04-19-1960 - Regular Meeting - MinutesADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF .WEST COVINA TO CANVASS BALLOTS OF THE GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF WEST COVINA HELD ON
APRIL 12, 1960, TO COUNT ABSENTEE BALLOTS RECEIVED
AND TO INSTALL NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 19, 1960
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brown at 7:35 P. M. in the
West Covina City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by
Councilman Pittenger, with the invocation given by the Rev. Henry Kent
of the Community Presbyterian Church.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Brown, Councilmen Heath, Pittenger,
Mottinger, Barnes
Others Present: Mr. Robert Flotten, City Clerk
Mrs. Fern Sayers Merry, City Treasurer
CANVASS OF BALLOTS CAST City Clerk Flotten: The members of
IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION Council have been presented with
HELD ON APRIL 12, 1960 copies of the complete returns of the
election of April 12th. We have the
Inspector's report from each of the
precincts and it is now within the province of the Council to check
any or all of the votes cast. Council may check all of them, or a
part of them. They may be divided between you to save time.
• Mayor Brown stated that they be divided,- he and Councilman Mottinger
taking one-half of the precincts for checking and Councilman Pittenger
and Councilman Heath taking the remaining number of precincts for
checking. After checking it was noted by Mayor Brown that the first
16 precincts checked out in accordance with the reports and Councilman
Pittenger noted that precincts 17 through 42 checked out in accord-
ance with the reports.
CANVASS OF ABSENTEE
VOTERS BALLOTS
canvassers of the ballots and I
and Pittenger act as Clerks and
Mayor Brown as Inspector.
City Clerk Flotten: The next order of. -
business is the checking of the absen-
teen ballots. In order to do so,
members of the Council shall act as
would suggest that.Councilmen Mottinger
Councilman Heath act as Judge and
Let the record show that 44 applications were made for absentee
ballots. All but 6 were returned; 4 were not received to date, one
was declared ineligible as the person voting was not registered, and
one was returned due to not being delivered to the applicant.
Let the record show that all the unused ballots were cancelled out
in accordance with the law, and that all signatures were checked with
the original registration signatures at the Registrar of Voters Office
in Los Angeles.
We have 38 absentee ballots, all ofwhich we have here. The general
procedure is for the City Clerk to read the name of the voter as indi-
cated, open the sealed envelope and remove the ballot and place it in
the ballot'box. When all the ballots are placed in the ballot box,
it is then.closed and delivered to the Judge, who will then proceed
to open the ballot box and pull the absentee ballots, one at a time,
and read the votes as indicated on the ballot to the City Clerk.
ADJ. Co C. 4-.19-60 Page Two
CANVASS OF ABSENTEE VOTERS BALLOTS - continued
The City Clerk followed the procedure as indicated and then delivered
the closed ballot box to Councilman Heath who, acting as Judge, pro-
ceeded to read the votes as indicated on the absentee ballots therein.
FOR CITY COUNCILMAN (Full Term) ABSENTEE VOTE TOTAL VOTE
TALLY TALLY"
(including absentee
vote ' tally.)
Claude L. Barnes
21
1842
John Q. Adams
4
699
Shannon Po Burke
5
581.
Edward Jo Cavanaugh
0
204
John A. Gillespie
3
213
Gaddis D. Maddox
5
802
Louis F. Madott
5
1082
Rollie Co Miller
3
286
William B. Perkins
1
189
Andrew Jo Renwick
15
1029
Norman Go Snyder
19
1848
Frank M. Towner
30
2037
La C o Hubbard, Jr.
0
1
Helen Marzliker
0
1
FOR CITY CLERK (Full Term)
Robert Flotten
31
2914
• Dale Richardson
0
2
John A. Gillespie
0
2
Lloyd Crandall,
0
1
Nick Po Monsour
0
1
Rollie Co Miller
0
1
Clarence Magnusen
0
1
Sam Zelch
0
1
Claude Le Barnes
0
2
FOR CITY TREASURER (Full Term)
Fern Sayers Merry 31 2865
Louis Madott 0 1
Robert Gingrich 0 1
Maybelle Strathmann 0 1
The City Clerk stated that the record should show there have been a
total of 173 absentee votes cast and that the total number of votes
cast were 16,607.
The City Clerk stated that the records should show that the Absentee
Ballots are subject to challenge just as if the voter was voting at a
voting booth and that there were no challenges.
The City Clerk stated that the following resolution shall be read and
spread in full upon the Minutes.
