HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-08-67-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MAY 8,.11967
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting in the Council
Chamber of the Downey City Hall at 7:30 P.M., Mayor Ben 'd Corbin presiding.
PRESENT: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
ALSO PRESENT: Oren L. King, City Manager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
Bill Goggin, Director of Planning
James Ruth, Park Director
Robert Shand, Director of Finance
LeGrande Leavitt, City Engineer
Robert DeSio, Senior Administrative Assistant, City Forester
Ray ,Lake, Director of Building and Safety
Robert W. Gain, Fire Chief
Walter Wanke, Water Superintendent
Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police
Della Doyle, City Clerk
Alberta Pfeiffer, Deputy City Clerk
Mayor Corbin turned the meeting over to the student council body representing the
various high schools in the City of Downey, Student City Clerk Marty Toma called the
roll:
PRESENT: Mayor Bob Williams, Downey Senior High School - Councilmanic District #5
Jo Anne Sellers, Mayor Pro Tempore, Downey Senior High School - District #1
Emily Mockopetris, Downey Senior High School - Councilmanic District #4
Greg Lostetter, Warren High School - Councilmanic District #2
Pat Kelly, Pius X High School — Councilmanic District #3
Tom Jones, Warren High School - Student City Manager
Mayor Corbin announced Class Presidents were also present: Mike Fortas, Downey; Bill
Fletcher, Warren, Steve Caldero, Pius X and Jessica Baudo, Downey.
The invocation was given by student City Manager, Tom Jones, followed by the flag
salute led by student Mayor Bob Williams.
The student -council then opened a discussion on the removal of the deodars (large
evergreens) in front of the City Hall. The discussion was closed upon a motion favoring
their removal with an appropriation of $2,000 from unappropriated reserves, and replacement
of the evergreens with palm trees.
Council members complimented the student council on the manner in which the problem
under discussion was handled and for taking their time to participate in their City govern-
ment,
The student Mayor read a proclamation on "Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up" Month,
Mayor Corbin then proceeded with the regular business of the City Council,
Mrs. Robert Dunn, President of the Downey Civic Chorus, presented a $500 check to the
City, the same amount which had been advanced to their group at the time they traveled to
Guadalajara, Downey's Sister City, performing at their October Festival in 1966.
Mrs. Marjoe Phelan, Director of the Civic Chorus, thanked the City Council for the
opportunity given the Chorus to appear in the City of Guadalajara and for the support
given them by the City Council,
Appreciation was expressed to members of the Civic Chorus for their fine music and
for the payment of $500.00.
Council Minutes - 5/8/67 -1-
28'72
Mayor Corbin opened the hearing on AD #108, Nada Street, on the confirmation of
assessments, and inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavits of Publication, Posting
and Mailing. The City Clerk replied she had the affidavits.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and so ordered
that the affidavits be received and filed.
There being no written and no oral communications or protests, it was moved by
Councilman Morton, seconded by_Councilman Dunnum and passed by the following vote that
the hearing on the confirmation of assessments be closed.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Temple, Dickerson, Dunnum, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT:: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION N0, 1899
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONFIRMING
THE ASSESSMENT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF NADA STREET (AD #108)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded
by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by the
following vote that Resolution No. 1899 be adopted.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that
the minutes of the Council Meeting held on April 25, 1967, be approved as submitted.
Lee Leavitt, City Engineer, requested authority for a City contribution for AD #108,
Nada Street improvements totaling $4,817.21 for incidentals and construction charges.
It was moved by Councilman Dickerson, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by
the following vote to authorize the following transfer of funds for incidentals and
construction charges in AD #108, Nada Street: , -
AMOUNT
FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER TO ACCOUNT NUMBER
$4,817.21 Unappropriated General Fund 14431
Surplus
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Clerk reported on the following correspondence:
Four letters from (1) Board of Directors, Downey Council P.T.A., Downey Unified
School District; (2) South Junior High P.T.A.; Ed C. Lewis P.T.A. and the Warren High
School P.T.A. relative to the study proposed by the City Council for possible dissolution
of the Downey Unified School District and the feasibility of becoming a City entity. All
letters from these P.T.A. groups favor the Downey Unified School District's remaining as
.-, it is at present. Ordered received and filed.
