11-21-1955 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE: CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA
November a , 1955
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hurst at 8:25 p.m. in'the West Covina
City Hall.
Present: Mayor Hurst, Councilmen Van Horn, Brown, Kay.
Absent: Councilman Sperline.
Others: City Clerk and City Administrator, City Attorney, City Engineer;
Mr. Nollac, Sanitation Engineer; Mr. Gerschler, Planning Department.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None
ITEM NOT ON AGENDA Mr. Jennings, Chairman, representing Citizen's League of
Request for City West Covina, stated, "On October 24, 1955, I.presen'ted a
Manager Ordinance letter to the City Council, on behalf of the Citizenst
to be placed on' League, urging that the City Manager Ordinance be placed on
election ballot the ballot in the April election, and we respectfully request
the Council to take action on this matter or let it be known
just what their stand is on the matter.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS City Attorney stated there were resolutions to be presented
and read at the appropriate time.
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS Motion by Councilman Van Horn, seconded by ..Councilman Kay,
APPROVED that Claims and Demands be paid subject to audits Passed on
roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Kay, Van Horn, Brown, Hurst.
Noes: None
Absent: Councilman Sperline.
• CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT Copies of this report were presented to the members of the
SERVICE ROAD Council. The following reasons were presented in City Eng-
SW corner of Sunset ineer's report for the feasibility of the service road
& Francisquito Avenues construction fronting these lots:
1) The top of curb grades on the west side of the frontage road are approximately a
foot in cut. This means that the property immediately west of the.10 ft. park-
way will be slightly higher than the parkway itself and actually aid in draining
the adjacent property to the front of the lots should the property owners desire
to do any additional grading.
2) Tract Map No. 12505 clearly indicates a 42 ft. future street on Sunset Ave. along
these lots based on the premise that Sunset Ave..is.a major highway at this loca-
tion. The 20 ft. widening for this section of Sunset Ave. was dedicated on the
record.map. The future street on the map shows the obvious intent of the City to
na ke use of the same when further development and traffic conditions in this area
warrant this type of improvement:.
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Service -Rd.- Sunset & Francisquito--contd,
3) It would not be consistent or in keeping with present policy of the City to
permit the construction of driveway openings on major highways,.particilarly in
view of the fact that the service road is a much better solution and provisions
have been made for such. Of even greater importance would be the traffic hazard
resulting from the openings and possible complications of drainage structure
design,in the corner lot,
4) Mr. Richard Lawyer has agreed to the construction of the road in conjunction with
his development across the street at his own expense. The approximate cost of
construction for this portion will be $6,700.00. The approximate cost for road-
way improvements only on Sunset Ave. would be about $4,900.00. The City would
then receive greater° benefits from service road construction than it would from
the alternate proposal of roadway construction only.
Mr. M. W. Finley stated, "I have been asked to represent all the property owners
facing Sunset Ave, along this street. They gave me a copy of the signed petition,
which has been filed with the City, regarding their proposal. I want to make it
clear that in taking this matter up with Mr. Lawyer, he has no objection to doing
whatever the City decides is the best use. We cannot argue against the report which
has been presented here this evening in that the service road is ultimately the best
solution to traffic problems, however all these property owners, 16 in all, and --I am
representing 14, would benefit by our putting improvements on Sunset Ave. only and
not the service road. It is not the ultimate use but the best use of funds we are
willing to spend to benefit the most people at this time, and to -keep the service
road as a future street for the time being until the people are
able to pay their share, but carrying (drainage) water on beyond them by complete
curbing and paving on Sunset Ave,, and have every one share equally in this fund you
proposed to use. We did not want anything built to result in hazard to this area.
These people want to complete Sunset down to the next street,, south (Delvale Street)
and let the service road be.a future service road until the -people can afford'to put
it in. Each one has agreed to provide a back-up area in their .yards so they will not
back out into a major highway. We are attempting to state what we believe is the best
use of our money at this time, and property owners believe to pave Sunset all the way
through is better use of funds now.
• Councilman Kay: If we are considering lowering and widening of Sunset Avenue by early
spring; perhaps we can do the whole project of improvement of Sunset
and service road at same.time. If we did what these people request, that is permit his
(Mr. Lawyers) funds to be used for improvement of Sunset Ave. next to existing pave-
ment, the time when we would get the service road will be a long way off. Couldn't we
complete service road, paving and everything else?
City Engineer: I believe there might be enough money in the County funds to do this-.
Councilman Kay: Couldn't we put in curbs and gutters complete?
