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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08-24-62-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUGUST 24TH, 1962 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular adjourned meeting in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall at 8:00 A.M., August 24, 1962, Mayor Scott E. Temple presiding. PRESENT: COUNCILMEN: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Bob Flandrick, Acting City Attorney A. C. Gabriel, Director of Finance Sherman Griselle, Director of Planning Ervin Spindel, Director of Public Works Robert Gain, Fire Chief Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police Tom Nudson, Assistant Director of Building & Safety Don Robison, Administrative Assistant Della Doyle, City Clerk Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk Reverend Arthur B. Ihnen of the First Presbyterian Church delivered the invocation. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the minutes of the Council Meeting of August 13, 1962, be approved as amended. The City Clerk reported on the following written correspondence: (1) A letter from the Downtown Downey Business Assocation relative to a request for removal of the parking meter posts in the City of Downey. Mr. Spindel was directed to bring in a report on the number of posts and figures on the cost of this operation through city forces. (2) A copy of a resolution from the County Board of Supervisors relative to provision that all cities of Los Angeles County qualifying for such financial assistance in the same manner as those cities contiguous to the rural areas, and requesting the cooperation of each city within the county. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Morton and so ordered to approve preparation of a resolution supporting the resolution of the County of Board of Supervisors. (3) A letter from the Downey Recreation and Park District relative to a new contract with the City of Downey on a percentage figure of the District's payroll determining the annual fee, requesting 42% of the payroll be estab- lished as the annual fee. It was moved by Councilman Corbin and seconded by Councilman Peavey that Mayor Temple be authorized to sign a contract between the Downey Park and Recreation District and the City of Downey within 30 days for 5% of their payroll as the annual fee. Ray Goates stated the Park District is desirous of setting 42% as the formula for computing the annual fee for the City's accounting services to the District, as set out in the letter from the Chairman of the Board. Councilman Morton stated that he feels the 42% is an equitable figure and one with which he would go along. The Director of Finance was asked to report on the basis for arriving at a 5% rate. Mr. Gabriel reported that the percentage, based on last year's budget, was 4.785 %, and based on this year's fiscal budget is 5.486 %. Councilman Peavey stated that services performed by the City for the Park District in the Accounting Department have cost more than $5,000; that the service was set up for the convenience of the Park Board and he does not feel it should still be costing the City money to allow the Park Board this convenience and Council cannot be justified in this - -if it costs 5% not including the administration of it, he does not want them to be overcharged but feels it cannot be justified to charge the Park District any less. Councilman Morton stated that if the actual costs to the City for services in the Accounting Department to the Park District are 5 %, then the City cannot charge them any less. Mayor Temple asked for the vote on the motion previously stated: AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. Spindel was asked to report on the cost for removal of the parking meter posts. The removal would involve use of acetyline torches and the smoothing of any roughness of pavement or obstructions for safety, and this work can be handled through the Public Works Department personnel at a cost of around $800, which, he stated, is a bookkeeping matter in the Public Works budget. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to instruct the Public Works Department to remove the parking meter posts throughout the City of Downey. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager suggested that in connection with the parking meters and storage the City should consider the selling of these meters; however, he recommended further study be given through the Board of Parking Com- missioners. After discussion of possible future use of the parking meters on lots in the City Parking District, the matter was tabled for further study and for consideration and recommendation by the Parking District Commission. Letters of committee appointments submitted by Councilman Corbin. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered to approve the following committee appointments as made by Councilman Ben Corbin: Mr. Gene Pickett to Charter City Committee Mr. Caesar Mattei to Youth Advisory Committee Mrs. Marilyn Stromberg to City Beautification Committee (4) An appeal from Everett Mason by Vernon Blyth to Zone Change #89. Mr. Griselle, Director of Planning, gave a resume of this zone change. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey that a hearing be set on Zone Change #89 for 7:30 P.M., September 11, 1962, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. 14'7 It was reported that the applicant in this zone change appeal had requested that the hearing be set as late as possible within the deadline for filing appeal in order that he may conduct further study and obtain more complete information in preparing for the hearing. Also, it was reported the applicant might be out of town and unable to appear at an earlier hearing. In view of these facts, Councilman Peavey withdrew his second to the motion setting the hearing for September 11. Councilman Skinner withdrew his motion. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote that the hearing on Zone Change #89, be set for 8:00 A.M., September 25, 1962, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Morton, Temple NOES: 1 Councilman: Skinner (Because he feels these hearings ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None should be held at a night meeting.) It was reported that though the meeting is set for the morning of September 25, which is the very latest it could be set and still be within the deadline for the appeal period, the hearing can be opened on that date; however, it can then be continued if Council so desires, to the next regular night meeting. The Director of Planning was instructed to inform the persons involved in the zone change matter that if one is unable to appear at the hearing at the morning meeting, a written communication is acceptable as evidence, the same as a personal or oral communication. ORDINANCE NO. 207 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. 