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HomeMy Public PortalAboutM 1970-12-01 - CCy7 REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 1, 1970 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 Green in the chair. Councilmen Byork, Green, Liewer, Siokos, Stevens answered the roll call. It was moved by Councilman Byork, seconded by Councilman Stevens, and carried, that the minutes of the regular meeting of November 17, 1970, be approved as written. RESOLUTION N0. 70-65 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD ALLOWING APPROVING THE DEMANDS PRESENTED AND ORDERING WARRANTS DRAWN THEREFOR," was presented. It was moved by Councilman Liewer, seconded by Council- man Stevens, that said resolution be adopted. Roll Call: Ayes: Councilmen Byork, Green, Liewer, Siokos, Noes: None. Absent: None. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Res. 70-65 AND Demands Stevens. ORDINANCE N0. 885 entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD AMENDING SECTION 31.1 (PLACING WATER DEPARMENT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS), SECTION 31.6 (INCREASING CASH DEPOSIT FOR TURN-ON FROM $10.00 TO $15.00), SECTION 31.12 (ELIMINATING FLAT RATE SERVICE CHARGE AND ALL OTHER REFERENCE TO FLAT RATE), SECTION 31.14 (CHANGING CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL MAINS TO COST PLUS 15%), SECTION 31.15 (CHANGING CHARGE FOR TEMPORARY CONNECTIONS TO FIXED SCALE AND AMENDING AMOUNT AND METHOD OF REFUNDS), SECTION 31.17 (ELIMINATING SUBSECTION ON RATES OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS; INCREASING FLAT RATES, ELIMINATING FLAT RATE FOR SCHOOLS, CHANGING "INDEPENDENT PRIVATE FIRE LINES" TO "PRIVATE FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES" AND INCREASING RATE TO $2.00 PER MONTH PER EACH INCH OF DIAMETER OF SERVICE CONNECTION); OMITTING SUBSECTION ON "FLOODING EXCAVATIONS," SECTION 31.20 (ESTABLISHING "READINESS TO SERVE" CHARGES FOR METERED CONNECTIONS AND PROVIDING THEY SHALL NOT BE REFUNDABLE, INCREASING THE METERED RATES FOR FIRST 100,000 CUBIC FEET PER MONTH TO $0.21 PER 100 CUBIC FEET AND FOR ALL OVER 100,000 CUBIC FEET PER MONTH, $0.11 PER 100 CUBIC FEET, AND ESTABLISHING A QUANTITY METERED RATE CHARGE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS), SECTION 31.21 (CHANGING MONTHLY BILLINGS TO BI-MONTHLY), SECTION 31.24 (CHANGING LOT SIZE FROM 18,000 SQUARE FEET TO 9,000 SQUARE FEET RELATIVE TO COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USE), SECTION 31.27 (ELIMINATING ALTERNATIVE PROVISIONS WHEREBY SUBDIVIDER WOULD PAY CITY .CERTAIN AMOUNT AND CITY WOULD CONSTRUCT WATER SYSTEM), SECTION. 31.29 (CHANGING "WATER SUPERINTENDENT" TO "PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR") AND AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE LYNWOOD CITY CODE TO ESTABLISH BY GRADUAL STEPS ELIMINATION OF FLAT RATE SERVICE AND SUBSTITUTING THEREFOR METERED SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE CITY) AND REPEALING SECTIONS 31.16 AND 31.22 OF THE LYNWOOD CITY CODE," was presented Ord. 885 Water Rates ~8 for second reading. It was moved by Councilman Liewer, seconded by Councilman Stevens,-that further reading be waived. Roll Call: Ayes: Councilmen Byork, Green, Liewer, Siokos, Stevens. Noes: None. Absent: None. Water rate It was moved by Councilman Stevens, seconded by increase Councilman Siokos, that said ordinance be adopted discussion as read for the second time, finally passed, and be published as required. In discussing the proposed water rate changes, Councilman Byork questioned the advisability of spending a large sum of money to install meters and adding the cost of meter readers and additional computation of meter readings. He said he would like to discuss this portion of the proposed ordinance for possible amendment at an early date, and asked how many people would be required to read the meters. He was informed that the present 3,000 meters are handled by one man, and that a great deal of efficiency could be developed with a fully metered operation. The Manager commented on the increased cost of MWD water which is projected and which will result in a less desirable rate structure, thus making it more important that the users are assured that they are paying only for the water they use and not paying for any part of that used by the flat rate consumer. Mr. Jerry Rokos, 12217 Bullis Road, addressed the Council to state he had obtained and studied a copy of the water rate report prepared by the Director of Public Works. He objected