Loading...
1954 JAN 13 CC MINv 730 - El Segundo, California January 13, 1954 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of El Segundo, Cali - fornia, was held in the Council Chamber of the City Hall of-said City on the above date, having been called to order at 7 :00 o'clock P. M. by Dave W. Peterson, Mayor pro tem. ROLL CALL Councilmen Present: Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Councilmen Absent: Mayor Selby. READING OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The minutes of the regular meeting held January 6, 1954, having been read, and no errors or omissions having been noted, it was moved by Council- man Swanson, seconded by Councilman Gordon, the minutes of said meeting be approved as recorded. Carried. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Mayor pro tem Peterson announced that this was the time and place heretofore fixed for a public hearing under the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of El Segundo on the application of North American Aviation, Inc. for approval of unclassified use in an M -2 zone of a par- cel of land situated in Section 7, T3S9 R14W, S.B.B. & M., bounded on the east by Douglas Street, on the west by Duley Road, on the north by Mariposa Avenue, and extending southerly therefrom a distance of 1531 feet, to be used for proposed construction of a wind tunnel for the research and development of airplanes, in the City of E1 Segundo. The Mayor pro tem inquired of the City Clerk if notice of the time, place and purpose of this hearing had been duly given and published and if she had on file in her office the affidavits showing such notice. The City Clerk advised that notice had been duly and regularly given and the affidavits establishing such fact were on file in her office, to- gether with the complete file of the Planning Commission and the complete file of the City Council up to this time, in the matter. Mayor pro tem' Peterson thereupon announced that the files in said matter would be made a part of the record of this public hearing. The Mayor pro tem then inquired if any written protests had been re- ceived and the City Clerk stated none had been received by her. Mayor pro tem Peterson then inquired if anyone present in the Council Chambers desired to address the Council in favor of the before mentioned application. Mr. H. A. Storms, Chief Technical Engineer of North American Aviation, Inc., addressed the Council, stating that he felt his Company had heretofore presented sufficient evidence at the hearing held before the Planninc Com- mission and that he had nothing further to offer at this time. Mr. Al±red Oakes, residing at 1110 East Acacia.Avenue, requested an explanation of the type of tunnel which North American Aviation, Inc. anti- cipates constructing, and Mr. Storms informed the gentleman that the tunnel will be a high speed, air stream tunnel used for testing models only, no engines to be used in connection with such testing. Mr. Oakes made further inquiries of Mr. Storms as to a comparison be- tween the present testing tunnels used by North American Aviation, Inc. on -1- v the northerly side of-Imperial Highway and the tunnel proposed to be constructed in Section 7, and Mr. Storms explained at length the differ- ence between the two constructions. Mr. Paul Nickel, residing at 861 McCarthy Court, stated that he is unfamiliar with property locations in E1 Segundo and inquired the location of Section 7, also how large the working part of the tunnel would be. The Mayor pro tem informed Mr.'Nickel as to the location of Section 7 and Mr. Storms stated the working part of the tunnel would be approximately seven feet square. Mr. Arthur Viren, 852 Bungalow Street, inquired what guarantee the City would have if the permit requested is granted that the installation might not become a nuisance such as the tunnels presently used for testing Jet engines are. City Attorney Woodworth explained that if the Council should approve the application a specific area in the M -2 zone would be designated for the construction of such tunnel and the Council might add any provisions it desires in order to regulate the operation of such tun - nelc Discussion then ensued as to a definite sound criteria for the pro- posed tunnel and Public Works Director Short read to those present excerpts from a report he had heretofore made respecting his investigation of a similar wind tunnel in the City of Cleveland, also his recommendations that before the Council approves the application, a sound spectrum specification should be established by sound consultants. Mr. Kenneth Bailey, residing at 1212 East Acacia Avenue, inquired if it might not be possible that persons living easterly of Aviation Boulevard in the County of Los Angeles might be annoyed by noise emanating from the tunnel, and if so, and such persons would bring suit, would the City of El Segundo be included As a defendant in such suit. City Attorney Woodworth stated that ordinarily, under such circum- stances, the City is not joined as a party in such an