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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-12-73-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 12, 1973 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: Resolution #2773, Commending Richard Trunkey Appeal, ZE Case #1112, 7528 Hondo St. Minutes, February 27, 1973 Appeal, ZE Case #1091, 7214 Glencliff Dr. - Fence modifications Comm. from PUC re Appl. of Park Water Co. for Rate Increase Comm. from Planning Comm. re Joint Meeting with City Council Legal Claims (for Council action) #093, Ben Chavez #095, Sheldon Chavez #094, Jeannie Chavez #096, Jose Pedroza Legal Claims (for information only) #099, Mrs. Carl Redcher #101, Foster T. Randall Ordinance Amending Sec. 3185(b) DMC which relates to Parking of Commercial Vehicles Resolution #2774, Req. LAFCO to Act Upon Appl. for De -Annexation to Paramount cert. real property in Downey Resolution #2775, Req. all Vehicles Stop at Intersection of Dempster & Prichard Resolution #2776, Est. 2-hr Parking Restr. bet. 7a.m. & 6pm Exceptg. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays B/sides Woodruff from Stewart & Gray to Hall Rd. Resolution #2777, Requiring Acquisition of Ppty. for Street purps. on Wly side Brookshire N/o Florence (SS Proj. #269) Payroll Warrants #02236 - 02769, $236,709.34 General Warrants #03767 - 24008, $513,140.01 Underground Utility Dist. #4, Paramount Blvd. - Request for 60-day extension CC #303, Unit 1, Downey Rio Hondo Golf Course Driving Range Structure - Acceptance of improvements exclusive of T-off mats; extension of time & liquidated damages CC #327, Rio Hondo Golf Course Sprinkler System. Traffic Signal Operation, Bellflower Blvd. at Dalen St. - No crosswalk at Ratliffe; no crossing guard at Ratliffe; sack or remove traffic signal, Bellflower & Dalen; remove crosswalk Bellflower & Dalen 1972-73 Safety Light Program (Phase 8 of 10) Proposed 80 safety lights; auth. issuance of purchase order to Edison Co. Purchase of 1973 Ford 27,500 lb. G.V.W. Front -End Loader Truck - Auth. purchase from Equipmt. Replacmt. Fund Century 105 Freeway - Agreements Century 105 Freeway - Agmt. violations Page 1 of 1 ACTION: PAGE NO. Adopted 1 Denied 3 Approved 3 Approved 3 Ref, to Staff & Legal Counsel for preparation of objection 4 Ref. to next meeting 4 Denied 4 No action 4 Introduced 5 Adopted 5 Adopted 5 Adopted 6 Adopted 6 Approved 6 Approved 6 Approved 6 Approval withheld 7 Approved 7 Approved 8 Approved 8 City Attorney to prepare opinion 8 Staff to follow-up 8 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 12, 1973 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., March 12, 1973, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Thomas H. Morton presiding.. PRESENT: Councilmen: Joseph E. DiLoreto, Richard M. Jennings, Walter S. Temple, Donald H. Winton, Thomas H. Morton 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 William A. Goggin, Director of Planning Richard D. Patton, Director of Finance Ray Lake, Director of Building d Safety Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Donald Warren, Acting Fire Chief Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer Robert L. Shand, City Clerk Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by City Clerk Robert Shand, followed by the Flag Salute led by Public Works Director Ervin Spindel. RESOLUTION NO. 2773 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY COMMENDING RICHARD TRUNKEY Mayor Thomas Morton read the Resolution in its entirety. He expressed the Council's appreciation to Mr. Trunkey for his outstanding accomplishments and noted Mr. Trunkey took with him a copy of the City seal when he climbed to the top of Mt. Orizaba. Mr. Richard Trunkey presented two pictures taken at the top of Mt. Orizaba. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2773. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Morton presented to Mr. Trunkey the Resolution of Commendation. Mr. Trunkey answered questions of the City Council. Mayor Thomas Morton declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Appeal, Zone Exception Case #1112, 7528 Hondo Street. He inquired if City Clerk Robert Shand had the Affidavit of Publication, to which Mr. Shand responded in the affirmative. Planning Director William Goggin reported the request is to continue the use of the property as a nursery school and to increase the number of children from 14 to 18; that Zone Exception Case Nos., 66, 319 and 804 were granted for 14 children. He stated the Planning Commission heard the case on February 2nd; there was no one present in opposi- tion; and after deliberation, the Commission denied the case. Mr. Goggin said after the denial, the Commission approved an additional five-year period as is permitted under Zone Exception Case #804; that Zone Exception Case #804 allowed the five years, with the Planning Commission reserving the right to continue the use for periods of time without further