HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11-10-59-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
NOVEMBER 10TH, 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 10, 1959, Mayor James L. Stamps presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmen: Dunnum, Peavey, Temple, Stamps
ABSENT: Councilman: Giddings
ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager
Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works
Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety
Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police
Robert Gain, Fire Chief
Donald Simpson, City Engineer
Don Robison, Administrative Assistant
Dan McNutt, City Planner
A. C. Gabriel, Purchasing Agent
Lester Bergslien, City Librarian
Della Doyle, City Clerk
Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk
The Reverend Milton C. Gould of the First Baptist Church of Downey
delivered the invocation.
The City Manager introduced Mr. Harry Cossman, representing the
B'Nai Brith group, and two students, Saltzman of Downey Senior High School
and Moffett of Warren Senior High School, who were awarded scholarships
in Municipal Government by the organization.
The City Clerk opened the bids on the sale of bonds for 10th Street
Assessment District No. 18. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded
by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the bids be referred to A. C.
Gabriel, the Purchasing Agent, for an analysis.
The Mayor announced that now is the time and place for the continua-
tion of the hearing on Weed Abatement.
The Mayor asked the City Clerk if there were any written protests.
The City Clerk said there were none.
The Mayor asked if there were any oral protests. A protest was made
by Mrs. Norma Bleamaster, 11957 So. Patton Rd., Downey.
Councilman Giddings arrived at the meeting at 8:20 A.M. Mayor Stamps
was excused from the Council Meeting at 8:25 A.M. Mayor Pro -Tem Hollis M.
Peavey took the Chair.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and
passed by the following vote that the hearing on the weed abatement be
closed.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Temple, Giddings
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Stamps
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and
passed by the following vote that the objections to the weed abatement
program be overruled.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Temple, Giddings
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Stamps
7:1.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seoonded by Councilman
Temple and passed by the following vote that the Street Superintendent
be ordered to abate weeds at the locations set forth in Resolution
No. 511.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Stamps
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and so ordered that the minutes of the Council Meeting held on October 27,
1959, be approved as presented.
RESOLUTION NO. 512
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
VACATING A PORTION OF A SEWER EASEMENT WITHIN TRACT NO.
16414
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further read•
ing be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 512 be adopted.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Stamps
The City Clerk opened the bids received for award of construction on
10th Street Assessment District No. 18.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and passed by the following vote that the bids be referred to the City
Attorney for checking and to the Purchasing Agent for an analysis.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Stamps
It was announced by the Mayor Pro Tem that now is the time and place
for the continuation of the hearing on Annexation No. 3. The Mayor Pro
Tem asked the City Clerk if there were any further written protests. The
City Clerk stated she had received no further protests.
The Mayor Pro Tem asked if there were any oral protests. There were
none voiced at this time.
The City Manager stated that a research had been made after the
petition was filed on August 11, 1959, for proposed Annexation No. 3 to
check the number of registered voters living within the area proposed for
annexation. The actual locations of the trailers in the Trailer Park
were checked and it was determined there were less than twelve registered
voters living there on August 11, 1959. Further checking of the protest
showed the amount protesting was 47.467. of the assessed valuation
of the land involved and 46.2% of the land area. The City Attorney stated
that legally if over 50% protest the Council is obligated to cancel the
action for annexation; however it appears there are not over 50% protesting.
Councilman Dunnum requested the Fire Chief and Chief of Police to
enlarge upon their reports which had been submitted for services to the
area proposed to be annexed to the City of Downey.
7_t.•
Mayor Stamps returned to the Council Meeting at 8:40 A.M.
Councilman Dunnum inquired what specific steps were made or taken
relative to the ascertainment that there were less than twelve regis-
tered voters living in the area on the date of filing of the petition
for Annexation No. 3.
The City Manager stated that he had talked with Mrs. Morgan, owner
of the Trailer Court, and he had seen the board in front of the Trailer
Court showing each trailer, the name of the persons living in the trailer,
and the exact location; and that the names appearing on the protest had
been checked with the Registrar of Voters in Los Angeles.
Mr. Robert W. Savage, representing the opposition to Annexation
No. 3, stated that he had also checked the names which appeared on the
protest presented by him with the Registrar of Voters, but that he had
not established an exact date on which these voters were living at the
address shown on the records in the Registrar's office.
Present to speak against the annexation were:
Ann Ruth Grant, President, Chamber of
Commerce, Bell Gardens
Charles Jacobi, owner of Advanced Metal
Mfg. Co., 8450 Garfield Ave.