Mayor Hurst: There have beqn several suggestions made. Main concern is only 600
ft. and the other 600 ft. unimproved. Usually improvernants are
included in the subdivision and the people purchasing property have these included in
the cost, so if we do'all those things suggested and have Mr. Lawyer do his share then
there is still 600 ft. of dirt road. Should we have a temporary opening?
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Councilman Kay: On this particular piece of road I think we could make complete
improvements on Sunset from Francisquito to the next.street and use
the funds for service road where we ask him (Mr. Lawyer) to put it. Expend funds
for lowering job and improving street in front of these people's property and use
Mr. Lawyer's money for the service road.
Councilman Brown:: I think that if both of these jobs were let at the same time we
could get a better break (as to bid), and perhaps we could get
together with Mr. Lawyer.
Mayor Hurst: I think it should be of interest to us to know how much it would
cost us to complete area between existing pavement and proposed
curb. I think we should know just how much it is going to be as to service road as
compared with what these people suggest.
It was suggested by -Council that estimates'be obtained by City Engineer for complete
service road from Francisquito'to Delvale Street and estimate of cost to complete
main road improvements on Sunset Avenue.
Question was raised by property owner on Sunset in regard to the possibility of
sanitary sewers being installed at time of improving this street so it would not
have to be ripped up again for such an installation at a later date. Mayor Hurst
stated that this matter could be taken to Mr. Nollca of the Sanitation Department
for any information wanted in regard to this.
CHRISTMAS TREE City Clerk presented a print of a metal Christmas tree,
DISPLAY electrical display, proposed to be used in the West Covina
WEST COVINA.CENTER Center. The right to have decorations on the electroliers
APPROVED have been denied and this proposal is for placement, in
red zones, of these trees along sidewalk parking strip about
every 60 ft. Motion by Councilman Kay, seconded by Councilman Brown, and carried,
that Christmas display in West Covina Center be approved subject to approval of the
number, locality, and installation by the Chief of Police and the City Engineer and
with further stipulation that these displays are to be installed for this purpose
only for this Christmas season of 1955. If this display -zone is used for any other
purpose request must come before the City Council. These display trees are to be
removed by January 5, 1956.
DATE SET FOR HEARING Date was set for hearing December 5, 1955, on the following:
Sponseller & Sons Request to City Council to appeal decision of denial made
by Planning Commission on November 16, 1955, regarding
application for potential C-2 zoning. Zone Change No. 38
Location: NE corner Irwindale Ave. and Garvey Ave.
City Clerk presented and read communication from Sponseller
& Sons stating reasons pertinent to this appeal.
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AUTHORIZATION FOR BIDS
Sanitary Installations
Cameron & Cortez
Parks
APPROVED
MAP
PUBLIC WORKS YARD
CITY OF WEST COVINA
Sunset Ave.
APPROVED
LETTER TO MR. PETERSON
ACCEPTING STREETS
RECENTLY REPAIRED IN
TRACT NO. 16115
APPROVED
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Motion by Councilman Van Horn, seconded by Councilman Kay,
and carried, that authorization be given to the City Clerk
to advertise for bids on sanitary installations in Cameron
and Cortez Parks.
Plot plan of proposed Public Works Yard.was presented by
Mr.' Gerschler, was reviewed and layout approved per motion.
by Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Kay, and carried.
Motion by Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Kay, and
carried, that City.Engineer present letter to Mro Peterson
accepting repairs made to streets (Dancove Drive, Meadow Rd.,
Rio Verde Dr.) in Tract No. 16115._.
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL Dinner meeting at 6:00-p.m. and adjourned for meeting to be
WITH' held at City Hall at 7:30 p'.m. Dining place to be announced.
PLANNING COMMISSION
12/1/55
MEETING OF PARKS AND
RECREATION COM14ISSION
WITH CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 837
Accept Grant Deed.
Street & Highway
Purposes
Azusa Ave.
ADOPTED
adopted. Passed on roll
Meeting at City,Hall 7:30 p.m. November 30, 1955•
City Attorney presented and read Resolution No. 837 "A RESO-
LUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING GRANT DEED COVERING REAL PROPERTY TO
THE CITY".OF WEST COVINA, .FOR STREET AND HIGHWAY PURPOSES."
(West Covina Methodist Church) (Zone Variance No. 189)
Portion of Lot 7, Tract No. 930. Motion -by Councilman Brown,
seconded by Councilman Van Horn, that Resolution No. 837 be
call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Kay, Van Horn, Brown, Hurst.
Noes: None
Absent: Councilman Sperline.
