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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11-12-73-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY NOVEMBER 12, 1973 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: ACTION: Environmental Resources Management Element Hearing closed; Taken under of the General Plan submission Minutes, Regular Adjourned Meeting of October 30, 1973, with addition Request to Relocate Four -unit Apartment House at 10544 LaReina Avenue Legal Claims (for Council action) Ref. #133, Florence Frederick Legal Claims (for information only) Ref. #135, Gladys Bollinger Ref. #136, James B. Swearingen Approved Approved Accepted, as recommended No action Comm. from President Nixon re Energy Shortage & req. for Leaders of State & Local Government Assist in Reducing Speed of Automobiles to 50 M.P.H.; & Suggestions for Cutbacks in Energy Consumption Ordered filed No Christmas lights posted in the City, excepting five entrance signs Ordinance #445, Auth. Amendment to Contract bet. Council & Bd. Admin. of Cal. PERS - - Resolution #2872, Reaffirming Position on 105 Freeway General Warrants #27408 - 27691 CC #SS-278, Alameda St., Downey to Lakewood - Award of contract; waive defect in bid bond; transfer of funds Resolution Restricting Stopping Anytime B/sides Entire Length of Imperial Hwy. within City & Rescinding Res. #2839 DIP #646, Stewart & Gray Rd. bet. Old River School Rd. & Susan Ave. - Waive informal notice; obtain registered letter receipt for use at public hearing Fire Regulations of Children's Day Care Facilities for Six or Less - Report by City Manager Resolution #2873, Approving Agreement with Division of Forestry Policy re How Many Employees Can be Missing at Any Given Date Microphones in Council Chambers Page 1 of 1 Approved Adopted Adopted Approved Approved Taken under submission Approved No action Adopted Referred to the City Manager City Clerk & City Manager requested to look into matter PAGE NO. 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 ..79 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY NOVEMBER 12, 1973 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., November 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 Community Development Richard D. Patton, Director of Finance James D. Ruth, Director of Parks & Recreation William A. Goggin, City Planner Ray Lake, Building Official Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Lyle H. Wilkenson, Battalian Chief, Fire Department Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Reverend David M. Liddle, First Presbyterian Church, followed by the Flag Salute Led by Councilman Richard Jennings. Mayor Thomas Morton declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on the Environmental Resources Management Element of the General Plan. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavit of Publication, to which the 'City Clerk responded in the affirmative. City Planner William Goggin explained the Environmental Resources Management Element (ERME) is a mandate of the State and encompasses the open space element, conser- vation element, and scenic highway element, which is required by the State to be incorporated into the General Plan by the end of this year. He discussed the events that have taken place from the date Council approved the contract with VTN Consolidated, Inc., and stated VTN submitted to the Planning Commission the ERNE report and subsequent Technical Summary, which was approved by the Commission with certain revisions after continued public hearings. Mr. Van Stevens of VTN Consolidated, Inc., stated State law says by December 31st all local governments shall adopt elements to their General Plans concerning open space, conservation, and scenic highways. He said the following could occur if the elements are not adopted: First, the overall General Plan will not be regarded as complate; second, funding from higher Levels of government could be hampered; and third, City operations such as approving building permits could be invalidated. Mr. Stevens indi- cated the process proposed and approved by the City is the integrated approach of combining open space and conservation planning together. He said the ERNE is developed into three components: (1) Documentation of resources and technical information needed to make decisions concerning open space, as summarized in the Technical Summary Report; (2) Evaluation of the City's present methods of managing the resources, including staff operations and general overall City decisions; and (3) Formulation of a plan and policies for adoption by the City. Councilman Joseph DiLoreto discussed the scenic highway element with Mr. Walter J. Lucien of VTN. Mr. Lucien said the scenic highway requirement is for those communities where there is still significant natural features which might be preserved through the scenic highway concept. The scenic highway concept is not being equated to the City beautification program. Councilman DiLoreto asked about the portion of the report concerning the seismic problems of the City and one of the postulates that it appears Downey is not over any major faults. Mr. Lucien replied that based on rather limited geological information,it is the conclusion that there are no serious faults in the community. He said, however, the statement was contained in the Technical Summary Report and would not exempt making a more rigorous analysis. Council Minutes 11/12/73 -1- 760 Mayor Morton inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence on this matter. The City Clerk replied an item of correspondence has been received from Southern California Edison Company regarding the Environmental Resources Management of the General Plan, which is listed as item 1 under Council correspondence on the Agenda. The matter was received and filed in connection with the ERME report. Mayor Morton inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the Environmental Resources Management Element of the General Plan. Mrs. Frances Saurenman, 7621 Shadyoak Drive, Downey, speaking on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Downey, urged the Council to adopt the ERME as submitted by VTN. Mayor Morton inquired if there was anyone else present who wished to speak in favor, and there was no response. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and passed by the following vote to close the hearing on the Environmental Resources Element of the General Plan. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and passed by the following vote to take the Environmental Resources Management Element of the General Plan under submission for further consideration; that the Council receive from members of Staff directly concerned with the report, at the discretion of the City Manager, an overview by each department and the City Manager relative to their considera- tions of the report; and to invite the President of the School Board to submit to the Council, if he so desires, a view of the Board of Education with respect to their proposed use of the plan, or at least their opinion taking into account that a substantial amount of the report deals with school property from a future point of view. Responding to a question by Councilman Richard Jennings, Mayor Morton indicated this matter will come back to the Council in open Council meeting for discussion. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Councilman Walter Temple requested the following be added to the Minutes of the ar Adjourned City Council Meeting of October 30, 1973, on Page 6, paragraph 1, "Councilman Walter Temple and Councilman Donald Winton stated their "no vote" was on the basis that income property was included in this Sidewalk Matching allocation." There being no objections, the Minutes of the Regular Adjourned City Council Meet- ing of October 30, 1973, were approved with the addition. Communication from Public Utilities Commission regarding Application #54324, Douglas Bus Lines, Notice of Hearing on Authority to Extend Commuter Bus Service and Establish Fares. Ordered filed. Communication from City Manager regarding Request to Relocate Four -unit Apartment e at 10544 LaReina Avenue. City Planner William Goggin reported the Council took this matter under submission at its last meeting and requested the Planning Division to meet with the applicant and work out a plan for off-street parking for visitors. He said a revised plot plan of the parking area has been submitted, showing how one parking space can be provided on the property for guest parking and still include the required number of parking spaces for the four units, and the guest parking proposed is next to an alley so that it will be accessible at all times. Discussion followed. Questions were raised regarding criteria used for establishing the size of the trash area. Mr. Goggin explained the storage area has been revised so that it is adequate for the number of units and is accessible without having to move a car. He said the code does not define space needed for trash storage. Council Minutes 11/12/73 -2- Community Development Director Ervin Spindel stated the judgment for adequate space is based on experience with four -unit apartments. Mr. Coggin commented the trash area can be enlarged if the Council wishes. He said, however, it is Staff recommendation that the trash area is adequate. Mayor Thomas Morton asked Mr. Goggin if it is his opinion the proposed complex be- ing relocated in the 'City would meet all building requirements, including parking requirements, and if the trash area could be increased without adversely effecting the parking. Mr. Goggin stated the complex meets all of the parking requirements, as well as the requirements as recommended by the Apartment House Survey Committee, and the trash area can be adjusted in size without interfering with any of the requirements. Building Official Ray Lake concurred. He said the structure has been physically inspected and there is minor roof repair that will be necessary. Councilman Richard Jennings asked if the Building & Safety Division is going to police the guest parking to see that it isn't used by tenants. Mr. Lake replied he does not have the personnel to provide surveillance inspections. Discussion followed. Councilman Walter Temple asked what would happen if Council approves the trash area as presented in the revised plan and then it is proven the area is not adequate. Mr. Goggin replied approval by the Council could include a condition, wherein the approval will be subject to review and additions or deletions at the Council's discretion without further public hearing. He suggested the map areas for guest parking include "to be posted" and require that a tenant is not supposed to park there. Mr. Lewis Tolifero, Attorney representing the applicant, Thomas Hetherington, said the applicant plans to reside in one of the units and intends to maintain the property in keeping with the standards required by the City. -- Responding to a question by Councilman DiLoreto, Mr. Lake explained the applicant will be required to either sandblast or repaint the building, the trim, and make roof repairs. He said these requirements will be included in the permit for completion prior to occupancy. Mayor Morton asked Mr. Hetherington if he understands the observations made regard- ing the sandblasting or painting the stucco. Mr. Lewis said Mr. Hetherington plans to sandblast. Mr. Lake indicated the City requires the exterior and trim to be painted on all relocated structures, and the building usually looks as nice or nicer in the area to which it is moved. It was moved by Councilman Walter Temple, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and passed by the following vote to approve the Request to Relocate a Four -unit Apartment House at 10544 LaReina Avenue with the further requirements that the guest parking space be posted as guest parking and the requirements of the Building & Safety Division be met. Councilman DiLoreto requested the Building Division to police this matter very carefully to make sure all of the requirements are met prior to occupancy. AYES: 4 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Temple, Winton, Morton NOES: 1 Councilmen: Jennings LEGAL CLAIMS (for Council action) Ref. #133, Florence Frederick It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and passed by the following vote to accept the claim of Florence Frederick, as recommended. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Council Minutes 11/12/73 -3- LEGAL CLAIMS (for information only) Ref. #135, Gladys Bollinger Ref. #136, James B. Swearingen Mayor Thomas Morton read two items of correspondence received from President Richard Nixon regarding Energy Shortage and Request for Fello Local Government to Assist in Reducing the Speed which Automo Per Hour; and Suggestions for Cutbacks in Energy Consumption. of St vel to Ordered filed. Mayor Morton discussed various methods for conserving energy and stated he has been contacted by at least three Mayors of other cities inquiring as to what Downey intends to do regarding the burning of Christmas lights on streets in the City of Downey. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton that no Christmas lights be put up at all and not be burned in downtown Downey this year. Councilman Winton referred to consumptions of fuel that are encouraged by the City's code in particularly allowing housing developments to put in water heaters the full length of a building distant from all bath and washroom facilities. He said compactors for rubbish should be considered in future condominiums and housing tracts, and he noted this could result in a savings of fuel and space for rubbish disposal. Discussion was held regarding the lighting of signs and billboards in the City. The City Attorney was asked what privilege a City would have in enacting a law similar to the State of Oregon. City Attorney Royal Sorensen replied this matter is something that has been discussed and considered, however, he does not have an answer at this time. Mayor Morton said maybe Mr. Sorensen could have a recommendation by the next meeting. Councilman Joseph DiLoreto commented an ordinance regarding apartment development is in the process of being prepared, and he requested serious consideration be given to incorporating in the ordinance requirements for insulation so that the builder will know in advance what type of insulation he will have to put in. He said this could result in a substantial reduction in the use of power for heating and cooling. City Manager Charles Thompson was asked to prepare a memo to the Council by the next meeting regarding possible actions that can be taken in connection with the conservation of energy. Discussion ensued. Mr. Sorensen asked if the Council wanted him to submit a proposed ordinance or an opinion as to whether a regulation could be imposed regarding turning off lights at all times or certain hours. Councilman Winton replied the recommendation should include both, with a proposed ordinance modeled after the State of Oregon. Councilman Richard Jennings stated he will not be a party to the request because he feels it is an invasion of free enterprise, and he would not want the City Attorney to spend any time on it. Councilman DiLoreto asked the City Attorney to look into the fact that there appears to be a legitimate distinction between a blanket requirement for people to turn off their lights and a requirement that a man engaged in business turn off his lights. Councilman Winton reiterated his motion that no Christmas lights be posted in the City of Downey, excepting the five entrance signs. Councilman Walter Temple asked if the City would be putting up decorations anyway. Mr. Thompson indicated the Chamber of Commerce made a comprehensive survey of Downey businesses regarding Christmas lighting, and it is his understanding that only three responded they were interested in Christmas lights this year. He said the mer- chants were not interested in lighting this year and the City would not provide lighting, other than the four or five entrance signs, which is minimum. Council Minutes 11/12/73 -4- ?63 Councilman Winton said the basis of his motion is since there are only three out of 155 businessmen interested in lights, the City not expend any money for Christmas lights this year, with the amendment that five entrance signs be allowed. vo to The motion was seconded by Councilman Walter Temple, and passed by the following AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton ORDINANCE NO. 445 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM The Ordinance 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 Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Donald Winton, and passed by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 445. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton Mayor Thomas Morton commented the following Resolution is a result of the suggestion of Mayor Bradley of Los Angeles with regard to Substituting 105 Freeway Funds for Mass Transit Lane. He said the Mayor of all Cities along the Freeway corridor met with Mayor Bradley and were unanimous in their opposition to Mayor Bradley's plan. RESOLUTION NO. 2872 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REAFFIRMING ITS POSITION ON THE 105 FREEWAY 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 passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 2872. 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 General Warrants #27408 - #27691, $527,062.35. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, ennings, emp e, Winfon, Morton Cash Contract #SS-278, Alameda Street, Downey Avenue to Lakewood Boulevard City Attorney Royal Sorensen pointed out that the bid bond names the City of Bell instead of the City of Downey. He said the bidder has put up the bond and the work has been properly described, however, it is the name of the obligee that is incorrect. Mr. Sorensen stated if the Council wishes, it can waive the defect in the bid bond and award to the low bidder. 