HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-22-60-Regular Meeting&31
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MARCH 22ND, 1960
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,
March 22nd, 1960, Mayor Pro - Tempore Carroll M. Dunnum presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Dunnum
ABSENT: Councilman: Peavey
ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager
Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works
Lee Leavitt, City Engineer
Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police
Robert Gain, Fire Chief
William Goggin, Assistant City Planner
Don Warren, Assistant Fire Chief
Della Doyle, City Clerk
Alberta M. Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk
The invocation was delivered by Reverend Curtis Puryear of the
Immanuel Baptist Church of Downey.
The Mayor Pro Tem introduced a group of students and congratulated them
on their activities in the Youth in Government movement: Linda Farley,
honored as being the first and only girl elected as Governor of the State of
California; Tom Saltzman, father of a bill on narcotics that passed the Youth
Government; Marcie Pennel, Mike Knox, Jack Horsely, from Downey Senior High
School; and Nancy Rockoff, Murriel Stillman, Sue Merrill and Jo Ann Coss
representatives of Earl Warren Senior High School.
.--� Linda Farley described her experience in Sacramento as being "terrific"
and stated that she came away knowing that Democracy is the only way of
government.
Councilman Giddings stated that the Y.M.C.A. should be given credit it
deserves for the job it is doing with the boys and girls and for their
sponsorship of this Youth in Government program.
Mayor Pro Tempore Carroll Dunnum announced that this is the time and
place fixed for the hearing on the report submitted pursuant to the Municipal
Improvement Act of 1913 for the improvement of Benedict Avenue, and asked
the City Clerk if she had received the following affidavits:
1. Affidavit of Publication
2. Affidavit of Posting
3. Affidavit of Mailing
The City Clerk stated she had received the affidavits.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
so ordered that the affidavits of publication, posting and mailing be received
and filed.
The City Engineer was asked to present the factual data of the report
on Benedict Avenue Assessment District #14.
Mr. Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works presented the report which
indicates an estimated cost for the assessment to be $27,823.65.
The Mayor Pro Tempore asked if there were any written protests or
objections. The City Clerk stated there were none.
32
8
The Mayor Pro Tempore then asked if there were any oral statements
for or against making the improvement on Benedict Avenue in A.D. #14.
Mr. E. F. Maginn, 12337 S. Woodruff Avenue, stated he is heartily
in accord with what the City Council is doing and would like very much
to see the improvement go through.
Mr. E. H. Hess, 9755 E. Imperial Highway, owner of Parcel #5, stated
that he is in favor of the improvement but that he would like to have
clarified the difference in the cost of the assessment with and without
acquisition of rights of way. Also, he questioned the feasibility of
having the street improved around his garage with an abutment of 10' x 26'
where the garage is located. Mr. Hess did not think it advisable to
improve the street around his garage with the garage abutting into City
property with a possibility that the garage may have to be removed at a
later date.
After much discussion it was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded
by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the hearing on Benedict Avenue
A.D. #14 be continued to 7:30 o'clock P.M. on Monday night, April 11,
1960, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
Councilman Giddings requested that more groundwork be made prior to
the hearings on the various improvements throughout the City as there seems
to be quite a bit of confusion in the minds of the property owners as to
just what procedures to follow.
A question was raised by George Maginn, 12209 Eastbrook Avenue, Downey,
as to the necessity to condemn a piece of property for the necessary right
of way to improve a street when all but one property owner is willing to
dedicate their land.
The question was deferred until action could be taken on a matter re-
quiring a 4/5 vote as Councilman Stamps requested to be excused and his
absence would constitute having only a 3/5 majority of the councilmen
present.
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE FINAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS REQUIRED BY LOT
SPLITS #132, 133, AND #138, ACCEPTING GRANTS OF ROAD
EASEMENT REQUIRED THEREOF, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF
AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DEVELOPER AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF
A SURETY DEED (MANZANAR AVENUE NORTHERLY OF CHEROKEE
DRIVE)
The resolution was read by title only. The City Clerk then read a
memorandum indicating the development of Manzanar will consist of a
section of roadway 36 feet in width between curbs on a 40 -foot right of
way, and a portion of the street 18 feet in width on a 20 -foot right of
way, all of which has been approved by the Planning Commission.
