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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04-16-68-Regular Meeting3150 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING REORGANIZATION APRIL 16, 1968 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular adjourned meeting at 7,;30 pm., April 16, 1968, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Ben 'D Corbin presiding., The meeting. was adjourned to this time and place from the regular meeting of April 8, 1968, by motion of the City Council to adopt resolution reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election held on April 9, 1968. The City Clerk reported that a copy of the notice of adjournment was posted as 'required by law; the notice of the adjournment was given as provided by law, PRESENT, Councilmen: Morton, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin ABSENT,, , Councilmen: Dunnum ALSO PRESENTz Oren L. King, City Manager Carl Newton, Acting City Attorney Robert W. Gain, Fire Chief Ivan A. Robinson, Chief of Police Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety William A. Goggin, Director of Planning James Ruth, Director of Parks & Recreation Robert L. Shand, Director of Finance Ervin Spindel, Director of Public Works Walter Wanke, Director of Water Department Donald B. Robison, Assistant to the City Manager Alberta Pfeiffer, City Clerk Katherine J. Holtzclaw, Executive Secretary Councilman Thomas H. Morton delivered the invocation, The City Clerk stated that on April 15, 1968, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chamber, she began the canvass of the election results with Mrs, Jeanne Cook, Deputy City Clerk, and other City employees as follows: Mrs, Betty Christensen, Mr„ James Bergman, Mr. Robert Shand, and Mrs, Helen Clark. There were some cleri- cal errors noted for Precinct #4, inasmuch as the Ballot Statement declaring the namber of ballots issued, spoiled, used and voted, was not completed; and also the De,-larat.ion Statement at the beginning of the Tally Sheet, was unsigned, Each member of r_.hr, Election Boards is required to sign this Declaration, Pursuant to S�:(�:tion 18409 of the Election Code, the four members of the Election Board for Frecinc:t #14 were called into the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, at 2030 p,.m., April 15, 1968, sworn in, and under oath asked to clarify the clerical errors, This could not be finalized without taking a recount of the ballots, The recount was cradle to the satisfaction of all present, which did not change the re- sults of thz: tally as reported unofficially the night: of election. The clerical omissions we-rr rectified at this time, and the City Clerk declared the results final in accorda-i-ce with Certification by the City Clerk attached to Resolution No, 2052 to be adopted at this time, RESOLUTION NO, 2052 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE �^ GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD IN SAID CITY OF DOWNEY ON THE 9TH DAY OF APRIL, 1968, DECLARING THE RESULTS THEREOF AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS ARE PROVIDED BY LAW The City Clerk read the resolution by title only. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Dickerson and so ordered that further reading be waived, Council Minutes o 4/16/68 3i5l It was moved by Councilman Dickerson, seconded by Councilman Temple and passed by the following vote that Resolution No. 2052 be adopted. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Morton, Temple, Dickerson, Corbin NOES- 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT- 1 Councilmen: Dunnum A letter from Councilwoman Priscilla Dunnum was presented to the Mayor and read in full., Councilwoman-Dunnum expressed her appreciation of the privilege to serve City Council as the first Councilwoman. She stated it was the greatest honor of her life to have served her community on the Downey City Council, It was then, and is now always her deepest desire that her. City prosper and continue to become a better place in which to live; that the high level of good and efficient government be continued. The letter stated that factual circumstances prevented her from attending this meeting, but that she wished to extend her sincere thanks to Mr, King, the Department Heads and the City Employees who have been so coopera- tive and friendly. She stated it was a privilege to serve with each of them and to work with them as Councilman. Messrs. Ben 'D Corbin, Donald H. Winton and Joseph G. Ferris came forward and the City Clerk presented Certificates of Election to them and administered the Oath. of Office to the elected Councilmen at this time, Coy;+nciinian Temple stated he wished to congratulate the Mayor and the new Councilmen; that he thought they would have lots of challenges ahead in the coming year, as in the past years. He stated that- he felt everyone there joined him in saying "thank you" to Councilwoman Dunnum and Councilman Dickerson for a job well done. He further stated that he appreciated the fact that they worked as hard as they did and did the best job they could for their City, Mayor Corbin thanked Councilman Temple for his congratulations and concurred with his remarks. Mayor Corbin introduced the following members of City Boards and Commissions who were present: Mr, John Morris, Chairman of the Planning Commission; Mr. Charles Woodworth, present Chairman of the Personnel Advisory Board; Mr. Gano Culwell, Personnel Advisory Board; Mr. Maurice A. Baker, newly elected Chairman of the Personnel Advisory Board; Mr, Clifford Hiemforth, Water Board, Corsages were presented to the wife of the Mayor, each Councilman's wife, and Mrs, Oren King, Mayor Corbin stated he had had an interesting year and that he was honored to serve as Mayor. He stated Mrs, Corbin joined with him in expressing his sincere appreciation to all during his term as Mayor for all their help and understanding the position of Mayor requires. The Mayor reported on the projects and programs of the past year namely- Park Development and City Beautification; beginning of the 152 bed hospital; acquisition of additional businesses and industries; heli- copter service socn to be scheduled for. 22 flights a day; Downey