public hearings. He said the applicant is appealing the denial of the 18 children. Answering questions of the City Council, Mr. Goggin explained four additional children were added after Zone Exception Case #804 was approved; that they were added not with the approval of the Planning Commission, but with the approval of the County Welfare Agency. He stated the Health Department then required an. additional restroom facility Council Minutes 3/12/73 -1- for the extra children. Mr. Goggin commented the applicant was granted a five-year extension in February of this year. Discussion followed. Mayor Morton inquired if City Clerk Shand had received any correspondence on this matter, and Mr. Shand replied he had not. Mayor Morton inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of Appeal, Zone Exception Case #1112, 7528 Hondo Street. Mr, Stan Meyers, 7567 Suva Street, husband of the applicant, said when they pur- chased the nursery school it was on the basis of 14 children because they felt 14 was the approved amount; that after a research of the records, it was discovered the Regional Planning Commission in July 1953 granted an exception. for 15 children; and that in effect, the request in this matter is to increase the number of children to 18, three above the 15 approved at one time. Mr. Meyers commented in 1969 a State Social Worker said the building met the specifications for 18 children, and he presented licenses for review, showing when the 18 children came into effect. He referred to inspections by the City's Building and Fire Departments. Mr. Meyers stated after an inspection by the County Health Department in October 1972, the school was requested to install a lavatory and wash basin for the teaching staff only and to check with the Planning Department before doing the work; that at the time of checking with the Planning Department and re- questing an increase from 14 to 18 children, the request was denied. Mr. Meyers stated in the five years he and his wife have owned the nursery school they have not received complaints from any of the neighbors, nor was there any opposi- tion voiced at the Planning Commission hearing. He referred to the adequate facilities at the school. Mr. Meyers said there is enough space for 18 children; that the school would not be enlarged in any way; and that the only facility to be added would be a lavatory and wash basin in the existing restroom. He commented on the use of the nursery school for in-service training by three Downey and Warren High School students one hour a day, four days a week. Mr. Meyers requested approval of the appeal for 18 children for the next five years, with extensions for further periods of time, and approval to install a lavatory and wash basin. Mrs. Meyers, 7567 Suva Street, the applicant, submitted letters from two neighbors in favor of the zone exception. Mrs. Linda Gluhak, 12320 Pomering Road, stated she previously lived on Chavers Avenue, approximately five houses from the nursery school. She said she has spoken to people in the area, and there have been no complaints regarding the children, traffic, or noise. Mayor Morton inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition to the appeal. Ellen West, 12232 Chavers Avenue, said there is a problem of traffic with the mothers coming to and from the school and there are cars constantly parked on the street. Helen Norton, 12313 Chavers Avenue, commented on the traffic problem and congestion. Minnie Hansell, 12347 Chavers Avenue, spoke regarding the traffic problem. She submitted several letters in opposition to the zone exception and stated she objects to the increase in the school. Mayor Morton inquired if the applicant wished to speak in rebuttal. He asked that the applicant clarify the number of employees at the subject location. Mr. Meyers commented there are approximately three teachers. He said his wife works as a speech therapist in the mornings and is at the nursery school in the afternoons; that there would be a total of three teachers at any time. Mr. Meyers stated he was not aware of any parking problems. Mrs. Meyers said the teachers park on the property behind a chain link fence and she parks in the driveway. She mentioned that some of the children are walked to school by their parents and some are brought in car pools. Mrs. Meyers stated she would be willing, if the Council desired, to ask the parents to park along the chain link fence. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to close the hearing on Appeal, Zone Exception Case #1112, 7528 Hondo Street. Council Minutes 3/12/73 -2- Discussion followed. Councilman Walter Temple inquired if there have been any police problems at the subject location, and Police Chief Loren Morgan replied to his knowledge there have not been any complaints. Councilman Joseph DiLoreto stated even though it is a well -operated, well -run school, without police, fire, or safety problems, in his opinion, it is a commercial venture and as such belongs in a commercial zone or quasi -commercial zone. Councilman Donald Winton asked Mr, and Mrs. Meyers to indicate how many children are walked to school and how many are brought in car pools. Mrs. Meyers said she did not have the accurate number with her, and relying on memory she indicated five children are walked to school most of the time and six are brought by car pool; that there may be one or two others that she cannot think of at the moment. Councilman Richard Jennings inquired when the Fire Department makes an annual or semi-annual inspection of property, does it apprise itself of the zone and whether the property is a zone variance prior to the inspection. Deputy Fire Chief Don Warren replied that it has been the policy, where new applica- tions for license have been received, to submit these to the Planning Department. He referred to continual requests by the State Fire Marshal for inspections of day care nurseries, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. Chief Warren stated this particular case was for a renewal; that the Fire Department has been inspecting the property for 15 years; and, therefore, the Planning Department was not contacted. Discussion ensued. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and passed by the following vote to deny Appeal, Zone Exception Case #1112, 7528 Hondo St. AYES: 4 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Winton, Morton NOES: 1 Councilmen: Temple ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and so ordered to approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of February,27, 1973. Communication from Richard W. Albrecht regarding Appeal, Zone Exception Case #1091, 7214 Glencliff Drive, which was taken under. submission February 27, 1973. It was moved by Councilman Walter Temple, seconded by Councilman Richard Jennings, and passed by the following vote that on Appeal, Zone Exception Case #1091, 7214 Glencliff Drive, Mr. Albrecht be required to lower the first six feet of the fence to 42 inches, up to the first supporting post; to bring the fence up to safe standards; and if the fence is ever torn down or has to be replaced, that the entire fence be brought up completely to Code. Councilman Jennings stated the fence in question is a wooden fence, and it would not be an extreme chore, in his opinion, to bring the fence up to Code with regard to height and condition.' Councilman Temple concurred, however, he said the fence has been there for 20 years when the property was purchased; that lowering the first six feet would serve the purposes for safety that is needed for ingress and egress. AYES: 4 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 1 Councilmen: Jennings ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Communication from Public Utilities Commission regarding Application of Greyhound Lines, et al, for State-wide Increase in Interline Express Rates. Ordered filed. Communication from City of Beverly Hills regarding Distribution of Uniform Sales and Use Tax. Ordered filed. Communication from Division of Highways regarding Installation of Headlight Glare Screen, Santa Ana Freeway. Ordered filed. Council Minutes 3/12/73 -3- Communication from Public Utilities Commission regarding Application of Park Water Company for Rate Increase. Public Works Director Ervin Spindel submitted a comparison of the existing and pro- posed rates and compared them to the Downey rates. He said the increase requested is an average of 37% and the rate of return requested is 10.27,. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote that Staff and legal counsel prepare a written objection to the requested rate increase of Park Water Company, to be presented to the Public Utilities Commission at the time of hearing. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mr. Spindel was requested to point out the inadequacies of Park Water Company's services at the time of the hearing before the Public Utilities Commission. He was further requested to bring up the matter of Park Water Company purging their Lines dur- ing daylight hours. Communication from Planning Commission requesting Joint Meeting between Planning Commission and City Council. After discussion, Mayor Thomas Morton requested between this meeting and the next morning meeting the Councilmen check their calendars and decide on an agreeable time to meet with the Commission. LEGAL CLAIMS (for Council action) Ref., #093, Ben Chavez Ref. #094, Jeannie Chavez Ref. #095, Sheldon. Chavez Ref. #096, Jose Pedroza It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to deny the legal claims of Ben Chavez, Jeannie Chavez. Sheldon Chavez, and Jose Pedroza. LEGAL CLAIMS (for information only) Ref. #099, Mrs. Carl Redcher Ref. #101, Foster T. Randall Public Works Director Ervin Spindel spoke regarding a proposed Ordinance Relating to Parking of Commercial Vehicles. He said numerous complaints have been received pertaining to truck parking on various streets throughout the City, particularly in residential areas. Mr. Spindel referred to two fatalities occurring when cars collided with parked trucks. He stated the ordinance would limit the parking of trucks and any commercial vehicle larger than a 3/4 ton pickup to industrial areas only, except when they are working or making deliveries. Mr. Spindel displayed pictures showing various trucks parked through- out the City. He said the ordinance would specifically exclude recreational vehicles. Councilman Richard Jennings commented there are many trailers and campers which are larger than a 3/4 ton truck; that to specify in the ordinance anything larger than two -axle trucks would be more agreeable. Discussion followed. Councilman Donald Winton commented on the lack or adequate reflectors on trailers. He cited an incident -in which he nearly collided with a parked truck on Brookshire Avenue. He noted that a semi -trailer sitting on its landing gear has only two axles and would fall under the category mentioned. Councilman Winton cited several truck parking problems in his district, wherein independent operators are using public streets for storing trailer rigs while shuttling other trailers to a remote loading area. Councilman Jennings again referred to the nomenclature of the proposed ordinance and stated the issue in question should relate to the amount of axles on a vehicle. Police Chief Loren Morgan said the issue involves commercial vehicles used for profit vs. the camper and mobile home (some of which weigh more than 7,500 pounds). He said the Police Department has difficulty citing commercial vehicles parked in residential areas vs. trucks parked in commercial areas. He commented that the City attack part of the problem now and adjust any inequities at a later time. Council Minutes 3/12/73 -4 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3185 (b) OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH SAID SECTION RELATES TO PARKING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was 'moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to introduce the Ordinance. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 2 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 2774 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REQUESTING THE LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION TO ACT UPON THE APPLICATION FOR DE -ANNEXATION TO THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2774. Councilman Donald Winton noted the County has been working in the area. He requested if there is any sharing of funds with the County for the work that it reflect on the City of Paramount. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 2775 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REQUIRING ALL VEHICLES TO STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF DEMPSTER AVENUE AND PRICHARD STREET AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 1602. The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2775. Discussion followed. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton RESOLUTION NO. 2776 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING A TWO-HOUR PARKING RESTRICTION BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM EXCEPTING SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS ON BOTH SIDES OF WOODRUFF AVENUE FROM STEWART AND GRAY ROAD TO HALL ROAD The Resolution was read by title only. Councilman Donald Winton inquired if adopting a two-hour parking zone would conflict with the introduction of the ordinance which indicates commercial vehicles can only park in industrial areas. Council Minutes 3/12/73 -5- Public Works Director Ervin Spindel replied the two-hour parking would not apply in the evenings or Saturdays and Sundays; that it would only be in effect during the day. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2776. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None RESOLUTION NO. 2777 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST, CON- VENIENCE AND NECESSITY REQUIRE THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR STREET PURPOSES ON THE WESTERLY SIDE OF BROOKSHIRE AVENUE, NORTH OF FLORENCE AVENUE. (S. S. Project No. 269) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Richard Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2777. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and passed by the following vote to approve Payroll Warrants, #02237 "through #02769 - $236 709.34 and General Warrants #23767_through #24008 - $513,140.01. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, 'Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to approve a Southern California Edison Company request for 60-day extension for Underground Utility District No. 4, Paramount Boulevard. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Mayor Thomas Morton declared a recess at 8:44 p.m. The meeting resumed at 8:56 P.M. with all Councilmen present. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to accept the improvements exclusive of the tee -off mats and grant an extension of time and liquidated damages on Cash Contract #303, Unit 1, Downey Rio Hondo Golf Course Driving Range Structure. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Cash Contract ,$327, Rio Hondo Golf Course Sprinkler System It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings to defer payment on Cash Contract #327, Rio Hondo Golf Course Sprinkler System, until all excavations have been prepared to the City's satisfaction. He commented the contractor has put in the pipe and replaced the sod, however, the ground is still too high on 90% of the work. City Attorney Royal Sorensen stated the appropriate procedure would be not to accept the work at this time, rather than deferring it. Council Minutes 3/12/73 -6- It was explained by City Manager Charles Thompson that the mounds were approved and left purposely to provide for settlement in the trenches; that when the sod was put back, it was done so with a little remaining mound to compensate for eventual settling of the soil. Councilman Jennings said the contractor should not be released until the work is satisfactorily completed. Discussion followed. Mr. Sorensen explained if the Council accepts the work, it will be obligated to pay under the terms of the contract. It was noted by Mayor Thomas Morton that there is a discrepancy in the recommenda- tion referring to the net increase in cost. He said the amount should be $2,258.12, and he asked what was included in the cost. Mr. Thompson replied that when the drinking fountain was installed, a deteriorated water line was discovered and had to be replaced. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Richard Jennings, and so ordered to withhold approval of the improvements on Cash Contract #327, Rio Hondo Golf Course Sprinkler System, until the matter has been settled relative to the soil mounds. Councilman Jennings withdrew his previous motion to defer payment. Traffic Signal Operation, Bellflower Boulevard at Dalen Street Councilman Donald Winton reported the Traffic Committee indicated if the Council did not approve the full operation of the sign, it would recommend approval of a crossing guard and crosswalk to be located at Ratliffe Street. He questioned the need for any type of signal at Dalen Street and said a crosswalk and crossing guard at Ratliffe Street would be a hazardous situation. Councilman Winton commented the Ed C. Lewis School PTA requested the signal be returned to a red -green operation, however, he pointed out that the signal has no relation relative to the traffic flow of children to the Ed C. Lewis School. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote that there not be a crosswalk installed at Ratliffe Street; that there not be a crossing guard placed at Ratliffe Street; that the Traffic Signal at Dalen and Bellflower Boulevard be either sacked or removed at the discretion of the Public Works Department; and that the crosswalk at Dalen and Bellflower Boulevard be removed. AYES: 3 Councilmen: Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 1 Councilmen: DiLoreto ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ABSTAIN: 1 Councilmen: Jennings Responding to a question by Mayor Thomas Morton, Coundilman Donald Winton explained that a review of this matter indicated there was not a need for a signal or crossing guard, inasmuch as a controlled crosswalk is at Gardendale which leads directly into the corner of the school. There is no history of any student injuries on that corner. He said, however, accidents have occurred at the flashing signal at Dalen Street; that there is safe crossing provided by a controlled crosswalk at Imperial Highway just north of Dalen Street. Councilman Winton explained further that the signal at Dalen was installed for the flow of aerospace traffic which has since diminished. Mayor Morton stated his "aye" vote is based on Councilman Winton's analysis, but with the reservation that should the PTA come in and present facts and figures that justify their request, the City Council will take another look at this matter. 1972-73 Safety Light Program (Phase 8 of 10) Public Works Director Ervin Spindel explained at the completion of this phase there will be one light at every intersection in the City. He said, however, the Safety Light Program will not be complete, inasmuch as there are a number of cul-de-sacs and dead end streets that should have lights, and there are various heavily travelled intersections that should have a second light installed. Mr. Spindel answered questions of the City Council. Council Minutes 3/12/73 -7- It was moved by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to approve the proposed 80 safety lights and authorize issuance of a purchase order to Edison Company for the 1972-73 Safety Light Program (Phase 8 of 10). AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None Purchase of one 1973 Ford 27,500 lb. G.V.W. Front -End Loader Truck City Manager Charles Thompson stated a transfer of funds from the Unappropriated Reserve has been requested, however, a change is recommended, inasmuch as moneys are available in the Equipment Replacement Fund for the purchase. Public Works Director Ervin Spindel explained it is hoped the old truck will con- tinue to perform until the new one is delivered. He said the new truck will be a diesel unit. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and passed by the following vote to approve the purchase of one 1973 Ford 271500 lb. G.V.W. Front -End Loader Truck from Carmenita Ford Truck Sales, Inc, of Santa Fe Springs, the lowest bidder, and authorize the purchase from the Equipment Replacement Fund. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 0 Councilmen: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Donald Winton commented on an article in the Los Angeles Times pertaining to the Century (105) Freeway, which quoted Mr. Haig Ayanian, District Engineer, State Division of Highways. Councilman Winton stated the article mentioned the Freeway was designated as part of the interstate system in 1968 due to the funds; the rush began, to build the Freeway to meet interstate deadline by 1974; it was extended to 1977; and the Division of Highways has now petitioned Congress to change the deadline until 1980. Councilman Winton stated additionally, as a resident within the Freeway corridor, he received a letter dated March 5, 1973 from Thomas F. Scalora, Senior Right -of -Way Agent for Division of Highways, indicating a reply was needed to a Housing Availability Survey: The letter stated residents need not be concerned that they will be displaced in the near future. Councilman Winton said the Freeway issue has been with the people within the area since the first press releases and hearings in 1963, He stated there has been an agree- ment signed with the State, however, there have been over 200 violations since the agreement was signed, and it is imperative that the Council take an overall field trip, either individually or as an adjourned session, to closely scrutinize what is happening to the area. Councilman Winton commented on the problems and deterioration. of the area within the Freeway corridor and of the State's violations to the Performance Agreement. He asked the Council to study the matter very closely, inasmuch as he has every intention of making a definite motion on this matter within the very near future. Councilman Winton said if there are no objections from the Council, he would request Staff to follow-up on this matter. He further requested the assistance of the City Attorney for checking any legal matters the Council deems necessary. Councilman Winton mentioned he would like to prepare a report and bring it back to the Council with a motion in the very near future. The City Attorney was directed to prepare an opinion as to whether there is any basis for the City terminating the existing agreements with the State in light of the injunction issued by the Federal District Court. It was noted that consideration should also be given to the violations of record and alleged violations to the agreements. City Attorney Royal Sorensen informed the Council that the letter referred to by Councilman Winton requested the survey and was triggered by a request of the plaintiffs in the freeway action, requiring the State to re -rent any properties acquired by the State, and the State opposed that motion. He said he opposed the motion on behalf of Downey and other Cities he is representing. Mr. Sorensen commented that at the present, the State must obtain permission of the Court in order to demolish any houses. Council Minutes 3/12/73 -8- Discussion followed. Mayor Thomas Morton inquired if. the City Council had any objection to Councilman Winton's requests, and no objections were stated. Mayor Thomas Morton reported that the Downey Civic Chorus sponsored the first Annual Music Festival held at the Downey Theatre' which was an overwhelming success. He said the Festival consisted of choruses from approximately 20 surrounding cities and was very well received, Mr. Bruce Watson, 7326 Neo Street, addressed the City Council regarding the lack of citizen attendance at Council meetings, He suggested the City advertise its meetings to bring about more citizen participation. In response, Mayor Morton indicated the Agendas are published; the Council meetings are called out in the Charter. He said the Communicator is a publication sent to the citizens of Downey,, and in it the meetings are noted, Mayor Morton suggested Mr. Watson leave his name and address with the City Clerk to be placed on the Communicator mailing list. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned a.t 9:35 p.m. ROSERT L. SHAND, CIT`C CLERK Vr1424 )-4' �)US'1.(Dy\ THOMAS H. MORTON, MAYOR Council Minutes 3/12/73 -9-