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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-09-25-73-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SEPTEMBER 25, 1973 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT• Minutes, September 7, 1973 and September 10, 1973 Legal Claims (information only) #131, Homer Ellis Legal Claims (for Council action) #127, Mary Daniel Ordinance #442, Amending Sec. 3205 DMC re Bicycle License Fees Ordinance #443, Amending DMC Sections re Board of Building Appeals Resolution #2857, Calling for Removal of Yield Signs on Sixth St, at intersec. with LaReina Ave, & Rescinding Resolution #1866 Resolution #2858, Apprvg. Contract with Dept. of Calif. Hwy. Patrol for Participation in Abandon Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Program Resolution #2859, Apprvg. Apptmt, of Councilman Winton as Delegate and Mayor Morton as Alternate to City Selection Comm. of So. Calif. Rapid Transit District Resolution #2860, Requiring Acquisition of Property for Public Use NE Corner Paramount & Orange St. (CC #326) New Fire Station Headquarters & Rescind Resolution #2856 General Warrants #26924 - 27065 CC #SS-286, Fairford Ave. N/o Cecilia St. - P1ans, specs & auth, to advertise CC #344, Wilderness Park - Lake Sealing - Plans, specs & auth. to advertise CC #334, Central Garage - Inst, of Gasoline Storage Tanks & Dispensers - Award of contract CC #SS-262, Unit 3, Wiley Burke Ave. - Acceptance of improvements & extra work CC #330, Wilderness Park - Parking Lot, Walkways & Retaining Walls - Acceptance of improvements; extra work; time extension Garfield TOPICS Project Appropriation of Funds Bicycle Route Report (File 1708) Lot Split #587, ZE Case #1124, Byers St. Cut -de -sac W/o Brookshire - Dedication of R/W & street improvements Traffic Circulation Study Area bounded by Paramount, Downey, Adoree & Gardendale Purchase of Landscape Materials, Wilderness Park, Purchase Contract #182 - Auth. Dept. P&R Proceed Continuation of State Employee at YES office Public Health Problem, District 4 - Auth. Dir. Comm. Dev, proceed with cleaning Public Health Problem, District 4 - Declaration of property as public nuisance & violation of public health & welfare Page 1 of 2 ACTION: PAGE NO. Approved 1 No action 2 Denied 2 Adopted 2 Adopted 2 Adopted 2 Adopted 2 Adopted 3 Adopted 3 Approved 3 Approved 3 Approved 3 Approved 3 Approved 4 Approved 4 Approved 4 Received; call for more encompassing report 4 Accepted 4 Taken under submission 5 Approved 5 Held to October 8 5 Approved 5 Approved 5 COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 1973 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT: ACTION- PAGE NO. Violation of No Parking signs on Major Councilman DiLoreto suggested Thoroughfares consideration to tow -away zones 6 Increase in Commercial Vehicles Using Request of Councilman Temple Suva St, for closer study d surveillance 6 Report of Mayor Morton on Reapportionment No action 6 a Page 2 of 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SEPTEMBER 25, 1973 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 8:00 a.m., September 25, 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: Donald B. Robison, Assistant City Manager Royal M.. Sorensen, City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development Richard D. Patton, Director of Finance William A. Coggin, City Planner Ray Lake, Building Official Joseph Guthrie, Captain, Police Department Lyle H. Wilkenson, Battalian Chief, Fire Department Harold J. Henriksen, City Engineer James Jarrett, Recreation Superintendent Harold Greek, Superintendent of Parks Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Mayor Thomas Morton, followed by the Flag Salute led by Community Development Director Ervin Spindel. Mayor Morton stated he has been asked to make a presentation at 9:00 a.m. in the Green Room of the Downey Theatre to the Rehabilitant of the Year, who is receiving an award from the State of California Rehabilitation Division for having made the most progress and recovery from serious injuries received in an accident. He said at 10:00 a.m, the Council has been asked to participate in the unveiling of the Time Capsule in the Veterans Memorial. With the assistance of Captain Joseph Guthrie, Police Department, Mayor Morton pre- sented a commendation to Major Quentin Garcia for the work he has done in connection with the Law Enforcement Explorer Post. Mayor Morton commented Major Garcia has spent a tremendous amount of time at his own personal expense to assist the Explorer Post and providing many activities for them. With the assistance of Community Development Director Ervin Spindel and Building Official Ray Lake, Mayor Morton presented a Building Inspector Certificate to Harry Rayson of the Building Division. It was noted that Mr. Rayson now qualifies as a Certified Building Inspector. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Morton commended Mr. Rayson for his outstanding achievement. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, and so ordered to approve the Minutes of the Re September 7, 1973 and City Council Meeting of S seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, -Adiourned Citv Council Meeting of Communication from Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hochwald regarding Appreciation for Stop Sign Control at Mattock and Dacosta Avenues and Pangborn and Dacosta Avenues. Ordered filed. Responding to a question by Councilman Richard Jennings, Mayor Thomas Morton explained this matter was presented to the Council by way of a letter and petition and the problem is that people are using the area of Mattock and Dacosta as a traffic by-pass to avoid the intersection of Florence and Lakewood; that as a consequence, traffic has increased through the residential area. Councilman Jennings indicated at a later time he would request information regard- ing why people are adamently opposed to stop signs to slow traffic in some areas and in favor of them in other areas. Councilman Walter Temple stated his concern regarding the interesection at Smallwood and Fourth Streets. Council Minutes 9/25/73 -1- LEGAL CLAIMS (for information only) Ref. #131, Homer Ellis LEGAL CLAIMS (for Council action) Ref. #127, Mary Daniel It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to deny the legal claim of Mary Daniel, Ref. #127. ORDINANCE NO. 442 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3205 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH SAID SECTION RELATES TO BICYCLE LICENSE FEES The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and passed by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 442. AYES: 3 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Winton, Morton NOES: 2 Councilmen: Jennings, Temple ORDINANCE NO. 443 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING PART 9 TO CHAPTER 4 OF ARTICLE II, CONSISTING OF SECTIONS 2490 THROUGH 2495, AMENDING SECTION 8906 AND REPEALING SECTION 8907, ALL OF WHICH SECTIONS RELATE TO A BOARD OF BUILDING APPEALS 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 adopt Ordinance No. 443. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton RESOLUTION NO. 2857 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CALLING FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE YIELD SIGNS ON SIXTH STREET AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH LA REINA AVENUE AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 1866 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Walter Temple, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Walter Temple, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2857. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton RESOLUTION NO. 2858 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE ABANDON VEHICLE ABATEMENT (AVA) PROGRAM 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. 2858. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Council Minutes 9/25/73 -2- WE RESOLUTION NO. 2859 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILMAN DONALD H. WINTON AS DELEGATE AND MAYOR THOMAS H. MORTON AS ALTERNATE DELEGATE TO THE CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2859. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton RESOLUTION NO. 2860 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST, CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY REQUIRE THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC USE LOCATED AT THE NORTH- EAST CORNER OF PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD AND ORANGE STREET (CC PROJECT NO. 326) NEW FIRE STATION HEADQUARTERS AND TO RESCIND RESOLUTION NO. 2856 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. 2860. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 1 Councilmen: DiLoreto It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Waiter Temple, and passed by the following vote to approve General Warrants #26924 - #27065 $422 024.42. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and passed by the following vote to approve plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids on Cash Contract #SS-286, Fairford Avenue North of Cecilia Street. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton It was moved by Councilman Walter Temple, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and passed by the following vote to approve plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids on Cash Contract #344, Wilderness Park - Lake Sealing. Discussion followed. Councilman Richard Jennings commented that the lakes were dug at Budget time, and he questioned why it was not foreseen that the lakes were to be completed in this calendar year. Councilman Joseph DiLoreto inquired about the completion date. Mayor Thomas Morton replied he has been advised by the City Manager and Director of Parks d Recreation that this project would be completed by the end of November or first week in December. He said the dedication can be held the first week in December or on the date of the City's anniversary, as suggested by Councilman Temple. AYES: 4 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 1 Councilmen: Jennings Following a summation of bids, it was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Richard Jennings, and passed by the following vote to award Cash Contract #334, Central Garage - Installation of Gasoline Storage Tanks and Dispensers, in the amount of the unit prices bid, to Lewis and Sweasy of Paramount, the lowest and best bidder, and reject all other bids. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Council Minutes 9/25/73 -3- 1736 Councilman Walter Temple and Community Development Director Ervin Spindel discussed the time it will take to install the tanks and the procedure for terminating the contract with L d S Service. It was moved by Councilman Walter Temple' seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and passed by the following vote to accept the improvements constructed under Cash Contract #SS-262, Unit 3, Wiley Burke e Avenu, the responsibility for maintenance thereof, and authorize extra work in the amount of $6,077.86. Councilman Winton commented on the problems relative to old streets and asked if the City could update its knowledge to prevent the extra budgetary items. Community Development Director Ervin Spindel stated in most cases core samples are taken of the .surface, however, in this case core samples were in the wrong place and did not indicate the thicknesses that were found later. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to accept the improvements completed in conjunction with Cash Contract #330, Wilderness Park - Parking Lot, Walkways and Retaining Walls; accept responsibility for maintenance thereof; approve extra work in the amount of $29907.05; and approve a time extension of four (4) days for completion of the project. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to approve the following appropriation on Garfield TOPICS Project Appropriation of Funds, per approved City -Los Angeles County Agreement. Amount From To $1,800 City Tax Fund Balance A/C #26-16154 AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Bicycle Route Report (File 1708) Councilman Richard Jennings made a motion that the signs be removed and stored until a proper bicycle route can be found. Motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Joseph DiLoreto made a motion to accept the report and stated he does not feel the signs should be removed, inasmuch as they at Least provide some form of a definite route for traversing from one park to another. Councilman Walter Temple seconded the motion and stated he hopes Staff will continue its studies and present a more complete report on how the bicycle routes on the rivers can be made more accessible to the citizens and also routes that would inter -connect the two rivers. Expressing his views on the Bicycle Route Program, Councilman Donald Winton said he does not feel the route is complete enough nor do the signs provide adequate safety pre- cautions. He commented the routes should be all -encompassing for the entire City. Councilman Winton indicated a preference to setting the program aside pending adequate funding. He voted "aye" on receiving the report. Mayor Thomas Morton said he is voting 'aye" to receive the report. He said the report needs more study. Councilman Temple stated he favors a staff study for a bicycle program encompassing all of Downey. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to accept the dedication of right-of-way and street improvements on Lot Split No. 587, Zone Exception Case No. 1124 Byers Street Cut -de -sac West of Brookshire Avenue, and the responsibility for maintenance thereof. Traffic Circulation Stud Area bounded by Paramount Boulevard, Downey Avenue, Adoree Avenue and Gardendale Street Discussion followed regarding a meeting in the area„ at which time the residents. voted on the second of three plans presented. Councilman Richard Jennings asked why Plan No. 2 is not being considered. Council Minutes 9/25/73 -4- Community Development Director Ervin Spindel stated Plan No. 2 was suggested and voted on by the people at the meeting, however, after looking at Plan No. 2 it was felt this would cause a considerable amount of driver confusion because of all the turns people would have to make. He said Staff has considered Plan No. 2 to be the least desirable of the three plans submitted, although it will be tried if that is the desire of the Council. Councilman Jennings indicated the plan should be tried and he noted that this pro- ject goes along with an assessment district between Paramount Boulevard and Downey Avenue, Adoree Avenue and Cheyenne Street. He said the plan is to attempt blocking some of the streets in order to stagger the flow of traffic. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings to initiate Plan No. 2 for a period of time, and after that has been studied, change to Plan No. 1 or 3. No second. Further discussion ensued regarding proposed plans for future cul-de-sacs in this area Councilmen Joseph DiLoreto and Walter Temple voiced concern regarding possible problems with fire suppression and prevention. Councilman Jennings indicated this is the first step in an assessment district to try to Lessen the through traffic, and he feels it is necessary to try several different methods until it can be determined which meets the approval of the City and the people. Mayor Thomas Morton noted that only 30 people attended the meeting, and he asked how many were invited. Mr. Spindel replied there were about 350 people invited in the area between Paramount and Downey and Gardendale and Adoree. Councilman DiLoreto suggested the matter be held until the next meeting for further review and detailed study. Councilman Donald Winton concurred and mentioned residential areas in his district that have traffic problems. There being no objections, the matter was taken under submission. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to authorize the Park and Recreation Department to proceed with the Purchase of Landscape Materials for Wilderness Park Purchase Contract #182, for a total cost of $23,609.97, including tax, as requested. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton CITY MANAGER'S REPORT There being no objections, the matter of Continuing the State Employee stationed at the Youth Employment Office was held until the next meeting of October 8th. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Thomas Morton reported on a house in his district that has created a public health problem, and stated the property needs to be cleaned up, with the property owners put on notice. He commented the neighbors have complained and the property has been surveyed by the Health authorities and the City's Building & Safety Division. Mayor Morton said the situation is of immediate concern, and the Director of Community Develop- ment has requested authority from the City Council to handle this matter. He mentioned the approximate cost of $1,000 to $1,500 to clean the property, which will be returned to the City by way of a lien on the property. Mayor Morton stated the mortgage holder has agreed to pay the cost, and he requested approval of the Council based on the written report presented to have the property cleaned up. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to approve the cleaning of property in District 4 and authorize the Director of Community Development to proceed. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Mayor Morton indicated the written report on this matter will be made a part of the City Clerk's records. He then advised the City Attorney has just recommended to support the former motion with another motion declaring the matter needs to be handled based on public health needs. Council Minutes 9/25/73 -5- 4 738 On advice of the City Attorney, it was then moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote that based on both the oral report presented and on the written report, the City Council declares the property to be a public nuisance and a violation of public health and welfare and, therefore, the cleaning up of the property was authorized. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Mayor Morton reiterated that Mr. Spindel has been authorized to proceed on cleaning up the property immediately in view of the immediate concern and urgent nature of the problem. Directing his attention to the Director of Community Development, Councilman Joseph DiLoreto referred to the heavy traffic on the City's major thoroughfares and of the no - parking signs and no -stopping signs that are posted in certain areas. He said people are constantly ignoring the signs, and he cited an incident wherein a motorist was parked in a no -parking zone and was subsequently involved in an accident trying to pull out into traffic. Councilman DiLoreto stated since the signs have not worked, he would suggest the possibility of designating these areas as tow -away zones. Councilman Richard Jennings indicated he attended a Board meeting of the Downey Centennial Committee, and everything is proceeding on schedule. He said they are looking for a big turnout the week of October 6th through the 13th. Councilman Walter Temple pointed out there is an increasing number of Commercial Vehicles using Suva Street coming from Bell Gardens, following Scout Avenue to Foster Bridge, down Foster Bridge to Suva. He suggested this area be included in studies and that the police look at this area a little closer. Mayor Thomas Morton noted Mr. Cliff Gutting was the Health Department Inspector who also inspected the property in District 4 and that Mr. Gutting was present in the Council Chambers. Mayor Morton indicated the Mayor of Downey's Sister City of Guadalajara and his wife, in all probability will be Downey's guest October llth, 12th, and 13th during the Centennial. He stated this will be the first time in the history of Downey's Sister -- City Association that the present active Mayor of Guadalajara will visit the City of Downey. Speaking to members of the Press regarding Reapportionment, Mayor Morton stated approximately two years ago the City Council went on record as indicating and working toward having the City of Downey included in one Assembly District and one Senate District. He said when Councilman Winton was Mayor he pushed toward that goal and letters were sent in support of the Council's position. Mayor Morton indicated since he has become Mayor the Council has continued to push in the direction of having the City in one district. He said the Council has no objection to the present plan, except that Downey is not more closely aligned to some of the other cities close by, however, the City of Downey would, under this particular plan, meet the goal that has been set by the City Council approximately two years ago. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:04 a.m. Robert Shand, City Clerk Treasurer Council Minutes 9/25/73 -6- Thomas H. Morton, Mayor