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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-25-71-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MAY 25, 1971 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: 1971-72 Budget Request for hearing, Appeal to Z.E. Case 0989, 12057 Lakewood Blvd. Application of Douglas Bus Lines to extend - service area Appointment of Committee on Revision of General Plan Santa Ana Freeway, Route 5, Widening Study Session on Section 9120.9 DMC Legal Claims for Council Action: Eric Dodd, 15547-� Colorado Ave., Paramount Resolution #2536 Approving Agmt. #2649 inst. Mast Arm Street Name Signs at Signalized Intersections, Lakewood Blvd. Resolution IP2537 Approving Inst."No Parking Any Time" Cut -De -Sac Portion, Frontage Road S/s Imperial W/o Verdura Resolution #2538 Endorsing Est. "Helpline Youth Counseling Center" & Supporting Application for Funding ACTION: PAGE NO, Committee appointment 1 Denied 1 Received and filed 1 Approved I Staff directed to proceed to act on behalf of citizens 2 Ref. to Committee on General Plan Revision 2 Denied 2 Adopted 2 Adopted 3 Adopted 3 Resolution Auth. Renewal of Contract with County Ref. to Director of Public Works Concerning Street Maint. & Const. for report 3 Resolution #WS-739 (Payroll) Adopted Resolution #WS-740 (B Warrants) Adopted CC 0280, Tweedy Lane. Plans & specs & auth. to advertise Approved CC dk282, Second St,, Pomering to Rives; 4th P1. @ Old River School Rd.; 6th St. - S/s Smallwood to Paramount. Plans & specs & auth, to advertise Approved CC #287, Annual Miscellaneous Sidewalk Construction. Plans & auth. to advertise Approved CC #275, Slurry Seal. Award of contract Approved CC #SS-240, Firestone Blvd. at West City Limits. Acceptance of improvements Approved CC OSS-241, Davis St. Acceptance of improvements Approved CC OSS-231, RR Safety Gates, Downey Ave. S/o Firestone Blvd., Crossing #BK 495.2. Agmt. with So. Pacific Transp. Co. Approved Roadway to be constructed by Kingswood Village adj. to Imperial Hwy. & under Imperial Hwy. Bridge at San Gabriel River.. Road & Slope Easement from So. Calif. Edison Co. Accepted Page 1 of 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 c Table of Minute Actions Council Minutes 5/25/71 SUBJECT: Gasoline Dispensing Contract for Fiscal Year 1971-72 with L & S Service Annual Contract for Washing City Vehicles. Award to Sultan Imperial Car Wash Appl. for Entry of Float in 1972 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Request from All American Home Center for Home Improvement Show #105 Freeway Agreement Report on procedures for refunding of insurance payments, Downey Comm. Hospital Ordinance Amending Sec. 2701, 2703, 2705, 2706, 2711 & 2713 DMC Adding Sec. 2705.1 & Repealing Sec. 2702, 2709 & 2714, Relating to Personnel System Ordinance Amending DMC Amending Sec. 2751 & 2752, Repealing Sec. 2753'thru 2765 & adding Sec. 2753 thru 2767, Relating to Personnel Budget for fiscal year 1971-72 Argus Helicopter Patrol Program Brookshire Park, name contest Appointment of William 0. Fisher to — Legislative Study Committee Page 2 of 2 ACTION: PAGE NO. Approved 5 Approved 5 Authorized 5 Approved 6 Taken under submission & Ref. to Staff for review & report 6 No action 6 Introduced 7 Introduced 7 Hearing set for 6/14/71 7 Held over for later meeting 8 Recommended & ref. to Park & Rec. 8 Approved 8 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MAY 25, 1971 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 8:00 a.m., May 25, 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 Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Public Works Robert L. Shand, Director of Finance William A. Goggin, Director of Planning Jim Ruth, Director of Parks d Recreation Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Don Warren, Deputy Fire Chief William Fritsche, Assistant Director of Building & Safety H. J. Henriksen, City Engineer Ellen C. Davis, City Clerk Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary Ralph M. Grove, D. D., Stated Clerk of Los Ranchos Presbytery, delivered the invoca- tion, followed by the Flag Salute led by Councilman Winton. Mayor Ferris introduced Mr. Harry Polgar, new City Editor of the Downey Call Enterprise. Communication from Mayor Joseph G. Ferris regarding 1971-1972 Budget. Mayor Ferris reported that he had designated himself and Councilman Jennings to review detailed components of the proposed budget with the City Manager and staff. He requested that any preliminary data received be forwarded to him or Councilman Jennings. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton, and so ordered to -- confirm the appointment of Mayor Ferris and Councilman Jennings as a committee to review the budget. - Communication from C. M. Leonard, Agent for Mary Troiano, et al, requesting a Hearing to appeal Zone Exception Case #989, 12057 Lakewood Boulevard. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the following vote to deny the request for a hearing to appeal Zone Exception Case #989, as the appeal does not meet the requirements of Section 9132.14 of the Downey Municipal Code. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Communication from Public Utilities Commission regarding Application of Douglas Bus Lines Inc. to extend service area, to serve the North American -Rockwell Main Plant in El Segundo. It was moved by Councilman Hollis, seconded by Councilman Winton, and so ordered to receive and file. Communication from Mayor Joseph G. Ferris requesting concurrence of the appointment of Mayor Pro Tem. Donald Winton and Councilman Giles Hollis as a committee to act on behalf of the City Council as a liaison with the Planning Department and/or Planning Commission on the Revision of the General Plan, and suggesting the following target dates: June 4, 1971 for Councilmen to submit specific recommendations to the committee; June 30, 1971 for updating General Plan to be presented back to the committee; and July 12, 1971, for adoption of the Revised General Plan. There being no objections, it was so ordered. Communication from the Director of Public Works regarding the Santa Ana Freeway, Route 5, Widening. Councilman Morton stated he had received a number of calls from persons in his District and in District #3 who were concerned about the increased noise levels in the areas of freeways. He said he would like to know the City's rights in the widening of freeways. Council Minutes 5/25/71 -1- In response to questions by Councilman Morton, the Director of Public Works stated the State Division of Highways has made a definite commitment to erect concrete block walls where there is no frontage road between the freeway and the homes. Councilman Morton requested the Director of Public Works to submit a report to the City Council on what avenues of approach are available for making the desires of the citizens known regarding the freeways. The City Council discussed the need for information on the type of shrubbery proposed, the landscaping, noise buffers, and walls. Councilman Morton stated he was particularly interested in the pocket at the Santa Ana Freeway and 605 Freeway inter- section where the noise level is high. It was moved by Mayor Ferris, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the following vote that the staff be'directed to proceed to act on behalf of the best interests of the citizens of Downey with regard to the Santa Ana Freeway widening. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Ferris requested the City Manager to contact the City of Inglewood to obtain data available on noise. Communication from City Planning Commission regarding Study Session on Section 9120.9 of Downey Municipal Code. It was moved by Mayor Ferris and so ordered to refer this matter to the Committee on the General Plan revision. LEGAL CLAIMS FOR COUNCIL ACTION Eric Dodd, 15547� Colorado Avenue, Paramount It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and passed by the following vote to deny the legal claim of Eric Dodd, 15547� Colorado Avenue, Paramount. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 2536 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING CITY-STATE PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT NO. 2649 FOR THE INSTALLATION OF MAST ARM STREET NAME SIGNS AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS ALONG LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Winton, and so ordered to waive further reading. The Director of Public Works reported Downey's portion will be paid by Federal TOPICS funds. It was moved by Councilman Hollis, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2536. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 2537 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE INSTALLATION OF A NO PARKING ANY TIME PARKING RESTRICTION WITHIN THE CUL-DE-SAC PORTION OF THE FRONTAGE ROAD ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY WEST OF VERDURA AVENUE 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 5/25/71 -2- Responding to questions of Councilman Jennings as to the benefits to be gained by this action and the reason for the need to take action prior to a recommendation from the Traffic Committee, Councilman Winton explained the parking problems in the cul-de-sac which ends at Brookshire. He said the last home in the cul-de-sac has no street parking, it is a narrow cul-de-sac, and some of the residents park their cars in front of the homes next to them. He said there could be a problem if it was necessary to get fire equipment into this area. He recommended immediate action. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2537. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 2538 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ENDORSING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE "HELPLINE YOUTH COUNSELING CENTER" AND SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE SAFE STREETS ACT The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and so ordered to waive further reading. The City Manager reported the purpose of the Safe Streets Act is to prevent crime and criminal behavior. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2538. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CONCERNING STREET MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT The Resolution was read by title only. Mayor Ferris requested the matter be reviewed before taking an action to renew the agreement. The Director of Public Works reported this agreement has been in effect since 1957 and is renewed every five years. He said the County furnishes the services and the City pays the actual cost for services that the City could not perform due to the necessity for a large staff and specialists. He said the County has requested that the agreement be signed by June 15th. Mr. Spindel further reported the County acts quickly to repair damage to light standards, replace broken lights, as well as painting the standards, and that the City of Downey is not equipped to do this. In reply to a question by Councilman Morton with regard to maintenance of pedestrian underpasses, the Director of Public Works reported this is done by the County on request of the City pertaining to structural damage and the special work to be done on the Lighting. He said the City does the cleaning. Following discussion on the matter, the Director of Public Works was requested to furnish the City Council with a cost breakdown on each specific item of work, what was charged to the City and what it would cost the City to perform these services. Councilman Morton stated that there are some of these services that could possibly be done by the youth of the City, providing them with some jobs. Council Minutes 5/25/71 -3- RESOLUTION NO. WS-739 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. 37018 - 37536 -- $191,498.97 -- PAYROLL) 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. WS-739. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. WS-740 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. 14536 - 14749 -- $158,904.91) 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. WS-740. 