HomeMy Public PortalAboutM 1965-10-25 - CC,~. ~~ ~)
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 25, 1965
The City Council of the City of Lynwood met in a regular
session in the City Hall, 11330 Bullis Road, on above
date at 7:30 p.m.
Mayor Siokos in the chair.
Councilmen Byork, Duncan, McMillan, Siokos, and Smith
answered the roll call.
JOINT COUNCIL-PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ON COMMUNITY
BETTERMENT
The meeting was opened with a presentation of color
Slide slides narrated by the City Manager. The pictures
presentation dealt with problem areas of the City as well as some
of the better areas.
Introductory Mayor Siokos made an opening statement which outlined
statement by the purposes of the meeting and the range of subjects
Mayor Siokos to be discussed i. e., community attitude toward
community betterment, the needs of the residential
commercial and industrial areas, use of existing open
areas and general beautification of the City. He
concluded his remarks by saying that any program of
development will cost in time and money; that the City
government cannot do it without the cooperation of the
majority of the community.
In response to the Mayor's opening remarks, Councilman
McMillan stated that he believed the community attitude
was good and that the community must think more progressively
than in the past. He said he was also in favor of some
definite movement toward changing the face of Long Beach
Boulevard by whatever means necessaryo
Councilman Duncan asked everyone to open the maps which
had been provided for the audience as he wished to
call attention to the area between Fernwood and Imperial
Highway and Long Beach Boulevard and State Street. He
suggested that some consideration be given to that area
for a possible change of zoning classification.
Councilman Smith stated that the thoughts and attitudes
expressed in the Mayor's statements had been considered
for some time, but that considered action must be taken.
He stated that he realized the plans for betterment will
not meet with the approval of the entire public, but when
a plan is developed and undertaken-, most will realize that
it is for the betterment of the entire community.
Discussion The Mayor asked that the discussion be started with ideas
improvement concerning improvement of community attitude.
of community
attitude Planning Commission Joe Goldsworthy stated that use of
land and zoning is difficult because of individual ideas
and the economic result of various types of zoning. He
agreed that the City does have some bad zoning but zoning
is supposed to promote a planned gross with uses of
property to be compatible; that any general change has
to affect a large area. He stated that zoning is also
for the benefit and protection of the property owners,
and that any idea of community. leaders building up a
"Lynwood Beautiful" concept is doomed to failure without
a zoning enforcement officer to start enforcing the
existing zoning ordinance.
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The Mayor asked what the attitude of the public might
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be to the City's enforcing the State Housing Code. Discussion on
improvement of
Mr. Richard Bowen asked if such police action should not community
come after all other resources are exhausted, attitude
Mayor Siokos stated that he believed the City has enough
to keep a person busy in the poorer areas and in the
larger areas in need of improvement. He stated that the
present beautification programs going on are helpful, but
are slow.
Mr. Allen Witter, representing the Lynwood Press, asked
if the laws concerning aesthetics had been changed as
it was his impression that at one time, the law did not
permit any consideration for aesthetic values.
The City Manager stated that the U. S. Supreme Court
had upheld various aesthetic cases and the State
Housing Act defines at what point the City can step
in.
Councilman McMillan stated that it was his assumption
that the City has no authority in aesthetic matters
other than those things that affect health or safety.
The City Attorney stated that at present we have no
authority unless the matter can be connected with
health, light, dampness, etc, and at the present
time, the building inspector is the enforcement
officer.
Planning Commissioner McJimsey asked if it was correct
that under the State Housing Act the only way a
structure could be required to be painted would be
^-- to say it was detrimental to the people dwelling
therein.
The City Manager stated yes. The Act says "if the
paint is peeling" then the housing officer can
require it to be repainted.
Dr. Hyrum Loutensoch of the Lynwood Unified School
District inquired as to how much of the property
which is run down is owned by absentee landlords.
He said he believed this is often the key to run
down property and that the people who are residents
will give good cooperation and pride in the community
will be built up, but there must be means to compel
those who do not do so to keep their property in
good repair.
Councilman McMillan stated that he believed that the
majority of the citizens would cooperate, but that
an enforcement officer would be needed.
