Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-10-08-73-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY OCTOBER 8, 1973 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: Proclamation of 10/6-10/13 National 4-H Club Week in Downey Resolution #2861, Ordering Annexation to City Lighting District (Annex. 73/24) Bicycle Route Report Minutes, September 25, 1973, as amended Petition re Preservation of Open Spaces in the City Comm. from PUC re Appl. of So. Calif. Water Co. #5.3764 for Order auth. Increase in Rates - Aut:horize Dir. P.W. to attend hearing & oppose Comm. from City of Gardena re Opposition to Adoption of Senate Bill 1275 Comm. from Dept. Human Resources Dev. re Youth Employment Services to Downey Residents - Authorize continuance of service Legal Claims (for Council action) Ref. #130, Willis R. Hanes Ref, #131, Homer Ellis Ordinance Amending Chapter 1 Art. VI DMC re Sales & Use. Tax Resolution #2862, Prohibiting Parking Cert. Times Once Wk. B/sides Tristan from Florence Nl.y to & including 9918 & 9919 Tristan Dr. for Street Cleaning Resolution #2863, re Intention to approve Amendment to Contract bet. Bd. Admin. of PERS & City Council Resolution #2864, Apprvg. Reapptmt. of Robert F. Durkee as member of Planning Comm. Resolution #2865, Apprvg. Reapptmt, of Mrs. Christine Farmer as Member of Library Advisory Board Resolution #2866, Apprvg. Reapptmt. of Douglas Morrow as Member of Park & Rec. Comm. Resolution #2867, Apptng. Michael E. Leeson as member of Personnel Advisory Board General Warrants #27066 - #27241 CC #347, Koopman Ave. & Pivot St. - Award of contract; waive irregularity of bid bond; & approve transfers of funds CC #SS-293, Paramount Blvd. at Brookmill Rd. - Traffic Signal Instltn. Page 1 of 2 ACTION• PAGE NO. 1 Adopted 2 Accepted, received & filed 2 Approved 2 No action 2 Approved 2 Received & filed 2 Approved as recommended 2 Denied 3 To be resubmitted 3 Introduced 3 Adopted 3 Adopted 4 Adopted 4 Adopted 4 Adopted 4 Adopted 4 Approved 5 Approved 5 Taken under submission 5 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 8, 1973 SUBJECT: Miscellaneous Special Lot Cleaning - Auth. Public Works Dept. to proceed D.I.P. #644, S/s Benares bet. Mitla & Ryerson - Auth. Chapter 27 & Paving Matching Funds D.I.P. #645, S/s Benares bet. Ryerson & Old River School Rd. - Auth. Chapter 27 & Paving Matching Funds R/W Acquis. A-4066 Traffic Circulation Study Area Bounded by Paramount Blvd., Downey Ave., Adoree St. & Gardendale St. - Plan 1 & appropriation Supplemental Appropriation Report on Gonzalves Bill Discussion re Closing of Roger Casier Elementary School & Use of School Property for Recreation Purposes Page 2 of 2 ACTION: Approved Approved Approved Approved Approved Approved City Manager to report PAGE NO. 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 K �739 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY OCTOBER 8, 1973 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., October 8, 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 Community Development Richard D. Patton, Director of Finance James D. Ruth, Director of Park S Recreation William A. Goggin, City Planner Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief William Fritsche, Assistant Building Official Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Reverend Marvin Jackson, Grace Baptist Church, followed by the Flag Salute led by Byron Bentley, member of the 4-H Club. Mayor Thomas Morton proclaimed the week of October 6th through 13th as National 4-H Club Week in Downey and with the assistance of the City Council presented a Proclamation to four representatives of the 4-H Club. On behalf of the 4-H Club, a representative presented a cake to the City Council in honor of 4-H Club Week. Mr. John Vincent, President of the Downey Rose Float Association, presented to the City Council an artist's rendition depicting Downey's entry for the 1974 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. He said Downey's entry will be entitled "Happiness is Dancing Around the Maypole" and the rendition will be exhibited for the first time at the Centennial Ball on Saturday, October 13th. Mayor Thomas Morton introduced Assemblyman Robert McLennan. Mayor Thomas Morton declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Downey City Lighting District Annexation 73/24. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavit of Posting of Notice and Affidavit of Publication, to which the City Clerk responded in the affirmative. It was moved by Councilman Walter Temple, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and so ordered to receive and file the Affidavits. Mayor Morton inquired if the City Clerk had received any written protests or objec- tions against the Annexation, and the City Clerk replied he had not. Mayor Morton inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in protest to the Annexation, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and so ordered to close the hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 2861 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING ANNEXATION OF A CERTAIN AREA TO THE DOWNEY CITY LIGHTING DISTRICT AND TO MAINTAIN AND FURNISH ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THOSE STREET LIGHTING FIXTURES LOCATED ON STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN THAT AREA UNTIL JANUARY 31, 1983 (ANNEXATION 73/24) Council Minutes 10/8/73 -1- 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. 