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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08-10-70-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUGUST 10, 1970 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: ACTION: D.I.P. #613, W/s Lindell Ave. Authority to proceed under Chapter 27 Approved Vacation Studebaker Rd. (Portion).Resolution #2437 Adopted Ltg. Dist. Annex. 70/24 Horton Ave., et al. Resolution #2438, Ordering Annexation Adopted Correction Minutes 7/13/70 Approved Removal Westbound L-turn prohibition, Florence & Birchdale, 3-month period Approved Resol. L.A. Cty. Bd. Supervisors accepting SS #195, Storm Drain, for Maintenance Receive and file Req. to hood Parking Restr. Signs W/s Nash Ave., Firestone to McCahill for 90 days Approved Req. Downey Symphonic Society, Budget consideration Taken under submission Appeal, Zone Exception Case #931, D. DiLoreto Appeal approved Requests for Planning Comm. recommendations Ref, to City Manager Ordinance #384, Utility Users Tax Adopted Resolution #2439, Prohibiting stopping N/s Firestone from Ryerson easterly 550' Adopted Resolution #WS-698 (Payroll) Adopted Resolution 4PWS-699 (B Warrants) with exceptions Adopted Cash Contract #260, Sewer & Water Main, Stewart & Gray Rd. Extension. Plans, specs., PAGE NO. 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 6 6 7 7 auth. to advertise (Unit 2) Approved 7 Cash Contract #SS-219, Gardendale St. Award of contract Approved 7 Cash Contract #239, Unit 2, Baseball Diamond Lighting. Request accept improvements Approved 7 Cash Contract OSS-212, Patton Rd. Purchase of R/Way 8602 Fontana St. & transfer funds Approved 7 TOPICS Program, Certification to implement Approved 8 Violation Sec. 7101, 7101.4 at N/E corner Bigby St. and Dolan Ave. Taken under submission 8 Resolution #2440, Ordering vac. Drainage & Utility easements, Tract #27904 Adopted 8 Gas Tax Budget 1970-71 Approved 8 Rename Golf Course Approved 8 Appointment of Loren Morgan, Dep. Chief of Police Approved 8 Page 1 of 2 Table of Minute Actions Council Meeting 8/10/70 SUBJECT: ACTION: PAGE NO. Contribution for Float Guadalajara, Mexico Approved 8 and attendance by Council members Request appearance before Council re Freeway Approved 9 Page 2 of 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUGUST 10, 1970 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., August 10, 1970, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Ben 'D Corbin presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin ABSENT: Councilmen: Winton, Morton ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Mark Allen, Acting City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Public Works William A. Goggin, Director of Planning Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety Jim Ruth, Director of Parks & Recreation Loren D. Morgan, Acting Police Chief Don Warren, Deputy Fire Chief Russ Reynolds, Purchasing Agent H. J. Henriksen, City Engineer Robert Coates, Water Superintendent Ellen C. Davis, City Clerk Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary Reverend Vernon F. Jacobs, Pastor Christ Lutheran Church, delivered the invocation, followed by the Flag Salute led by Charles W. Thompson, City Manager. Mayor Corbin, assisted by Acting Police Chief Loren D. Morgan, presented a POST Advanced Certificate to Sgt. Jerry Gilbert and extended his congratulations. Mayor Corbin opened the public hearing on Downey Improvement Project No. 613, West Side Lindell Avenue. He inquired of the City Clerk if she had the required Affidavit of Posting of Notice, to which she responded in the affirmative. He inquired if she had re- ceived any written protests, and she replied she had not. The Director of Public Works reported that the property owners have indicated a willingness to deposit money for this project, however, he requested authority to initiate Chapter 27 Proceedings in the event they do not. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to accept the report of the Director of Public Works. Mayor Corbin inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition of this improvement, and there was no response. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to close the hearing on Downey Improvement Project No. 613, West Side Lindell Avenue. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to authorize the Director of Public Works to initiate Chapter 27 Proceedings on Downey Improvement Project No. 613, AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton Mayor Corbin opened the public hearing on Vacation of a Portion of Studebaker Road Abutting Lots 6 through 12 of Tract 16230. He inquired of the City Clerk if she had the required Affidavit of Posting of Notice, to which she responded in the affirmative. He inquired if she had received any written protests, and she replied she had not. The Director of Public Works reported that the property owner has requested this vacation so that they may enjoy the use of the property. Council Minutes 8/10/70 -1- It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to accept the report of the Director of Public Works. Mayor Corbin inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition of this vacation, and there was no response. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to close the hearing on Vacation of a Portion of Studebaker Road Abutting Lots 6 through 12 of Tract 16230. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton RESOLUTION NO. 2437 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF STUDEBAKER ROAD The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2437. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton Mayor Corbin opened the public hearing on Downey City Lighting District Annexation 70/24 - Horton Avenue, et al. He inquired of the City Clerk if she had the required Affidavit of Publication, to which she responded in the affirmative. He inquired if she had received any written protests, and she replied she had not. The Director of Public Works reported that the installation will involve the installation of 30 metal standards at a cost of $3,300. and 8 wood poles at no charge. Assessment for the first year will be at the rate of $.37 per $100. assessed valuation; the second year at $.37 per $100.; the third year and continuing cost at $.20 per $100. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to accept the report of the Director of Public Works. Mayor Corbin inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition of this improvement, and there was no response. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to close the hearing on Downey City Lighting District Annexation 70/24 - Horton Avenue, et al, AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton RESOLUTION NO. 2438 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING ANNEXATION OF A CERTAIN AREA TO THE DOWNEY CITY LIGHTING DISTRICT AND TO MAINTAIN AND FURNISH ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THOSE STREET LIGHTING FIXTURES LOCATED ON STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN THAT AREA UNTIL JANUARY 31, 1983 (ANNEXATION 70/24 - HORTON AVENUE, ET AL) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Ferris, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Ferris, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2438. Council Minutes 8/10/70 -2- AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Ferris, and passed by the following vote to Correct Page 7 of Minutes of the City Council Meeting of July 13th to show installation cost for Street Lighting Annexation 70/24 as $3,300. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton Communication from Salem Spitz, Secretary, Downey Traffic Committee, recommending Removal of Westbound left -turn prohibition, Florence and Birchdale for a three-month Period. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to authorize the removal of westbound left -turn prohibition, Florence and Birchdale, for a three-month trial period. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton Communication from City of Lomita regarding Resolution re Salary Adjustments for County Sheriff & Fire Departments. Ordered filed. Communication from City of Rosemead regarding Resolution Calling Meeting of the City Selection Committee of Southern California Rapid Transit District. Ordered filed. Communication from Southern California Rapid Transit District regarding Notice re Calling Meeting of the City Selection Committee. Ordered filed. Memorandum from H. J. Henriksen, City Engineer, regarding Resolution of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors - Accepting SS #195, Storm Drain for Maintenance. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to receive memorandum. Report from Traffic Committee regarding Parking Prohibition on Nash Ave., Firestone Blvd, to McCahill St. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to authorize the City Engineer to hood park- ing restriction signs on the west side of Nash Ave., Firestone Blvd, to McCahill St., for a period of 90 days. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton Communication from Mrs. Jordan Phillips, Downey Symphonic Society, requesting Reconsideration of 1970-71 Budget Appropriation. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to take this matter under submission. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton Communication from Planning Commission reporting on General Plan Hearing to be held September 2, 1970, and requesting appeal on Zone Exception Case #931 be held pending com- pletion of hearings on the General Plan. Appeal, Zone Exception Case #931, Edward DiLoreto, 8607 Imperial Hwy. (City Council 7/28 referred to City Manager to prepare list of conditions recommended if appeal is approved.) The City Manager reported that he had met with Mr. DiLoreto and reviewed the list of recommended conditions. He stated he believed the applicant concurred with the 19 conditions. He presented the City Council with the list of conditions for their approval. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Ferris, and passed by the following vote to reverse the decision of the Planning Commission and approve Zone Exception Case #931, subject to the conditions recommended by the City Manager. Council Minutes 8/10/70 -3- AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton Councilman Ferris commented relative to Appeals to decisions of the Planning Commis- sion on zoning cases which have come before the City Council during the past two years where the City Council has upheld the appeal and requested the Planning Commission to prepare a set of conditions. He stated that in the majority of such cases, conditions did not come back to the City Council, causing a great deal of delay in closing the cases. He made a motion which was seconded by Councilman Jennings and so ordered that this matter be referred to the City Manager for investigation with a report back to the City Council. UTILITY USERS TAX ORDINANCE Mr. Kenneth Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Drive, reported that over 5,000 signatures had been obtained on a petition in opposition to the establishment of a Utility Users Tax. Mr. Mike Ritchie presented the petitions to the City Clerk. The following persons spoke in opposition to the Utility Users Tax: Francis Hart, 9643 Cedartree Road Robert E. Garstang, 10361 Chaney Ave, Chester Knoles, 12711 Barlin Ave, Bob Brazelton, 10029 Birchdale Ave, Linda Miller, 7252 Benares St, Gretchen Sandell, 9334 Rives Ave, Elmer Easley, 9656 Telegraph Rd. R. W. Lewis, 7826 Devenir Ave. Ted Jackman, 8545 Puritan St, Earl Berry, 8536 Eucalyptus St. Harold Oatman, 11618 Adenmoor Ave. Mrs. Gordon Foran, 9506 Horley Ave. Judith Halstead, 11508 Julius Ave, Albert Coots, no address given Statements made in opposition to the establishment of the Utility Users Tax were mainly as follows: 1. Adding to the existing burden of taxes affecting home owners. 2. Taxing essential items, 3. Adding to present inflation, 4. "Taxation without representation," referring to the absence of two Councilmen who would not vote on the adoption of the Ordinance. Several of those speaking in opposition referred to the construction of the Downey Municipal Hospital and the Downey Children's Theatre, the purchase of the Golf Course and contributing to the Downey Museum of Art as being responsible for the financial condition of the City. One person stated that the Theatre, Golf Course, Museum and the proposed Wilderness Park were forms of entertainment that should not be provided by the City, but should be the responsibility of the individual families. Suggestions were made for study by the City Manager of other sources of revenue, such as increased sales tax, increases in Library overdue fines and Parking violation fines, a revenue bond issue to be voted on by the citizens, and reducing the operating budget, Mr. Wendell Wiser, 10921 Paramount Blvd., spoke in favor of the Utility Users Tax, and named twelve cities in Los Angeles County who have established this tax. He said that he has been attending City Council meetings for thirteen years and has known how the funds have been used, and if the present level of services is to be continued, it is apparent that additional revenues must be received by the City. Councilman Joseph Ferris commented regarding a statement in the petition that the water rate increase should be cut back 25%, stated the water rate was projected to cover operating expenses for five years and includes provision for a reservoir which has been under investigation by the Staff, Water Commission and Council for eighteen months, representing in excess of 4,800 hours of study. Comparative studies were made of water rates in 34 water agencies in Los Angeles County, Prior to the rate increase, Downey received $62.50 per acre foot of water per year as compared to an average of $98. per acre foot for the 34 cities, With the increase, Downey's rate was raised to only $94. per acre foot, Council Minutes 8/10/70 -4- Comparing Water Department operating expenses of Downey against the other 34 agencies, Councilman Ferris stated that the highest annual cost per service connection was $234., the average was $70. and the City of Downey was the lowest at $38. per service connection. 48% of the operating cost of Downey Water Department is the cost of water, as compared to an average of 36% for the other cities. The cost of water has been increasing 5 and 6 per cent each year. Another factor to be considered is the requirement by the Metropoli- tan Water District for the city to construct a reservoir or pay a financial penalty. Councilman Ferris stated that the loss of the dollar value Last year was 8.2C, greater than any three previous years since 1949. The dollar in 1949 in now worth 59C. He stated for the first time in the history of Downey, revenues and expenditures have reached a parity - a $7,000,000 operating budget, which does not reflect any capital improvements, but solely to provide the services of the City. Unless there are drastic changes in the economy, on economic factors alone, the City will require an additional half million dollars and a million dollars the year after. The only alternative would be to reduce the services the City presently provides. In addition to the reservoir study currently in progress, Councilman Ferris stated the Council and the