Mr. Jerry Rokos, 12217 Bullis Road, addressed the
Council to state that he believed that an enforcement
officer would be necessary, but that if commercial
and industrial buildings are excluded and enforcement
is directed only against the homeowner, a great deal
of resistance will be encountered from the homeowner.
Mayor Siokos said that we are talking now only about
residential areas and wondering whether or not it is
feasible for the City to institute a program of this type.
Mr. McKenna, 3372 Los Flores, inquired about the proposed
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Discussion
improvement
of community
attitude,
maintenance
of resident
areas and
proposals
for
commercial
improvements
extension of the "Lynwood Beautiful" program.
The Mayor stated that he believed the existing program has
been worthy and that a very good job has been done and that
he did not mean to imply that a majority of the City was in
need of painting and repair.
Councilman Duncan stated that what brought about the
beautification discussion was that we have had several old
houses far below standard and that the City officials only
want to see what can be done to take care of similar situations.
Mr. John Kanka, 5131 Walnut Avenue, inquired whether or not
the people live in Lynwood who own the run down properties
shown in the slides.
The Mayor stated that it wasn't the Council`s intention to
condemn the property owners; only to show the types of
problems that exist ih the City.
Planning Commissioner McJimsey stated that he believed
there would be resentment toward enforcement of the State
Housing Act as there will be people who will resent being
told what to do with their property.
There was further discussion of the State Housing Code
in which Mr. McKenna asked if the purpose of this meeting
is to explore whether or not the peop~e would back such
on ordinance. He stated that he would support such an
ordinance.
Mr. Ken Porter, 12102 Gertrude Drive, spoke in favor of
an enforcement officer
Mr. Richard Rhine, Chairman of the Planning Commission,
stated that it is difficult to change people's attitude
and the only possible way is to have an ordinance
which can be enforced.
Mr. Jack Willard, 3938 Magnolia Avenue, stated that he
believed that instead of trying to force people to do
things, perhaps something should be done to attract
people voluntarily.
Mr. McKenna inquired if the City qualifies for Area
Redevelopment Agency funds
The City Manager replied that the City would probably
qualify for title to funds, but that the urban renewal
approach was attempted and the City did not qualify.
Mr. Ken Porter stated that Long Beach Boulevard appears
to be dying and he felt that an area large enough to
attract Large stores was needed.- He said he believed
that the area north of Fernwood between State and Long
Beach Boulevard would lend itself to redevelopment.
Councilman McMillan stated that the ideal area is the
Long Beach Boulevard area and that he believed that a
committee should be set up to study the possibility of
changing the appearance of the boulevard and then
explore the possibility of inviting larger enterprises
to come into the area.
The Mayor stated that it was his intent to set up a
committee to work on such a program, but that at this
particular time he wished to talk in terms of "do you
agree that this should be done."
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Councilman Duncan again mentioned the area north of Imperial Discussion
between State and Long Beach Boulevard and said he believed proposals
a type of zone should be established whereby the use could for commercia
be better controlled, some zone such as a "B-C" zone. area improve-
ments
The City Manager said that at present the City does not
have "a professional" zone either,
Councilman McMillan stated that he concurred in Councilman
Duncan's remarks in regards to rezoning, but he was not
~"" in complete agreement that this might be an area for a
shopping center as it would then make Long Beach Boulevard
a "ghost" area o
Planning Commissioner Rhine stated that an area has to be
found that will suit the needs and the only way this
property could be acquired would be through condemnation
or the property owners mutually agreeing and that this
would be of necessity, a long range program,
The Mayor asked if there was a need for additional parking
or a special zone near St. Francis Hospital.
Mr. Allen Witter stated that he frequently had occasion
to go into that area and at the present time parking in
the immediate area is almost impossible and he believed
there should be serious consideration given to expanding
the parking facilities in that area
At the Mayor's request the City Manager explained the
methods financing public parking lo~ts~
Mrs Alma Burk and Mr. Ed Furhman a.l.so discussed parking
in the general area of St. Francis Hospital.
Mr. Rhine suggested that decked parking areas be considered.