A letter from the Veterars Addressing Service for street and house addressing was
referred to the City Manager for study and report as Downey Youth have been handling this.
Robert Shand stated this group has planned, under the sponsorship of the Downey Lions
Club, curbside painting of house numbers after the close of schools, through the Downey
Youth Employment Service, which would be reported on to him.
A letter from the Rio Hondo Memorial Hospital stating their plans to participate in
National Hospital Week, May 7 through the 13, and inviting the City of Downey to join in
observation of this Hospital Week. Ordered received and filed,
Council Minutes - 5/8/67 -2-
28'73
Claim for damages from Richard S. Melgar. It was moved by Councilman Temple,
seconded by Councilman Dickerson and passed by the following vote that the claim of
Mr. Richard S. Melgar be denied and referred to the City's insurance carrier.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
A complaint for payment from Southern California Gas Company in the amount of
$995.17 for removal of their facilities in connection with the Downey Hospital site.
The City Attorney wished to review his notes before Council took any action on this.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Counctlman Dickerson and so ordered
that the Southern California Gas Company's complaint be referred to the City Attorney for
study and report to Council.
Claim for damages from Richard High for damages due to a limb from a parkway tree
striking a portion of the roof of his dwelling. It was reported that the claim had been
denied by the insurance company.
It was moved by Councilman Temple and seconded by Councilman Dickerson that the
matter be referred to the City Attorney for study and report.
The City Attorney stated the mere fact that a limb falls does not prove liability,
nor does the mere fact that the property owner refused to have the tree removed and that
the City failed to remove the tree, relinquish any liability. It appears to him the fact
that the insurance company denied the claim should close the matter, with any further
steps having to be taken by the property owner in pursuing his claim.
Councilman Temple withdrew his motion for the City Attorney to study and report on
Mr. High's claim, with Councilman Dickerson withdrawing his second.
A communication from the construction consultant for the Downey Community Hospital,
Mr, Maurice A. Baker, recommended consideration of the following items:
Approving of contract for the removal from the proposed hospital site of the
Ray Noxsel building, all tress which will not be relocated or required as a part of the
permanent landscaping, including the 3 large trees on the south portion of the property,
east by west. Mr. Baker recommended that the matter of carpeting be deferred until the
contract bids are received and it has been determined whether funds will be available
for carpeting. If not, resilient flooring will be specified. Further, Mr. Baker stated
that the matter of whether or not to design and install aseptic units in the baby nursery,
operating rooms, intensive care units as previously noted in his April 17 report has not
been resolved. Inasmuch as this equipment is new and because the time is near for
requesting construction bids, Mr. Baker recommended the Council no longer consider the
aseptic units as a part of the installation.
It was moved by Councilman Dickerson, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by
the following vote to accept the recommendations of Mr. Baker relative to the Downey
Community Hospital as stated above.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE
DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY RENUMBERING SECTIONS 9150.1 THROUGH 9150.6
TO READ, RESPECTIVELY, 9126.50 THROUGH 9126.55, WHICH SAID SECTIONS
RELATE TO REQUIRED STREET RIGHT OF WAY DEDICATION
The ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Gouncilman Temple, seconded
by Councilman Dickerson and so ordered that further read:ing:_be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and passed by
the following vote that the ordinance be introduced.
Council Minutes - 5/8/67 -3-
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. 1900
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY GRANTING
THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT PERMISSION TO
ENTER THE RIO SAN GABRIEL PARR FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING
A DRAINAGE CHANNEL
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 Dickerson and seconded by Councilman Temple that
Resolution No. 1900 be adopted.
Mr. Leavitt, City Engineer, reported on the San Gabriel River improvement with
Rio San Gabriel Park drainage, stating that the resolution grants the County Flood
Control District,,acting as the agent for the Corps of Engineers, permission to enter
City property for the purpose of constructing the drainage ditch. This ditch will have
an extremely flat slope, so that there will be no hazard involved, and grass will be
able to be grown in the swale.
