HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-28 CRC MINSMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
January 28, 2002 City Attorney's Conference Room 4:30 p.m.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: John Dorso, Harriet Acton, Mark Croshier, David
Potter, Cheryl Cox, Armida Martin Del Campo, and
Sergio Feria (arrived 4:45 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Attorney John M. Kaheny
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.
1. Roll Call.
The roll was called and all members were present.
2. Approval of Minutes.
MSC (Acton/Croshier) (5-0-2) to approve the minutes of September 17, 2001 as
presented.
Harriet Acton noted tentative memorial services are set for former Charter
Review Commissioner Barbara McAllister on February 16 at Midway Baptist
Church. The Union -Tribune will publish an obituary shortly.
3. Introduction of New Members.
Cheryl Cox is a former teacher and principal of Bonita Vista High School,
Board of Education member for the Chula Vista School District, owns the
consulting firm of Cox & Associates, President of Sharp Chula Vista
Medical Center and teaches Education Law and Beginning School Leadership
classes at National University. She looks forward to learning more about
what the City does in reference to its Charter.
Armida Martin Del Campo noted her expertise in teal estate for the past
16 years. She owns her own real estate office, has been involved with
the Board of Realtors and was the first Hispanic president. She is a
director of the California Association of Realtors. Her son has been a
Chula Vista police officer for the past 10 years.
4. Report by City Attorney John M. Kaheny.
Attorney Kaheny gave a brief background on the Campaign Finance Reform
Committee. Chula Vista's campaign finance ordinance is problematic in the
way it was drafted. Over time, certain members of the Council have become
concerned about it. The Charter indicates the City shall have a campaign
finance ordinance, but does not indicate much more than the .mandatory
language. Last year, the District Attorney formed a task force to review the
campaign ordinances of all local cities. The DA felt there would be a better
chance of enforcement if there was a unified campaign ordinance. The Council
requested a volunteer from the Ethics Board, the Charter Review Commission
and former Councilmember John Moot, form an Oversight Ad Hoc Committee. Mark
Charter Review Minutes
January 28, 2002
Page 2
Croshier volunteered and Harriet Acton agreed to be an alternate volunteer.
The Committee will work with the City Attorney in the preparation of
revisions to the template ordinance. The Council clearly directed no rapid
changes in the midst of a campaign, therefore, the effective date would be
after the current election cycle.
Secondly, the County Grand Jury (John Dunzer) met with the City Manager and
City Attorney. Mr. Dunzer chaired a subcommittee reviewing the county's
charter cities. They encouraged cities to become charter cities for a
variety of reasons, especially financial issues. The Grand Jury liked the
fact that Chula Vista has a standing Charter Review Commission to review
issues, e.g., council pay raises, board and commission appointments. They
noted Chula Vista seems to resolve matters quicker and faster than other
charter cities. Besides San Diego, San Marcos and Del Mar are the only
charter cities in the county. Both have small charters, which are grants of
authority to the City Council, and changes can be made by ordinance.
The City Attorney volunteered -to have a mini -training course for new members
on how charter cities operate and city manager/council form of government.
Harriet Acton suggested the City Attorney have a refresher course for all
members. The commissioners agreed.
Mr. Kaheny noted the "prevailing wage" issue is brewing in the state
legislature. Several years ago, there was an attempt to mandate the payment
of prevailing wages on municipal work projects. The City of San Diego took
the matter to court and established the principle that charter cities in
California were not required to pay prevailing wages. A bill recently passed
mandating an express charter provision or ordinance. Most of the League of
California Cities charter cities have taken the position that the state
legislature cannot override the constitution; nonetheless, a mini -ordinance
will be submitted for Council to adopt re-establishing our rights as a
charter city. There will probably be litigation arising due to this
legislation. If the litigation, fails, we may need to come with a charter
provision.
5. Public Comments.
None
6. Members' Comments.
Cheryl asked when regular Commission meetings are held. The Chair informed
her it was the third Monday, unless there is a holiday.
7. Adjournment.
MSUC (Acton/ Prescott) to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 p.m. to a workshop
meeting on February 25, 2002 at 4:30 p.m.
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Lorraine Kraker, Secretary