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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-10-09-61-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY OCTOBER 9TH, 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., October 9th, 1961, Mayor Carroll M. Dunnum presiding. COUNCILMEN: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Glenn Kendall, Assistant City Manager; Director of Finance Lee Leavitt, City Engineer Richard Barhite, Director of Public Works Sherman Griselle, Director of Planning Robert Gain, Fire Chief Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police Ray Lake, Director of Building and Safety Della Doyle, City Clerk Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk Reverend J. E. Ackerman of Christ Lutheran Church delivered the invocation. Mayor Dunnum advised that a valued friend of the City of Downey, a man instrumental in much that has been accomplished, particularly in the field of literature, and the formation of the City Library, passed away this morning- - Rex Dyer. In his honor, the first city librarian and one of the founders of the library of the City, the Downey City Council will adjourn this meeting. The Mayor announced that the first item on the agenda will be the appeal of Lot Split #196, a matter continued from September 26, 1961. The Mayor stated he had asked for various reports and called first upon Sherman Griselle, Planning Director. Mr. Griselle reported that he feels advantage has been taken of Plot Plan #2 in that a canopy along Stewart & Gray Rd. and pumps along Old River School Road were constructed within the 20' setback line. Plot Plan approval was given to allow pumps and canopy within that area and they were constructed in accordance to the investigation. A drawing of this plot plan was presented to Council. Mayor Dunnum instructed the City Clerk to mark the Exhibit #1 for the City. Mr. Ray Lake, Director of Building and Safety, was asked to present his report which was similar to Mr. Griselle's. He reported that building permits were issued for work to be done in April, 1957 but apparently never approved by the Planning Commission setting forth stipulated work to be done. The Planning Commission stopped the work to require the meeting of certain condi- tions, which have not been met to this date. Next to report was the City Attorney who stated a review of the files shows that an original plot plan on permissible authority of some kind granted by the Planning Commission and attached to the permission were a number of conditions which have not been carried out - -not in their entirety. The privi- leges authorized by that approval have been exercised; the appeal period has long since expired so that matter has become final and the conditions stand. In the Lot Split presently being appealed, the Planning Commission attached certain conditions, some of which are the same as those attached to the original approval of the Commission. Even if the Council were to modify the approval of the Planning Commission and delete those conditions, it would not delete conditions attached to the prior approval pursuant to which certain work was done. It is simply a reiteration of conditions attached at an earlier date. 1213 The Mayor recognized Mrs. Wilson and her attorney, William Wilson. Attorney Wilson stated the assumptions of the Planning Commissioner, Building Director and City Attorney were out of order. The Plot Plan concerned a large Richfield Oil sign. On April 29, 1957, plans were submitted to the City of Downey for approval. The contractor showed a setback of 60 feet on Stewart and Gray Road and a 52' pump island on Old River School Road. Dan McNutt, then Director of Planning, stated that this was proper reflection of setbacks as Old River School Road is not a secondary street, however Stewart and Gray was. Richfield Oil Company then requested the property owner to obtain permission to construct a sign. As part of the approval of that modification, conditions were set forth which the property owner felt were oppressive; therefore, erection of the sign did not take place. Modification approval by the Planning Commission was granted on August 7, 1957; however, advantage of this approval was not taken by the property owner. The present case should not contain the conditions set forth in the previous case. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that the appeal of Lot Split #196 be taken under submission for further study. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Mayor stated that the next matter to be considered is the appeal from Zone Case #64. Mr. Griselle gave a resume of this matter which was a request for changing an R -1 zone to R -2 at Alameda Street easterly of Paramount Boule- vard. Mr. H. E. Black, 8052 E. Alameda, appellant, stated he did not feel any improvement will create any conflict to adjoining property. He stated that a dust problem would be corrected through improvement of this property. Although it had previously been approved for development in its present zoning, there was a finding that there was a traffic and circulation problem and that the property had not been dedicated. Mr. Black stated that this had been dedicated to the county before incorporation of the City of Downey however it had never been recorded. Mr. Black presented pictures of the area which were marked as Exhibits No. 1, 2, 3 and 4. Councilman Temple inquired of Mr. Black how close the property would be to adjoining properties. Mr. Black's answer was