HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1981/08/18 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
Held Tuesday - August 18, 1981 Council Cham_bers~ Public Services Building
ROLL CALL
Councilmen present: Mayor Hyde: Councilmembers McCandliss, Scott, Gillow, Cox
Councilmen absent: None
Staff present: City Manager Cole, City Attorney Lindberg, Assistant City
Manager Asmus
The pledge of allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Hyde followed by a moment of
silent prayer.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES for the meetings of August 8 and August 11, 1981
MSUC (Gillow/Hyde) to approve the minutes as mailed.
2. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
a. Oath of Office - Roy Winchell, Board of Appeals - Mr. Winchell was not present at
the meeting~
3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
a. Maurice McMahon, 1573 Loma Court, Community Relations Director of the Chula Vista
Miss Softball America League, commented on the agreement between the League and
the City for use of the playing facilities on Orange Avenue and advised Council
that the League had raised $4,600 which was invested in improvements of the
softball field, and presented Council with a commemorative plaque in appreciation
for the City's support°
b. James Matherly, 4010aklawn, spoke in opposition to the operation of the Tijuana
Trolley at the present low fare and addressed the urgent need for "honesty" in
government spending and the high government debt.
c. Peter A. Schlessinger, 360 East Prospect Court, representing himself and a group
of neighbors from the Palomar Park area, addressed the need to increase police
protection because of the increase in criminal activity. He added that the
group of residents he represents has looked into the possibility of forming a
"possee comitatus" under the leadership of the San Diego County Sheriff, and he
made four suggestions to improve police protection: (1) relocation of concrete
cylinder (now used as a lookout point by criminals) at Palomar Park; (2) hiring
of at least 5 additional men to the police force; (3) find ways to improve
morale among dispatchers etc. and (4) allocating the necessary funds, perhaps
from utility bill taxes.
MSUC (Hyde/Cox) that Mr. Schlessinger's remarks be referred to staff for comment.
4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
a. Claims a~ainst the City - (1) Clare Doyle, 279-18 Moss Street, Chula Vista 92011
(2) Ana Daniels, 347 Roosevelt Street, #7-A, Chula Vista 92010
(1) A claim was filed against the City by Clare Doyle in the amount of $1,000,000
alleging injuries sustained as a result of tripping and falling over a sprinkler
head located within the parking lot of the Chula Vista Main Post Office. Due to
remote liability on the part of the City, Risk Management staff recommended denial.
(2) A claim was filed against the City by James Stern on behalf of his client,
Ana Daniels, in the amount of $100,000. The claimant alleged property damage,
loss of use of vehicle and personal injury as a result of a collision with a City
vehicle on April 15, 1981. This is the second claim filed by Ms. Daniels for
property damage to her vehicle; however, in this claim she is alleging new and
further damage caused by the towing of the car after the accident, in addition to
personal injury. Staff recommended denial of this claim.
MSUC (McCandliss/Gillow) to deny both claims.
City Council Meeting -2- August 18, 1981
4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -- continued
b. Request from Frederick A. R. Drew for correction to street improvements in front
of his home at 1275 Banner Avenue
Mro Drew submitted a request for correction of street improvements near his home
at 1275 Banner Avenue.
MSUC (Cox/McCandliss) to refer the request to staff.
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES, FIRST READING
5. RESOLUTION NO. 10597 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH HARRIET STONE AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS FOR STREET CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AT THE INTERSECTION OF
BROADWAY AND "H" STREET (CITY ENGINEER)
City Engineer Lippitt summarized his written report, explaining that Harriet Stone,
in conjunction with San Diego Federal Savings, is in the process of redeveloping the
Mobile Station at the southwest corner of Broadway and "H" Street to a savings and
loan. At its meeting of June 16, 1981, Council accepted a report, which recommended
that the City participate in the construction of a right turn lane on "H" Street and
a bus turnout on Broadway at the southwest corner of the intersection, and directed
staff to return with an agreement for City participation as outlined in the
June 16th report. Mr. Lippitt commented that the City's participation would include
relocation of a traffic signal standard and controller, and payment for the additional
costs outside of the driveway reconstruction totalling approximately $45,000; he
noted that savings to the City by participating now rather than doing the work later
would be approximately $65,000.
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN McCANDLISS; the reading of the text was waived
by unanimous consent, passed and approved unanimously.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 10598 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN 18-MONTH CONTRACT
FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF CERTAIN CITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING
ASSIGNMENTS BY A CONTRACT PLANNER (DIRECTOR OF PLANNING)
Director of Planning Peterson commented that the 1981/82 operational budget of the
City Planning Department authorizes the employment of a Contract Planner at the
"Associate Planner" level. The recruiting process has led to the selection of
Mr. Bud Gray, a well-trained, experienced professional planner for an 18-month
contract for the performance of certain City and regional planning work.
Responding to Council comments, staff affirmed that the role of the Contract Planner
would interface and complement the objectives of the Growth Management Plan.
Additional discussion related to the major components of the contract, including the
extensive survey and evaluation of the 25,000 acre agricultural reserve area
(United Enterprises) and preparation of preliminary goals and objectives for its
future urbanization.
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN SCOTT; the reading of the text was waived by
unanimous consent, passed and approved unanimously.
7. RESOLUTION NO. 10599 APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A CHAIN LINK FENCE
ON ORANGE AVENUE (CITY ENGINEER)
At the meeting of July 7, 1981, Council considered a report regarding the deteriorat-
ing condition of a block wall on the north side of Orange Avenue west of Kim Place.
The resolution implements Council direction appropriating funds for construction of
a chain link fence to replace the block wall with a 5-foot Chain link fence approxi-
mately 450 feet long by the successful low bidder, South Bay Fence of Chula Vista
for a cost not to exceed $2,400.
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN GILLOW; the reading of the text was waived by
unanimous consent, passed and approved unanimously.
City Council Meeting -3- August 18, 1981
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES~ FIRST READING -- continued
8. RESOLUTION NO. 10600 ADOPTING SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY POLICIES AND WARRANTS
(DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY)
Director of Public Safety Winters reported that in April 1981, during review of a
request from the Allen School Parent/Teachers Club for an adult crossing guard,
it was discovered that the Council had never formally adopted the San Diego County
School Pedestrian Safety Policies and Warrants Manual, even though the City has
been adhering to it since its adoption by the Board of Supervisors in 1969.
Director of Public Safety Winters, therefore, recommended that in conjunction with
ongoing review of the Allen School request, that Council adopt the Manual prior to
resolving their request for an adult crossing guard.
Responding to Council query, Director of Public Safety Winters commented that the
School District has not adopted the policy, but is aware of the Council's considera-
tion of the manual at this meeting.
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN SCOTT; the reading of the text was waived by
unanimous consent, passed and approved unanimously.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 10601 APPROVING A SPECIAL APPROPRIATION FOR ACTUARIAL VALUATION
AND TO PROVIDE INCREASED WAGES AND BENEFITS FOR POLICE
OFFICERS FOR FY 1981/82 (CITY MANAGER)
The resolution appropriates $186,210 to provide for the increased wages and
benefits, exclusive of the Widow and Orphans benefits, and approPriates an
additional $300 to provide an actuarial study to determine the cost of this new
benefit. Mr. Cole noted that when the actual cost has been determined, staff
will return for a supplemental appropriation based upon the cost determined by
the State Retirement System.
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN SCOTT; the reading of the text was waived by
unani~us consent, passed and approved unanimously.
CONTINUED MATTERS AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
10. ORDINANCE NO. AMENDING SECTION 5.20.110 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE
REGULATING GAMES PERMITTED IN CARD ROOMS - FIRS~ READING
(CITY ATTORNEY)
City Attorney Lindberg commented that the problem of defining the types of games
to be allowed in card rooms and the appropriate method of handling jackpot
systems have been explored and discussed with individuals representing Council,
the Police Department and an interested card room operatQr. Those matters have
not been completely resolved and Mr. Lindberg requested continuance for an
additional two week period.
MSUC (Cox/Hyde) that the matter be continued for an additional two-week period.
