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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1971/09/30 JOINT M~ETING CITY COUNCIL - ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL COMMISSION CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Held Thursday September 30, 1971 A joint meeting of the City Council and Environmental Control Commission was held on the above date beginning at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Civic Center, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California, with the fol- lowing Councilmen present: Scott, Hobel, Hamilton, Hyde, Fgdahl Absent: None (Mayor Hamilton left the meeting at 8:10 p.m. and Councilman Egdahl arrived at 8:20 p.m.) Also present: City Manager Thomson, City Attorney Lindberg, Director of Planning Warren Environmental Task Force- Councilman Scott discussed the newly formed Claremont Environmental Task Force in Claremont. For one year, they have been conducting studies pertaining to density, population control - all the things that have to do with the ecology. They made a complete inventory of all these problems and then came up with findings. Councilman Scott felt that one of the greatest things this Commission can do is to start a study of this magnitude, whereby the problems would be catalogued, and give the Council a report as to the solutions and the opinion of the Commission. Councilman Hyde's Councilman Hyde agreed commenting that the suggestions first charge of the Commission should be an analysis of the Dhysica~ resources in Chula vista. He discussed the two basic problems in regard to environmental quality: (1) preventing further degradation of our environ- ment, making the necessary inventories, studies and analyses, as to the primary causes; and (2) tidy up the mess we'll got. utilization of college Chairman Glenn recommended that college interns interns be used in connection with these environmental studies. City Manager Thomson stated that the staff contacted San Diego State-the new center for regional and environmental studies, and they have indicated an interest in such a program. Councilman Scott remarked that he would be willing to go for one or two interns in this area. Commissioner Hooper Mr. Hooper discussed some long-range projects. and said there are many things happening right now, that if the Commission was to wait for studies, it would be too late to do anythin~ about the other problems such as the popu- lation problem. Councilman Hyde Councilman Hyde felt the Commission should start first with the General Plan; (2) an analysis of the E1 Rancho del Rey development; (3) prezoning of the Sweetwater Valley; (4) Port development project. These are thinqs that need to be studied right away, and the ECC should make a priority list. City Manager Mr. Thomson cautioned about duplication of effort, since both the staff and the Commis- sion would be doing certain things in connec- tion with these items. City Attorney Mr. Lindberg declared that many of the situ- ations the Commission speaks of cannot be controlled by the City of Chula Vista, without the cooperation of other agencies in the State. This is the area where the Council seeks assistance from the Commission--advice to go to State and County agencies and come up with programs. Mayor Hamilton Mayor Hamilton spoke of the Uniform Building Codes whereby a builder, following the Code, can build in Chula Vista and National City. He suggested the Commission recommend minimum environmental standards which, if reasonable~ could be adopted by this City, and probably by the United States, in conformance to the Uniform Building Code. Councilman Hyde Councilman Hyde commented that the mandate of this Commission calls for close liaison with the Planning Commission and Department, and Parks & Recreation Department and Commission in regard to responsibility. He feels the Commission should have a role in the considera- tion of subdivisions. In the matter of open space--consideration is being given to a park land dedication, three acres for every 1000 people. This amount perhaps should be recon- sidered by this Commission. Councilman Hobel Councilman Hobel felt a priority list should be the first charge of the Commission. (Mayor Hamilton left the meeting at this time.) Commissioner Coleman Mr. Coleman declared the City should have a department of environment, not a Commission, because of the numerous problems facing the City at this time. City Manager Mr. Thomson discussed the Emergency Employment Act funds, through which the staff is pursuing some of the questions that have been brought up here in terms of environment and community growth. Council discussion A discussion was held on the prospect~ of having an expertise in the field of environ- ment on the City staff. Councilman Hyde Councilman Hyde suggested representatives from this Commission become ad hoc members of other Commissions, specifically Planning and Parks and Recreation. Bottle Ordinance Council and Commission discussion ensued concerning the disposable bottle ordinance. - 2 - Item No. 9 The Council agreed that they would be willing Would the Council be willing to consider these items. to support alternate beverage container ordinances? These might be: ao mandatory deposits b. requirement that stores handling beverage con- tainers have returnables making up at least 50% of their stock (i.e., the customer would have a free choice). c. prohibiting "pop-tops" because they are health hazards as well as litter problems. Item NO. 2 Bruce H. Warren - Director of Planning Would the Council be amen- able to the requirement of Mr. Warren stated it was necessary that the environmental impact state- ECC become part of the planning process. ments for all capital im- It may be possible for them to become in- provements and all zoning volved in the capital improvements program changes, building permits and but almost impossible to become involved in annexations? each and every building permit. Mr. Warren added that there has been an absence of environmental concern in the planning and zoning process, and it was up to this Com- mission to bring in this concern. Councilman Scott Councilman Scott indicated that if there was going to be an environmentalist on the Planning staff, this man could sit on the ECC. He further suggested that the ECC look over the subdivision ordinance and put in this environment input to make sure that the Planning Commission has to consider these things. Recess A recess was called at 8:40 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 8:50 p.m. Chairman Glenn Chairman Glenn stated the need for