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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-07-10-61-Regular Meeting11-64 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JULY 10TH, 1961 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 10, 1961, Mayor Carroll M. Dunnum presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum ABSENT: Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey ALSO PRESENT: Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager- Director of finance Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works Ray Lake, Director of Building and Safety Robert Gain, Fire Chief Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police Sherman Griselle, Director of Planning Della Doyle, City Clerk Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk Art Harrington, Student Youth Pastor of First Christian Church, delivered the invocation. The Mayor announced that two public hearings had been set relative to actions of the Planning Commission; i.e., Planning Resolutions No. 52 and No. 53, making certain zone changes. Mr. Griselle, Director of Planning and Zoning, was asked to present a resume of the Planning Commission's action relative to Resolution No. 52, Zone Change #67. The Mayor inquired if any opposition had been presented. There had been none. Mr. Griselle stated there had been some inquiries on the part of the church south of the proposed zone change. The Mayor inquired if there was any new evidence. The Director of Plan- ning reported there was no new evidence and no change since the Planning Commission's meeting. Mayor Dunnum inquired if anyone wished to speak against the zone change. J. W. Bomgardner, 13021 Fidler, voiced his opposition as an invasion of his privacy and the possible lowering of the value of his property. Mr. S. T. Ziler, one of the owners of the property in question, spoke of the advantages and assets of such a zone change in this particular area. Councilman Temple inquired as to the type of construction adjacent to the residential area. Mr. Ziler answered the buildings would have the proper setbacks, and all building regulations would be adhered to. Alvin G. Ness, 8420 Boyne St., inquired if the fence would go to the south between the church and the buildings to be constructed. Mr. Ziler stated the Zoning Ordinance did not provide this; however, he reported a division satisfactory to both parties would be decided at the proper time. Mr. Leslie Olson, 10022 Tristan Drive, presented plans for the proposed apartment buildings to Council. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that the hearing be closed. AYES: Councilmen: 3 Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: Councilmen: 0 None ABSENT: Councilmen: 2 Giddings, Peavey 11.65 It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the matter be taken under sub- mission for further study. (Planning Resolution No. 52.) AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey The Mayor announced that this is the time and place for the hearing set on Planning Resolution No. 53, Zone Change No. 69. Sherman Griselle, Director of Planning, gave a short resume of the matter. The Mayor asked for oral communications. Mr. Leslie T. Olson, 10022 Tristan Drive, expressed his views as to the need for this zone change and stated that it would be good zoning to make this change from R -1 to R -3. There being no protests or further oral communications, it was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the hearing on Planning Resolution No. 53 be closed. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9107 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (Planning Resolution No. 53 - Zone Change #69) The ordinance 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 Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the ordinance be introduced. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey Mayor Dunnum called upon Mr. Allen Coffey who, on behalf of Marie Coffey, presented a picture of Miss Guadalajara who had participated in the Rose Float as one of the Princesses for the City of Downey. The Mayor inquired about the health of Marie Coffey who had been stricken while enroute from Guadalajara to Downey. Mr. Coffey reported she is doing very well after undergoing surgery and might possibly be allowed to leave the hospital the next day. Mayor Dunnum thanked Allen Coffey for delivering the picture of Lucila Rabago Preciado. He also wished to extend best wishes to Marie Coffey and earnest prayers for her speedy recovery and hope that she will be back soon. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the minutes of June 27, 1961, be approved as written. The City Clerk read the following written correspondence: (1) A letter from the Downtown Downey Business Association in apprecia- tion of the cooperation of Council in the "Roaring 20's" Promotion. Ordered accepted and filed. 