action but there is no guarantee that this might not happen. Mr. Nickel then inquired whether or not the tunnel would be used at night and was informed by Mr. Storms that plans do not contemplate such use. City Attorney Woodworth then stated that the City Engineer has testi- fied that, in his opinion, something should be done with respect to estab- lishing sound levels above which operations would not be permitted; that the records of the Planning Commission do not contain sufficient evidence with respect to this matter and if the Council desires to supplement evi- dence presented by additional information, the hearing should be kept open for that purpose. Mr. Nickel inquired whether or not citizens would be given a chance to vote -on the matter and the Mayor pro tem informed Mr. Nickel that'in a hearing of this nature no vote is taken by the people. Members of the Council who had attended a demonstration of the proposed- sound-tunnel each stated that the noise emanating therefrom was not offen- .•sive. Councilman Swanson stated, however, that the Council should abide by the recommendations of the City Engineer with respect to the sound level. Councilman Gordon inquired what frequency might be expected from the sound tunnel and especially how many decibels might be expected westerly of Sepulveda Boulevard. Mr. Sulkin, of North American Aviation, Inc., stated that the frequency expected would be 40 to 10,000 cycles per second but that the noise is dissipated with distance and that the noise at Sepulveda Boule- vard should be no greater than that caused by a truck engine. -2- 731 V 732 Following further lengthy discussions, City Attorney Woodworth stated that apparently there is not in the record at this time sufficient charts or data upon which to found specifications; that manifestly this should be provided, and he inquired of representatives of North American Aviation, Inc. if it could provide additional charts setting forth the sound fre- quency so that the Council might make a decision as to the level of sound which might be permitted without causing a nuisance. Mr. Sulkin of North American Aviation, Inc. agreed to supply this additional information during the coming week, whereupon it was moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Swanson, that this hearing be continued until the next regular meeting of the City Council to be held January 20th, 1954, at the hour of 7 :00 o'clock P. M., and that in the meantime North American Aviation, Inc. be and it is hereby requested to furnish the City Clerk the additional data requested by the City Council. Carried. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Written communications, received from the persons, firms or corpora- tions, hereinafter named, were read to the Council and were disposed of in the manner indicated, following reference to each hereinafter: MR. ED H.AYER, dated January 13, 19540 requesting that he be given per- mission to subdivide the remainder of Lot 4, Block 10, Tract 1685, which comprises 85 feet, into two 42.5 foot lots, inasmuch as his present home occupies 49 -feet of said lot. Accompaxkving said communication was a plot map of said lot showing the desired subdivision. City Attorney Woodworth inquired of Mr. Ayer if he would waive notice of the time of hearing and would consent to the hearing on his application to subdivide said lot at this meeting, and Mr. Ayer stated that he would hereby waive any further notice of the hearing, and would consent to the application being heard at this meeting of the City Council.. Thereupon, it was moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Swanson, the following resolution be adopted: RESOLVED, that a copy of that certain plat map presented to this Council at this meeting by Mr. Ed H. Ayer, indicating his desire to subdivide the Easterly 85 feet of the Northerly 150 feet of Lot 4, Block 10, Tract 1685, in the City of El Segundo, into two lots 42.5 feet wide, fronting on Walnut Avenue, be placed on file in the office of the City Clerk and as so on file the same is hereby referred to and made a part hereof; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that under the peculiar and special circumstances as reflected on said map, and considering the loca- tion of the property involved, the City Council does hereby ap- prove the division of said lots as shown upon said map and does hereby authorize the Building Inspector to issue building permits for structures upon said respective parcels accordingly, pro- vided, however, that all other building ordinance requirements are observed in the construction features; and $E IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action is not to be con- strued as a precedent in any case,,as the City Council reserves the right to consider and act upon each individual application in accordance with its own merits and facts. On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; -3- ' i V '733 CHARLES A. INGRAM, undated; and ARTHUR HERMAN BRUCE, dated Jan. 7, 1954, each being an application for