2861. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Councilman Walter Temple entered into discussion regarding the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 25, 1973. He noted the action taken on the Bicycle Route Report, wherein only two Councilmen voted. Councilman Richard Jennings stated he would like to have the matter voted on again, inasmuch as he had made a prior motion to have the signs removed from Rives Avenue and stored until a proper route can be found, and the motion died for lack of a second. It was moved by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to accept, receive and file as submitted the Bicycle Route Report. AYES: 4 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 1 Councilmen: Jennings It was moved by Councilman Walter Temple, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and so ordered to approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 25 1973, as amended. Mrs. Dennis Kelly, 7728 Allengrove, Downey, addressed the City Council regarding concern relative to Preservation of Open Spaces in the City of Downey. She spoke regard- ing the closing of several school properties, with the prospect of future space becoming available, and said the City is now faced with the question of how best to utilize these open sites. Mrs. Kelly voiced particular concern regarding utilization of the Roger Casier School site for park land for the benefit of the people, and she urged the City Council to act accordingly. Mrs. Kelly presented a petition containing approximately 650 signatures of interested citizens, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk. Communication from Congressman Del Clawson calling attention to the Downey Centennial in the Congressional Record. Ordered filed. Communication from Public Utilities Commission regarding Application of ornia Water Company_#53764 for an Order authorizing Increase o£ Water:R. City Manager Charles Thompson indicated with Council concurrence he will designate the Director of Public Works to be in attendance at the hearing. He pointed out that one of the things to be considered is the question of service and particularly fire capability. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to have the Public Works Director attend the hearing as representative of the City and to oppose the rate increase until such time as there are specific improvements in the service up to the City's codes and specifications. Communication from City Clerk, City of Gardena, regarding Resolution Opposing the Adoption of Senate Bill 1275. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton and so ordered to receive and file. Communication from Office of Emergency Services, Sacramento, regarding' Assembly Bill 1565, State Assistance in. Replacing Damaged Public Real Property.. Ordered filed. Mayor Thomas Morton stated this matter should be kept on file in the offices of the City Council, City Manager, and Civil Defense Committee. Communication from Owner -Residents 8000 - 8200 Blocks, Adoree Street, regarding Petition re Traffic Flow Control. The communication was held for item G26 on the .Agenda, Traffic Circulation Study. (Page 6 ). Communication from Department of Human Resources Development, State of California, regarding Youth Employment Services to Downey Residents. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to authorize continuance of the present arrangement, as recommended by the City Manager. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Council Minutes 10/8/73 -2- _4 41 LEGAL CLAIMS (for Council action) Ref. #1.30, Willis R. Hanes It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings to reject the claim of Willis R. Hanes, Ref. #130. Councilman Joseph DiLoreto noted the incident occurred back in December, 1972, and asked why the matter was not submitted earlier. Park & Recreation Director James Ruth replied a prior claim was somehow misplaced between his office and City Hall; that when he found out, a new claim was resubmitted. Councilman Joseph DiLoreto seconded the motion, and it was so ordered to deny the claim. Ref. #131, Homer Ellis Councilman Donald Winton asked about the City's Liability if a police vehicle is running under call with the lights flashing without siren. City Attorney Royal Sorensen replied the liability still becomes a question of fact; that if a vehicle is running on call with the lights flashing it has certain rights. He commented under certain circumstances the operator of the vehicle still could be negligent, however, he does not know all of the facts involved. Councilman Winton asked what the City's Liability would be in accepting that por- tion of the claim occurring on June 29, 1973 and not accepting that portion occurring an.May 27, 1973. Mr. Sorensen. stated the Council by its action would not be imposing any liability on the City; that settling a claim does not admit liability. He commented a claim can be settled just to avoid Litigation, and that does not admit liability. Mr. Sorensen said he would assume the carriers form of release contains a standard clause indicat- ing settlement does not constitute an admission of liability. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton to accept the claim as recommended by the insurance carrier. Motion died for lack of a second. Discussion followed. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered that the entire package concerning Legal Claim No. 131, Homer Ellis, be resubmitted at the next City Council Meeting with more clarification. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE VI OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, WHICH SAID CHAPTER RELATES TO THE SALES AND USE TAX 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.- 5 Councilmen; DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton,Morton -- RESOLUTION NO. 2862 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PROHIBITING PARKING AT CERTAIN TIMES ONCE EACH WEEK ON BOTH SIDES OF TRISTAN DRIVE FROM FLORENCE AVENUE NORTHERLY TO AND INCLUDING 9918 AND 9919 TRISTAN DRIVE FOR STREET CLEANING 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. Council Minutes 10/8/73 -3- It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to adopt Resolution No. 2862. RESOLUTION NO. 2863 RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY 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. City Attorney Royal Sorensen stated he had reviewed the contract and has made cer- tain changes by deleting some of the State's language. He said the changes do not effect the new portion or the 2% provision. He submitted a revision to Exhibit A, incorporating the changes. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2863. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton RESOLUTION NO. 2864 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF ROBERT F. DURKEE AS A MEMBER OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION The Resolution 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 so ordered to adopt Resolution No. 2864. RESOLUTION NO. 2865 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MRS. CHRISTINE FARMER AS A MEMBER OF THE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD The Resolution 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 Walter Temple, and so ordered to adopt Resolution No. 2865. RESOLUTION NO. 2866 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF DOUGLAS MORROW AS A MEMBER OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION 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 so ordered to adopt Resolution No. 2866. RESOLUTION NO. 2867 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPOINTING MICHAEL E. LEESON AS A MEMBER OF THE PERSONNEL ADVISORY BOARD The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and so ordered to adopt Resolution No. 2867. Council Minutes 10/8/73 -4- It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to approve General Warrants #27066 - #27241, $397.259.97. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Following a summation of bids, it was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to award Cash Contract 4#347, Koopman Avenue and Pivot Street, in the amount of the unit prices bid, to John W. Tiedemann Company of Whittier, the lowest and best bidder; reject all other bids; waive the irregularity in the bid bond; and approve the following transfersof funds: Amount From To $8,900 General Fund Balance A/C #71-15000 $5,.500 Gas Tax Fund Balance A/C #27-11347 (Fund 27) Community 'Development Director Ervin Spindel explained under Chapter 27 law, there will be a public hearing on the assessments after the improvements are completed, and at that time, the matching funds or City contribution can be decided by the City Council. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Cash Contract #SS-293, Paramount Boulevard at Brookmill Road - Traffic Signal lnstalla,tion Councilman Richard Jennings inquired if confirmation had been received from the School District regarding the installation of a gate and a path from the signal to the school so that the signal will be used. Community 'Development Director Ervin Spindel replied the School District has indi- cated it would put in a path and gate, however, nothing has been received in writing. Councilman Jennings suggested the City obtain something in writing. He said he would be willing to approve this matter, subject to his request. City Attorney Royal Sorensen indicated he does not believe the Council can approve the award of a contract subject to an additional request. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton that the matter be taken under submission. Discussion followed. Councilman Jennings stated his request includes the installation of a gate and that the gate be unlocked during school hours. 