HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-08-60-Regular Meeting7I 0r
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MARCH 8TH, 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 8th, 1960, Mayor Hollis M. Peavey presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Stamps,Giddings, Peavey
ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager
Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works
Lee Leavitt, City Engineer
Robert Gain, Fire Chief
Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police
William Goggin, Assistant City Planner
Della Doyle, City Clerk
Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk
The Mayor announced that now is the time and place for the continua -
tion of the hearing on the debt limit report for Stamps Avenue A.D. #24.
The City Attorney stated that there are actually two hearings which
have been continued on the Stamps Avenue improvement, the other being on
the resolution of intention, adding that it is his understanding that there
are still discussions between the property owners and the Public Works
Department regarding further changes in the work to be done.
The City Clerk read a petition requesting deletions of Vista Del Rio
Avenue, Stoakes Avenue and Downey Avenue in order to lower the construction
costs within the Stamps Avenue improvement A.D. #24, which was signed by
property owners representing nine parcels.
It was moved by Councilman Temple and so ordered to receive and file
the petition on Stamps Avenue A.D. #24.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote to continue the Debt Limit hearing on Stamps
Avenue improvement, A.D. #24, to April 26, 1960, at 8:00 o'clock A.M. in the
Council Chamber of the City Hall.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilman: None
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Stamps and
passed by the following vote to continue the hearing on the Resolution of
Intention in Stamps Avenue improvement, A.D. #24, to April 26, 1960, at 8:00
o'clock A.M. in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilman: None
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
so ordered that the minutes of the meeting of February 23, 1960, be approved
as written.
The City Clerk read the following written correspondence:
A letter directed to Harold Durham, Traffic Engineer, from Downey
South Junior High School P.T.A. thanking for aid in the recent additional
safety features installed at Imperial Highway and Verdura Street.
7
A letter of thanks directed to Mr. DeSio for donation of trees and
an invitation to attend their tree planting ceremony from Earl Warren High.
A notice of the League of California Cities meeting Thursday,
March 17, 1960, in Torrance at 7:15 P.M. at the Jump'N Jack Restaurant.
A letter from the president of the Downey Junior Woman's Club in-
quiring about the status of a request made by them last year regarding a
Youth Center for Downey.
It was suggested that the City Manager direct a letter to the
Woman's Club advising them that the matter of a Youth Center will be
studied along with the overall planning program within the near future.
A letter from Mr. James P. Gillespie with reference to holding all
council meetings in the evening.
A letter from Block, Toler, Bulloch & Biggerstaff, Attorneys at Law,
asking Council's opinion on the possibility of the Hollydale Post No. 723
of the American Legion withdrawing from the City of Downey and being
annexed by the City of South Gate.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and so ordered that the matter be referred to the City Manager and Depart-
ment Heads for investigation and report.
A letter from Governor Brown in reply to the letter from Mayor
Peavey concerning legislation relating to pedestrian malls. The governor
indicated the subject has been included in the call for the Special Session
of the Legislature.
A letter from the Wilmington Community Sing Chairman commending
Miss Patti Jo Allen and the "Downey Debs" who appeared at the weekly sing on
February 29.
The City Clerk informed the City Council that the case of Tilden W.
Johnson vs. Southern Pacific Railway and City of Downey had been settled in
the City's favor.
The City Clerk informed the City Council the mutual aid agreements as
previously approved are ready to be signed and requested authority for the
Mayor to execute. The City Attorney reported that he had checked them and
the agreements were all in order.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that the contracts for mutual aid be
approved and the Mayor authorized to sign the agreements.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilman: None
The City Clerk read a letter of appeal to Zone Exception Case #168,
(Sammartano) which had been received with the required $50 deposit. Nine
property owners had signed the petition of appeal.
After discussion, it was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by
Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that a hearing be set
before the Council on Zone Exception Case #168 at 7:30 P.M. on Monday,
April 18, 1960, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
713
The City Attorney requested that the City Clerk be designated to
present the resolutions and ordinances in the future.