environ- mental input was made adherent a few weeks ago when the State Division of Highways called a meeting, a copy of which was re- ceived by the Public Works Department. The Highway Division ~tated it was not an impor- tant hearing--"you need not attend, you need not reply;" therefore, this City did not reply. Chairman Glenn added that the meeting regarded all future highways in this area. Councilman Scott stated he would be w~ll'ir~to ~on record that before any high- ways are even mentioned, the Council first consider the environmental i~pact. Item No. 5 - The Council indicated they did desire this Does the Council desire a policy. policy on growth and the ultimate size of the City (Population and terri- tory)? Item No. 6 - City Manager Thomson discussed the intern Would the Council be amenable program, stating he will be meeting next to the creation of staff week with a representative of the environ- positions to serve the ECC mental center of State College to discuss and other groups attempting such a program. to handle environmental problems? Many areas of ECC investigation are too Complex to expect reasonable reports without the assist- ance of environmental specialists. CPO Mailing List At the suggestion of Councilman Scott, Councilman Hobel stated he would get this Commission on the mailing list of the CPO. Item No. 3 - E1 Rancho del Rey Develop- Councilman Scott suggested having a separate ment. What is the Council's meeting on just this item. City Manager attitude on the development? Thomson explained the work the staff is doing How can the City best con- with IPEM. Councilman Hyde felt the City trol this development? What should do what it can with its own resources- do you see as the City's role that the ECC should become as cognizant as in the Environmental Impact possible as to what is involved here. If Study to be carried out they see areas that would cause concern, through IREM? they should let the Council Transportation Councilman Scott suggested the ECC look at the question of the fastest way the City can implement rapid transit for a complete metropolitan transportation system. There are many studies put out by CPO that the ECC can look at, and advise the Council. The Council has taken a stand opposing County take-over of transpor~tion, and Supporting SANCOG - this is an area on which this Commission can advise the Council, and would be an excellent project for the ECC. Item No. 7 - The Council discussed this subject as anothe~ What can be done to devise area of concern. Councilman Hyde suggested bus routes to serve all the ECC form sub-committees to study the areas of the City. How problem, having one member of the ECC as the can we discourage car use head of the committee and investigate all (especially by single in- problems as regard to transportation. Other dividuals) and promote major facets of environment that may come up other forms of transpor- may be in the area of public utilities, tation? population density, park programming, etc. Councilman Scott suggested looking to the Federal government as a possible source of funds. Item No. 8 - The Council discussed the recently approved What is the status of bicycle bike routs, commenting that the whole con- routes and would the Council cept of the program was approved, with the be amenable to the creation exception of how to fund the project. Chair- of free bicycle parking man Glenn spoke of not widening the roads - spaces (perhaps at the ex- keeping them narrow in order to discourage pense of car spaces)? It car use. has been suggested that gas tax monies could be used to finance both the routes and parking. Is this so? City Manager Thomson reported on the discussions held with the bus companies relative to providing service to South- western College. Item No. 10 - Chairman Glenn explained that if the staff Would the Council support were more aware of environmental problems, environmental seminars which someone would have been at the public hear- would be specifically de- ing recently held by the State Division of signed to make the City staff Highways. He stated the seminars would more aware of environmental include all problems ranging from world wide problems and their solutions? to small ones, and assistance (both financial Such seminars would also be and physical) could be obtained from the open to the public. County Education Department Councilman Scott indicated he would support the intent of the seminars for the staff, if it could be scheduled and worked in feasibly. Item No. 11 - The concurrence of the Council was that the Submission of an annual ECC should submit a report to the Council report, as ordained, at any time, and then update it in July of every year. Item No. 12 - The Council discussed various alternate se- Why has the Council taken lutions to the "No Smoking" request, such as: a negative attitude on a breaks every hour or so, smoking in the halls "No Smoking" policy in or coffee room only, smoking outside. The public meetings? There ECC will submit a recommendation to the are sufficient studies to Council on this. indicate that smoke is hazardous as well as unsightly. Display at Fiesta de la Luna Chairman Glenn discussed the offer received from the Chula Vista Jaycees of a 10' x 10' booth for a display at the Fiesta. City Attorney Lindberg stated the Commission has the latitude to take this action, at this time. Council endorsement can come at a later time. The Council agreed that the booth would be acceptable. Item NO. 13 - Councilman Scott suggested holding an execu- Explanation of Councilman tiv~ session on this matter. Scott's statements regard- ing Commissioner Hastings A general discussion was held between ~r. statements. The ECC does Hastings and the members of the Council. not recall the conversation the same way as did Coun- cilman Scott. Executive Session called The Council concurred that an executive session would be called at the meeting of October 5, 1971. Mr. Hastings asked for a deferment of one week - to October 12, 1971. - 5 - Richard Morasso Mr. Morasso suggested having a "commission 5492 Ithaca Court of commissions'' in order to get some sort of survey to see what the various commis- sions are doing and the office of the City Manager, in order to avoid duplications. City Manager Thomson indicated this "com- mision of commissions" is actually the City Council. He commented that he would try to make better contact with the commissions. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pro Tempore Egdahl adjourned the meeting at 10:08 p.m. to the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 1971. City Clerk - 6 -