Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04-12-71-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APRIL 12, 1971 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: ACTION: PAGE NO. A. D. "Dale" Baker, Resignation from Water Board Accepted with regrets 1 Resolution #2520 Ordering Vacation of Portion of Regentview Avenue Adopted 2 Resolution #2521 Ordering Vacation of Portions --- of Ryerson Avenue Adopted 2 Resolution #2522 Confirming Assessments for Chapter 27 for D.I.P. #607, 7322 Foster Bridge Blvd; and Hearing Adopted 3 Minutes of March 23, 1971 as corrected and Minutes of Adjourned Meeting of March 29, 1971 as amended Approved 3 Downey Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report No action 4 Proposed increase in License Fees Referred to City Manager 4 Approval of Downey City Library as member of Metropolitan Cooperative Library System Ordered filed 4 Miss Liberty Pageant Appointment of Committee & Endorsement by Council 4 Report on audit for year ending 6/30/71 Ordered received & filed 4 Request for information re Pollution Referred to City Manager 4 Re -appointment of Ford A. Dickerhoff & Frank R. Gasdia to Downey Community Hospital Auth. Comm. Approved 4 De -annexation, two small parcels along westerly City limits, south of Stewart & Gray Rd. Approved 5 Z.E. #989, 12057 Lakewood Blvd. Request for C-1 & R-1 zones to be retained expression on General Plan pending review of General Plan 5 Letters of appreciation re Auxiliary "Follies" Ordered received & filed 5 Report of Legal Claims filed Nellinene Lee, 7753 Hondo St., Downey Ordered received & filed 5 Ordinance #393 Correcting Numbering of Sec. 4600.1 & Amending DMC to effect correction Adopted 5 Ordinance Adding Chapter 6, Sec. 7600 thru 7614, Art. VII, DMC relating to Assessment Districts Tabled indefinitely 6 Resolution #2523 Approving Appointment of Scott E. Temple to Water Board Adopted 6 Resolution #2524 Favoring Revenue Sharing Adopted 6 Resolution #2525 Urging Legislation to Amend Insurance Code of State of California Adopted 7 Resolution #2526 Opposing Senate Bill 536 Adopted 7 Resolution #WS-732 (Payroll) Adopted 7 Resolution #WS-733 (B Warrants) Adopted 7 Resolution #WS-734 (B Warrants) Adopted 8 Page 1 of 2 Table of Minute Actions Council Meeting 4/12/71 SUBJECT: CC #SS-246, Median Island, Woodruff Ave., south of Imperial Hwy. Plans & specs & auth. to advertise for bids CC #SS-241, Davis St. Award of contract Capital Improvements Street Program & Modification of 1970-71 Budget D.I.P. #617, Misc. Proj. #099, Laura St. Construction of street improvements; waive engineering & administration charges; waive 60-day compliance period Paving Matching Fund Program Request for Taxicab Rate Increase, Southeast Taxi Co. Page 2 of 2 ACTION: Approved Approved Approved with reservations Authorized Approved Approved PAGE NO. I 7 i MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APRIL 12, 1971 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. April 12, 1971, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Joseph G. Ferris presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris ABSENT: Councilmen: None ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Donald B. Robison, Assistant City Manager Carl Newton, Acting City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Public Works Robert L. Shand, Director of Finance William A. Goggin, Director of Planning Ray Lake, Director of Building & Safety Jim Ruth, Director of Parks & Recreation Robert W. Gain, Fire Chief Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief H. J. Henriksen, City Engineer Ellen C. Davis, City Clerk Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary Dr. Marvin Jackson, Grace Baptist Church, delivered the invocation, followed by the Flag Salute led by City Manager Charles W. Thompson. Mr, Jack Scott, President of the Downey "Revelaires", SPEBSQSA, presented the Harmony Express Quartet, who offered two musical selections. Bill Harper, Manager of the Downey Theatre and a member of the Harmony Express Quartet, introduced the three remaining members of the Quartet, Jim Riddle, Dave Corley, and Bill Merry. Mayor Ferris introduced Girl Scout Cadet Group 1880. Communication from A. D. "Dale" Baker regarding Resignation from Water Board. Mayor Ferris commended Mr. Baker for his years of service to Downey as a member and many times chairman of the Water Board. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the following vote to accept with regrets the resignation of A. D. "Dale" Baker from the Water Board. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None With the assistance of Mayor Ferris, Councilman Jennings presented to Dale Baker a plaque commending him for his years of service in Downey as a member of the Water Board. Mr. Dale Baker expressed his appreciation to the Mayor and City Council and said it has been a pleasure, as well as educational, to serve on the Water Board. City Councilmen Morton, Winton, Jennings and Hollis, as well as City Manager Charles Thompson, Director of Public Works Ervin Spindel, and Fire Chief Robert Gain, extended good wishes and good luck to Mr. Dale Baker and expressed their appreciation for his service to the City of Downey. Mayor Ferris declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Vacation of a Portion of Regentview Avenue, southerly of Firestone Boulevard, V-109. He inquired of the City Clerk if she had the Affidavits of Posting Notice and Publication, to which she responded in the affirmative. The Director of Public Works reported this is a vacation on the portion of Regentview which will no longer be needed with the completion of construction of the extension of Stewart and Gray Road. Mayor Ferris inquired of the City Clerk if she had received any written correspon- dence, and she replied she had not. Council Minutes 4/12/71 -1- Mayor Ferris inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition to the matter, 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 Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and so ordered to close the hearing on Vacation of a Portion of Regentview Avenue, southerly of Firestone Boulevard, V-109. RESOLUTION NO. 2520 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF REGENTVIEW AVENUE The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2520. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Ferris declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Vacation of Portions of Ryerson Ave., lying southerly of Firestone Blvd., V-106. He inquired of the City Clerk if she had the Affidavits of Posting and Publication, to which she responded in the affirmative. The Director of Public Works reported that this is a vacation of two small portions of excess right-of-way on the east and west side of Ryerson Avenue south of Firestone Boulevard. He said these two small pieces are not needed for street purposes and recommended vacation. Mayor Ferris inquired of the City Clerk if she had received any written correspon- dence, and she replied she had not. The Mayor inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition to the matter, 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 Morton, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and so ordered to close the hearing on Vacation of Portions of Ryerson Ave., lying southerly of Firestone Blvd., V-106. RESOLUTION NO. 2521 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING THE VACATION OF PORTIONS OF RYERSON AVENUE The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2521. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Ferris declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Downey Improvement Project No. 607, 7322 Foster Bridge Boulevard (S. S. Project #198). He inquired of the City Clerk if she had the Affidavits of Posting and mailing Notice of Cost, to which she responded in the affirmative. The Director of Public Works reported that this is a hearing on the assessment of costs. He said the work was ordered by the City Council at the meeting held September 14, 1970, and all of the work has been completed and accepted. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and so ordered to accept the Engineer's Report. Council Minutes 4/12/71 -2- Mayor Ferris inquired of the City Clerk if she had received any written correspon- dence, and she replied she had not. Mayor Ferris inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition to the matter. Mr. Harold Jervis, 7322 Foster Bridge Boulevard, spoke in opposition. He said he had to accept one-third of what he considered to be a fair price for the property and that this improvement is a waste of the taxpayer's money since no one uses the sidewalks. Mrs. Jackie Jervis, 7322 Foster Bridge Boulevard, stated she could not see why they must pay for the sidewalks when no one else on the street was billed. The Director of Public Works stated that the owners of other properties on the west - side dedicated right-of-way in exchange for the improvements, and the people on the east side of the street have a double frontage, with the fronts of their homes facing Dos Rios Road. These people, he stated, paid for the improvements on their frontages and the City does not assess properties for both front and back, although they did pay for driveways. Replying to the comment by Mr. Jervis that they had not received a fair price for their property, Mr. Spindel stated that the price was based on an appraisal by an Independent Appraiser, and his Department feels that full value was received. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to close the hearing on Downey Improvement Project No. 607, 7322 Foster Bridge Boulevard (S.S. Project #198). RESOLUTION NO. 2522 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENTS FOR CHAPTER 27 PROCEEDINGS FOR DOWNEY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 607, 7322 FOSTER BRIDGE BOULEVARD; AND HEARING The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2522. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Councilman Winton requested the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of March 23rd be corrected on Page 6, under the item, Request for Funds, Downey Christmas Parade, changing the names in the statement, from Councilman Morton to Councilman Winton, and e > also correcting the last paragraph of this item, changing words "City Council to read "Counsel." s Mr. Walter O'Connell, 9254 Birdvale Freeway Hearing held March 29th included State Department of Public Works. Drive, Downey, inquired if the Minutes of the the ten objections of the Legal Division of the The City Clerk stated brief Minutes were presented to Council and included the statement that a verbatim transcript of the proceedings is on file in the Clerk's office and is made a part of these Minutes by reference. On the recommendation of Councilman Winton, the Mayor directed the City Clerk to amend the Minutes of the Adjourned Meeting of March 29, 1971, to include the ten objec- tions of the Legal Division of the State Department of Public Works. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the following vote to approve the Minutes of March 23, 1971, as corrected, and the Minutes of the Adjourned Meeting of March 29, 1971, as amended. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Council Minutes 4/12/71 -3- Communication from Downey Chamber of Commerce regarding Quarterly Report, Mr. George Zehnder, President, Downey Chamber of Commerce, gave a verbal presenta- tion on the Quarterly Report. He thanked various City Departments for compiling information which was used in preparing the March 1971 Community Economic Profile. He said 500 copies of the Community Economic Profile have been forwarded to the State Chamber of Commerce for distribution to the appropriate parties. He reported that the initial meeting of the Industrial Commercial Development Task Force will be held on April 15th. Mr. Zehnder expressed appreciation to the City of Downey for cooperation received dur- ing Apollo 14 Astronauts' visit March 30th. He particularly thanked Councilman Winton, Police Chief Morgan, Park & Recreation Director, Jim Ruth, and William Harper, Theatre Director, for the excellent manner in which they accomplished this job in the short time they had. Petition from Licensees opposing the Proposed increase in License Fees. Mayor Ferris stated the petition is premature as no concrete proposals for increase or decrease in license fees have been made. He referred the petition to the City Manager for review and recommendation during budget sessions, and stated any such changes would be presented in the form of an ordinance. Communication from California State Library advising of approval of Downey City Library as member of Metropolitan Cooperative Library System. Ordered filed. Communication from Miss Liberty Pageant regarding Sixth Annual Pageant at Downey Theatre. Mr. Lyle Spilman, Jr., Creator and National Executive Director of the Miss Liberty Pageant, reported that the Downey Theatre has been booked July 5th through 10th. He said the Miss Liberty Pageant is a non-profit corporation and is endorsed by the President of the United States. Mr. Spilman further stated the Pageant will be televised from the Downey Theatre and will result in a 90-minute television special to be shown in nine western states. Councilman Morton suggested two Councilmen be appointed to coordinate with the City Manager and Park & Recreation Director, Jim Ruth, to study the possibility of making Downey the home of the Miss Liberty Pageant. Mayor Ferris requested that these Minutes show the City Council as going on record supporting the Miss Liberty Pageant. He appointed Councilmen Morton and Jennings to review the matter as recommended by Councilman Morton. Communication from Diehl, Evans and Company regarding Report of certain phases of Audit for year ending 6/30/71. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton, and so ordered to receive and file. Communication from County of Los Angeles 1971 Grand Jury regarding Request of Ecology Committee for information regarding pollution. Referred to City Manager for report back to Council. Communication from L.A. County Board of Supervisors regarding Term of office, Hospital Authority Commission. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Mayor Ferris, and passed by the following vote to re -appoint Ford A. Dickerhoff and Frank R. Gasdia to the Downey Community Hospital Authority Commission. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Communication from the Planning Commission dated March 30, 1971, recommending the De -annexation of two small parcels of land lying along the westerly City limits, south of Stewart and Gray Road. The Director of Planning reported that the request for de -annexation was received from the Burnam Building Company. The change was requested to eliminate inequities that exist for the owners of the land since portions of their property are in two cities. He advised that all costs of the de -annexation proceedings should be borne by the City of South Gate, Council Minutes 4/12/71 -4- - I n. _ 511 It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to proceed with the de -annexation of two small parcels of land lying along the westerly City limits, south of Stewart and Gray Road, to the City of South Gate, all costs of de -annexation proceedings to be 'borne by the City of South Gate. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Memorandum from the Director of Planning advising of hearing held by the Planning Commission on Zone Exception Case #989, request for a 63-unit apartment building on property at 12057 Lakewood Boulevard, which is presently zoned C-1 and R-1. The Commission took the case under submission and requests an expression from the City Council as to the status of the General Plan in this area. Mr. William Coggin, Director of Planning, reported there is a zone exception case pending on property located at 12057 Lakewood Boulevard, which is presently zoned C-1 and R-1. He stated the Planning Commission feels they should not make a decision on this case until the City Council has taken an action on the General Plan. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and passed by the following vote that the C-1 and R-1 zoning be retained in the subject area and that the Planning Commission adhere to the zoning as it stands until such time as the City Council has reviewed with the staff revisions to the General Plan. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Communications from Mrs. C. Larry Hoag, President, Downey Community Hospital Auxiliary, and Mrs. Glen Dayhoff to Mr. William Harper, Theatre Director, expressing appreciation for the cooperation given to them in their production of the Auxiliary "Follies". It was moved by Councilman Morton and so ordered to receive and file the communications. REPORT OF LEGAL CLAIMS FILED Nellinene Lee, 7753 Hondo Street, Downey. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and so ordered to receive and file. A recess was declared at 8:50 p.m. The Meeting was resumed at 9:05 p.m. with all Councilman present. ORDINANCE NO. 393 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CORRECTING THE NUMBERING OF SECTION 4600.1 AND AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO EFFECT SUCH CORRECTION The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 393, AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADDING CHAPTER 6 CONSISTING OF SECTIONS 7600 THROUGH 7614 TO ARTICLE VII OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, WHICH SAID CHAPTER RELATES TO ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS (Taken under submission 12/14/70) Council Minutes 4/12/71 -5- Councilman Morton stated he had previously asked for a legal opinion as to the con- stitutionality of various portions of the ordinance and it was not received, and he is, therefore, not prepared to take an action on this ordinance. He said the ordinance was presented to the City Council on the basis that the authority which would be provided in the ordinance already exists under the State Laws, and he could see no necessity for the ordinance, Ervin Spindel, Director of Public Works, stated the main difference between the Code and the proposed ordinance is in the cost to the property owners when they follow the strict provisions of the 1911 Act. He said the improvements can be carried out under the 1911 Act, but the cost under the proposed ordinance would decrease as much as one-third. He said for a small improvement, under the 1911 Act, the costs of Legal fees might be two to three times the cost of the improvement, and in addition to the savings in cost there would be a saving in time using the proposed ordinance. City Manager Thompson referred to the changes which had been made in the ordinance since it was originally presented, specifically Section 7614, Statement of Policy. Following discussion on the matter, Mayor Ferris stated he was responsible for having the ordinance drafted and presented at this meeting. He stated, however, that through logic and rationale, the City has been able in 85% to 90% of all cases to effect improvements for the general welfare of the City, under the existing laws. He recommended the ordinance be tabled indefinitely. There being no objections, it was so ordered. In response to a question by the City Attorney as to whether the Council wishes to have the ordinance reviewed, Councilman Morton stated that inasmuch as the matter has been withdrawn, there is no need for a review. RESOLUTION NO. 2523 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF SCOTT E. TEMPLE AS A MEMBER OF THE WATER BOARD The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to waive further reading. Councilman Jennings stated Mr. Temple had called and expressed regrets on not being able to be present at this meeting, He said everyone is aware of what Scott Temple has done for the City and what he will do again and he is happy to have Scott Temple as Dale Baker's replacement on the Water Board. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2523. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 2524 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FAVORING REVENUE SHARING The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2524. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 2525 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY URGING LEGISLATION TO AMEND THE INSURANCE CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA Council Minutes 4/12/71 -6- The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2525. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 2526 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY OPPOSING SENATE BILL 536 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2526 and authorize Letter of transmittal to the State Legislature. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS-732 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. 35493 - 36011 -- $190,527.67 -- PAYROLL) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded By Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. WS-732. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS-733 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. 13748 - 13982 & 13174 -- $173,765.61) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. WS-733. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS-734 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. 13983 - 14143 -- $115,092.52) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to waive further reading. Council Minutes 4/12/71 -7- It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. WS-734. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to approve the plans and specifications for Cash Contract #SS-246, Median Island, Woodruff Avenue, south of Imperial Highway, and grant authority to advertise for bids. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Following a summation of bids, it was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to award Cash Contract #SS-241, Davis Street, to Sully -Miller Contracting Company of Long Beach, in the amount of the unit prices bid. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the following vote to approve the Capital Improvements Street Program and Modification of 1970-71 Budget, reserving the right to change priorities, and to withhold any action on the 5th Street and 7th Street Projects pending final action by the City Council. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and passed by the following vote to authorize construction of street improvements under Chapter 27 of the Streets d Highways Code on Downey Improvement Project No. 617, Miscellaneous Project #099, Laura Street, waive engineering and administration charges, waive the 60-day '.. compliance period for the subject project, and extend the assessment payment period as requested by the property owners. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Hollis, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to approve Paving Matching Fund Program at the following locations: P.M.F. Estimated No. Address City Cost 98 7431 Laura Street $ 500.00 99 7437 Laura Street 500.00 100 7427 Laura Street 500.00 Total $ 1,500.00 AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Request for Taxicab Rate Increase, Southeast Taxi Co., Inc. City Manager Charles Thompson reported financial statements of the company had been received. He said their operating profit has been reducing at a significant rate during the last three quarters, and that is the basis for the request. Mr. Thompson further reported there are twelve other cities in this area served by the company, and they have approved the rate increase. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to approve Request for Taxicab Rate Increase, Southeast Taxi Co., Inc. Council Minutes 4/12/71 -8- AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Charles Thompson reported on E.O.S.T. (Emergency Operations Simulation Training Exercise) held the week of March 29 - April 2nd. He reported the exercise had positive effects and a number of factors were pointed out and stressed by the exercise which can be improved upon. He said they are in the process of a thorough evaluation of the results of the exercise. Councilman Morton stated that the recent earthquake pointed out a need to incorpo- rate into the Civil Defense Program an effective communications system for evacuating families, as well as some provision for a place for people to take their pets. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mrs. Robert Bitters, 13635 Barlin Ave., spoke in behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Downey over the Downey Theatre. She said their aim is to provide the best possible theatre available with less tax support. Mrs. Bitters read a List of recommendations for the operation of the Downey Theatre, a copy of which was filed with the City Clerk. Mrs. Virginia Skeels, 9221 Rives, commented regarding theatre tickets. She stated there is no way for accounting of adult and children attendance, as there is no differ- ence in the tickets. Mrs. Barbara Siebert, 12727 Brock Avenue, made several inquiries regarding her tax bill, such as Sanitation District, Water Replenishing, and Water Agencies. In answer to Mrs. Siebert's question, the Director of Public Works explained the County Sanitation District is the agency which handles the disposal of liquid waste (sewage) and also solid waste (rubbish). He explained the Water Replenishing District takes water from the Colorado River, puts it in our underground water supply, and pumps it back up into the City's wells for drinking water. He stated none of this money comes into the City. Replying to a question concerning assessment for Lighting, the City Attorney advised Mrs, Siebert that this item on her tax bill is the assessment for the cost of lighting facilities and energy supplied to the City street lights attributed to her area. Councilman Morton explained in some areas of the City there are no Lights on streets except at intersections, which are "safety lights", and in other portions of the City assessment districts are formed at the request of the property owners. Councilman Winton explained that no assessment districts are formed without a public hearing and public notices given. Replying to Mrs. Siebert's comments regarding the Utility Users Tax, Mayor Ferris stated this tax was adopted by Ordinance, is currently in litigation in the Courts, and it is not appropriate to discuss this matter in the City Council Meeting. Mr, Joe Fadler, 9300 Tweedy Lane, commented regarding the Downey Theatre, stating it was his feeling that the attitudes of all personnel at the Theatre should be professional at all times and all programs should receive the best efforts of the technical help. Mr. Kenneth Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Drive, Downey, stated at the Council Meeting of December 22nd Councilman Ferris commented that the Utility Users tax is 33 percent less than the amount required for additional revenue if it were to be placed on property tax. He challenged the statement and made further comments on his position with reference to the tax. Mayor Ferris stated that during the past year Mr. Miller has cost the City a great deal of money in causing a slowdown and stoppage of work in providing him with facilities and all documents of record for review. He said the matter of the Utility Users Tax is closed as far as the City is concerned. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was