Councilman Dunnum asked to be excused from Council at 9:00 A.M.
ORDINANCE NO. 141
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 2100 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE
WHICH SAID SECTION RELATES TO THE TIME OF THE COUNCIL
MEETING
The ordinance 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 Stamps
and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 141 be adopted.
•
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
ORDINANCE NO. 142
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTIONS 6227.1 and 6253 OF THE DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE, WHICH SAID SECTIONS RELATE TO BUSINESS
LICENSES
The ordinance 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 Stamps
and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 142 be adopted.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
RESOLUTION NO. 579
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST, CON-
VENIENCE AND NECESSITY REQUIRE THE ACQUISITION OF
CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR STREET PURPOSES, AND RESCINDING
RESOLUTIONS NO. 528 AND NO. 578 (FLORENCE AVENUE)
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 Stamps
and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 579 be adopted.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
RESOLUTION NO. 580
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 527 AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION
OF CERTAIN RIGHTS OF WAY ON FLORENCE AVENUE
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.
19 7
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Stamps
and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 580 be adopted.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
RESOLUTION NO. 581
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECLARING CERTAIN WEEDS GROWING UPON AND CERTAIN REFUSE
AND RUBBISH UPON CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CITY OF
DOWNEY TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE
The resolution was read by title only. The City Manager reported
that the City will do the work with rented equipment and hoped not only
to save, but to do a better job on this project this year. It was sug-
gested that the City Manager explore the possibility of rental of equip-
ment from other cities.
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. 581 be adopted.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: Q Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
RESOLUTION NO. 582
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING THE CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO CHANGE THE
STOP SIGN AFFECTING TRAFFIC CONTROL AT THE INTERSECTION
OF GLENCLIFF DRIVE AND RIVERGROVE DRIVE
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 Stamps, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 582 be adopted.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
RESOLUTION NO. WS -188
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 ( #15240
THROUGH #15565 $64,002.17) (Payroll)
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 Temple, seconded by Councilman Stamps
and passed by the following vote that resolution No. WS -188 be adopted.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
7,9
RESOLUTION NO. WS -189
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 ( #6396
THROUGH #6535 $32,812.78)
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 -189 be adopted.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilmen: Dunnum
The City Manager reviewed the action taken earlier this month when
the members of the City Council inspected the sidewalk constructed by the
Boddum Construction Company on Dempster Avenue in A.D. #42 extending
northeasterly from Downey Avenue. This inspection was made to determine
the extent to which the sidewalk did not conform to the previously approved
plans and specifications.
It had been the feeling of the Council that short of removing and
reconstructing the sidewalk, a reduction in the amount to be paid for the
work would offset the defects in the otherwise structurally sound sidewalk.
After further conference with the Director of Public Works it is recommended
that the Council authorize payment to the Contractor for the above project
with a 10 percent adjustment to cover the defects as outlined above. Costs
of the entire project are $3594.50 which would result in a reduction of
$359.45 from the final payment.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Stamps and
passed by the following vote to authorize acceptance of Dempster Avenue
sidewalks, A.D. #42, and payment of the bill presented by the contractor in
the amount of $3235.00.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
The City Manager reported that the contractor, W. R. Wilkinson Co.,
Inc., for Tenth Street improvements, A.D. #18, has requested an extension
of time because of delays resulting from weather conditions and from delays
by utility companies.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings
and passed by the following vote to grant an extension of ten days to the
contractor for the Tenth Street improvements, A.D. #18.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
The City Manager reported that the work has been completed on Brookshire
Avenue under Contract #15, with a final price of $19,035.88 compared to the
�. bid price of $16,609.38. Additional expenditures are accounted for by extra
work requested on Stewart and Gray Road and at additional locations on Old
River School Road previously approved by Council. It was recommended that
the City Council accept the work under this contract and authorize final
payment.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Stamps
and passed by the following vote to accept the work under Contract No.