that the setback would be all or more than the law requires. Councilman Peavey inquired what type the structures would be. Mr. Black replied they would be of a stucco type with shake roof, and presented pictures marked Exhibit #5 of a similar type constructure which he proposes. Councilman Corbin inquired of Mr. Black if he proposes to put in a brick wall separating the property line. The answer was negative. The Mayor then asked for those to come forward who wish to speak in opposition of the Zone Change. The following persons spoke in opposition: Edward Downs, 8030 Albia Street Mrs. Michael Hughes, 8036 Albia Laura McMullen, 8042 Albia Elmer Reed, 12125 Orizaba Jim Oldfield, 8029 Albia Ray Miklaucic, 8035 Albia Carl Bates, 12124 Anderberg Mr. Downs stated he does not believe the evidence anywhere justifies the findings by the Zoning for a change in zone in this case. He read from the Zoning Ordinance, the requirements for findings for a zone change and stated he feels the changes demand the same zoning; that the proposed change of zone would adversely affect adjoining property as to value or precedent, and would be detrimental to the area; that possibly a change of zone would not be entirely necessary, however, for the interest or furtherance,of public health, safety and general welfare, as merely improving this vacant lot would correct this problem without the zone change; and will not adversely affect the Comprehensive Zoning Plan being prepared for the City to adopt. Mr. Downs also reviewed Mr. Black's seven points in his petition which referred to certain items in which Mr. Black believed the Planning Commission erred, which Mr. Downs felt was not so. 8. In rebuttal Mr. Black presented further pictures as Exhibits 6, 7 and It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the hearing on Zone Change #64 be closed. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the appeal be allowed, the Planning Com- mission's decision be reversed and the Zone Change granted in Zone Case #64. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Corbin, Peavey NOES: 2 Councilmen: Giddings, Dunnum ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Attorney advised that the matter must go back to the Planning Commission and reported back within not more than 40 days; at that time an ordinance effecting the zone change can be introduced, will require two read- ings, and become effective 30 days after the second reading. The Mayor then opened the hearing on the Buffer strip on Woodruff Avenue in Zone Change #61. Mr. Griselle gave a resume on this matter. Speaking for the matter were the following citizens: Charles Pearson, 10024 Pico Vista Road Aaron Perumean, 12245 S. Woodruff Avenue Speaking in opposition were the following persons: J. H. Stumberg, 12230 Cornuta Harry Wilson, 12236 Cornuta Avenue In rebuttal, Mr. Pearson stated that he previously had endeavored to get an alley put through from Benedict to Washburn Crossing Road and added that he would still be willing to give up some of his property if this could be accomplished. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the hearing on Zone Case #61 be closed. The Mayor recommended that a study be made of the possibility of install - ing an alleyway as suggested by Mr. Pearson and that the matter thus be taken under submission until this report can be made. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that Zone Case #61 be taken under submission. Mayor Dunnum stated that now is the time for the continuation from August 14, 1961, of the hearing on the Debt Limit Report on Dunrobin Street (sidewalks). At the initial hearing it appeared there was a majority protest. At this time, however, it has been indicated there has been a withdrawal of some of the names from the original petition. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the hearing on A.D. #55 be reopened. Mr. Barhite, Director of Public Works, reported that there was formerly a 59% protest in the Dunrobin area. Of the total area, there are now 69% in favor of this assessment district with 55% now in favor in the Dunrobin area. There is now less than a majority protest. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the hearing on the Debt Limit Report for A.D. #55 Dunrobin Street be closed. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 881 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 55 (DUNROBIN AVENUE AND OTHER STREETS) 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 Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings 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. 881 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the hearing on the Resolution of Intention for A.D. #55, Dunrobin Street, be reopened. The City Clerk stated that there had been a withdrawal of names from the protest petition and that there are now less than 31% protesting. The Mayor asked if there were any persons who wished to speak in protest of the resolution of intention. Vernon Morgan, 12114 Dunrobin, inquired about the difference in cost of parcels of similar size. Mr. Barhite- advised that a difference in the size or construction in the driveways would sometimes cause a difference in the assessment costs. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the hearing on the Resolution of Intention for A.D. #55, Dunrobin Street, be closed. The City Manager reported that at the time the initial hearing had been continued, it had been with the thought that the City might participate in the sidewalk -to- school program in a reasonable amount. From further review of this project which is estimated to cost approximately $25,000, it is believed 12 -% that the property owners would consent to proceed with this project if the City contributed the engineering incidentals estimated at $4700. Justification for this appropriation would be on the sidewalk -to- school program mentioned and funds should be authorized from Account No. 14000 (Improvement District, Engineering). Councilman Giddings stated that he is in favor of this. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that at the appropriate time sufficient funds will be made available not to exceed $4700 for all incidental expense and engineering cost necessary after the work has been done and prior to the time the assessment is confirmed. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 882 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING WORK TO BE DONE ON DUNROBIN AVENUE AND OTHER STREETS (A.D. NO. 55) IN ACCORDANCE WITH RESOLUTION OF INTENTION NO. 831 The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey 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. 882 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered to approve the minutes of the Council Meeting of September 26, 1961, as written. The City Clerk reported the following written correspondence: (1) A letter in protest of A.D. #75, Lubec Street from K. & Estella V. Darrah. (2) A letter from John R. Quinn, County Assessor, relative to the City of Downey's resolution regarding tax relief for fallout shelters. Mr. Quinn informed the City that under the State Constitution, his office is not in a position to give this tax relief. Ordered accepted and filed. ORDINANCE NO. 181 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION 8113 RELATING TO FIRE ZONE NO. 1 The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further reading be waived. 1A2., - 7' It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 181 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. 182 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3179 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH SAID SECTION RELATES TO TRUCK ROUTES The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 182 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 883 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT NO. 24846 ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION THEREIN OFFERED, APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDERS AND ACCEPTANCE OF A SURETY BOND (BARLIN AVENUE) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 883 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -265 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 ( #10885 -- #11243 $89,004,.84) (Payroll) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further read- ing be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -265 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -266 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 ( #3848 -- #4026 $125,575.63) The resolution was read by title only. Councilman Corbin questioned one of the warrants relative to payment to the Downey Community Hospital for emergency service. The Director of Finance was asked to check the agreement as to the amount the City was to contribute for this service. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to accept the work done under Contract No. 69 for slurry seal and authorize the filing of a Notice of Completion. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peawey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None After a summation of bids for Contract No. 72 for a vault and central communications center, it was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to award the contract to the lowest and best bidder, Charles T. Smith, in the amount of $3,032.00 and reject all other bids, and authorize the transfer of the following funds: AMOUNT FIKQM TO $4,032.00 Operating Reserve Fund Acct. No. 9- ,2,000 -672 AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to authorize preparation of plans and specifica- tions for A.D. #22, Duessler Lane (Paramount to Orizaba). AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilman: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to authorize the employment of the firm of Burke, Williams and ,Sorensen to prepare the legal work in Assessment District No. 22. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilman: None ABSENT: 0 Councilman: None It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to authrozie advance of $1,000 for incidental costs in A.D. #22. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilman: None ABSENT: 0 Councilman: None The Mayor ordered a hearing be set on Planning Resolution No. 57 - Downey Avenue, for 7:30 P.M., November 13, 1961, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. The following appointments were made to the Civil Defense and Shelter Committee: Giddings: Mr. Arch Morris and Mr. James Allgood Temple: Mrs. Gordon M. Strahan and Mr. Wendell Wiser Peavey: Major Rudolph Wehking and Marion Arnold Corbin: Dr. LeMon Clark and Ray Grimes Dunnum: Edward Christensen and Mrs. Orvilla Cosner 12.19 It was moved by Councilman Peavey seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the appointments be approved as made. The City Manager stated there will be a meeting of this committee on Thursday afternoon. Also, these new appointees will be urged to attend the Tenth Annual Conference of the United States Civil Defense Council in the Ambassador Hotel from October 16 to 20 at City expense. There are day and evening meetings scheduled. It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to approve funds necessary for members of the Civil Defense and Shelter Committee to attend the conference, as well as members of the Council who desire to attend. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Commander Charles Bates reported that Area E is gradually enlarging with the most recent additions being South Gate and La Mirada. Mr. Bates was com- mended for bringing other cities into this area which heretofore had been holding back. The City Manager reported that these members of the Civil Defense Com- mittee will be notified by letter as well as by telephone. Mayor Dunnum suggested that as a matter of policy all committee members, when possible, should have advice at least 48 hours in advance of any meetings. Glenn Kendall returned to report that the item questioned on "B" warrants relative to a payment to the Downey Community Hospital emergency service fee was a combination billing taking place each month with $750.00 as agreed upon between the City and the Hospital, leaving, in this instance, $81.53 which was emergency service in connection with police operations (prisoner treatment). The Mayor called for the vote on Resolution No. WS -266, as follows: It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further reading of Resolution No. WS -266 be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -266 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager presented the initial draft of the Administrative Manual for Council to study the next 3 weeks to a month. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that it is the intention of the Council to assume the portion of the cost referred to in the Resolution of Intention for Hall Road, A.D. #57, but not to exceed $19,500.00. A ^-- AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: Norte ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None As requested by City Council, Mr. King submitted a report with relation to complaints on the Kart -O -Rama operating at 7301 Firestone Boulevard. In checking with the Police Department, License Department and Planning Department it is noted that this business is properly licensed and has approval from the 12L SO Planning Commission to operate in the M -2 zone in this location. Apparently, the main problem is that related to noise and the owners and operators have agreed to eliminate the noise by installation of mufflers on all of their go -carts immediately. It is hoped this will solve the problem. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the City Manager check to see if mufflers are installed. It was reported by the City Manager that the Fire Department is ready for replacement of two automobiles and it was suggested that a study be made of the American made compact type automobiles for Fire Department inspections. Ray Lake of the Building Department advised they have made an extensive investigation which reveals some cars perform very well and the price is excellent. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to authorize a preliminary bid for two compact American made automobiles for Fire Department replacements. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Councilman Giddings recommended that a study be made of the operation of fleet cars on a rental basis used by the Cee Bee Chemical Company and that further study be given the maintenance contract now in effect. The Mayor so ordered. For information to the Council only, the City Manager presented a summary of rubbish complaints for the first six months of the year which showed the three districts are being served remarkably well. He also reported that the City has entered into escrow with Downey Land Company for the acquisition of the southern 46 feet of the property owned by them in exchange for the rear 120 feet of the Imperial Fire Station property in preparation for installing a street from Ardis to Bellflower. Plans and specifications are being prepared in an endeavor to have them ready for Council approval and authority to call for bids at the next Council Meeting. Mayor Dunnum directed that this information be made available to the people on the street to obviate any possible complaint. Mr. King announced that a group of citizens who had installed their own curbs and gutters on Stanbridge Street, from Foster Road to Adoree, were present to make a request of the City Council to authorize the City's participa- tion in the cost of pavement. Councilman Temple advised that he would like to see a fund set up in the budget for this type participation by the City. Councilman Giddings stated he felt that the City should not participate in more than just the incidental and engineering costs. Mayor Dunnum advised that there seems to be one extenuating circumstance, not prevalent or existent in other sections of the community. This particular area is close to the industrial area that usually puts a great burden on these particular streets. He feels that it is a matter which should be given consideration as any area which has an unusual burden seems to warrant addi- tional consideration. He agrees with the established policy but also feels that each case should be weighed and considered on its own merit. If possible, according to the Mayor, some modest cost should be absorbed in establishing a precedent. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the City absorb the cost of engineer- ing and incidental costs in A.D. #17 -B. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Peavey, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager reported that in readvertising for the construction of the drill tower for the Fire Department, a saving resulted of $3,515.00. It was recommended that the bid be awarded to Clements_ -Hulst Co. It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to award the bid for construction of the drill tower for the Fire Department to the lowest and best bidder, Clements -Hulst Co., in the amount of $15,982.00 and reject all other bids. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Giddings, Temple, Corbin, Pea wy, Dunnum NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to approve the following transfer of funds: AMOUNT FROM TO $2200.00 Operating Reserve Fund 9 -3510 -672 The Mayor asked that a report be made on the survey of the use of storm drains for fallout shelters. Mr. Barhite reported that currently the Flood Control District is making a survey of the feasibility of using storm drains within the City as fallout shelters in case of nuclear attack, a report on which should be available sometime this month. Factors being considered are entry and exit; equipping storm drains for long term tenure; closing of inlet structures along the street; and effect on civil defense cacilities in the drains during periods of normal rainfall prior to their actual use of shelters. From a purely practical standpoint, storm drains could be used as shelters and the only consideration which might have a bearing on the ultimate decision would be the cost of equipping the drain to provide this dual use. Mayor Dunnum requested that the Council be kept informed. Mr. Robert R. Down, 13204 Stanbridge, asked for an explanation of the proceedings in the Stanbridge assessment district. The City Manager outlined the setting up of the district for improvements which will be for pavement only with the City absorbing engineering and incidental costs. Mr. Down asked if the improvements and subsequent assessment costs would apply to the entire improvement district. This was answered in the affirma- tive. Mr. Barhite reported that the engineering and incidental costs were for both sewers and streets and that the department would go over the matter thor- oughly with the people in the district. The participation by the City of any engineering cost would be for street only, not sewer engineering cost. Mr. King recommended that a meeting be set for the people in the area at 4:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 11, at 13212 Stanbridge Avenue. 1252 Mr. Wendell Wiser, 11215 Woodruff Avenue, thanked Councilman Temple for appointing him to the Civil Defense Committee and hopes to be of some assistance. He then congratulated Mayor Dunnum on his appointment as Judge in the Municipal Court of Downey. Councilman Temple inquired about the progress of the demolition of old houses. Mr. Lake, Director of Building, advised that the building called "Henry's Barn" on the northwest corner of Florence and Paramount is being torn down; the house at Florence and Downey, and that a building on Rives must still be delayed due to legalities of clearing the property after the building is demolished. Councilman Peavey congratulated Mayor Dunnum on his elevation to the position as judge, and wished him success in the future. Mayor Dunnum advised that he can continue as Councilman only until he officially becomes Judge which means receipt by him of a Certificate of Appointment from Governor Brown and then takes his oath of office. It will be necessary for him to resign from the Council prior to his taking the oath of office of Judge. The Mayor added that it has been an extremely worthwhile experience, on the first Council of the City, serving his first, and now his second term as Mayor of the City of Downey, and he feels it has been zry inspirational and the greatest experience in his lifetime. The associations he has established in City affairs, management assistance in controlling a City and with first members of the City: Mr. Stamps, Councilmen Corbin, Peavey, Giddings, Temple- - has been a most exhilarating thing. He stated he hopes they will not now become strangers and hopes the associations will continue. He added that associations with City officials: the City Manager, Leavitt, Barhite, Kendall, the Building Department, and all the others, has been about the most interesting experience of his life. He looks upon each one of the gentlemen as his friend. He appreciates the opportunity of having worked with each one of them. He appreciated further the splendid relationship existing with the press - -they are doing a marvelous job. Mayor Dunnum further stated that he feels the City has gotten off to a very wonderful start - -a lot is to be done however. He believes it will not be tong before Downey has a truly commercial explosion - -the City has had its population explosion and he truly believes there will come business and commerce. He wants to thank the citizens he has appointed to various committees. He has been very glad to give of his time and services to the City of Downey and is proud of the achievements and the small part he has played in these achievements. The City Manager stated it has been a real pleasure to work with Mayor Dunnum during the last 4z years and wishes him the utmost success. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting