1954 SEP 01 CC MINEl Segundo, California
September 1, 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 on the above date.
Prior to calling the meeting to order, those present joined in pledging
allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, following which a
prayer was offered by Reverend Robert Mohr, of the Calvary Baptist Church
of E1 Segundo.
The meeting was then called to order by Walter W. Swanson, Mayor pro
tem, the hour being 7:00 o'clock P.M.
ROLL CALL
Councilmen Present: Baker, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
Councilmen Absent: Mayor Selby.
READING OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the regular meeting held on the 25th day of August, 1954,
having been read and no errors or omissions having been noted, it was moved
by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman Baker, the minutes of said
meeting be approved as recorded. Carried.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Written communications, received from the persons, firms or corpo-
rations, hereinafter.named, were read to the Council and were disposed of
in the manner indicated, following reference to each hereinafter:
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY, dated August 25, 1954s advising
that it is now the owner of the now vacated Coast Boulevard by virtue of a
Grant Deed from Standard Oil Company of California, and requesting that
the City now convey to said Edison Company its interest in said property.
By general consent the matter was referred to the City Attorney for
the preparation of such instruments as may be necessary to accomplish the
transfer referred to in said communication from Southern California Edison
Company and to present the same to this Council for its consideration.
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PLANNING COMMISSION, CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, dated August 31, 1954s transmitting
therewith copy of its Resolution No. 1940 adopted at a regular meeting of
said Commission held August 30,1954, establishing the classification of
bowling alleys as 0-2 use.
The Council, being in accord with such classification, it was moved
by Councilman Frederick, seconded by Councilman Gordon, that Resolution
No. 1429, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND CON-
CURRING IN THE FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS OF
THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WITH REFERENCE
TO "BOWLING ALLEYS" AND'THE CLASSIFICATION'
THEREOF NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED IN THE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF SAID CITY, AND AS SET
FORTH IN RESOLUTION NO. 194 OF SAID COMMIS-
SION.
which was read, be adopted.
On roll call, said motion carried and said resolution was adopted by the
following vote:
WIN
Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
Noes: Councilmen None;
Absent: Mayor Selby.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
None.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
City Administrative Officer Udall made reports as follows:
1. That he had tabulated the bids received by the City Council on
August 25, 1954, for furnishing certain radio equipment for the Fire De-
partment, and finds that the bid of General Electric Company is the
lowest bid received on equipment as advertised for, and he recommended
the contract be awarded to said company.
It was thereupon moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman
Gordon, that Resolution No. 1430, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA, AWARDING TO
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY A CERTAIN CONTRACT
FOR THE FURNISHING AND INSTALLING OF CER-
TAIN RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
OF SAID CITY.
which was read, be adopted.
On roll call, said motion,carried and said resolution was adopted by the
following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
Noes: Councilmen None;
Absent: Mayor Selby.
2. That he had received advice from the Office of Civil Defense of the
State of California that the State is willing to participate to the extent
of twenty -five per cent of the total cost of certain communications equip-
ment for civilian defense use, which offer if accepted would make the cost
to the City of such equipment only twenty -five per cent of the entire cost;
the other fifty per cent to be borne by the Federal Government.
Following discussion of the matter, it was moved by Councilman Gordon,
seconded by Councilman Baker, the following resolution be adopted:
RESOLVED, that the communications from W. M. Robertson,
Director of Civil Defense, State of California, each dated
August 9, 1954, with reference to contribution by the State
of California to the City of El Segundo-of twenty -five per
cent of the cost of said communications equipment for
civilian defense use, be received and placed on file in the
office of the City Clerk; that the City Council hereby ap-
proves the filing of the request for assistance from the State
of California, as contemplated therein, and does hereby authorize
and instruct the Mayor of the City of E1 Segundo to sign and
cause to be returned the duplicate copies of said communications
to the Office of Civil Defense, Sacramento, California.