72, ZONE CHANGE #88) 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 Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 207 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. 208 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF ARTICLE IV OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING THERETO A NEW PART TO BE DESIGNATED PART 6 AND CON- SISTING OF SECTIONS 4290 THROUGH 4290.8, ALL RELATING TO THE RAISING AND KEEPING OF WILD OR VICIOUS ANIMALS OR REPTILES 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. 1,4'78 It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 208 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. 209 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 6603 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, WHICH SAID SECTION RELATES TO AUCTION SALES 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 Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 209 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. 210 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTIONS 6702 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, WHICH SAID SECTIONS RELATE TO FIRE AND CLOSING OUT SALES The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Morton and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 210 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 1020 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FIXING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1962 The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded.by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1020 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None 14'79 RESOLUTION NO. 1021 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FIXING THE RATE OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1962 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 Morton and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1021 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Mayor stated that this resolution sets the tax rate at 29(,% for the fifth year and he hopes the City can continue doing this as long as possible. The City Manager wished to report that the estimated amount of revenues as given by the Director of Finance was $472,000 and the amount received was $474,000, so the Director's estimate was very good. Councilman Peavey stated that since it appears the City of Downey is moving along in an excellent manner, some of the larger cities who are ap- parently having financial difficulties and having to raise taxes, should check into the City of Downey's way of doing business and see how they manage to get along so well. RESOLUTION NO. 1022 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FIXING THE RATE OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1962, FOR THE LIGHTING DISTRICTS WITHIN THE CITY The resolution was read by title only. The City Manager clarified the resolution relative to the various lighting districts. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Corbin 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. 1022 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 1023 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FIXING THE RATE OF TAXES FOR THE PARK, RECREATION AND PARKWAY DISTRICT #7 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1962, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5780, ETC., OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCE CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading be waived. 1480 It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1023 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 1024 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO VACATE A CERTAIN STREET FOR PUBLIC ROAD PURPOSES (FLORENCE AVENUE SERVICE ROAD) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that a hearing be set for 7:30 P.M., September 11, 1962, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Morton 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. 1024 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 1025 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY" DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO VACATE A CERTAIN EASEMENT FOR SANITARY SEWER PURPOSES (SOUTH OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY, EASTERLY OF BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Morton and so ordered that a hearing be set for 7:30 P.M., September 11, 1962, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Corbin 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. 1025 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 1026 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN RIGHTS OF WAY ON WOODRUFF AVENUE NORTH OF FOSTER ROAD 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. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None 1451 RESOLUTION NO. 1027 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONGRATULATING THE FRIENDS OF THE DOWNEY LIBRARY ON THEIR THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF SERVICE The resolution was read in full. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1027 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Temple presented a certified copy of Resolution No. 1027 to Mrs. Thomas Curtis of the Friends of the Downey Library who, in turn, accepted the resolution with great pleasure and stating she hoped they can do more to assist in future progress and growth of the Downey Library. RESOLUTION NO. WS -307 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 ( #18595 - #18991 $103,135.81) (Payroll) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered that further read- ing be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -307 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -308 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 ( #7948 - #8064 $52,616.27) 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 Corbin and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -308 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Plans showing projects at various locations throughout the City need- ing miscellaneous paveouts were submitted (on Telegraph Road, Paramount Boulevard, Imperial Highway, Stewart and Gray Road and Woodruff Avenub) at an estimated cost of construction approximating $37,000. Mr. Spindel, Director of Public Works, explained that these projects are budjeted under County Aid Funds. • �J It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to approve plans and specifications and authorize advertising for bids for Cash Contract #76, miscellaneous paveouts. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None As a condition of the Planning Commission in the development of property at 11737 Downey Avenue, the owner was required to vacate access rights to the City along the alley which is located between Gurley Avenue and Downey Avenue, northerly of De Palma Street. The property owner is giving this access to the City. It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to accept the vacation of the access rights along the alley located between Gurley Avenue and Downey Avenue at the rear of 11737 Downey Avenue, northerly of DePalma Street. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbig, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to authorize the Director of Public Works to represent the City at the American Public Works Association's 1962 Public Works Congress and Equipment Show, September 30 through October 3, 1962, at New Orleans, La., with reasonable and necessary expenses allowed, and tourist transportation accommodations. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The Director of Public Works, Ervin Spindel, reported that the House of Representatives and the Senate have authorized the President to proclaim the week of October 14 - 20 as National Public Works Week and that this observance is being co- sponsored by Kiwanis International and the American Public Works Association. Mayor Temple recommended proclaiming this week as Public Works Week in the City of Downey. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Skinner and so ordered to approve proclaiming the week of October 14 - 20, 1962 as NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK. Mr. Griselle reported that pursuant to a request by Council at their meeting on June 26, 1962, for investigation and report on whether a common rear property line could be established between Ardis Avenue and proposed Rutgers Avenue, and between Stanbridge Avenue and proposed Rutgers Avenue, it has been established that some parcels have previously been divided into unequal lots and these prior divisions must be recognized. Lot splits to permit a division of parcels in order that new parcels and new frontages may be developed along Rutgers Avenue will not affect the street improvement district. However, each new lot created must have a lot area of 5,000 square feet and must have a 50' frontage. Without lot split approval new parcels cannot be created to take advantage of the new street. Street im- provement districts and lot split proceedings work together to assist in the creation of new residential areas. Mr. Griselle stated that the lots will have to be handled on an individual basis and these lot splits as proposed along Rutgers Avenue will make it possible to have the assessment district. It was reported by Mr. Spindel that at a Traffic Committee Meeting it was recommended that Council consider the following recommendations of the Committee to help correct the traffic problem, both vehicular and pedestrian, at the intersection of Firestone Boulevard and New Street. 1. Request permission from the State Division of Highways to prohibit left turns at New Street and Firestone Boulevard in all directions. 2. That the City be authorized to close off the westerly cross- walk entirely. 3. That the City request that the State eliminate the proposed left turn bay on Firestone Boulevard at New Street, in con- junction with the Firestone Boulevard improvement project. Mr. Spindel reported that these recommendations were concurred in by the Citizens Traffic Committee and representatives of the Downtown Business Men's Association, who were present at t1m meeting. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Skinner and passed by the following vote to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Committee as stated above. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager reported on the following items: (1) Further study of the request of Mr. Ernest Anast, for the City's consideration in the appropriation of funds for paveout work 180' along Telegraph Road at 9106 -20, reveals that this paveout is one of the condi- tions stipulated in Zone Exception Case No. 263 by the Planning Commission on January 12, 1962. The City Attorney has advised, on similar and previous occasions, that the matter would have to go back to the Planning Commission for modification of any of the conditions, which would require the filing of a new zone exception case with a new hearing, inasmuch as the appeal period to the City Council for this case expired prior to the request outlined in Mr. Anast's letter of July 19, 1962. (2) Pursuant to Council's request that efforts be made to see that the City could be reimbursed by the contractor for weed abatement of three properties, inadvertently charged for work not performed, it has been found that the contractor was paid for exactly the amount of weeds and debris which had been removed. The error was in that the wrong property owners were assessed for the weed abatement, due to a recent lot split which had not been called to the attention of the personnel tabulating the weed abatement assessments. However, the total sum collected for weed abatement contains an amount for contingencies, which is more than enough to cover such reim- bursements. The following personnel recommendations were outlined by the City Manager: A. Reclassify Traffic Engineer from Associate Civil Engineer (Schedule 25, $739 -$900) to Senior Civil Engineer (Schedule 27, $816 - $991). The City has been unable to obtain qualified candidates for the position of Traffic Entineer under the present schedule #25 and is now ready to readvertise. It is believed this position is of sufficient importance to the City that the Senior Civil Engineer level be approved. i�484 It was explained by Mr. Spindel that the requirement that the Traffic Engineer recruit be an associate member of the Institute of Traffic Engineers, which has very rigid qualifications, be in lieu of being a registered associate civil engineer. He reported that there are funds in the budget to handle the higher classification for this position. Councilman Peavey stated he believed these matters of reclassification were to have been taken care of at the time the budget was being prepared and that none were to be submitted after that time. Councilman Morton stated that on the basis that the amount has been budgeted and the City has been unable to fill the position of Traffic Engineer on the present classification, he will recommend the reclassification. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Peavey and passed by the following vote to authorize readvertising for the position of Traffic Engineer on Schedule #27, $816 -$991. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None B. Reclassify Fire Prevention secretary from Secretary -Steno I ( #346 - $433) to Secretary -Steno II ( #373 - $454). The level and scope of the work in this position has increased to justify this reclassification since it was established in 1957. Increased workload and additional responsibilities now meet the requirements of Secretary -Steno II. The City Manager reported that both these recommendations had been concurred with by the Personnel Advisory Board. Councilmen agreed that they do not desire to make any reclassifications of individual positions except at the time of preparing the annual fiscal budget. Fire Chief Robert Gain stated that it was due to the misunderstand- ing that he had not presented it at the proper time and he felt it was on error on the part of the secretary steno's superiors and that this person should not be penalized for the error. He reported that there are funds budgeted to handle this reclassification. After further discussion, it was moved by Councilman Skinner, seconded by Councilman Peavey, and passed by the following vote that the reclassifica- tion of Fire Prevention secretary from Secretary -Steno I to Secretary -Steno II be denied. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton NOES: 1 Councilmen: Temple (Because he feels an employee is being ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None discriminated against.) Mr. King reported that the Southern California Water Company is making approaches to the City of Lakewood for the acquisition of their system lying in the north part of the City of Downey and read a draft of a letter directed to the City of Lakewood asking them to withhold negotiations with any water company until the City of Downey is in a position to negotiate with them. Inasmuch as he is very much in favor of sending the letter -- a second step in consolidation of the entire water system in the City of Downey -- it was moved by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Skinner that the Mayor be authorized to sign the letter for mailing to the City of Lakewood as drafted. Ha _7 It was ascertained that the City would acquire the water company from revenues derived from the 1200 connections. Bob Flandrick, Acting City Attorney, stated that the judgment on the Downey County Water Company will not be final until September 28, in the absence of an appeal. Mayor Temple asked for the vote on the motion to send the letter drafted to the City of Lakewood. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager requested vacation coinciding with the Labor Day holiday of Thursday and Friday preceding September 3. It was moved by Councilman .Skinner, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered to approve the City Manager's request for vacation time August 30 and 31, 1962. Councilman Morton remarked that he has seen comments in the newspapers, an irresponsible statement, to the effect that the City is taking over the Downey County Water Company in order to build the City a new City Hall. He believes it is an irresponsible comment which misleads the people as to just what the City has in mind with regard to an integrated water system. If the matter is looked at as a whole, with complete information, the real objective would be realized. He objects to this type of misleading the people. Councilman Skinner recommended that resolution #1769 of the City of Laguna be studied regarding parking lots, ownership, etc., as this may solve some problems in the downtown parking lots and other lots where a building is erected and there is no room for a parking lot. He suggested that the Planning Department, Planning Commission, Council and other depart- ment heads study the resolution. Councilman Peavey reported that he has just learned that the City of Bellflower is in the process of taking over the Bellflower County Water District and that they, too, have many different water districts in their City. It was very refreshing to him to learn that the City of Bellflower is not having the difficulty the City of Downey is and has had regarding the Downey County Water District. Councilman Peavey recommended revision of the Zoning Ordinance to provide for erection of buildings of more than 3 stories in an M -1 zone. Mr. Griselle stated he has no objections and that it would be a question of the wording. It was moved by Councilman Peavey, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote to authorize the City Attorney to study the possible revision in the M -1 zone in the Zoning Ordinance. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Peavey, Corbin, Skinner, Morton, Temple NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Councilman Peavey reported that as the result of a complaint, he had participated in an inspection of a street which had been swept by the City street sweeper the previous night, which obviously had not been given a thorough job. Mr. Spindel was asked if, in his opinion, the City should acquire another sweeper or just how this matter could be rectified. Mr. Spindel reported it is contemplated that another sweeper be purchased but that it is the desire to keep the old sweeper as a re- placement or spare. A new sweeper would do a better job. He stated he had accompanied Mr. Peavey on the inspection of the street and at the time the street was swept there was a great deal of water in the gutters which hampered the street sweeper's operation. The newer sweeper should do a better job. Also, additional sweepers will need to be added as the additional miles of streets and gutters are installed throughout the City as time goes by. There are several problems involved in sweeping the streets: parked cars, a great deal of water making it very difficult to pick up the sweepings (ordinarily the sweeper does shoot down a fine spray to keep down the dust) however, water puddling up does make it difficult. It is possibly a matter of public education. Councilman Peavey recommended advertising for the purchase of a street sweeper. Mr. Spindel advised that specifications are in the process of being prepared at the present time. Bob Flandrick, Acting City Attorney, reported on the two litigations pending: Downey County Water District which will become final on September 28 in the absence of an appeal from either party. Stevensen vs. City of Downey relative to Stonewood Shopping Center. The last day for filing a petition for appeal, the applicant filed and the City will be advised on further developments. An answer will be filed and the matter followed through by the City Attorney's office. Mayor Temple reported that there is a new business, first of its kind to be started in the State of California (an indoor archery) and that Downey should feel honored to have been selected as tbenost logical place for establishment of this enterprise. Mayor Temple inquired about the signal recommended for installation at the intersection of Paramount and Quoit. Mr. Spindel reported the matter was taken up by the Traffic Committee the day before Council Meeting and will be reported on in the near future. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 A.M. City Plerk Mayor • a, ' � o