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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11-12-63-Regular Meeting1847 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY NOVEMBER 12TH, 1963 The City Council of the the City of Downey held a regular �--, meeting in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall at 7:30 P.M. on November 12, 1963, Mayor Stephen G. Skinner, Jr. presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney A. C. Gabriel, Director of Finance Ervin Spindel, Director of Public Works Frank Carter, Principal Planner Lee Leavitt, City Engineer Robert Gain, Fire Chief Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police Ray Lake, Director of Building and Safety Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk The invocation was given by Councilman Scott E. Temple. Mayor Skinner called upon Chief of Police Ivan A. Robinson to present certificates of graduation from the Los Angeles Police Academy to six Downey police officers who had just completed what is one of the toughest sessions of school in the world as far as law enforcement is concerned. All six officers passed in the upper 50% of the class, with 3 in the top 10 %. The Chief requested Mayor Skinner to assist in presentation of the certificates to the following officers: Robert W. Bradfield Rodney Dale Engert William Michael Hadley Barton Lee Kirk Louis Frank Riesenhuber Lawrence Nehl Olson Mayor Skinner announced that this is the time and place set for the public hearing on Downey Improvement Project No. 508, Downey Avenue. Mr. Spindel reviewed the facts that the property owners on Downey Avenue between Florence Avenue and Gallatin Road, from which right of way was purchased, have been required by official written notice and posting to construct curb, gutter, paving and sidewalks on the east side along Downey Avenue, and to construct curb, gutter, and paving on the west side of Downey Avenue. It was reported that a permit has been issued for the construction of curb, gutter and sidewalks as required, and most of this work has been completed. However, no permit has as yet been issued or requested for the con- struction of pavement. Mayor Skinner inquired if there was anyone wishing to speak for or against this improvement project. ,--ft Speaking against Downey Improvement Project #508 were the fol- lowing persons: Anthony A. Mazur, 9608 Downey Avenue Council Minutes 11/12/63 -l- NQ Mr. Mazur requested a 30 -day extension added to the 60 -day notice before construction of improvements in order to attempt to save three elm trees fronting his property and which would need to be moved to make room for the improvements. Mr. Mazur also requested permission to move them into the parkway and was informed this would not be possible if, upon inspection, the elms were of a type which would damage curbs and gutters. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that permission be granted to Mr. Mazur to move the trees if, after inspection by the public works department, they were of a variety which would not be injurious to paving, and of a type normally allowed in parkways. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered to grant a 30 -day extension to Mr. Mazur to allow him the proper time to remove the trees the extension to be for sidewalk construction only. Mr. Mazur also inquired about sewer laterals on his property. He stated he had been informed by the City that there would be no charge for hook -up to the main lateral; however, he was subsequently informed it would cost him approximately $350 to $360 if the connection was done by the City. Mr. Spindel requested that, since Mr. Mazur's inquiry relative to sewer laterals does not have a bearing on the public hearing, the matter be thoroughly investigated and a report be made to Council. Mrs. George Levchuk, 9730 Downey Avenue, read a letter from her and her husband stating they have not as yet received the money due them through condemnation proceedings. Mrs. Levchuk was informed that since the matter was handled through their counsel, it was at all times available to them upon application by their attorney, and she was advised to have their own counsel process for payment. John Hopson, 9723 Downey, inquired if the improvements could be paid over a 10 -year period. He was informed by the City Attorney that the payments would be added to the tax bills with interest added on the unpaid balance, would require formal action by the City Council, and would not preclude' anyone's paying it off at any time. Earl Christensen, 9901 Downey Avenue, protested the drainage problem which exists in front of his property evidently caused by improper grade. He was informed that the grades would be checked by the Department of Public Works. Mrs. James Rue, 9923 Downey Avenue, verified that a letter from her husband had been submitted to Council protesting payment for im- provements which he feels should be paid by gas tax funds. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the letter be received and filed. Mrs. Levchuk inquired about the payment by the City for improve- ments on some of the properties on Downey Avenue, but not on others. Councilman Corbin informed her that persons dedicating their right of way are allowed paveouts being done by City, while those whose property is condemned are not entitled to this. Mrs. Hopson, 9723 Downey Avenue, protested that since Downey Avenue is a main thoroughfare, the paving should be put in by gas tax funds. Council Minutes 11/12/63 -2- V111, r There being no further protests, it was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the hearing on Downey Improvement Project No. 508, Downey Avenue, be closed. Councilman Morton stated that there were two or three persons discussing the matter, including Dr. Rue's letter, indicating that they feel strongly that the City should pay for the pavement because Downey Avenue is a major highway, and gas tax funds are available for this purpose. He asked Mr. Spindel to comment on this point as he felt there had not been a specifi& reply on it. Mr. Spindel explained that the paving improvement has been ac- complished indirectly with gas tax funds through county aid and the travelway has been provided for the through traffic. Paving now being requested by the property owners is essentially the parking lane. There are four travel lanes on the street and it is the policy of the City to place paving on streets