1166 (2) A letter from the Downey City School District in appreciation of the recognition and citation extended it by the City. The Mayor remarked that without the friendly cooperation and extreme kindness re- ceived from the Downey Elementary School District, the City of Downey would not be as far along as it is today. The City is most grateful of their gracious acceptance of the City and of their kind treatment. Ordered accepted and filed. (3) A letter from the Southern Pacific Company in appreciation for the support of Council in their efforts to acquire Western Pacific Railroad. Ordered accepted and filed. (4) A letter from Supervisor Frank Bonelli in appreciation of the City's support of his appointment by Governor Brown to the Special State Senate Reapportionment Committee. Ordered accepted and filed. (5) A letter from several citizens of Downey in appreciation to the City Officials and Aman Brothers, contractors for street improvements on Gallatin Road, and the splendid public relations with all the residents along the street. The Mayor remarked it is wonderful to receive such a letter. Ordered accepted and filed. (6) A letter from the Downey Coordinating Council with a complete and final report on Youth Employment project which is now being taken over by the Lions and Lionettes. Accepted and filed. (7) A letter from the American Legion relative to the apathy toward a visible display of patriotism on the part of the citizenry of Downey and suggesting that the City display Old Glory especially in the business and commercial center from every one of the newly installed light standards on all appropriate occasions. The members of the Downey Post are preparing to initiate a program to raise funds to donate to the City of Downey American Flags to be displayed on Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue on all appropriate occasions. Mayor Dunnum recommended proceeding in the manner set forth in the letter. Mr. Barhite, Director of Public Works stated there are funds available for the purchase of brackets for the light luminars or standards for the purpose of displaying the American Flag, if the American Legion will furnish the flags. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that Council inform the American Legion that it is in favor of the project as suggested by them, for the Legion to furnish flags, and directed the Director of Public Works to bring to Council a figure as to the cost of supplying brackets.for displaying the flags. (8) A claim against the City by Leslie F. & Norma V. Bleamaster for Weed Abatement. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that the claim of Leslie F. & Norma V. Bleamaster for Weed Abatement be denied. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey 1.167 It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that the matter be referred to the insurance carrier, along with the City Attorney for defense action. AYES: 3 Councilmen: NOES: 0 Councilmen: ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum None Giddings, Peavey (9) An announcement from the County Boundary Commission, County of Los Angeles of proposed Rancho San Antonio Annexation No. 8 to the City of Bell. (10) An announcement of the League of California Cities Meeting July 20 at the Hollywood Park Turf Club. Mayor requested all intending to attend the meeting to notify the City Clerk. Mayor Dunnum gave a brief rundown on the acquirement of a civic auditorium for the City of Downey stating that 12 years ago the City began to discuss the advisability of a Civic Auditorium. Approximately two or three months ago, by unanimous action Council authorized employment of the firm of Anthony and Langford for the purpose of preparing a schematic layout for a possible municipal auditorium, should the people of Downey care to proceed further. The matter has now proceeded to the point where Anthony and Langford have completed their initial work and are present at this time to give their results of their efforts. Mayor Dunnum called upon Mr. Langford for his presentation. First, Mr. Langford stated the firm had arrived at a downtown location as being the best possible for several reas)ns. It would be a credit to the civic center area, would add to the prestige of the community and be an aid to the downtown section. There would be a great number of people coming to the auditorium over the years, and it would be desirable to have them come to the civic center and the downtown area. Mr. Langford stated the parking would be taken up later by Mr. Griselle, if called for. The most feasible seating capacity, according to Mr. Langford, would be 1500 seats in the auditorium. He said to get any larger than this the City could be into what is called the "auditorium business" -- conventions, large exhibits, etc. In addition to the auditorium, an auxiliary facility is proposed which could be used for various meetings and functions--mainly civic, recreational and school functions. There are 176 different organiza- tions in the City of Downey that might find great use for such an auxiliary facility. Mr. Langford presented a comparison of other auditoriums, theaters, etc., such as the Huntington- Hartford, Pasadena Playhouse, Long Beach, Pantages Theater in Los,Angeles, and stressed the many problems connected with the greater sizes. Mr. Langford wished to emphasize that the pictures to be shown and the discussion is merely a concept and not a final preliminary, and that there is need for further study of the needs of the City, the various groups within the City, etc. One thing not specifically settled is the exact design, plan and use of these rooms. There is a great deal more work to be done. As to the cost, it would run around 2� million dollars as now outlined. Mayor Dunnum declared a 5- minute recess for showing of slides of the proposed civic auditorium. 