Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-09-12-60-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY HELD SEPTEMBER 12TH, 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., September 12th, 1960, Mayor Hollis M. Peavey presiding. ^ PRESENT: Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, 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 Lee Leavitt, City Engineer Hal Durham, Traffic Engineer Don Warren, Deputy Fire Chief Loren Morgan, Deputy Chief of Police Sherman Griselle, Director of Planning Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety Della Doyle, City Clerk Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk Reverend Curtis Puryear of the Immanuel Baptist Church delivered the invocation. The Mayor announced that this is the time and place set for the hearing on the Investigation Report on the Downey Lighting District A.D. #50. The Mayor asked the City Clerk if she had the Affidavit of Mailing relative to the hearing. The City Clerk replied that she had the affidavit. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the Affidavit of Mailing Notice of Hearing on the Investigation Report on Downey Lighting District A.D. #50 be received and filed. Mr. Barhite, Director of Public Works, presented the investigation report. The Mayor asked if there were any written protests relative to A.D. #50. There -were none. The Mayor then inquired if there were any oral protests. Mr. Frank Beckner stated that he does not protest against the lighting but asked that the City participate by paying for safety lights at inter- sections on major streets on Downey Avenue as they did in the Firestone light- ing. There being no written protests and no oral protests it was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the hearing on the Investigation Report for Downey Lighting District A.D. #50 be closed. RESOLUTION NO. 665 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 50 (DOWNEY AVENUE) IS FEASIBLE AND THAT THE LANDS WITHIN THE PROPOSED DISTRICT WILL BE ABLE TO BEAR THE BURDEN OF SUCH PROPOSED ASSESSMENT The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 665 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Mayor announced that this is the time set for the hearing on the proposed changes in work to be done in Assessment District A.D. #50 (Downey Avenue Lighting District). The Mayor asked the City Clerk if she had the Affidavit of Publication. Madam City Clerk replied she had. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that the Affidavit of Publication be received and filed. The Mayor inquired if there were any written protests. There were none. The Mayor then inquired if there were any oral statements for or against A.D. #50, Downey Avenue Lighting District. There were none. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that the hearing on the proposed changes in work to be done in Downey Avenue Lighting District be closed. RESOLUTION NO. 666 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS OF THE WORK TO BE DONE IN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 50 ( DOWNEY 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 Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution Nc. 666 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin,Giddings,Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Mayor announced that this is the time and place set for the hear- ing on the Resolution of.Intention on Downey Avenue Lighting District A.D. No. 50. The Mayor asked the City Clerk if she had the Affidavits of Publication, Posting and Mailing relative to this hearing. The City Clerk answered in the affirmative. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the Affidavits of Publication, Posting and Mailing be received and filed. Mayor Peavey asked if there were any written protests or objections to the proposed changes in the work to be done. There were none. The Mayor then asked for any oral comments. There were none. «—, It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the hearing relative to the Resolution -of Intention for Downey Avenue Lighting District No. A.D. #50 be closed. J.`�„� 4 RESOLUTION NO. 667 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING WORK TO BE DONE ON DOWNEY AVENUE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESOLUTION OF INTENTION NO. 646, AS MODIFIED (A.D. NO. 50 - DOWNEY AVENUE LIGHTING DISTRICT) 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. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 667 be adopted. 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 that the minutes of the Council Meeting held on August 23, 1960, be approved as written. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Councilman Temple requested deviation from the agenda to take up the item of Zone Case #40 ( Dougan) as there were many persons present who wish to be heard on the matter. The spokesman for the proponents, Mr. H. L. Dougan, 7901 E. Stewart and Gray Road, came forward to present his side of the case. After his statement, Councilman Temple inquired of Mr. Dougan if it would be agreeable with his constituents to refer the matter back to the Planning Commission. It was voiced by the majority that they did not wish this to be done but that they would prefer having the matter settled at this time. Others to speak for Zone Case #40 (change to R -3) were: Evelyn Wilkerson, 8640 E. Florence Avenue (business address) Arlie Pack, 7909 Stewart and Gray Road Bea Peters, 7884 E. Florence Avenue (business address) J. H. Fletcher, 7919 Stewart and Gray Road Mike Bellak, 7925 Stewart and Gray Road Speaking in opposition were: Carl Palace, 7823 Stewart and Gray Road Jerome M. Page, 12005 Samoline, who presented petitions signed approximately in June, 1958. Councilman Dunnum asked in what manner was the matter of Zone Case #40 placed on the.agenda. It was explained by the City Manager that a letter had been sent to Council from Olson Surveying Company requesting the Zone Case #40, which had been taken under submission some two years or more ago, be reconsidered. Notices were sent to the interested parties and a meeting held with these property owners. At the Council Meeting held on August 8, 1960, Council requested that the matter be placed on the agenda for a complete report and the parties again were notified of this meeting time and place by postal cards. Also speaking in opposition of Zone Case #40 were: Bill Downing, 12012 Samoline Lane M. D. Lloyd, 12024 Samoline Lane Mrs. Sterling, 7914 DePalma Mr. Lloyd stated that he did not feel that a matter taking two years should be further delayed for consideration until the matter of zoning the City as a whole has been completed. In answer to the question which arose as to whether or not original petitions presented over two years ago were on file, Mr. Griselle, Planning Director reported he had the original petition protests in the Zone Case #40 file. After considerable discussion It was moved by Councilman Temple that the matter of Zone Case #40 be continued until a plot plan can be drawn up. The motion died for the lack of a second. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that the hearing on Zone Case #40 be closed. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Zone Case #40 be taken under submission. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mrs. Black came forward after the close of the hearing and explained that when Stewart and Gray Road had been widened it had cut off her business which was a chicken ranch and she could not improve her property or sell it until some decision is reached on this matter. Councilman Dunnum requested a report from the Planning Commission on the status of the Zoning Ordinance. Councilman Giddings followed up with the request that the City get a Zoning Ordinance if it does not get anything else. Councilman Dunnum remarked that the grievance is justified of all the persons facing difficulties with zoning matters. Councilman Corbin inquired as to when the Master Plan may be available. Mr. Griselle stated that he is stiving toward the goal of having it ready to present to the Planning Commission by the end of the year, but that he could not give a firm date - -he has a vacancy in his department to be filled and problems in workload. He is, however, shooting for a goal for the end of this year and feels confident that he can put a good zoning ordi- nance before the Planning Commission at that time and from there it would depend on the Commission and Council as to its adoption. Councilman Dunnum remarked that his statements were not intended as any criticism of the Planning Department - -he is impressed with the utter urgency of establishing a zoning ordinance at the very earliest possible moment. The City Clerk read a letter from Koebig & Koebig, Inc. signed by Mr. R. D. Spencer, President, expressing their appreciation for the confidence shown them in selecting their firm as the engineer for the design of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District Bond Issue Project No. 427, stating the work is complete and all documents have been forwarded to the Flood Control District. The Mayor announced that there were several members present from the .-• Downey Junior Chamber of Commerce relative to approval by the City Council of their annual Christmas Parade, which is to be held Saturday, November 26, 1960, from 1:00 P.M. to 4 :00 P.M., lasting three hours. The approval of both the Police Chief and the City Manager has been granted. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered to authorize the Downey Junior Chamber of Commerce for holding their annual Christmas Parade on the date and the time specified above. i� a .1 _ t_k The City Clerk continued with the written correspondence: An announcement from the League of California Cities of the Annual League Conference session on Sunday, October 23, at 2 :30 P.M. at the Biltmore Hotel on the subject, "International Municipal Cooperation." As one of the cities which has a formal "Sister City" program, the League should like the Mayor, a member of the City Council or other official representative of the City of Downey to plan to attend the meeting and to give a two- minute report on the Sister City Program of activities. It was requested that the names of the representative or representatives be for- warded to the League at an early date. Mayor Peavey was designated as the representative and Councilman Temple as the alternate. A letter of resignation from Mrs. James E. Schaffner (Mildred) 7803 Botany Street, from the Downey Rose Float Committee. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the resignation of Mrs. Schaffner as a member of the Downey Rose Float Association be accepted with regrets. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that Maxine Jolley, 7803 Dinsdale, be appointed to the Rose Float Association to replace Mrs. Schaffner. A letter was read from the City Planning Commission relative to remov- ing controls of signs from the zoning ordinance and specifically requested that the Planning Commission be given the opportunity to review any matters concerning the sign control regulations in order that the Commission may ascertain their effect on the zoning ordinance now under study. It was added in the letter that as the Planning Commission now has under study a new zoning ordinance for the City of Downey which includes some control over signs, such a procedure of allowing the Planning Commission to review these matters will enable the Planning Commission to coordinate its efforts with that of the City Council regarding the proper and reasonable-control of signs within the City of Downey. A letter from Mrs. Chester F. Johnson writing on behalf of the people who own property on the south side of Hondo Street between Old River School Road and Pomering Road, a distance of two blocks. The owners are planning to put in curbs and gutters along these properties. This portion of Hondo Street is at present a half street. Mrs. Johnson asked if it would be possible for the City to give financial aid for the purpose of paving the new half of the street. The City Manager stated that the estimates for the cost of improving the new half of the street would run around $2500 and that there would be a further study made and a recommendation to the City Council brought before the next Council Meeting. A letter from the County Boundary Commission advising of the proposed annexation to the City of South Gate, California, known as the 15th Addition Territory. The City Manager reported that this annexation is part of the area the City of Downey was endeavoring to annex a year or more ago which is a small area next to the river. He aadded that a further report will be forthcoming at the next Council Meeting. A letter from the City Attorney requesting authority to attend the National Institute of Municipal Law Officers annual meeting in Denver, Colo- rado, September 25, 1960 through September 29 on behalf of the City of Downey, and that the City pay all reasonable and necessary expenses in connection therewith. � It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote to authorize the City Attorney to attend the National Institute of Municipal Law Officers annual meet- ing in Denver, Colorado, September 25 -29, 1960 and that all reasonable and necessary expenses connected therewith be allowed. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Clerk reported a lengthy letter had been received from Mrs. Rose Meltzer on behalf of the "majority" of the Fourth Place Owners of Record, copies of which letter had been sent to each of the Councilmen. It was reported by the City Manager that a field trip will be necessary relative to the matter contained in the letter. Councilman Dunnum referred to the letter from the Planning Commission read previously by the City Clerk regarding sign ordinances. He stated that it is his understanding that signs be exclusively a matter for the Building Department so long as the signs proposed met with the Planning Department; that it is not a matter of concern to the Planning Commission, but that the ordinance is to be in conjunction with the Planning Department. The City Attorney advised that the regulations for signs should be con- tained in a zoning ordinance as to what zones the signs will be permitted, but that it should also have an ordinance for study by Council and passage, to be administered by the Building Department. ORDINANCE NO. 150 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 9102.1 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (PLANNING RESOLUTIONS NO. 45 AND 46) The ordinance 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 Corbin and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 150 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ABSTAIN: 1 Councilman: Peavey ORDINANCE NO. 151 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING THERETO AS PART 5 OF CHAPTER 4 OF ARTICLE II, SECTIONS 2440 TO 2451, INCLUSIVE, RELATING TO A PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND DEPARTMENT The ordinance 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 Ordinance No. 151 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 668 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF BONDS ON ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 33 (PHLOX STREET AND PIVOT STREET) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman . Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further read- ing be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 668 be adopted. 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 Corbin and passed by the following vote to authorize a call for construction bids for A.D. #33 (Phlox Street and Pivot Street). AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 669 A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF NECESSARY RIGHTS OF WAY AND CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS IN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 64 (STAMPS 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. 669 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 670 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF NECESSARY RIGHTS OF WAY AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 10 (KLONDYKE AVENUE AND OTHER STREETS) AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 660 The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further read- ing be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 670 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 671 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A DRAINAGE EASEMENT AND STRUCTURE OF PROPERTY UNDER THEIR JURISDICTION WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council- ^— man Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 671 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 672 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY- DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO VACATE A PORTION OF THE PUBLIC ALLEY LYING NORTH OF 4TH PLACE AND EXTENDING BETWEEN SMALLWOOD AVENUE AND PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD WITHIN TRACT NO. 8960 The Director of Public Works reported the alley was not wide enough for vehicular traffic and was a grass lane, having been so for some time. Before any action can be taken there must be a public hearing. 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 Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 672 be adopted set- ting a public hearing for 7:30 P.M., October 10, 1960, 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 RESOLUTION NO. 673 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ACCEPTING GUADALAJARA, MEXICO AS DOWNEY'S SISTER CITY 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. 673 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -212 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 ( #1358 THROUGH #1711 $81,608.48) (Payroll) 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. The City Manager advised Council that he needs to know what to instruct the City Attorney to do in the matter of the lease on the City yard relative to condemnation. It was recommended that the City Attorney condemn the lease for eight months. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the City Attorney be instructed to file a seven months' condemnation lease for the City Maintenance Yard. Councilman Dunnum disqualified himself and did not participate himself in any manner in the proceedings involving the lease on the City Yard. Mr. King reported that the matter of the San Gabriel Water District petition to dedicate water rightswad d be further studied and a report made to Council at a later date. After a summation of bids for public works truck, it was recommended that the bid be awarded to the lowest and best bidder, Downey Ford, in the sum of $4,222.40 for the reasons outlined by the City Attorney that Downey Ford's bid meets all specifications as called for whereby the International Harvester Company bid does not. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed_ by the following vote that the bid for a public works truck be awarded to Downey Ford in the sum of $4,222.40. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager read a letter from Superintendent of the Southern Pacific Company relative to the development of an access road from the southerly end of Nash Street easterly along the northerly limits of his right of way to inter- sect with Lakewood Boulevard. It was reported in the letter that an on -the- ground investigation has been made and it was not felt that this would be a practicial thing to do from their standpoint as future track on 14 -foot centers northerly from the present track would make it impossible for their facilities to be maintained on the remaining area of the right of way, if the roadway were to be constructed. Mr. King advised a meeting will be set up for a further discussion of this matter. Councilman Dunnum advised Mr. King to get in touch with him before such meeting. It was reported by Mr. King that on August 23, 1960, Council requested an estimate of cost to improve Brookshire Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and Manatee Street to major highway standards. The total estimated cost is in the amount of $200,600.00. There has been some indication that the property adjoining the improvement might be dedicated on a gratis basis - -from other properties, there has been no indication and from others indications have been that the land is available for a price. It was reported by Mr. King that the acquisition of necessary right of way together with construction of curbs, gutters, paving, of Smallwood and Leeds Avenue have now been completed. The total costs for these improvements have been detennined and results of the determination indicates a surplus of $5,048.91. Section 10427, Div. 12 of the Streets and Highways Codes of the State of California provides two alternate methods of dispasing of surplus ponies: 1. The surplus may be spent for the maintenance fo the improvement. 2. The surplus may be refunded or credited to the parties assessed. Since there are no other areas in the City where special assessment monies are used for maintenance, the latter alternate is recommended. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered to refund the surplus assessments inthe Smallwood A.D. #4 -M to the property owners. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and approved by the following vote to authorize the following transfer of funds: Amount $28,000.00 From Account No. 2000-699 To Account No. 18000 AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager stated that after a thorough study with the Depart- ment of Public Works in the location of a site to be developed for the City Maintenance Yards, it is recommended that the Council consider the purchase of six acres of ground owned by Mrs. Lillis Mooschekian, 1,000 feet northerly of Imperial Highway on the easterly side of Woodruff Avenue. This is one of the locations viewed by the City Council in their capital improvements study and it is felt that this site is well located for the City Maintenance Yards. We have also checked with the Los Angeles Airways relative to the use of part of this area for a heliport site-and with the Fire Chief for the possible future need of a drill tower at this location. Mrs. Mooschekian has agreed to sell this to the City at a total price of $159,184.04 under a Contract Sale Agreement as outlined in the accompanying proposed contract drafted by the City Attorney. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote to set aside the total purchase price of six acres owned by Mrs. Lillie Mooschekian for the purchase of this property for general municipal purposes in the amount of $1592184.04 and encumber funds for this purchase under the following schedule and to authorizd the Mayor to sign the Contract Sale Agreement. Schedule: The first payment of $45,240.00 to be deposited in escrow on or before September 30, 1960. The second payment of $46,614.62 shall be paid by the City of Downey to Mrs. Mooschekian during the month of February, 1961. The third payment of $67,329.42 shall be paid by the City of Downey to Mrs. Mooschekian during the month of January, 1962. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote to authorize the following transfer of funds: Amount From Account No. To Account No. $159,184.04 2000 -699 17001 AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Councilman Temple announced that Mrs. Phelan of the Downey Chorus and Mixed Chorus is composing some songs for Guadalajara and suggested that the Mayor send a letter to their Mayor inquiring as to whether they would like to reciprocate. Council agreed this is an excellent idea and suggested going along with it. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that the Mayor write a letter to the Mayor of Guadalajara relative to the above suggestion. It was announced by the City Manager that ratification of an action declaring a holiday which was taken while the majority of Council, the Mayor and Mayor Pro - Tempore were away is necessary. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote to ratify the action taken which declared September 9, 1960, California Admission Day, a holiday. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Dunnum, Corbin, Giddings, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Mayor reported that at the last meeting of the League of California Cities it was brought out that the County is putting on the ballot this fall a charter amendment which will give county employees the opportunity to play politics legally. The Mayor feels that all efforts should be made to defeat this measure on the ballot. The Mayor reviewed for Council the action taken relative to looking into the feasibility of Downey's becoming a charter city and stated he should like to recommend a study along these lines, perhaps with Mr. Williams and the City Attorney, Royal Sorensen, as to their knowledge and recommenda- tions toward formulating a Charter City . The City Attorney suggested a meeting of some kind be set up which would allow both Mr. Williams and himself to meet with the City Manager and the Councilmen for a discussion of some of the basic problems, basic ad- vantages which might be encountered, and to offer ideas on what can be and what cannot be done. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 12:00 o'clock midnight. P- ya