Staff is constantly looking for ways to increase efficiency and decrease costs of services provided by all of the departments. He reported on several instances where this has been accomplished, including a $10,000 salary cutback in the Water Department this year; increased efficiency of the Police Department by the use of Walkie Talkies; new progress in reproduction established on the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent; design improvement, technical innovation and procedural methods by the Director of Public Works and his staff to obtain maximum mileage from sweepers which re- ceived national recognition; the Zero Defects Program of the Department of Public Works which compares to similar programs in the largest of private industries, encouraging efficiency in all classifications of their personnel. Another instance of how the City receives value for their dollar, Councilman Ferris stated, was the hiring of a consultant at $200 a day to make a feasibility study on the acquisition of the Rio Hondo Golf Course, which study was completed in one day, and a written report submitted within three days. Councilman Ferris reported that in 1969, Downey°s Police Department was one of a very few cities where major crimes were decreased, a decrease of 3.6% which is evidence of good equipment, good men. Two years ago, a report published by Councilman Ernani Bernardi, Los Angeles City Councilman, showed Downey Police Department as having the highest percentage of capture of all cities in the County, 85%, in relation to the total number of reported incidents. At the same time, the ratio of policemen per one thousand population was less than one, compared to larger cities operating with a ratio of two and one-half per one thousand population. Continuing with his report on the services provided by the City, Councilman Ferris stated that prior to the establishment of Downey°s Fire Department, the City°s fire insurance rating was 5, 6 and 7. Within a very short period of time, after its establishment, this was reduced to a Class 3, resulting in a substantial decrease in the fire insurance rates, Downey°s Fire Protection and Prevention Program is rated Class 2 by the A.I.A.; only three other cities in the state, which are much larger and with more funds, surpassed the City of Downey. The Downey Fire Department in 1969, he stated, provided protection at the rate of 57.89c per $100 assessed valuation. If this service had been contracted for with the County, the rate would have been 64.77c per $100 assessed valuation; a savings to the City of $150,000. because of our fine Fire Department. Responding to comments regarding the acquisition of the Golf Course, Councilman Ferris stated that dedicated community minded citizens, as well as businessmen, contractors, bankers and realtors who stood to lose a great deal of money in profits, made it possible for the City to acquire the Rio Hondo Golf Course at a price $2,000,000. less than the appraised value at a rate of interest 1% or more less than the prevailing interest bond rate. It will be purchased over a thirty-five year period on a pay as you go basis, at the end of which time the citizens of Downey will own a golf course at a net worth of between 12 and 15 million dollars. At that time there will be a surplus revenue of from 7 to 8 million dollars, with a netrevenue of 3/4 million dollars each year thereafter, Councilman Jennings stated that after listening to Councilman Ferris, if he didn't live in Downey, he would move here. Mr, Kenneth Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Drive, again spoke in opposition to the Utility Users Tax, commenting regarding water rates which he stated placed the burden on home Council Minutes 8/10/70 -5- - ., owners as their water rates were in excess of what is paid by apartment house owners. He also stated that the increase in police services is the result of the increased number of multiple dwellings in the City. He also questioned the use of tax on water for capital improvements. Mr. Ed Reinke, 8111 Florence Avenue, stated he was the President of the old Downey County Water. He spoke in protest to the water rates and questioned the need for improve- ments in that water system because of the improvements which he stated were in when the City acquired it. Mayor Corbin and Director of Public Works Ervin Spindel replied to his comments and the need for improvement in the Downey County Water system after it was acquired, as well as the need for the construction of a reservoir. Mr. Spindel spoke of the requirement for the City to purchase 45-50% of the water from the Metropolitan Water District which is now at a cost of $50 per acre foot and will increase $4 to $5 each year until it reaches $75. In response to a question by Mrs. Teresa Ledford, 8409 Rives Avenue, Mayor Corbin stated no site has been selected for the proposed reservoir. City Manager Charles Thompson commented relative to the studies made of possible sources of revenue and the increase in operating expenses. He stated that the ratio of City Employees per thousand population is one of the lowest compared to