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ylf 109
On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
Noes: Councilmen None;
Absent: Mayor Selby.
3. That he had received a written request from Frank Smotony, Building
Inspector, that he be allowed to take the balance of his 1952 -53 vacation
from September 10th to September 17th, 1954, both dates inclusive.
Moved by Councilman Frederick, seconded by Councilman Gordon, that
Frank Smotony, Building Inspector, be and he is hereby granted permission
to take the balance of his 1952 -53 earned vacation from September 10th to
September 17th, 1954, both dates inclusive. Carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
Noes: Councilmen None;
Absent: Mayor Selby.
4. That at the last regular meeting of the City Council he had been
requested to investigate the matter of trade -in of a 1948 Chevrolet Sedan,
heretofore used by the Building Department, on a new 1954 Four -Door
Sedan for use by the Police Department; that Bowlus Chevrolet Company had
made the best offer for such trade -in on a 1954 Four -Door Chevrolet Sedan,
the trade -in value being $250.00 on the 1948 Sedan., making a net price to
the City on the new Chevrolet $1,364.46; that he had contacted various members
of the City Council in the interim between the last Council meeting and this
and had - received unofficial permission to make purchase of the Chevrolet
car on the terms outlined above; and he requested ratification and approval
of his action.
Moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Gordon, the following
resolution be adopted:
RESOLVED, that the action of the City Administrative Officer
in purchasing a new 1954 Four -Door Chevrolet Sedan for use by
the Police Department of the City of E1 Segundo at a cost of
$1,614.46, less a trade -in allowance of $250.00 on a 1948 Chevro-
let Four -Door Sedan, heretofore used by the Building Department;
and the transfer of a 1953 Four -Door Chevrolet Sedan, heretofore
used by the Police Department, to the Building Department for
its use, be and the same is hereby ratified, approved, and
confirmed.
On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
Noes: Councilmen None;
Absent: Mayor Selby.
5. That the Building Inspector had delivered to him a communication
signed by Frank A. Booth, dated August 30, 1954, requesting permission to
move a 14t x 24t frame building to his property at the corner of Franklin
Avenue and Standard Street for storage purposes; and that following the
use thereof for such storing purposes said building will be torn down.
The City Administrative Officer further read to the Council a com-
munication Signed by the Building Inspector and the Fire Chief of the City
of E1 Segundo, which stated that the building does not conform to Building
Code nor to Fire Zone regulations, and recommending that the permit be
granted for a period of not to exceed ninety days; and that a surety bond
in the sum of $1,000.00 be filed with the City Clerk guaranteeing that the
building will be dismantled within said ninety days.
It appearing that regular form of application of building removal
permit had not been filed, nor had fees or deposits been paid .ormade
to the City Clerk, it was moved by Councilman Frederick, seconded by
Councilman Baker, the following resolution be adopted:
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110
RESOLVED, that the City.Clerk be and she is hereby author-
ized to issue a building removal permit to Frank A. Booth when
and if the following conditions shall have been met:
1. That a standard form of application shall be
filed with said City Clerk,
2. That all necessary fees and deposits shall be
made and paid to said official,
3. That, as recommended by the Building Inspector and
the Fire Chief of the City of E1 Segundo, a surety
bond in the sum of $1,000.00, in form satisfactory
to the City Attorney and with surety satisfactory to
the Mayor, guaranteeing that said building shall be
demolished within a period of not to exceed ninety
days from date hereof, shall be filed with the City Clerk.
On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
Noes: Councilmen None;
Absent: Mayor Selby.
The City Clerk made reports as follows:
1. That she had received from G. J. Payne Company, Faithful Performance
Bond No. 7084190 with Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland as surety, in
the sum of $200.00, filed in connection with contract recently awarded said
Company for furnishing the City of El Segundo with its asphaltic emulsion
requirements for the period of one year beginning August 15, 1954, which
bond had been approved by the City Attorney.as to form and by the Mayor pro
tem as to surety; and it would now be in order for the City Council to
approve said form.