to the study as it does not take into account additional cost of reading meters, computing water bills, and the additional people to perform the work; no provision is made for metering the water used by the City of Lynwood; the rate structure is invalid as to the large consumer. He objected to metering water used by the small consumer, the use of water department revenue in the General Fund, charging the water fund with expenditures such as community promotion and sewer maintenance, not crediting interest income derived from water revenue to the Water Fund, and expressed general disapproval of the city's accounting methods. At the request of the Council, points contained in his study were clarified by the Public Works Director, with particular reference to consumers of large quantities of water. The fairness of a metered system was pointed out and Mr. Rokos was assured that the study and ordinance was the result of a professional assessment of the city's needs for betterment of the water system. Mr. Ed Fuhrman, 4319 Pendleton Avenue, addressed the Council to state that he had felt for some time there had been disproportionate charges for water usage, and was pleased with the action on rates and metered service proposed by the Council. 9~ Mr. Hank Becker, President of the Chamber of Commerce spoke favorably of the proposed changes, and commented on the advantage to the community of the large water users. Mr. Al Syykes, 10819 Long Beach Boulevard, asked for clarification of the water rate changes. These were explained to him by the City Manager. Mr. Sykes also talked of water wasted by flat rate consumers. He was told that an attempt was being made to correct that situation by the proposal to install a completely metered system. Roll Call: Ayes: Councilmen Byork, Green, Liewer, Siokos, Stevens. Noes: None. Absent: None. ORDINANCE N0. 886 entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD AMENDING THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF THE LYNWOOD CITY CODE: SECTIONS 20.53 (INCREASING JANITORIAL SERVICE FEE), 20.67 (INCREASING FEE- NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES), 20.81 (b) (INCREASING FEE CIGARETTE VENDING MACHINES), 20.2 (ADDING REVIEW BOARD) AND AMENDING CHAPTER XX OF THE LYNWOOD CITY CODE BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING NEW SECTIONS 20.28-1 (LICENSING OF APARTMENT HOUSES), 20.50-1 (ESTABLISHING THE LICENSE FEE FOR APARTMENT HOUSES), 20.54-1 (LICENSING NON-STATE LICENSED CRAFTSMAN) AND 20.56-1 (LICENSING PROFESSIONAL TYPE BUSINESSES AND BUSINESSES AS A CLASS) AND 20.28-2 (ESTABLISHING FEES FOR PROFESSIONS, ETC.) AND 20.81-3 (CURB NUMBERING)," was presented for second reading. It was moved by Councilman Stevens, seconded by Councilman Liewer, and .carried, that further reading be waived. It was moved by Councilman Stevens, seconded by Councilman Byork, that said ordinance be adopted as read for the second time, finally passed and Ord. 886 Amendment of business. license fees be published as required by law. Roll Call: Ayes: Councilmen Byork, Green, Liewer, Siokos, Stevens. Noes: None. Absent: None. An Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD AMENDING THE LXNWOOD CITY CODE TO ADD ARTICLE IV TO CHAPTER 29 TO LEVY A TRANSIENT ROOM TAX," was presented for second reading. It was moved by Councilman Liewer, seconded by Councilman Stevens, and carried, that further reading be waived. It was moved by Council; Councilman Siokos, that adopted as read for the passed and be published Councilman Liewer asked from the room tax could told that no facts were pan Stevens, seconded by said ordinance be second time, finally as required by law. if an estimate of income be provided, and he was available from which to project possible revenue. Transient Tax Mr. Jim Morton, 10112 Long Beach Boulevard, lU~ Transient ordinance tabled Tax representing the motel owners of Lynwood, addressed the Council in opposition to the proposed room tax. Because of the keen competition in the business, the operators feel they will lose business to the neighboring cities not charging a similar tax. He stated that the cities of Huntington Park and South Gate had enacted a similar ordinance which was quickly repealed. He urged that the Council not adopt the room tax as it is a deterent to use of motels. Mr. Cass Waranius, Mr. Jack Cherniss, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Iva Lortie, Mr. Al Sykes, all motel operators, addressed the Council also in opposition to the proposed room tax. It was moved by Councilman Liewer, seconded by Councilman Stevens, that the adoption of the subject ordinance be tabled for thirty days. Roll Call: Ayes: Councilmen Byork, Green, Liewer, Siokos, Stevens. Noes: None. Absent: None. Mayor Green stated that he would like to have more information concerning repeal of a similar ordinance by the cities of Huntington Yark and South Gate . .,Res. 70-66 RESOLUTION N0. 