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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08-14-61-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUGUST 14TH, 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., August 14, 1961, Mayor Carroll M. Dunnum presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum ABSENT: Councilmen: Giddings ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager -- Director of Finance Sherman Griselle, Director of Planning Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety Loren Morgan, Deputy Chief of Police Don Warren, Assistant Fire Chief Lee Leavitt, City Engineer Della Doyle, City Clerk Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk Mayor Dunnum stated it is an honor and a privilege to have at the meeting tonight four citizens of Downey's Sister City, Guadalajara, Mexico who are in the United States to learn its customs and ways. The City of Downey and Guadalajara have a very active Sister -City program. Mayor Dunnum reviewed that there had been two visitations from Downey to Guadalajara, and two from Guadalajara to Downey. He reported the following citizens from Guadalajara and their sponsors: Carlos Agnesi sponsored by Len Hamilton Fernando Rabago, sponsored by the Andy Andersons Gabriele Garcia Rulfo, sponsored by Richard Green Juan Jiminez, sponsored by Vince Andrews Introductions were held until all of the guests had arrived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the minutes of the Council Meeting of July 25, 1961 be approved as written. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilmen: Giddings The City Clerk read the following written correspondence. (1) A letter from All American Markets advising a check in the amount of $820.00 was being submitted as a gift to the City for the awning affixed to their building leased by the City. Mayor Dunnum wished to disqualify himself from participating in this matter as a stockholder, member of the Board of Directors and attorney for All American Market and requested Councilman Temple to take over chairmanship of Council in this matter. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that the check in the amount of $820.00 be accepted by the City. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings DISQUALIFIED: 1 Councilmen: Dunnum (2) A letter from the Downey Homeowners' Association commending Council on the action relative to the Land Use Plan. Ordered accepted and filed. 11' (3) A letter and report from the Downey Junior Chamber of Commerce for the first month of the fiscal year 1961 -62. Ordered accepted and filed. (4) A letter from the Los Angeles County Flood Control District stating that the schedule on Project No. 428 remains as previously indicated and that bids are expected to be advertised in September 1961. (5) A copy of a letter from Supervisor Frank G. Bonelli to Mr. N. H. Templin, County Road Commissioner applying for aid to Cities in the installa- tion of traffic signals. -at the intersection of a new street contemplated, namely, Ardis Avenue, at Bellflower Boulevard in the amount of $7,000; and (6) A letter from the County Road Department approving the $7,000 Aid to Cities for Bellflower Boulevard. (7) A thank you from Mrs. Campbell. (8) A letter from the Herald Express stating a framed page mat of the article on the subject of the City of Downey appearing on June 30, 1961, was being presented to the Mayor. Mayor Dunnum displayed the mat. (9) A letter by City Manager Oren L. King to the National Board of Dire Underwriters requesting a re- evaluation with a view toward reducing the fire insurance class from Class 4 to Class 3. Mr. King reported on this matter and requested ratification by Council of this action. was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that the letter directed to the National Board of Fire Underwriters by the City Manager be ratified. AYES: 4 Councilmen: NOES: 0 Councilmen: ABSENT: 1 Councilman: The City Clerk stated a c V. Bleamaster in the amount of of 1961. Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum None Giddings laim had been received from Leslie F. and Norma $1,031.86 against the Weed Abatement program It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the claim be disapproved and the matter referred to the City Attorney. An announcement from the County Boundary Commission of Annexations #41 to the City of Santa Fe Springs; #19 to the City of Lakewood and #136 to the City of Compton. Ordered accepted and filed. Mayor Dunnum at this time referred back to the Sister City citizens who are visiting in Downey and commended most highly the various persons in Downey who have seen fit to make a home for these boys while they are away from their homes. He announced that the Len Hamilton home has been opened to Carlos Agnesi; Mr. & Mrs. Andy Anderson have made a home for the Rabago boy, Mr. & Mrs. Dick Green for the Rulfo boy; and Mr. & Mrs. Vince Anderson for Mr. Jiminez. The Mayor stated he feels it is a wonderful thing and wishes personally to thank these persons for their efforts in promoting the Sister - City program. Councilman Peavey wished to point out that the Andy Andersons have previously had boys from the City of Guadilajara in their home and they should be complimented because it has been the past 3 or 4 years that they have had a young man from neighboring countries residing with them. i I f" Mayor Dunnum stated that the two teachers should be complimented for taking it upon themselves to instruct these young men and indocrinate them to some preliminary English, math, etc. The young men from Guadalajara were welcomed by Council to the City of Downey. The Mayor then stated he hoped these young men will take back ._ with them a little bit of what is truly American and learn that it is a democracy run by the people. The Mayor stated he hoped the boys will be able to say the same things about our country as we think of it. The boys were presented a Progress Report of the City of Downey and informed they would later be presented certificates of honorary citizen- ship in the City of Downey which could be used for identification purposes. Mayor Dunnum announced that this is the place and time set for public hearings,the first to be on Planning Resolution #56 relative to Zone Change No. 63 in the central core area of the City of Downey. The Director of Planning gave a resume of this zone change. The Mayor inquired if there were any written protests. The City Clerk replied there were none. The Mayor then asked for oral comments. Mrs. Jones asked for clarification of parking requirements in this re- zoned area. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the hearing on Planning Resolution #56, Zone Change #63 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 COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 56) 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 Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the ordinance be introduced. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings The Mayor announced that this is the time and place for the hearing on Assessment District #55, Dunrobin Avenue and other streets, Debt Limit Report. Mr. Barhite gave a resume of this proposed improvement district. The Mayor asked if the City Clerk had received the Affidavit of Mailing relative to this hearing. The City Clerk replied she had. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the Affidavit of Mailing relative to the hearing on the Debt Limit Report in A.D. #55 be accepted and filed. ia "I I The Mayor inquired if there were any written protests. The City Clerk replied she had a protest petition from the Eastbrook and Dunrobin area with 143 names, representing 43 parcels; a letter from Mr. John Evans, from Mr. & Mrs. Larson and Mr. & Mrs. Lewis. A petition bearing 34 signatures, representing 24 parcels had also been received asking that the setback be changed from 12 feet to 10 feet at Deming and Castana Streets. The Mayor stated that this City Council has gone on record as being in favor of, whenever possible, encouraging the acquisition of public sidewalks on streets so important in the City and by this, they mean particularly streets that are near to public schools. In previous matters Council has seen fit to assist the acquisition of public sidewalks near public schools. The Mayor announced he had received a report from the City Engineer that residents from Dunrobin and Eastbrook do desire to be deleted from the assessment district due primarily to the cost involved. With the policy being announced as it has been in the past, it could be possible, in view of the proximity of the public school in this vicinity, that the City would be willing to participate in the District. The Mayor therefore suggested there be an endeavor to re- evaluate the matter and that the hearing be continued for a period of one month in order to meet with the administration of the City and see if, in cooperation with the residents, a satisfactory agreement might not be worked out for possibly reducing the cost for this improvement district. William Carpenter of Tract #66, 12103 Eastbrook, acted as spokesman for the petitioners, stating that he had contacted 20 people residing on Eastbrook who are unanimously of the opinion that if the City will assist in the over -all cost, they are more than willing to go along with the sidewalk issue and would like to see the hearing postponed with a contact made with each individual property owner with the possibility of signing a new petition. The Mayor informed Mr. Carpenter that it would not be necessary to secure a new petition. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to continue the hearing on A.D. #55 to October 9, 1961, at 7:30 P.M. Mr. James E. Langwell, 8903 Reydon, asked if it would be possible that the sidewalks could stop at a point at the intersection of Reydon Street, the end of his property, rather than continuing around the corner in back of his property. He was advised the Public Works Director would investigate this matter. Mayor Dunnum announced that inasmuch as the hearing on the Debt Limit Report for A.D. #55 had been continued, the hearing on the Resolution of Intention would also be continued to 7:30 P.M., October 9, 1961. The Mayor announced that now is the time and place set for the public hearing on A.D. #54, Fontana St., relative to the Resolution of Intention. The Mayor inquired if the City Clerk had received the Affidavits of Publication, Posting and Mailing. The City Clerk replied she had. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the affidavits be accepted and filed. Councilman Temple was excused from the Council Chamber at 8:10 P.M. There being no written correspondence and no oral comments with regard to the hearing on A.D. #54, it was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the hearing be closed. Az o RESOLUTION NO. 845 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING WORK TO BE DONE ON FONTANA STREET, A PRIVATE ROADWAY, (A.D. #54) IN ACCORDANCE WITH RESOLUTION OF INTENTION NO. 840 The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 845 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilman: Giddings, Temple RESOLUTION NO. 846 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AWARDING CONTRACT TO IMPROVE SIXTH STREET AND LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD (A.D. #12) IN THE CITY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH RESOLUTION OF INTENTION NO. 815 The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that the bid be awarded to Sully- Miller Contracting Company in the amount of $9,048.90 and all other bids be rejected. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple RESOLUTION NO. 847 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY VACATING A DRAINAGE EASEMENT WITHIN TRACT NO. 15707 The resolution was read by title only. It was reported on by Mr. Barhite. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the further reading of Resolution No. 847 be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 847 be adopted. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple Councilman Temple returned to the Council Chamber at 8:15 P.M. RESOLUTION NO. 848 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING AND SUBMITTING A BUDGET FOR EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ALLOCATED FROM THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND TO CITIES The resolution was read by title only. The matter was reported upon by Mr. Barhite. 1201_ It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading of the resoltuion be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 848 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings RESOLUTION NO. 849 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REQUESTING THE EXPENDITURE OF COUNTY AID TO CITIES FUNDS ON DOWNEY AVENUE The resolution was read by title only. Mr. Barhite presented a brief summary. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No: 849 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT'.: 1 Councilmen: Giddings RESOLUTION NO. 850 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FIXING THE RATE OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1961 The resolution was read by title only. The City Manager reported on the assessed valuation of the City of Downey for the year 1961 -62 as $132,051.955 secured and $23,769.290 unsecured, a total valuation of $155,221.25, with the 29� tax rate revenues from ad valorem taxes total- ing $451,881.55. The Mayor advised that the City Council has at all times approached its operation of the affairs of the City of Downey with economy in mind and he thinks since 1956 they have maintained a very economical government and sincerely believes that their endeavor to hold the tax line and keep taxes down is a qualified thing, and to do it again for another year he sincerely feels is a great accomplishment. It is the easiest thing in the world to add on taxes but to "hold the line" as this Council has done since December 17, 1956, is most commendable. The Mayor desired to compliment the other member Councilmen for what they have done. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading of Resolution No. 850 be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 850 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings k. RESOLUTION NO. 251 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FIXING THE RATE OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1961 FOR THE LIGHTING DISTRICTS WITHIN THE CITY The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further read- ing be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 851 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings RESOLUTION NO. WS -257 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 ( #9380 -- #9766 $96,552.38) (Payroll) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -257 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings 20 ", RESOLUTION NO. WS -258 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 ( #3314 - #3520 $161,880.61) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -258 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings The City Manager stated that additional funds have been requested for Cash Contract No. 63, Florence Avenue sidewalks, et al. due to higher bid prices than estimated and deletion of certain work. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that Council approve the following budget transfers: AMOUNT FROM TO $ 300 13590 13550 2700 13590 13570 1600 13000 13490 AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings After a summation of bids for remodeling the City Hall, Contract 60A, it was recommended that the bid be awarded to the Integrated, Inc. in the amount of $53,540, and all other bids be rejected. The Mayor questioned the expanding of the Planning Department and Building and Safety Department which have both outgrown their facilities. The City Manager stated there have been some tentative plans made for this and after the bid for remodeling the City Hall is awarded for the rest, it is felt these two departments can be moved to larger quarters. Mr. Ray Lake was asked if, in his department, there are men who are qualified to do this work. Mr. Lake reported a preliminary survey had been made and the cost for performing this work would be between $1500/$2000. Councilman Corbin questioned when the men would be able to perform this work. Mr. Lake replied it would have to be at night and on Saturdays at straight time. Mr. King reported work has progressed very well in the east wing with various types of assistance and assured the Council there would be the nec- essary funds to remodel the west wing for larger quarters for the Building and Safety and Planning Departments. Mayor Dunnum asked for the vote on the previous motion to award the bid for the remodeling, which is as follows: AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings The City Manager reported it is necessary to include an additional $2,701.86 for lighting fixtures which were excluded from the bid at a reduced cost. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to approve inclusion of lighting fixtures on Contract No. 60A. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to approve the following budget transfer for additional funds for remodeling the City Hall: AMOUNT FROM TO $10,000.00 Operating Reserve 9- 2000 -672 6,241.86 Public Works A/N 691 if AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings After a summation of bids for Contract #67, Foster Road between Wood- ruff Avenue and Faust Avenue, it was recommended that the bid be awarded to the best and lowest bidder, Sully- Miller, in the amount of $11,880.32. Mr. Barhite presented a resume of this project. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that the bid for Contract #67 be awarded to the lowest and best bidder, Sully- Miller Contracting Company, in the amount of $11,880.32, and that all other bids be rejected. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings A 14 -day extension of time was requested for completion of the work in A.D. #10, Klondyke Avenue, et al. due to public utility work. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that a 14 -day extension of time for completion of work in A.D. #10 be granted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings Authority was requested to circulate petitions for construction of improvements on Rutgers Avenue. Mr. Barhite presented a resume of this project. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that authority be granted to circulate petitions for A.D. #17 -A, Rutgers Avenue street improvements. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings It was reported that authority has been requested for circulation of petitions for construction of improvements on Stanbridge Avenue between Foster Road and Adoree Avenue. 1205 It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that authority be granted to circulate petitions for A.D. #17 -B, Stanbridge Avenue improvements. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, 1Tunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings It was requested by the Public Works Department that authority be granted for performing extraordinary cleanup on certain lots within the City under the Weed Abatement program, totaling $3,559.00, which costs incurred by the City will be reimbursed from a special lien appearing on the owners' 1962 -63 tax bill. Mr. Barhite presented a resume of this matter. Councilman Corbin suggested that a notice be given of not more than six weeks to the property owners that if they do not clean up their weeds the City will have to do it. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that authority be granted for performance of the work on certain lots within the City under the Weed Abatement program for the prices stipulated in the total amount of $3,650.00. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings The City Manager reported that plans and specifications have been completed for construction of the Fire Department Drill Tower to be located on the rear of the property at 12324 Bellflower Boulevard. Authority was requested from Council to advertise for bids for the con- struction of this tower. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to approve plans and specifications and authorize advertising for bids for the Fire Department Drill Tower. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunn-um NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings Councilman Corbin no inated Mr. Erle Fulghum to the Finance Committee to replace the late Ed Morrison. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to approve the appointment of Erle Fulghum to the Finance Committee. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to approve the reappointment by Councilman Peavey of Mrs. James Knox to the Library Advisory Board. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings 12C RESOLUTION NO. 852 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST, CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY REQUIRE THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, TO WIT: A FIRE STATION, APPURTENANCES THERETO, AND OTHER PUBLIC PURPOSES The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin 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. 852 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings The City Manager requested authorization for a lot split back of the Fire Station on Imperial Highway. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to authorize a lot split of the property on Imperial Highway at the rear of the Fire Station. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings The City Manager stated all present are probably aware of the action taken recently in Washington, D.C. regarding State, National and local Civil Defense. He reported that a survey has been made which is to be sent to Washington, with Council approval, of the major defense industries within Area E; a trip had been made to Burbank last week to review what had been done in that City with regard to building shelters. In addition, consideration is being given to budding a shelter underneath the proposed detention building with a small communications center, geared to Fire, Engineering and Police. It is possible that Federal aid may be granted. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that authority be granted for the City Manager to proceed to prepare and present material in a written manner to represent- atives in Washington, D. C. relating the positions of Civil Defense in Area E and request funds to assist in the local municipal government in case of emergency and in building shelters. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings With regard to the City's acquiring a Civil Defense Director with matching funds sppplied by Federal Government, the City Manager reported that he is still waiting to hear from the Federal authorities. Mr. King read a letter stating the old post office building has become excess property to the government and may be disposed of, and reported he has requested first priority in the acquisition of this property for the City. In checking, he has learned that the City of Downey does have first priority in this matter. 