employment by the City of El Segundo. Ordered filed. FRANK SMOTONY, BUILDING INSPECTOR, dated January 13, 1954, advising that all matters in connection with the relocation of a building, hereto- fore moved by Clark Trobough from Culver City to 226 Center Street, E1 Segundo, have been completed to his satisfaction, and he recommended re- fund of the $1,000.00 cash bond heretofore filed by Mr. Trobough in con- nection with said relocation. Moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Gordon, the follow- ing resolution be adopted: WHEREAS, the Building Inspector of the City of E1 Segundo has reported to this Council by written communication, dated January 13, 1954, that all matters in connection with the re- moval and relocation of a building from Culver City to 226 Center Street, E1 Segundo (Lot 18, Block 123), have been com- pleted to his satisfaction and has recommended refund to Mr. Clark Trobough of the x$1,000.00 cash bond heretofore filed with the City Clerk by Mr. Trobough; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and she is hereby authorized to prepare and present to this Council for its approval necessary demand and warrant to ac- complish such refund, and that all matters in connection with such removal permit be and the same are hereby exonerated from any liability accruing subsequent to midnight, this date. Carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. STANDARD OIL COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, dated January 6, 1954, advising that its Gough Well No. 2 was abandoned on October 30, 1953, in accordance with regulations of and with the approval of the Division of Oil and Gas of the State of California, and requesting its bond covering said well be ex- _ onerated from further liability. Attached to said communication was a report from Frank Smotony, Build- ing Inspector, stating he had made an investigation of said well, finds that the abandonment has been completed in a satisfactory manner, and recommend- ing that said bond.be exonerated. Moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Gordon, the following resolution be adopted: WHEREAS, there has been presented to this Council at this meeting, a communication from Standard Oil Company of California, dated January 6, 1954, advising of the abandonment of said Com- pany's oil well named and known as Gough No. 2, and requesting exoneration as to any liability accruing with respect to said well under its blanket bond .No., 92587.t-with-the Pacific Indemnity Company as surety; and WHEREAS, the Building Inspector of the City of E1 Segundo has advised that said well has been abandoned in compliance with City ordinances and regulations governing such abandonment, and to his satisfaction; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Bond No. 92587, with Standard Oil Company of California as Principal, and Pacific -4- V '734 Indemnity Company as Surety, be and the same is hereby exon- erated as to any liability accruing subsequent to midnight this date, to wit: January 13, 1954, such exoneration to affect Standard Oil Company of California's oil well named Gough No. 2 only, under said bond. On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem IMPERIAL HIGHWAY ASSOCIATION, undated, being postal card notice of its annual meeting and election of officers to be held at Elsinore, on January 30, 1954. Ordered filed. LOS ANGELES COUNTY DIVISION, LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES, dated January-11, 1954, being notice of its monthly meeting to be held at Maywood, January 21, 1954. It appearing no member of the City Council or other City official is in position to attend said meeting, by general consent, the communication was ordered filed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Thomas W. Howard, Attorney, representing Mr. Milton C. Wade and Mrs. Ethel Wade, his wife, at this point addressed the Council with respect to the revocation by the City Council of a certain permit heretofore granted Mr.. Wade for the operation of a dog kennel at 1310 East Grand Avenue, E1 Segundo, which revocation, by reason of extension of time heretofore granted by the Council, will expire January 15, 1954• Mr. Howard stated that Mr. Wade has approximately $20,000.00 invested in the kennel; that he has caused said kennel to be put in good condition and has wire fencing on the premises ready for installation; that he also has 70 dogs in the kennel which will have to be disposed of in some manner, but that in view of the fact that Mr. Wade is doing everything in his power -to abide-by all regulations of the City and of the County Health Department, and the S.P.C.A, Mr. Howard inquired whether or not the Council would recon- sider the revocation of said permit and permit Mr. Wade to continue opera - tions of his kennel; that if this cannot be done, he requested the Council to extend the time of such revocation until the expiration of Mr. Wade's present business license for the operation of such kennel, which will be March 31st, 1954, in view of the peculiar