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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-11-60-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY HELD JULY 11TH, 1960 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall at 7:30 P.M., July 11th, 1960, Mayor Hollis M. Peavey presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police Robert Gain, Fire Chief Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety Lee Leavitt, City Engineer William Goggin, Acting Planning Director Della Doyle, City Clerk The Mayor announced that now is the time and place for the hearing on the vacation of a service road at Lakewood Boulevard and Stewart & Gray Road. The City Manager recommended that the Hearing be continued indefinitely for two reasons; primarily, the developers have not complied with the provisions set forth by the Planning Commission; and, second, there has been a letter sent from the State reporting that they are the legal owners of the land and that any vacation action should be done through the State. The City Attorney advised that since the hearing was legally advertised, it must be processed, then the decision of the City Council may be taken under submission. The Mayor asked if there were any written protests. The City Clerk replied that there were none. The Mayor then asked if there were any oral protests to the vacation of the service road in question. There were none. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the hearing on the vacation of the service road at Lakewood and Stewart and Gray Road be closed and the Mayor ordered the matter to be taken under submission. The Mayor announced that now is the time and place set for the hearing on Firestone Lighting District, A.D. #20. The Mayor asked if there were any written protests. The City Clerk read a protest from Zella Forbes against the amount of her assessment. The Mayor asked if there were any oral protests or statements regarding Firestone Lighting District, A.D. #20. There were none. The Director of Public Works reported that the assessment of Mrs. Forbes had been investigated and it was felt the spread of the assessment in this instance was fair. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the hearing on Firestone Lighting District, A.D. #20 be closed. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that all protests to Firestone Lighting, A.D. #20 be overruled and disallowed. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 627 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FIRE- STONE BOULEVARD AND OTHER STREETS (A.D. #20) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin 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. 627 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Mayor announced that now is the time and place set for the hearing on the weed abatement assessment. The Mayor asked if there were any objections or protests to the weed abatement assessment. There were none. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the hearing on the weed abatement assessment be closed. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the report on the weed abatement (assessment roll) be confirmed. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded By Councilman Giddings and so ordered that the minutes of the Council Meeting held on June 28, 1960, be approved as presented. The City Clerk read the following written correspondence: A letter from Mrs. Celene Gamble expressing her thanks for the removal of the water tank bank of their property on East Birchdale Road. A letter from John W. Hollowell accepting the appointment to serve on the Citizens Tax Committee. A letter from I. V. B. Phelan accepting the appointment to serve on the Civic Center Committee. Letters from the County Boundary Commission advising of proposed Annexation #7 and #4 to Whittier. A letter from A. B. Springer, Vice President and Manager of the Bank of America expressing thanks for the privilege of handling the City's banking business. A letter from Ray Goates, Superintendent of the Downey Recreation and Park District thanking the Council for the allocation of capital improvement ,—. funds and offer and expressions of friendly understanding and cooperation, and to advise that no action was taken at their Board Meeting held June 28 as they wished more time to study the matter. A letter from Thomas F. Fox, Special Assistant to the Assistant Postmaster General advising that a report on a preliminary space survey made at Downey is now under review but funds for Postal Modernization Program have been fully programmed, and they are precluded, therefore, from giving consideration to any major postal development in the City of Downey at this time. 't. _ �._ .:3 A copy of a letter written by Chief I. A. Robinson, to Mr. Bradford M. Crittenden, Commissioner, California Highway Patrol, Sacramento, regarding the Highway Patrol's operations and confirming arrangements to meet with the City Council, the Chairman of the Police Committee, the City Manager and the Chief of Police during the middle part of July. A letter from Hanford F. Rants expressing his opposition to bringing the Highway Patrol into Downey. A letter from C. W. Barrett, Manager of the Chamber of Commerce, recommending to the City Council that the existing Parking Meter Ordinance be amended to allow the City Council by minute order to waive the payment of money to the parking peters, in order that on special sales days, it would be advantageous to advertise free parking in Downey. An invitation from The International City Manager's Association for the City Manager to attend their 46th Annual Conference to be held at San Francisco, California, October 16 - 20, 1960. A letter from C. E. McGee, 7302 Benares Street, stating that he has been advised to pave from the curb and gutter, that he had installed, to the street with asphalt pavement, and asking that this requirement be waived as he felt heuns not properly informed at the time. Also, he is the only property owner on the street with sidewalks and no other property has been paved out to the street. Councilman Dunnum stated he thinks the requirement of installing sidewalks should be reviewed. Councilman Giddings stated he felt an exception should be made in this type case until the majority of the property owners in the area are in favor of installing sidewalks. The City Attorney advised that in plot plans and lot splits the Planning Commission has permission to impose certain conditions on certain improvements. Under the Zoning Ordinance there is a ten -day period in which an appeal can be filed and failure to appeal within the time specified would render the decision of the Planning Commission final. The alternative after the passing of this appeal period would be for the applicant to reapply to the Planning Commission and petition for modifications as the Planning Commission can modify a condi- tion. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that a policy relative to requirement of sidewalks be established requiring them only in areas where other sidewalks are in or where a majority request them. This policy would not apply to main arterials to schools. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Clerk read a letter from Jerome Earl Hocker and Irene M. Hocker which was accompanied by the required $50.00 deposit appeal Planning Commission Special Permit #7 for the operation of a "ham" radio station. It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the matter of appeal to Special Permit #7 be set for hearing on August 8, 1960, at 7:30 P.M., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Mayor requested consideration of the letter from the Chamber of Commerce at this time regarding waiver of payment on parking meters during special sale days. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that the City Attorney research to see what can be done legally about waiver of the parking fees. Relative to the International City Managers Association meeting in San Francisco October 16 - 20, it was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following votes that the City Manager be authorized to attend with reasonable and necessary expenses allowed. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 628 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT NO. 25902 ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION THEREIN OFFERED, APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDERS AND ACCEPTANCE OF A BOND (SAMOLINE AVENUE) The resolution was rdad by title only. The City Manager read a memorandum from the City Engineer relative to this development. It was brought out that sidewalks were not required in this subdivision. Mr. Goggin was asked to explain on what basis sidewalks may be required in some instances and not in others. It was explained by him that the Planning Commission makes the final decision and their premise in such matters was outlined in detail. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further reading of Resolution No. 628 be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 628 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 629 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT NO. 23954 ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION THEREIN OFFERED, APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDERS AND ACCEPTANCE OF A SURETY BOND (PANGBORN AND LUBEC) The resolution was read by title only. The City Manager read a memorandum from the City Engineer stating the tract map, plans, bonds and agreement covering the development of the subdivision have been checked and approved. Sidewalks had not been required as part of the conditions of their approval of this proposed subdivision. 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 Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 629 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -204 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 ( #17785 THROUGH #17786 AND #1 THROUGH #328 $93,694.02) (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 Giddings and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -204 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -205 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 #1 THROUGH #93 $24,094.82) 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. WS -205 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey +—� NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Councilman Dunnum disqualified himself from voting. The City Manager and the Director of Finance were asked to make a report on Ambulance Service and collections, and of the cost to operate the City's own ambulance service in connection with the Fire Department. The City Manager reported that consideration is asked of City Council to authorize circulating petitions for the improvement of Dunrobin Avenue between Washburn Crossing Road and Spry Street (sidewalks), A.D. #553, and for Deming Avenue and Castana Avenue, A.D. #61. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote to authorize circulation of petitions for sidewalk improvements, A.D. #55 (Dunrobin Avenue between Washburn Crossing Road and Spry Street). AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote to authorizecirculation of petitions for side- walk improvements (Deming Avenue and Castana Avenue), A.D. #61. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was reported by the City Manager that a request for an extension of time from July 8 to July 29 has been requested for construction work on Florence Avenue, Contract #35, due to delays by utility companies. It wav moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that an extension of time from July 8 to July 29 be granted for construction work on Florence Avenue (Con- tract #35) . AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None After a review of comparison bids for automotive maintenance and the purchase of automobiles, as per the request of the City Council at its last meeting, on a one -year basis, it was recommended that the bid be awarded to the lowest and best bidder, the Downey Ford (Downey Auto Center) for the three -year period beginning July 1, 1960. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to award the contract for automotive mainten- ance and the purchase of automobiles to the lowest and best bidder, Downey Auto Center, for the three -year period July 1, 1960 through June 30, 1963. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager reviewed the gas tax project priority lists and brought the Council up -to -date on the status of improvements on Woodruff Avenue, Stewart and Gray Road acquisitions, and Downey Lighting. The City Attorney announced he will be on vacation the first three weeks in August and that there would be no attorney available for the first Council Meeting for that month. In connection with the Stewart and Gray Road extension from Woodruff 10--ft over to Firestone Boulevard, it was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that the Director of Public Works be directed in due course to make a survey of the most feasible route to extend Stewart and Gray Road to Firestone Boulevard. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that $500.00 be appropriated for the pur- pose of making an up -to -date aerial map of the area involved in the extension of Stewart & Gray Road to Firestone Boulevard in order to start acquisition of rights of way. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to request the Federal, Sta to and County gov- ernments to participate in the Stewart & Gray Road improvement (extension from Woodruff to Firestone). AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager reported there is $498,000.00 in the street improvement fund and that he recommends a field trip by the City Council to gp over all capital improvement projects. Councilman Dunnum questioned the possibility of hiring a part -time acquisition man to acquire rights of way in the various improvement projects. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that the City Manager be directed to investigate the possibility of hiring a part -time acquisition man. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Councilman Giddings praised the installation of the three -way signals at Firestone Boulevard and Florence Boulevard at Lakewood Boulevard. Mayor Peavey reviewed the parking lot situation for downtown Downey. It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to authorize the City Manager to look for sites for parking lots (one on each side of Downey Avenue) that do not have any parking and to report his findings, price and availability. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Mayor suggested that a request was made by the District Park & Recreation that the City ask the County Supervisors to deed all ground on which they city parks are located to the City, subject to the lease with the County. Councilman Dunnum commended the Park Board highly in this step which would ultimately lead to the goal of both City and Park District - to enable the City to take over the operation of the parks. It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the City Attorney be instructed to review the present lease between the Park District and the County and that if there ~ are no objectionable conditions, the Mayor be instructed;to write a letter requesting the lands to be deeded to the City. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Peavey recognized former Mayor and Councilman James L. StarVs in the audience. Mr. L. Phil Bruce, 8544 Eucalyptus voiced his objections to the State Highway Patrol's coming into the City of Downey. Mr. Frank Beckner, 8233 E. 2nd Street, made inquiries regarding the Downey Lighting assessments, as to when a cash payment can be made, and the charges attached to an assessment for the various engineering, assessment handling, etc. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 o'clock P.M. Mayor