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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2006/02/07 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA February 7, 2006 4:00 P.M. A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 4: 13 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers: Castaneda, Chavez, McCann, Rindone, and Mayor Padilla ABSENT: Councilmembers: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Rowlands, City Attorney Moore, and City Clerk Bigelow PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, MOMENT OF SILENCE SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY · INTRODUCTION BY DAVID PALMER, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, OF THE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, ANNA GIULIANO, ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY IN THE LIBRARY Mayor Padilla read the proclamation, and Deputy Mayor McCann presented it to the employee of the month, Anna Giuliano. · OATHS OF OFFICE: Mary Alim, Childcare Commission Susana Liston, Cultural Arts Commission City Clerk Bigelow administered the oath of office to Commissioners Mary Alim and Susan Liston, and Deputy Mayor McCann presented them their certificates of appointment. · RECOGNITION BY POLICE CHIEF EMERSON OF RETIREES, CAPTAIN KEN DYKE, AGENT CARLOS MIRANDA AND AGENT HAL KING, JR.; AND INTRODUCTION OF LATERAL OFFICERS JOHN AUTOLINO, RUSTY NELSON, JUAN VASQUEZ, TIM TSEKO-BIFFLE, MATTHEW SHERARD, WESLEY MANNING AND ALAN DE LA PENA Police Chief Emerson recognized police retirees Captain Ken Dyke, Agent Carlos Miranda, and Agent Hal King, Jr. for their 93 years of combined service to the City. Mayor Padilla thanked them for their years of dedicated service. Police Chief Emerson also introduced the Department's recently hired lateral police officers. City Clerk Bigelow then administered the oath of office to the officers. · DID YOU KNOW...ABOUT THE LIBRARY'S MARKETPLACE SERVICE MODEL? Presented by Assistant City Manager/Library Director David Palmer and Principal Librarian JoAnn Jonas Assistant City Manager Palmer briefly explained the Library's marketplace service model. Principal Librarian JoAnn Jonas then spoke about the vibrancy of the City's three libraries and the numerous services that are offered to the community. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items I through 4) Councilmember Chavez stated that she would abstain from voting on Item No.1. Item 3 was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of the City Attorney 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the Special Meeting of December 16,2005. Staff recommendation: Council approve the minutes. 2. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS . Letter ofresignation from Julius Bennett, Member of the Board of Ethics. Staff recommendation: Council accept the resignation and direct the City Clerk to post the vacancy in accordance with the Maddy Act. . 4 A. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-031, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING STATE RECREATION GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $840,000 FOR THE PER CAPITA GRANT PROGRAM UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS AND COASTAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2002 . B. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-032, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ESTABLISHING A NEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, "EUCALYPTUS PARK - VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS" (PR 281), AND APPROPRIATING $140,000 FROM THE STATE RECREATION GRANT FUND In August 2005, Council approved an application for grant funds for the Per Capita Grant Program. A grant contract has been executed, and the City was awarded $840,000 in Per Capita Grant funds, which will be expended through the Capital Improvement Program. Adoption of the resolutions approves acceptance of the grant funds as necessary for expenditure of various capital improvement projects, establishes a new capital improvement project for improvements at Eucalyptus Park, and approves an appropriation of$140,000 of the grant funds for that project. (General Services Director) . Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolutions. ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann moved to approve Consent Calendar items I, 2 and 4, headings read, texts waived. The motion carried 5-0, except on Item I, which carried 4-0-1 with Councilmember Chavez abstaining. . Page 2 - Council Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov February 7, 2006 L ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR The following item was removed rrom the Consent Calendar at the request of the City Attorney and continued to a future date. There was no discussion of or action taken on the item. 3. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING AN UNCONTROLLED EMBANKMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, THE OT A Y LAND COMPANY, AND MCMILLIN LAND DEVELOPMENT, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT Adoption of the resolution approves an agreement that allows McMillin Land Development to deposit soil in an "uncontrolled" fashion on property owned by the Otay Land Company. This work is to be done in preparation for the Otay Ranch Town Center shopping center, and to construct an access road from Olympic Parkway. In accordance with the Municipal Code, an agreement is required for any soil deposits designated as an uncontrolled embankment and to address the future maintenance of the embankment as well as development of the site in which the embankment is located. (City Engineer) PUBLIC COMMENTS Alma Villanveva, a parent and volunteer crossing guard at Harborside Elementary School, spoke about a pedestrian accident she recently witnessed near the school. She expressed concern about speeding vehicles in the area, as well as an increase in traffic with the development of retail establishments such as Costco and Target. She stated that for over a year, the