Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRCC MIN 2002/08/19 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION August 19, 2002 Mercy Building Conference Room 430 "F" Street MEETING CALLED TO ORDER by Chair Teresa Thomas at 6:31 p.m. ROLL CALL/MOTION TO EXCUSE New member John Chávez was introduced. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Teresa Thomas, Vice-Chair Doug Reid, Commissioners Charles Bull, Pamela Bensoussan, Juan Diaz, Stanley Jasek and John Chávez STAFF PRESENT: Marilyn Ponseggi, Environmental Review Coordinator Paul Hellman, Environmental Projects Manager Maria Muett, Associate Planner Lynnette Tessitore-Lopez, Associate Planner Linda Bond, Recording Secretary OTHERS PRESENT: John & Danielle Madsen, 268 Madrona Street Ligia Brannen, 435 "E" Street Frank Roseman, Heritage Museum Tom & Marcia Salvestrini, 616 Del Mar Avenue David & Terry Camarata, 415 Hilltop Drive Walter & Marilyn Williams, 692 Second Avenue Jill Galvez, 7 Cresta Way APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 17, July 1 and July 15, 2002 MSC (Reid/Bull) to approve the minutes of June 17, 2002 with two minor changes. Vote: (6-0-1-0) with Chávez abstaining. MSC (Jasek/Reid) to approve the minutes of July 1, 2002 after adding an asterisk footnote on page 5. Vote: (6-0-1-0) with Chávez abstaining. MSC (Jasek/Bull) to approve the minutes of July 15, 2002 as submitted. Vote: (5-0-2-0) with Diaz and Chávez abstaining. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Frank Roseman (Chula Vista Heritage Museum Manager) stated that he heard a rumor that the City does not have a vendor to make the historic site signs. He would like clarification of that, and why it takes so long to get the historic signs on the sites. Ms. Marilyn Ponseggi (Environmental Review Coordinator) stated that the City does have a vendor. Ms. Lynnette Tessitore-Lopez (Associate Planner) added that the signs are ordered in ones, and because of that, the vendor has to wait until he gets a certain number before he sends them in to whomever he uses. RCC Minutes -2- Auqust 19. 2002 NEW BUSINESS 1. 15-02-042 - Chula Vista Boys and Girls Club Skate Park Mr. Paul Hellman (Environmental Projects Manager) reported that the project site is located within the southeastern portion of Greg Rogers Cornrnunity Park. The proposed improvements on the 1.3-acre site include an approxirnate 21,200 sq. ft. concrete skating area. The rest of the site would be improved with landscaped plaza areas, an office/rental! storage building and restroom building. The facility is proposed to be lighted for night use. The Mitigated Negative Declaration identified potential noise, water, aesthetics (glare) and air quality impacts. Chair Thomas wanted to make sure the skaters and neighbors are protected from any glare from the lighting. Mr. Hellman indicated that the architect is familiar with this type of facility and would install appropriate lighting. The proposed glare mitigation measure would ensure compliance with the glare standards of the Chula Vista Municipal Code. Cornmissioner Chávez pointed out what he felt were inconsistencies with the noise levels in the Mitigated Negative Declaration. He requested a copy of the Noise Report. Ms. Ponseggi indicated that the City's threshold standards rnay not be in line with other jurisdictions in the County. The noise threshold standards will be addressed during the General Plan Update process. MSC (Reid/Diaz) to recornrnend that Initial Study 02-042 is adequate and the Mitigated Negative Declaration be adopted. Ms. Jill Galvez (7 Cresta Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910) asked about ADA requirements because her son is an avid skateboarder who only has one eye and has trouble with depth perception. Ms. Ponseggi stated that there are other laws and codes that deal with the ADA. The applicant is required, when they are designing the park, to meet all of those requirements. Vote: (6-0-1-0) with Chávez abstaining because the Mitigated Negative Declaration lacked data that would lead him to find the noise levels credible. 2. 15-02-043 - Bay View Commerce Centre Ms. Maria Muett (Associate Planner) reported that the project is at 995 Bay Boulevard on a 1.95-acre unoccupied site. The proposed project will consist of a 31,781 sq. ft. single-story concrete tilt-up building for warehouse and administrative office uses. Existing on- and off- site drainage facilities are not adequate to serve the proposed project; therefore, drainage improvements will be necessary. Short-term air quality mitigation measures would be in effect during construction. According to a preliminary geotechnical study, there are no known geophysical conditions on the site. The proposed project would not result in significant aesthetic impacts or create additional light spillage onto 1-5 or adjacent properties. The proposed project would not have operations involving hazardous materials at this time. An area of stained soil (10' x 12') was reported and removed by a licensed hazardous waste hauler. This action rendered the soil contamination to a level of less than significance; thus, no mitigation measures are required. MSUC (Bull/Diaz) to approve staffs' recommendation. Vote: (7-0) RCC Minutes - 3 - Auqust 19. 