Avenue: improve- ment project, constructed from State and County gas tax funds, This is almost completed and should materially benefit the City of Downey; completion of major drainage problems; completion of the City Finance and Fire Departments; putting administration all under one roof; Joint Powers Contract with seven adjacent cities and the County of Los Angeles to provide helicopter patrol service to further sup- port and assist our Police protection in our community. The Mayor wished to thank the City Council's Commissions and Boards, Citizen Committees, and City employees for their continued and consistent efforts in supporting .the Municipal. program, The Mayor stated that as he relinquished the Mayorship to assume the duties of Councilman, he looked forward to assisting the new Mayor and members of City Council. He also wanted to thank all the Department Heads for their wonderful cooperation, Mr; King, and City Council who helped solve the many problems of the Mayorship, He wished also to state that he would like to thank his wife, Mrs, Corbin, for her assistance at his side, for without it, none of his accomplishments would have been possible. Council Minutes - 4/16/68 - 2 3152 Councilman Dickerson stated that serving as Councilman in the City of Downey constituted the gr-eatest experience of his life, Comparing -the City of Downey with other cities in which he has been, and seeing..the line of Government that exists in other cities throughout the State., makes -him extremely proud to be a citizen of Downey. He stated he thought.we all owed a debt -of gratitude to the first City Council that was elected, in hiring. -the Department Heads that are seen here this evening, He thought.it would be hard to single -.out one particular one because they were all superior. Councilman Dickerson further stated he thought that along with the top Police Chief in the State of California, a debt of grati- tude was owed the Police Chief for the diligent way he performs his duty to the community. He commended Chief Robert Gain of the Fire Depar-tment stating the City has an outstanding Fire Department, one of the best in the Southeast area. He has done a magnificent job. He commended Mr. Oren King,City Manager, for all he has done for the City stating his deeds would long -be remembered by Councilman Dickerson. He elaborated on the many hours he has.gi-v-en to the community unselfishly, that he has been an asset to every Councilman who has served. He also wished to express his gratitude to Mr. Sorensen, the City Attorney, He stated Mrs Sorensen is one of the finest persons he has had the privilege of meeting, besides being the finest attorney for. any City. Mr. Sorensen has been an outstanding credit to the City of Downey. Mr, Dickerson commented on the high calibre of the Department Heads in that they were all "hand picked" resulting in the high type of City such as Downey, Councilman Dickerson stated it has been a real pleasure serving with Mayor Corbin and that it also has been a genuine pleasure to serve the City of Downey in the past five years. He closed his remarks with thanks to all again, stating his term will always be cherished in his heart. Mrs King., City Manager-, wished to sincerely express to everyone his sincere gratitude, in behalf of the City employees and the staff, for the dedicated service all have continued to give to the City of Downey, He stated Mr. Dickerson will never know how much they have grown to think of him and his fine unselfish dedi- cated service, also wishing to make the same remarks to Mrs. Dunnum, and was sorry she was not at the Council meeting to hear them. He stated he was proud of the Department Heads who serve the people in Downey in the best manner they know how, He wished to honor Mayor Corbin in his second term as Mayor; that he felt that each man who finishes a term as Mayor should surely deserve a medal. of honor. He further stated he thanked everyone, and wished them all the best. Newly elected Councilmen Donald Ha Winton and Joseph Go Ferris were seated with the Council body at this time, The Mayor turned the Chair over to the City Clerk and nominations were declared open for Mayor, It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Corbin and passed by the following vote nominating Thomas Ho Morton as Mayor of Downey for the 1968-69 term, AYES- 4 Councilmen: Corbin, Temple, Ferris, Winton NOES- 0 Councilmen: None ABSTAIN. 1 Councilmen: Morton Mayor Morton stated that although in the words of the computer "he was not programmed for the job as Mayor" it is a distinct privilege to serve in this manner., He wished to express his deep appreciation to the outgoing Councilmen Dunnum and Dickerson, and also remind everyone that City Councils job is without pay. They have long hours to serve, whether in the capacity of Mayor or City Councilman. He computed his own time and he averaged.35-55 hours a week in the service as Councilman, To have this type of devotion on the part of the men and Mrs. Dunnum putting in their time and effort in the City of Downey because they enjoy the City; he commended them for it. He stated Downey has a quality com- munity simply because men such as are now on the platform, have taken the time to be concerned about their community and taken the time to volunteer to serve and be elected, It is a job without much thanks, lots of criticism and comments; however, those who serve in laying the foundation for tomorrow will look back sometime and say they appreciated having had a small part in the development of Downey, Mr. Morton quoted the words of John F. Kennedy, "The very foundation of the American way of life was founded on City Government," He personally believed that that is the way of life in America, predicated upon the strength.of its cities, and because men such as are present tonight and those who have served in the past, serving the City of Downey, Downey is recognized as one of the outstanding cities in the entire State of California. Mayor Morton stated that -Councilman Dickerson served the City in a tremendously fine manner, that Mrs. Dunnum has -done the same, volunteering without pay: Many things...have been accomplished and as the City continues on the road of