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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-09-08-75-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: Resolution #3168, Ordering Annex. to City Ltg. Dist. (Annex. 75/28 Bixler Ave.) Resolution #3169, Adopting Express Findings re Modification of Uniform Codes for Bldg. Regs. Ordinance #492, Adopting by ref. 1973 Uniform Building Code Enforcement of Housing & Rehabilitation Code Removal of Items from Consent Calendar Minutes, August 26, 1975 Agenda Correspondence Items General Warrants #139813 - 140096 #148434-- 148471 #201707 - 201734 ACTION: Adopted Adopted Adopted City Manager to report Approved Filed Approved Resolution #3170, Req. Allocation of County Aid to Cities Funds for Maint. Select Sys. Streets Adopted PAGE NO. 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 Comm. from City of Belmont re Resol. supporting League of Calif. Cities State Revenue Sharing Proposal - Propose same Resol. for Downey Failed 3 Resolution #3171, Amndmt. to Res. #3076, acknowledging provision for, & approp. of, required Match Funds to lst 12-mo. funding period of "SE Burglary Inv. Team" Adopted 3 CC #384, Bridge Repair, Rio San Gabriel Bridge at Telegraph Rd. - Auth. appropriation Approved 4 D.I.P. #677, S/s Quill Dr. bet. Paramount & Morning - Initiate Chapter 27 for sidewalks & MF of $87.00 Authorized 4 D.I.P. #678, W/s Studebaker Rd. bet. Cecilia & 605 Freeway off -ramp - Initiate Chapter 27 for sidewalks Authorized 4 Sidewalk Matching Funds - M.F. #397 Approved 4 Water Well Site #1, Dolan Ave. - Grant of Pub. Util. Easement to So. Cal. Edison Co. for underground service Approved 4 Hearing on Appeal, Zone Exception Case #1219, Set for 10/13/75; applicant 12609 Izetta Ave. to provide color photographs 4 Report on National Flood Insurance - Direct Dept. Comm. Dev. to organize meeting for community input & prepare information articles for newspapers Approved 5 Health & Environmental Sanitation Committee - Change to commission or board; enabling ordinance establishing duties be prepared; one appointee from each dist. after normal attrition reduces membership to five Approved 5 Downey Comm. Hospital's acquis. of property at 11432-44 Brookshire Avenue (Trenery property) Approved 5 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS: SUBJECT: Downey Meals on Wheels - Appropriate $2500 from General Fund Non -departmental Special Projects Acct. for employment of office help to end of fiscal year, July 1st (1976) L.A. County Plan of Bikeways, L.A. County General Plan File #1708 - Auth. submittal of _ letter of objection to Board/Supervisors req. bikeway const. specifctn. be modified to permit const. of pavement sections & reduce minimum width for bikeway from 10 to 8' California Highway Users' Tax Study Commission Report Rives Avenue School - Notify School Dist. of City's interest in property Sale of Old No. 1 Fire Station Operation of Rio Hondo Golf Course - Direction of Council req. by Recreation & Comm. Services Comm. to explore possibility of private contractor ACTION• Approved Approved Received & filed Approved Consideration extended 30-45 days; City Mgr. to review funding w/Judge Emerson Emergency Services Committee - Appointment of Cn. Jennings & Greene to review work of Police & Fire Depts. & recommend where cost savings might be found; consider implementation of emergency plan to be implemented if City faced with strike Appointment by Mayor — Executive Session for Personnel Matter PAGE NO. 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 Page 2 of 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., September 8, 1975, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Joseph E. DiLoreto presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Hazel N. Scotto, Richard M. Jennings, William L. Greene, Joseph E. DiLoreto ABSENT: Council Member: Donald H. Winton (excused) 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 John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief William A. Goggin, City Planner Ray T. Lake, Building Official Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Frank Peters, Chaplain, Downey Community Hospital, followed by the Flag Salute led by Councilwoman Scotto. Mrs. Louise Horwich, 11814 Pomering Road, Downey, representative of the Downey Community Hospital Auxiliary, commented on the Auxiliary's fund-raising event of the year which is a Las Vegas Night social on November 8th at the Downey Rio Hondo Country Club. She requested the Council's support of this event. Mayor DiLoreto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Downey City Lighting District Annexation 75/28, Bixler Avenue. He inquired if the City - Clerk had the Affidavits of Posting and Publication, to which the City Clerk responded in the affirmative. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and so ordered to receive and file the Affidavits. Mayor DiLoreto inquired if the City Clerk had received any written protests or objections, and the City Clerk replied he had not. Mayor DiLoreto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposi- tion to the Annexation, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and so ordered to close the hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 3168 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 75/28 BIXLER AVENUE) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3168. AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton Mayor DiLoreto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Proposed Ordinance adopting the Uniform Building Code, 1973 Edition. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavit of Publication, to which the City Clerk responded in the affirmative. Council Minutes 9/8/75 -1- It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and so ordered to receive and file the Affidavit. Mayor DiLoreto inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence on the Ordinance, and the City Clerk replied he had not. For the purpose of those present in the audience, Mayor DiLoreto explained that the two sections dealing with inspections of private property prior to sale, both resi- dential and commercial, have been removed from this ordinance and are not for the Council's consideration at this time. Mayor DiLoreto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor _. of the proposed ordinance, and there was no response. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition, and there was no response. Mayor DiLoreto responded to questions from the audience. Joan Whitman, 8125 Devenir Avenue, inquired about the inspection for homes when they are placed into escrow. Mayor DiLoreto advised this is not in the ordinance. During further explanation, he said there is an annual inspection of apartment houses which was in the existing ordinance but is not new, and there is no fee attached. Mr. E. F. Brown, 10548 Shellyfield Road, Downey, asked for clarification regarding the Ordinance listed as item IX on the Agenda (see VI-B Hearings). He was informed this was merely to indicate there is an ordinance to be read but will be read under this hearing. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to close the hearing. AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton RESOLUTION NO. 3169 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING EXPRESS FINDINGS REGARDING MODIFICATION OF UNIFORM CODES FOR BUILDING REGULATIONS The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3169. AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton ORDINANCE NO. 492 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTIONS 8200, 8202, 8204, 8205, 8207, 8209, 8210, 8211, 8218, 8219, 8220, 8222, 8223, 8224, 8228, 8229, 8230, 8238, 8239, 8243 & 8248 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, REPEALING SECTION 8240, ADDING SECTIONS 8202.1, 8214.1, 8214.2, 8215.1, 8217.1, 8217.2, 8221.1, 8221.2, 8241.1, 8243.1, 8250, AND 8251 AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 1973 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 492. AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton Councilman Jennings referred to the City's Ordinance regarding Rehabilitation of Buildings and Property which he said is not enforceable. He commented on existing blight in the community and asked why, when cases are cited and turned over to the District Attorney's office they are not prosecuted. Council Minutes 9/8/75 -2- Community Development Director Spindel pointed out that the amendments to the Build- ing Code are different than the Rehabilitation Code because the Building Code pertains to new construction or remodeling which the City has control over while the work is being done. Building Official Lake stated the Building Division does have police powers, but cases of diminution of property values are difficult to prove. He said if the City had available funds, time, and personnel this could be enforced. He mentioned the ordinances have worked very well. Mr. Spindel explained in most cases brought to the City's attention the ordinance is enforced because most people attempt to comply with the code. Mayor DiLoreto suggested a thorough review of the ordinance. He said maybe the problem is the way the ordinance is worded, that it is illusory, ambiguous and unenforceable, City Manager Thompson said perhaps the thing to do would be to come back to the Council with a report as to what will be a better program and what is needed. Also, he will be coming back with a final program under the Housing & Community Development Act in regard to neighborhood improvement. Mr. E. F. Brown, 10548 Shellyfield Road, discussed a problem he encountered in 1947 when he purchased real estate in Downey. Removal of Items from Consent Calendar Agenda Items VIII B-1, Correspondence from Southern California Rapid Transit District regarding Implementation of Bus Improvement Program, and VIII B-3, Correspondence from City of Belmont regarding Resolution supporting League of California Cities State Revenue Sharing Proposal, were removed from the Consent Calendar. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to approve the Remainder of the Consent Calendar: Minutes of the City Council Meeting of August 26 1975. Correspondence from Adams Ambulance Service, Inc., regarding Charges for Private Ambulance Services. General Warrants ,$139813 - 140096; ,$148434 - 148471. #201707 - 201734• $642 742 06. RESOLUTION NO. 3170 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REQUESTING AN ALLOCATION OF COUNTY AID TO CITIES FUNDS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SELECT SYSTEM STREETS AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton Correspondence from Southern California Rapid Transit District regarding Implementa- tion of Bus Improvement Program. Councilwoman Scotto noted the beginning of the Mid -Cities Bus Improvement Program scheduled for October 5th has been extended approximately 30 days. Correspondence from City of Belmont regarding Resolution supporting League of California Cities State Revenue Sharing Proposal. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto that the Council propose the same resolution and have it sent to the League of California Cities. Councilman Jennings indicated he would not support a ten -percent surcharge on income tax. Motion died for lack of a second. RESOLUTION NO. 3171 CITY OF DOWNEY, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 3076 AN AMENDMENT TO A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ACKNOWLEDGING PROVISION FOR, AND APPROPRIATION OF, RE- QUIRED MATCH FUNDS TO THE FIRST TWELVE-MONTH FUNDING PERIOD OF A PROGRAM ENTITLED "THE SOUTH EAST BURGLARY INVESTIGATION TEAM" Council Minutes 9/8/75 -3- The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3171. AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to authorize the following appropriation to pay the costs on Cash Contract #384, Bridge Repair, Rio San Gabriel Bridge at Telegraph Road. Amount From To $3,000 Gas Tax Fund Balance (Fund 27) A/C #27-11360 AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton It was moved by Councilman Jennings; seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to authorize initiation of Chapter 27 proceedings for sidewalk construction on Downey Improvement Project No. 677, South side of Quill Drive between approve ma in the amount of AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to authorize initiation of Chapter 27 proceedings for sidewalk construction on Downey Improvement Project No. 678, West side of Studebaker Road between Cecilia Street and the 605 Freeway off ramp. AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to approve Sidewalk Matching Funds at the following location: Estimated M.F. No. Address City Cost 397 9304 Fostoria Avenue $ 286.00 (Woodruff frontage only) AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to approve granting a public utility easement to Southern California Edison Company for underground service to Water Well Site No. 1, Dolan Avenue AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton Request for Hearing on Appeal, Zone Exception Case #1219, 12609 Izetta Avenue It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to set a hearing on Appeal, Zone Exception Case #1219, for 7:30 p.m., October 13, 1975, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall. AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton Councilman Jennings said it would be enlightening for the Council to have color photographs of the item in question. City Planner Goggin was asked to notify Mrs. Siemann regarding the hearing and photographs. Council Minutes 9/8/75 -4- rt on National Flood Insurance It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to direct the Department of Community Development to organize a meeting to develop community input and to prepare information articles for publication in local newspapers. AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton Health and Environmental Sanitation Committee _. Mayor DiLoreto commented on the staff report received pertaining to the feasibility of changing the status of the committee to a commission, a request of which was made in light of the added responsibilities of the committee. Discussion followed. It was moved by Councilman Jennings that the Health and Environmental Sanitation Committee be changed to a commission or board, whichever is applicable, and that the enabling ordinance establishing their duties be prepared. He further moved that the ultimate membership be as on other commissions, i.e., one from each district, or a total of five, and to achieve this, not more than one new member will be appointed to repre- sent any given district until normal attrition reduces the overall membership to five. City Attorney Sorensen inquired as to the powers and duties. Councilman. Jennings stated he does not have the ability to state what the powers and duties should be, however, he thinks it should be advisory. He further indicated it should be set up in the same category as the Parks & Recreation Commission. Mayor DiLoreto seconded the motion. Councilwoman Scotto indicated because of the varied and possible short -time programs the committee handles, it would be difficult to place it in the category of a commission. She said it is extremely important to have this kind of a committee the Council can reach out to and have them explore various subjects. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Sorensen advised the commissions named in the City Charter are limited by five members; those created by ordinances can be a number other than five. Roll call vote: AYES: 3 Council Members: NOES: 1 Council Member: ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto Scotto Winton Mayor DiLoreto reported on a letter from Mr. Allen Korneff, Acting Administrator of the Downey Community Hospital, requesting the City Council to approve the Hospital's acquisition of property at 11432-44 Brookshire Avenue (also known as the Trenery property), which consists of a commercial building and parking area. He commented the property will be converted to a Hand Rehabilitation Clinic, Lower Back Rehabilitation Clinic, a Psori.atic Clinic, and a Cardio Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic. Mayor DiLoreto said the purchase price is $250,000, of which $70,000 has been paid down and the balance would be over a 13-year period. He noted the loan in no way encumbers the Hospital in that the Hospital has not guaranteed any of its assets or facilities, and the property is now in escrow. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to approve acquisition of the Trenery Property by the Downey Community Hospital. City Attorney Sorensen stated it is his understanding the present operating agree- ment between the City, the Authority, and the Foundation requires the City approve this acquisition of land on the basis it could impair their ability to pay. However, he said this does not constitute an encumbrance of the Authority property or any City property. AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton Mayor DiLoreto commented that the Downey Meals on Wheels program is having diffi- culties resulting from the termination of the CETA employee provided by the City and the freeze on hiring a new CETA employee in the vacated position. Council Minutes 9/8/75 -5- Mrs. Dack of Downey Meals on Wheels said a permanent employee is needed to work, i�Z5 their office, and the Board members do not feel they can hire anyone on their own because the program is entirely dependent on donations and contributions from organizations and citizens in the community. She requested assistance from the City in this matter. City Manager Thompson explained that most of the employees under the CETA program have been employed in the maintenance category, and the women in the program have been employed for specific purposes. Also, he said the CETA program will be totally dis- continued by the end of next March if nothing is done by Congress to extend it. Mrs. Dack indicated the City's allocation of $2,000 to $2,500 would permit them to hire an employee four hours a day. She noted the hiring of an employee would also involve the payment of taxes and unemployment insurance. Discussion followed. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Mayor DiLoreto, and passed by the following vote to appropriate $2,500 from the General Fund Non -departmental Special Projects Account for the Meals on Wheels for employment of office help from now to the end of the fiscal year, July lst (1976). AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton Mayor DiLoreto suggested Mrs. Dack work with the City Manager or Finance Director to arrange for distribution of the funds. He also said he would assume there will be a simple agreement involved. Los Angeles County Plan of Bikeways, Los Angeles County General Plan File No. 1708 Councilwoman Scotto mentioned she has arranged for a Bike Safety film to be shown at this meeting. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to authorize submittal of a letter of objection to the Board of Supervisors requesting that the bikeway construction specifications be modified to permit construction of pavement sections as dictated by Local conditions and supported by sound engineering justification, and reduce the minimum width for bikeway from 10 feet to 8 feet. AYES: 4 Council Members: Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Winton California Highway Users' Tax Study Commission Report. Ordered received and filed Community Development Director Spindel stated there will be a more detailed report and recommendation at the next Council meeting. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Thompson reported the Rives Avenue School has been officially declared surplus by the Downey Unified School District, and the Environmental Resources Management Element adopted by the City Council as an element to the City's General Plan and the City's General Plan for 1990 refers to this particular property indicating the City's interest. He mentioned this has been reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Department, and the Recreation and Community Services Commission recommends the City express its inter- est in the property. Mr. Thompson explained the Parks & Recreation Department located at Apollo Park could be relocated at the present Recreation Center near the Theatre, which would reduce activities at the Recreation Center and some of the parking problems. Further, he said in regard to the financing, the school district has indicated it would consider a longer term type of payment if the City would prefer, and there is some possibility the City could finance this over a period of years including its Capital Improvement Fund and Housing and Community Development Fund, or through a small bond program to consider this in conjunction with the Downey Elementary School which is also to be vacated. He would recommend, however, if the City Council would consider this, to select the Capital Improvement Fund for this purpose. Mr. Thompson stated the City has done some appraisals on the property in-house, and although there is an area the City would like to discuss with the school district in regard to value, it is felt the esti- mates in most cases are fairly close. He further recommended the City Council authorize an expression of interest at this time. Councilman Jennings stated he would be in favor of a small bond program for a new City Hall including the Downey Elementary School; also, he would ask for consideration that the Rives School be broken up into parcels and the escrow written so that the City will gain title to each parcel when paid off. Council Minutes 9/8/75 -6- During discussion, Mr'. Thompson noted the School District has indicated it would be willing to work with the City through the remainder of this year. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and so ordered to notify the Downey Unified School District the City has an interest in the Rives Avenue School property. Mr. Thompson reviewed the status of Sale of the Old No. 1 Fire Station and said since the Council's authorization for staff to seek further proposals, this has been advertised and discussed with three of the bidders, two of which appear to be potentially acceptable for consideration. He stated the better of the two proposals is the one re- ceived from Central Christian Church. However, he would recommend the Council take no action at this time and hold it open for at least another 30 to 40 days to see if there will be further interest in the property, and then bring it back to the Council for action at that time. Councilman Greene inquired if anything had been done in the way of industrial real estate. Mr. Thompson replied no, and this is an area that perhaps the City Council should consider. He said the property has been advertised in the local newspapers, and although several realtors inquired whether the City would give a listing, it has been the City's policy in the past not to allow any listing. City Attorney Sorensen indicated it is a policy question as to whether the Council would want to place the property with a broker, and there is nothing legally against it. Mayor DiLoreto commented on the City`s attempt to divest itself of the property. Speaking to the proposals from the Central Christian Church and the Southeast Council on Alcoholism headed by Judge Leon Emerson, he said although he has no objections to the church, from a beneficial standpoint to the community he would favor Judge Emerson's proposal. Councilwoman Scotto inquired about the Southeast Alcoholism Council using the Rives School. Mr. Thompson replied they have expressed an interest in using the School if the - City acquires the property. Mr. Harry Scolinos, 954 Encanto Drive, Arcadia, affiliated with the New Life Church in Downey, indicated the church had submitted a low bid subjecting themselves to a 60-day notice to rent the property on a month -to -month tenancy, but would be willing to change their bid to a certain extent. He commented it is the goal of the New Life Church to work with the youth of Downey, and the City should Look beyond the monetary gain it might receive. Councilman Jennings indicated he would like to abide by the City Manager's recommendation to hold this in abeyance for 45 days maximum and in that time have the City Manager explore with Judge Emerson how solid grant funds will be. Robert Beeson, Pastor, Central Christian Church, reviewed the lease/purchase proposal submitted by the church and mentioned they had applied for a zoning variance because it is their desire to establish a school on the property. Mayor DiLoreto inquired how the church could file a request for zone variance when they do not occupy the property. Mr. Thompson explained the reason was that if the church could not get approval of the zone exception they would not be interested in the property. Therefore, they were given permission to file the variance. Mayor DiLoreto asked if there were any objections to extending consideration on this matter for the next 30 to 45 days. No objections were stated. Councilman Jennings reiterated his request that Mr. Thompson and Judge Emerson get together to discuss the funding. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Jennings referred to a Monthly Statistical Report of the Fire Department, and noting the 189 emergency calls for August were out of the new central fire station inquired if anything was being done to alleviate the noise emanating from the sirens. Fire Chief Wood replied he has given the direction to only use the sirens on exiting the stations when the traffic flow requires it; otherwise, the sirens are activated after entering the traffic pattern. Council Minutes 9/8/75 -7- Councilwoman Scotto mentioned there is a Bicycle Safety film available to be shown at this time. She noted the film will be shown at the Bike meeting on Tuesday evening. Mayor DiLoreto stated in speaking to several members of the Recreation and Community Services Commission they have indicated that with City Council direction they would like to consider whether or not it is feasible for the City to turn over the Operation of the Rio Hondo Golf Course to a private contractor. He said because of the success of the tennis courts they would like to explore this possibility. Mayor DiLoreto advised new Council Assignments have been distributed and he asked Councilmen Jennings and Greene to serve on a new committee to be referred to as the Emergency Services Committee. He said it will be an advisory and fact-finding committee for the entire City Council and will review the work that is being done by the Police and Fire Departments, make recommendations as to how things might be changed and where cost savings might be found. Mayor DiLoreto mentioned other cities have gone to smaller type vehicles at a substantial savings on maintenance and gasoline without impairing services to the community. He also asked the committee to give consideration to some kind of emergency plan that might be implemented if the City were to be faced with a police and fire strike. Mayor DiLoreto recessed the meeting to executive session at 9:25 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter. The meeting resumed at 10:00 p.m. with Council Members Scotto, Jennings, Greene, DiLoreto present; Council Member Winton absent. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. \�\ Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Joseph E. DiLoreto, Mayor Council Minutes 9/8/75 -8-