11. REPORT OF THE CITY MANAGER
a. City Manager Cole reported that Hi-Span Company, manufacturers of high-pressure
connectors, is relocating to Chula Vista, at the intersection of Brandywine and
Otay Valley Road; will be constructin§ a new 40,000 square foot building; and
presently employs approximately 100 employees which is expected to double after
its relocation.
b. Mr. Cole advised Council that escrow is scheduled to close August 19, 1981 on
the public housing site at Melrose Avenue and Otay Valley Road.
c. Mr. Cole reported that the mechanical rehabilitation has been completed on all
buses, all have been painted and the new fareboxes have been installed.
d. Mr. Cole reported that the joint meeting with the School Districts has been
tentatively scheduled for September lOth; the elementary school district will
be the host agency.
Referring to the buses, Councilwoman McCandliss questioned the revenue received
from the advertising. Transit Coordinator Gustafson responded that the City has
a minimum guarantee of $40 per month per vehicle, totalling $480 per month for
12 buses. Annual receipts average $5-6,000 per year over the past couple of
years.
City Council Meeting -4- August 18, 1981
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
12o Report on transit fare reimbursement for Chula Vista Employees (Transit Coordinator)
Transit Coordinator Gustafson reviewed his written report and commented on the
employee survey which was conducted to determine the extent of interest in transit
fare reimbursement as an employee benefit. Responses indicated that a relatively
large number of employees would ride transit who presently do not (127 individuals
compared to 10 who currently ride transit). Two fare reimbursement alternatives
were developed, and Mr. Gustafson expressed preference for Alternative No. 2, under
which the City would pay 50% of the monthly cost of a regional pass ($31,00).
MSUC (Scott/Gillow) to accept the report.
13. Report on agreement covering allocation and disbursement of regional read.¥ pass
sales revenues among MTDB~ SANDAG, SCOOT and other area transit operators
(Development Services Administrator)
Development Services Administrator Robens summarized his staff report commenting
on the agreement which establishes a procedure for the allocation and disbursement
of revenues from the sale of both regular and elderly and handicapped regional
passes among MTDB area transit operators based upon the uniform fare structure
which became effective on July 1, 1981. He commented that the term of the agreement
is one year, expiring on June 30, 1982; that any signatory may withdraw by giving
notice within 60 days from the renewal date; and that SANDAG estimates farebox
revenue increases for SCOOT of approximately $30-35,000 annually.
Council questioned the effect that the trolley service would have on ready pass
revenues and recommended a six month review.
MSUC (Cox/Gillow) to accept the report, and to direct staff to prepare a follow-up
report in six months.
14. Report on Chula Vista Transit and HandYtrans operation for FY 1980/81 (Development
Services Administrator)
Transit Coordinator Gustafson presented the operating statistics noting that CVT's
ridership declined 9.6% from the previous fiscal year.
He commented on the labor dispute between Aztec and the Transit Union which dis-
rupted service in the first quarter; the breakdowns in service in the second
quarter; decrease in ri~dership; farebox recovery; and explained the $26,000 excess
TDA (Transit Development Act) funds spent in operating costs. In answer to the
Mayor's query, Mr. Gustafson explained the proposed disbursement of farebox revenues
anticipated as a result of the new allocation agreement.
MSUC (Scott/Gillow) to accept the report.
15. Report on Five Year Plan Update (Development Services Administrator)
Staff's written report summarized the Five Year Plan Update, including the plan's
main objective which would lead to preparation of a five year operations, manage-
ment and financing plan for SCOOT and HandYtrans~
David Connor, consultant who prepared the Five Year Plan Update, responded to
Council's questions concerning the recommendation that SCOOT buy buses to improve
management and operations; that sufficient TDA funds would be available to
finance the entire five year plan; based upon current financial assumptions that
sufficient TDA funds should be available for fiscal years 1982 through 1986.
Councilman Scott commented on the ramifications which the plan could have on the
budget and recommended that the topic be scheduled for a Council Conference.