70-66 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF Requesting THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD, approval of CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA :program to CITIES AND THE MEMBER CITIES THEREOF AND STATE 'utilize surplus AND NATIONAL LEGISLATORS TO APPROVE THE PROGRAM military air- OF UTILIZING SURPLUS MILITARY AIRCRAFT IN craft in FIGHTING FOREST FIRES ' was presented. The fighting forest Council was informed that the resolution was fires presented at the request of the City of Long Beach. It was moved by Councilman Siokos, seconded by Councilman Liewer, that said resolution be adopted with the added provision that the aircraft be operated by military personnel. Roll Call: Ayes: Councilmen Byork, Green, Liewer, Siokos, Stevens. Noes: None. Absent: None. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Alley vacation A letter from Rankin Bros. Manufacturing Co. and request with- one from William Turk Company, withdrawing their drawn, Rankin respective requests for vacation of the first Bros. & Turk Mfg.alley east of Alameda Street between 110th Street and 111th Streets was, presented. It was moved by Councilman Siokos, seconded by Councilman Liewer, and carried, that the letters be accepted and filed. REPORTS AND REQUESTS Request to A request from Girl Scout Troop No. 490 of Roosevelt decorate park- School was presented. The girls asked permission to way trees. decorate parkway trees with aluminum foil and red ribbon during the Christmas season. The purpose of the activity would be to earn money for the 1Ut troop's neighborhood snow trip in February. The girls wish to carry out the activity on Saturday, December 12. It was moved by Councilman Siokos, seconded by Councilman Stevens, and carried, that permission be granted. A request from Blind Industries of California, Blind Indus. of Inc. for a permit to solicit orders for blind made Calif. permit to ~"" products was presented. Inasmuch as this is a solicit denied profit making organization, it was moved by Councilman Siokos, seconded b.y Councilman Stevens, and carried, that permission be denied. The request from Special Education Foundation, Special Education 7516 Pacific Boulevard, Huntington Park, for Foundation permit to conduct rummage sales at 11600 Long request for Beach Boulevard was presented. Councilman Stevens rummage sales stated that he had some knowledge of the organization denied and the fine work they are doing, but said he believed the activity would be in conflict with the City Zoning Ordinance. This being the case, it was moved by Councilman Byork, seconded by Councilman Liewer, and carried, that the request be denied. The application of Clarence A. Johnson for a special permit to conduct the business of security service within the city was presented. The application was accompanied by the police department investigative report and the recommendation of Police Chief Darton that the application be denied on the basis that Clarence Johnson the applicant is not qualified to be licensed by security patrol the State and is presently operating in violation permit denied of State law. It was moved by Councilman Siokos, seconded by Councilman Liewer, and carried, that the application be denied. The application of Seymour Philips & Ass. doing business as Howard Murray, 10135 Long Beach Boulevard, for a special permit to conduct a closing out sale was presented. The application was accompanied by the required inventory. It was moved by Councilman Siokos, seconded by Councilman Stevens, and carried, that the application be approved. A request from Attorney Michael Harris for clarification of the use of the alarm system in the police department by his client, L & L S11ent Alarm System, was presented. Mr. Harris .also asked if his client would be permitted to install a new alarm board in the police station. The City Manager informed the Council that he had discussed the matter with Mr. Harris after reviewing the action taken by the Council in September, 1968, and had informed him that L & L could continue to use the alarm board at the same level of service as at