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HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 1977/12/15 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Thursday - 7:30 p.m. December 15, 1977 A regular meeting of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Chula Vista, California was held on the above date, beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Conference Room, City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, with the following: MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Hyde, Members Cox, Egdahl, Hobel, Scott Members Absent: None STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Cole, Special Counsel Reed, Community Development Director Desrochers ITEM NO. 1 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Egdahl and unanimously carried by those present to approve the minutes of November 10, 1977, and the Special Meeting of November 15, 1977. Member Hobel arrived at the meeting at this time (7:40). ITEM NO. 2 - STATUS REPORT: BAY BOULEVARD PROPERTIES At its October 6th meeting, the Agency adopted a policy whereby all owners of Bay Boulevard wrecking yards were notified that positive action must be taken toward eventual redevelopment within 90 days. The Agency will consider the alternative of possible acquisition to accomplish this goal should the owners be in the same position by the January meetin9. The Community Development Director suggested obtaining real estate appraisals of the entire area from F Street north to the Sweetwater Marsh along Bay Boulevard due to the lack of any significant progress by the property owners. Mr. Desrochers stated that he has conferred with people interested in the Campbell property and suggests that real estate appraisals would be the best step to take at this time since price is the big obstacle in the way of development. In regards to the Street property, Member Cox noted that a great deal of debris remains in this area. Mr. Desrochers replied that Mr. Street has committed himself to cleaning the remaining debris and is aware that he has a deadline to meet; in addition no development progress has been made by the owner. It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried by those present to accept the report. ITEM NO. 3 - REPORT: CRITICAL HABITAT DESIGNATIONS ON THE BAY FRONT The City of Chula Vista has been working with the staff of the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service in order to redefine the proposals accepted by the Field, Area and Regional offices of this agency in regards to the proposed critical habitat designations for the Least Tern and the Light-footed Clapper Rail. The proposals have been forwarded to Washington, D.C., for printing in the Federal Register and staff is attempting to redefine the proposals prior to that printing. A meeting is in the offing in an attempt to outline major issues involved. City staff will also attempt to schedule any additional meetings at the earliest possible date in order to resolve this issue. -2- Redevelopment Agency Meeting December 15, 1977 It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried by those present to accept the report. ITEM NO. 4 - RESOLUTION NO. 99 - APPROVING A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH WESTEC SERVICES, INC. FOR THE PREPARATION OF A REDEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT AND APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY FUNDS Member Egdahl questioned staff as to in-house procedures in regards to contractual arranements in creating a new zoning district. Director Desrochers informed the Agency that the Planning Department is capable of performing the work; the problem lies in trying to work out a time frame that is required in order for the City to try to keep a schedule with the Coastal Commission. Should the work be done by the consultant, staff will have input in relation to how it fulfills City regulations. Special Counsel Reed clarified the zoning district issues stating that if we place the Redevelopment plan in the form of a zoning ordinance, which is the ultimate in terms of legal requirements, it would satisfy the Coastal Commission that indeed this City intended that these were the regulations. It was the consensus opinion of Mr. Reed and staff that the zoning approach was best and would satisfy the Coastal Commission in approving a Local Coastal Program. Staff felt that because Westec was now working with the Bayfront Plan they would be most familiar and would have the time available to do the work. Member Scott felt that due to the Federal Agencies involvement regarding endangered species, there was no immediacy for the work, therefore staff could accomplish the task in due time. Member Hobel felt the consultant could do the work for less cost than the City. Further disccusion ensued relative to preparation costs, not to exceed $1,350; zone overl ay and in-house preparati on. Offered by Member Hobel, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent of those present, passed and adopted by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Hobel, Cox, Hyde, Egdahl Noes: Member Scott Absent: None ITEM NO. 5 - OFFER OF SOUTH BAY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION - INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT The South Bay Economic Development Corporation has offered to assist in procuring independent development of a water-related matter in the Bayfront. The Agency is in no position to provide assurances as to the ultimate uses. Therefore, on a motion by Member Scott, seconded by Member Hobel to convey our thanks for the offer and direct the Chairman and staff to make personal contact with the corporation was carried unanimously. ITEM NO.6 - REPORT: FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL COMMISSION REAFFIRMING ITS SUPPORT OF THE BAY FRONT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT A report for the Chairman of the Environmental Control Commission was submitted for this committee's review. In this report, the Commission reaffirmed its support of the City's efforts to carry out the Bayfront Plan as they feel it provides an "adequate sanctuary for the birds and wildlife present in the area.". A minority report from -~ Redevelopment Agency Meeting December 15, 1977 one Environmental Control Commission member was also filed due to the fact that agencies other than Chula Vista's may harm the ecological balance of the area. It was moved by Member Cox, seconded by Member Scott and unanimously carried by those present to accept the majority report. ITEM NO. 7-- RESOLUTION NO. 100 - AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT TO NEGOTIATE WITH RICHARD ZOGOB FOR DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS IN THE TOWN CENTRE FOCUS AREA The local realtor-broker has requested a 120-day period in which to develop a plan, phasing schedule, cost analysis in response to the development of the Town Centre focus area. Several stipulations regarding cost pro forma, concept plan and Dis- position and Development Agreement items are to be noted in the Agreement. Mr. Zogob is wholeheartedly supportive of this concept, the purpose of which is to develop plans and schedule with staff input. In response to Member Hobel's question on staff direction, Mr. Desrochers felt that the City is looking forward to development of the focus area at an early stage. The director discussed four elements that staff is looking forward to: 1. Development that will compliment the Third Avenue business posture. 2. Residential development that will provide a new impetus of bringing middle class residents into the Central area. 3. Development agreement that is financially feasible for both the City and the Developer to pursue. 4. An attempt to secure the participation of several owners in the area in a plan that meets the requirements of both the developer and the owners. Special Counsel Reed explained in detail his interpretation of the contract Agreement. At this time Messrs. Paul Engstrand, Attorney-at-Law; and Donald Innis of Innis- Tennebaum Architects, Inc., representatives of Mr. Zogob, were introduced. Mr. Zogob has entered into a contract with the architect who is now working on the project. Mr. Zogob has not finalized his negotiations with Wimmer & Yamada landscape architects but hopes to have that completed soon. It is Mr. Zogob's intention to work closely with the staff in an attempt to coordinate the efforts of the redevelopment project. Special Counsel Reed observed that Mr. Zogob will attempt to work closely with property owners on Third Avenue who desire to redevelop their property. His observa- tions prompted the comments of Messrs. Bud Isham and Bernard Bernes who were present at this meeting. Mr. Isham noted that he is anxious to see what the plans are for Mr. Zogob's project. Mr. Bernes commented that he is unable to present any type of plan until he knows what Mr. Zogob's intentions are. It was the opinion of both property owners that they have been stymied in their expansion efforts preventing any progress. -4- Redevelopment Agency Meeting December 15, 1977 Mr. Innis remarked that one of the reasons their firm was selected for this project was because they like to design in a pressured atmosphere. He anticipates that he will be talking to both Mr. Bernes and Mr. Isham regarding their input into the general plan. The goal of the firm is to try to channel these forces so the net result will be exciting, dynamic and will satisfy the needs of all parties concerned. Community Development Director Oesrochers informed the Agency that Mr. Innis has been invited to meet with the Town Centre Project Area Committee and the Design Review Board at their January meetings. He has also encouraged the two owners to hire an arch i tecto It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried by those present to delete the words "or consider", in the last sentence of paragraph 5 of the Agreement. Offered by Member Scott, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent of those present, passed and adopted, as amended, by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Scott, Hyde, Cox, Egdahl, Hobel Noes: None Absent: None ITEM NO. 8 - REPORT: ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ON NON-CONFORMING USES An oral report was presented by the Special Attorney at this time. Mr. Reed indicated that he has been worki ng together with the City Attorney to provi de a mechani sm to abate non-conforming uses, specifically the auto wrecking yards along 1-5. Because there will be an ordinance