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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1973/01/31 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Held Wednesday January 31, 1973 An adjourned regular meeting was held by the City Council of Chula Vista, California on the above date, beginning at 3:80 p.m. in tke Council Conference Room, Civic Center, 276 Fourth Avenue, with the following Councilmen present: Councilmen Hobel, Hamilton, Hyde, Egdahl (Councilman Scott arrived late) Absent: None Also present: City Manager Thomson, City Attorney Lindberg, Director of Public Works Cole, Assistant City Manager Bourcier, Administrative Assistant Ratelle, Administrative Intern Greg Smith MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Councilman Egdaht and seconded by Councilman Hyde that an Executive Session be held for personnel matters. Motion carried The motion carried by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Councilmen Egdahl, Hobel, Hamilton, Hyde Noes: None Absent: Councilman Scott The Council recessed to Executive Session at 3:05 p.m. Councilman Scott arrived at 3:09 p.m. and joined the Executive Session. The meeting reconvened at 3:1S p.m. APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING DIRECTOR It was moved by Councilman Egdahl, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that David James Peterson be appointed as the Director of Planning for the City of Chula Vista. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND It was moved by Mayor Hamilton, seconded by COMMISSIONS- Civil Service Councilman Scott and unanimously carried that Commission Mr. Joel W. Swicord be appointed as a member of the Civil Service Commission. Parking Place Commission It was moved by Mayor Hamilton, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that Mssrs. Thomas G. Money and Donald E. Ritchey be appointed as members of the Parking Place Commission. MINI-BUS SYSTEM In a report to the Council, City Manager Thomson outlined an alternative to the present intra-city bus service -- that alternative being a City-owned and operated mini-bus system. Of the two buses studied (Rohr's "Flxette" and Presley Truck Center's "Blue Bird"), the Blue Bird was selected for quality and exemplary reasons - the cost of four buses being a total of $6S,040. The total cost of personnel, both full and part-time, would be $93,976; the total cost for operation and maintenance (including insurance) for the first year of transit operations would be $23,981. Benefits expected would come from the $68,310 in subsidy paid to Aztec Bus Lines in the 1972- 73 budget and $S6,028 in fares. Discounting the subs{dy paid to San Diego Transit, at the end of three years, excluding the $68,000 sub- sidy, will result in a total deficit of $SS,000 per year. Federal assistance Administrative A~i~t~nt Ratelle remarked there would be l~ttle chance of receiving Federal fund~ ~ecau~e San Diego Transit is presumed to be the regional system; the City is dependent upon SB 325 funds. He added that a mini-bus system calls for less than one-half of the allocated share of SB 325 funds. Discussion Discussion ensued en duel engine buses, classificatiens of bus drivers, capital outlay and possible transfer lines. Mr. Ratelle indicated no agreements have been ~erked eut ~ith San Diego Transit and Aztec Bus Lines on possible transfer tie-ins. LPG conversion Mr. Greg Smith, Administrative Intern, briefly explained to the Council the cost of convert- iag the Flxette Bus is about $625 per bus as opposed to approximately $510 per bus for the Blue Bird. Mr. John Alden Mr. Alden commented on the high cost of power- ing vehicles and that it would be best at this time to go to LPG in these vehicles, especially in light of the nature of the operation. Financing During discussion on possible ways of financing this type of operation, City Manager Thomson remarked that the deadline for filing an application for a Federal grant is March 1. AB 968 Discussion ensued on Assembly Bill 968 and its effect on availability of SB 325 funds. In answer to Councilman Egdahl's inquiry, City Manager Thomson stated that, assuming the City is in receipt of SB 325 funds, the cost-benefit ratio of taking on another bus system as opposed to the present operation would be justified. Administrative Intern Smith commented on the benefits of a small bus system in serving areas such as Southwestern College, Rohr Corporation and the downtown area. (Councilman Scott left the meeting at 4:07 p.m.) Motion to not apply SB 325 funds It was moved by Councilman Egdahl and seconded towards mini-bus system by Councilman Hyde that the City Council do not apply at this time for SB 325 funds for a mini- bus system, but continue to explore, during the next year, three alternatives: 1. A mini-bus system owned and operated by the City; 2. Providing equipment and operate with a contract; 3. Explore with