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 #SS-278, Alameda Street, Downey Avenue to Lakewood Boulevard, in the amount of the unit prices bid to Maness Excavating and Grading, Inc. of Paramount, waive the defect in the bid 'bond, and approve the following transfer of funds. Amount From To $10,000. A/C #26 16130 A/C #26 16138 AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY RESTRICTING STOPPING AT ANYTIME ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2839 Council Minutes 11/12/73 -5- The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Donald Winton to waive further reading. Councilman Joseph DiLoreto referred to several accidents he has witnessed as a re- sult of vehicles parked illegally on Imperial Highway. He said he originally requested consideration of posting tow -away signs along Imperial so that the Police can act immediately and have the vehicles towed away. Councilman DiLoreto stated in his opinion the proposed parking restriction is not going to solve the problem because vehicles will still continue to park there. Police Chief Loren Morgan commented the only time a vehicle could be impounded would be when it is established the vehicle was a traffic hazard, which might only be during peak hours, unless there are tow -away signs posted. It was moved by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto and seconded by Councilman Walter Temple that the Resolution be amended to authorize the City to designate Imperial Highway as a tow -away area and the signs be posted at the same time the no parking signs are posted on Imperial. City Attorney Royal Sorensen requested the opportunity to review the Vehicle Code to make sure there is nothing further required. There being no objections, the matter was taken under submission for the next meeting. Downey Improvement Project No. 646, Stewart and Gray Road between Old River School Road and Susan Avenue Councilman Richard Jennings inquired about the procedure for initiating the improvements. Community Development Director Ervin Spindel replied the standard way is to first poll the people to see whether or not more than 50 percent are in favor of the improve- ments; that if a real street hazard exists, then the City Council is asked to empower the City to have a regular assessment district. He stated, however, the Chapter 27 procedure to poll the people is shorter and Less expensive for the property owners. Mr. Spindel said State law requires 50% of the block to be in favor of the improvements. Discussion ensued. Councilman Jennings suggested if the property owners have not been contacted by registered letter that the City re -notify them and have a registered receipt available. Mr. Spindel explained the notice of public hearing will be sent to the property owners by registered mail. Discussion followed regarding engineering details for the improvement project. It was moved by Councilman Richard Jennings, seconded by Councilman Joseph DiLoreto, and passed by the following vote to authorize the initiation of Chapter 27 Proceedings on Downey Improvement Project No. 646, Stewart & Gray Road between Old River School Road and Susan Avenue, and waive the 30-day informal notice if the City has or will obtain a registered letter receipt for the use of Council at the public hearing. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Charles Thompson reported he has discussed with the Fire Chief the question of Fire Regulations of Children's Day Care Facilities for Six or Less, and that a new State law, Assembly Bill 2050 which became effective on September 30th, removes from the scope of the State Fire Marshal those facilities used to provide the non -medical board, room, or day care for six or less children. He said in the past the City Fire Department had performed the inspections for the Fire Marshal with reports transmitted to the Department of Social Welfare, the Department of Health, the Youth Authority, and Department of Mental Hygiene, as needed, and apparently State law dictates the discon- tinuance of these inspections. Mr. Thompson stated in the meantime, attempts have been made to contact the County in hopes of developing better communications so that the City will be notified prior to actual licensing of day care facilities. Mr. Thompson indicated a contract has been received from the State Division of Forestry regarding the Installation of Paths in Wilderness Park, including landscaping Council Minutes 11/12/73 -6- and other related work. He said the contract was approved in the annual Budget and is limited to an amount not to exceed $6,000. Funds are available for this purpose. Mr. Thompson mentioned the primary responsibilities cover general cleanup of landscaping and construction of the paths throughout the park. He stated the housing will be pro- vided by the Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, and he extended his appreciation to the Hospital for its willingness to house the Forestry Division personnel. He noted the City Attorney has reviewed the contract and has approved as to form. RESOLUTION NO. 2873 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DIVISION OF FORESTRY 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. 