HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11-28-61-Regular Meeting12FZ3
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
NOVEMBER 28TH, 1961
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting in the
Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall at 8:00 A.M., November 28, 1961,
Mayor Scott E. Temple presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager
Robert Flandrick, Acting City Attorney
Richard G. Barhite, Director of Public Works
Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety
Robert Gain, Fire Chief
Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police
A. C. Gabriel, Purchasing Agent
William Goggin, Assistant Planner
Lee Leavitt, City Engineer
Della Doyle, City Clerk
.Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk
Reverend Rodney Cogswell of the First Presbyterian Church in Downey de-
livered the invocation.
Mayor Temple announced that this is the time and place set for the
hearing on the modification of the work to be done in Assessment District
No. 55 (Dunrobin Avenue and other streets).
The Mayor asked if the City Clerk had the Affidavit of Publication. The
City Clerk replied that she had.
The Mayor asked the City Clerk if there were any written protests to this
change in the work in A.D. #55. The City Clerk had none.
The Mayor then asked if there were any oral comments to be forthcoming
from the audience. There were none.
There being no written and no oral protests to the change in work in
A.D. #55, it was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Corbin
and so ordered that the hearing be closed.
RESOLUTION NO. 902
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ORDERING CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS OF THE WORK TO BE DONE
IN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT A.D. #55 (DUNROBIN AVENUE AND
OTHER STREETS)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Giddings, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that further reading
be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 902 be adopted.
AYES: 5
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
Councilmen: None
Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and
so ordered that the minutes of the Council Meeting held on November 13, 1961,
be approved as written.
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The City Clerk presented the following written correspondence:
(1) A letter from the Civil Defense Advisory Committee commending
Chief Ivan A. Robinson.
(2) A letter from the Public Utilities Commission approving allocation
^^ of monies from the Crossing Protection Fund for the Southern Pacific Railroad
crossing at Woodruff Avenue.
(3) A letter from the State Board of Equaliaation relative to tax relief
on fallout shelters in which it is stated a request to the Legislature will
be made to take appropriate action.
(4) A letter of invitation from the Cudahy Improvement Association to
attend a special meeting of the proposed initiative to establish poker parlors
in Cudahy.
(5) Letters from the following citizens on the library's special shelf
on Freedom and Free Enterprise. Ordered received and filed.
Lyle W. Peterson, Edwin Owen, Elaine Hostmark, Marie E. Eckstrom,
Marjorie A. Stoddard, Charlotte Lukes, Ministerial Association,
Glenn and Virginia Quinn, Mrs. W. L. Merrill, and the League of
Women Voters.
(6) A letter from the County Boundary Commission advising of a proposed
annexation, #140, to the City of Compton.
(7) A letter to Diehl -Evans and Company, Certified Public Accountants
requesting an audit and statement of all accounts and finances of the City
of Downey at the termination of Glenn Kendall, Director of Finance. This is
a routine matter in good fiscal policy.
(8) A letter from the Downey Chamber of Commerce regarding their new
building.
Mr. Charles Barrett, Manager of the Chamber of Commerce, was called and
reported that the bids have been received and the Bank of America has agreed
to an unsecured loan to pay balance necessary for completion. He stated that
final approval of plans and specifications in accordance with the lease is
needed from the City Council so that the Chamber can award the contract and
stOrt construction.
Mr. King stated that there are two important provisions in the letter:
(1) that there must be an amount of money on deposit and that the plans and
specifications must be approved by the City Council, both of which provisions
have been complied with by the Chamber.
It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Corbin and
passed by the following vote to authorize the Downey Chamber of Commerce to
proceed with construction of the new building in accordance with the lease
dated June 12, 1961.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Sknnnev, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
.-" ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
An invitation was extended by Mr. Barrett to Council to attend the formal
groundbreaking of the new Chamber building on Thursday at 3:00 o'clock P.M.
on Thursday.
(1) A letter from Mr. Wendell Wiser requesting an answer to an appeal
made on August 1, 1960, to Zone Change #53 which had been held, pending a Master
Plan. A short resume of this case was presented by the City Clerk, as shown in
her files.
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Mr. Coggin, Assistant Planner, stated that in his opinion it is premature
for any recommendation to be made as the Master Plan is not far enough along to
come up with one particular street or area at this time. He reported that this
zone change was a request for commercial zoning of everything on Florence from
Paramount Boulevard to Lakewood Boulevard -- between 50 and 60 parcels, and for
both sides of the street.
It was requested that a progress report on the Master Plan be presented to
Council.
After discussion, it was moved by Councilman Peavey that the matter of Zone
Change #53 be referred back to the Planning Commission and that a hearing be set
to determine what properties should or should not be rezoned.
