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HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 1979/04/05 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Thursday - 7:00 p.m. April 5, 1979 A regular meeting of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Chula Vista was held on the above date beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Public Services Building, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California with the following: MEMBERS PRESENT Cha i rman Hyde; Members Cox, Egdah 1, Gi 11 ow, Scott Members Absent None STAFF PRESENT Assistant City Manager Asmus, Special Counsel Reed, Deputy City Manager Robens, Community Development Director Desrochers, Community Development Coordinator Boyd, Administrative Analyst Sanseverino, Assistant Pl anner Welch ALSO PRESENT Alfredo Araiza, Gene Hargraves ITEM NO. 1 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried by those present to approve the minutes of March 8 and 13, 1979 as mailed. ITEM NO. 2 - REPORT: UPDATE ON LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM As indicated in the Agency agenda statement, Chula Vista's public hearing before the Regional Coastal Commission was held on March 30, 1979. Due to a number of substantive issues yet to be resolved, it is certain that the review process will continue beyond that date. In fact, a certification date of April 27 has been set. It is anticipated that the first hearing before the State Coastal Commission will be held by mid-June. Chairman Hyde, along with Community Development Director Desrochers, praised Community Development Coordinator Boyd for his excellent presentation to the commission. In addition, the Chairman complimented the entire staff for their efforts in coordinating the program. MOTION TO ACCEPT REPORT It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Chairman Hyde and unanimously carried by those present to accept the report. Community Development Coordinator Boyd informed the Agency that the Regional Coastal Commission will tour the Bayfront on April 27th prior to taking final action that day. ITEM NO. 3 - REPORT: BAY FRONT FREEWAY SIGN On March 8, 1979, the Redevelopment Agency voted to postpone a decision on the selection of the subject sign. As requested by the Agency, staff distributed six different design sketches for the sign and Bayfront logo to members for their review. Staff recommended that the sign and logo presented to the Agency in March be approved; otherwise, it may be necessary to renegotiate the contract with Owens/Araiza for further design services. 4/5/79 -2- Redevelopment Agency Meeting April 5, 1979 Chairman Hyde noted Mr. Hargraves attendance at the Coastal Commission hearing on March 30. Mr. Hargraves addressed the Agency at this time stating that he and other representa- tives of his firm have had the opportunity to review the proposed freeway sign and logo. He remarked that tenant response to this sign has been predominantly favorable, and some of the germane comments included "easy to read," "eye-catching," creative in nature and the sign did not resemble a billboard in any way. The only criticisms were sign color, selection of ¡~tter design and placement of tenant names on each level of the sign. In answer to Member Cox's question with regard to eliminating tenant identification on sign levels, Mr. Hargraves indicated tenants would react negatively to this idea. Member Egdahl arrived at this time (7:15 p.m.). MOTION TO ACCEPT REPORT It was moved by Member Scott and seconded by Member Cox to accept the report. Member Scott commented that the Agency has obligated staff to prepare some type of sign identification and although not particularly to his liking, the proposed design is unique. Chairman Hyde requested staff display the discarded choices at this time. Staff complied by displaying sketches 1-6. The Chairman commented on the various selections voicing his opposition to the sign proposed. He suggested members reconsider the other choices and asked for dimensions of the alternates. Mr. Araiza of Owens/Araiza Architects briefly described the sketches and informed members that the sign finally decided on had received the unanimous acceptance of members of the selection committee. Community Development Director Desrochers stated those in attendance at the committee meeting were Bob Pierre and Joe Street (Bay Boulevard Corporation), Gene Hargraves (Orange Development & Investment Company), Mando Liuag (Planning Department), Doug Boyd and himself. Representatives of Anthony's were the only tenants not present. Community Development Coordinator Boyd reiterated that the sign selection committee was unanimous in their preference of the final sign and he emphasized that actual materials and colors are still open to question. SUBSTITUTE MOTION OFFERED It was moved by Chairman Hyde and seconded by Member Gillow that a finished rendering of sketch #5 be more professionally prepared and brought back to the Agency for con- sideration.* 'Sketch #5 consisted of five panels with the middle panel containing the logo. The panels were connected to each other end-to-end in various directions and heights. 