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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-07-24-62-Regular Meeting. 4 E4 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JULY 24TH, 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., July 24, 1962, Mayor Scott E. Temple presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple ABSENT: Councilmen: Corbin ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Sherman Griselle, Director of Planning Ervin Spindel, Director of Public Works A. C. Gabriel, Director of Finance Bob DeSio, Administrative Assistant -City Forester Robert G. Gain, Fire Chief Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety Della Doyle, City Clerk Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk Reverend Al Johnson of the First Baptist Church delivered the invocation. Councilman Morton corrected the minutes of the Council Meeting of July 9, 1962, to show on the last page that two members to the Charter City Committee are to be appointed by each Councilman. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Morton and so ordered that the minutes of the Council Meeting of July 9, 1962, be ap- proved as corrected. The City Clerk reported on the following written communications: (1) A letter from L. G. Governale and C. M. McQueen renewing an application for "Pay TV ". The City Manager reviewed this matter which had first arisen in 1957, stating that it had been taken under submission for study to be undertaken by the County of Los Angeles. It was recommended that the matter be held and that a report be submitted at a future date. Council- man Skinner requested that the matter as handled by the City of Santa Monica be investigated. (2) A letter from James R. Greaves of the Downey City Youth Band, requesting the City's assistance in the purchase of three instruments for this group. Mr. Greaves outlined the request and the desire for the City's appropriation of 1/2 of the money necessary to purchase the three instruments in the amount of approximately $600.00. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote to appropriate $600 from the community promotion fund for the purchase of three band instruments for the Downey City Youth Band. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin (3) A letter from Mrs. Robert S. Dunn, Treasurer of the Downey Choral - aires, accompanied by an activity report and financial report. Mrs. Marjorie Phelan outlined the group's activities and accomplishments, as well as its future program. Council Minutes 7/24/62 -1- 1 455 It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to approve the allocation of $600.00 to the Downey Choralaires on the basis that it serves the City in a civic way and assists in the Sister -City Program. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin (4) A letter from the Downey Symphonic Society, Inc., accompanied by their estimated budget for the fiscal year 1962 -63, with a request for the City to allocate $1800 in continuation of its support of the orchestra. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote to approve the City's appropriation of $1800 to the Downey Symphonic Society, Inc. for the fiscal year 1962 -63. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin (5) A letter from the firm of Burke, Williams & Sorensen in the matter of Stevenson vs. Downey, advising that the District Court of Appeal rendered its decision by declaring the procedures followed by the City of Downey in granting to Stonewood Shopping Center certain additional access rights off Woodruff Avenue were proper. The further affect of the judgment was that certain access rights along Woodruff Avenue and Cecilia Avenue which previously had been dedicated to the County of Los Angeles, now were within the control of the City of Downey and that the City's interest in such dedicated access rights was paramount to all other interests. r The City Attorney stated that if this judgment holds up, it means that _ the City may, from time to time as it deems it advisable and necessary for the release of the flow of traffic in the area, permit additional openings to the area. (6) A letter from Mr. R. K. Goates, Park and Recreation District, requesting that the City Council meet with the Park Board to further discuss the renewal of the contract, suggesting Tuesday, July 17. The City Manager reviewed the action taken by the Council in giving a 30 -day notice of can- cellation of the contract between the City and the Park District and recom- mended meeting with the Park Board for a further discussion. The City Attorney was asked to clarify the notice of cancellation. He stated that if • new understanding is reached, it would have to be evidenced in writing by • new agreement. The City Manager was directed by Council to arrange a meeting within the week with the Park Board. (7) A letter from Alice Woodrow, Director of the Downey Museum of Art, outlining their future program. Phil Van Brunt, assistant to Mrs. Woodrow, was present to answer any questions regarding this program. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote that the City appropriate $1200 to the Downey Museum of Art for the fiscal year 1962 -63 and authorize approval of a con- tract to be signed by the Mayor. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin Council Minutes 7/24/62 -2- 14� F l 4.. "iJ (8) A letter from Ernest Anast requesting paveout by the City at 9106 -20 Telegraph Road. The City Manager recommended a review and report to Council on the matter. (9) A letter from Vinetta E. Lough regarding a request for vacation of the service road at Florence to Lakewood Boulevard. The City Manager was directed to study and report to Council. Mr. Griselle requested that the Department of Planning have the opportunity to review the last two items inasmuch as they are both involved in zone exception cases. (10) A letter from Lee White regarding installation of a break in the divider in front of his place of business at 9207 Lakewood Boulevard. and Lee White (11) Letters from Carl G. Lans /requesting a left -turn signal on Firestone Boulevard at the main entrance to Stonewood Shopping Center. The City Manager reported that a brief meeting was held with the new management of Stonewood Shopping Center. He explained that the State would not participate financially in the installation of a traffic signal at the main entrance to Stonewood. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the City Manager contact the State to obtain approval for a traffic signal on Firestone Boulevard at the main entrance of the Stonewood Shopping Center. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that authority be granted for proceeding with the instal- lation of a left -turn bay at 9207 Lakewood Boulevard as per the request of Lee White. RESOLUTION NO. 1008 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ACCEPTING A GRANT DEED AND DIRECTING THE RECORDATION THEREOF (11001 -7 LA REINA AVENUE) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Morton and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1008 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin RESOLUTION NO. 1009 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR OF A MEMBER TO THE PARKING PLACE COMMISSION The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that further reading be waived. Council Minutes 7/24/62 -3- 147 It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1009 be adopted appointing Mrs. Helen Sachs to the Parking Place Commission. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin RESOLUTION NO. 1010 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT NO. 21568, ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION THEREIN OFFERED, APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDERS AND ACCEPTANCE OF A SURETY BOND (CEDARTREE ROAD AND CHANEY AVENUE) The resolution was read by title only. It was reviewed by Director of Public Works, Ervin Spindel. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that further reading of the resolution be waived. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1010 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin RESOLUTION NO. 1011 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR GRANT OF AN EASEMENT FOR STREET PURPOSES The resolution was read by title only. The City Attorney reported that the easement is for improvement of Century Boulevard in the City of Downey. 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 Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1011 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin RESOLUTION NO. 1012 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF A PARKING FACILITY The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Morton and so ordered that further reading be waived. Council Minutes 7/24/62 -4- a It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1012 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin The City Attorney stated that in the condemnation action involving Dr. Miller's property at Cherokee and Downey, appraisers for Miller and the City have had a number of conferences and have arrived at a very good settlement in the sum of $10,800. Mr. Miller has agreed to accept this sum. Mr. Sorensen recommended that Council authorize settling this action for that amount. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote to approve settlement of the condemnation action against Dr. Miller in the amount of $10,800, and that additional funds of approximately $4,000 be allocated from Operating Reserves to Public Works Project Account No. 13380 for accomplishment of this, includ- ing legal fees and appraisal costs. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin The City Attorney reported that in the matter of the condemnation on Brookshire Avenue, Downey vs. Murphy, an agreement has been reached with the Wallars whereby a sum of money will be paid tb,ahem._and in °.addition the City will be obligated to install sidewalks which will cost approximately $350.00. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote to authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement between the City of Downey and the Wallars for settlement of condemnation action on Brookshire Avenue and approve the City's expenditure of approxi- mately $350.00 for installation of sidewalks. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin RESOLUTION NO. WS -303 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( #17787 - #18188 $101,736.31) (Payroll) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner 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 Resolution No. WS -303 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin Council Minutes 7/24/62 -5- 1459 RESOLUTION NO. WS -304 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( #7703 - #7772 $35,100.37) The resolution 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 Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -304 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin The City Manager requested that Council withhold action on bids for Air Conditioning and Heating for the Council Chamber, Cash Contract #83 -A, in order to allow the engineers the opportunity to investigate the bids and report at a future date. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to accept improvements under D.P.C. #1 (sewer construction between Washburn Road and Imperial Highway from Woodruff Avenue) and responsibility for maintenance thereof. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin Mr. Ervin Spindel reported that letters had been sent to all property owners whose assessment for weed abatement was over $25 and that there were two persons who came into the Department of Public Works for adjustment due to a lot split, of which the department had no record. The Mayor inquired if the City Clerk had the affidavit of publication of the notice of public hearing on weed abatement, City Clerk Della Doyle replied she had the affidavit. The hearing having been duly opened, protests called for, no one haing appeared to protest and there being no written protests, it was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and so ordered that the hearing on weed abatement be closed. Mr. Spindel reported that the low bids recently received for road materials for the fiscal year 1962 -63 which is routine, and whereby the City continues to do more and more of its own road repair, were as follows: Pacific Rock and Gravel, Arcadia, California Class 2 Aggregate Base $1,58 Ton Crushed Rock #3 1.77 " Crushed Rock #4 1.77 " Crushed Rock #5 1,77 " Sand 1.48 " Graham Brothers, South Gate. California Asphaltic Concrete 4.00 Ton Council Minutes 7/24/62 -6- 14'0 United Asphalt, Los Angeles, California Mixing Type Emulsion Penetration Type Emulsion It was moved by Councilman Skinner, and passed by the following vote that the be awarded to the lowest and best bidders other bids be rejected. .0992 Gal. .0892 " seconded by Councilman Peavey contract for road materials as shown above and that all AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote to approve an appropriation in the amount of $1605 from the Community Promotion Account for Area E Civil Defense. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote that the Mayor be authorized to sign the agreement with the Downey Community Hospital for emergency hospital services according to the terms in last year's agreement. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that a hearing be set for 7:30 P.M., August 13, 1962, on Planning Resolution #72, Zone Case #88. The City Manager reported on the following items: Additional information, as requested by Council recently, was sub- mitted in support of the recommendation to increase the present 80, per mile for City employees who use their personal cars for City business, to 11(,, per mile, and to raise the current $5.00 payment per month for insurance to $10.00 per month. In speaking with the Chief of Police and Public Works Director, it is believed the use of private automobiles will be held at a minimum so that, as previously stated, their primary program in that respect will be directly related to the Department of Building and Safety, six of which average approximately 5,000 miles per month. A report on the results of a study of the average cott of compact cars was given in the City Manager's Report with a recommendation that Council consider the possibility of acquiring City -owned vehicles in the Building Department next year, with the purchase of two each year for a period of three years. After discussion it was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by 10—A Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote to authorize the pur- chase of four compact cars for use by the Building Department inspectors, and to authorize a call for bids. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin Council Minutes 7/24/62 -7- 1461 The recommendation was made that Mr. Gordon Whitnall, Planning Consultant, be continued on contract for the coming year upon the same basis as the 1961 -62 contract. Mr. Griselle reported that the Master Plan is progressing according to schedule and that it is de- sired to retain the planning consultant for the public hearings upon completion of the Master Plan. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to approve extending the contract for Mr. Gordon Whitnall, Planning Consultant, for the fiscal year 1962 -63 at $500 per month, totaling $6,000, with the provision that the contract may be terminated prior to June 30, 1963, if the comprehensive plan proceeds as planned. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin An area in the City where the property owners have installed curbs and gutters at their own expense, leaving a small area 6 feet or less between the gutter and the remaining edge of asphaltic concrete exists along the west side of Brock Avenue from Priscilla Street to Cheyenne, the west side of Brock Avenue from Comolette Street to the alley northerly of Comolette, and both sides of Comolette Street from Brock to Paramount Boulevard. The people in the area have requested the City to cooperate in putting in this paveout. The total frontage involved is 1400 feet and it is estimated the cost would be approximately $2,000. It was recommended that Council approve the City's participation in this work with the under- standing that it will be done by City forces and equipment at the lowest cost possible from monies allocated in the City's street program under the 1962 -63 budget. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to approve the paveout as recommended in Item 4 of the City Manager's Report. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin It was recommended that traffic signals at Ratliffe Street and Woodruff Avenue and Imperial Highway at Dunrobin Avenue which were requested at the Council Meeting of July 9, 1962, is not the solution but, rather, street improvements, including sidewalks. A preliminary estimate of the cost of these improvements if $10,000, not including the right of way. It was rec- ommended that a letter be directed to applicant in this matter that every effort be expended to install the necessary improvements on Woodruff Avenue through an assessment district, a re- evaluation of the gas tax projects for 1962 -63, or possible allocation from general funds. Upon receipt of a letter from Wilson & Wilson, Attorneys, requesting the vacation of Via Amorita extending easterly of Pico Vista Road at the last Council Meeting, a study by the Traffic Committee was made and while this road, at the present time, is unimproved and leads to unimproved property, it still is the only access to the property owned by K: Murata, which is between the San Gabriel River Channel and the houses easterly of Pico Vista Road. There are many utilities in this street which would require easements if the street were to be vacated. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that the request for vacation of Via Amorita extending easterly from Pico Vista Road be denied. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin Council Minutes 7/24/62 -8- 14P2 The City Manager read a letter from Mr. Lester Bergslien which stated he is planning to accept another position as librarian for the school dis- trict located in the City of Commerce area on or about September 1, 1962. Mr. King recommended acceptance of the resignation and highly commended Mr. Bergslien for the fine job he has done for the City Library. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered to accept with regret the resignation of City Librarian Lester Bergslien. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote that mileage payment of llfi per mile, plus $10.00 per month for insurance be approved as recommended under Item #1 of the City Manager's Report. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin Councilman Peavey reported he had made a field trip to the corner of Lubec Street and Paramount Boulevard where there is one property where Paramount Boulevard has not been widened. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote to place on the projects list to pay for the widening of Paramount Boulevard at Lubec Street as soon as money is available. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin Councilman Morton recommended appointments to the following citizens advisory committees: Charter City Committee Youth Committee Beautification Committee Mr. Robert Brazelton Betty Philpot - Clyde Elam Mary Hollis - Mrs. Doris Street It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Morton and so ordered that the appointments to citizens committees as recommended by Councilman Morton be approved. Councilman Morton suggested that the Chief of Police examine with the citizens advisory committee, ways to educate the citizens of Downey in guarding against having property stolen, and particularly with respect to that stolen from automobiles. It was also brought out by Councilman Morton that there seems to be an increase in bicycle accidents and that an item be put on the agenda to be taken up with the Youth Coordinating Committee as to what steps might be taken to overcome some of these traffic problems in respect to high school students' riding bicycles. Councilman Temple requested that a study be made of Paramount Boulevard at Quoit and /or Quill Drive by the City Manager and the Traffic Committee with regard to the need for a traffic signal at this intersection. Mrs. Mildred Campbell inquired of the progress relative to the overpass of the Santa Ana Freeway at Paramount Boulevard. Mrs. Geddis, new chairman of the citizens group, was introduced by Mrs. Campbell. Mr. Spindel reported that the State has been requested to study the matter and have not yet come up with a solution. It was recommended that Assemblymen George Willson and Carley V. Porter be contacted in order to request their assistance in this matter. Mr. Spindel was directed to check into the possible removal of dirt and weeds in order to establish a cleareraccess by foot through the overpass. Council Minutes 7/24/62 son Mr. Irvan Phelan was called upon by Mayor Temple to report on the City Development Committee. Mr. Phelan reported that the name has been changed from Civic Center Committee to Civic Development Committee. Mayor Temple issued a proclamation that July 28 and 29 be "Breakfasts for Needy School Children Days" for Guadalajara, Downey's Sister -City, with the citizens of Downey participating in a car wash at the Golden State Bank and parking lot, to be sponsored by the "Y" Club group, Les Dauphines. Members of the group present were Misses Pat Sanford and Diane Lopez. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that Councilman Thomas H. Morton be appointed alternate delegate to the American Municipal Association's meeting in Philadelphia August 25 -29. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to authorize attendance to the American Municipal Association meeting of any Councilmen who can attend, with reasonable and necessary expenses allowed. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilman: Corbin There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 A.M. City erk Mayor Council Minutes 7/24/62 -10-