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HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 1977/11/10 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA hursday - 7:00 p.m. November 10, 1977 A regular meeting of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Chula Vista, California was held on the above date, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, with the following: MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Hyde, Members Scott, Cox, Hobel, Egdahl Members Absent: None STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Cole, Special Counsel Reed, City Attorney Lindberg, Community Development Director Desrochers ITEM NO. 1 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Member Cox, seconded by Member Hobel to approve the minutes of October 6, 1977 and the special meeting of October 11, 1977, copies having been sent to each member. Member Egdahl noted that he would abstain from voting since he was not in attendance at either meeting. Motion was carried by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Cox, Hobel, Chairman Hyde, Member Cox Noes: None Abstain: Member Egdahl ITEM NO.2 - STATUS REPORTS - Critical Habitat Designation for Endangered Species Local Coastal Program .he critical habitat proposal from the Least Tern Recovery Team has recently been received by the City. Now that the critical habitat has been proposed for both the Light-footed Clapper Rail and the Least Tern, it will be possible for the City to work toward a revision of the critical habitat proposal for both endangered species. Staff proposed a three-prong approach as the most effective method to reduce or eliminate the critical habitat designation on our Bayfront. The possibility of negotiating with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reduce the critical habitat designation prior to its first printing in the Federal Register has been pursued by City staff. If a suitable com- promise can be reached prior to its first printing, it would be possible for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the City of Chula Vista to support that printing. A meeting with the Regional Director of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is being set up through their local office in Laguna Niguel in hopes of accomplishing this task. Member Hobel, referring to page 2 of Item No. 2 of the agenda statement, Local Coastal Program Status, questioned staff as to the schedule. Director Desrochers replied that staff is attempting to meet with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain their reactions but informed consultants that pending discussion tonight, we should proceed with the whole pre- liminary draft report so that it can be discussed with the Coastal staff. The target date for completion prior to that time was the end of November. Member Cox questioned staff as to criteria used by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for designation of the critical habitat area. Community Development Coordinator Boyd informed the Agency that staff has reviewed the administrative regulations regarding the definition for critical habitat area. From this it appears that they are within the limits established y the Endangered Species Act. Chairman Hyde noted in the status report that staff is consulting other experts in the field to obtain a second view to determine whether or not their (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service) 'ationale is valid as it pertains to our area. At this time, Coordinator Boyd defined criteria as "any air, land and water area, or any constituent thereof, the loss of which would appreciably decrease the likelihood of the survival and recovery of the listed species for a distinct segment of its population". Chairman Hyde, Executive Director Cole and Coordinator Boyd met with Congressman Van Deerlin and his assistant, Mr. Rhoades, Wednesday afternoon (11/9/77). The Congressman was briefed on the critical habitat subject. He was not asked to do anything at this time, but possible assistance at a later date. The Chairman reported that the Congressman was very receptive and understanding of this approach and would do everything possible to assist the City in resolving the situation should the item be brought to the Federal level. It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Hobel and unanimously carried by those present that the reports be accepted. ITEM NO. 3 - WRECKING YARDS - BAY BOULEVARD Several owners have responded to the City's call for more action. Redevelopment on the Street parcel and the adjacent land appears to be progressing. Staff will continue to monitor closely the situation and report monthly in accordance with the policy initiated in October. It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Hobel and unanimously carried by those members present to accept this report. ITEM NO. 4 - LITIGATION REPORT: SANTA FE/VENER Chairman Hyde moved to hold Item No.4 to the end of the meeting following other items and to recess to executive session at that time. Motion was seconded by Member Scott and unani- mously carried by all members present. ITEM NO.5 - ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CONCERNING NON-CONFORMING USES Member Hobel noted that a correction should be made on staff report concerning the City Attorney's absence from the City. Special Counsel Reed informed the Agency that the report was written before City Attorney Lindberg's return. Staff will now proceed to draft the ordinance amendments for Agency consideration. Those amendments will be presented to the Redevelopment Agency at its December meeting. It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Egdahl and unanimously carried by those present to accept the report. ITEM NO. 6 - TEST SURCHARGE PROGRAM ON THE 0 STREET FILL Staff requested the Agency to table this item due to the uncertainties associated with the proposed critical habitat for the Light-footed Clapper Rail. At its meeting of October 6, 1977, the Redevelopment Agency held over for one month, the consideration of a contract with Southern California Testing Laboratory to conduct the surcharge program. Community Develop- ment Director Desrochers reported to the Agency that we are still in need of this Test Surcharge Program but that the proposed critical habitat in the area of the D Street fill is currently under the federal government guidelines. Mr. Desrochers informed the Agency that '20,000 from the Bond account will be available to conduct the program even after a 60 day ..elay. -2- //;/1 f/' ) It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried to table this item. ,TEM NO. 7 - NEGOTIATIONS WITH LA JOLLA/COLLINS It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried by those present to discuss this item during executive session. ITEM NO.8 - TOWN CENTRE STATUS REPORT It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Scott and unanimously carried by those present to withhold #3 Litigation - Zogob, of Item No.8 to executive session. South Bay County Regional Center A question was posed in relation to financing arrangements by the County of San Diego. If the County is commencing with these arrangements, why is it necessary that the likely method of financing the South Bay Regional Center be through our Redevelopment Agency? Special Counsel Reed replied that the Redevelopment Agency has almost $400,000 on this project and wants a financing vehicle to make sure they get their money back. A joi nt powers agency wouldn't work because of lack of use by the City. Appraisals - Town Centre Focus Area The Agency was informed that when the City decides to buy properties and we have finalized appraisals, staff will have to obtain an independent third party to look at both appraisals. Appraisals are completed but are not, as yet, in final form. )eve lopment Proposal According to staff's report, several new development proposals are now under consideration. They consist of some housing units on two sites, several office buildings and commercial remodelings. Special note should be taken of the recently completed apartments at 209 Garrett. When originally presented to the staff, the structure was to be of little archi- tectural merit. With the existence of the Redevelopment project and the owner's cooperation, a design was established with hopes that this building will be symbolic of our future efforts. Newsletter After discussion of the newsletter format it was moved by Member Cox, seconded by Chairman Hyde and unanimously carried by those present to submit Newsletter on at least a quarterly basis. At this time Director Desrochers requested an additonal item be added to Town Centre status reports in regards to street improvements. It was requested that Community Development Coordinator Boyd give an up-to-date report on the Third Avenue, E to F Street improvements. It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Scott and unanimously carried by those present to accept Status Reports 1, 2, 4, and 5. Third Avenue Street Improvements Community Development Coordinator Boyd reported that at its October 26th meeting, the Design qeview Board gave its final design approval for the Third Avenue street improvements as "resented by staff with several recommended changes. Project Engineer Frank Phillips has prepared an engineer's estimate for that project of $435,000; City Council has already appro- priated $325,000, $110,000 less than the engineer's estimate. It is suggested that a bid -3- // /i,/;/7 package for the entire project be prepared as it was approved by the Design Review Board but to include approximately 6 alternate items. When those alternates are received, they '"ill be reviewed by the Project Area Committee and Design Review Board and those boards ,ill make their recommendations to the Redevelopment Agency for consideration. Bidding the project with this number of alternates will give the City Council and Redevelopment Agency an opportunity to evaluate exactly what combination of alternatives they would choose to select in construction of improvements. At the same time, staff will investi- gate alternate sources of funding should the Agency choose to appropriate additional funds. The reason is that staff would certainly identify release of gas tax funds for installation of traffic signals and storm drains. Staff proposes to bid entire project with a number of alternate items. It is hoped that this project can be bid concurrently with the F Street widening, anticipated for January or February. In response to a question from Member Hobel, Special Counsel Reed indicated that the Rede- velopment Agency can act as its own contractor in accepting bids from subcontractors. The Agency does not have any broader powers in public contracting, than does the City. It was moved by Member Hobel, 'seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried by those present that staff study mechanics on how the Agency can legally act as its own contractor and sub out the job. Further discussion ensued on Charter Provision in response to the motion on this study. Special Counsel Reed felt that the City can act as its own contractor in accepting bids from subcont ractors. As for mechanics, he felt that he would have to check into the Agency bylaws. Member Egdahl asked staff if we can be advised as to the most advantageous time for the Agency to go to bid; he also noted that to proceed with a number of alternates is to escalate he cost of every part of the job. If that is true, he would be reluctant to go with the six-alternate approach. He requested to be advised as to the best alternative. Full discussion ensued relative to mechanics in preparation of alternates for the bid package. ITEM NO. 9 - DISTRIBUTION OF AUDIT REPORT It was moved by Member Cox, seconded by Member Hobel and unanimously carried by those present to accept this report. The meeting was recessed to the Executive Session at 7:37 p.m. by Chairman Hyde. The Redevelopment Agency reconvened at 8:37 p.m. It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Scott and unanimously carried by those present that staff be directed to carry out negotiations with Mr. Zogob as discussed in executive session, Mr. Desrochers to report back to Agency at December meeting. It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Scott and unanimously carried by those present to hold a special meeting of the Redevelopment Agency following a regular meeting of the City Council on November 15, 1977, to consider owner participation in the Town Centre focus area. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Executive Director Cole commended Community Development Coordinator Boyd on his outstanding resentation to Congressman Van Deerlin in regards to critical habitat designation for endangered species in the area of the Bayfront Redevelopment Project. -4- i ¡fell' 7 ADJOURNMENT ~hai rman Hyde nottng hi s absence from the City to attend a conference duri ng the fi rst ,art of December, adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. to December 15, 1977. / Secretary 11/10/77 -5-