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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-02-27-62-Regular Meeting1338 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FEBRUARY 27TH, 1962 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., February 27, 1962, Mayor Scott E. Temple presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Sherman Griselle, Director of Planning Lee Leavitt, Acting Director of Public Works A. C. Gabriel, Acting Director of Finance Don Robison, Administrative Assistant Hal Durham, Traffic Engineer 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 The invocation was given by Reverend Austin Coe of the Memorial Christian Church. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the minutes of the Council Meetings of February 12 and 13, 1962, be approved as written. The City Clerk reported on the following correspondence: A letter regarding Lot Split #90 from Ray P. Biby, 9961 Brookshire; however, Mr. Biby had requested the City Clerk to withdraw this correspond- ence. An appeal to Zone Exception #267 from Olson, Sullivan & Jenkins, Attorneys representing Streety Homes, Inc., Beverly and Wells. Mayor Temple asked Mr. Griselle to enlighten Council on this matter. Mr. Griselle reported that in the south side of the City of Downey a parcel of land which hasa 75' frontage and was approximately 100' in depth had been split into three 25' parcels and had thus been split to less than the minimum width requirement in the zoning ordinance. When the zone exception was applied for before the Planning Commission, they did not go along with the three 25' lots and approved it as two lots of 37z'. This still was not what the applicants desire, so they have again applied to Council for another hearing. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that a hearing be set on Zone Exception #267, for 7:30 P.M. on March 12, 1962, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. A letter from Sheriff Peter J. Pitchess relative to the "Burn a Light at Night" program. Chief Robinson was asked for his comments. He stated that he concurs wholeheartedly with Sheriff Pitchess and that it is believed there are less crimes of the nature of breaking into businesses, homes, when there are lights. It will tend to stop a certain amount of crime. He is highly in favor of the program. A petition from residents on Fifth Street between Birchdale and Lakewood Boulevard requesting that the exception of parking be made on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Traffic on these blocks does not warrant it remaining in force. Mr. King reported that this matter had been discussed at some lengths with the residents in this area and it seems to warrant a thorough review. Mayor Temple referred the matter to the Traffic Committee for study and recommendation. 1339 The Mayor requested that a report on the parking exception on Fifth Street between Birchdale and Lakewood Boulevard be made at the next meeting. ORDINANCE NO. 193 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY r-. AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTIONS 9105.58, 9115.1, 9133, 9133.5, 9129.14 RELATING TO THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 193 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. 194 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING THERETO A NEW SECTION TO BE DESIGNATED SECTION 8306.1 AND RELAT- ING TO THE DEMOLITION OR REPAIR OF UNSAFE BUILDINGS The ordinance 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 Ordinance No. 194 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 941 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED REVISIONS OF THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER FREEWAY AGREEMENT The resolution was read by title only. The City Engineer reported these revisions made by the State Division of Highways would make it more convenient for the residents. From his standpoint, the revised plan is the most desirable solution. It was reported that one group of residents on Benfield Street were desirous of having a dead -end street. It appears more desirable from the standpoint of fire and police protection to have it continued through. Councilman Skinner inquired if the Planning Commission had approved this modification and it was stated by Mr. Griselle they had approved the alignment before the modifications and he does not feel there is enough difference. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading of Resolution No. 941 be waived. 1340 It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 941 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 942 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN OFFICIAL MAP FOR A PORTION OF LOT 5 OF J. BIXBY'S SUBDIVISION AS SHOWN ON MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 2, PAGES 234 AND 235, OF MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY (DUNROBIN A.D. #55 SIDEWALKS) The resolution was read by title only. Lee Leavitt, Acting Director of Public Works, explained that the map shows that portion of the assess- ment district which falls within an un- subdivided area. The adoption of the official map is necessary to clarify the legal descriptions. Councilman Skinner inquired if the work is progressing in this assess- ment district. Mr. Leavitt reported the work is well under way and nearing completion. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading of Resolution No. 942 be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 942 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -283 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 ( #14223 - #14626 $94,986.89) (Payroll) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that finther reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -283 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -284 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 ( #5118 #5233 $20,979.30) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner ans so,ordered that further reading be waived. 