1168 The meeting reconvened at 8:45 P.M. Mayor Dunnum made preliminary comments that Downey is a new City, being incorporated for only 4Z years. During this short time the City Council has given with the very active consent, cooperation and assistance, a complete City - -all major departments have been established. As this work has been taking place Council was permitted to devdn its time to the fringe benefits of the City. For the cultural aspects, a symphony orchestra was established; a choral group was acquired; adult and children's theater groups have been formed, and a youth band. There are 176 organizations in the City needing accomodations such as were shown this evening. Therefore, Mayor Dunnum stated, he thinks the civic auditorium is a need. He does not close his eyes to other needs of the City. During his recent campaign, the primary needs to his way of thinking in the entire city without order of priority are a hospital and a good system of water. These are two urgent needs in the City of Downey and are basic, fundamental, sound needs. Why then is the Council considering an auditorium. First of all, there is litigation pending about which the City is reasonably assured by the City Attorney that the City will own a water company. With reference to the hospital situation, a very active, intelligent and industrious group of directors and leading citizens are seeking to establish a hospital facility. So, ,these two problems are not being overlooked. He feels personally that to take away from the group that is working toward the hospital would be more or less an affront to their efforts. Stepping down to the next need of the community (and speaking as an individual and not as Mayor or Councilman) Mr. Dunnum feels the next need and order of priority is that of a civic auditorium. This is an issue that should, must and will be decided not by the Council, not by the administration, but by the people. This, then, brings up the final issue at this time. Progressing as the City has, in an orderly manner, and if the City continues as it is doing, it could present the issue to the citizens of Downey in October at a special election. This issue only will be presented. Cost involved would be approximatey $10,000 for this special election, and could be avcdded if the people want to hold the issue over until the general election in April. Mayor Dunnum states he believes an informed voting American populace is an intelligent voting populace. The next issue then is when? He is for the civic auditorium. Mayor Dunnum called upon Dan MacKenzie, Chairman of the Finance Com- mittee for his comments. Mr. MacKenzie stated that inasmuch as this proposed measure does not entail expenditure of public funds, the Finance Committee would recommend to the Council that this be put on the ballot - -it should be solely up to the people whether they want it or not. He feels it would take quite a selling job - -the final analysis would be 2 our of 3 for or against. The community service part of the auditorium would be a great help to all organizations throughout the City. In the absence of Chet Baldwin, Chairman of the Civic Center Committee, Mike Kearns was asked to express his thinking of the Civic Center Committee as he understands it to be. Mr. Kearns remarked that most of the people he has talked to are in favor of the auditorium; the committee is unanimously in favor, but would like further consideration given to the banquet facilities to insure capacities of 400 -500. Ray Goates, Director of Parks and Recreation District was called upon. Mr. Goates stated he resides at 7402 Lubec Street and that he was speaking as a private citizen and not for the Park and Recreation District as they had not had an opportunity to meet to discuss the matter. He remarked it is indeed a pleasure to see some of the preliminary work on the auditorium and feels there is great potential as a civic auditorium and that it would be very worthwhile. He wished also to emphasize that the auditorium would serve school purposes and his specific and special interest is that of a community recreational use, not only the auditorium, which is more or less easily understood and self - explanatory, but as to the annex for children's theater, combined teen dances and Senior Citizens group. 1159 Maestro Mario Cajati of the Downey Symphony Orchestra was called upon by Mayor Dunnum to voice his comments regarding the civic auditorium. He stated he is very much in favor as it would bring culture into Downey for the children, drama, ballet, opera and added that he is very glad it will give the opportunity for learning something about music and art. Next to be called upon by Mayor Dunnum was John Hume, Director of the Children's Theater and Adult Theater group. He remarked that "a city without cultural activities is nothing"--without a proper place to present these things it is not a community at all. He feels the City needs an auditorium badly, that it would be a real value and an asset. Mayor Dunnum called upon the following persons for their comments: Leona Aldridge, past president of League of Women Voters - no comments at this time. Mary Hollis, Real Estate Broker, who stated she feels the auditorium is badly needed. Thinking of the tax angle, she feels the citizens are taxed as heavily as they can be and this should be very seriously consid- ered. An auditorium would be the cultural center of the City and Downey would be more like a city to have a place to hold the various programs and events of the City. Mary Hollis concluded by stating that she feels it is the thing needed most in the City at this time. Bishop Smith, who stated he personally is in favor as well as the Sister City Committee of which he is chairman, and which is unanimously in favor. He had just come from their meeting to the Council Meeting. Mrs. Trageser of the Sister City Committee who stated she feels the public needs to be more informed. Raleigh George, representing the Symphonic Society, stated he is ill favor and feels outside talent should be brought in. Mrs. Kilpatrick, mother of Miss Firecracker, stated that she is in accord with those comments voiced ahead of her. Mrs. Eleanor Phillips