After discussion, it was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by
Councilman Giddings and so ordered that the matter be taken under submission
for further study.
Councilman Stamps was excused from the Council Meeting at 9:00 A.M.
In answer to Mr. Maginn's question regarding condemnation proceedings
on Benedict Avenue, A.D. #14, the City Attorney explained that any over-
assessments are returned to the property owners. The City Manager stated
he will contact the property owners in this matter.
It was suggested by Councilman Giddings that the City Manager and the
Engineering Department personally contact every property owner in the area
in each proposed improvement district as there seem to be a number of loose
ends which could be tied down before coming to Council.
The Mayor Pro Tempore announced that now is the time and place set
for the hearing on weed abatement.
The Director of Public Works reported this is the annual program for
weed abatement carried on throughout the City.
The Mayor Pro Tempore asked the City Clerk if there were any written
protests. The City Clerk replied there were none.
The Mayor Pro Tempore asked for any oral reports or protests. There
were none.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that in accordance with Resolution No. 581, the
Director of Public Works be directed to proceed with the weed abatement
program.
AYES:
3
Councilmen:
Temple, Dunnum, Giddings
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
2
Councilmen:
Stamps, Peavey
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple and
so ordered that the minutes of the meeting of March 8th, 1960, be approved
as written.
The City Clerk read the following correspondence:
A letter from the City of Mirada Hills inviting the Mayor to attend
the Certification Ceremonies at the Andrew McNally Intermediate School,
13900 S. Biota Avenue, on Wednesday evening, March 23, 1960, at 8:00 P.M.
A letter from the County Boundary Commission notifying of the proposed
Annexation No. 4, Conier Annexation, to the City of Montebello.
A letter from the State of California, Governor's office, inviting
Merritt Yancey, Chairman of the Library Board, and librarians to attend a
Governor's Conference on Public Library services to be held in Sacramento
on April 7 and 8, 1960. The Conference will have added significance as it
will be held during the 1960 observance of National Library Week.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and passed by the following vote that Merritt Yancey, Chairman of the
Library Advisory Board, be sent to the Governor's Conference on Public
Library Service with reasonable expenses allowed.
AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Stamps, Peavey
A letter addressed to Mr. King from Ned Young, Chairman, Ralph Foster,
American Legion Commander and Glenn Truit, V. F. W. Commander, requesting
financial support to the Veterans Day Parade, in the amount of $500.00. The
matter was referred to the Finance Department for their report to the
Council at a future date.
A letter from Mr. Frank J. Beckner requesting the City of Downey to
vacate the premises of the Bert Douglas parking lot at 2nd and La Reines
Streets by April 1, 1960, and remove the meters and fill holes not later than
April 15.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman
Giddings and so ordered that further reading of Resolution No. 584
be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman
Giddings and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 584
be adopted.
AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Stamps, Peavey
RESOLUTION NO. WS -190
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 ( #15566
THROUGH #15888 $68,161.78) (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 -190 be adopted.
AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Stamps, Peavey
RESOLUTION NO. WS -191
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 ( #6536
THROUGH #6638 $36,383.92)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple 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 -191 be adopted.
AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Stamps, Peavey
The City Manager presented his report regarding certain changes in
Stamps Assessment District #24: 1. To delete Parcels 9, 101 11, 14, 15,
16, 28 and 29, and the adjoining street improvements on Vista Del Rio,
Downey and Stoakes Avenue, respectively; 2. To reduce the street width
from 36 feet to 30 feet between curUs and the reduction of the parkway
easement from 10 feet to 7 feet.
After discussion and reports from the Chief of Police and Assistant
Fire Chief, it was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman
Temple and passed by the following vote to delete Parcels 9, 10, 11, 14, 15,
165% 28, and 29 from the Stamps Avenue Assessment District #24.
AYES:
3
Councilmen:
Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
2
Councilmen:
Stamps, Peavey
8 05
Mr. John J. Kolbo, 9248 Downey Avenue, reported that objections
raised by owners of Parcels #12 and #13 were due to the fact that in
one instance the bedroom window would be too close to the sidewalk.
After discussion, it was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by
Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that the width of
the street be 36 feet in the Stamps Avenue A.D. #24.