community has asked for a stop sign to be placed in the area to help mitigate the speeding vehicles. She asked the Council for assistance on the matter. Mayor Padilla referred the matter to the City's traffic staff, the Safety Commission, and the Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Rindone requested that a report from staff be brought back to the Council in a timely manner. Councilmember Castaneda stated that the Public Safety Committee would be looking at policy decisions regarding traffic safety at its upcoming meeting. Jackie Lancaster spoke about the petition recently circulated in the community regarding eminent domain, stating that 14,500 signatures were turned into the City Clerk's Office. The proponents were subsequently notified that they were 235 signatures short of the required number to place a proposal to amend the City Charter on the ballot. She asked that the signatures be forwarded to the Registrar of Voters to make a determination. She also asked the Council to direct the Charter Review Commission to consider a Charter amendment. Assistant City Attorney Hull explained that the petitions were not forwarded to the Registrar because there were an insufficient number of signatures. Mayor Padilla added that he would be requesting a public workshop under the Mayor's Comments portion of the agenda to discuss eminent domain. Carrie Droptiny spoke about a pedestrian accident she recently witnessed at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Moss Street, as well as two other recent pedestrian accidents mentioned by other residents over the past two weeks. She urged community leaders and citizens to take action. She stated that the west side of the City has been neglected and spoke of the need for basic inrrastructure. She proposed that no-right-turn signs be implemented on Fourth rrom K Street to Palomar Street and also proposed the installation of sidewalks on the north and south sides of Moss Street. Page 3 - Council Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov February 7, 2006 PUBLIC COMMENTS (Continued) Earl Jentz asked the Council to place the eminent domain initiative on the June ballot and let the people decide. Theresa Acerro requested that the eminent domain petitions be forwarded to the Registrar of Voters and the Charter amendment placed on the June ballot. Nick Aguilar stated that it is inappropriate for Councilmembers to perform the duties of a translator (referring to Councilmember Chavez' translation for Alma Villanveva earlier), and he requested that the City look at providing adequate translation services at meetings. Gus Chavez, representing Chula Vistans for Private Property Protection and South Bay Forum, stated that the citizens feel very strongly about the issue of eminent domain. He asked the Council to let the people decide. ACTION ITEMS 5. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF THE 2006 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM . The Legislative Program represents the Council's position on items likely to be acted upon by the State Legislature, Congress, or administrative agencies. By adopting a Legislative Program at the beginning of each two-year legislative session and amending it at mid-term, Chula Vista is able to take a proactive role in sponsoring, supporting, or opposing bills related to the City's various legislative priorities. (Legislative Committee, Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator) RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE 2006 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM ACTION: Mayor Padilla moved to continue the item to a future date. Deputy Mayor McCann seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. Councilmember Rindone asked staff to look at what the State is contemplating in the area of eminent domain and to apprise the Council as to what mayor may not be occurring on the subj ect. 6. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REQUEST TO THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT THAT AMENDMENT NO. I TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA BE AMENDED TO REALLOCATE $1,715,435 AMONG TIDELANDS PROJECTS . The San Diego Unified Port District (Port District) and the City of Chula Vista entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 1996 that provided approximately $14.4 million in Port District capital improvement funds for tidelands projects within Chula Page 4 - Council Minutes http://www .chulavistaca.gov February 7, 2006 L-.._ ACTION ITEMS (Continued) Vista. In 2004, the Port Board and the Council approved Amendment No. I to the MOU. The amendment prioritized fund allocations for tidelands projects deemed critical to the implementation of the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, the joint planning effort between the City and the Port District for redevelopment of the Chula Vista bayftont. The MOU, as amended, designates $1,715,435 for a future loan to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Chula Vista. The loan will no longer be needed and staff recommends that those MOU funds be reallocated to other tidelands projects within the City as identified. (City Manager) Assistant City Manager Madigan presented the staff report. ACTION: Councilmember Rindone offered Resolution No. 2006-033, heading read, text waived: RESOLUTION NO. 2006-033, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING A REQUEST BE MADE TO THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT THAT AMENDMENT NO. I TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA BE AMENDED TO REALLOCATE $1,715,435 AMONG TIDELANDS PROJECTS The motion carried 5-0. OTHER BUSINESS 7. CITY MANAGER REPORTS There were none. 8. MAYOR'S REPORTS A. Ratification of appointment of Lynda Gilgun to the Resource Conservation Commission. B. Ratification of appointment of Eloy Ledesma to the Youth Advisory Commission. c. Ratification of appointment of Aurora Cudal, Nancy Batterman, and Earl Jentz to the Housing Advisory Commission. ACTION: Mayor Padilla moved to ratify the