Bell Gardens
Councilman Dunnum stated that in view of the fact that there is a
vital issue that must be determined, or else subject the City to a pos-
sible lawsuit, he would not want to proceed until he can be assured
there were less than twelve registered voters residing in the area pro-
posed for annexation on the date of filing petition, and he prefers that
the hearing on Annexation No. 3 be continued to the next Council Meeting
to clarify this issue. It was therefore moved by Councilman Dunnum,
seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the
hearing on Annexation No. 3 be continued to next Tuesday, 8:00 A.M.,
November 17, 1959, in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, and that in
the meantime the City Administration do everything in its power to
definitely establish the number of registered voters residing in the
area on August 11, 1959.
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 notice from the County Board of Supervisors calling a public meet-
ing of County and City officials and agencies to be held in the Board's
Assembly Room on Monday, November 23, 1959, at 2 :00 o'clock P.M. for the
purpose of reviewing the county -wide rubbish disposal problem, including
the adequacy of sites as well as operating conditions with regard to both
public and private disposal operations.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and
so ordered that Councilman Peavey be nominated to represent the City at
this meeting.
A letter from Ocean Water Pipeline Corporation stating it is now
possible to use saline water for conversion to potable water, at prices
equal to, in many cases, or cheaper than using conventional meteoric or
magmatic waters, and welcoming inquiries with regard to methods of financ-
ing or leasing this equipment.
720
A notice from the League of California Cities, Los Angeles County
Division, announcing the regular meeting to be held on Thursday,
November 19, 1959, at Pico Rivera at the Ford Motor Company with a tour
of the Ford Assembly Plant at $:00 P.M. and dinner at 7:00 P.M.
A letter from the County Board of Supervisors advising of proposed
incorporation of a new city to be known as the City of Cudahy.
A letter from the County Boundary Commission advising of the proposed
annexation of territory known as Vernon - Riverside Annexation No. 1 to the
City of Vernon.
The City Manager read a letter addressed to Ivan A. Robinson appoint-
ing him to serve as a member of the International Association of Chiefs of
Police, Inc. Traffic Committee for 1960.
The City Clerk read an invitation to the City Council to attend the
groundbreaking ceremonies for the Downey Community Hospital at 10:30 A.M.
this morning.
RESOLUTION NO. 513
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF
LOS ANGELES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY AND
OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD
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.
The City Manager reported that the cost of the improvement for curbs,
gutters and sidewalks in the amount of $21,750 is being paid by the
County of Los Angeles.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 513 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. WS -172
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 ( #12768
THROUGH #13070 $68,217.43) (Payroll)
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.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -172 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. WS -173
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 ( #5417 THROUGH
#5554 $12(,850.67)
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 Giddings, seconded by Councilman
Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -173
be adopted.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
After a summation of bids on Parking Lot #2 under Contract #34, the
City Attorney reported there appears to be an error in the bid as follows:
1. The unit price is not written out.
2. The extension of Item 2 of the proposal is incorrect.
3. Item 8 includes a unit price plus a lump sum figure for the
total amount of that item.
The City Attorney advised that the Council could either disqualify
the bid, even though it is a low bid, and award to the next low bidder,
or reject all bids and readvertise.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and passed by the following vote to reject all bids for Contract #34,
City Parking Lot #2, and readvertise.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Manager recommended that City Council accept Contract #28
for electrical wiring of the City Hall and to authorize payment of the
10% retention in the amount of $649.00 to Anderson Electric.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and passed by the following vote that the work under Contract No. 28 be
accepted for electrical wiring of the City Hall and authority be granted
for payment of the 10% retention in the amount of $649.00 to Anderson
Electric.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mr. King reported that because of the delay of relocation of public
utilities along Brookshire Avenue, the contractor was unable to commence
work until October 5, 1959. It was recommended, therefore, that Council
grant an extension of time to November 16, 1959, for completion of work
under Contract #25, which allows the contractor 30 working days as pro-
vided by the specifications.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey
and so ordered that authority be granted for an extension of time to
November 16, 1959, for completion of work under Contract #25 (Brookshire
Avenue) .