and extenuating circumstances presently prevailing with respect to the disposal of the kennel, the build- ings and the dogs presently housed at such kennel. City Attorney Woodworth inquired of Mr. Howard if he had authority, at this time, in event the Council should desire to extend the time of revoca- tion, to state that there would be no request . made for further extensions of time. Mr. Howard stated he felt certain no further requests would be made but could not guarantee it. Mayor pro tem Peterson then requested the members of the City Council to express their opinions with respect to said matter, and each stated he felt Mr. Wade had been given ample time to evacuate the premises, but in view of his present serious illness and the further fact that his former Attorney had passed away, it did not desire to work a hardship upon Mr. Wade. Following further discussion, it was moved by Councilman Swanson, seconded by Councilman Gordon, the following resolution be adopted: -5- V '735 WHEREAS, Mr, Thomas W. Howard, Attorney at Law, represent- ing Mr. Milton C. Wade and Ethel Wade, his wife, owners of the kennel at 1310 East Grand Avenue, E1 Segundo, has addressed this Council at this meeting and has requested that the order of revocation, heretofore given by this Council, of the permit for said dog kennel be extended as to its effective date up to and including the 31st day of March, 1954, at midnight, upon the representation that Mr. Wade would terminate the said ken- nel at said time 'and remove the animals therefrom; and WHEREAS, in view of such representation and the fact that the City Council does not desire to work any undue hardship upon any individual, but rather has the desire to tezm inate the said kennel and the use of said premises for kennel pur- poses in view of the large number of complaints lodged with this Council respecting the same; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and of the.representations made by counsel as aforesaid, the City Council hereby extends the effective date of said revoca- tion until midnight, March 31, 1954; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and she is hereby authorized and instructed to forward a certified copy of this resolution to said Permittee and a like copy thereof to his said counsel for their information and files in the premises; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action is predicated upon the further condition that in the interval between this present date and said date of March 31, 1954, said premises must be kept in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition. On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. Mr. L. A. Blackburn, residing at 14" East Palm Avenue, addressed the Council and the Director of Public Works briefly with respect to the pro- posed improvement of Sycamore Avenue and other streets, and was informed said matter would come before the City Council at its meeting to be held January 27, 1954. None. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES The City Clerk reported to the Council the revocation of the appoint- ments of the following persons as Special Police Officers: Arthur J. Beswarick, Frank 0. Boteler and Justin A. Hill. Director of Public Works Short reported as follows: 1. Presented for,the Council's approval plans, specifications and cost estimate for the construction of a 15" trunk line sewer in Imperial - Highway, which proposed sewer line will be a part of the trunk line con- necting Sewer Pump Station No. 5 to the Los Angeles Outfall Sewer, the estimated cost of construction to be $38,366.00. Following consideration of said plans and specifications, it was moved by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman Baker, that Resolution No. 1376, entitled: -6- -s V 736 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING "CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA SPECIFICATIONS NO. CILA- 530227 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRUNK LINE SEWER IN A PORTION OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY IN THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES" AND THE DRAWINGS ATTACHED THERETO., which was read, be adopted. On roll call, said motion carried and said resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. Moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Gordon, the follow- ing resolution be adopted: RESOLVED, that a copy of that certain nNOTICE INVITING BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SANITARY SEWER TRUNK LINE ", dated January 13, 1954, as presented to this Council at this meeting, be placed on file in the office of the City Clerk for the purposes of identification and reference; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Council hereby approves the said form of notice and the contents thereof in each and every particular, and does hereby find and determine that the prevailing rates of per diem wages within said City set forth in said notice, are the prevailing rates of wages for each of the respective professions, crafts, trades, callings and voca- tions therein mentioned or referred to, and that said rates are hereby fixed and established as, and shall constitute the minimum rates of per diem wages to be paid in connection with the prosecution of the work under said notice; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sealed bids be and the same are hereby invited under said notice, and that the City Clerk be and she is hereby authorized and instructed to cause said notice to be given and published in time, form and manner as required by law. On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. 