amendment in the municipal codes, it is not strictly a redevelopment activity. One of the problems faced is working out the proper formula for determining amortization schedules and the type of evidence which is necessary for the Council so they can make an informed decision as to what is appropriate. It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried by those present to accept the report. ITEM NO.9-STATUS REPORTS: DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE THIRD AVENUE PLANS TOWN CENTRE LOGO SO. BAY COUNTY REGIONAL CENTER DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE - This commitee has reviewed the La Bella Pizza remodeling plans and have accepted its principles but there are still questions remaining in regards to access, delivery trucks in the public parking lots, that need to be resolved. TOWN CENTRE LOGO - While the Design Review Committee would approve the logo otherwise, they feel that they would like to withhold formal decision for about four months pending Mr. Zogob's development plans. THIRD AVENUE PLANS - Preparation of plans and specifications are proceeding on schedule. Staff anticipates going to bid concurrently with the F Street widening in January. In response to Member Hobel's question, staff reported that three concepts for Third Avenue between G and H Streets were presented to the Town Centre Project Area Committee by the Assistant Director of Public Works regarding traffic flow. At present, the Public Works Department is studying the situation and sol kit input. -5- Redevelopment Agency Meeting December 15, 1977 SO. BAY COUNTY REGIONAL CENTER - The County is util izing the "fast-track" method wherein complete plans for the entire site contraction will not be accomplished until the actual building is more than half completed. A cost plus arrangement has been selected whereby this Contractor works concurrently with the engineer/architect and coordinates the work of the sub-contractors. Preparation of a finance plan is under- way; the exact extent of the Redevelopment Agency's involvement should be available for staff's comment and review within the next few weeks. Official Agency review and action is expected to follow shortly thereafter. A Bond Sale is anticipated by May 1st. It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Hobel and unanimously carried by those present to accept the reports clarifying that the Town Centre Logo matter will be held in abeyance for at least four months. ITEM NO. 10 - REPORT: AGENCY ACTING AS ITS OWN CONTRACTOR At its meeting of November 10th, the Redevelopment Agency directed staff to review the possibility and procedures of the Agency acting as its own contractor. It was learned from information provided by the City Attorney's office and Special Counsel Reed that the Agency can legally act as its own contractor. The Public Works Depart- ment is reviewing and analyzing the various ramifications of the City acting in this capacity in preparation of a mid-January report to the City Council. It is staff's speculation that a decision on whether the Agency should act as its own contractor would be better served after a review of their findings. It was moved by Member Cox, seconded by Member Egdahl and unanimously carri,ed by those present to accept the report. ITEM NO. 11 - REPORT: PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES WITH BLOCK GRANT FUNDS $800,000 has been provided by the Second and Third Year Community Development Block Grant Application for the acquisition of blighted properties and relocation of tenants in the Town Centre project. Appraisals have been completed on all the properties in the focus area now under development agreement. Staff suggests that we pursue a course that could stand on its own should the City not be successful with Mr. Zogob's phasing plan. It is suggested that the actual properties recommended by staff be discussed in executive session due to the potential of litigation. With Agency concurrence, staff will secure the services of an independent appraiser to reconcile both appraisals in order to justify a purchase price. It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried by those present that staff be directed to submit a resolution approving the expenditure of $2,500 for the next regularly scheduled Agency meeting in January. MEMBERS COMMENTS Member Cox, noting the extension requests of previous developers, expressed his hope that Mr. Zogob could proceed with his plans within the 120-day period. Member Scott voiced his concern in regards to the status of the May Co. situation in National City. -6- Redevelopment Agency Meeting December 15, 1977 It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Egdahl and unanimously carried by those present that staff be directed to report back to the Agency at its January meeting regarding the May Co./National Citv shopping center, golf course, and what strategy the City of Chula Vista should take. CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Scott and unanimously carried to adjourn to executive session for litigation purposes regarding Item No. lIon the agenda. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. to executive session until the next regular Redevelopment Agency meeting of January 5, 1978. ~<,.. // /) ers, Secretary