4/5/79 -3- Redevelopment Agency Meeting April 5, 1979 Upon the request of the Chairman, Mr. Araiza explained how the committee arrived at the sign selection process. He pointed out that the proposed identity structure's shape reduces the massiveness of a hugh billboard. Discussion ensued on the time constraints involved if a decision is not made tonight. Member Cox, speaking in favor of the proposed sign, acknowledged that the architects had been given an almost impossible task and have come up with a unique presentation that he could be satisfied with. Chairman Hyde, supporting the substitute motion, felt the Agency should not act in haste and it would be worth it to review finished alternate choices. SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILS The substitute motion that a finished rendering of sketch #5 be prepared and brought back for Agency consideration failed by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Member Hyde, Gillow Noes: Member Cox, Egdahl, Scott Absent: None REPORT ACCEPTED The motion to accept the report (recommending the sign and logo design presented at the March 8 meeting be approved) passed by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Member Cox, Egdahl, Scott Noes: Member Hyde, Gillow Absent: None Mr. Araiza informed the Agency that the sign structure will now be presented to the Coastal Commission for their review. ITEM NO. 4 - REPORT: USE OF DRIVE-THRU RESTAURANTS IN BAYFRONT At the March 8 Redevelopment Agency meeting, staff was asked to investigate the use of drive-thru facilities within the Bayfront project area. There was expressed con- cern because of McDonald's decision not to participate (due to the Bayfront Plan's "no drive-thru" policy). Staff recommended that proposals for development of drive-thru restaurants south of F Street be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis since they are not con- sidered appropriate. MOTION TO ACCEPT REPORT It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Chairman Hyde and unanimously carried to accept the report. 4/5/79 -4- Redevelopment Agency Meeting April 5, 1979 ITEM NO. 5 - RESOLUTION NO. 167 - APPROVING APPLICATION FOR COASTAL CONSERVANCY GRANT FOR CHULA VISTA BAYFRONT ENHANCEMENT PROJECT The Public Resources Code under Division 21 authorizes the State Coastal Conservancy for implementation of programs for coastal restoration and resource enhancement pro- jects. The City of Chula Vista is eligible for this grant. Chula Vista has repeat- edly committed itself to coastal resource enhancement and restoration projects on the Bayfront; therefore, it seems advantageous for the City to pursue a grant for the Coastal Conservancy to assist in the planning and financing of these projects. Community Development Coordinator Boyd told the members that the only assurance that the Agency should pay particular attention to is Assurance #2 which states that the City "will have sufficient funds available to meet its own share of the cost for projects. Sufficient funds will be available when the project is completed to assure the effecti ve operation and ma i ntenance of the facil ity for the purposes constructed." A complete list of assurances was provided for Agency members. RESOLUTION OFFERED Offered by Member Egdahl, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and adopted by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Member Cox, Egdahl, Hyde, Gillow, Scott Noes: None Absent: None ITEM NO. 6 - REPORT: UPDATE ON AB405 Assembly Bill 405 was passed unanimously by the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development. This measu)re will now go before the State Senate where Senator Mills has assured us of his assistance. Chairman Hyde publically acknowledged Assemblyman Deddeh's assistance and indicated he has personally thanked him. MOTION TO ACCEPT REPORT It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Egdahl and unanimously carried to accept the report. ITEM NO. 7 - REPORT: ORANGE DEVELOPMENT & INVESTMENT COMPANY Staff has informed Orange Development & Investment Company that termination of our Exclusive Negotiation Agreement will be recommended if they are not in a position to consider a Disposition & Development Agreement by May. A $50,000 non~refundable deposit to be placed with the Agency upon the signing of the Disposition & Develop- ment Agreement has been recommended by staff. The developer has tentatively a~re~d to th~s. In the meantime, the firm is moving along with plans for Coastal CommlSSlon consideration and Planning review. 4/5/79 -5- Redevelopment Agency Meeting April 5, 1979 Community Development Director Desrochers revealed the names of the major establish- ments on the Bayfront as: "Que Pasa Restaurant," Denny's," "Kelley's," and "Travel- 1 odge Motor Hotel." MOTION TO ACCEPT REPORT It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried to accept the report. ITEM NO.8 - RESOLUTION NO. 168 - ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL TRUST FUND IN CONNECTION WITH THE TOWN CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT NO. 1 A resolution approving an acquisition guarantee agreement with Title Insurance was adopted by the Agency on February 1st. United California Bank has drafted an agree- ment to establish a special trust fund in connection with the Town Centre I Rede- velopment Project. The Agency Treasurer/Finance Director recommends retaining United California Bank as our trustee. RESOLUTION OFFERED Offered by Member Scott, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and adopted by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Member Scott, Cox, Egdahl, Hyde, Gillow Noes: None Absent: None ITEM NO. 9 - RESOLUTION NO. 169 - ENTERING INTO AN OWNER PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT WITH THOMAS F. RUDD, JR. Development plans for a two-story, two-unit dwelling at 237 Garrett Avenue have been approved by the Design Review Board. The structure to be coordinated with an existing single-family dwelling will include large, private patio areas, enclosed garages and fireplaces. RESOLUTION OFFERED Offered by Member Scott, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and adopted by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Member Scott, Cox, Egdahl, Hyde, Gillow Noes: None Absent: None ITEM NO. 10 - STATUS REPORT: UDAG APPLICATION During the past month, staff has worked with the developer, Bank of America, and HUD (Washington D.C. office) toward securing a financial commitment in order to obtain the UDAG. The Washington HUD office has been in constant contact with staff in identifying alternative financing mechanisms to make Chula Vista's application more financially binding and to provide financial benefits to the City. Mr. Desrochers informed the Agency that