The Director of Public Works reported that in the summer of 1958
Mr. William R. Herr and Mr. James J. Farrell assumed the entire cost of
constructing a sewer in Paramount Blvd. north of Stewart and Gray Rd to
serve not only their properties but that of Mr. E. A. Ahlin, owner of
•— property at 11843 Paramount Blvd. In order that Mr. Ahlin might be
permitted to connect to this sewer, he has paid into the City's Sewer
Connection Fund the amount of $1,053.08, being his proportionate cost of
the sewer. This amount should now be reimbursed to Messrs. Farrell and
Herr. It was recommended that Council authorize the reimbursement of
this amount for the original installation.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and passed by the following vote that reimbursement of $1,053.08 be
authorized for original sewer installation in Paramount Blvd. to Mr. Wil-
liam R. Herr and Mr. James J. Farrell.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Manager reported that petitions are ready to circulate
for mercury vapor lighting on Downey Avenue from the Southern Pacific
Railroad tracks to 6th Street, and requested Council to authorize the
circulation of the two petitions.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple
and so ordered that permission be granted for circulation of petitions
for mercury vapor lighting on Downey Avenue from the railroad tracks to
6th Street.
After an analysis of the bids on the sale of Bonds for 10th Street
Assessment District #18, it was recommended that the bid be awarded to
the lowest and best bidder, Monroe H. Shapiro, for par value plus accrued
interest at 5 3/4% with a premium of $51.86.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey
and passed by the following vote to authorize printing, issuance and sale
of bonds to the lowest and best bidder, Monroe H. Shapiro, at par value
plus accrued interest at the rate of 5 3/4% and a premium of $51.86.
(Tenth Street AD #18.)
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 to authorize the return of all checks and bid bonds on
10th Street Assessment District #18.
A bid was received from L. F. Morgan & Co. 2037 West 115th Street,
Los Angeles 47, California, in an unidentifiable envelope after the time
of receiving bids and after bids had been opened and awarded.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
so ordered that the bid be replaced in the envelope of L. F. Morgan & Co.
as it was received too late, to reseal the envelope and to return it with
a letter advising why it was being returned.
The City Manager reported that the contractor, Bebeck - Rodriguez, has
satisfactorily completed construction of the sewers for Assessment District
No. 9 in accordance with the plans and specifications. The contract con-
sisted of constructing sanitary sewers on Nada Street, Otto Street and
LaReina Avenue. Previously, the Council accepted the substructure portions
of the work. It was recommended that the Council accept the entire contract.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
so ordered that the work be accepted in Improvement District No. 9 (Nada
Street) for construction of sewers.
The City Manager stated that the City is ready to set up plans and
program for its Third Anniversary on December 17, 1959.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
that the library dedication be held at 7:30 P.M. at the new library building
on December 17, 1959.
Councilman Dunnum suggested that the first part of the program be
scheduled for the dedication of the new library and the rest of the anniver-
sary program follow.
Councilman Peavey suggested that an all -day open house be held at the
City Hall on the anniversary date, with businesses in the City of Downey
setting up exhibits as they have done in the past.
The City Manager reported that the "Stop and Shop" transfers and scrip
to be purchased and issued by local merchants are ready for use on the local
bus system. Mr. Barrett of the Chamber of Commerce has stated that
the Chamber is getting ready to start a concerted drive to promote the
use of the City bus system through issuance of these free rides to
assist in the business promotion of the City as well as the City trans-
portation system. It is believed that these should be given a really
thorough trial at least through the Christmas shopping season to see if
the bus system cannot be made more effective and placed on a better
paying basis.
Murray Kramer, Chairman of the Transportation Committee, requested
that two of the proposals recommended by the Transportation Committee
be approved ty the Council.
After discussion, it was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by
Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that Council approve
the principal recommendations specified in Item #1 and Item #2 in the
minutes of the Transportation Committee meeting of Wednesday, October 21,
1959, specifically as follows:
1. Fares be reduced from 20(, to 15(,�.
2. Weekly commuter passes - $1.50 for adults and 750, for
children.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Councilman Dunnum stated that the intent of his motion was to make it
crystal clear to Mr. Carson that the Transportation Committee and the City
Council are dissatisfied with the lack of results which are now being had;
therefore, it is Council's desire that the administration communicate this
motion and the thinking of the Council to Mr. Carson so that he can volun-
tarily negotiate prior to a cancellation by the City of the necessary and
desired changes in the contract.