Mayor Corbin called for the vote on the motion:
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSEW: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. 1901
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DESIGNATING THE INTERSECTION OF FAIRFORD AVENUE AND MULLER
STREET AS A STOP INTERSECTION
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. 1991 be adopted.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
The City Engineer reported that there had been a meeting with the Traffic Committee
of the City of Norwalk who were of the opinion that their City Council would favor a
4 -way stop being installed at Fairford and Cecilia to further alleviate the traffic
problem at this area.
RESOLUTION NO. 1902
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING
THE APPOINTMENT OF GANO CULWELL AS A MEMBER OF THE PERSONNEL
ADVISORY BOARD
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded
.--, by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and passed by
the following vote that Resolution No, 1902 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mayor Corbin advised that he wishes to appoint Giles Hollis to the Park and Recrea-
tion Commission, due to the resignation of Jack Garland from his district. The Mayor was
informed the necessary resolution would be prepared for adoption at the next Council
Council Minutes - 5/8/67 -4-
275
Meeting for this appointment.
RESOLUTION NO. WS -539
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 (#51340 - #51785 $130,022.83) (Payroll)
The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Dunnum,
seconded by Councilman Temple and so ordered that further reading be waived.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by
the following vote that Resolution No. WS -539 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
RESOLUTION NO. WS -540
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ALLOWING
CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEIA NDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH
THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID (# 25965 - #25969; #26101 #26269
$177,741.99)
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 Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the
following vote that Resolution No. WS"540 be adopted.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Morton and passed by the
following vote to approve plans and specifications and authorize advertising of bids
for Cash Contract #196, for water main at Hall Road, Lakewood Boulevard to Bellflower
Boulevard.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and passed by
the following vote to approve plans and specifications and authorize advertising for bids
for Cash Contract #197 for employees' lounge with the amendment of closing off the
entrance to the Guadalajara Room.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and passed by
the following vote to authorize payment of $425 for trees in the right of way at
12042 Rives Avenue and improvements in exchange for right of way in the amount of $720
under Select System Project No. 115, Unit 4, Right of Way Acquisitions #1610 and #1497.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the
following vote that where there is a contractor on a job and that it would be to no
avail to advertise for bids for the reason that other contractors could not work on this
same project, that the City Council authorize the following transfer of funds for Storm
Drain Project No. 1107, and authorize the work being done under Select System Project
No. 127, Imperial Highway and Ardis Avenue reconstruction:
Council Minutes - 5/8/67 -5-
AMOUNT
$20,000
AYES: 5
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
FROM ACCOUNT NO,
TO ACCOUNT NO,
Capitol Improvement Unbudgeted,13821
Account No. 13814
Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
Councilmen: None
Councilmen: None
2876
The City Manager reported there will be a meeting on May 16 with the County Board
of Supervisors of Los Angeles County for action on the Joint Powers Agreement for the
Downey Community Hospital.
Mr. King reported that O'Melveny and Myers will present their current invoice of
$2400 for legal fees to date to the Hospital Corporation and all subsequent bills will
be directed to the Hospital Authority, indicating this will mean a savings of $7500 in
legal fees.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by
the following vote to approve the Joint Powers Agreement with the County of Los Angeles
for the Downey Community Hospital and authorize the Mayor to sign on behalf of the
City.
AYES:
4
Councilmen:
Dunnum,
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSTAIN:
1
Councilman:
Morton
Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
(as he was not present when it was discussed
initially.)
Councilman Morton recommended that during future Public Schools Week activities and
student participation in City government, students might also attend Mosquito Abatement
and Central Basin Water Committee meetings.
Mr. King reported that in response to Council's request at its last meeting,
school officials were contacted relative to their po-ssible use of the Noxsel building
for school purposes. The reply has been that it w as too expensive and they could not
afford to move it. In accordance therewith, it was recommended that the City Council
approve the bid for demolishment of the building,_11
It was moved by Councilman Dickerson, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by
the following vote to approve the bid of Sav-On Salvage for complete demolition of the
Noxsel Building at a cost of $1,286, this amount to be.appropriated from the Hospital
Account #1513781, so that the hospital site may be entirely cleared before awarding new
bids.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the
following vote to authorize the Mayor or City Manager: to enter into escrow at the
appraised price for remodeling of fronts of store buildings at 11133-11147 Downey Avenue
as recommended by the General Appraisal Company.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
The City Manager reported that almost all the buildings -on Downey Avenue will soon
be undergoing remodeling from Firestone Boulevard to Second Street. The Manley's
Beauty College will be under construction early in June.