AYES:
3
Councilmen:
Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
2
Councilmen:
Stamps, Peavey
The City Attorney stated that this improvement had been started
under the 1911 Improvement Act under which acquisition of rights of way
up to 20% of the cost is borne by the Assessment District -- anything
beyond that must be borne by the City and could not become a part of the
Assessment costs. There have been sufficient protests to constitute a
majority protest and unless the protests are withdrawn in writing prior
to the conclusion of the hearing, the proceeding is cancelled and no
further proceedings can be instituted within a period of one year. If,
however, the protests are withdrawn prior to the time of the hearing, at
that time the City Council can conclude the hearing and by motion abandon
the proceedings. Then new proceedings under the 1913 Act can be commenced
and processed in the regular manner in order for these improvements to
be completed.
Mr. Kolbo reported that a petition is being circulated with some of
the property owners withdrawing their names from the petition which pro-
tested the improvements.
The City Manager recommended council approval of plans and specifica-
tions for the improvement of Woodruff Avenue from Imperial Highway to
Washburn Crossing Road. Combined with this project are plans and
specifications for the improvement of Imperial Highway 700 feet easterly
from Woodruff Avenue. Cost estimates for these projects amount to
$94,100.00 of Gasoline Tax Funds.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and passed by the following vote to approve plans and specifications for
Contract #39, Woodruff Avenue from Imperial Highway to Washburn Crossing
Road.
AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Stamps, Peavey
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple and
passed by the following vote to authorize advertising for construction bids
for the improvement of Woodruff Avenue.
AYES:
3
Councilmen:
Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
2
Councilmen:
Stamps, Peavey
Councilman Giddings inquired about the progress of improving Gallatin
Road. The Director of Public Works repotted the property owners are in
the process of granting the land to the City and henceforth the City will
proceed with the improvement.
Mr. King reported work has been completed on sanitary sewers under
P.C. #5407 and #5378 and an offer of dedication for public use has been
received. This sewer is located southerly and easterly from the intersections
of Baysinger Street and Tristan Drive, and is offered for dedication by
Alexander Lowry and Eugene Nasch.
0
Mr. Beckner reported that the lot has been sold to Compton National
Bank and introduced the officers of the bank who are planning to open a
bank in the City of Downey under an appropriate name.
The Mayor Pro Tempore stated on behalf of the City of Downey, business
and commerce, he was happy the Compton National Bank had chosen Downey to
install their new unit and welcomed them to the City.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 9102.1 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE
The ordinance was read by title only. The City Clerk read a letter
from ten property owners in support of the ordinance and supporting
Planning Resolution No. 42.
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 the ordinance be introduced.
AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Stamps, Peavey
RESOLUTION NO. 583
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
PROHIBITING PARKING ON BOTH SIDES OF ADOREE STREET
BETWEEN CLARK AVENUE AND HANWELL AVENUE AND ON BOTH
SIDES OF COWLEY AVENUE BETWEEN ANGELL STREET AND TO A
POINT 95.56 FEET NORTH OF THE NORTH CURB LINE OF LYNDORA
STREET
The resolution was read in full. The City Clerk read a memorandum
from the Director of Public Works which recommended the prohibition of
parking on Adoree Street and Cowley between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and
9 :00 A.M., and 4 :00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M., with the result to be the elimina-
tion of all day parking on these streets by workers at Autonetic Corporation
adjacent to this area.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 583.
AYES:
3
Councilmen:
Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
2
Councilmen:
Stamps, Peavey
RESOLUTION NO. 584
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
COMMENDING MALCOLM H. MERRILL, M. D., DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC
HEALTH, AND THANKING HIM AND THE MEMBERS OF THE STATE
ADVISORY HOSPITAL COUNCIL FOR THEIR ACTION IN CREATING
A NEW DOWNEY- NORWALK AREA
The resolution was read by title only. It was explained by Mr. King
that the action which had been taken to set up a Downey - Norwalk Hospital
District was for allocation of the Hill- Burton Funds. The State Adminis-
tration Counsel is meeting on April 1 in the State Office Building in
Los Angeles at which time the Downey- Norwalk District will be permanently
confirmed and it is deemed advisable to have representatives from the City
of Downey present.
Yj
The City Manager reported that Council authority has been requested
by the Department of Public Works to transfer $200.00 from Account No.