Councilman Giddings suggested that a meeting be established between the
Transportation Committee, City Council and Mr. Carson to discuss changes in
routes, operators, if necessary, and rates one week from next Monday,
November 23, 1959, at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
The City Manager reported that expenses in the operation of the Downey
City Bus System have been charged to the Decorational and Promotional
Account of General Government up to the present time. It is necessary to
request authorization from the City Council to transfer funds from the re-
serve fund in the amount of $11,500 to decorational and promotional acoounts
so that this fund may be kept intact for its original budgeted items. If no
other expenses are incurred, other than the contract coats of $1,000 per
month, this amount should be sufficient to carry the City's expense on this
item for the rest of the fiscal year.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that $11,500 be transferred from the reserve
fund to decorational and promotional accounts to cover expenses in the
operation of the Downey City Bus System.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Council approved the following committee appointments:
Mr. Robert Moran, District Manager of the General Telephone Company
to serve as a member of the Industrial Development Committee - Peavey
Ms. Mary Hollis, Realtor, to serve on the Sister -City Committee
- Giddings
723
The Council recessed at 10:15 to 11:30 A.M. to attend the ground-
breaking ceremonies of the Downey Community Hospital.
The City Manager reported that a further study of the landscaping
and related costs of the City Library has been made since its initial
presentation to the City Council on October 27. The Public Works Depart-
ment will provide the labor for the landscaping at a savings of approximately
$750 which leaves an amount of approximately $3500 for the installation of
sprinkler systems, valves and the purchase of plant material. It was sug-
gested that Council authorize proceeding with this program under bid
quotations through a transfer of an amount not to exceed $3500 from the
Public Works Department ($3,000 from Account No. 9 -4020 -111 and $500 from
Account No. 9- 4036 -111•- Salaries and Wages so this landscaping may be com-
pleted prior to the opening of the library on December 17, 1959. Council
suggested that an authorized plumber or electrician be hired to supervise
city labor in the installation of the sprinkler system in an endeavor to
recuce the cost.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that $3,000 be transferred from Account No.
9 -4020 -111 to cover the cost of the landscaping and sprinkler systems for
the new library building.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Manager reported that after a further and continued review
of the City's business license ordinance it is disclosed that privately
owned water companies are required to take out a business license, with
the fee being measured by gross receipts as specified in Section 6255 of
the Downey Municipal Code.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seonnded by Councilman Peavey and
.--. so ordered that the privately owned water companies doing business within
the City of Downey be required to pay license fees based on the gross
receipts section of Ordinance No. 34, effective from July 10, 1957.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
so ordered that interest and penalties related to the above water company
license fees be waived up to January 1960.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and
so ordered that the City Manager be authorized to investigate the possibility
ofpurchasing that part of Lakewood Water Company lying within the boundaries
of Downey and any others.
Councilman Dunnum stated that he has talked with one of the major_inter-
ests in the water field and feels there is a definite possibility that it
may be acquired by the City of Downey whereby there would be no bonding
indebtedness, no new tax, and no increase in the water rate. The City
Council requested a report on this matter after further exploration.
The City Manager reported that plans and specifications have been drawn
for revamping the old library to be used for new Council Chambers after
the first of the year. The estimated total cost for the remodeling, fur-
nishings and loud speakers is $4546.95. It was recommended that Council
authorize these expenditures so that the furniture and public address system may
be ordered for delivery the early part of January and that $2250 be appropriated
from the reserve fund to be added to the $2250 available in the capital im-
provement fund for this purpose.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that the plans and specifications be
approved for the new Council Chambers and the transfer of $2500 from
the operating reserve fund be authorized, to be used along with $2500
available in the capital improvement fund for remodeling the old
library building for use as 4 Council Chamber.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Manager displayed the rough copy of the Annual Report which
is to be compiled in cooperation with the League of Women Voters to be
presented at the Third Anniversary celebration of the incorporation of
the City of Downey.
The City Manager reported that the Director of Public Works had met
with the officials of the Division of Highways with relation to extending
Stewart and Gray Road to Woodruff with use of gas tax funds and that he
had been informed that this cannot be done where a dead end exists. It
would, therefore, be necessary to have the two properties in the area
involved appraised to determine a reasonable property value for right of
way acquisition so that this project may proceed.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that appraisals be made of the two properties
involved in the extension of Stewart and Gray Road to Woodruff so that
right of way acquisition may proceed.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Dunnum, Giddings, Temple, Stamps
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meet-
ing adjourned at 12 :00 noon to Tuesday, November 17, 1959, at 8:00 o'clock
A.M., to be held in the Council Chambers of the City Hall.
City Clerk
May r
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