15, Brookshire Avenue, et. al, to authorize payment to the contractor,
and filing Notice of Completion.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
The City Manager reported work has been completed under Private
Contract #5301 for sanitary sewers located in Foster Road betweal
Woodruff Avenue and Faust, and is offered flax dedication for public use.
It was moved by Councilman Stamps, seconded by Councilman Temple
and passed by the following vote to accept the sanitary sewer under
P.C. #5301 for public use.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
The City Manager reported that in compliance with the suggestion of
the members of the City Council he attended the Downey Elementary School
Board Meeting on Tuesday night, February 23, to discuss the purchase of
the 175 feet (approx.) on Second Street by 152 feet (approx.) on Brookshire,
as recorded on page 541 of Book D413 under date of March 27, 1959. Members
of the School Board indicated their interest in selling this to the City
and stated it had been their intent that if this were not used for school
purposes, it should revert to the City for the civic center. They suggested
that an equitable formula of purchase be prepared by the School Superintend-
ent and the City Manager to be presented to them at their next meeting on
Tuesday night, March 8. The following recommendation is suggested.
Based upon three appraisals; the value of the parcel of property in
July of 1958 was set at $35,444, which was deleted from the purchase price
of the entire block. In checking with various real estate people, it was
suggested that a 10 percent increased valuation be added to this figure
which would bring the purchase price to $38,988 at this time. The Elementary
School Board has requested that they be permitted to occupy their present
quarters in the City Hall until July 1, 1961. This constitutes the rental
of 8479 square feet at 6fi per square foot per month which was the price
agreed upon by both the School Board and the City Council when the City was
renting from the School District and later when the School District started
renting from the City. This rental formula amounts to $508.74 per month
which totals $8,139.84 for the 16 months period from March 1, 1960 to
July 1, 1961. It is suggested that this amount be deducted from the purchase
price leaving a cash settlement in the amount of $30,848.16
Councilman Giddings suggested that inasmuch as the appraisal value was
increased 10 %, he felt the rental should also be increased 10 %.
The City Manager also reminded the Council that at the time the air
conditioning units were installed last year, 8 units had been installed in
the offices occupied by the Downey City School District and that these units
were to be purchased by the City from them for the amount of $1236.00.
After discussion, it was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by
Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to authorize the purchase
of the land on Brookshire and Second Street from the Downey City School
District for the sum of $38,988.00, said sum to be paid from the Tax
Anticipation Reserve Fund, and the payment to be as follows:
1. That the sum of $8,953.82, being the rental due from the School
District for the period from March 1, 1960, to July 1, 1960, be
deemed to be fully paid and the amount thereof subtracted from
the purchase price due.
7.3.9
2. That the balance of said sum, being $30,034.18, be deposited
in escrow to be paid to the Downey City School District at the
close of escrow;
that the City Manager be authorized to enter into an escrow for the purchase
of said property in said manner and said escrow to provide that the money
shall be due and payable at such time as a deed conveying the title to
the property is in the hands of the escrow holder, and that also there be
on deposit with the escrow holder a standard form of title policy insurance
showing the title to said land vested in the City of Downey free from all
liens, covenants, conditions, restrictions or other encumbrances except
those specifically approved in writing by the City.
AYES:
4
Councilmen:
Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
1
Councilman:
Dunnum
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that the current rental agreement between the
City and the Downey City School District be amended to read that for the
period from March 1, 1960 to July 1, 1961, the rental to be paid by the
Downey City School District to the City of Downey for that portion of the
property located at 8419 E. 2nd Street and occupied by said School District
be .066 per square foot.
