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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-14 RCC MIN• City of Chula Vista, Council Chambers 276 Fourth Avenue MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Stillman, Vice Chair Gilgun, Commissioners Coleman, Cory, and Rahimzadeh MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: By Chair Stillman at 4:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: June 14, 2010 MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Ulloa • STAFF PRESENT: Conservation 8~ Environmental Services Director Meacham, Environmental Services Program Manager France, Open Space Manager Sirois, Recycling Specialist Didonato, Administrative Analyst Partosan, Conservation Specialist Hutmacher, Conservation Specialist Garcia, Sr. Secretary Fields OTHERS PRESENT: Richard Dascoli, Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors • MOTION TO EXCUSE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None STAFF COMMENTS: Motion to excuse Commissioner Ulloa from tonight's meeting was approved unanimously. April 26, 2010 minutes were approved. Chair Stillman introduced new RCC member Robert Coleman, who gave a brief summary on his background. INFORMATION ITEMS: 1. City grant application for a proposed Rice Canyon Interpretive Area Open Space Manager Paul Sirois gave the presentation. He described components of the location and discussed some of the criteria of the State Department of Parks and Recreation grant. He stated that the grant's intent is to inspire environmental stewardship, to increase public understanding of California's resources, and to combine the study of natural science with preservation, demonstration, and educational programs. He also talked about the major theme components of the project including a firewise demonstration area, several RCC Minutes, 6/14/10, Page 1 of 4 native plant interpretive areas, a succulent demonstration area, and a residential landscape demonstration area. Manager Sirois added that they wanted to incorporate storm water management throughout all the areas, and that they also wanted to include a small amphitheater for school groups. Commissioner Coleman suggested more thought on rain water harvesting, stating that he felt many people would be interested in learning about that. Commissioner Cory stated that she was pleased with the program. She said that she initially had concerns about the firewise component of the project, but that Manager Sirois' comments had addressed her concerns. She also stated that she felt the storm water component was a very important component. Commissioner Rahimzadeh asked about the criteria involved in the site selection. Manager Sirois responded with information on why the site was selected. Commissioner Rahimzadeh also asked about the visibility of the area. 2. Presentation on the collaborative effort regarding the "CLEAN -Your Environmental Guide to Green Living" brochure Environmental Services Program Manager Lynn France discussed the joint effort of City departments and outside stakeholders in preparing the Clean Guide brochure as part of the Clean Team's continued projects. 3. Resource management goals and objectives of the Public Works Environmental Services • Division Environmental Services Program Manager France presented information on the long term waste reduction and resource management plan, or zero waste where discards and resources would be managed back into a second life or into new products. She stated that this plan came about due to the fact that the landfill would be closing around 2025. The plan will include an organics management plan. Commissioner Rahimzadeh asked how the brochure would be distributed to residents. Program Manager France responded that they would be handed out at all the special events and that all the stakeholders had been given copies for their businesses for distribution. Commissioner Cory asked if there would be any provisions for construction debris since that is a large part of landfill. Program Manager France stated that there is a construction and demolition processing facility at the Otay landfill currently, and that there is an ordinance in place which requires a debris management plan. Commissioner Gilgun echoed that it would be great to get the brochures distributed to as many places as possible. Commissioner Coleman asked if the brochures would be distributed in the schools. Program Manager France stated that they would not be distributed through the elementary schools, but that students from High Tech High were familiar with the brochures. Commissioner Coleman further commented on the need to change the mindset of companies as far as their practice of always providing a certain percentage of overage in RCC Minutes, 6/14/10, Page 2 of 4 • materials when they build something, and how that practice contributes to the construction debris issue. DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMENTS (Director Comments were presented out of order.) Director Meacham introduced Rich D'Ascoli from Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors who briefly discussed a grant received from the National Association of Realtors to assist the Bicycle Plan. Commissioners commented in favor of this program. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Recommendation and direction to staff regarding the development of a policy for the placement of back up generators within the Citv of Chula Vista Director Meacham gave the presentation. He stated that they are involved in a process with the community to look at the section of the general plan and the associated zoning codes to bring back to the Council regarding amending the code so that it will be more clear. He discussed some of the details and stated that he is looking for direction from the board to craft a policy recommendation for the board and Council to review to move forward as part of these amendments and/or process. The Commissioners discussed the issue and Director Meacham responded to questions and comments. ACTION: Vice Chair Gilgun made a motion to direct staff to develop a policy concerning small backup generation in our city. Chair Stillman seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. CHAIR COMMENTS None COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Gilgun gave an update on the Climate Change Working Group. She stated that they are at the point of having a public workshop, which would be held on Wednesday, June 16th at the Norman Park Senior Center. She invited the board to attend, and added that they are looking for as much public input as possible. She said that they have just completed the informational stage of the working group and are moving on to the stage where they will be looking at adaptations they could take, and start designing what will work for our city and be feasible. Director Meacham asked Commissioner Gilgun to talk about the previous meeting regarding the Bayfront as it effects climate change. She stated that the discussion covered sea level rise and what we can expect along our particular coastline. She added that the meeting included city staff, university professors, and individuals from the Port District. Commissioner Gilgun went on to give details of the discussion and added that it was the collaborative process of the joint agencies that she found exciting because it will take all the agencies working together to take care of the issue. RCC Minutes, 6/14/10, Page 3 of 4 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 5:27 p.m. to a regular meeting on Monday, June 28, 2010, at 4:00 pm in Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Prepared by: Sheryl Fields Sr. Secretary • RCC Minutes, 6/14/10, Page 4 of 4