department reported that the Department
of Public Works' continued study of the crossings at Foster Road with
Bellflower and Clark adjacent to the C. C. Carpenter and Ed C. Lewis
Schools has resulted in very prompt action by the Department of Public
Works in accordance with recommendations set forth by the Police Depart-
ment and Traffic Division in recent meetings with the P.T.A.'s of the two
schools -- immediate installation of larger 12" lenses for oncoming traffic
and the delayed phase to allow all cars to leave the intersection before
pedestrians are signalled to cross. Continued study of advanced warnings
and signing have resulted in safer pedestrian traffic at these crossings.
Chief Robinson stated the PTA's have complimented the departments on the
speed of their action. The additional recommendation has been made and
is supported by the schools that there be no parking allowed during school
hours.
The Director of Public Works gave a brief resume of projects in his
department, outlining those completed, under way and planned.
The City Manager reported that building permit fees received during
the four months' period July through October amounted to $39,140.64 as
compared with total anticipated building permit fees of $70,000 for the
entire fiscal year.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple
that the Downey City Employees Association be commended for the work they
are doing, specifically in their Code -C program for charitable donations by
payroll deductions, thus cutting down on soliciting in the City Hall for
this purpose.
The City Manager reported that the activation of The Downey City
Safety Committee recently should result in a reduction of employees'
accidents and safer working habits throughout all municipal departments.
The City Manager stated he has been working very closely with the
Library Board and reported the industries in the City have been invited
by press and by letter to display exhibits in the City Hall Open House,
December 17.
Chief Gain of the Fire Department reported the fire station on
Florence is to be dedicated the morning of December 17 in order not to
conflict with the library dedication that same evening.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple
and so ordered that Mrs. Bertram Bacon, 7858 Irwingrove, be appointed to
serve on the Sister -City Committee.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that inasmuch as some of the Councilmen
are unable to attend the meeting of the American Municipal Association
in Denver November 28 to December 2, that the City Manager be authorized
to attend with all expenses paid.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple
and so ordered that Mrs. Barbara McDowell, 8612 Meadow Road, be approved
as a member of the Sister -City Committee.
Councilman Temple gave a brief summary of the meeting with the Board
of Supervisors relative to the county disposal program.
Councilman Temple announced the kick -off meeting of the Sister -City
Committee will meet in the Council Chambers of the City Hall on Monday
night, November 30, 1959, at 7:30 P.M., and that Mayor Albert Isen from
Torrance has been invited to attend and report on how their sister -city
program has been operating.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple
and so ordered that Mrs. Leona Aldridge, 9318 Lubec, be approved as a
member of the Sister -City Committee.
There being no further business
meeting adjourned at 10 :00 A.M.
C.
City Cle' k
to come before the Council, the