1341 Mr. King reported the long months of work had culminated in the Southern Pacific Railroad Company's submittal of an agreement to the City of Downey which covers that work within the railroad right of way which will be done by them at the City's expense in connection with the widen- ing of Brookshire Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and Manatee Street. The work to be done by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company includes adjustment of railroad tracks to a proper grade, the construction of concrete culvert along the westerly right of way line on Brookshire Avenue, and the removal of the existing culvert along the easterly road- way of Brookshire Avenue; also the relocation and modification of traffic signals. The City Attorney stated it should be pointed out that a substantial portion of this work is to be paid for by the City. Mr. King stated it is to come from gas tax monies as it is a city project. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote to approve execution of the agreement between the City of Downey and the Southern Pacific Railroad for improvements under Cash Contract #64, Gas Tax Project #23, Brookshire Avenue. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was reported by the Director of Public Works that property owners on Eucalyptus Street from Birchdale Avenue to its westerly terminus have attempted to improve Eucalyptus Street by cash contract, and through the course of this procedure, money was collected from many of the owners along this street to pay for their share of this proposed improvement. Since only 85% of the property owners signed the petition requesting these improvements, they could not proceed under a cash contract which necessitates 100% partici- pation of the property owners. They have since decided to attempt the improvement under the 1911 Assessment District Improvement Act. It was requested by the people of this area that the City Council consider the con- tribution of that portion of the incidental costs of this project, which would be approximately $5,000. The amount placed in escrow which had been collected from property owners in the area amounts to $15,000. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to approve expenditure of approximately $5,000 for engineering costs and contingencies for Assessment District #79, Eucalyptus Street improvements. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Due to inclement weather the contractor has requested an extension of 10 working days for completion of improvements in A.D. #55, Dunrobin Avenue et al., sidewalks. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote to grant extension of 10 working days on A.D. #55, Dunrobin Avenue, et al., sidewalks. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Director of Public Works reported that the work required of the developer in the construction of the sanitary sewers on Birchdale Avenue southerly from Raviller Drive, has been satisfactorily completed and it is recommended that Council approve this work and accept the sanitary sewers and the responsibility of the maintenance thereof. 1342 It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to accept work done under PC -No. 5877 for sanitary sewers on Birchdale Avenue and dedication for public use with responsibility of maintenance thereof. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. King stated that further study from the Traffic Committee on the parking problem in the cul de sac on Marbel Avenue had resulted in no additional recommendations. A review of this matter on a recent week end revealed it was not as congested as the City had been led to believe. The one possible solution appeared to be the extending of the gutters. Hal Durham, Traffic Engineer, stated that an additional study was made during Thursday night a week ago, checking at midnight, and that about 4 spaces on the street were occupied, 5 cars were parked heading into the cul de sac, which left 2 spaces on the street that would not be occupied. There were 4 spaces in off - street parking that were not occupied. The com- mittee had not had the opportunity to check out license numbers to determine if these cars were owned by occupants of the apartment units at this location. Chief Gain stated that in making his survey relative to fire protection, the distance from curbs to curbs is exceptionally narrow - -much below the minimum standards, and the mention of resorting to the 20' area between build- ings for turn - around thoroughfare was not their practice, but this could be done where wider spaces exist between buildings. It is not his recommendation that head =in parking be allowed at this location and he would not like to see this partiai.ar reduction in minimum standards as has been requested. Councilman Skinner stated he had checked this area on Sunday and it appears there needs to be more study in an effort to locate more parking stalls on the private property. It would involve considerable cost to shorten this cul de sac. To change this cul de sac with markings to park head -in might set a precedent within the City and give the City difficulties on other cul de sacs. There is a parking problem there and there seems to be no practical solution. Councilman Skinner stated he also feels that the curb by the fire plug should be painted red. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that the request be received and filed. The City Clerk reviewed Council's action on Zone Exception #254. The hearing was held and closed on February 13, 1962 but an additional petition and letter had since been received, copies of which have been distributed to each Councilman. Councilman Giddings stated that the City Attorney had advised him that since he was not present at the hearing held before the City Council on Zone Exception #254, he should abstain from taking any action in the matter. The Mayor stated that the hearing had been closed and asked Mr. Griselle to report on the previous actions with reference to the zone exception in which the Planning Commission denied the granting of the exception. Councilman Skinner requested the list of conditions to be applied should the zone exception be granted be read in full by Mr. Griselle, Director of Planning. They were read as follows: 1. This approval is based upon an approved plot plan and elevation. Deviations or exceptions from said approved plot plan and elevation shall not be permitted without the approval of the City Planning Commission. 