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 plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids on Cash Contract #280, Tweedy Lane. 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 approve plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids for the construction of concrete gutters on Cash Contract #282 Second Street - Pomering to Rives; Fourth Place - @ Old River School Road; Sixth Street - S/s Smallwood to Paramount. 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 Jennings, and passed by the following vote to approve specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids on Cash Contract #287, Annual Miscellaneous Sidewalk Construction, at various locations throughout the City. 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 Mayor Ferris, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and passed by the following vote to award Cash Contract #275, Slurry Seal, to Mission Slurry Seal Co, of San Diego, the Lowest and best bidder, in the amount of the unit prices bid. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Council Minutes 5/25/71 -4- Councilman Morton stated he had received a call from a citizen in his district asking why the service road off True Avenue at Telegraph Road was not placed on the slurry seal list. He requested this be checked. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to accept improvements completed under Cash Contract #SS-240 Firestone Boulevard at the West City Limits. 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 accept the improvements constructed under Cash Contract #SS-241, Davis - Street, and the responsibility for maintenance thereof. 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 Agreement No. 43240/321-2 with the Southern Pacific Transporta- tion Company for Cash Contract #SS-231, Railroad Safety Gates, Downey Ave. S/o Firestone Blvd., Crossing No. BK 495.2, and that the Mayor be granted the authority to execute same. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None A recess was declared at 8:50 a.m. The Meeting resumed at 9:05 a.m, with all Councilmen present. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to accept a Road and Slope Easement from the Southern California Edison Company for Roadway to be constructed by Kingswood Village adjacent to Imperial Highway and under Imperial Highway Bridge at San Gabriel River. 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 Gasoline Dispensing Contract for Fiscal Year 1971-72 with L & S Service at 7539 Firestone Blvd. 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 Winton, and passed by the following vote to approve Bid No. 5089 and award Annual Contract for Washing City Vehicles to Sultan Imperial Car Wash, 8845 Imperial Hwy. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Application for Entry of Float in the 1972 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. In response to a question by Councilman Winton as to whether the $500. entry fee is budgeted, Councilman Morton stated that the action of the City Council at this time is to confirm that funds will be available in the 1971-72 budget for the Rose Float entry fee. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to authorize application for float entry in the 1972 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Council Minutes 5/25/71 -5- Request from All American Home Center for Home Improvement Show. Mr. Irving Gertler, President of All American Home Center, appeared before City Council and stated the show is being held to display and demonstrate new products, and there will be no selling, no music and no noise. In response to a question by Councilman Morton as to whether space would be provided the Chamber of Commerce if they desired to have a display, Mr. Gertler stated they would be welcome. Assistant Fire Chief Don Warren reported this has been reviewed by the Building Department and Fire Department and the only modification was that the tent must be located 30 feet from the structure and 30 feet from the adjacent property line, and contain six-foot aisles and exits. Police Chief Morgan reported that if needed, people will be assigned from his department to take care of any traffic problems. It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and passed by the following vote to approve the Request from All American Home Center for a Home Improvement Show. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None #105 Freeway Agreement Councilman Winton requested the matter be taken under submission and referred to the committee appointed to review the General Plano The Mayor so ordered. Mr. Tom Lammers, State Division of Highways, reported on the understanding reached at a meeting with the City Staff on May 24th. He answered questions of the City Councilmen regarding the proposal of the State Division of Highways. The Mayor declared a recess at 10:05 a.m. The Meeting resumed at 10:15 a.m., with all Councilmen present. Discussion on the freeway continued, with Mr. Lammers answering several questions of the City Councilmen: (A verbatim transcript of the portion of these minutes regarding the #105 Freeway Agreement is on file in the office of the City Clerk.) It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Hollis, and passed by the following vote that the staff be authorized to continue to work with Mr. Lammers on the points discussed at this meeting as well as additional points that warrant further review, including additional information required by the City and make a presentation back to the City Council with possibly a draft of the agreement or supplemental agreement, as the case may be. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 1 Councilmen: Jennings ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None REPORTS City Manager Charles Thompson reported on his investigation of the procedures for refunding of insurance payments by the Downey Community Hospital, and one specific case, as requested by Councilman Winton. Councilman Winton said he had received numerous complaints regarding hospital billing. City Manager Charles Thompson reported on Revised Personnel Ordinances and Personnel Manual. He said the Personnel Advisory Board has reviewed the manual and recommends adoption. Council Minutes 5/25/71 -6- ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTIONS 2701, 2703, 2705, 2706, 2711 AND 2713 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, ADDING SECTION 2705.1 AND REPEALING SECTIONS 2702, 2709 AND 2714 OF SAID CODE, ALL OF WHICH SAID SECTIONS RELATE TO THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Hollis, seconded by Councilman Winton, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Hollis, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the following vote to introduce the Ordinance. 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 AMENDING DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTIONS 2751 AND 2752, REPEALING SECTIONS 2753 THROUGH 2765 AND ADDING SECTION 2753 THROUGH 2767, ALL RELATING TO PERSONNEL The Ordinance 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 introduce the Ordinance. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None City Manager Thompson presented the proposed Budget for fiscal year 1971-72. He said this year's budget has been a difficult one because the City is making every attempt to preserve its current programs. The City Manager recommended the deletion of the Argus Helicopter Patrol Program which was anticipated to be $88,000 for the fiscal year 1971-72. He said other cities are also contemplating the termination of this service which would result in an increase to about $91,000 as the cost is spread among the participating cities. The City Manager commented on the increase requested for the Parks and Recreation Department which is due mainly to a change in accounting methods, whereby funds for the Children's Theatre expenses are budgeted under the control of Council and in the past had been handled as an improvement fund. Mayor Ferris commented regarding the several night meetings attended by him and Councilman Jennings. He stated there are two actions to be taken at this meeting; to set the date for the hearing on the Budget and, in the event they wish the curtailment of the Argus Program, an action on that in order to meet the requirement for a 30-day notice of termination. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to set the hearing on the 1971-72 Budget for 7:30 p.m., June 14, 1971, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. AYES: 5 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Jennings that the matter of the Argus program be held over until the next Council Meeting. No second. Police Chief Morgan reported that the Argus Helicopters have established a place in law enforcement; they can do things that police personnel or equipment cannot, such as surveillance of commercial buildings, freeways, and checking out cars in a matter of seconds which no survey vehicle can do. He said the Argus program has resulted in great cooperation between Deputy Sheriffs and Downey Police Officers. Council Minutes 5/25/71 -7- Chief Morgan stated to measure the worth of the Argus Program is difficult. There are intangible benefits that cannot be measured, and it is also tremendously difficult to measure it's effect on the crime rate. He said he would like to have more hours of the service as with 8 or 16 hours a day, a tremendous job could be done. He said as an administrator, considering the $91,000 it would cost for the program in 1971-72, he would recommend termination of the program as the services presently provided are not worth expenditure. City Manager Thompson reported two cities are contemplating dropping the Argus Program and that neither has made a final decision. He said none of the cities wish to drop the program but are considering doing so because it is too expensive. Councilman Winton requested that an appeal be made to the County Board of Supervisors to have the cost of the program returned to its original figure. Councilman Morton stated he would not be at the next Council Meeting of June 14th, and unless there can be a decided change, his vote would be to discontinue the Argus Program. Councilman Hollis reported on an incident where Argus can be credited with saving the life of a drowning child who was rushed to the hospital in a matter of minutes. There being no objections, the matter was held over for a later meeting. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Winton reported on the progress of Brookshire Park. He said he has received some communication regarding expenditures, and he said the two lots were purchased at $1.00 each. He requested the Park & Recreation Department to send invitations to citizens to submit names for the park to the Park & Recreation Commission. Councilman Winton suggested that an award be presented to the winner. Councilman Winton requested that during budget studies consideration be given to District #1 with regard to the landscaping program, particularly on Alameda which has been a number one priority project. Councilman Winton requested a resolution be prepared stating Downey's opposition to the proposed freeway at Lakewood Boulevard. City Manager Thompson reported a resolution has been prepared on a proposal which the State has never adopted on the proposed plan of the County. He said any decision on the Century Freeway will have a direct effect on any future freeways. Councilman Morton stated he had requested the Planning Department to present to City Council a draft of a proposed sign ordinance. The Director of Planning said the Planning Department is working on this. It was moved by Councilman Hollis, seconded by Councilman Morton, and so ordered to approve the appointment of William 0. Fisher, 9433 Dacosta, Downey, to the Legislative Study Committee. With Council's permission, the Director of Planning submitted a memorandum setting forth a revised schedule on the General Plan Revision. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m. ELLEN C. DAVIS, CITY CLERK Council Minutes 5/25/71 -8-