HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-13 SSC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
May 13, 2019
5:00 PM
A Regular Meeting of the Sustainability Commission of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 5:00 pm
by Chair Romo in the Executive Conference Room 103, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Commissioners Guevara-Gluyas, Legaspi, Matthias, Richeson and Chair Romo.
ABSENT: McMillin and Rubalcaba
STAFF PRESENT: Environmental Sustainability Manager Wisniewski, Environmental Services Manager
Medrano and Sr. Fiscal Office Specialist Monica Rodriguez.
MOTION TO EXCUSE: Commissioner Legaspi moved to excuse McMillin absence from the regular meeting on
April 8, 2019. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mathias and carried with the following vote:
Yes — 6 Guevara-Gluyas, Legaspi, Matthias, Richeson and Chair Romo
No -0
Abstain — 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Richeson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on
April 8, 2019. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Guevara and carried with the following vote:
Yes — 6 Guevara-Gluyas, Legaspi, Matthias, Richeson and Chair Romo
No -0
Abstain —0
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Carolyn Scofield, Chula Vista Partners Encourage meeting invitation at Community
Through Hope on Thursday, May 16.
INFORMATION ITEMS
1. Unmanned drones as first responders presented by Sgt. Jim Horst, Property Crimes Unit Supervisor at Chula Vista
Police Department
Sgt. Horst presented on how the Police Department is currently utilizing Unmanned Ariel System (UAS)
better known as drones. Drones are used in missing person, collisions, wild fires and much more. Public
safety is the main reason for using drones, also they are cheaper than helicopters and reduces staff
time in calls. Lastly, it provides officer safety.
2. Urban/old growth timber rescue presented by Jessica Van Arsdale, San Diego Urban Timber and
Manuel Medrano, Environmental Services Manager
Manuel Medrano, Environmental Services Manager spoke on how he is working on a construction
demolition deconstruction program which includes the rescue of urban timber. One of the partners
coordinating this program is San Diego Urban Timber. Jessica, owner of San Diego Urban Timber is
working along with municipalities to reframe how urban wood is treated. She shared information on
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the process of treating urban wood and an "urban hub" is needed.
1. Expanded polystyrene reduction pilot program for Chula Vista business presented by Jessica Toth and
Malika Sen -Espinosa, Solana Center
Jessica Tooth shared how with the support of Environmental Services, the Solana Center for
Environmental Innovation is developing a work plan for the reduction of polystyrene best know as
Styrofoam. The six-month pilot would work with Chula Vista business on identifying and selecting
alternative products to use. Those interested in participating will get support from the city in during the
transition to new environmentally friendly products.
4. Update Climate Change Working Group presented by Cory Downs, Conservation Specialist II
Cory Downs, Conservation Specialist II, shared how there is currently two vacant seats in the Climate
Change Working Group. The seat for resident and existing building and infrastructure are both vacant.
In June's Sustainability Commission meeting commissioners will be presented with the information of
applicants who wish to fill these seats so that commissioners help in the selection process.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Sustainability Commission Charter Review
Commissioner Richeson moved to approve working on a white paper to present/give to Mayor and
Council for a charter review to change the mission of the Sustainability Commission. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Guevara-Gluyas and carried with the following vote:
Yes - Guevara-Gluyas, Legaspi, Matthias, Richeson and Chair Romo
No -0
Abstain - 0
Commissioner Legaspi moved to approve a retreat for commissioners to gather and brainstorm on a
white paper. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matthias and carried the following vote:
Yes - Guevara-Gluyas, Legaspi, Matthias, Richeson and Chair Romo
No -0
Abstain - 0
OTHER BUSINESS
1. ACTIVITY REPORT REVIEW
Commissioners agreed to add the following item to the Activity Report:
• Looking at improving the commissions charter
• June's agenda select a vice chair
2. STAFF COMMENTS
Environmental Sustainability Manager Wisniewski shared how SDG&E has an EV Climate Credit available
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through 5/31/2019. Also, the installation on the 123 charging ports and the first purchase of EV's won
the project of the year award from American Public Works Association. Reminded everyone that
Thursday, 3/16/2019 is Bike to Work day. A Naturescape workshop in conjunction with a plant sale will
take place at Southwestern College on Saturday, 3/18/2019. She will be speaking at a high school
conference on the Climate Action Plan.
Environmental Services Manager Medrano reminded commissioners to wear closed toe shoes for the
visit to the land field on 6/10/2019.
3. COMMISSIONERS COMMENT
Commissioner Richeson followed up on letter that he had shared about the Wildlife Advisory Group and
the consultant's presentation regarding Sweetwater Park and the progress on budget. He also shared
that he participated in a J street clean up event.
Commissioner Legaspi gave an update on the Working Group meeting. Discussion of ban on plastic bags
and presentation of active transportation plan, there is a scooter one-year pilot plan coming to Chula
Vista.
Commissioner Mathias reported on hydration station and proposing there be one in every high school
and middle school. A presentation was given to the Healthy Chula Vista Advisory Commission and a sub-
committee was formed to find funding and present to council. Otay River Valley Regional Park day is on
5/18/2019. Next clean up event being held at Sweetwater River Chanel on 5/25/2019.
4. CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Romo recognized the Mayor and Council for their support of the commission. He wants
commissioners to be able to embark on more opportunities to make Chula Vista a true sustainable city.
ADJOURMENT
Chair Romo adjourned the meeting at 7:12 pm.
Monica Rodriguez, Sr. Fiscal Office Specialist
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