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 th.e following vote to authorize the Department of Public Works to proceed with Miscellaneous Special Lot Cleaning at an estimated cost of $2,875.00. AYES; 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton I'r was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and passed by the following vote to authorize the initiation of Chapter 27 proceedings for paveout construction on Downey Improvement Project No. 644, South side Benares Street between Mitla Avenue and Ryerson Avenue, and approve Paving Matching Funds for the properties involved. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and passed by the following vote to authorize the initiation of Chapter 27 proceedings :for the construction of curb, gutter, driveway apron, and paveout on Downey Improvement Project No. 645, South side Bena-res Street between Ryerson Avenue and 01d River School Road, and approve ,Paving Matching Funds for the properties involved. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Council Minutes 10/8/73 -5- Councilman Richard Jennings inquired if Right -of -Way Acquisition A-4066 has enough value to eliminate any cost to the homeowner for curb, gutter and paveout. Community Development Director Ervin Spindel replied the acquisition is in exchange for removal of a wall and tree stump in the amount of $400; that it does not include curb, gutter and paveout. He said the homeowner is aware that he will be liable for his share of the costs under the proposed assessment district. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and passed by the following vote to approve Right -of -Way Acquisition A-4066. APES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton tion Study Area Bounded by Paramount Boula Street City Manager Charles Thompson stated the recommendation is to make a trial of three different arrangements of the internal traffic circulation of the neighborhood. He said one recommendation was submitted by City Staff, and he would like the City Planner to explain to the Council the reasoning behind the Staff's recommendation. City Planner William Goggin displayed a plan. of the streets involved and explained Staff recommended a study be made in conjunction with an assessment district in this area. He said in surveying the area it was noted there are problems regarding the maintenance of certain properties, and it was felt some of the areas could be upgraded. Mr. Goggin particularly referred to an alley which backs up to commercial property and rioted the lack of concern residents might develop in maintaining their properties in areas subjected to commercial traffic. He stated a proposed alternative program was to possibly block off certain streets so that they would not have through traffic, and he commented that Adoree Street was not included. Mr. Goggin said the proposal is to install a street barricade and if it works to advance to a full cul-de-sac to develop a neighborhood concept and improve the area. He mentioned the time to put in a cul-de-sac would be while involved in an assessment district and putting in curbs, gutters, and paving. Mr. Goggin indicated the streets originally proposed to be closed off are Priscilla, Puritan and Comolette, with Devenir and Cheyenne to remain open. C.t was noted by Community Development Director Ervin Spindel that the plan on display in Plan 2, with the exception of Adoree Street, which in the Council packet shows Adoree Street closed on the east end. It was further noted the residents in the area submitted Plan 1 first, and then Plan 2. Mr. Thompson explained the idea was to give each of the three plans approximately a 30-day trial to determine which plan might work best for the neighborhood using temporary 'barricades. Discussion followed. Councilman. Donald Winton asked about the traffic flow patterns. Mr. Spindel replied Adoree does carry more traffic than any of the other streets at around 600 cars per day. Councilman Walter Temple raised questions regarding Plan 2. Councilman Richard Jennings stated if someone in the audience desires to present the petition to the Council and express his views, he should be permitted to do so. Councilman Winton said he has personally travelled the streets in question many times and does not think any traffic problems exists. Mayor Thomas Morton inquired if there is a spokesman present who would care to address the Council regarding the petition. He emphasized that this is not a public hearing. Mr. Thompson reviewed the studies that were conducted which resulted in a subsequent recommendation to rehabilitate the area. He commented the reason for the idea being put forward by the Staff for cul-de-sacs near Paramount is to prevent intrusions of commercial into a residential neighborhood. Mr. Thompson remarked on a meeting held approximately a month ago for the purpose of hearing whether or not people in the neighborhood thought this was a valid thing to attempt. He said it was decided to try different methods of traffic circulation on a trial basis to see if they worked for the neighborhood. Council Minutes 10/8/73 -6- Mayor Morton stated the Council will take a recess to allow those present in regard to this matter to caucus with their Councilman. Mayor Morton declared a recess at 8:38 p.m. The meeting resumed at 8:53 p.m. with all Councilmen present. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote that Plan 1 of the Traffic Circulation Study be instituted and to approve the allocation of $2,500 from General Fund Balance to Account No. 10-13907. It was noted Plan 1 is for the termporary barricading of Puritan Avenue and Adoree Street. Responding to a question by Mr. Thompson, Councilman Jennings stated it is his in- tention to contact the people on the petition during Plan 1 and ask them if they want to proceed with Plan 2. Mr. Thompson said the Staff will submit a report to the Council following the trial period on Plan 1. Roll call vote: AYES: 3 Councilmen: Jennings, Temple, Morton NOES: 2 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Winton Mayor Morton stated he has been advised the City Attorney has a legal matter to discuss with the City Council. He declared a recess at 9:00 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:10 p.m. with all Councilmen present. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Charles Thompson requested approval of a Supplemental Appropriation to to cover certain items which were not known at the time of Budget submission. He said these items include recognitions; the trip of the official visit of the Mayor of Guadalajara and his party, who will be arriving in Downey on Thursday, October llth; a number of Centennial activities; the Christmas party and any other supplemental kind of special projects the City is understaking in connection with the Centennial or City's birthday; and recognition of any type as far as the forthcoming trip of the Mayor to Guadalajara. He said it is requested the sum of $5,000 be added to the Special Projects Account from the General Fund Balance. Discussion followed. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following vote to approve the Supplemental Appropriation as requested. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Mr. Thompson submitted for information a calendar of various procedural steps that must be effectuated in order to adopt the 2% at 50 Retirement Plan effective January 1, 1974, as agreed on in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Fire Employees' Association. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Joseph DiLoreto reported he, Councilman Jennings, and Councilman Temple attended the Independent Cities Convention last weekend and the primary issue brought forth concerned the potential effect of the Gonzalves Bill. He said it was pointed out that approximately 70% of the population of the County is comprised of independent cities --those cities that provide their own services, with the heaviest burden of the tax rate falling upon the independent cities. He commented there is a great disparity between what contract cities are paying for their services and what independent cities are paying. Councilman DiLoreto stated the Gonzalves Bill would reduce the amount of overhead expense to contract cities. He noted what Downey pays for Police protection as an independent City compared to what Bellflower pays as a contract City, with Bellflower paying one-third of what Downey pays. Councilman DiLoreto said if the Bill does pass, the ultimate cost is going to be spread over the entire County and ultimately is going to be spread over the independent cities. He pointed out the Mayor has sent a letter to the Governor urging him to veto the Gonzalves Bill because of the potential disparity and inequity to independent cities. Council Minutes 10/8/73 -7- Mr. Thompson stated he recalls seeing a newspaper article, wherein it was indicated Governor Reagon had signed the Bill. At the request of the Mayor, he said he will submit a report to the Council. Councilman Richard Jennings mentioned due to the fact that he does not feel free to vote at certain times based on a conflict of interest, he has severed his connection with D d H Construction Company, and he would hope the press would accord him the same amount of publicity they did when he first became connected with D d H last fall. Speaking to the matter of the petition presented earlier in the meeting regarding the Closing of Roger Casier Elementary School and the Use of School Property for Recreational Purposes, Councilman Walter Temple stated the people are not only concerned for Roger Casier but are concerned for other schools that will be closing in the near future. He said according to the VTN Report now being studied by the Planning Commission, the recommended open space standards set by the National Recreation and Parks Association and American Public Health Association call for four acres of recreation open space for each 1000 population, and using that standard, Downey should have approximately 360 acres of recreational open space instead of the actual 300, including school grounds. Councilman Temple urged the Council to study the cause for which the petition was pre- sented, and he requested the Council's permission to work