After further discussion and reports by Mr. Goggin as to time element in-
volved, Coulcilman Peavey withdrew his motion.
It was then moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and
passed by the following vote that the matter be referred to the Planning Com-
mission for the purpose of their holding hearings to determine the properties
which they feel should be rezoned.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Clerk reported the following three claims against the City of
Downey had been received:
(1) Clarence J. Trollope for $20.00 for fence damage by Public Works'
vehicles.
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that Mr. Trollope's claim be denied and that it be
referred to the insurance carrier and the City Attorney.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
$100. (2) Roy A. Miller for damages to car by police vehicle in the amount of
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote to deny the claim of Mr. Miller and refer it to
the insurance carrier and the City Attorney.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
(3) Mrs. Vera Naber for personal injury on a public right of way in the
amount of $26,123.50.
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and
,••. passed by the following vote to deny the claim of Mrs. Naber and refer it to the
insurance carrier and the City Attorney.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
ORDINANCE NO. 184
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. 323
ZONE CHANGE #40 - Dougan)
The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further reading
be waived..
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Corbin
and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 184 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
ORDINANCE NO. 185
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9107 OF THE
DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONE CHANGE #64 - BARNES - ALAMEDA)
The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman
Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so ordered that further reading
be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 185 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
ORDINANCE NO. 186
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9107 of THE
DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION
NO. 57 (REAR 49' - 11751 DOWNEY AVENUE _ MR. MOE)
The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin,l
seconded by Councilman Skinner 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 Ordinance No. 186 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION N0, 903
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
EXTENDING THE AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
FOR POUND SERVICES
The resolution was read by title only. The City Manager reported thgt this
agreement had been approved and recommended by the City Attorney.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and so
ordered that further reading of Resolution No. 903 be waived.
RESOLUTION NO. 904
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ASCERTAINING THE GENERAL PREVAILING RATE OF PER DIEM
WAGES TO BE PAID UPON PUBLIC WORK WITHIN THE CITY
The resolution was read by title only. It was stated by the City Manager
that this is a routine matter required for letting of contracts at the prevail-
ing per diem wage scale.
It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so
ordered that further reading of the resolution be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 904 be adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 905
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ORDERING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO MAKE A REPORT
PURSUANT TO THE STREET LIGHTING ACT OF 1919 (ANNEXATION
3C, ZONE 1)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey,
seconded by Councilman Giddings 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. 905 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. 906
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ORDERING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO MAKE A REPORT
PURSUANT TO THE STREET LIGHTING ACT OF 1919 (ANNEXATION
3C, ZONE 4)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin,
seconded by Councilman Skinner 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. 906 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilman: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. 907
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING PROTESTS TO THE
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS DESCRIBED IN RESOLUTION OF INTEN-
TION (ANNEXATION 3C, ZONE 1)
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 Giddings, seconded by Councilman Corbin
and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 907 be adopted,
setting a public hearing for 7:30 P.M., January 8, 1961 in the Council
Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. 908
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING PROTESTS TO THE
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT DESCRIBED IN RESOLUTION OF INTEN-
TION (ANNEXATION 3C, ZONE 4)
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 Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 908 be adopted, setting a
public hearing for 7:30 P.M., January 8, 1961, in the Council Chamber of the
Downey City Hall.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. 909
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN AREAS TO THE
DOWNEY CITY LIGHTING DISTRICT AND TO MAINTAIN AND FUR -
NISH ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THOSE STREET LIGHTING FIX-
TURES LOCATED ON THE STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN
THOSE AREAS UNTIL MARCH 31, 1963 (ANNEXATION 3C, ZONE
1)
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 Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and
passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 909 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. 910
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN AREAS TO THE
DOWNEY CITY LIGHTING DISTRICT AND TO MAINTAIN AND FUR-
NISH ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THOSE STREET LIGHTING FIX-
TURES LOCATED ON THE STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN
THOSE AREAS UNTIL MARCH 31, 1963 (ANNEXATION 3C, ZONE 4)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin,
seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that further reading be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and
passed by the following vote to approve plans and specifications and grant
authority to advertise for bids on Cash Contract #74.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Corbin,
