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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2002/04/16 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA April 16, 2002 6:00 P.M. A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in the Public Services Building, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers Davis, Padilla, Rindone, Salas, and Mayor Horton ABSENT: Councilmembers: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Rowlands, City Attorney Kaheny, and Deputy City Clerk Bennett PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, MOMENT OF SILENCE SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY · OATH OF OFFICE: DOUGLAS PERRY, FIRE CHIEF City Manager Rowlands introduced Fire Chief Perry, and Deputy City Clerk Bennett administered the oath of office to him. · OATH OF OFFICE: FRANCES E.D. CORNELL, CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION Deputy City Clerk Bennett administered the oath of office to Frances E.D. Comell, and Deputy Mayor Padilla presented her with a certificate of appointment. · RECOGNITION BY POLICE CHIEF RICHARD EMERSON OF RECENTLY HIRED POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE, OFFICER JAMES PETRAY Police Chief Emerson introduced recently hired Officer James Petray, and Deputy City Clerk Bennett administered the oath of office to him. · INTRODUCTION BY DEBBIE BARKER, OF FOUR STUDENTS REPRESENTING PARKVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL, REQUESTING A DONATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000 TOWARDS AN EDUCATIONAL TRIP TO SACRAMENTO Parkview Student Council Advisor Debbie Barker introduced student representatives Alexa Smith and Anna-Marie Hilderbrand, who presented their request for a $1,000 donation towards an educational trip to Sacramento. Mayor Horton referred the request to the City Manager. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1 through 4) At 6:19 p.m., Mayor Horton recessed the City Council meeting and convened the Redevelopment Agency meeting. Mayor Horton reconvened the City Council meeting at 9:15 p.m., with all Councilmember present. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of March 19, 2002, March 26, 2002, and March 27, 2002. Staff recommendation: Council approve the minutes. 2A. REPORT REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR THE FORMATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NUMBER 06-I (EASTLAKE - WOODS, VISTAS, AND "LAND SWAP") B. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-114, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS TO CONSIDER THE FORMATION OF PROPOSED COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NUMBER 06-1 (EASTLAKE - WOODS, VISTAS AND "LAND SWAP"), AND APPROVING THE FORM OF A REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT On January 11, 2002, EastLake Company, LLC, submitted an application requesting that the City initiate proceedings to consider the formation of Community Facilities District Number 06-I (EastLake - Woods, Vistas, and "Land Swap"), to fund the acquisition or construction of certain infrastructure improvements associated with the development, as well as certain proposed traffic enhancement program facilities, in the amount of approximately $31,500,000. Staff has determined that the financial information is preliminary and general in nature; but that adequate information and analysis will be generated during district formation tol enable staff to evaluate the developer's financial ability to bring the project to completion in compliance with the City's criteria. (Director of Public Works) Staff recommendation: Council accept the report and adopt the resolution. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-115, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF OFFICE SUPPLIES FROM CORPORATE EXPRESS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO CONTRACT g43439, FOR A ONE- YEAR PERIOD BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2002, WITH FOUR, ONE-YEAR, AND AN ADDITIONAL ONE TO THREE-MONTH OPTIONS TO EXTEND THROUGH JUNE 30, 2007. The County of San Diego has awarded a contract to Corporate Express for office supplies. Chula Vista is named as a primary agency in the bid and, therefore, qualifies for all rights and privileges afforded the County. (Assistant City Manager Powell) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. Page 2 - Council Minutes 04/16/02 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) 4. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-116, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2001/2002 BUDGET FOR THE LIBRARY DEPARTMENT, BY APPROPRIATING UNANTICIPATED DONATION REVENUE 1N THE AMOUNT OF $1,348 FOR THE LITERACY PROGRAM Since July 1, 2001, the Library Department has received donations from various organizations and individuals for the literacy program. The Library would like to appropriate some of these funds for the Library Educational After-school Program (LEAP into Reading). (Deputy City Manager Palmer) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. ACTION: Councilmember Rindone moved to approve staff's recommendations and offered the Consent Calendar, headings read, texts waived, including the following amendments: (1) the minutes of March 27, 2002, be amended to reflect that the meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m, Mayor Horton was absent from the meeting, and the maker of the motion to appoint Bob Strahl to the Parks and Recreation Commission was Councilmember Rindone; and (2) the minutes of March 19, 2002, be amended to reflect that Item # 1 lA was continued to a future date. The motion carded 5-0. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Steve Molski, 677 G Street #111, representing mobilehome owners, stated that the current housing costs and shortages may force more people to move into mobilehome parks. He reported that park owners, who purchased their properties in past years for modest amounts, are now making rental profits of approximately seventy percent. He asked the Council to consider this issue when reviewing the mobilehome ordinance. PUBLIC HEARINGS 5. CONSIDERATION OF A CHULA VISTA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEARS 2002/2003 THROUGH 2006/2007 SANDAG is required by state and federal law to develop and adopt a Regional Transportation Improvement Program every two 2 years. Adoption of the resolution approves the TransNet local streets and roads program of projects for fiscal years 2002/2003 through 2006/2007. Approval of the program by SANDAG is required for continued receipt of state and federal transportation project funding. The Proposition 'A' TransNet Transportation Improvement Program also requires that all proposed projects funded with TransNet funds be included in the program. Chula Vista's proposed five- year program involves $23,218,000 in projected TransNet revenue. (Director of Public Works) Page 3 - Council Minutes 04/16/02 PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued) Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and at the time specified in the notice. Mayor Horton opened the public hearing. With no members of the public wishing to speak, she then closed the hearing. With regard to the Willow Street bridge widening, Councilmember Davis requested that the horse trail under the bridge be kept free from debris so that riders can avoid the dangers of having to ride over the bridge. Councilmember Salas commented on the benefits that TransNet revenues have had on the City, and she reminded the community to buy in Chula Vista in order to keep sales tax local. ACTION: Councilmember Davis offered Resolution No. 2002-117, heading read, text waived: RESOLUTION NO. 2002-117, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE FIVE-YEAR TRANSNET LOCAL STREETS AND ROADS PROGRAM OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2002/2003 THROUGH 2006/2007, AND APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF CHULA VISTA'S TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SANDAG) FOR INCLUSION IN THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The motion carded 5-0. 6. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE EASTLAKE III PLANNED COMMUNITY DISTRICT REGULATIONS (PCM 02-16) Adoption of the ordinance amends the provisions for property development standards and accessory structures of the EastLake III planned community district regulations to allow more site design flexibility in the architectural design and achieve a better small-lot residential product, consistent with that presently being built in the EastLake Trails neighborhood. (Director of Planning and Building) Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and at the time specified in the notice. Associate Planner Steichen presented the proposed project amendments. Mayor Horton opened the public hearing. There being no members of the public wishing to speak, she then closed the hearing. Deputy Mayor Padilla offered Ordinance No. 2857, heading read, text waived. Councilmember Rindone offered a friendly amendment to the motion to rescind the restriction on screens on the front porches. Page 4 - Council Minutes 04/16/02 PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued) Councilmember Salas believed that screens would erase the concept of a porch and that screened-in porches are often poorly maintained, affecting the aesthetics of the neighborhood. Senior Planner Hernandez responded that the Planning Commission had expressed concern that the screens may not be uniform and may detract from the aesthetics of the overall community. Councilmember Davis opposed screened front porches, stating that it would affect the aesthetics of the neighborhood and also project an unwelcome sign to neighbors. There was no second to the amendment proposed by Councilmember Rindone. ACTION: Deputy Mayor Padilla then offered Ordinance No. 2857 for first reading, heading read, text waived: ORDINANCE NO. 2857, ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE EASTLAKE III PLANNED COMMUNITY DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTIONS 11.3.3.4 (PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS), AND 11.3.3.5 (ACCESSORY STRUCTURES), TO CHANGE THE RP-1 AND RP-2 REQUIRED BUILDING SETBACKS, AND MODIFY THE ALLOWABLE ACCESSORY STRUCTURE WIDTH WITHIN THE FRONT SETBACK The motion carded 5-0. ACTION ITEMS 7. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER DOWN PAYMENT AND CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The first-time homebuyer down payment and closing cost assistance program would provide up to $20,000 in a silent second loan to qualifying low-income households. The City's loan would be recaptured upon sale, re-finance or transfer of the property. Additionally, in lieu of charging interest on the principal of the loan, the City would share in the equity with the homebuyers. (Director of Community Development) Community Development Specialist Do presented the income requirements for the program. Mitch Thompson, representing the MAAC Project, requested that the potential for first-time homebuyer funds be utilized by non-profits that are intending to acquire a property in need of rehabilitation in order to combine both first-time homebuyer and rehabilitation resources. He felt that funding preference should be given to the west side of the City, or areas that have a higher concentration of renters, to encourage homeownership. He also recommended that the $20,000 be increased to $25,000 in order to make the program more viable. Councilmember Davis expressed concem regarding the feasibility of the program in light of escalating home costs. She also requested that proper noticing requirements be implemented upon purchase of a property. Page 5 - Council Minutes 04/16/02 ACTION ITEMS (Continued) ACTION: Mayor Horton then offered Resolution No. 2002-118, heading read, text waived: RESOLUTION NO. 2002-118, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROViNG A CITY OF CHULA VISTA FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER DOWN PAYMENT AND CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AND AMENDiNG THE FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003 SPENDiNG PLAN TO iNCLUDE AN iNCREASE OF $500,000 FOR SAID PROGRAM The motion carried 5-0. 8. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT WITH SAN DIEGO EXPRESSWAY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STATE- ROUTE 125 THROUGH THE CITY (CONTINUED FROM THE MEETING OF MARCH 26, 2002) California Transportation Ventures, Inc., general partner of San Diego Expressway Limited Parmership, builder of State-Route 125 (SR-125), have been negotiating an agreement with staff for the construction of SR-125 through the City of Chula Vista. Adoption of the resolution approves the agreement. (Director of Public Works) Public Works Director Lippitt explained that the proposed toll road is a critical transportation project for the region and will be financed by private capital. Assistant City Attorney Moore discussed the major points of the agreement and referenced Exhibit "L", a letter from CalTrans agreeing to accept the right-of-way from the City. Gil Oaks, 5631 Watemrest Drive, spoke in opposition to the construction of SR-125 and expressed concern regarding the financial viability of the project. He stated that truck drivers will avoid toll roads at any cost, and, in the absence of commercial traffic, the toll road will fail and become a burden to taxpayers. Allison Rolfe, representing the San Diego Audubon Society, urged the Council to reject the agreement, stating that building more big roads will not solve traffic congestion, and the toll road will provide only temporary relief. She believed that the focus should be to plan in a way that reduces the number of trips that people have to make. Amy Richter, 2112 Hamden Drive, spoke in opposition to the project and recommended that the Council delay its actions on the item until such time as it receives the traffic forecast and financial viability studies from the consultant. She also requested that the studies be made available for public review. Mel Hinton, representing San Diego Audubon Society, urged the Council not to rush into the agreement, since he believed that approval of the project would lead to a rapid development of more bedroom communities that lack any distinctive character. He also requested that, whatever development process occurs in the area, the Council ensure that wildlife open space areas are linked by viable corridors. Page 6 - CouncilMinutes 04/16/02 ACTION ITEMS (Continued) Jo Holehouse, 5630 San Miguel Road, spoke in opposition to the toll road. Ray Ymzon, 5732 Sweetwater Road, spoke in opposition to the agreement by way of a letter that he read and then submitted to the Council. Bob McAllister, representing Citizens for SR-125, spoke in favor of the project, explaining the necessity to provide traffic relief and easier access to major freeways. He believed that the toll road was vital to residents in Chula Vista. Dan Hom, representing Citizens for SR-125, spoke in favor of the project, stating that large industries wishing to locate in Chula Vista need roadway access to commute effectively. Kent Olsen, representing California Transport Ventures, spoke in favor of moving forward with the project. City Manager Rowlands asked Mr. Olsen to explain the traffic study submitted by Wilbur Smith and Associates. Mr. Olsen replied that several investom have looked at the study and are close to coming in with additional equity to allow financing of the entire project. He added that California Transport Ventures has recently received a preliminary investment grade rating on the project from Moody's, reflecting a positive sign for the project. City Manager Rowlands stated that the City has stopped all analyses of the traffic and financial studies, since Wil Kempton has informed the City that it will move forward on a private-sector basis. He added that the City, therefore, will not proceed with any public financing or involvement in the project. Ty Compton, President of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the project. He believed that the impacts would be good for the City. Councilmember Rindone supported the proposal, expressing satisfaction that the project will move forward without the use of City funding, and that the City will benefit by reduced traffic congestion. Mayor Horton explained that the toll road is a critical component of the City and County regional circulation plan. She believed that the traffic situation on major freeways would get worse if the project does not move forward. ACTION: Mayor Horton then offered Resolution No. 2002-119, heading read, text waived. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-119, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE AGREEMENT WITH SAN DIEGO EXPRESSWAY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (SDELP) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STATE-ROUTE 125 THROUGH THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT The motion carded 5-0. Page 7 - CouncilMinutes 04/16/02 OTHER BUS1NESS ~ 9. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS City Manager Rowlands reminded the Council of the upcoming Public Works dedication on Saturday, April 20, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. 10. MAYOR'S REPORTS There were none. 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Salas commended Cultural Arts Coordinator Ric Todd and his staff on the success of the recent Taste of the Arts event. Councilmember Rindone also commented on the success of the event. ADJOURNMENT At 10:26 p.m., Mayor Horton adjourned the meeting to the Regular Meeting of April 23, 2002, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Susan Bigelow, CMC, Cit~ Clerk Page 8 - Council Minutes 04/16/02