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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-12-22-59-Regular Meeting76 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECEMBER 22ND, 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, December 22nd, Mayor James L. Stamps presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps ABSENT: Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works Don Simpson, City Engineer Dan McNutt, City Planner A. C. Gabriel, Purchasing Agent Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety Robert Gain, Fire Chief Ivan A. Robinson, Police Chief Della Doyle, City Clerk Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk Reverend Ray F. Curtis of the Assembly of God Church in Downey delivered the invocation. The Mayor announced that now is the time and place for the hearing on the Debt Limit Report prepared pursuant to Division 4 of the Streets and Highways Code for the improvement of Elm Vista, A.D. #21. The Mayor asked the City Clerk if she had the Affidavit of Mailing relative to this hearing. The City Clerk answered she had the affidavit. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that the affidavit be received and filed. The Mayor asked for presentation of the factual data of the report. Mr. Barhite, Director of Public Works, presented the report which showed an estimated cost for the improvement district of $67,835.08. The Mayor asked if there were any written protests. The City Clerk stated she had received none. The Mayor asked if there were any oral protests. No one protested. There being no written and no oral protests of Assessment District No. 21, Elm Vista, it was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the hearing be closed: AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. 533 -- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MAKING FINDING OF FEASIBILITY OF ACQUISITION OF NECESSARY RIGHTS OF WAY AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF CURBS, GUTTERS, AND PAVEMENT IN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 21 (ELM VISTA DRIVE) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. x'47 It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 533 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey The Mayor announced that now is the time and place for the hearing on the Debt Limit Report on A.D. #14, Benedict Avenue. The Mayor asked the City Clerk if she had received the affidavit of mailing. The City Clerk stated that she had. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that the Affidavit of Mailing be received and filed. The Mayor asked for a presentation of the factual data of the report. Mr. Barhite, Director of Public Works, presented the report which indicated a total cost for the improvements on Benedict Street to be $29,784.63. The Mayor asked if there were any written protests. The City Clerk stated there were none. The Mayor asked if there were any oral protests. The following persons spoke in protest of what appeared to them to be an exhorbitant cost to them as property owners for these improvements but all agreed they wanted the improvements. J. D. Pair, 12444 Benedict Street, Downey E. H. Hess, 9755 Imperial Highway, Downey M. E. Teat, 12429 Benedict, Downey E. F. Maginn, 12337 S. Woodruff, Downey E. W. Johnson, 12417 Benedict, Downey W. P. Anderson, 12411 Benedict After much discussion, it was recommended by,the City Manager that the property owners come to the office of the Director of Public Works after the first of the year to discuss dedication of private property for access rights and the possibility of changing A.D. #14 (Benedict Avenue) from a 1913 to 1911 Assessment District proceeding. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that the hearing on A.D. #14 (Benedict Avenue) be closed. The City Attorney stated that due to the fact that only three councilmen were present for the voting on Resolution No. 533 making finding of feasibility of acquisition of necessary rights of way and the construction of curbs, gutters, and pavement in A.D. #21, Elm Vista Drive, a motion would be in order to rescind this resolution until there can be a 4/5 vote of the Council. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum and seconded by Councilman Temple to rescind the motion adopting Resolution No. 533, and passed by the following vote. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey The City Clerk read the following correspondence. Christmas greetings from County -City Services Division, County of Los Angeles signed by Arthur G. Will; Mayor Harold Eaves and Councilmen from the City of Huntington Park; The Downey Live Wire; Supervisor Bonelli and staff; and from Mayor and Mrs. Andrew S. Tutwiler of Montebello. A letter from Frank G. Bonelli for the copy of Resolution No. 532 adopted by the City of Downey, relative to the proposed change in the Municipal Court setup as it now exists in the County of Los Angeles, giving assurance that the County Board of Supervisors is not going to hastily make any determination relative to this subject matter until they can gather substantially more data and information. A letter from John W. Ezell of Downey Buflding Materials, Inc. thanking the City of Downey for its loyal support and patronage over the past years, and stating that a contribution on behalf of the City has been made to the Y.M.C.A. A letter of thanks from Ruth W. Smith of East Junior High School, for the excellent institute meetings, sincere interest and strong sup- port given to the citizens of Downey by all departments of the city government. Letters from the County Boundary Commission advising of a proposed Annexation No. 2 and 3 to the City of Montebello; Annexation No. 2 to the City of Vernon; and 18th Addition Territory to the City of South Gate. A letter from the City of Torrance and a resolution protesting the spending of municipal and /or county funds by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors to conduct a rubbish disposal survey of the entire City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles. It was suggested the City Manager prepare a protest letter. A proclamation from the City of Worcester, Mass. urging the Government of the United States, Governors of our Fifty States and the elected officials of every community in the United States to encourage all citizens regardless of creed or political affiliation to join together in a trium- phant welcome to our President upon his return to the United States; and urging that Americans everywhere send a Christmas card to Ike at the White House in appreciation of his untiring devotion to the cause of peace. The City Manager stated a letter would be prepared to go out to President Eisenhower today. A letter from Richard P. Roe, Attorney representing the Park Water Company indicating the stockholders of the company are willing to proceed with negotiations in line with the conditions set forth by the City of Downey subject to certain qualifications outlined in his letter. Councilman Dunnum stated he felt the terms set forth in the letter from Mr. Roe were agreeable with the exception that he felt the statement that the basis of such appraisal of assets to be upon their replacement costs. He further stated that upon reading the letter he immediately called the attorney representing the Park Water Company and was informed that this statement was in error and it was intended to be depreciated replacement cost. Councilman Temple recommended that the City Attorney review the letter and report at the next Council Meeting. The City Clerk read an announcement of the Coca -Cola Bottling Company's opening its new plant in Downey, the largest west of Chicago. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that the minutes of the meeting of December 8..4nd.14, 1959 . be approved as written. 74.9 RESOLUTION NO. 533 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOW EY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR OF A MEMBER TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 533 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. 