2002 3. Historic Designation - 415 Hilltop Drive (Atherton House) Ms. Tessitore-Lopez stated that the owners have requested that their property be considered for designation on the Chula Vista List of Historic Sites. This house was featured on the Chula Vista Home and Garden Tour on May 11, 1968. At that time, the Chula Vista Woman's Club dubbed it "Southern Beauty". This is the name the owners would like the home to be designated as. This house is of French Colonial architecture somewhat similar to Rural Tradition. According to their application, the owners have laboriously tried to repair and restore this unique house to its original status. Staff Recommendation: Based on Criteria #4, distinctive architecture and Criteria #6, retains integrity of design and materials, staff recommends this house for inclusion as Historic Site #59. Also, staff does not object to the applicants' request that the house be recommended for designation as "Southern Beauty". Commissioner Bull stated that this house brings up a dilemma in his mind. This is a gorgeous house, but it is not very old. In order to be eligible for the National Register, it has to be at least 50 years old. He did not argue against the architectural value of the house. He thought the RCC needed to take into consideration the results of the historic committee that is going to be appointed to provide context for the City so that the RCC can make these architectural assessments. His tendency was to wait on this house until there is a more historic context foundation for the City. Commissioner Bensoussan stated that context is really important here because of this particular neighborhood. Because of where it is, she would tend to go ahead and site them. She did find it disturbing, in terms of the integrity of the house, that the brick had been painted white and vinyl windows had been installed. If the RCC were talking about giving it a Mills Act contract, she would have a problem. MSUC (Jasek/Reid) that the house be included based on the fact that it does architecturally lend a lot to the area and to the City. Vote: (7-0) 4. Historic Designation - 616 Del Mar Avenue (Edwin Smith Sr. House) Commissioner Bensoussan recused herself from this item. Ms. Tessitore-Lopez stated that the owners have requested that their property be considered for inclusion on Chula Vista's List of Historic Sites. This house was the home of the first Mayor of Chula Vista (Edwin Smith Sr.). The house is of Craftsman-style architecture. This craftsman style house appears to retain many of its original features. Staff Recommendation: That the RCC recommend inclusion of this house on the Chula Vista List of Historic Sites as Historic Site #60 based on Criteria #4, significant architecture; Criteria #6, retains integrity of design and materials; and Criteria #2, relates to historic personage. MSC (Bull/Reid) to move staffs' recommendation. Vote: (6-0-1-0) with Bensoussan abstaining. Ms. Marcia Salvestrini (Owner, 616 Del Mar Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910) requested that it be designated as the Edwin T. Smith Sr. house. - RCC Minutes -4 - Auqust 19. 2002 Commissioner Bensoussan returned to the meeting. 5. Historic Designation - 382/384 Del Mar Avenue (Old Clubhouse Building) Commissioner Chávez recused himself from this item Ms. Tessitore-Lopez stated that the owners have requested that their house be considered. This site is the site of the original Woman's Clubhouse, which is now located on "G" Street. This redwood bungalow-style architecture house was converted into a duplex residence in 1928. There are still remnants of the clubhouse existing inside the house, such as the stage. Staff Recommendation: That this building is significant as the former clubhouse of the Chula Vista Woman's Club and should be recommended for designation as Historic Site #61 based on Criteria #3, an important site; Criteria #4, distinguishing architecture; and Criteria #6, retains integrity. Mr. John Madsen (Owner, 382/384 Del Mar Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910) described some of the unique original features of the house that still exist. MSC (Bull/Diaz) to approve staffs' recommendation. Vote: (6-0-1-0) with Chávez abstaining. Commissioner Chávez returned to the meeting. 