It was thereupon moved by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman
Frederick, the following resolution be adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Faithful Performance Bond, dated the
13th day of August, 1954, being Bond No. 7084190, with
G. J. Payne Company as principal and Fidelity and Deposit
Company of Maryland as surety, be approved by this Council;
and that the City Clerk be and she is hereby authorized and
instructed to endorse evidence of this approval upon said bond.
On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
Noes: Councilmen None;
Absent: Mayor Selby.
2. Announced the appointment of the following persons as Special
Police Officers of the City of El Segundo and requested the City Council's
approval thereof:
David (NMN) R.aifaisen
Robert Edgar.Taylor
Andrew Joseph Planeta
Moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Gordon,-that the
appointments by the Chief of Police of David Raifaisen, Robert Edgar
Taylor, and Andrew Joseph Planeta, as Special Police Officers of the
City of El Segundo, be and the same are hereby ratified, approved,.and
confirmed. Carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
Noes: Councilmen None;
Absent: Mayor Selby.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
At this time the Mayor pro tem inquired of members of the City Council
if they were ready to make a decision in the matter of the appeal of North
American Aviation, Inc., from the decision of the City Planning Commission
as set forth in its Resolution No. 192. Council members answered in the
affirmative, and thereafter it was moved by Councilman Frederick, seconded
by Councilman Gordon, the following resolution be adopted:
RESOLVED, that it is the intention of this Council to make
a decision in favor of the appeal of North American Aviation,
Inc., and to grant said company's request for a rezoning of
the Westerly 700 feet of Lot 1, C. C. Hunt's Subdivision, for
a change of zone from Zones R -3, R -1, and P to Zone C -2; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Council does hereby
request a further report on the matter from the Planning
Commission before it makes its decision final; all in
accordance with the provisions of Section 1813 of Ordinance
No. 434 (Zoning Ordinance) of said City.
On roll call, the foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
Noes: Councilman Baker;
Absent: Mayor Selby.
At this point Mr. Arthur Viren, 852 Bungalow Street, inquired upon
what basis the Council had made its decision, and thereafter each of the
members of the City Council expressed his views, in substance, as follows:
Councilman Frederick: That at the hearing held he was not sure just
what his vote would be; that the property could not remain in status quo;
that following the hearing he had made a personal survey, contacted 44
persons living in the area on Acacia Avenue, Walnut Street and Sycamore
Avenue, east of California Street; that 23 of these persons were not in
favor of the zone change, 22 of them because of traffic problems, and one
because of changing the zoning ordinance. That he is of the firm conviction
that it will be better to have North American put in an office building under
restrictions that may be imposed than to allow said company to put in the
building anyway in the C -2 area and allow apartments to be built in the R -3
area; that he has been advised the construction of 38 eight -unit apartments
is contemplated in the R -3 area should the Council deny the application of
North American for rezoning, and he felt this would be less desirable for
the preeent.residents of the nearby area than an office building.
Councilman Gordon: Stated in making his decision, he had resolved
the problem into two categories; one appraised human values and second,
equity values; that he had taken the time and care to draw up a map of
the area as presently zoned, which map he has with him for anyone to inspect
who desires so to do, and that in his opinion the area is presently badly
zoned. He pointed out on the map that 425 cars could be parked and North
American would still have sufficient area to build its office building
without any rezoning. That in the R -3 Zone 150 families could be accommodated
in multiple units and 23 one - family units could be constructed in the R -1 Zone.