2873. Parks & Recreation Director James Ruth explained one of the conditions of the agree- ment is that the City provide facilities in the immediate area to accommodate the Forestry Division personnel consisting of 15 men and one superintendent. He said Rancho Los Amigos Hospital had a vacant ward at the present time and authorization to use the Hospital ward was obtained from County Supervisor Pete Schabarum. It was noted the Forestry Division personnel will be transported from their living quarters by bus provided by the State. Councilman Richard Jennings referred to Page 2, Paragraph 5, of the State Division of Forestry contract, and inquired while the personnel is being transported in the bus if the State or County would be relieved from any Liability. City Attorney Royal Sorensen stated the City could be liable under the contract. However, he said, the City comprehensive insurance policy would apply because the Forestry Division personnel would be acting as employees of the City. AYES: 5 Councilmen: DiLoreto, Jennings, Temple, Winton, Morton ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Gordon Phillips, Attorney representing the owner of the Florentine Apartments at 9070 Florence Avenue, Downey, explained his clients filed for a Tentative Tract Map on or about May 24th, and subsequent to that time a moratorium was imposed on Conversion of Apartments to Condominiums. He said as a result of newspaper articles regarding his client's proposed conversion, tenants have been vacating the apartments. He asked, on behalf of his client,''if the City Council has taken a position with respect to the conversion. City Planner William Goggin mentioned this matter has been discussed with the appli- cant and his attorney and has been forwarded to the City Attorney. He said the application used contained the rules and regulations adopted by the Council and were concurred with by the City Attorney. Mr. Goggin commented the emergency ordinance was adopted to give the Planning Division an opportunity to find out if there are any means by which the City has a right to place some control on the conversion of apartments to condominiums. He said as yet the City has not been able to come up with anything that appears to be reasonable for acceptance by the City Attorney's staff. Mr. Goggin stated if the City decides it cannot come up with something, the Planning Commission and City Council will be asked to remove the ordinance restrictions. Discussion followed. Mayor Thomas Morton explained to Mr. Phillips that the ordinance will expire in May of next year unless extended by the City Council, and to date the Planning Division has not come up with concrete recommendations. He said members of the Council have voiced concern about changing apartments into condominiums, and this is one of the reasons why this matter is being studied. He pointed out the Council will ask some very penetrating questions if there is any recommendation to extend the ordinance again without other recommendations. Discussing the Future Development of School Property, Councilman Joseph DiLoreto stated he is not in favor of a restrictive ordinance which would inversely condemn property owned by the School District or any other person, and he is not in favor of Council Minutes 11/12/73 -7- 4'766 carte blanche zoning of property for open space which has never been zoned for open space. He said the City Council is going to have to come to grips with the problem; that if the School District tries to sell the property, he feels the Council should con- sider at Least meeting with the School District and attempting to work out some arrangements. He suggested consideration be given to the possibility of a bond issue being placed before the voters as to what future use should be placed on the property. Councilman Richard Jennings requested the City Council to consider setting a policy which would determine how many employees out of any one department can be missing at any given date. He said he would be in accord with taking the matter under submission for study. Mayor Thomas Morton concurred and recommended the City Manager be given the oppor- tunity to bring back at the next meeting a proposal as to how the departments will be manned in order to have someone of responsibility available. City Manager Charles Thompson stated he will be glad to submit the report. Councilman Jennings mentioned he was informed the Microphones in the Council Chambers are very inappropriate for the Planning Commission's use because the Commission handles very large maps. He said he does not feel the microphones are adequate for the Council, and he asked why the Council was not informed as to the type of microphone they wanted to use for the Chamber. Mayor Morton explained he has made his comments regarding the microphones and he requested the City Clerk to look into the matter with the City Manager. Councilman Walter Temple pointed out that several meetings ago he had suggested someone from the Council sit down and negotiate details with the schools regarding Use of School Property, and he reiterated he would be in favor of it. Councilman Donald Winton recommended that the newer Councilmen review the history of past bond issues in Downey. He commented on negotiations for school properties and suggested that careful consideration be given to departmental recommendation of possible use of school property areas. Councilman Winton discussed the recently implemented Tow -away program on a reimburse- ment basis with the State for Vehicle Tow -Away, Police Chief Loren Morgan said the program will be finalized when the documents are returned from the State. Councilman Winton asked if there would be rapid implementation of the program. Chief Morgan said abandoned vehicles are being removed regularly from State properties involved. Discussion followed regarding other areas aside from State property, wherein inoperative as well as abandoned vehicles are involved. Mayor Thomas Morton expressed his appreciation publicly to the Police Department, as well as the Fire Department, for their Quick Response to a Fire in his Garage. He expressed particular appreciation to the Police Officer who spotted the fire and turned in the alarm. There being no further business to come before the City Council,, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Robert L. Shand', City Clerk -Treasurer Thomas H. Morton, Mayor Council Minutes 11/12/73 -8-