where dedication previously has been made -- property owners put in curbs and gutters. There is no legal requirement that this be done but it is merely a policy. If the City followed the letter of the law, it could have put no paving in front of the ten properties, not even the extra lanes of travelway, and the property owners could be directed to do this. The City Council has at no time been obligated to do any of the paving but it is done as a matter of policy. As there appeared to be further protests to be voiced by property owners, it was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and so ordered that the hearing on Downey Improvement Project #508, be reopened. Mrs. Levchuk, Mr. Mazur and Mr. Hopson spoke again in protest of having to pay for paveouts at their properties. r-• It was then moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the hearing be closed. In answer to an inquiry as to the approximate cost to the property owners for paveouts on Downey Avenue, Mr. Spindel informed Councilmen that it would be quite a bit less than the value given to the land that was condemned. After further disnussion, it was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the following vote to take the matter under submission for further study. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was recommended that a field trip be made and a report submitted from the City Manager and Director of Public Works of their findings. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that the minutes of the meeting of November 5, 1963, be approved as written. The City Manager reported on a reply to Mayor Skinner's letter to Assemblyman Carley V. Porter regarding further landscaping of Santa Ana Freeway within the City of Downey and expediting same. Ordered re- ceived and filed. A communication from the Public Utilities Commission was reviewed by Mr. King who stated the Park Water Company had been granted an increase of water rates in the City of Downey of 10(,, per meter per month to offset replenishment cost in the Central Water Basin. It was reported no action is necessary and that the matter should merely be reported to the citizens. Council Minutes 11/12/63 -3- 1850 It was reported by the City Manager that as a result of the joint meeting of the City Council and the Downey Community Hospital Foundation on last Friday, a formula and basic ground rules had been arrived at for those interested in submitting financial and con- struction proposals for a hospital for the City of Downey. He further stated that the City is interested in receiving feasibility reports relative to the construction of a multi -story type one "1 ", 150 -bed air - conditioned hospital with master planning for expansion, and with a laundry. The report should include estimated cost of construction, including architect's fee, equipment classified as Group II and III, recommended by the California State Department of Public Health, with estimated cost of $397,500; also laundry, 2250 square feet with equipment estimated at $112,500, and that for comparison purposes, the cost of site not be included. It was also suggested that the feasibility report should include: local need, present hospital facilities, justification and financial support for payment of bonds, a recommended location, number of acres, number of pgxking spaces, height of building, accessibility, and purpose and benefits to the citizens of Downey. The report should conclude with means of financing the hospital, including estimated total cost, debt amortization schedules, estimated interest rates and time table necessary to activate program (estimated capital, main- tenance and operations costs for all necessary data to establish "cash flow" estimates) under the following two general financial pro- grams: A. Outline procedures of Private Capital Financing - lease to City or Hospital Board. B. Outline procedure of Lease Finance, or Lease Purchase Program through issuance of tax -free revenue bonds. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and so ordered that the basic rules of financial and construction pro- posals for a hospital for the City of Downey be approved as a guide line as outlined by the City Manager. Mr. King reviewed the minutes meeting wherein it was recommended action and approve blue on gold as conform to the large parking signs accordance with the manufacturer's paid for out of City Funds and ins of the Parking Place Commission that the Commission retract previous the color of directional signs to previously recommended, which was in recommendation. These signs will be tilled by City Forces. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to approve the recommendation of the Parking Place Commissioners that the color of the directional signs be blue on gold to conform with the large parking signs. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None After a summation of bids on entrance and exit signs and large signs on parking lots, of the three bids received, the low bid of Western Highway Products was recommended by the Parking Place Commission. It was recommended that Council consider the purchase of three additional 10 x 4 signs for the two City - leased lots, one at the entrance to the Baker parking lot at New Street, and the other two at the Steck lot at Second and Third Streets. It was reported further that consid- eration is also being requested for one additional sign for the heliport. Council Minutes 11/12/63 -4- 1851 It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson that the bid be awarded to the lowest and best bidder, Western Highway Products, and that the Public Works Department be authorized to purchase the parking lot signs as a package deal for all signs needed, not to exceed the cost of $116.50 each. The City Attorney advised that all bids be rejected and the Purchasing Agent be authorized to call for informal bids in accordance with purchasing ordinance procedures, for a quantity of twelve 10 x 4 signs, 20 directional signs, 36 x 30 x 21, with authorization to enter into a contract for all of the signs with the lowest bidder, taking into consideration all factors involv- ing time, delivery, etc. Councilman Temple amended his motion in accordance with the City Attorneys recommendation. Mayor Skinner called for the vote on the amended motion: AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerscn, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager outlined a resolution recommended by the Parking Place Commissioners with regard to restricting parking on the parking lots in Vehicle Parking District No. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 1263 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON THE PUBLIC PARKING .-. LOTS WITHIN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 66, VEHICLE PARKING DISTRICT NUMBER ONE The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1263 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager reported on a recommendation for an additiora 1 crossing guard at Stewart and Gray Rd. and Patton Rd. The cost of this guard can be absorbed in the police budget for the current year. Councilman Temple recommended, as a better solution, the instal- lation of an activated signal, which he felt could offset the cost of a crossing guard within 2 or 3 years. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and passed by the following vote to authorize study for a signal and place a crossing guard at the intersection of Stewart and Gray and Patton Roads until a signal can be installed, if warranted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Council Minutes 11/12/63 -5- r_u_ ! ' � betweVe City Manager reported that the total cost of re- striping Firestone Blvd. /'.: Paramount Boulevard and Rives Avenue amounted to $651.44 and recommended that Council consider paying $102.25 for paint and materials, Mr. Frahm paying the balance of $549.19, which would be for equipment and labor, as an equitable distribution. Councilman Morton inquired if the supplies had come out of standard supplies and was informed by Mr. Spindel that they had. It was then recommended by Councilman Morton that Mr. Frahm be charged for the labor and leasing of one unit of equipment on the basis that the material came from standard inventory of the City and equipment other than the one leased unit was city - owned. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Dickerson that Mr. Frahm be charged for labor and leased equipment for re- striping an Firestone Boulevard at the location of his automobile agency. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. King recommended that Council authorize expense reimburse- ment for City officials who were authorized to attend the League of California Cities meeting in October in the amount of $150 each as this was not done prior to the League meeting. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and passed by the following vote to authorize expense reimbursement in the amount of $150 for City officials authorized to attend the League of California Cities meeting in San Francisco in October, 1963. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager reported that the postmaster has been inquiring as to when the parking lots might be opened to the public adjacent to the post office on Firestone Boulevard. It was suggested that possibly the one adjacent to the post office and the one at Second and New Street have formal opening on Friday. However, after being informed that the lots would not be completed at that time, nor landscaped, it was deemed advisable to open the lots when ready and hold a formal ceremony upon their completion with landscaping installed. ORDINANCE NO. 236 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 7100.1 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING THERETO SECTION 7101.4, WHICH SAID SECTIONS RELATE TO STREETS AND PUBIIC WORKS The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading be waived. Mr. H. L. Duggan commended the City Council members for adoption of Ordinance No. 236 and stated that he believes streets and sidewalks will be much safer for pedestrian traffic with removal of obstructions in right of ways provided for in this ordinance. Council Minutes 11/12/63 -6- U It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote that Ordinance No. 236 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTIONS 2801, 2802, 2803, AND 2804 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, WHICH SAID SECTIONS RELATE TO THE DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AND MONEY The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further read- ing be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the ordinance be introduced. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson, Corbin, Spinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -364 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 ( #29211 - #29567 $100,645.71) (Payroll) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -364 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson,Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -365 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 ( #11819 - #12202) ($72,619.40) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further read- ing be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and. passed by the following vote that Resolution No. WS -365 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Council Minutes 11/12/63 -7- .► After a summation of bids for Cash Contract No. 84, Stewart and Gray Road and Old River School Road, it was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and passed by the follow- ing vote to award to the lowest and best bidder, Vernon L. Wright in the amount of the unit prices submitted in the bid proposal and that all other bids be rejected. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None After a summation of bids on Cash Contract #89, Woodruff Avenue south of Imperial Highway improvements, it was waved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to award to the lowest and best bidder, Sully- Miller Contracting Company, in the amount of $11,742.38 and that all other bids be rejected. (Unit bid price.) AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson,Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. Spindel reported that some time ago the property owners on Quill Drive between Rives Avenue and Old River School Road, with the exception of 12421 Rives Avenue and 7745 Quill Drive, participated with the City of Downey in the cost to improve Quill Drive by construction of curb, gutter and paving. The omission of these improvements creates a maintenance problem in the area. Therefore, it was recom- mended that the Department of Public Works be authorized to initiate proceedings to complete these improvements under Chapter 27 of the Improvement Act of 1911 of the Streets and Highways Code, under Downey Improvement Project #509. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote to initiate proceedings as requested by the Director of Public Works and that the property owner be personally contacted before receipt of a letter officially notifying him of these proceedings, under DIP #509. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. Spindel reported that improvements, including curb, gutter, sidewalks and paving have been constructed with the exception of properties located at 10910 -12 Paramount Boulevard, and that the omission of these impfovements creates a traffic problem, not only to vehicular traffic but to pedestrian traffic. It was recommended that the Depart- ment of Public Works be authorized to proceed with the requirements that these improvements be completed under the provisions of Chapter 27 of the Improvement Act of 1911 of the Streets and Highways Code, under DIP #510. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to initiate proceedings as requested by the Director of Public Works to proceed with improvements of properties located at 10910 -12 Paramount Boulevard under Chapter 27 of the 1911 Act (DIP #510). AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner „ NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Council Minutes 11/12/63 -8- a w Councilman Temple inquired if there is a possibility of putting in pavement from gas tax funds and charge for paving on Quill only in Downey Improvement project #509. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered to amend the original motion to show that gas tax monies be used on Rives Avenue in Downey Improvement Project #509. Mr. Spindel reported that improvements, including curb, gutter, sidewalk and paving have been constructed on Paramount Boule- vard with exception of the improvements adjacent to properties located at 10602 -08 Paramount Boulevard and since the omission of these improvements creates a traffic problem, not only to vehicular traffic but to pedestrian traffic, as well, it be recommended that authority be granted to proceed with requirements that these improvements be completed under the provisions of Chapter 27 of the Improvement Act of 1911 of the Streets and Highways Code under Downey Improvement Project #504. Councilman Temple inquired if the City had been granted the right of way on this property. Spindel reported they cannot institute proceedings under Chapter #27 unless they have the right of way. It was recommended that the areas at Paramount Boulevard and Florence Avenue on the east side of Florence; Woodruff Avenue and Stewart and Gray Road;and Third Street and Paramount Boulevard be studied for inclusion in select system of streets. These locations are now under study and investigation, according to Mr. Spindel. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to authorize the Department of Public Works to proceed with requirement of curb, gutter and sidewalks adjacent to properties located at 10602 -08 Paramount Boulevard undek Downey Improvement Project #504. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Temple, Morton, Dickerson, Corbin, Skinner NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager requested the Director of Public Works to furnish a comparison of estimates of assessments per square foot in the Vehicle Parking District as made a year ago and it was reported that the spread of the assessments will soon be completed. Councilman Temple.recommended a study be made on a senate bill requiring a $50 deduction on stock as he wondered if it would wotk a hardship on older citizens. He will advise Mr. King of the number of this bill for study. Councilman Dickerson recommended that some action be taken to replace members of citizens committees when 3 consecutive meetings are missed. It was recommended further that the committees recommend necessary actions when their members are either unable to attend due to lack of time or lack of interest, and to set up their policies as to attendance. Councilman Corbin recommended appointment of John Wimmer to the Civic Development Committee. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that the appointment of John Wimmer to the Civic Development Committee be approved. Council Minutes 11/12/63 -9- It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered to authorize preparation of a resolution reappointing J. Arch Morris as a member of the Planning Commission. Chief Gain was requested to report on a Greater Los Angeles Inter - Governmental Cooperation Committee meeting which has been promoted by the City of Los Angeles and "fomented" by the County. He stated their program is a "re- hash" of the old functional consolidation that was attempted about four years ago. With the mutual aid pacts in existence, the City of Downey does most every- thing that is proposed by this committee. One thing Chief Gain stated he objects to strongly is the erasing of governmental jurisdictions for the purpose of mutual aid fire fighting. The system has proven itself through the years of operation. It is Chief Gain's belief that the City should keep abreast of this committee's actions but he would not recommend taking part in the committee's activities. In the system in operation in the City of Downey, there is local control and fire fighting equipment is sent to other areas only to the extent that it can be spared in order to keep the City of Downey protected. It was recommended that the City not affiliate with the program as it is outlined but to keep the program under observance. It was reported that most of the independent cities take the stand that Chief Gain takes. Councilman Temple stated instead of building up home rule, it appears this committee is trying to break it down. Chief Gain was directed by Council to continue to attend these meetings. Mr. Francis N. Hart requested a reply to a communication sub- •-ft mitted to City Council at their meeting of July 8, 1963, relative to Zone Change Case #95. Mr. Hart read his communication, requesting that an opinion or ruling be given by the City Attorney. The City Attorney stated that he was in no position to give an answer at this time and the City Manager informed Mr. Hart he would research the case and answer Mr. Hart as soon as possible, to the best of his ability. There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 P.M. City C erk Mayor Council Minutes 11/12/63 -10-