AYES:
4
Councilmen:
Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
1
Councilman:
Dunnum
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Stamps and
passed by the following vote that the City of Downey shall purchase from the
Downey City School District those air conditioning facilities located in
that portion of said building located at 8419 E. 2nd Street, Downey, now
occupied by said School District, for the sum of $1,236.00 based upon the
District's vacating such premises on June 30, 1961; that the sum of $1,236.00
be paid from the Tax Anticipation Reserve Fund at the time of purchase of
the above land.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
The City Manager stated he wished to commend Linda Farrell, student
at Downey Senior High School, for not only being chosen Junior Governor of
the State but for being the first girl so honored. The City Council author-
ized the Mayor to send a letter of congratulations to Miss Farrell.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, Seconded by Councilman Temple
and so ordered that an invitation be extended to Linda Farrell and her
representatives to come to a Council Meeting and tell about her experiences
as the first girl governor.
James Gillespie, 7214 Cleargrove Street, Downey, asked that Council
consider holding all meetings in the evening, as outlined in his letter to
the City Council which had been read earlier in the meeting.
Ray Goates, 12540 South Rives, Downey, of the Park and Recreation
District outlined the sports program carried on throughout the City and
reported more space is needed for the sports leagues. A plan illustrating
the proposed improvement of the Rio San Gabriel Park was shown to Council
which included sports lighting and parking facilities. The estimated
cost of this improvement is $40,000 of which the Park District can support
50 %. It is anticipated the work can be completed by May 16, 1960, if
necessary funds can be obtained. The assistance of the City was requested
from, if possible, this year's finances, and to consider a plan for the
future to assist the Park and Recreation District.
The matter was referred to the City Atto m ey to investigate if
it is proper for.the City to assist the Park District in this matter
inasmuch as the improvements are on County owned land.
The City Attorney requested permission to attend the spring workshop
for City Attornids, through the League of California Cities to be held
April 25 and 26 at Monterey, with expenses allowed not to exceed a reason -
abh amount.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Stamps and
passed by the following vote to grant authority for the City Attorney to
attend the spring workshop for City Attornies April 25 and 26 in Monterey,
with reasonable expenses allowed.
RYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Stamps, Giddings, Peavey
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Dunnum
Councilman Stamps expressed his thanks for the interest in his
welfare during his illness and stated he was glad to be back with Council.
He was excused from the meeting at 9:50 A.M.
Councilman Temple inquired about the bus system. Mr. King reported the
system seems to be working very well on one route and that a complete report
will be submitted sometime in April.
Councilman Temple asked if lights at the entrances to the tract in
the Smallwood area were going through as planned. The Director of Public
Works reported this lighting will be installed as planned.
Councilman Giddings inquired about the investigation of the Park Water
Company and also what the status is on the Downey County Water District
matter.
The City Attorney reported that all initial briefs and answering briefs
had been submitted the latter part of November and that it usually is a
matter of 90 days or so before decisions are reached on matters of this
type. The matter rests with the Attorney General and Mr. Sorensen advised if
no word is received from him within the next few days, he will follow up
with a telephone call.
Concerning the Park Water Company matter, the City Attorney reported
that he had discussed it with Mr. Roe who had submitted the form of the
documents which might be used for the City's entering into an agreement to
make preliminary investigation, and a form of agreement which might be
entered into provided the City might decide to purchase the water company,
which forms were received only last week and had not enabled him to review
them completely; therefore the City has not been in a position to investigate.
Mr. King stated he will call Mr. Roe, then talk with Mr. Sorensen and
call a meeting of the finance and water committees. Mr. Sorensen was
instructed to discuss the matter of the Downey County Water Company with
the City Manager with possibly a follow -up telephone call being made to the
Attorney General.
The Mayor presented the City Manager, Oren L. King, with a certificate
of merit for his fine work toward the progress of the City of Downey.
It was suggested by the Mayor that the schools be invited to estab$sh
a "Youth in Government Day" when the students could take over the offices of
the City, and that the City Manager contact the two high schools.
Approval of a proclamation setting forth Public Health Week, March 21 -26,
was requested and it was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman
Giddings and so ordered to proclaim Public Health Week as requested.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting
adjourned at 10:10 A.M.
City Cle,Rk Mayor