ADJ. C. C. 4m19r60
Page Three
RESOLUTION NO. 1813
The City Clerk presented and read:
Reciting the fact of the
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
general municipal election
THE CITY OF WEST COVINA RECITING THE
held on April 12, 1960
FACT OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
ADOPTED
HELD IN SAID CITY ON THE 12TH DAY OF
APRIL, 1960, DECLARING, BY PRECINCTS
IN THE WHOLE OF SAID CITY, THE RESULT
OF SAID ELECTION AND DECLARING THE
RESULT OF THE VOTE OF SAID ELECTION AND
THE RESULT OF THE CANVASS OF THE VOTES
CAST AT SAID ELECTION"
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, a general municipal. election was held and conducted
in the City of. West Covina on Tuesday, the 12th day of April, 1960,
as required by law; and
WHEREAS, notice of said election was duly and legally given,
voting precincts were properly established, election officers
were appointed and election supplies furnished„ and in all respects
said election was held and conducted and the votes cast thereat
received and canvassed, and the returns thereof made, determined
and declared in the time, form and manner as required by the
Elections Code and Government Code of the State of California
providing for and regulating municipal elections in cities; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, of said City met at the Council.
Chamber thereof on Tuesday,April 19, 1960, at the hour of 7:30 P.M.,
to canvass the returns of said election; and whereas the said
• Clay Council finds, as a result of said canvass, that the number
of votes cast, the names of the persons voted for, and other
matters required by law, to be as hereinafter stated;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND IT IS DETERMINED AND
DECLARED AS FOLLOWS:
That said regular municipal election was held and conducted
in the City of West Covina on Tuesday, the 12th day of April,
1960, in the time, form and manner as required by law; and the
votes cast thereat were duly and regularly canvassed, including
absent voter ballots and the returns thereof made in the time,
form and manner provided by law;
That there were forty-two (42) voting precincts established
in said City for the purpose of holding said election, as formed
and established by Resolution No. 1765 of the City Council of. the
City of West Covina adopted February 8, 1960;
That the whole number of votes cast in said City at said
election was 16607.
That the names of the persons voted for, the offices for
which they were voted and the number of votes given at each
precinct for each of said persons, together with the whole number
of votes given in the entire City for each of said persons are as
shown upon the tabluation attached hereto, marked Exhibit A and
hereby made a part of this resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, DETERMINED AND
DECLARED that at said General Municipal Election Claude L. Barnes,
Norman G. Snyder and Frank M. Towner were each duly elected to
the office of Councilman of the City of West Covina for the full
term of four (4) years, and Robert F'lotten was duly elected to the
office of City Clerk of said City for the .full term of four (4)
ADJ. C.C..4-19-60 Page Four
RESOLUTION NO. 1813 - continued
years, and Fern Sayers Merry was duly elected to the office -of
City Treasurer of said City for the full term of four (4) years.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall enter on
the records of the City Council a statement of the result of the
election showing:
(1) The whole number of votes cast in said City;
(2) The names of the persons voted for;
(3) The measures voted upon;
(4) For what office each person was voted for;
(5) The number of votes given at each precinct to each
of such persons and for and against each measure;
(6) The number of votes given in said City to each of
such persons and for and against said measure.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall .immddiately
make and, upon compliance by the persons elected with the provisions
of Section 4533 and Section 4536 of the Elections Code of the State
of California, shall deliver to each of such persons so elected a
certificiate of election signed by him and duly authenticated; that
he shall also administer to each person elected the oath of office
prescribed in the Constitution of the State of California and shall
have them subscribe thereto and file the same in his office. He
• shall also require from each of such respective persons so elected
the required loyalty coth and file the same in his office. Where-
upon, each and all of said persons so elected shall be inducted
into the respective office to which they have been elected.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall certify to
the adoption of this resolution.
Adopted and approved this 19th day of April, 1960.
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly
adopted by the City Council of the City of West Covina at a regular
meeting thereof held on the 19th day of April, 1960, by the follow-
ing vote of the Council:
Motion by Councilman Mottinger, seconded by Councilman Pittenger, that
said Resolution be adopted. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Heath., Pittenger, Mottinger, Mayor Brown
Noes: None
Absent: None
Not Voting: Councilman Barnes
STATEMENTS OF OUTGOING Mayor Brown: I think at this time we
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL should allow the two outgoing.members
of Council to say a few words as it
will be the last they will say as members
of Council.
Councilman Mottinger: I asked Jay if I could say ,just one or
two more words for the record this
evening since this would be my last
opportunity.