with the City Manager or Staff and several members of the School Board in trying to work out a reasonable plan by which the City could acquire the available schools that are becoming vacant. Mayor Thomas Morton pointed out that the Council has had the matter of Roger Casier before it in the past and also the matter of open space, and the policy previously set by the Council is that the first order of business would be to look at the open space needs in Districts 1 and 2, which has been established as a priority matter. He said he does not see where a study committee composed of Councilman Temple and representatives of the School Board can assist the City Council, and he feels the Council has the ability to make its own decision based on its analysis of community needs. Councilman Temple suggested obtaining input from other Councilmen regarding their feelings. Councilman Donald Winton discussed the studies that have been made relative to the schools, including Roger Casier. He said he feels the petition should have been pre- sented to the School Board to come up with a realistic price on the acquisition of Roger Casier, and he noted the various parks and schools that are located in that area, being far more adequate than Districts 1 and 2. Councilman Winton stated adequate studies have been made and reported relative to Roger Casier, and the Council has established Budget appropriations to move ahead with the completion of Wilderness Park, the consideration of Downey Elementary School, and parks in Districts 1 and 2. He commented he appreciates the petition on the part of the people, but he would oppose any additional study committee on it. Councilman Temple said some of the School -Board members have indicated the purchase price posted was their going bid, but the price the City could purchase the property would be negotiable. City Manager Charles Thompson explained a report filed with the Council two years ago indicated it was Staff feeling the City should acquire Unsworth and Downey Elementary; that Woodruff Junior High was mentioned because it was felt it should be acquired or continued to be used for recreational purposes because of the lighted ball park. He said it was indicated it would be desirable to retain Roger Casier for open space, if possible, but it was further noted it was not of the priority the others were because of its closeness to Maude Price School. Councilman Temple suggested the use of Unsworth as a mini -park. Councilman Joseph DiLoreto said the need for recreational areas where there is a greater concentration of people per acre should be the number one priority. He said if the property of the schools is priced out of the market, the property will remain open space because no one can afford to develop it. Councilman DiLoreto remarked if the City is considering the acquisition of additional parks, it should also consider the possi- bility of going into areas and condemning land for that purpose. He said he agrees the primary priority should be focused on the south end of town, inasmuch as the people there have not had the facilities available to them that have been available elsewhere. After further discussion, Councilman Temple stated it is apparent the Council feeling is that they are not interested at this time in considering the purchase of Roger Casier School, and he will respect each Councilman's decision in this regard. Council Minutes 10/8/73 -8- 4'74'7 Councilman Winton remarked his interests are overall for the City of Downey and that he is concerned for the district he represents, which has the greatest amount of industry and personal enterprise jammed into residential areas, as well as the intrusion of the impending 105 Freeway. Mayor Thomas Morton indicated the Downey Centennial Celebration has: -begun and said there are a number of functions scheduled which he hopes the Council will either attend or make an appearance for a few minutes, if possible. He spoke highly of the volunteer effort involved and noted the Mayor of Guadalajara with his party of nine will be arriving Thursday, October 11th. Fire Chief Edwin Wood expressed appreciation to the Mayor and City Council for their favorable consideration of the Age 50 at 2% Retirement Amendment to the PERS Contract. With Council concurrence, Mayor Morton stated inasmuch as three Councilmen will not be present for the next morning meeting of October 23rd, that meeting will be adjourned to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 1973, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall. There being no further business to come before the City 'Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. laz - Robert L. Shand, Ci y Clerk -Treasurer Council Minutes 10/8/73 -9- �l2nrr�..a� �I. �'1✓%�v Thomas H. Morton, Mayor '748 AMENDMENT TO MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY OCTOBER 8, 1973 Paragraph 4 on Page 7 should be amended to read as follows: "It was noted Plan 1 is for the temporary barricades in the center of the plan and that Puritan Avenue and Adoree Street would be closed off." Robert .'Shan , City Cler -Treasurer