appointments of Lynda Gilgun, Eloy Ledesma, and Aurora Cudal to their respective commissions. Councilmember Rindone seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. Page 5 - Council Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov February 7, 2006 OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) Mayor Padilla requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Coretta Scott King, who was an inspiration for her strength, dignity and continued legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Mayor Padilla stated that it is the responsibility of the Council to listen to the concerns of the residents regarding eminent domain. He made the following staff requests: (1) A report to the Council from the City Manager and City Attorney as soon as possible with information as to legal options for placing something on the ballot in June or November; and 2) a workshop with the Council, Charter Review Commission, Chula Vistans for Private Property Protection, and the public to discuss eminent domain, including laws of the United States, state, City Charter, City policies and their effects on property owners in the City. Mayor Padilla asked staffto bring back options on how to make improvements to Alpine Minot a priority. , Mayor Padilla mentioned a request by the state for a resolution in support of the Healthy Eating and Active Communities program and suggested that the City seek ways to require healthy snacks, rather than junk food, in City-owned vending machines. He spoke about the disturbing rise in childhood diabetes associated with unhealthy eating and also suggested an analysis of ways to restrict fast food establishments from locating next to schools. In addition, he proposed placing healthy eating and active communities standards in the City's growth management ordinance. Mayor Padilla asked staff to examine ways to comply with state law regarding breast-feeding facilities. 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Rindone asked staff to look at options to expedite the installation of paving and sidewalks in the areas of Fifth and Moss Streets and to return to Council with a report in 45 days. ., I Councilmember Rindone suggested establishing the first Thursday of each month as an official workshop meeting date, effective the first Thursday of March 2006. Councilmember Rindone asked staff to bring forward an item in two weeks regarding changing the lettering on City Hall to read "Chula Vista City Hall." Councilmember Rindone commented that the infrastructure needs of the Alpine Monot area should not be considered in deference to other areas on the waiting list. . Councilmember Castaneda suggested that additional funds be allocated in the City budget to provide for infrastructure needs and that a workshop be scheduled to discuss missing and aging infrastructure. Page 6 - Council Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov February 7, 2006 -------~_. --"------ L~. COUNCIL COMMENTS (Continued) Councilmember Castaneda requested that the subject of eminent domain be scheduled for the next agenda to discuss whether or not to place the item on the ballot and appropriate wording. Councilmember Castaneda echoed the Mayor's sentiments and recommendations regarding healthy eating and active communities, stating that the City is long overdue in becoming involved with health issues. Councilmember Rindone requested that the City's Youth Advisory Commission also be included in the program to provide critically needed peer support. Deputy Mayor McCann stated that the infrastructure inadequacies on the west side of the City must be addressed aggressively, and he suggested a 20 percent cut in Council salaries to be used towards capital improvement projects. Regarding eminent domain, Deputy Mayor McCann stated that the Council must take a leadership role to resolve the issue in an expedient manner and have the matter placed on the June ballot. Deputy Mayor McCann invited the community to attend a meeting on February 9, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. at the Civic Center Library Auditorium, to discuss topics such as tracking sex offenders, Internet safety, Megan's Law, and Jessica's Law. Councilmember Chavez stated that, although the City has made great strides to provide infrastructure in the southwest portion of the City, it is not enough. She asked staff to provide a map at the meeting of February 21st indicating unpaved alleys and the streets that do not have sidewalks. Additionally, she asked staff to look at gutter installations in some areas. She also encouraged the citizens to contact their regional representatives about these issues. Councilmember Chavez requested that staff investigate costs associated with providing interpreting services for Council meetings, since 29 percent of the community uses Spanish as a first language. Councilmember Chavez spoke about the recent number of pedestrian accidents, stating that the issue will be a focus for the Public Safety Committee in the hopes of developing a program that would be a national model for child safety. CLOSED SESSION 10. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING INITIATION OF LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(c) . One case This item was not discussed and no action was taken. 11. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(b) . One case This item was not discussed and no action was taken. Page 7 - Council Minutes http://www .chulavistaca.gov February 7, 2006 ~ I i , "I ! " '-----------.-- CLOSED SESSION (Continued) 12. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(a) . In re: The Environmental Trust, Inc. (USBC # 05-02321-LAll) No reportable action was taken on this item. ADJOURNMENT At 10:00 p.m., Deputy Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting in memory of Coretta Scott King to the Regular Meeting of February 14,2006 at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers. ~t4~~r:~ Susan Bigelow, MMC, City Clerk Page 8 - Council Minutes http://www .chulavistaca.gov February 7, 2006