MSUC (Scott/Cox) to accept the report and hold the Plan over for a Council
Conference°
City Council Meeting -5- August 18, 1981
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS -- continued
16. Proposed terms of sale for capacity rights in the Metropolitan Sewera9e System
(City Engineer)
City Engineer Lippitt remarked that in May 1978, the Planning and Environmental
Division of the Public Works Department prepared a report on Projected Capacity
Needs in Metropolitan Sewerage System which recommended sale of 5 million gallons
per day (MGD) from the City's total capacity reservation of 22.1MGD. Subsequently,
on January 29, 1979, Council approved the staff recommendation to consider the
sale and the City Engineer was directed to determine the extent of interest in
purchasing that capacity by other agencies. To date, one sale of 1.0 MGD has been
formalized and various agencies have expressed interest in purchasing capacity for
an aggregate total of approximately 5 MGD. Mr. Lippitt recommended that Council
authorize the sale of capacity rights to those agencies qualified to hold such
rights on the basis of the minimum alternative prices detailed in his report and
further that Council reiterate its intent to sell up to an additional 4 MGD in
capacity rights.
Robert Maynard, 2664 Penrose Street, San Diego, representing Winter Gardens Sewer
Maintenance District and the Spring Valley Sanitation District as potential
customers, questioned use of the term "negotiation" and asked whether the minimum
alternative prices listed in the staff report would also be considered negotiable.
He advised Council that at a morning hearing of the Board of Supervisors, Spring
Valley requested partial detachment from the Otay Municipal Water District to
Spring Valley on behalf of Rancho San Diego and commented that that would result
in an additional one MGD for Spring Valley.
Mayor Hyde commented that in conjunction with the responsibilities of the Contract
Planner for a General Plan update, when that is completed it would be appropriate
to reevaluate the anticipated demand called for by the General Plan for sewer
capacity to determine whether the City could safely consider divesting itself of
additional excess capacity. Staff responded that that analysis could be included
in their work program at such time as the General Plan update has been completed.
MSUC (Scott/Cox) to accept the report and staff's recommendations.
17. Report on underground utility conversion program allocation formula modification
proposal from San Diego Gas & Electric Company (City Engineer)
City Engineer Lippitt recounted the historic application of the utility conversion
allocation formula and commented that due to world economics (OPEC fuel increases)
the allocation fund has dramatically increased in the last few years. SDG&E's
studies show that unless the formula is modified, future City allocations would
continue to rise. Recognizing the growth of the conversion program and its
burdensome effect on the taxpayer/rate payer, SDG&E and Engineering staff have
begun discussions to respond to these concerns and have reached tentative agreement
that 2% of SDG&E's gross receipts (without Fuel Clause Adjustments) would provide
a proper program level (as compared to the current 4½% factor). The City of San
Diego approved this formula in principle.
Council discussedwhether this matter should be considered at a Council Conference
and Councilman Scott commented that he would prefer a formula modification based
upon the City's identified needs for primary and/or secondary undergrounding and
recommended that a survey be taken of those areas needing either primary or
secondary undergrounding and changing the formula when the primary is completed.
MSUC (Scott/Gillow) to hold this over for discussion at the Council Conference
scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 1981.
18. Consideration of a stay for the Chula Vista Woods (CVT 77-5) tentative subdivision
map (Director of Planning)
Director of Planning Peterson commented that in January 1978, Council approved the
tentative subdivision map for Chula Vista Woods (CVT 77-5) to subdivide 20 acres
of vacant land into 54 single family residential lots and one open space lot. He
explained that in September 1979 and again in June 1980, the Planning Commission
granted one year extensions of the tentative map, after which the map was due to
expire on July 17, 1981, without the possibility of any further extensions (per
Section 66452.6(3) of the State Map Act).
City Council Meeting -6- August 18, 1981
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS -- continued
18. Consideration of a stay for the Chula Vista Woods (CVT 77-5) tentative subdivision
map (Director of Planning) -- continued
However, on July 17, 1981, the developer again requested a one year extension and
accordingly staff recommended that Council adopt a motion denying the stay of the
time period in accordance with Section 66452.6(c) of the Government Code.
City Attorney Lindberg advised continuation of the matter for two weeks at the
request of representatives of Chula Vista Woods since the owner has been out of
the country and will be for approximately two more weeks.