Where multiple family units are built, you will have the problem of insuffi-
cient place for children to.play and also will have .a bad parking problem;
that even though "garages are built in connection with the apartments, that
does not mean the renters will park in them; that he has been assured of
cooperation in the parking problem by both North American and the City of
Los Angeles. He further stated he does not agree with the Planning Commission
that the construction of the proposed office building will devaluate property;
he feels the erection of multiple dwelling units will devaluate the property
more; that the City stands to gain more than thirty thousand dollars in taxes
per year if North American constructs its proposed building; that services,
such as garbage and refuse collection, sewers, etc., provided for residents
in the City amounts to approximately $250.00 per year, while the average
resident pays but $32.00, that business and industry pay $8.00 taxes for each
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$1.00 paid by residents; that in all sincerity he has made his decision based
upon what he believes to be for good of the majority.
Mr. Harry E. Geohegan, one of the owners of the property involved,
stated that the property is no longer desirable for retail business purposes
since the new Imperial Highway has been constructed.
Mr. E. A. Wilmot inquired as to method of getting into the plant and
Mr. Taylor of North American stated his company will file a map with the
City Engineer of the City of E1 Segundo and will dedicate a portion of
Walnut Street for public street purposes to match the width of Walnut
Street westerly of the property in question, and that North American will
bear the cost of improving such dedicated portion.
Councilman Frederick stated the City of Los Angeles will, in the
near future, cause Lincoln Boulevard to be closed and if the California
Street pass -over is closed, this will eliminate to a great extent the
problem of traffic from Imperial Highway over California Street.
Councilman Swanson stated he had made his decision only after long
and careful study; that there are four zones in the property involved
and that at a maximum. only 23 lots could be secured from the R -1 property
but that large numbers of multiple dwellings could be erected in the R -3
Zone. He further stated that members of the Council have been advised that
if they went contrary to the Planning Commission ruling they would be selling
the people out; that he feels they are protecting the people from a condition
which would undoubtedly be worse.
Councilman Baker stated that he is the only one opposed and that he has
two reasons for making his decision; one is that once you break down zoning
you have lost faith with your zoning; the other reason is that once you
allow encroachment, it is like a cancerous growth, it will continue to push
the people back.
At this time Mayor pro tern Swanson stated the Council would now discuss
the matter of parking on Loma Vista Street southerly of Grand Avenue.
City Administrative Officer Udall informed the Council he had been
advised by the City Engineer that certain citizens on said street have
requested petitions be prepared for circulation, requesting the improve-
ment and widening of said street under an Assessment District proceeding.
City Engineer Webb stated that, in order to obtain title reports and
thereafter prepare the petitions,the Engineering Department should be
allowed approximately three weeks. Mayor pro tem Swanson stated that
inasmuch as such petitions are being prepared it might be well to take the
matter under advisement pending the circulation of such petitions.
Objections were expressed to this method by Mr. Edward Cote and
Mr. John A. Walker, who felt the matter of alleviation of the parking
problem on said street would be held up for too long a period. Mr. Lloyd
Wallace then spoke in favor of the widening of said street and the
construction of sidewalks and curbs as would be proposed in the petitions.
Lengthy discussion of the matter ensued, at the conclusion of which
it was moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Frederick, that
the matter of parking on Loma Vista Street poutherly of Grand Avenue be
taken under advisement until the regular meeting of this Council to be
held on October 13, 1954• Carried.
At this time the hour being 8:53 o'clock,P. M., the Mayor pro tern
declared a recess.
At the hour of 8:58 o'clock, P. M., the Council reconvened, the
following members being present and answering roll calls Baker,
Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tern Swanson.
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At this time the Council pro,
of Mr. Donald R. Short heretofore
the Council take action to accept
and 43, Tract 12391, shown on the
for future street's and then cause
said reservation clouds the title
which Mr. Short was interested at
mentioned communication.
yll 113
seeded to discuss the matter of the request
presented to it on August 4, 1954, that
the dedication of portions of Lots 42
subdivision map of said tract as "Reserved
the property to be vacated inasmuch as
to those particular parcels of land in
the time of the writing of the before-
Councilman Baker stated he was withdrawing any objections he might have
had to the vacation of the property for street purposes, inasmuch as approxi-
mately 80 per cent of the property is owned by two persons and that they
would not at anytime be in favor of the opening of Sierra Street through
such property.