the other cities in Southern California. He reported on the need for the additional revenue for Downey to continue to provide its present level of services. Mr. Thompson also referred to the provision in the Ordinance for exemption from this tax in cases of persons on fixed incomes. (A verbatim transcript of Mr. Thompson's comments is made a part of these Minutes by reference,) ORDINANCE NO. 384 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 1D TO ARTICLE VI ESTABLISHING A UTILITYUSERS TAX AND PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION THEREOF, PENALTY FOR NONPAYMENT, REMEDIES AND ENFORCEMENT The ordinance was read by title only, It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded - by Councilman Ferris, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 384. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton The Mayor declared a recess at 9:50 p.m. The Meeting resumed at 10:10 p.m. with the following Councilmen absent: Winton, Morton The Director of Public Works reported that the owner of All American Home Center at Ryerson and Firestone has requested the prohibition of parking on the north side of Firestone from Rverson to the easterly 550 feet. RESOLUTION NO. 2439 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PROHIBITING STOPPING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF FIRESTONE BOULEVARD FROM THE INTERSECTION OF RYERSON AVENUE EASTERLY 550 FEET The resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2439. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Jennings, Corbin Morton Council Minutes 8/10/70 -6- RESOLUTION NO. WS-698 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND CERTIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID (NO. 26842 - 27358 -- $200,971.23 -- PAYROLL) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Coun ilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. WS-698, AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton RESOLUTION NO. WS-699 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND CERTIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID (NO. 10499 - 10730 -- $657,408,94) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No, WS-699, excepting warrants for payments of membership, dues and/or subscriptions which are to be reviewed by the Staff with a re- port back to the City Council. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, It was moved by Councilman Ferris, the following vote to approve Cash Cont (Extension) Waterline and Sewer Main Cr other agencies, and grant au AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Jennings, Corbin Morton seconded by Councilman Jennings, ract #260 Unit 2 Stewart and Gr nstruction, subject to any specia ity to advertise for bids. Jennings, Corbin Morton and passed by is It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Ferris, and passed by the following vote to award contract on Cash Contract S.S. Project #219, Gardendale Street, to A-M Paving Company of Whittier, the lowest and best bidder, in the amount of the bid submitted, reject all other bids, and waive bond formality. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to accept improvements of Cash Contract #239 Unit 2 Baseball Diamond Lighting, AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Ferris, and passed by the following vote to approve purchase of right-of-way at 8602 Fontana Street, Cash Contract S.S. Project #212, Patton Road, and authorize the following transfer of funds: AMOUNT: FROM: TO: $1,000.00 Gas Tax Surplus A/C 16065, Patton Rd. Improvements AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, .Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton Council Minutes 8/10/70 -7- On the recommendation of the Director of Public Works, it was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to certify the City of Downey's desire to implement its TOPICS Program through the procedures which are contained in the "Proposal for Development of Los Angeles Area -Wide TOPICS Plans and Type II Systems" and that the Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County be requested to include the City of Downey in the studies outlined therein. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton After discussion on the matter, it was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Ferris, and so ordered to take the matter of Violation of Sections 7101 and 7101.4, D.M.C., on property at Northeast corner of Bigby St. and Dolan Ave., under submission. RESOLUTION NO. 2440 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING THE VACATION OF ALL DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS WITHIN TRACT 27904 AS RESERVED IN RESOLUTION NUMBER 1538 OF SAID CITY COUNCIL AND SHOWN ON MAP OF TRACT 27904 MAP BOOK 740, 81-82 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Ferris, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2440. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton CITY MANAGER'S REPORT On the recommendation of City Manager, Charles Thompson, it was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to approve the Gas Tax Budeet for 1970-71. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton The City Manager reported on re -naming of Golf Course. It was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to take any measures necessary to re -name the Golf Course the "Downey Rio Hondo Country Club." AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen. Winton, Morton On the recommendation of City Manager, Charles Thompson, it was moved by Councilman Ferris, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to approve the appointment of Deputy Chief of Police, Loren D. Morgan, as Acting Chief of Police, at a monthly salary of $1875, including longevity and educational incentive pay. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton The City Manager reported on the Sale of North American Rockwell buildings to the County of Los Angeles and referred to unofficial record of land in public ownership in the City. Following a report by the City Manager, it was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Ferris, and passed by the following vote to approve the payment of $450.00 toward construction of a float for the Independence Day Parade in Guadalajara, Mexico, on September 16th, and to authorize attendance by the Mayor and members of the City Council who wish to attend. Council Minutes 8/10/70 -8- AYES: 3 Councilmen: Ferris, Jennings, Corbin NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 2 Councilmen: Winton, Morton Councilman Ferris stated that at the request of Councilman Morton, he would like to have the following statements relative to meetings with the State Division of Highways and Gruen Associates' representatives relative to the Century Freeway entered into these Minutes: "At the three meetings, during December and January just past, the State Highway Division representative, H. Heckenroth, stated that the City's proposed route along the southern border was acceptable to them from the standpoint of traffic service and cost. The Gruen representative stated that the City's proposed route was preferrable to the adopted Orange Route because in the long range view it would preserve the residential integrity of the southern part of the City; whereas the Orange Route would destroy a large segment of south Downey's residential area and have a destructive effect on the balance of residential properties. Both groups' representatives stated that they would support the southern border route provided the School Board concurred. "Mr. Thompson, Mr. Spindel, and I met with Assemblyman Carley Porter in Sacramento on August 7, 1970. The City Council, former City Manager and Staff have, over the years, developed a close almost day-to-day working relationship with Assemblyman Porter and frequently met with him to discuss many City/State government interface problems. In the past, Assemblyman Porter has rendered valuable assistance to the people of Downey by aiding with various City/State projects. "The meeting afforded recently appointed City Manager, Charles W. Thompson, in opportunity to acquaint himself with Assemblyman Porter, thereby continuing the established rapport. It also gave us an opportunity to express the City's views on some pending City -related legislation in Sacramento. The primary purpose of our visit, however, was to provide Assemblyman Porter an updated version of the brochure recently presented to the Highway Commission and to generally discuss the City's present position on the freeway matter based on current information and data from the School District, local Highway Division and Gruen Associates. "In view of the Highway Commission's recent decision, Assemblyman Porter recommended that we send a letter to the Bellflower Council, requesting an exchange of information on this matter." John Cherene, 9524 Horley, appeared before the City Council and spoke in opposition to the Utility Users Tax. He asked questions regarding the specific use of funds collected from the Utility Tax and the fee charged by the utility companies for collect- ing the tax. The City Manager stated that the funds collected from the tax will be placed in the general fund and used for operating expenses of police, fire, library, etc. He also stated that the utility companies will collect and remit to the City at no charge. In response to questions by Mr. Francis Hart, 9643 Cedartree Road, the City Manager stated that reports are received from the County Tax Assessor each year setting forth::.. the assessed valuations and the same tax rate is applied. This, he stated, is reflected in the budget. Request from Mrs. Peppmuller, 9118 Ratliffe Street, for City Council's approval for persons to speak regarding the Century Freeway at the Council Meeting of September 14th. There being no objections, it was so ordered. Acting Police Chief, Loren Morgan, expressed his appreciation to the City Manager for his recommendation and Council's approval of his new position. He said he would dedicate himself to the City of Downey in offering the best police protection it is possible to provide. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m. ELLEN C. DAVIS, CITY CLERK Council Minutes 8/10/70 -9- BEN 'D CORBIN, MAYOR