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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-07-67-Regular Meeting2823 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 7, 1967 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular adjourned meeting at 8:00 A.M. on March 7, 1967, which meeting was adjourned by motion of the City Council from the regular meeting of February 28, 1967. The City Clerk reported that a copy of the notice of adjournment was posted as required by law and the proper affidavit covering the post- ing of the notice is on file. PRESENT: Councilmen: Dunnum, Corbin, Morton, Temple, Dickerson I ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Carl Newton, Attorney William A. Goggin, Director of Planning Ervin Spindel, Director of Public Works James Ruth, Director of Parks & Recreation Robert Shand, Director of Finance Don Robison, Assistant to the City Manager Robert W. Gain, Fire Chief Ray.Lake, Director of Building & Safety Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police Loren Morgan, Deputy Chief of Police Della Doyle, City Clerk Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk The City Manager reported that Parcel #19 located at Second and Downey Avenue has been appraised at $12,220.00 by the General Appraisal Company and requested Council authority for the Mayor or City Manager to execute the agreement with the property owner and enter into escrow. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Counci1,woman'.Diunnuw� and paused` by the following vote to authorize the Mayor or City Manager to sign agreement ani eater into escrow on behalf of the City with Mr. Hollis M. Peavey, owner of pr000rCy'at Third and Downey Avenue as appraised by the General Appraisal Company. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Corbin, Morton, Temple,' Dickerson NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Dickerson opened the discussion for reviewing plans and.specifications for the police wing addition. Chief Robinson stated that the first concern should,be the beat service to the public — their convenience when coming to the Police Department. Any plan but the third could accomplish this. Councilman Morton stated he favors Alternate #1, extending of the Police Department to the east with underground parking for the purpose of transporting of prisoners out of the public view and parking of police vehicles. Councilman Dunnum stated she favors Plan No. 1 or the first alternate, but feels that Council should take a good look at the cost. Mrs. Dunnum stated she favors the proposed covered parking. Mr. Spindel, Director of Public Works, reported that the estimated cost of $189,300 for the first alternate with underground parking does not include engineering ., or contingencies. If the first alternate should be approved, it would be necessary to hire a consulting engineer or architect to draw up the plans. Councilman Morton moved that the original propgsal, expanding to the east, be approved. Motion died for the lack of a second. Mayor Dickerson stated that due to the parking problem, he favors the first alternate which includes underground parking. Council Minutes - 3/7/67 =1® 2824 Councilman Dunnum stated she is not prepared to make a decision on how the Civic Center permanent construction is to be. In considering the alternate, which will involve $200,000 being put into the present City Hall, giving it a more or less permanent nature, even the $91,000 cost of the first plan seems quite high to her. Councilman Corbin stated that assuming the City acquires the church property at the corner of Brookshire Avenue and Second Street, it might be possible that the Police Depart- ment move into the existing church building, where sufficient parking would be available adjacent to it. Councilman Morton stated in review that Council had called for an extensive study which resulted in finding that the City Hall building is structurally sound. At that times.it was Council's directive to set aside a certain amount for capital improvements into a fund toward improving and remodeling the present City Hall facility. The City Manager asked that Council consider and look at the administrative advan- tages. The City of San Diego, he stated, has placed all their administration on the top floor of their City Hall. He feels the City of Downey has the best setup whereby almost all the department heads are in one location and near the City Manager and Administration Offices. In other cities where the pobce department or any other department is removed from the main City Hall compliment, the City Manager loses touch in some degree with the department heads. In Downey, where there is a central finance division, it can do a better job. The Finance Office, Personnel Department and the City Manager's Office are a nucleus and this just did not "happen" in the City of Downey - it was planned that way. The City Manager s4,ated he would like to see the Police Department operating in its present location. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, and seconded by Councilman Temple that the City Council undertake a comprehensive study of City Hall and Civic Renter Development, such study to commence as soon as possible. Councilman Morton reminded Council that the same motion had been made previously and that a study had been initiated. Such a new motion would be possibly to reactivate •-� the study. Councilman Temple remarked Cbuncil might be brought up to date on the results of the study. Deputy Chief Morgan stated the Police Department has an immediate space problem. They do not have enough space to operate. They have suggested a structure which is of minimum cost relatively simple to build, which would see them through for a few years. He would hate.to see Council put $200,000 into any kind of cheap building which is not built to operate as a police department. Efficiency problems are created by the nature of its construction. The Police Department would be little better than 179000 square feet and the money would not be put to good use if, ten years from now, it might possibly need to be re -done. Deppty Police Chief Morgan suggested a building of minimum cost to provide needed storage space. In talking of the church property, this would mean possibly another two years' delay. Councilman Morton stated he agrees with Deputy Chief's statements. All the plans have been fully evaluated and he feels it is time to make the decision, either building to the west or extending to the east. Councilman Dunnum withdrew her motion relative to the comprehensive civic center study and Councilman Temple withdrew his second to the motion. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Dunnum to approve the original design for the addition to the Police Department tap expand to the west. AYES: 2 Councilmen: Dunnum, Corbin Councilman Temple inquired if the demolition and moving of the buildings across the street from the City Hall would create sufficient additional parking places. Robert Shand, Director of Fins nce, stated that after removal of the apartment buildings on Second Street across the street from City Hall, there would be 12,000 square feet available, with 4600 square feet from the church property. Council Minutes — 3/7/67 -2- '-1 2825 The Director of Public Works stated there would be about 30 parking spaces created by the removal of the buildings across the street from the City Hall and space from the church property. Mr. Shand stated his feelings, that the Finance Division is experiencing ineffici- encies because of having the machine department located in a de-centr4li zed area across the street. He loses contact with his division head for the same reason as mentioned by the City Manager. He would like to go on record that the Finance Department is at the threshold of having to make the change to bring the department under one roof. The department is now overcrowded. Mr. Spindel reported that there is now 17,000 square feet of grass area in the patio. There would be 3,000 square feet in the police wing, leaving 14,000 square feet in grass in the patio area. Mayor Dickerson requested completion of the vote on the motion approving the original design of the Police Department to expand to the west into the patio area. The motion failed by the following vote: NOES: 3 Councilmen: Morton, Temple, Dickerson It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to adopt the first plan as submitted, extending to police department to the east rather than to the west. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Dunnum, Morton, Temple, Dickerson NOES: 1 Councilman: Corbin ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to approve plans and specifications for expansion of the west wing. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Morton, Temple, Corbin, Dickerson NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Clerk reported receipt of a letter of appreciation and commendation to the emergency services of the Downey Community Hospital from Mr. Bert P. DuMars. Received and filed. A request was made by Chief Ivan A. Robinson to attend the Peace Officers' Executive meeting in Sacramento, April 4, 1967, with expenses being paid by the Peace Officers' Association. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote to approve attendance by Chief of Police to the Peace Officers' Executive Committee meeting in Sacramento, April 4, 1967. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Morton, Temple, Corbin, Dickerson NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS -531 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 (#25237 - #25374 $60,973.40) The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. W14531 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Corbin, Morton, Temple, Dickerson NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Council Minutes - 3/7/67 -3- 2826 RESOLUTION NO. 1869 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING AND IMPLEMENTING A REVISED CLASSIFICATION PLAN The resolution was read by title only. Councilwoman Dunnum stated Aat it would appear to her that the classification falls in with the Pay Plan and that they should be adopted as a complete unit. Councilman Morton stated that he agreed with Councilwoman Dunnum and that they should be one plan. The City Manager advised Council that it was upon the request of the Employees Association that this revised Classification Plan be studied and revised and he would like to see it adopted with no relation to salary survey and pay plan. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading be waived. of Resolution No. 1869. It was moved by Councilman Corbin,,seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that the resolution be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Corbin,,Morto.n, Temple, Dickerson NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Councilman Morton stated his vote is not to be interpretted that he is going to automatically approve the pay plan as submitted. It was recommended that Council approve land acquisition of property and con- struction of a parking lot between Firestone Boulevard and the alley immediately east of Downey Avenue which is owned by Messrs. Governale and Herman for parking from Firestone Boulevard through to Second Street. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote to approve land acquisition and construction of a. parking lot, Firestone Boulevard to alley east of Downey Avenue through to Second Street as recommended. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Corbin, Morton, Temple, Dickerson NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 1870 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING THE VACATION OF PORTION OF SANITARY SEWER AND PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT OVER A PORTION OF VACATED CORD AVENUE AT DOWNEY AND SANFORD BRIDGE ROAD The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1870 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Corbin, Morton, Temple, Dickerson NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered to set hearings on Planning Resolutions No.'s 115 and 116, amending the comprehensive zoning ordinance, for 8:00 A.M., March 28, 1967, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. Council Minutes - 3/7/67 -4- 282' RESOLUTION NO. 1871 A RESOLUTION OF TBE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SETTING FORTH ITS RECOMMENDATION RELATIVE TO AN OFFICIA14 NAME FOR INTERSTATE HIGHWAY #605 The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 1871 be adopted. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Corbin, Morton, Temple, Dickerson NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None The City Manager stated that Council had previously authorized $2,000 for extension of the Downey Museum of Art to add a storage room. Further study indicates a need for classrooms at an additional cost of $1,500. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to authorize complete addition 20° x 44' to the Downey Art Museum and appropriation of an additional $1,500 from Capital Improvement Fund. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Corbin, Morton, Temple, Dickerson NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote to award bid for trailer mounted brush chipper, Bid #4304, to the lowest and best bidder, Dearth Machinery Company, in the amount of $3,290.80 and reject all ^; other bids. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Dunnum, Corbin, Morton, Temple, Dickerson NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered to accept the resignation of J. Arch Morris, Sr. from the Planning Commission and to authorize a letter of commendation and appreciation, as well as a special recognition plaque; and appointment of Mr. Jack Garland to fill this vacancy. Councilman Corbin mentioned that upon the appointment of Mr. Garland to the Planning Commission, he would resign his appointments on the Personnel Board and the Park Com- mission. Mr. Ray Lake reported that corrections with the architects on the hospital plans will begin at 1:00 P.M., March 8. Councilman Corbin reviewed various legislation pending, in particular AB -243 and AB -245. Councilman Temple reviewed the meeting of the Central Basin Water Committee and stated the underground water reservoir has been improved by efforts of the water replenishment - 74,000 acre feet of run-off has been conserved and at the present time the underground water is between 190 and 200% of normal - rain water is used. .-, This will help the situation tremendously. If maintained, the water situation will be much.better than in the past. It is pure water -- better than the Colorado River water. Councilman Dunnum requested a summary report to Council of pending legislation relative to the Brown Act. Mayor Dickerson appointed Councilmen Cera and Morton, and the City Attorney as a committee to draft a recommended bill opposing changes of more restrictive nature of the Brown Act. Councilman Morton left the Council Chamber at 9:45 A.M. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Morton and so ordered to authorize the City Manager to serve on a committee to attend meetings to study the best means of effecting a rapid transit system for Southern California. There being no further business to come before DELLA DOYLE City Clerk Council Minutes — 3/7/67 -5- Co'Upcil, the meeti g adjourned at 9:50 AM. u�% J CHAR -W. DICKERSON _ Mayor