achievement, progress and growth, the work.they have done has laid the foundation for the work the present City Council will do the next 2-4 years. Mayor Morton personally wanted to thank Councilmen Dickerson and Dunnum for their service, and to May -or -Corbin -the outgoing Mayor, he stated he had been truly an example of what is expected of City officials, conducting the meetings in an efficient manner. Mr. Corbin had re- ceived plaudits many -times for way he represented the City, not only in the Council Chambers, but also at various functions. Mayor Morton commended not only Councilman Corbin, but also Mrs. Corbin. Mayor Morton directed comments to the two new Councilmen stating the challenge was theirs, knowing they would enjoy the rewards of being Councilmen. He reminded them of the long hours, no pay and very little thanks, but also stated that when the record is written, they could look back also and say they had -a part in serving their City. He stated they would find those who have served in the past open minded; that they analyze, think -and decide. He stated that their views would be taken along.with those --who have served in the past. He further stated that new life begets new life, and certainly the new fresh thinking of new Councilmen will b.eget..additional growth of our City. The Mayor added he would look to them for additional ideas, inspiration, but more than that, --to maintain --the integrity and quality of the City of Downey, and as Mayor, he pledged his -support to see that Downey remained the type of community that previous Councilmen worked so hard to make. He stated the balanced community of residents, industry, churches, parks and schools must be maintained if Downey is to remain a quality community five, ten and fifteen years from now. Sometimes the new Councilmen would look into the audience and wonder where the people are, and even though the citizens won't be present, they could be assured they were the citizens' elected representatives in the Chamber. Mayor Morton once again expressed his thanks to everyone. Councilman Joseph Ferris introduced his wife, Josephine and his children, Elaine, George and Christine. He wished to express his gratitude to his friends, neighbors and other citizens who placed their confidence in him in the recent election, and with their help, he would not only maintain -the status -quo quality community, but will work to improve it. He stated that for those who would say being a Councilman is a thankless job, he would like to voice his thanks to Coun- cilwoman Dunnum and Councilman Dickerson for the years they have served as City Councilmen, For those who have wondered about the future, he wished to state it was a time of dialectic and not of revolution. He feels it would be the keynote of the future in Downey as it -always has been. Councilman -Donald -Winton introduced his wife Ethel and his children, Marie, Mary, Donald and -Edward. He also introduced his mother and -step -father, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kessell. To all the neighbors and friends that issued the challenge to fulfill the office of Councilman, with humility he wished to say "thank you." He assured his constituents that -if they needed his help, not to heed the hour of the day, but to feel free to call him at home. He stated he sincerely wanted to be the best representative his District has known, and that he definitely wants to have a part in moulding the City his children would want to retain their homes in and their children after them. Councilman Winton stated he accepted the chal- lenge -with a great deal of humility. Mayor Morton introduced his wife, Mary Morton; Mrs. Scott Temple; Mr. & Mrs. Bergen., Mrs. Bergen isthe daught-er of Counc.ilman.and.Mrs.- Ben 'D Corbin. The Mayor opened -the -nominations for Mayor Pro Tempore. It was moved by Councilman Corbin, seconded by Councilman Ferris and passed by the following vote nominating Councilman Temple as Mayor Pro Tempore. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Corbin, Ferris, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSTAIN: 1 Councilmen: Temple Council Minutes - 4/16/68 - 4 - 3154 The City Manager__of..fered-his..congratulations to Mrs. Morton as the First Lady and stated to Councilmen Ferris and Winton his dedicated support. Mr. King in- troduced his assistant,,Mr, Donald Robison and wife, Catherine, and commended him for the fine work he has contributed to the City of Downey. Chief Robinson introduced his wife, Alice. The Mayor -stated he would like to recognize -a citizen who has -served -the community well,. in .being present and assisting -.at City Council -meetings consistently in matters involving his Company, but who was leaving the City for a new assign- nnent, introducing.Mr. Norman Montgomery, Downey Division Manager of the General Telephone Company Councilman Corbin related the numerous civic organizations Mr. Montgomery has been a part of and commended him for -his contributions to Downey, Mayor Morton wished to recognize a leading citizen who has consistently attended City Council meetings to give his word of encouragement or to submit problems of which he was aware, thereby proving his interest in the City of Downey by attending most Council meetings., introducing Mr, Wendell Wiser. Councilman Corbin concurred and suggested honoring Mr. Wiser with a resolu- tion as the most active citizen in the City of Downey. Mr. Gano Culwell, of the Personnel Advisory Board -came --forward and -stated he - was,.-happy--to-have•the-opportunity to state the --City of Downey is one of the most outstand.ing,cities-in-which he has had the privilege of living, and -is happy to serve the City in his capacity. He stated it has been a privilege and pleasure to work on the Personnel Advisory Board, The City Clerk expressed her appreciation to all -the. -City employees who helped with the voluminous work connected with the last election, She wished to recognize her Deputy City Clerk, Mrs, Jeanne Cook and her secretary, Mrs, Katherine Holtzclaw for their assistance, and the fine job done by all, There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. I Alberta,/#fe=r City Clerk Council Minutes - 4/16/68 - 5 - Ben 'D Corbin Mayor