MSUC (Hyde/Scott) to continue this item for two weeks.
19. Proposed amendment to the weighted vote formula of SANDAG's Joint Powers Agreement
(Director of Planning)
Director of Planning Peterson reported that the evaluation Board of the San Diego
Association of Governments (SANDAG) has recommended that the Joint Powers Agreement
be amended by alteration of the weighted vote formula. The proposed amendment
would provide that only four member agencies, in lieu of the five now re~uired~ plus
51% of the Weighted vote would be required to, overturn,~ction take6 Under the
Association's regular~one-member, on~,vote formula, duringthe periodin'which the
County is not a member of SANDAG. Mr. Peterson. commented that a~ter feviewinglthe'
SANDAG system of checks and balances that the proposed amendment merits the City's
support.
MSUC (Scott/Hyde) to direct staff to bring back a resolution authorizing the Mayor
to endorse the amended Joint Powers Agreement.
20. MAYOR'S REPORT
a. Mayor Hyde discussed a proposal from Mayor Pete Wilson inviting the City's partici-
pation on a Transit Advisory Task Force composed of representatives from area transit
jurisdictions, including the San Diego ~etropolitan area, to prepare an implementa-
tion proposal to ensure future transit financing in the metropolitan area. The
purpose of the Task Force is to look into the problems of a greater degree of
coordination of planning and financing and management of public transit within the
greater San Diego area.
MSUC (Hyde/McCandliss) to suggest that the City Manager assign Development Services
Administrator Robens to the Task Force and Transit Coordinator Gustafson as
alternate.
b. Mayor Hyde reported that he received a letter from Supervisor Hamilton indicating
that he would be requesting that the County Board of Supervisors rescind its
approval for the artwork and water feature at the South County Regional Center.
MSUC (Hyde/Scott) to convey to Supervisor Hamilton the Council's request that he
reconsider his position and not recommend such an action to the Board of Supervisors.
Mayor Hyde noted that he would attend the Board of Supervisors' meeting.
21. COUNCIL COMMENTS
a. Legislative Committee Report
Councilman Cox reported on AB 152 (Deddeh) regarding redevelopment financing;
indicated that the bill would permit a portion of sales taxes in a project area
to be used for redevelopment funding; and recommended Council support of the bill.
MSUC (Cox/Scott) to support AB 152 (Deddeh) and communicate Council's support to
Assemblyman Deddeh.
City Council Meeting -7- August 18, 1981
21. COUNCIL COMMENTS -- continued
b. Councilman Cox commented that the City of Oceanside has instituted a new approach
to providing street cleaning services by going out to bid for the work and has f~und
that they can provide the service at a lower cost.
MSUC (Cox/Scott) to ask staff to look into the Oceanside program and see if it
might have some beneficial consequences for Chula Vista if we were to opt for a
street sweeping contract as opposed to providing the service ourselves.
c. MSUC (Scott/Hyde) to refer to the City Attorney the suggestion that we have an
ordinance that would provide some way of controlling "dune-buggy" types of
vehicles from racing along the south end of the harbor at the "J" Street Marina.
Councilman Scott also commented on the concessionaire area, and recommended that
staff look into landscaping the area and also increasing trash pickups.
d~ Councilwoman McCandliss said that she attended a Board of Supervisors' meeting
where discussion took place regarding the $3,000 cost of each commode for prisoners
at the South Bay Regional Center; it was noted that each of the judges should be
able to sit on chairs as expensive as those.
e. Mayor Hyde made a report on the SANDAG meeting: the grant information program
initiated on a trial basis has been terminated because usage did not justify the
cost of the program; a community transit evaluation was recently completed and
a recommendation was made regarding door-to-door transit for elderly or disabled
persons wherein the HandYtrans and Dial-a-Ride services should look into expanding
service; SANDAG will be hosting an annual event (November 21, 1981) to which all
elected officials in the County will be invited to consider various programs in
which SANDAG is involved.
ADJOURNMENT at 8:25 p.mo to the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 1981 at
7:00 p.m.
~'T. Fulasz, CMC, City Cler~