2. That he had received a petition from property owners requesting - -the improvement of a portion of Penn Street, Sierra Street and Holly Avenue, by the construction of curbs and pavement therein; that the petition is signed by 56.45% of the owners within the proposed assessment district but that four lots are owned by the City within said district which, if signed on behalf of the City.of El Segundo, will increase the percentage of signa- tures to 6�.73% of said proposed district, and he requested the Council authorize the Mayor'pro tem to sign said petition on behalf of the-City. - Moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Gordon, the follow- ing resolution be adopted: RESOLVED, that the Mayor pro tem of the City of El Segundo be and he is hereby authorized and instructed to sign that cer- tain "PETITION (AND WAIVER) FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF PORTIONS OF PENN STREET, SIERRA STREET AND HOLLY AVENUE, IN THE CITY OF EL �7- (THIS PAGE SKIPPED DUE TO ERROR) V 737 SEIYNWO CALIFORNIAtt, presented to this Council at t s mee on behalf of the City of El Segundo, includi any city ed property which lies within the assessmen dis- - trict roposed by the improvement referred to in s id peti- tion. Carried by th following vote: Ayes; ouncilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson a Mayor pro tem P terson; Noes: Co cilmen None; Absent: May r Selby. Thereafter, it as moved by Councilman Go on, seconded by Councilman Swanson, that the Cit Engineer be and he is reby authorized and directed to prepare the necessa plans and specifics ons to accomplish the improve- ments as requested in t e above mentioned pe i V '738 SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA ", presented to this Council at this meeting on behalf of the City of E1 Segundo, including any city -owned property which lies within the assessment dis- trict proposed by the improvement referred to in said peti- tion. Carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Mayor pro tem Peterson thereupon announced that he had signed said petition on behalf of the City of E1 Segundo. 3. Presented for the Council's consideration, petitions for certain improvements as follows: Petition for the improvement of Maple Avenue between Virginia Street and Hillcrest Street, by the construction of curbs and pave- ment therein, and signed by 73.6% of the owners of the property within the proposed assessment district; Petition for the improvement of Maryland Street between Franklin Avenue and E1 Segundo Boulevard, by the construction of sewers, curbs and pavement therein, and signed by 67.2% of the owners of the property within the proposed assessment district; Petition for the improvement of Center Street between Grand Avenue and Mariposa Avenue, by the construction of sewers, curbs, sidewalks and pavement therein, and signed by 65.7% of the owners of the property within the proposed assessment district; and Petition for the improvement of Standard Street between E1 Segundo Boulevard and Grand Avenue, by the construction of curbs and pavement therein, and signed by 73.89% of the owners of the property within the proposed assessment district. Thereafter, it was moved by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman Swanson, that the City Engineer be and he is hereby authorized and directed to prepare the necessary plans and specifications to accomplish the improve- ments as requested in the above mentioned petitions. Carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. 4. That he had received from R. T. Dorsey, Principal Traffic Engineer of the City of Los Angeles, an original and nine copies of a proposed in- stallation and maintenance agreement covering the installation and maintenance of certain traffic signals at the intersection of Imperial Highway with Douglas and Nash Streets, which form of agreement the City of Los Angeles re- quests be executed on the part of the officials of the City of El Segundo. Moved by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman Swanson, the follow- ing resolution be adopted: RESOLVED, that a copy of that certain "Installation and Maintenance Agreement'', by and between the City of Los Angeles and the City of El Segundo, covering the installation and main- tenance of certain traffic signals at the intersection of Imperial Highway with Douglas and Nash Streets, be and the same -8- V 739 is hereby ordered placed on file in the office of the City Clerk of the City of E1 Segundo, and that as so on file said "Installation and Maintenance Agreement" be and the same is hereby referred to and by this reference incorpor- ated herein and made a part hereof; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of El Segundo, California, does hereby approve the said' "Installation and Maintenance Agreement" and does hereby authorize the Mayor pro tem of the City of E1 Segundo to sign said Agreement on behalf of said City of El Segundo, and the City Clerk to attest the same, and to make delivery thereof in due course. On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tam Peterson; • Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. 