present with no expansion of service; that the board could not be enlarged nor would his client be permitted to install his own board at the facility at this time. It was moved by Council- man Siokos, seconded by Councilman Stevens, and carried, that the letter be accepted and filed. Howard Murray closing out sale granted Letter from Atty. M. Harris re L & L Silent Alarm 1(J`Z ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Closing out sale Mr. Ed Fuhrman, 4319 Pendleton Avenue, addressed ordinance the Council concerning the ordinance regulating discussed going out of business sales, and suggested that the ordinance might be investigated for possible revision. Discrepancies Mrs. Clara Benck, 3511 loos Flores, addressed the in water bills Council concerning discrepancies in the water questioned bills she receives and those of her neighbors. It was suggested that Mrs. Benck contact the City Manager at his office for clarification of the water bills. Delay in Mrs. Emma Krajcski, 10015 California Avenue, issuing business South Gate, addressed the Council to complain ..license about the delay in issuing her business license questioned by to conduct a secondhand store at 10009 Long Mrs. Krajckki for Beach Boulevard. The Manager informed the secondhand store Council that this is a type of license that requires a police investigation and the delay results from the time required to obtain information from the CII. The Council expressed to Mrs. Krajcski their regret for the delay but informed her there was nothing that could be done at this time because of the requirements of the City ordinance. Discussion re Mr. Archie Legg, 3671 Platt Avenue, addressed trash pick up the Council concerning rubbish being scattered on the street where the trash trucks stop for pick up. He also inquired about the new equipment the disposal comp any is required to furnish. He was informed that the scattering of trash is a constant problem and one which the city tries to correct; also that the new equipment should be in service very soon. Mr. Legg also expressed appreciation for the freedom of discussion during the consideration of the water rate changes. Consolidation of Councilman Liewer asked if any progress has Assembly been made in consolidating the city's Assembly districts districts. discussed Councilman Stevens stated that he had recently been in communication with Assemblyman Wakefield, and that he would be glad to communicate with him concerning the assembly district situation. Complaint re The Mayor commented on a letter of complaint he had alley east of received concerning the condition of the alley east Atlantic Ave. of Atlantic Avenue. The City Manager stated that he was aware of the situation and that it has been referred to the Public Works Director. Mayor Green The Mayor commented on a report he had received reports on from the Police Chief relative to arrests made recent arrests by a Lynwood officer wherein the charges were subsequently reduced. He said he was considering communicating with the Judge in the matter to register his disapproval of the action taken. Councilman Stevens said he would concur in the Mayor's statements and would like to add his ~ O signature to such a letter. Mayor Green inquired about the new service station at Century Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue, and the fence which has been constructed across the first alley west of Atlantic Avenue. He was informed that the alley has been vacated, but there remains access to Linden Street from the portion of the alley south of the fence. The City Attorney stated that at the time the alley vacation took place, Mr. Erickson's report stated that an instrument would be executed by the oil company to permit ingress and egress. If it is the Council's desire to keep the alley open, the Council should request that such a document be filed; however, the Attorney suggested that nothing be done and the wall be allowed to remain. The Manager said if the Council is satisfied, then nothing need be done; otherwise, the oil company should be approached about removing it. The meeting was adjourned to executive session for the purpose of discussing a matter of litigation. Following the executive session, the meeting was called to order. It was moved by Councilman Liewer, seconded by Councilman Siokos, and carried, that the meeting be adjourned. r 1 ~ ~~ ~ C y C er , City o L nwoo APPROVED DECMEBER 15, 1970 -~~t.e. , Mayor of he City of Lyn ood Inquiry about alley west of Atlantic Ave. Executive session