In the discussion of the needs of the industry of the Discussion of
community, the Mayor asked if anyone present was needs of
involved in industry and had anything they wished to industrial
mention, community
Mr. Bob Hunter of Allied Chemical Company stated that
he feels that so far as industry is concerned, there
are things that should be considered in future planning
for industrial growth.
1. Attention to surface drainage and sewers, and
2. Attention paid to parking facilities in the area.
He said that he believed that the people present had
expressed a desire to improve the City of Lynwood and
he wished to summarize points made: Lynwood should be
considered a complete City. It should take care of
manufacturing, culture; business, and residences; these
are the things that make a complete City. He further
stated that he believed that the extreme east and west
sides of the City should be manufacturing areas; St.
Francis Hospital area should be the cultural area;
Long Beach Boulevard should be a shopping area. Now
accept these facts, proceed with them and offer an
inducement to the people of Lynwood to accept the
plan all those present want to carry out
Mr. Kenneth Thompson, 2652 E~ 108th Street, addressed
the Council as a representative of the Palomar district,
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He stated that homes on the north side of 108th Street
are being purchased by the Jorgensen Steel Company and
he wished to know the intention of the company for the
future development of the land they are buying.
After considerable discussion, the Mayor informed Mr.
Thompson that an attempt is being made to analyze the
total needs of the City and that he does not have an
answer for him at this time.
Discussion The Mayor inquired if anyone wished to make any comments
on community concerning City beautification.
beautification
Mr. McKenna stated that he wished to see something done
about parking as far as being able to sweep both sides
of the streets is concerned
Mr. Jack Cleland, editor of the Herald American newspaper,
stated that as far as beautification is concerned, it is
a slow process. He said some "positive" type of releases
should be made for selling the people on beautification
and what we are trying to do to the City: Beautification
in all areas of the City. He stated that recognition has
been given to many for beautification of their property
and that beautification should be considered a number
one item.
Mrs. Dudenhoff of Beechwood Avenue addressed the Council
to suggest that more lighting is provided.
The City Manager explained the method of obtaining more
lighting.
Mr. Allen Witter suggested more colorful plantings in
the general landscaping of the City park areas.
Mr. Richard Rhine mentioned trash day and the unsitely
condition of containers often left remaining on the
public sidewalk.
Mr. Ed Fuhrman suggested consideration of a uniform
sign ordinance.
Mr. Lucille Kanka, Secretary of the Beautification
Committee, asked what part the existing committee
will take in the proposed program.
Mr. Martini inquired about tree planting and elimination
of telephone poles by way of underground wiring.
Beautification of the freeway right of way was discussed
as zaell as improvement of the appearance of the various
entrances to the City.
Mr. Jerry Rokos also mentioned the avisability of adopting
a uniform sign ordinance and asked if the City could
encourage and assist in a tree planting program.
The Manager stated that in other cities boxed trees
which are owned by the City rather than the property owner
are placed along the streets, The purpose in being
City owned is that they can be cared for properly.
The Mayor stated that the meeting had arrived at the
point of "where do we go from here" and asked for
suggestions as to how the committees to work on the
various problems could be appointed..
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The City Manager mentioned the roster of those present
and suggested that letters might be written to these
people to ask them if they would be willing to serve
on one of the various committees.
The Mayor stated that he believed he would act on the
suggestion of the City Manager and ask those who had
signed the roster as they entered the Council Chambers
if they would be willing to participate on a particular
committee.
Councilman McMillan stated that in regard to the Long
Beach Boulevard business development area, he would
suggest that one member of the Council be appointed
on such a committee and that there should be committees
on zoning, business possibilities, financing, parking,
and a committee to encourage new businesses to come
into the area.
The Mayor stated that he would proceed to appoint
committees in the manner suggested and that unless
there is anyone who wished to make further comments
at this time, he would entertain a motion to adjourn.
ADJOURN
It was moved by Councilman Byork, seconded by Councilman
Duncan, that the meeting be adjourned. All members
voting aye, the Mayor declared the motion carried,
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._~~ ~l. -~~1i`Z~'Z-C-~~'`,''~r-~~" ter. ~'~!~Z~-i"~---
,City Clerk, City of y~ nwood
APPROVED NOVEMBER 2, 1g65
Mayor of the City of Lynwood
Discussion on
committees to
be appointed