5. That he had received from R. T. Dorsey, Principal Traffic Engineer and Consultant of the City of Los Angeles, a communication dated December 18, 1953, with respect to request of Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc. for re- vision of existing methods of coordination of train movements with traffic signals at the intersection of Imperial Highway and Aviation Boulevard; that _ the Department of Traffic of said City of Los Angeles had made an investiga- tion of the matter and has recommended that a mast arm be installed in the City of E1 Segundo, the estimated cost thereof being $250.00; that Mr. Dorsey had requested the City Council of the City of El Segundo grant permission to the City of Los Angeles to make such installation and to allocate for such purpose the sum*of $250.00. ..Following discussion, it was moved by Councilman Swanson, seconded by Councilman Gordon, the following resolution be adopted: RESOLVED, that the communication from R. T. Dorsey, Principal Traffic Engineer and Consultant, City of Los Angeles, dated Decem- ber 18, 1953, with respect to request of Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc. for revision of existing methods of coordination of train movements with traffic signals at the intersection of Imperial Highway and Aviation Boulevard, be received and placed on file in the office of the City Clerk and hereby referred to and made a part hereof; and BE IT.FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby approves the request therein made and the recommendations of the City Engineer of the City of E1 Segundo in that regard and does hereby allocate and reserve out of the Traffic Safety Fund the sum of $250.00, being the estimated cost of said installation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of E1 Segundo does hereby grant to the City of Los Angeles the necessary permission and author- ity to enter into the City of El Segundo and upon the portion of the public street affected for the purpose of such installation and maintaining same; and . BE.IT FURTHER RESOLVED,.that the City Clerk be and she is hereby ' authorized and instructed to forward a certified copy of this resolu- tion through the office of the Traffic Engineering Department of the City of Los Angeles as the authority of said City of Los Angeles to proceed in the premises. On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. _ -9- V 740 City Attorney Woodworth made reports as follows: 1. Presented and read to the City Council two resolutions which he had prepared, one requesting cancellation of taxes on certain property required for the vkdening of Maple Avenue westerly of Sepulveda Boulevard, and one for the opening of new Coast Boulevard. Thereafter, it was moved by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman Baker, that Resolution No. 1377, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING CANCEL- LATION OF TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS ON CERTAIN PROPERTIES ACQUIRED BY SAID CITY FOR PUBLIC STREET PURPOSES (WIDENING OF MAPLE AVENUE)., which was read, be adopted. On roll call, said motion carried and said resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. Moved by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman Baker, that Resolu- tion No. 1378, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING CANCEL- LATION OF TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS ON CERTAIN PROPERTIES ACQUIRED BY SAID CITY FOR PUBLIC STREET PURPOSES (RELOCATION OF COAST BO - VARD ). , which was read, be adopted. On roll call, said motion carried and said resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. 