ADJ. Co C. 4-19-60 Page Five
STATEMENT OF OUTGOING MEMBERS OF COUNCIL - continued
Councilman Mottinger - continued:
This is a situation of rather mixed emotions, so far as I am concerned,
after having served in public office for 13 years, nine years on the
school board and four years on the Council. I do want to state that
I felt it a real privilege to serve the people of West Covina, the
community in which I 1-ive. Each of us should do our share and I have
felt that this was the way and opportunity to do my share.
There have been many disputed issues during the last four years that
I think I may look back on with pride. Even though my opinion may not
have agreed with others, they have been my own opinions and have been,
what I felt, was in the best interests of the people in West Covina.
I want to congratulate the newly elected men and urge each of them to
use their voices and their vote to give their real opinions of the
issues that come before the Council and under no circumstances'yield
to pressures which I know will be put on them to vote contrary to
their best wisdom. Personally, I feel a great deal of confidence in
the three men who have been elected and I will follow them with inter-
est in their activities in the coming four years.
Thank you, again, for the privilege'of serving the, community.
Councilman Pittenger° As usually happens, after Vern speaks
I have nothing much left to say, How-
ever, I would like to say "thank you"
to the people of West Covina for giving me the opportunity to serve.
I think it is an honor and the duty of every citizen.
I think we have an excellent City staff and I am proud to have
.served with them. I think they have all given full measure to, the
City and that they will continue to do so. We have heard, during
this campaign, about low morale around City Hall but I, for one, do
not believe it and I think it is better than it has ever been.
I am proud to have had a part in some of the things that have been
done here without raising taxes. We have raised taxes five cents in
the time I have been on the City Council but that all went back into
capital, improvements for drains, Wash improvements, etc., and I think
you will be happy when you find out that in doing this, how it has
helped meet the cost in order to obtain these important items.
Our City Attorney, Mr. Williams, is not here tonight but If would like
to say "thank you" to hipn for his help in keeping us out of trouble;
"thank you" to the staff, -and to the people of the community, and
"thank you" to my family for being so tolerant.
Mayor Brown: As has been stated, after Vern has
spoken there isn't much left to say,
but after Dale has spoken there isn't
anything left to say. However, I would like to express my feelings
in'that although I didn't always agree with you it was generaly con-
ceded that when Brown and Pittenger got into it, it would be a hot
evening in Council. But it has been a pleasure to serve with you,
Dale, and the same to you, Mott.
Mrs. Van Dame: We will certainly miss these two
gentlemen.
Mayor Brown: I agree with you, Mrs. Van Dame.
ADJ. CD C. 4-19-60
Page Six
ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE Mro Elotten was duly sworn in by
TO SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES Mayor Brown as City Clerk and the
City Clerk then .duly swore in Messrs.
Towner,,Snyder and Barnes as City
Councilmen and Mrs. Fern Sayers Merry as City Treasurer.
ELECTION OF NEW MAYOR AND Mayor Brown. I.will now accept a
MAYOR PRO TEMPORE motion to vacate the office of Mayor.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded
by Councilman Barnes and carried,'that the office of Mayor be vacated.
City Clerk Flotten. Nominations are now open for the posi-
tion of Mayor of the City of West Covina
and the nominations require no second.
Councilman Barnes. I would like to nominate Councilman
Heath for the position of Mayor of
the City of West Covina,
Councilman Brown. I would like to enter the name of
Frank M. Towner for nomination -as
Mayor of the City of West Covina, as
I feel he is well acquainted with the workings of the City as he has
served with the City for several years.
Councilman Towner. I am very gratified that you have
done. this and appreciate itand respect
the confidence. However, although I do
• not know if it is in order to decline the nomination, x_f.eel"that
Councilman Heath who has previously served with Council should receive
the' position as Mayor rather than a newcomer.
Councilman Brown. I think you are familiar with procedure
because of the time spent with the
City, but if you would desire to
decline that is all right.
Councilman Towner.. I would decline the nomination.
Motion by Councilman Barnes, seconded by Councilman Towner and
carried, that the City Clerk be directed to cast a unanimous vote for
Councilman Heath as Mayor of the City.of West Covina.
Mayor Heath. I believe nominations are now open for
Mayor Pro Temporea
Councilman Brown.. I would nominate Councilman Barnes as
Mayor Pro Temporea
Mayor Heath. Are there any other nominations?
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Snyder and
carried, that the nominations be closed and the City Clerk be directed
tocast a unanimous vote for Councilman Barnes as Mayor Pro Tempore of
lb the' City of West Covina
STATEMENT.OF MAYOR HEATH Mayor Heath. I am very grateful to
the members of Council for putting
their faith and trust in me as Mayor
and I have some idea.of what the duties are. I know that a Mayor
serves many, many hours. His first love is Council work for the City.