the City's application has been held over until June 30, 1979. In the meantime, a more binding financial commitment is being sought by the bank. 4/5/79 -6- Redevelopment Agency Meeting April 5, 1979 Special Counsel Reed praised the outstanding efforts of the financial institution in their progress so far. MOTION TO ACCEPT REPORT It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried to accept the report. ITEM NO. 11 - RESOLUTION NO. 170 - ENTERING INTO AN OWNER PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT WITH JOSEPH BROCCOLI Conditional approval of a two-story, 7,600 square foot office building at the north- east corner of Landis Avenue and F Street has been granted by the Design Review ~a~. The proposed project submitted by Mr. Joe Broccoli involves a vacant, 4,500 square foot parcel. RESOLUTION OFFERED Offered by Member Cox, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and adopted by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Member Cox, Egdahl, Hyde, Gillow, Scott Noes: None Absent: None ITEM NO. 12 - RESOLUTION NO. 171 - CERTIFYING FINAL SUPPLEMENTAL EIR ON COMMERCIAL PORTION OF TOWN CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN On February 24, 1979, a public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on the draft EIR for this Town Centre I project. The final EIR was certified on February 28, 1979. The supplemental EIR addresses the commercial portion of the Focus Area. Plans call for construction of 56,580 square feet of retail specialty shops, 15,810 square feet of restaurants and 34,000 square feet of professional office buildings. Parking to accommodate 443 automobiles will also be constructed. RESOLUTION OFFERED Offered by Member Scott, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and adopted by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Member Scott, Cox, Egdahl, Hyde, Gillow Noes: None Absent: None ITEM NO. 13 - REPORT: SOUTH BAY COUNTY REGIONAL CENTER The South Bay County Regional Center will be constructed with Redevelopment Agency Lease Revenue Bonds. O'Melveny & Myers is preparing the appropriate resolutions to be considered by the Agency on May 3rd. 4/5/79 -7- Redevelopment Agency Meeting April 5, 1979 MOTION TO ACCEPT REPORT It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member Cox and unanimously carried to accept the report. ITEM NO. 14 - REPORT: TOWN CENTRE II UPDATE At a meeting held on March 29th with Jerry Lipp, Chairman Hyde, Member Cox, Executive Director Cole and the Community Oevelopment Director, it was the consensus that the parties will work toward the goal of an expanded, upgraded center. Mr. Lipp was informed that the President of Buffums will be contacted again. Mr. Lipp noted that he will instruct his planners to provide alternatives to the Fifth Avenue closure. MOTION TO ACCEPT REPORT It was moved by Member Egdahl and seconded by Member Scott to accept the report. Chairman Hyde commented on staff's assertion not to proceed with a study to lower Fifth Avenue based upon the current development status. MOTION AMENDMENT Member Scott offered as an amendment to the main motion that staff proceed with a study to lower Fifth Avenue. The motion, as amended, was seconded by Chairman Hyde and unanimously carried. In response to Member Cox's concern to upgrade the existing stores in the shopping center, Community Development Director Desrochers stated Mr. Lipp has indicated the entire Broadway store will be rehabilitated and upgraded and remodeled with the balance of the shopping center. Sears' intentions are not known at this time. MOTION It was moved by Member Gillow and seconded by Member Egdahl to encourage the balance of the store owners to improve the conditions of their facilities and that a letter be drafted for the Mayor's signature addressed to store managers requesting their assistance and compliance. Member Scott, speaking against the motion, felt this matter could be handled dif- ferently than a formal motion although he was in agreement with the intent of the motion. Member Gillow withdrew his motion and the second agreed. Chairman Hyde suggested delaying this action for a while since Mr. Lipp is aware of the City's concerns. MEMBERS' COMMENTS Member Cox expressed concern regarding the removal of the bottlebrush trees on Third Avenue. He asked if some procedure would be implemented to transplant them. 4/5/79 -8- Redevelopment Agency Meeting April 5, 1979 Deputy City Manager Robens remarked that the trees have a 20-year life and since they are toward the end of their useful life, they are scheduled for removal. Chairman Hyde discussed the recent history of the Town Centre I project. With the assistance of the Community Development Director, a listing was prepared for the Chamber of Commerce that was very impressive considering all the changes that have occurred--the bulk being through private enterprise. He added that the Agency de- serves credit for the stimulus and encouragement to obtain financial support for the project. MOTION TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Scott and unanimously carried to adjourn to Executive Session for pending litigation on land acquisition. (8:08 p.m.) EXECUTIVE SESSION MOTION TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY (Williams) It was moved by Chairman Hyde and seconded by Member Cox to acquire property located in the Bayfront Redevelopment Project and owned by Mr. Wynn Williams. The motion failed by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Member Hyde, Cox Noes: Member Egdahl, Gillow, Scott Absent: None MOTION TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY (Bernes) It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Chairman Hyde and unanimously carried to acquire property owned by Bernard Bernes for $125,000 and authorize the Agency Secretary to sign the Trust Deed on behalf of the Agency. ADJOURNMBNT The Executive Session was adjourned at Redevel- opment Agency meeting of May 3, 1979. 4/5/79