City Attorney Woodworth stated there were two methods by which the
requested vacation might be accomplished:
No. 1 would be to accept the dedication as offered on the tract
map as "future street" and then instruct the City Engineer to
furnish the City Attorney with the necessary data to cause
vacation proceedings to be taken; -
No. 2 would be for owners of the property to file a new sub-
division map with the City Planning Commission, which map
would have to be approved by said Commission and thereafter
by City Council.
It appeared that the Title Insurance and Trust Company had previously
in a communication, dated November 17, 1952, addressed to Mr. Short,
stated it would approve either method.
After discussion, it was moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Council-
man Frederick, the following resolution be adopted:
RESOLVED, that it is the opinion of this Council, all
factors considered, it would be more desirable to have a new
subdivision map filed for approval by the owners of the
property; and that the City Clerk be and she is hereby
directed to notify the applicant accordingly, it being under-
stood that the applicant shall pay all costs incurred, and
that the City Clerk shall thereafter inform this Council of
the decision of the applicant in the matter.
On roll call, said motion carried and said resolution was adopted by the
following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Baker, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tem Swanson;
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 General Fund (Conttd) '
Gordon Whitnall $ 100.00 E. M. McGrath 18.00
Lelah Converse 100.00 Dept. of Traffic Engr. 226.92
Lennox Disposal Service 31008.79 The Lighthouse Inc. 24.10
El Segundo Chamber of Nattl Fire Protection Assoc. 1.55
Commerce 50.00 Inglewood Mercantile Co. 21.28
Southern California Humane Leo B. Freedman 20.50
Society 200.00 F. and F. Radio and
Morgan & Son 106.71 Appliance Co. 14.48
Southern Calif. Disin- Du -Rite Cleaners .94
fecting Co. 75.87 C. V. Baird Auto Supply 8.79
(Continued) (Continued)
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�Af 114
General Fund (Cont'd)
Water
Works Fund
Ditto Incorporated
$ 10.55
Dayton Foundry
$ 105.38
141.63
Rains Glass Shop
18.88
H. C. Lawson Company
David Ettleson
698.00
Smith -Blair Inc.
$ 488.67
City of El Segundo Water Dept. 46.19
TOTAL
The Times- Mirror Company
81.00
Hawthorne -South Bay Tribune
4.00
Recreation
Fund
El Segundo Herald
224.90
205.80
Kit Kraft
$ 1 . 62
Richard R. Loeffler
TOTAL
$ 47'69
Oswald Bros., Co.
520281.81
Harold Carper
24.00
F. S. Newcome
Co- ordinated Construction,
25.00
Inc. 529.20
Traffic
Safety Fund
Arthur J. Sterzenbach
78.20
Automobile Club of
Southern California
1
$__5.82
Driver Construction Co.
40.00
TOTAL
$ 15.82
Foursquare Church
25.00
Co- ordinated Construction,
Inc. 25.00
Wesley 0. Morgan
85.00
J. McCarter
115.00
Fleet Owner
2.00
U. S. Post Office
38.54
American Pipe & Construction Co. 10.50
John D. Meschuk, M. D.
6.00
El Segundo Hardware
27.46
New Pacific Lumber Co.
162.35
TOTAL
$ 58,742.31
Moved by Councilman Gordong seconded by Councilman Frederick, 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, Frederick, Gordon and Mayor pro tern Swanson;
Noes: Councilmen None;
Absent: Mayor Selby.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
No further business appearing to be transacted at this meeting, it
was moved by Councilman Gordon, seconded by Councilman Baker, the meeting
adjourn. Carried.
Approved:
G
/2/
Mayor
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Respectfully submitted,
/ 1--Q-' 0 � , - 2
Neva M. Elsey, City Clerk