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RESOLUTION NO. 838 City Attorney presented and read Resolution No. 838
Leasing of Real Estate "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
Municipal Purposes COVINA, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR THE LEASING OF REAL
Neeley Property ESTATE FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES; FOR THE EXECUTION OF NEC -
ADOPTED ESSARY AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH". (NE corner
of Merced & Orange) (Repeals Resolution No. 817 adopted
10/11/55) City Attorney stated, "This resolution is in regard to Neeley property
which City started to purchase at a total price, but in buying it in that fashion
city was obligated to pay $20,000 for each of four years and which, cons�Ltutionally,
is improper. This is a lease purchase agreement in which property is divided into
• four portions with purchasing of first portion, and option on remaining three portions
We have changed the terms of Escrow on this lease purchase agreement. You have ex-
clusive option to purchase all of this property but have divided it into four parcels.
Motion by Councilman Kay, seconded by Councilman Brown, that Resolution No. 838 be
adopted. Passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Brown, Van Horn, Kay, Hurst.
Noes: None
Absent: Councilman Sperline.
RESOLUTION'NO. 839' City Attorney presented and read Resolution No. 839
Establishment & "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
Maintenance of Bank COVINA, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND
Accounts for deposit of MAINTENANCE OF BANK ACCOUNTS FOR THE DEPOSIT OF -MUNICIPAL
Municipal and Other Fonds AND OTHER FUNDS." Motion by Councilman Brown, seconded
ADOPTED by Councilman Kay, that Resolution No. 839 be adopted.
Passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Kay, Van Horn, Brown, Hurst.
Noes;: None
Absent: Councilman Sperline.
• FIRST READING City Attorney presented and read Ordinance No. 444
ORDINANCE NO. 444 "AN ORDINANCE.OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
Creating Position COVINA, CALIFORNIA, CREATING THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT
of Asst. Administrative ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, SPECIFYING THE DUTIES TO BE PER -
Officer FORMED AND FIXING THE COMPENSATION TO BE PAID THEREFOR."
Motion by Councilman Kay, seconded by Councilman Brown,
and carried, that.Ordinance No. 444 be given its first reading.
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DISCUSSION Councilman Kay stated, "I think this Ordinance would be made more
Placing on ballot stable to have it approved by vote of the people, I feel we have
City Manager's worked hard on this matter, that it is a good ordinance and I
Ordinance would not want to see this thing pulled out if there is a change
in the Council next year, and there might be some reason that
change of Council stepping in next April would upset the whole idea and I think we
should assure the man at this job that what we have set up in this ordinance will be
there for some time."
Mayor Hurst: Mr. Jennings, how large a group do you have in this Citizens' League, an
how many voted in favor of this ballot?
Mr, Jennings: There are about 50 in the group at the present time and I would say
about 30 voted in favor.of putting this on a ballot,
Councilman Kay: I think you are looking at a case where we have gone to considerable
length to hire a competent man for the position of City Manager and have
placed a lot of things that are good and strong in this ordinance, but it will mean
nothing unless it can operate for at least two or three years to get the job done.
I think if we get a vote of the people on this it will not be changed by any rash
judgment of council.. I f this is tied down it would be an.-dvantage to the city as
well as the man in this position.
Councilman Brown: I think it would be a good idea to put this on the ballot.
Motion by Councilman Kay, seconded by Councilman Brown, that City Manager Ordinance
be placed on the ballot in the April election.
Councilman Van Horn: I think that we should wait for full Council attendance, I do
not know whether this idea is the right thing to do or not. We have
plenty of time to do this, and think it should be set aside until at least we have a
full Council and have more thought and advice on this matter.
SubJect,to placing this matter on'the formal agenda of the next regular Council
meeting, motion of Councilman Kay, and second of Councilman Brown were withdrawn,
OPEN HOUSE PROGRAM City Administrator reported that the City Hall "Open House"
program of November 8 had been excellently done and that
employees should be complimented on the displays and the way the affair was handled,
with particular emphasis on the handling of the whole affair by'Mr, Gerschler as
Chairman of the Employee8l Association and the direction and work of -all employees
through the department heads. Reaction from other cities has been exceptionally
good, with particular reference to the information booklet developed for the Open
House,
APPOINTMENT OF Motion by Councilman.Brown, seconded by Councilman -Kay, and
ACTING STREET SUPT. carried, that, James Heath be appointed as Acting Street
James Heath Superintendent (effective immediately).
APPROVED
No further business, meeting adjourned at 9955 p.m,
ROBERT FLOTTEN
W_
JOE HURST, MAYQJA