120'7 The City Manager reported information has been received from the League of California Cities, Los Angeles County Division, regarding gas tax monies for payment of damages to the Portuguese Land slippage area. Inasmuch as the City has endeavored to protect gas tax monies from uses other than for highways and streets, it was recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution objecting to such other uses. RESOLUTION NO. 853 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY OPPOSING EXPENDITURE OF COUNTY GAS TAX FUNDS FOR DAMAGE CLAIMS IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS FROM FUNDS WHICH MAY BE USED FOR STREET CONSTRUCTION WITHIN CITIES 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 Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 853 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Corbin, Temple, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings Mr. Wendell Wiser, 11215 Woodruff, stated after hearing the report on the Civil Defense matter, he wishes to request that City Council authorize a study of using the storm drains now existing and the one going down Firestone Boulevard as immediate fallout shelters. Mayor Dunnum advised that construction of the storm drains on Firestone "— will not begin until after bids are made next Stptember, which, according to the Director of Public Works, would be in about one year's time. The matter was referred to Mr. Barhite for report to Council regarding the presently existing storm drains. Councilman Temple inqufred about the destruction of certain trees in the City. Mr. Barhite advised there are certain trees which were causing extensive damage to curbs or streets, with possible damage even to homes, and this is the reason for destroying the trees. Councilman Peavey reported that the Independent Cities are holding a. meeting Wednesday night, August 16. Mayor Dunnum urged all Councilmen who could to attend this meeting. Councilman Peavey reminded Council that some time back Council had authorized condemnation of the northeast corner of Cherokee and Downey and recommended moving on it in order to widen the street. The City Manager advised there are funds in the budget for this. Mr. Barhite stated he could have the necessary resolution to proceed on Cherokee for the next Council Meeting. Councilman Peavey also inquired about improvements along Paramount Boulevard, and the widening of Fifth Street, recommending that attention be given to Fifth Street from Downey to Paramount as early as possible. Mayor Dunnum requested that a thorough study of Fifth Street be made and put into writing, with a copy made available to each councilman at the very earliest convenience. Mr. Barhite advised it might possibly be done in 30 days with the help of Mr. Sherman Griselle. -12 08 Councilman Temple nominated Mr. Byron White to the Parking Place Commissioners, although he repor W Mr. White has not formally accepted the appointment to date. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to approve the appointment of Byron White to the Parking Place Commissioners, subject to his approval. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings It was reported that the following appointments to the Parking Place Commissioners had been made previously, approval of whom is requested at this time: Corbin - Dr. John Sims Dunnum - Mike Kearns Giddings - Bert Douglas It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the above appointments to the Parking Place Commissioners be approved. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings As previously requested by the City Council an appraisal of the property adjoining the Headquarters Fire Station was presented totaling $34,450.00 by Mr. J. A. Mann, Registered Appraiser. The City Manager advised that the property owner had been contacted a number of times relative to the purchase of this property and had not agreed upon a price at this time. Councilman Peavey stated he thought the amount should be the figure set by the appraiser. Mayor Dunnum stated that avoidance of the expense of litigation and delays incident to this matter should be given consideration and added increment, but not too much, as the Council has a responsibility to the entire business area adjacent thereto. Councilman Peavey inquired if the matter had been discussed with the City Attorney. The City Manager replied that the City Attorney had advised that the best procedure to follow would be to go ahead and order condemnation proceedings. Councilman Peavey recommended condemnation proceedings without specifying a fixed amount. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to order condemnation of the property adjoining the Headquarters Fire Station for use by the City. ,.._ AYES: 4 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum 'NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Giddings Mayor Dunnum stated he had received a letter from Mayor Dail of San Diego, writing on behalf of the American Municipal Association, advising that Downey is to receive an award for the excellent Sister -City -- People to People program which is being carried on in Downey. The City is truly setting the pattern for the Sister City program in the United States. The presentation will be on August 29 in Seattle and either he or Councilman Temple will be present to accept the award. Mrs. Chester Voress, 9513 Borson Street, inquired about the proposed street between Ardis and Bellflower Boulevard to help the Autonetics traffic situation. She asked if the street is going in; if the property has been purchased; how wide the street will be; will it be a four -lane highway; will Stanbridge Street be opened; will there be a traffic light; and how will it affect the people living on Borson Street. Mayor Dunnum informed Mrs. Voress that the right -of -way has been assured; that Autonetics is working on the exact dimensions; the street definitely is going in and will be four -lane. A traffic light at the intersection with Bellflower Boulevard is proposed. Every endeavor is being made to funnel traffic out of North American and away from the resi- dences, getting it onto the larger arteries in the City; and Stanbridge is not being considered at this time for opening. Mrs. Voress requested installation of a wall in this residential area along the southerly right -of -way line of the proposed street. It was sug- gested by the City Manager that Mr. Barhite and Mr. Durham meet with her and her neighbors, bringing back a report to the City Council. There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting adjourned at 9L15 P.M. City/Clerk yor 1209