6. Historic Designation - 435 "E" Street (Monroe House) Ms. Tessitore-Lopez stated that the owner has requested that her home be considered for inclusion. The property owner has information on this home that she obtained from oral tradition throughout the City. Ms. Brannen is the third owner of this property and was told by the grandson of the original owner that the home was built in 1886, which would make it one of the oldest homes in Chula Vista. The house sits upon land that was once part of Rancho de la Nacion. It is believed that the house belonged to one of the foreman; however, this cannot be verified. Earliest records show that Ada Monroe took title to the land in 1912. This house has two types of Spanish Colonial architecture: pitched roof type and flat roof type. This house has a full basement, which is not typical of homes in the South Bay. Staff Recommendation: That the RCC recommend this house for inclusion on Chula Vista's List of Historic Sites as Historic Site #62 for meeting Criteria #4, distinguishing architecture: Criteria #6, retains integrity; and Criteria #1, relationship to Chula Vista's heritage. Commissioner Bull did not know how many houses built here in 1886 had full basements. That questions its age right away, and there should be some foundation for that before it is advertised. The first recorded title was in 1912 when the property changed hands, but staff does not know about the house. The RCC would set a bad precedent if it went ahead without more documentation. Commissioner Bensoussan would not rely on hearsay. She would not call it an 1886 house without getting more information. She was really perplexed on it because the house is old and interesting, and she was glad the owner wants to restore it and wants designation. RCC Minutes - 5- AUQust 19. 2002 Ms. Ugia Brannen (Owner, 435 "E" Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910) described architectural details inside and outside her home. She talked about an encounter with the grandson of the original owner, but she did not know his name or address, only that he lived in Washington State. Ms. Ponseggi stated that the RCC might want to recommend to the property owner that she retain a quaiified historian who could do more research. MSC (Bull/Bensoussan) that the RCC does not recommend designation at this time: however, the RCC would urge the owner to compile additional historic information and bring the house back if they, in fact, find out that there is documented evidence of its historic interest. Vote: (5-2-0-0) with Thomas and Diaz opposed. Commissioner Bensoussan stated that she would be happy to give Ms. Brannen names of people who could help her. Ms. Galvez offered her help as well. 7. Historic Designation - 692 Second Avenue (Percy S. Eustis House) Ms. Tessitore-Lopez reported that the property owners have requested that their property be considered for inclusion on the Chula Vista Ust of Historic Sites. Percy S. Eustis was an important railroad man for over 50 years; however, he did not live in the house until his retirement from that important post he held in Washington D.C. This is a craftsman house that has been modified from its original design. It retains few of the distinguishing features of California Craftsman homes. The detached garage has been converted to living/recreational space. Staff Recommendation: Staff is unclear as to whether this house meets the criteria for designation and requests that the RCC discuss and make a determination as to whether the house should be recommended. Staff has no recommendation on this request for designation. Vice-Chair Reid stated that this site was up for designation after the Historic Resources Inventory in 1985, but it was not designated. He could not remember why. Commissioner Bensoussan would like to see those records. She thought the house was contributing to a very important neighborhood. This is a big lot with an old house that is intact. It has incredibly mature old landscaping that probably dates to when the house was built. She felt it was very much a contributing house for its historic context, and it qualifies because of the person who lived there, of things like the solar water heater tank in the attic and because of it being a craftsman on a big lot on a very important corner of Chula Vista. MSUC (Bensoussan/Diaz) to recommend designation. Vote: (7-0) 8. Historic Designation - 7 Cresta Way (Hadley Johnson House) Ms. Tessitore-Lopez stated that the homeowners request that their property be considered for inclusion. This is a Cap Cod Colonial Revival home. The owner has provided staff with detailed information on historic aspects of this site. The home was built in 1949 by Hadley Johnson. According to the applicants, Mr. Johnson was president of H.H. Johnson Construction Company and owner of National Lumber Company of South Bay. This house RCC Minutes - 6- Auqust 19. 2002 qualifies under Criteria #4, retains evidence of original features and Criteria #6, distinguishing architectural character. MSUC (Bensoussan/Reid) to recommend designation. Vote: (7-0) Vice-Chair Reid left the meeting at 8:30 p.m. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COORDINATOR COMMENTS 9. Status of General Plan Update Public Outreach & Participation Program Ms. Ponseggi stated that the RCC had before them a staff report that went to City Council on public participation with the procedures attached for the Environmental Open Space and Sustainable Development Subcommittee, which the RCC will be a part of. Members are being solicited from the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, the Environmental Health Coalition and the Endangered Habitat League. Those four members together with the RCC will make up that Subcommittee. The ultimate makeup of the Subcommittee will be approved by the City Council. They have already approved the fact that the RCC will be a member. This staff report is to let the RCC know that staff is continuing to work through the issues. There are a lot of things going on with the General Plan Update right now. Staff is working on the baseline studies that will come forward to all the different Subcommittees. There are work programs that several sections are involved with. Environmental staff is heavily involved in several of them from habitat conservation to the various components of all the baseline studies that will all eventually go into the ErR. Ms. Ponseggi wanted to make the RCC members aware that if they want to look at a technical study to please call and ask because the studies are not typically included with a Mitigated Negative Declaration and checklist. Depending upon what the questions are, staff can arrange to have the consultant who prepared that technical study at the meeting to answer questions. Ms. ponseggi asked the Commissioners if they would be available for a special RCC meeting on September 9, 2002 and not have the regular meeting on September 16, 2002. It is possible that the Resource Management Plan issues that Jon Rilling from the Otay Land Company brought up will be discussed at that time. Ms. Ponseggi stated that she had looked at the schedule for RCC meetings, and this is the only Commission that the meeting dates are based off of when another Commission meets. The RCC meetings are set 10 days prior to the Planning Commission. Staff has been told that the reason that was originally done was so that the RCC could review the Planning Commission agenda. But the RCC does not have the purview to review the Planning Commission agenda. Chair Thomas stated that was not her memory. The RCC recommends to the Planning Commission. If the RCC has a meeting two days before the Planning Commission, nothing will be written. Ms. Ponseggi indicated that it takes more than 30 days for RCC comments to get to the Planning Commission; therefore, she would like to recommend that the RCC meeting schedule for 2003 be the alternating Mondays that would not conflict with the Design Review Committee. If the Commissioners are in agreement, that is how staff will put the meeting schedule together for next year. Staff will bring a schedule for RCC review in December. - RCC Minutes - 7 - Auqust 19. 2002 10. Selection of Representative for the Historical Preservation Ad Hoc Committee MSC (Ben so us san/Thomas) to nominate Commissioner Bull. Discussion Commissioner Bull said that was fine with him although he would be moving out of the area at the end of the month and would no longer be eligible to serve on the Resource Conservation Commission. Ms. Ponseggi indicated that she spoke with the Planning Director, and there is no residency requirement for sitting on the Blue Ribbon Task Force because it is an ad hoc committee. Vote: (5-0-1-1) with Bull abstaining and Reid absent. CHAIR COMMENTS: Chair Thomas welcomed John Chávez to the RCC. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Bull stated that he thoroughly enjoyed serving on the RCC. He thinks Chula Vista is the City of the future. The RCC has a lot of work cut out for it, but it is going to be a positive experience. Commissioner Bensoussan recently read about the beautification of Fourth Avenue, and much to her dismay, she noticed that they are planning on yanking out all the Eucalyptus trees along Fourth Avenue that belong to Friendship Park. She fully concurs with the Star-News not to mess with Friendship Park; leave it alone. Is there any way that the RCC can make a recommendation? Ms. Ponseggi suggested that it be put under the CHAIR COMMENTS for the next meeting and vote to send a representative to the City Council to speak under Oral Communications. Commissioner Bensoussan thought Ms. Ponseggi's solution was a good one. She does not think they are planning to yank them out until spring of next year, so if the RCC was notified of when it would be appropriate to send someone to do an oral communication, she would volunteer for that. Ms. Ponseggi suggested that on the next agenda, the RCC could ask Brian Hunter from Community Development to come speak about the improvements on Fourth Avenue. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Thomas adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.rn. to a special meeting on Monday, September 9, 2002, at 6:30 p.m. in the Mercy Building Conference Room, 430 "F" Street, Chula Vista, CA. Prepared by: ~u/~ .----7 ..:...JJ4";< ..¿'/ LI da Bond Recording Secretary (A:\lIb\RCC#2\RCC081902Mins.doc) -