•
i
Is
ADJ. Co Co 4-10-60
MAYOR HEATH - continued
Page Seven
I think that Jay has done a very nice job as Mayor this past year.
He was Mayor once before, and with the experience he has gained in
his previous term as Mayor; together with 5 years preceeding this
last term, he has a wealth of education and training in City work
and has kept us on a straight and narrow path many times when we have
tended to stray, Jay, I think you should be commended on the job
that you have done.
Councilman Brown:
Thank you, but I only did what I.
thought was expected of me.
Mayor Heath: I want to thank Mr. Pittenger and
Mr. Mottinger for the help that they
have given me in my two years on
Council. When you come onto the Council you come on rather "green" and
it is a new work with many responsibilities and decisions put to you.
I feel I have gained in knowledge and in training as a result of the
help I have received from Mr. Pittenger and Mr. Mottinger. When you
attend as many meetings as Councilmen will attend you practically
become "bed mates" and before long you can tell what they think before
they think it. I will, say this in all sincerity and honesty that I
will vouch for the honesty and integrity of those two men and stake
my reputation on it that they have done a beautiful job for the City,
given endless hours and much energy, and although I must say that
there were times we disagreed, and things got rather warm, in the long
run we came out friends and went on about the rest of the business.
We held no malice and they held none and as a result we were able to
work for the benefit of the City. We will certainly miss them but I
know that we have two very capable replacements,
I know Mr. Towner very well from associating with him in his work on
the Planning Commission, and I believe he should be highly commended
for the work done on the Planning Commission. In fact, a controversial
problem we have had for five years on C-R zoning which couldn't seem
to be solved by many people on many attempts, and I sat as a member
of the Council to the Commission and saw Mr. Towner frame the entire
structure for a change of the C-R zoning that was to solve the problem
supposedly unsolvable. I look forward to a great deal of help and
work from Mr. Towner.
I have only met Dr. Snyder once, and he cleared up my cold for me,
but he does come in under the tongue of good report. I have been led
to believe that he is very capable and I look forward to working with
him.
Members of Council, we have a charge, we have work to do - a lot of
work. A city of 50,000 doesn't grow by itself. It has to have some
guidance and you, as Council, are charged with this guidance. The
decisions you make is the course this City will travel and it may
affect the future of the City for many years to come. I would suggest,
like Mr. Mottinger, that you vote and think your own ways I wouldn't
want you to be influenced by anyone, including myself, and I feel sure
that you won't be. All we can ask is for you to give what you think
it should be and to disregard the pressure and the sarcastic comments
and ridicule people will give you when they do not think you are right.
You can't please everybody. I feel we will be capable with these new
members.
I have worked with Mr. Barnes for two years and know how he works. He
is capable,has a memory like an elephant, and you can see it when he
starts quoting past figures at budget time. Mr. Barnes has done a
nice job within the last two years and I am glad he is back with use
ADJ. C. Co 4-19-60
MAYOR HEATH - continued
Page Eight
The City has much work to do. We are going into the storm drain
program, Walnut Creek Wash reconstruction program, new bridges over
the Creek, better streets, and we hope to lower taxes. It is going
to take a lot of work and we are going to have to give our families,
in many cases, the back seat as this work has to be done.
I would like to say, in closing, that I am very grateful to the
members of Council for giving me this honor. I_feel it is an honor
and I will try to do my best and if, at any time, you feel I am not
doing it I shall. be more than glad for you to come to me and put the
idea right on the table.
Mayor Pro Tem Barnes: I would lake to thank all of the
people in West Covina rho had the
confidence to vote me back into office
again.
I want to thank Mr. Mottinger, Mr. Pittenger and Councilman Brown for
the help they have given me in the three years I have been on Council
and I feel that without their guidance and help I couln't have accomp-
lished the things that I did.
I also want to thank the staff at the City Hall and the many people
who have worked with me and I think that Councilman Brown did a fine
job in his Mayorshipo
Councilman Brown- It has been a pleasure and an honor to
serve as Mayor,
• I have one closing out matter relative to a letter of which the City
Clerk will. have copies made and sent to you regarding recommendations
for the Commissioner to take Councilman Towner's place.
The Rev. Kent gave the benediction.
There being no further business, motion by Councilman Brown, seconded
by Councilman Barnes and carried, that the meeting be adjourned at
8:46 P.-M.
ATTEST -
City C erk
APPROVED
Mayor