1342 It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to accept work done under PC -No. 5877 for sanitary sewers on Birchdale Avenue and dedication for public use with responsibility of maintenance thereof. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. King stated that further study from the Traffic Committee on the parking problem in the cul de sac on Marbel Avenue had resulted in no additional recommendations. A review of this matter on a recent week end revealed it was not as congested as the City had been led to believe. The one possible solution appeared to be the extending of the gutters. Hal Durham, Traffic Engineer, stated that an additional study was made during Thursday night a week ago, checking at midnight, and that about 4 spaces on the street were occupied, 5 cars were parked heading into the cul de sac, which left 2 spaces on the street that would not be occupied. There were 4 spaces in off - street parking that were not occupied. The com- mittee had not had the opportunity to check out license numbers to determine if these cars were owned by occupants of the apartment units at this location. Chief Gain stated that in making his survey relative to fire protection, the distance from curbs to curbs is exceptionally narrow - -much below the minimum standards, and the mention of resorting to the 20' area between build- ings for turn - around thoroughfare was not their practice, but this could be done where wider spaces exist between buildings. It is not his recommendation that head =in parking be allowed at this location and he would not like to see this partiaiar reduction in minimum standards as has been requested. Councilman Skinner stated he had checked this area on Sunday and it appears there needs to be more study in an effort to locate more parking stalls on the private property. It would involve considerable cost to shorten this cul de sac. To change this cul de sac with markings to park head -in might set a precedent within the City and give the City difficulties on other cul de sacs. There is a parking problem there and there seems to be no practical solution. Councilman Skinner stated he also feels that the curb by the fire plug should be painted red. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that the request be received and filed. The City Clerk reviewed Council's action on Zone Exception #254. The hearing was held and closed on February 13, 1962 but an additional petition and letter had since been received, copies of which have been distributed to each Councilman. Councilman Giddings stated that the City Attorney had advised him that since he was not present at the hearing held before the City Council on Zone Exception #254, he should abstain from taking any action in the matter. The Mayor stated that the hearing had been closed and asked Mr. Griselle to report on the previous actions with reference to the zone exception in which the Planning Commission denied the granting of the exception. Councilman Skinner requested the list of conditions to be applied should the zone exception be granted be read in full by Mr. Griselle, Director of Planning. They were read as follows: 1. This approval is based upon an approved plot plan and elevation. Deviations or exceptions from said approved plot plan and elevation shall not be permitted without the approval of the City Planning Commission. 1343 2. That no portion of the structure shall exceed thirVy -five (35') feet in height, unless otherwise permitted by Section 9126.11 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. 3. That no building shall be erected closer than seventy-three (73') feet to the northerly property line and that the most �— northerly wall of the building shall contain no windows above the ground floor. 4. That not less than 60 parking spaces shall be provided on the lot and the parking and driveway areas shall be developed in conformance with Section 9127 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. 5. That the twenty foot (20') setback along Florence Avenue shall be landscaped and the landscaping shall be permanently maintained. 6. That a solid concrete block wall shall be erected and permanently maintained along the easterly and westerly property lines except- ing for the southerly twenty feet (20') and such walls shall be not less than five and one -half feet (5 -1/2') nor more than six feet (6') in height above the finished grade of the parking and driveway areas. The provisions of Section 9126.43 of the Com- prehensive Zoning Ordinance shall be applicable. 7. That a solid concrete block wall shall be erected and permanently maintained along the northerly property line, and such wall shall not be less than five and one -half feet (5 -1/2') nor more than six feet (6') in height above the finished grade of the parking area. The requirements of Section 9126.43 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance shall be applicable. 