San Diego Transit the possibility of their operating a group of mini-buses in the City of Chula Vista that would make connections with other areas in the greater San Diego area. Speaking against motion Mayor Hamilton spoke against the motion, stating that he believes it is necessary for the City to apply for SB 325 funds to (1) see what kind of response the City would get from the Comprehen- sive Planning Organization from the City's -2- indication of wanting its own bus system; and (~) ahQ~ to San Diego Transit Corporation that the City i~ genuinely-interested. Councilman Hobel spoke against the motion, as he believes it lends itself to continuing with Aztec Bus Lines. He feels it is important for the City to put in its request for SB 325 funds. Explanation of motion Councilman Egdahl stated his motion simply defers action on the purchase of mini-buses and will allow for the review of the CPO study (to come out within the next year) from which additional information may be gleaned. Mr. P. J. Doogan Mr. Doogan stated he had reviewed Assembly Bill General Manager 968 and believes the City of Chula Vista Aztec Bus Lines would be eligible under this. He briefly re- viewed his idea of the "regional" concept. He questioned the ability of mini-buses to carry the number of passengers Aztec Bus Lines carry and that there would be a need for more than four mini-buses to accommodate the peak loads (namely, between the hours of 6:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)- In answer to Councilman Hobel's query as to Aztec's possible interest in operating a mini- bus system, Mr. Doogan commented that they have been negative about the use of mini-buses. He said Aztec would consider the purchase of mini- buses, but at a considerably higher cost to the City than cited in the staff report -- the increase in cost being for twice as many buses and drivers, which he feels would be necessary. Herm Rosenthal, Chief Mr. Rosenthal remarked that SB 325 is basically 'County Transportation Planning' a capital program, adding that if you have an Division operating system, in order to get that 25% you must spend the other 75% in capital - even in light of AB 968. Mr. Burt Leonard Mr. Leonard referred to the cost figures on Aztec Bus Lines the operation of buses by the Southern California Rapid Transit District, and that they reflect a cost of $1.35 per mile for the operation of mini-buses as compared to $.62 per mile for the rest of the fleet. He feels, after studying possible mini-bus use for many areas, that they are not practical for the loads the City's bus system must carry. Mr. Leonard commented on the problems he feels would be encountered with the use of mini-buses, such as: (1) the overhang on the front and rear of the bus that is hazardous to parking meters; (2) the comfort factors - doorways being designed for school people; and (3) uncomfortable ride. (Councilman Scott returned at 4:42 p.m.) Kathryn Moore Mrs. Moore asked what measures Aztec Bus Lines South Bay Citizens Planning Committee are going to take in regards to pollution. 1134 Tobias Drive Mayor Hamilton indicated that they would have to comply to meet with National standards. Mr. Dick Davis Mr. Davis commented on the use of mini-buses Flxible Corporation in other cities, namely Los Angeles. They have nineteen mini-buses in that city and they have found them to be double the cost of the larger buses. He added there is a marked difference in maintenance and engine life between the two. -3- Mr. Davis indicated the use of LPG would lengthen engine life; his company's study was done on LNG which~ they estimated, would double the engine life. He remarked that larger buses are more comfortable than the small buses and that small buses are used for relatively short runs (for example, a downtown shuttle service). Mr. Davis explained that "Mini-bus" is a trade name and referred to the topic as "small" bus. Mr. Ken Wood Mr. Wood stated he is a member of the Chamber's Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee. He has reviewed both reports of the City staff and said he has re- servations about mini-buses. He feels there has not been enough in-depth study on the subject, specifically in the way of cost factors, and that the City should explore the possibility of running a system with a combination of large and small buses. He added that the Chamber is look- ing for the best bus system for the City of Chula Vista and believes that Councilman Egdahl's motion is in order, provided it is not limited to mini-buses, or small buses. Discussion Discussion ensued on SB $2S funds and the fact that some action must be taken to release them. If these funds go back to the Comprehensive Planning Organization, they are held over to the next year, but not specifically "earmarked" for Chula Vista. Mr. Herm Rosenthal Mr. Rosenthal stated that these funds, after the end of the fiscal year, would remain