534 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE FLORENCE AVENUE - HALEDON AVENUE STORM DRAIN The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 534 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. 535 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT FOR THE RESURFACING OF A PORTION OF GARDENDALE STREET The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 535 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. 536 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REQUESTING AN ALLOCATION FROM THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION CROSSING PROTECTION FUND (RIVES AVENUE) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 536 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey K.) r 1, (\ i c RESOLUTION NO. 537 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REQUESTING AN ALLOCATION FROM THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION CROSSING PROTECTION FUND (BROOKSHIRE AVENUE) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 537 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. WS -178 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. (413680 THROUGH #13985 $66)430.24) (Payroll) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -178 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. WS -179 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. ( #5785 THROUGH #5891 $48,919.58) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to delete Warrant 45846 in the amount of $44.11. The City Attorney reported that this warrant would reduce the total "B" warrants to the amount of $48,875.47. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading of Resolution No. WS -179 be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded with Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -179 be adopted with Warrant 45836 in the amount of $44.11 deleted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey 51 RESOLUTION NO. 538 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY� ORDERING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO MAKE A REPORT PURSUANT TO THE STREET LIGHTING ACT OF 1919 The resolution was read by title only. Mr. Barhite outlined the area involved in the formation of the Downey City Lighting District. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 538 be adopted. 3 AYES: Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps 0 NOES: Councilmen: None 2 ABSENT: Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey The Director of Public Works presented and filed with the City Clerk a preliminary report on the proposed street lighting improvement, together with diagram and plans, and reported funds to pay for the improvement will not be available from the levy of ad valorem taxes until November 1, 1960. It was, therefore, recommended that the City loan the proposed lighting district $4600 to operate the improvement between February 1, 1960 and November 1, 1960. The ad valorem tax levied for the 1960-61 fiscal year should include an amount sufficient to repay the above loan. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that the City advance the proposed lighting district $4600 to operate the improvement between February 1, 1960 and November 1, 1960, to be paid out when due. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. 539 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ORDER CERTAIN LIGHTING FIX- TURES AND APPLIANCES ON CERTAIN STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, TO BE MAINTAINED AND ELECTRIC CURRENT TO BE FURNISHED FOR LIGHTING SAID FIXTURES AND APPLIANCES FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS. ( DOWNEY CITY LIGHTING DISTRICT) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 539 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. 540 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING PROTESTS TO THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT DESCRIBED IN RESOLUTION OF INTENTION NO. 539 The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further read- ing be waived. -6- I cf/`r It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 540 be adopted setting the time and place for the hearing on the proposed improvement as Tuesday, January 26, 1960, in the Council Chambers of the City Hall at 8:00 o'clock A.M. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey The City Manager reported mission to circulate petitions A.D. #45; Leeds Street - A.D. Street - A.D. #52. that requests had been received for per - for sewer improvements on DePalma - #48; Casanes Avenue - A.D. #49; and Dolan It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered to grant authority to circulate petitions for Assessment Districts #45, 48, 49 and 52. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to amend the motion previously made granting authority for the City to advance $4600 in setting up the formation of the Downey City Lighting District to include that the money will be drawn from tax anticipation reserves. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey The City Manager reported that at a special meeting of the Library Board on December 15, 1959, it was recommended by them that the Library be closed on the Saturdays after Christmas and New Year's Day, December 26, 1959 and January 2, 1960 to compensate for the extra work and time expended in the opening of the new library. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to grant authority for the new City Library to be closed the Saturdays after Christmas and New Year's Day, December 26, 1959 and January 2, 1960. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey The City Manager reported that the Police Department and the schools have arranged to continue the bicycle licensing program through "Bicycle Safety Week" from February 8 through February 15. It is planned to use the same teachers employed last year at a rate of $2.00 per hour which will bring the cost to approximately $672. It is recommended that the Council authorize these expenditures of an amount not to exceed $1,000 from the operating reserve fund. This program is self- supporting as the fee of $1.00 per bicycle license pays for all expenses incurred. The program is continuing and once the bicycles are licensed it need not be repeated. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote to authorize transferring $1,000 from the operating reserve fund and hire the necessary personnel to handle the licensing of bicycles the week of February 8 through February 15. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Dunnum, Temple, Stamps NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey The City Manager requested the week between Christmas and New Year's as part of his vacation. The City Council granted his request. 6I d ar+1J Councilman Dunnum stated that he feels the opening of the City Library has been a tremendous success and that he is very proud to have had a part in the enormous improvement in the City of Downey. This addition has benefited the City tremendously and he wishes to most highly commend the persons responsible for the success of the library program and for their part in bringing about this improvement to our City. It was asked by Councilman Temple that a thorough investigation be made with regard to the intersection at Imperial Highway and Paramount Boulevard and the heavy traffic caused by the by- passing of this inter- section by motorists turning up Smallwood. He feels more control is needed, such as stop signs or signals. Chief Robinson of the Police Department stated the volume has increased and that a tighter enforcement should be kept at this loca- tion. It is felt the volume of traffic affects the people rather than the speed of the traffic going up Smallwood Avenue. Mayor Stamps wished to commend the Council, the City employees and the governing body of the City for the wonderful job he feels they have done the three years that the City has been incorporated, and he stated that he feels the City will continue advancing and improving through the years to come. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 o'clock A.M. City Clerk Mayor