8. That a concrete block wall shall be erected and permanently main- tained parallel to and twenty feet (20') from the southerly property line adjacent to the parking areas, and such wall shall be not less than three feet (3') in height above the finished grade of the park- ing area. 9. That all lights used to illuminate any portion of the building, sign, open spaces or parking area shall be so arranged as to not reflect light directly on any adjacent property or public right -of -way; and that no lighting other than low level lighting (not over three feet in height) shall be permitted in the parking area. 10. That signs shall conform to the approved sign location and elevation and shall be interior lighted or back lighted and shall conform to Section 9126.38 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Councilman Corbin requested that no trees other than bushes 4 or 5' in height be required on the site, and that he would like this item placed in a condition for granting of such a zone exception. Mr. King suggested there might be a provision .made for a 5 -1/2 to 6' wall so constructed that an additional 2' of height may be added if so re- quested by the property owners to the rear of the church site. The City Attorney suggested that such a condition not be placed in such language but that if Council wishes to require such shei7d, it should not be left to the discretion of the adjoining property owners. He would suggest that such a condition be imposed at such time as required by the City Council, if it appears necessary in order that the exception will not be detrimental to adjoining properties and should give them some privacy. Councilman Corbin ascertained that this additional shield fencing would be paid for by the church. 1344 The City Attorney suggested that there are a number of conditions to be placed on such exception and if Council would like to have a condi- tion imposed relative to trees and a condition relative to the screening fence, a few moments would be needed to write those out in order to go into the record as a precise point. Mayor Temple removed this item from the calendar until the proper wording of such conditions could be prepared by the City Attorney. Mr. King reported there has been prepared a proposed reciprocal borrowing agreement between the cities of Downey, Santa Fe Springs, and possibly the city of Commerce. This agreement is only the initial one and will be studied further by all cities inND lved and their attorneys. Council was informed the Library Board has approved this agreement. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered to recommend that the city attorney study the agreement and prepare one which will include in items 3 and 8 that books may be borrowed only by holders of library cards. Councilman Peavey stated he is glad to see this idea taking form as it was one of the first ideas hoped to be put into effect when the City established the City Library. He also stated he feels it could be put into use with respect to borrowing of street equipment. Mr. King reviewed the League of California Cities bulletin with respect to legislation and suggested giving particular attention to several items with the following suggested resolutions: RESOLUTION NO. 943 ^� A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEI EXPRESSING ITS UNQUALIFIED OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION OF CITY - ALLOCATED LIQUOR LICENSE REVENUE TO COUNTIES The City Manager read the resolution in full. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the follow- ing vote that Resolution No. 943 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 944 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY URGING THE GOVERNOR TO INCLUDE A TELEPHONE GROSS RECEIPTS IN LIEU TAX IN HIS CALL FOR A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE The City Manager read the resolution in full. It was moved by Council- man Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 944 be adopted. 0—ft AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. King read the item from the League of California Cities bulletin relative to further study of Civil Defense shelters. It was moved by Councilman Peavey that the City Manager be instructed to send a letter to the Governor requesting legislation on Civil Defense shelters. Mr. King reported the communication is to study conformity with uniform standards. Motion stated was then seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered. It was recommended by Mr. King that a letter again be sent relative to Senate Reapportionment urging Governor Brown to have it considered on the basis of population. 1345 It ways moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that a letter be sent to the Governor urging him to con- sider Senate reapportionment based upon population. The City Manager presented a revised contract with the General Telephone Service for material, switchboard, overhead, the entire tele- phone operation costs, in the amount of $4,568.00. This includes cost of installation of equipment which was done and approved by Council. Mr. Gabriel advised this is the cost for incorporating both Public Works and City Hall to encompass the entire City Hall. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to appr ove the contract and authorize the City Manager to sign it. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. Griselle was asked to read the revised conditions placed upon Zone Exception #254. He reported they had added an additional condition to Item #7 which concerned the solid concrete block wall at the north side of the property. Notwithstanding anything in this condition to the contrary, the City Council, anytime within one year from the effective date of this exception, may require an extension of height of said wall by means of plastic shield or similar material if it is found by said Council that such extension is necessary to prevent this exception from being detrimental to adjacent property. -� Mr. Griselle stated that if it is found by the City Council thatithere is necessary, Condition #11 could be added as follows: 11. That a row of trees which will attain a height of 25` shall be maintained and supplied as required by the Plot Plan. Councilman Corbin stated he wished Item #11 struck. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and the appeal be granted, the decision of the Planning Commission be reversed and the exception granted in accordance with the conditions as read and the plot plan on file, deleting Item #11 as a condition and including Item #7 with the addition as read by the Director of Planning. Councilman Skinner stated he wished to stres that the dwelling on the church site will continue as a dwelling and be screened by the sanctuary. He added that he feels this will be one solution to one piece of property on Florence Avenue. The vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: 4 Corbin, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ABSTAIN: 1 Councilman: Giddings The City Clerk stated there was an item to be considered pertaining to Zone Change #76, E. L. Brabe, 8041 Florence Avenue. Mr. Griselle was asked to present a resume of the matter. It was stated by him that the Planning Commission had been asked to state conditions which would have been placed on the property had it been a zone exception. The report furnished Council, does set forth conditions, however before granting an exception there must be a plot plan and elevation on file and this is missing as the applicant did not have to submit a plot plan, elevation, or how he proposes to use the property specifically in a zone change request. Mayor Temple recommended holding the matter under submission until a plot plan and elevation is obtained, with the applicant being requested to submit such plot plan. Councilman Peavey stated he was of the understanding the matter was to be heard by the Planning Commission as a zone exception. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Giddings and recommended that the Planning Director contact the applicant and advise of the requirement of submitting a plot plan and elevation. So ordered. Councilman Corbin remarked that at a Council Meeting held two weeks ago there was standing room only in the Council Chamber and he suggested starting on revamping the Council Chamber to enlarge it for greater seating capacity. Mr. King informed Council that the first step would be expenditure of approximately $2,000 to move the wall back to almost double the capacity of the Council Chamber, making an entrance on Third Street, and to allow for a new heating and air conditioning system in next year's budget. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote to authorize the expenditure of $2,000 from Operating Reserves to enlarge the Council Chamber. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Councilman Peavey stated that sometime back there was a hearing held on a zoning matter on Florence Avenue from Lakewood to Paramount Blvd. which had been referred to the Planning Commission, and that no further action had been taken. He does not like to leave any unfinished business and it seems that the action should be rescinded and the appeal denied. Mr. Griselle stated this particular hearing had been on Zone Change #53 and he reported that hearings were to be held before the Planning Commission on this case to run concurrently with hearings held on the Master Plan. The City Attorney was asked for his opinion as to the action the Council should take in the matter so that a definite answer could be made at this time. Mr. Sorensen advised he would like to see the minutes regarding the action taken by Council in Zone Exception #53 before stating any opinion. Mayor Temple advised he had received a communication from Mr. Bonelli with regard to participation in the Downey Avenue -- Cherokee Drive improvement, asking if it could be done possibly piecemeal. The matter was referred to the City Manager for study. The Mayor reported receipt of a letter from Mr. Frank Bonelli with regard to the sewer maintenance until July 1 relative to a refund of money. He stated it has been ruled illegal for the County to make the refund. Another communication was reported by Mayor Temple relative to the con- cern over various income tax practitioners setting up offices in various markets, trailers, etc. and inquiring about a code governing this. The City Attorney advised they must comply with the zoning ordinance and also they are required to take out a business license. The requirement is as to the use of the structure and not the business which is controlled. Mr. King was .-• asked to check this matter. Mayor Temple informed Council that the City of Guadalajara had sent a resolution from their City Council reaffirming the fact that the City of Downey is their sister city. Any relationship between the City of San Diego and the City of Guadalajara is commercial enterprise only. 134'7 Upon inquiry, Mr. Lake reported the unsightly property on Rives Avenue is being cleaned up by Doty Brothers and that they expect to have legal possession at the end of the week or middle of next week, at which time a bulldozer will demolish the building. As to the un- sightly appearance of property on Birchdale Street, Mr: Lake reported nothing can be done as there is no human occupancy in the garage lo- cated there. He further reported that the two -story building on Lakewood Boulevard and Bellflower Boulevard is being removed and a 4 -unit apartment building constructed. Mayor Temple requested a report on a proposed medicopter service from Chief Ivan Robinson. The chief reported he had submitted a report to the City Manager with copies to the City Council and he would recommend they make any decision with regard to establishment of a medi- copter service. Mayor Temple asked for a subsequent report to Council from Mr. King. Mr. Earl J. Berry, 8536 Eucalyptus, Chairman of Progressive Property Owners Association, on behalf of the organization and citizens on the 8400 and 8500 block, wished to thank the City of Downey in their coopera- tion in bringing theirstreet project to a happy conclusion; to thank the City Manager, City Councilman Skinner, the head of the Department of Public Works and the Department of Engineering for their fine work and cooperation. The City Attorney requested authorization to attend the spring meeting for city attorneys in San Diego, April 4 and 5, with reasonable and necessary expenses. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Giddings and passed by the following vote to approve authorization for the City Attorney Royal M. Sorensen to attend the City Attorneys Meeting in San Diego, April 4 and 5, with reasonable and necessary expenses allowed. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Corbin, Giddings, Peavey, Skinner, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:35 A.M. City Clerk Mayor