The City Manager requested authority to attend a Management and Labor Relations,
Journal of Politics and Employment -Management Relationship in Public Service meeting at
U.S.C. on June 28, at an expense of $30.
It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the
following vote to authorize the City Manager and any Council members who are able to do
Council Minutes - 5/8/67 -6-
28'7'7
so, to attend the Management and Labor Relations, employment -Management in Public
Servico meeting on June 28 with reasonable expenses allowed.
AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None
Mr, King reported.on a meeting to be held at the Ambas-sa+dor Hotel June 14 through
June 16 on the Standards of Performance and Appraisal for Management with a fee of $150,
and requested permission to attend.
It was moved by Councilman Dunnum, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the
following vote to authorize the City Manager or his representative, and any member of
Council who can go, to attend the Management meeting at the Ambassador Hotel June 14-16,
with reasonable expenses.
AYES:
5
Councilmen:
Morton, Dunnum, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin
NOES:
0
Councilmen:
None
ABSENT:
0
Councilmen:
None
The City Clerk requested permission for a two-week vacation beginning May 28.
It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dunnum and so ordered that the
City Clerk's request for two weeks' vacation beginning May 28. be granted.
The City Manager outlined various legislation which the League of California Cities
is opposing and requesting member cities to submit letters in opposition:
AB 363 - Firefighters. Compulsory Arbitration.
SB 824 - Local Agency Formation Commissions. District Members Added.
AB 127 - Mandatory Hiring Standards for Firefighting Personnel.
AB 776 - Labor Organization Representation.
AB 880 - Collective BaFgaining. Public Employees.
AB 943 - Public Organization and Representation Law.
Council directed that letters be sent to oppose the legislation outlined by the City
Manager.
Councilman Temple reported that he has reoei'ved'several complaints relative to the
brightness of the lights at the Los Amigos;_G61f Course which is causing a driving hazard.
It was suggested that the County be contacted to ascertain if this problem can be
remedied.
Councilman Temple stated his student councilman ppinted out another hazard at
Downey Avenue and Arnett where it becomes a blind corner due to parking of campers too
near the corner. He suggested these campers might be parked farther from the corner.
Councilman Dunnum stated she had a question in light of the discussion that the
student council and Mayor had conducted with respect to the trees in front of City Hall,
since it seems that within the next 3 to 5 years it may be necessary to remove them.
She inquired of the City Forester if it would be-po-ssible to start a few palm trees grow-
ing at this time in order that they 'would not be ''too small in replacing the very large
evergreens. The City Forester, Bob De Sio, informed Council that there are some large
palm trees which are available so that small material will not be necessary,
Mayor Corbin presented a plaque with mounted gavel to past Mayor Charles W. Dickerson,
who accepted with thanks.
The City Manager acknowledged the Chief of Police, Ivan A. Robinson, for ten years of
service with the City as of May 1, and activation of the Police Department ten years ago
on July 1. Chief Robinson thanked the City Manager and said it was the officers and
employees in doing their jobs which has made it successful.
The Police Chief also recommended legislation for possible study by the City Attorney
and report to Council: SB -526 (Police Officers Reserve Association - mandatory that
municipalities pay for members of Police Officers Reserve Association expenses to go to
Sacramento in support of certain legislation; SB -78 and SB -79 - Pornography - control
going to juveniles.
Council Minutes - 5/8/67 -7-
2878
Chief Robinson complimented the immediate past Mayor for the beautiful sign
installed in front of the Police Department to display press releases and traffic
action scoreboard. The Lions Club worked independently to construct it and he feels
the citizens -will heed the report and that it may save a life.
Councilman Temple reported that Police Week is May 14 and begins with a special
.-� proclamation being presented at Universal Studios with Mayor and Mrs. Corbin and
he and Mrs. Temple attending. Also, they plan to attend a.police awards banquet at
which Chief Ivan Robinson will be part of the program.
There being no further business to come before Council the meeting was adjourned
at 9:10 P.M.
DELLA DOYLE
City Clerk
Council Minutes 5/8/67 -8-
'�0'2 ` &'�-
BEN
'D CORBIN
Mayor