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
After a summation of bids for Public Works Yard Construction, Cash
Contract #75, on which the bid was more than the amount which had been
budgeted, the City Engineer recommended reduced amounts on various units under
Items 1, 3 and 4, with the deletion of Items 5, 6 and 7, which brought the
total bid down to $4815. Before awarding the contract on this basis or re-
jecting all bids, the City Engineer was instructed to contact the low bidder,
S. C. McAmis, and the matter was held in abeyance for this report.
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Giddings and
passed by the following vote to approve an extension of time for the completion
of Cash Contract #72, Storage Vault and information desk.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed
by the following vote that the work in Assessment District #54, Fontana Street,
be accepted and authority granted to file Notice of Completion.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and
passed by the following vote to approve the sewer construction under PC #5645
-- Quinn Street, and accept dedication for public use.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Corbin and
passed by the following vote to set a public hearing.on }proposed amendments to
the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for 7:30 P.M., January 8, 1962, in the
Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
The City Manager reported that the City Attorney had reviewed the Agree-
ment between the City of Downey and the County of Los Angeles for hospitaliza-
tion of jail prisoners in the County General Hospital. After making changes
to show that the charges are to be only on prisoners convicted solely on
violations of the ordinances of the City of Downey, it was moved by Councilman
Giddings, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that
the agreement be approved and the Mayor be authorized to sign on behalf of the
City of Downey.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None.
The City Manager recommended that approval be given by the Council to
employ six additional Fire Department personnel on the first of February
rather than on the first of April, as formerly recommended, in order that
these men may receive two months' training prior to the activation of the Fire
Department's new snorkel unit. It appears at this time that there will be
necessary funds in the budget due to several vacancies which have not been
filled. If, however, these funds do not adequately cover the additional time,
adjustments will be requested later.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Corbin and
passed by the following vote authorizing employment of six additional Fire
Department Personnel to commence on February 1, 1962.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mr. King reported that with the approval of the Post Office facility in
Downey, the City should proceed on the Parking District and recommended that
Council employ the firm of O'Melvaney and Myers to bring suit against the
City Attorney in order to validate all proceedings. The cost of $1500 for
this proceeding will be reimbursable to the City through the Parking District
funds.
It was moved by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Skinner and
passed by the following vote to approve employing the firm of O'Melvaney and
Myers to bring suit against the City Attorney in order to validate the
proceedings for the Parking District.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mr. King announced that there are two vacancies which have arisen in the
Civil Defense Committee, one due to the appointment of Arch Morris, Sr. to the
Planning Commission, the other due to the resignation of Mrs. Orvilla Cosner,
in Districts 4 and 1, respectively.
The City Engineer reported that he was unable to contact the contractor
offering the low bid on Contract #75, Public Works Construction. It was
therefore moved by Councilman Yeavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed
by the following vote that all bids be rejected and authority be granted to
readvertise.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Councilman Corbin inquired when the work on Downey Avenue and Florence
Avenue is to begin. The City Engineer stated the delay had been caused by
removal of certain utility poles, and that as soon as this can be taken care
of, which is now in progress, work can begin on this project.
Councilman Giddings inquired what the starting date will be on the
Florence Avenue Storm Drains. Mr. Leavitt reported the bid opening is set
for December 15, work can start shortly thereafter with the preliminaries
taking about a month; therefore, about the middle of January would be an
approximate starting date.
Councilman Peavey reported that a T.V. tape on Government in Los Angeles
County in which he appears will be shown on Saturday at 3:00 P.M. should any-
one be interested in viewing it.
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Councilman Peavey requested a study by the City Attorney of Code sections ap-
pointing the different commissioners. He would like to know if they are appointed
to serve by the will and wishes of the City Council or only removed for just cause.
An invitation was extended by Councilman Peavey to employees, their spouses,
Councilmen and their wives, the press and wives for the viewing of his Around-the-
World films, Tuesday, December 5, 1961, in the Council Chambers.
Councilman Skinner urged the City of Downey to view the film on Channel 2
mentioned by Councilman Peavey.
Councilman Peavey stated he was pleased to accept his appointment by
Council to attend the meeting on reapportionment to be held December 8 in
response to an invitation from Supervisor Bonelli.
Mayor Temple read an invitation from the California State Chamber of
Commerce relative to a Developement Seminar on December 10, 1961.
Mr. Wendell Wiser thanked Council for their action taken on behalf of
Florence Avenue Property Owners and,as Civil Defense Committee Chairman, inquired
about a report on action taken earlier in the week by the Committee.
Mr. King reported this had been referred to the City Engineer for a study of
local sewers as possible fallout shelters.
Don Robison, on behalf of the Downey Junior Chamber of Commerce, invited
Mayor Temple, Council, the City Manager and their wives, the Fire and Police Chiefs
to be guests to ride in the Christmas Parade on Thursday, November 30, 1961.
The following two persons again spoke on the library issue of the book shelf
for books on American Heritage:
Phyllis Gardia, 8112 Quoit Street
Priscilla .Slocum, 7733 Corey Street
There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting adjourned
at 9:30 A.M.
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City Clerk
Mayor