remarked an auditorium would beautify not only the city but "our own souls ". She is definitely for an auditorium. John Dennis - nothing to add. Chuck Dickerson, President of the Lions Club, stated he thinks it is the right step forward. The Lions Club has been working for a service club but is holding off definite steps in this direction until the question of establishing a municipal auditorium is settled. Nellie Horner,past president of the Lionettes stated adequate space is needed for various functions and feels that to furthef develop and promote the interests of the community for the City is worthwhile. Mr. Earl Berry, who stated he is in accord with most of the comments. He stated however he is a "cash and carry" man and would not like to see the future citizens, his children and grandchildren, with a bond issue to be paid by them. Mrs. John Beader, president of the Downey League of Women Voters stated that very sound comments have been made relative to the dissemination of information. She feels that the bond issue may fail due to a lack of information - -and before the League can endorse any measure it must be given further study. 11'0 Skippy Blair stated one beautiful building would be a wonderful thing for Downey. Mrs. Merta Spiegle, President of the Coordinating Council, speaking only for herself, stated she is in favor of establishing a municipal auditorium in the City of Downey. Mrs. Dorothy Stophel, President of Downey P.T.A. - nothing to say. Mrs. Thomas, President of Downey Woman's Club, speaking only for herself, stated she thinks it would be an asset to the City. Raleigh George submitted some estimated figures on what the cost of an auditorium would be per month and remarked that it would have to put itself on a business basis with trade fairs, expositions, etc. being brought in. Mrs. Newsome, of Orleans Cafeteria, described the new Lynwood facility, stating that a like place in Downey would be wonderful. Lynn Pace, former superintendent of what was up to July 1 the Alameda School District, stated the school administrators had not had an opportunity to go over the use the school district could put to a municipal auditorium. Red Barrett of the Chamber of Commerce stated he personally agrees with the statements made before him but the Board of Directors had not had a meeting as yet so could not report their feelings. Mr. Earl Berry, 8536 Eucalyptus, made an additional statement that he wishes to hold the line on taxes and will be working as a member of the Home Owners Association to accomplish this and asked for any assistance he could obtain. Jay Sandberg, Junior Chamber of Commerce, read a resolution passed by the the Jr. Chamber at their recent meeting to go on record as supporting the currently proposed civic building to contain a Municipal Auditorium, meeting rooms and related facilities. Mrs. Newsome wished to add the comment that an additional tax of approximately $4.50 per year is small compared to what is spent by many citizens of Downey to go outside the City for the purpose of attending cultural events. She added that the Lynwood facility charges for each reservation, 30�- per capita which defrays costs of cleanup, etc. Mr. Gerber asked how much taxes would be lost by locating an auditorium in the suggested area. The question was referred to the Director of Finance who stated it would be impossible to answer this without some research. Mr. Gerber stated the area was to take in his parking lot. Dr. Robert G. Flynn stated his office is in that area that would be the center of the proposed auditorium and inquired what compensation he would have for displacing his office. The City Attorney advised there were two courses which coud be taken, negotiations with the property owner or lessee, or condemnation proceedings. Mrs. Donald Shanks expressed the opinion that too much is being put into one package in the proposed auditorium. As there were no more comments forthcoming from the audience, Councilman Corbin stated he wished to go on record as not opposing the auditorium but as not being in favor of a special election. Councilman Temple stated obviously everyone is for an auditorium but raised the questions as to whether or not the location is proper, the 11,'71 building itself is large enough and also whether to hold a special election or to include the issue at the general election in April. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that the letter from Anthony and Langford be referred to the City Attorney in order that he may prepare a suggested contract to be considered at a subsequent meeting for the employment of Anthony and Langford in the event of construction of a municipal auditorium for the City of Downey is put on a ballot. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that a suggested contract with O'Melveny and Myers for bonds for a municipal auditorium be prepared by the City Attorney. AYES: 3 Councilmen: NOES: 0 Councilmen: ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum None Giddings, Peavey It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that the City Clerk be authorized to proceed with preliminary plans for setting up precinct boards and polls for a tentative election October 17, 1961. ORDINANCE NO. 174 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9107 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 174 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. 832 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REQUIRING STOPS AT THE INTERSECTION OF CERTAIN STREETS The resolution was read by title only. Mr. Barhite, Director of Public Works, gave a resume stating that by establishing these routes as through streets, traffic on intersecting side streets would be dis- couraged. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 832 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey 1172 RESOLUTION NO. 833 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE LIBRARY BOARD RELATIVE TO OVERDUE BOOKS The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 833 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. 834 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CERTAIN ACCESS RIGHTS DEDICATED TO THE CITY OF DOWNEY ON BROOKSHIRE AVENUE WITHIN TRACT NO. 16704 The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 834 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. WS -253 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 ( #8619 THROUGH #9000 $102,573.86) (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. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -253 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey RESOLUTION NO. WS -254 .— 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 ( #3068 THROUGH #3215 $124,919.52) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. 1173 It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -254 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to approve plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids for Contract No. 63, sidewalks and drainage construction (Florence Avenue, et al.). AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to make the following transfer of funds for sidewalk construction, Gallatin Road and Da Costa Street. Amount Transfer From Transfer To $5,000 Acct. No. 13000 Account No. 13590 AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey It was moved by Councilman Dunnum and seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that plans and specifications be approved and authority be granted to advertise for bids on Contract No. 67 (Foster Road between Woodruff Ave. and Faust Ave.). AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to accept improvements of Assessment District No. 64 (Stamps Ave., et al.) and authorize filing a Notice of Completion. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered to set a hearing on Planning Resolution No. 56, Zone Change #63, for 7:30 P.M., August 14, 1961, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to approve the Contract, Joint Services Agreement with the Park and Recreation District and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey After Sherman Griselle's presentation of a Master Plan Program, it was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to authorize employment of Gordon Whitnall, Consultant, at 1174 $500 /month ($6,000 /year) based upon contractual agreement for the 1961 -62 budget period. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey Mrs. Nellie Horner presented to Council a report of how far the Youth Employment Program has proceeded to date. Mrs. Horner commended the State Department of Employment for their cooperation and support in furnishing a coordinator stationed in the City Hall, the City for furnishing space for the Employment Office representative; and the Telephone Company for furnishing free telephone service. Mayor Dunnum read a letter from Wendell W. Wiser, Temporary Chairman of City Wide Taxpayers Association of Downey which has just been recently formed of a nucleus of boulevard frontage property owners representing approximately 125 parcels of land. This group hopes to promote orderly growth and development of the City of Downey on a fair, impartial and equitable basis. It is hoped that they will be able to offer constructive suggestions which will prove valuable in developing the proposed Master Plan and will again put Downey in a growing, progressive position. A resolution of the Downey Recreation and Park District Board peti- tioning the supervising authority, the City Council, for permission and acquiescence of the right of way to assist in the development of Dennis the Menace Park was read by Mayor Dunnum. This was referred to the City Attorney, who advised Council to take conditional action in the matter. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that the Park Board be given authority to make acquisition of the necessary right of way to Dennis the Menace Park on the condition that no obligation of any kind or nature is incurred by the City. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Peavey Mayor Dunnum reported that he is in receipt of a copy of a Resolution passed by the City of Pico Rivera and a Proclamation of the City of Whittier designating July 14, 1961, as "Drive Against Communism Day ", together with an announcement of a benefit drive against Communism by Guy Gabaldon, founder of D.A.C. with a showing of his life story at Whittier High School in Whittier at 7:30 P.M. The Mayor recommended that the City of Downey proclaim July 14, 1961 as "Drive Against Communism Day." It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that July 14, 1961, be proclaimed !'Drive Against Communism Day" and that the citizens be encouraged to attend this particular meeting. Councilman Temple requested Counci.V s permission for three weeks' vacation and absence from the intervening Council Meetings commencing Monday, July 17, and stated, if necessary, he will be available for the July 17 meeting. Mayor Dunnum ordered that Councilman Temple be excused from Council Meetings during his vacation. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Dunnum announced at 10:40 P.M. that the meeting stands adjourned to 7:30 P.M., July -,l7, 1961, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. City Cle Mayor