1- 4020 -621 (Autos & Trucks) to Account No. 1 -4020 -651 (Laboratory Equip-
ment) to complete purchase of engineering laboratory equipment for
testing soils, asphalts, concrete, etc.
It was moved
and passed by the
funds:
Amount
$200.00
by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple
following vote to approve the following transfer of
From
AN 1 -4020 -621
AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Stamps, Peavey
To
AN 1 -4020 -651
Mr. King reported that in compliance with the request of the City
Council further study has been made relating to the petition from the
American Legion Post No. 723, Hollydale, to be annexed to the City of
South Gate. A conference with the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Director of
Public Works and the City Attorney along with six members of the Hollydale
Legion Post relative to the annexation of this property to the City of
South Gate was held and a meeting with the Mayor and officials of South
Gate is now being arranged relative to a possible exchange of property as
previously suggested by the City Council.
The City Clerk read a letter addressed to Mr. Beckner in answer to his
letter informing him the City will remove the parking meters on the Bert
Douglas parking lot at 2nd and La Reina Streets and fill the holes as
requested; and that the City will sell the two mercury vapor lights to them
for a total price of $535.00 which is the replacement price of the materials
exclusive of installation costs.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote to authorize the sale of the two mercury vapor
lights at 2nd and La Reina Streets for the sum of $535.00.
AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Stamps, Peavey
Mr. King reported he has been requested to issue a parade permit for
the Downey Junior Athletic Association, May 14, at 12 :00 o'clock noon for
a 30- minute parade.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
so ordered to grant permission to the Downey Junior Athletic Association
for a 30- minute parade on May 14, at 12 :00 o'clock noon.
It was requested by the City Manager that the City Council authorize a
call for bids for public liability insurance, to be opened on or before
May 16.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote to authorize a call for bids for renewal
of the liability insurance and raise the amount from $25,000 to $100,000
per incident.
AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Stanps, Peavey
&39
The City Clerk reported the contract between the Park and Recreation
Department and the City of Downey is ready for approval.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that the contract between the Park and
Recreation Department and the City of Downey be approved.
AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Giddings, Dunnum
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Stamps, Peavey
Councilman Temple reported Downey is entering into a "People to People"
program and read a report from Jim Bannister who has been appointed
representative for "Count Your Blessings" movement. Used clothing is to be
collected at the various fire stations to be sent to the orient.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and so ordered that the City Council approve the resolution passed by the
Chamber of Commerce relative to "People to People" program and to cooperate
with them, and that the Mayor be authorized to sign a proclamation to this
effect.
Councilman Temple inquired how the City can best expedite eliminating
unkempt and untidy houses in the City, for example, one such house on Cole
Street. It was also mentioned that there is a house which is half finished
and that the Building Department and City Attorney should investigate to see
what rulings exist as to a house having to be completed within a certain
time limit.
Councilman Temple congratulated Councilman Dunnum on his appointment
as Character Board Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America.
Councilman Giddings suggests a study be made by the Citizens Committee
relative to additions to various departments in the City and report on
their findings to the Council before budget studies.
The matter which was to have been investigated regarding numerous police
officers having to appear in court and remain for unlimited time was questioned
by Councilman Giddings. The City Manager stated further study is necessary
and a report will be made in the near future.
Councilman Giddings asked what progress has been made in an investigation
of the request by the Park Board for the City to aid in a Capital Improvement
of the park facilities. The City Attorney reported that under capital
expenditures a joint contract can be entered into with the Park and Recreation
Department substantially along the lines that the Park District would agree to
undertake certain development of certain parks and the City would agree to
pay to the Park District at specified times certain terms of money. It was
suggested that there be held a joint meeting with the Park Board, their
attorney, the City Attorney and the City Council prior to having it brought
to the Council at a regular meeting.
Councilman Giddings referred the Council to a bulletin from the League
of California Cities regarding elimination of certain medical items from
sales and use tax which would decrease the total tax income some 4 %, and
suggests that there be a recommendation submitted from the Finance Department.
The City Attorney reported that he had talked with Mr. Eugene Jacobs,
Deputy Attorney General who stated that probably in about two weeks there
will be an opinion on the Downey County Water Company matter.
`There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting
adjourned at 10:45 A.M.
City May r Pro Tempore