Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRCC MIN 2000/04/03 - ...... RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 3, 2000 Public Services Building Conference Room 1 CALLING MEETING TO ORDER: The meeting was called by Chairperson Burrascano at 6:45 p.m. ROLL CALL/MOTIONS TO EXCUSE: RCC MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Cindy Burrascano Ms. Viviane Marquez Mr. Charles Bull Mr. Juan Diaz Ms. Teresa Thomas MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Robert Fisher GUESTS: John Boarman, P.E., Associate Principal Linscott Law & Greenspa Dave Gatzke, Pacific Bay Homes Kim Baranek, HELIX Environmental Planning, Representing Pacific Bay Homes STAFF PRESENT: Ms. Marilyn Ponseggi Environmental Review Coordinator Frank Rivera, Civil Engineer Edalia Olivo-Gomez, Associate Planner Marisa Lundsted, Environmental Project Manager Leilani Warren, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR JANUARY 31, 2000 Commissioner Marquez made a motion. to accept the minutes for January 31, 2000, seconded by Commissioner Diaz and carried with a vote of four approving and Commissioner Thomas abstaining. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: 1. Review of Mitigated Negative Declaration IS-00-05, Rolling Hills Ranch Amendment of Tentative Map Conditions - - Ms. Ponseggi made comments that Rolling Hills Ranch is requesting amendment of a Tentative Map Condition to raise the number of EDU's the developers are allowed to construct prior to the completion of SR 125. The Environmental Review Coordinator prepared an Initial Study and determined that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because mitigation measures have been incorporated and agreed to by the project proponent. A Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program was prepared in accordance with CEQA. Primarily the original EIR was approved over ten year's ago and it was anticipated that the building was going to continue at the rate that it was at that time. Several factors, which are discussed in the Initial Study, result in an increase in available traffic capacity. The Mitigated Negative Declaration concludes that an additional 198 EDUs (Equivalent Dwelling Units) can be constructed now followed by an additional 198 EDUs following the completion of Olympic Parkway to East Palomar, bringing the total EDUs to 1667 prior to the completion ofSR-125. Ms. Ponseggi stated that the Negative Declaration is available for public review at the information counter in the Planning Department. Commissioner Burrascano brought up the concerns expressed by the Public, which are discussed in the Initial Study. Ms. Olivo-Gomez contacted those concerned, by telephone, and advised them that they could voice their concerns at the Planning Commission hearing. Mr. Boarman stated that the traffic study analyzed "H" Street approaching 805 and the constraints of the project as it relates to Rolling Hills Ranch. The original EIR stated that Rolling Hills Ranch could not go above 1137 units before SR 125 was built. The results of the analysis revealed that the number of EDU's could be extended to 1467 before Olympic Parkway is built, without having significant impact on the traffic. Commissioners raised concerns about biological issues regarding the surveys that had been conducted on the site, protection of wildlife such burrowing owls and potential take of Otay Tarplant. There was extensive discussion regarding the traffic study and the cumulative impacts of the project and other projects previously approved. Commissioners were particularly concerned about traffic on 1-805 and an increase in accidents at the intersection adjacent to the 1-805 Freeway, since the City's methodology does not address freeways. Engineering staff advised the Commission that the freeways are beyond City control and therefore not studied. Commissioners were also concerned about traffic congestions at intersection adjacent to the freeway. Mr. Boarman clarified that issue and discussed the findings ofthe traffic report for those intersections. The RCC expressed concern about cumulative traffic impacts on city streets and 1-805. Discussion regarding direct project impacts focused on the intersection of "H" Street and 1-805. After extensive discussion, the RCC voted (5-0) recommending that the Planning Commission adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration to allow the increased building 2 - - cap, provided the traffic mitigation is revised to require the completion of the extension of Olympic Parkway to East Palomar Street prior to the issuance of any building permits beyond the current cap. 2 Review of Negative Declaration IS-OO- 15, Walgreens Drugstore: The RCC reviewed the Negative Declaration as presented. An Initial Study conducted by the City of Chula Vista determined that the proposed project will not have a significant environmental effect and the preparation of an EIR will not be required. The Commission questioned the noise wall and if there were adequate mitigation measures to monitor noise from large trucks. Ms. Ponseggi stated that the restricted truck delivery hours would reduce noise impacts to a less than significant level Commissioner Bull made a motion to accept the Negative Declaration as presented, seconded by Commissioner Thomas and approved by a vote of 5-0. 3 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD NOMINATION Commissioner Marguez nominated Doug Reid in recognition of his long-term dedication as Environmental Review Coordinator, seconded by Commissioner Thomas. The vote was 4 in favor and 1 abstaining (Commissioner Burrascano). Ms. Ponseggi advised that she would notify Mr. Reid of his nomination. The Awards Ceremony will be held May 4,2000. Ms. Ponseggi assured the Commission that invitations would be sent to them. She advised Commissioner Burrascano that she is the one that would be giving out the award. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COORDINATOR'S COMMENTS Ms Ponseggi stated she has been meeting regularly with the Secretary in an effort to get meeting items sent out in a timely manner. In the future Leilani Warren will call the RCC members to inquire as to whether they would prefer last minute information be hand delivered, faxed or emailed. 5. CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS Commissioner Burrascano requested an additional commissioner be appointed to the RCC. Ms. Ponseggi stated she has sent a memo to the Director of Planning and Building identifying the name of an individual who would like to be appointed. She will follow- up. 3 - ,--. Commissioner Burrascano asked if the MSCP would return at a future date. Ms. Ponseggi stated she was not sure if it is going to be scheduled for a future meeting or if it would proceed directly to Planning Commission. 5. COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS Commissioner Bull suggested a traffic modeling lessons for the Commission so that the RCC could have a better understanding of how the traffic engineers arrive at their conclusions. He felt that the RCC should be more knowledgeable in order to make some policy recommendations regarding land planning. MS. Ponseggi recommended that the RCC make policy statements and empower the Chair to write a memo and forward it to the City Council. The Commissioners would prefer to have a presentation before this could be done. Commission Marguez submitted a letter resigning as a member of the RCC. She thanked everyone for allowing her to be a part of this Commission. Ms. Marquez stated she would keep attending meetings so as to have a quorum until a replacement was found. Ms. Ponseggi will forward the letter of resignation to the City Clerk's office. The RCC meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. to a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 17, 2000, at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room #1. Respectfully submitted, ~~d WdMúz/ Leilani Warren Recording Secretary 4