in the local transportation fund, but would not be "earmarked"' for anyone!s use. He added that the County Board of Supervisors, at its meeting this morning, voted to give San Diego Transit Corporation a portion of the County's allocation of funds. RECESS A recess was called at S:lO p.m. and the meeting reconvened at S:17 p.m. The motion made by Councilman Egdahl and seconded by Councilman Hyde failed by the following vote, to wit: Ayes: Councilmen Egdahl and Scott NOES: Mayor Hamilton, Councilmen Hobel, Hyde Absent: None Motion to prepare proposal for It was moved by Councilman Hobel and seconded small-bus system by Mayor Hamilton that staff be directed to prepare a proposal for a small-bus system for submittal to the Comprehensive Planning Organi- zation's Board of Directors at their February meeting, requesting Senate Bill 325 funds and meeting the criteria of the Bill. Councilman Hobel clarified his definition of a small-bus system and stated his motion would not restrict staff to study only the number of buses as presented in their report. The motion is to give staff more latitude in their study as to size and number of buses. -4- REQUEST OF SAN DIEGO IB a letter to th~ Council, San Diego Transit TRANSIT CORPORATION Corporation informed th~ City of its plan of action ax a result of the action taken by the Comprehensive Planning Organization Board of Directors at their January 15, 1973 meeting relative to San Diego Transit's application for funds from the Public Transportation Fund (Senate Bill 325). In this letter the Cor- poration advised the City that to continue operating at the present level of service, funds in the amount of $123,802 must be pro- vided them. (This is a $119,899 increase from the cost of one year's operation in the past). They stated that this payment could be secured from both the City's General Fund ($3,903) and SB 325 funds ($119,899). Motion for staff to meet with It was moved by Councilman Hyde and seconded San Diego Transit by Councilman Hobel that the City invite a representative of San Diego Transit Corpora- tion to discuss this matter further with the City staff to see if some alternatives can be forthcoming. Discussion ensued on what the justification could be for this large increase. Amendment to motion It was moved by Councilman Hobel that, as an amendment to the motion, the Council direct the staff to write a letter to San Diego Transit Corporation in response to their letter, requesting detailed backup for justi- fication of the $119,899 increase. Amended motion died The amended motion died for lack of second. Amended motion Councilman Hyde amended his motion to include in it a request for justification and rationale to support the charge which San Diego Transit Corporation proposes to levy against the City for continuation of the service. Councilman Hobel agreed to the second. The motion, as amended, carried by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Councilmen Hyde, Hobel, Hamilton Noes: Councilmen Scott, Egdahl Absent: None Motion It was moved by Mayor Hamilton and seconded by Councilman Hobel that a detailed contract arrangement of that proposed by San Diego Transit be given to the City as to how the Corporation determines to function in the City of Chula Vista with the funds voted to them in their application. Motion withdrawn Mayor Hamilton withdrew his motion; Councilman Hobel withdrew his second. -8- Mr. Roland Frances Mr. Frances stated that the original billing San Diego Transit (that for $3,983) ~a~ ba~ed on a joint study Corporation of ridership in 1968, conducted by CPO. That was used for last year's billing. He added that when ne~ ridership studies were made, it was found that riderghip patterns had changed drastically; there were far fewer riders. It was primarily the loss of revenue that brought the subsidy amount to Chula Vista up versus the cost of the operation. (The cost of the operation went up too.) Mr. Frances briefly discussed the fare structure. Discussion A brief discussion was held on ridership patterns and how they are affected by zones. Mr. Roland Frances Mr. Frances remarked that the Corporation is planning a complete traffic check of riders in all areas between now and the end of the fiscal year. He expects to find that this check will show that ridership has come back up during the last year. He recommended that the City, in its letter to San Diego Transit Corporation, detail the questions it would like answered~ as well as set a firm date for the meeting session as soon as possible since time is of the essence. Electric mini-bMs Mr. Frances stated that in the second week of February San Diego Transit Corporation will have an electric mini-bus on display. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hamilton adjourned the meeting at 5:4? p.m. to the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, 1973, at 7:00 p.m. Deputy City Clerk -6-