2. That there had been referred to him for checking and report the claim of Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc. against the County of Los Angeles, the City of E1 Segundo and the City of Santa Monica for refund of certain solvent credit taxes, in the sum of $14,406.09, which said Company claims were erroneously and illegally collected for the year 1953. Moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Gordon, the follow- ing resolution be adopted: WHEREAS, at the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of El Segundo, California, held on the 30th day of December, 1953, there was presented to the said City Council of said City of E1 Segundo, California, a certain "claim for refund" by Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc., to the County of Los Angeles and its Board of Supervisors, the City of El Segundo and its City Council, and the City of Santa Monica and its City Council and which was verified under date of the 23rd day of December, 1953, by H. W. Strangman, Treasurer of said Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc., for the refund of excess solvent credit taxes for the year 1953 alleged by said claimant to have been erron- eously and illegally collected from said claimant in the sum of -10- V 741 $14,406.09, or such other sum as may be legally refundable; and WHEREAS, at its said meeting said City Council of said.. City of E1 Segundo referred the matter of said claim to the City Attorney of said City of E1 Segundo for a report thereon to said City Council of said City of E1 Segundo; and WHEREAS, said City Attorney has now made his report to this Council and has recommended that the said claim in the sum of $14,406.09, or in any other sum or amount whatsoever should be denied; ., NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA, DOES. HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: FIRST: That the said claim of said Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc., hereinabove referred to, for the refund to said claimant of the "Sum of $14,406.09, or such other sum as may be legally refundablett, be and the same is hereby dis- approved, rejected and denied, both as to the said sum of $ 1+,406.09 and as to any other or different sum or amount what- soever; and that this City Council on its own behalf and on be- half of the City of El Segundo does hereby deny any liability to said claimant of any kind or nature for any sum or amount whatsoever under or by virtue of said claim, or any of the matters therein referred to. SECOND: That the City Clerk be and she is hereby author- ized and instructed to forward a certified copy of this resolu- tion to each of the following: To the said claimant, Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc., To the Honorable Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County, California, and To the Honorable City Council of the City of Santa - Monica, California, as notice to said claimant and to said other parties of the disapproval, rejection and denial of the said claim by said City of El Segundo and its City Council. On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The matter of approval of the Master Plan of Recreation Areas, having been taken under consideration by this Council at its last regular meeting until this meeting, at this time was discussed by said Council. Thereafter, it was moved by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman Baker, the following resolution be adopted: M RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of E1 Segundo does hereby set the matter of the adoption of a proposed new Master Plan of Recreation Areas in and for the City of El Segundo for public hearing before this Council, to be held in the Council Chamber of the City Hall of said City, in said City, on Wednesday, the 10th day of February, 1954, beginning -11- v 742 at the hour of 7 :00 o'clock P. M.; and that the City Clerk be and she is hereby authorized and instructed to give notice of said hearing in time, form and manner as contem- plated by law. Carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro ten-, Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. PAYING BILLS The following demands, having had the approval of the Committee on Finance and Records, were read: General Fund Bob Frederick 4,20 Bowlus Chevrolet 9.60 Gibson Motor Parts 10.79 A. M. Danaher & Son 28.26 The Lighthouse, Inc. 7.39 Western Plumbing Officials Mefford Chemical Company Association, Inc. 15.00 Western Decorating Company 1,610.25 The Sidu Company 136.26 Calcrest Chemical Company 13.39 Pacific Radionics 149.84 Pacific Electric Railway Co. 9.73 Century Oil Company 746.84 E1 Segundo Hardware 31.28 State Board of Equalization. 2.71 Pacific Telephone & Telegraph 5.25 Lee Parmelee 5.80 Industrial Stationery and Printing Company 35.13 Grimes- Stassforth Stationery Co. 56.36 J. B. Sebell 22.69 Morgan & Son 17.86 John F. Bender 4,030.08 City of E1 Segundo Water Dept. 526.37 D. A. Corbett 62.40 Healy Plastering & Construction 60.00 Dr. Jack Van Bloom 28.80 Robert C. Stapleton 46.40 (Continued) General Fund - Cont'd Neva M. Elsey, City Clerk 42.75 Clark Trobough 1,000.00 TOTAL 8,715.43 Water Works Fund C & S Concrete Products Co. $28.63 Pacific Radionics 10.00 Transport Clearings 1.05 Century Oil Company 9.15 El Segundo Press 43.26 Logan R. Cotton 200.00 Mefford Chemical Company 427.86 Western Water Works 49.54 Rich Mfg. Company 722.55 Hersey Mfg. Co. 30.17 West Basin Municipal Water District - 12,866.94 City of El Segundo, Cal. 380.49 TOTAL $ 14,769.64 Recreation Fund State Board of Equalization 7.90 TOTAL 7.90 Traffic Safety Fund Dept. of Public Works State of California 2,669.14 TOTAL 9 2,669.14 Moved by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman Swanson, the demands be allowed and warrants ordered drawn on and paid out of the respective funds covering the same. Carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. NEW BUSINESS Councilman Swanson called the attention of the City Council to the fact that a resident had complained to him that high school children going to the High School, who reside in the vicinity of Sierra Street and Pine Avenue, are compelled to climb an exceedingly high bank in order to cross the Pacific Electric Railway Company's tracks, and he inquired whether or not the Council felt anything might be done to alleviate this condition. F -12- V 743 It appearing that no member of the City Council was familiar with the condition, it was decided by general consent, that Mayor pro tem Peterson, Councilman Swanson and Junior Civil Engineer Allen should look over the situation and report thereon at the next regular meeting of-the City Council to be held January 20th, 1953• At this time, the hour being 9:33 o'clock P. M., the Mayor pro tem declared a recess. At the hour of 10 :12 o'clock P. M., the Council re- convened, the following Councilmen being present and answering roll call: Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson. During the above recess, members of the City Council, the City Clerk and the City Attorney had made an inspection of the upper floor of the City Hall in order to determine if it would be at all feasible to provide an office on said floor for Assistant Chief of Police Vernon L. Wood. The Council having come to an agreement in the matter, it was moved by Councilman Swanson, seconded by Councilman Gordon, that Public Service Com- missioner Baker be and he is hereby authorized to provide partititioned quarters in the Council Chamber of the City Hall for occupancy by Assistant Chief of Police Vernon L. Wood, said Commissioner being given power to act and without limitation as to the amount necessary to be expended for such construction work. Carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. Building Inspector Smotony informed the Council that certain structures located at 118, 126, 1261 and 126 -3/4 Sierra Street, in the City of E1 Segundo, are in an unsafe and unsanitary condition and he has been unable to get any cooperation from the owner of said structures in the matter, and he recom- mended said buildings be condemned and the owner be required to remove same from the premises. Following discussion, it was moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Gordon, the following resolution be adopted: RESOLVED, that the City Attorney and Special Counsel Dunlap, Holmes, Ross and Woodson be and they are hereby author- ized and instructed to investigate the condition of the build- ings located at 118, 126, 1261 and 126 -3/4 Sierra Street, within the City of E1 Segundo (concerning which the Building Inspector has complained this date), and report to this Council respecting the same and any action which in their opinion may be indicated in order to either correct the conditions complained of or con- demn and abate the said buildings and any nuisances which may exist therein or thereat. On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Gordon, Swanson and Mayor pro tem Peterson; Noes: Councilmen None; Absent: Mayor Selby. Director of Public Works Short informed the Council that the recent rainstorm had created' conditions never before experienced in the City in that there was a prolonged outage of electric power which prevented the pumps at the Sewer Pumping Stations to be operated for approximately three hours; that at the present time the City has no standby power system of any character for either the sewer pumps or the Water Department pumps; that he had obtained quotations on a 30 -K.W. generator unit for installation at Sewer Pumping Station No. 1, which unit will cost between $3,500.00 and $4,000.00; that he had also obtained quotations on a 100 -K.W. trailer -mounted -13= V '744 generator which could be transported to any location for use by either the Sewer or Water Department in any emergency, the cost of which would be approximately $10,500.00, and he recommended that he be authorized to make a further investigation and report thereon to the Council in the near future as he felt the purchase of these units is necessary to pre- serve the public peace, health and safety of the citizens of the City of E1 Segundo. Following consideration, it was moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Gordon, that the matter of obtaining quotations, specifica- tions, etc., on certain generator units for use by the City of E1 Segundo, be referred to the Director of Public Works for further investigation and report to this Council at his early convenience. Carried. No further business appearing to be transacted at this meeting, it was moved by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman Swanson, the meeting adjourn. Carried. Approved: -� 1 Mayor pro tem -11+- Respectfully submitted, _r), . LL= Neva M. Elsey, City Cle t