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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1975/08/06 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Held Wednesday August 6, 1975 An adjourned regular meeting of the City Council of Chula Vista, California, was held on the above date beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, with the following Councilmen present: Councilmen Hyde, Egdahl, Scott Councilmen absent: Mayor Hamilton, Councilman Hobel Staff present: City Manager Cole, City Attorney Lindberg, Assistant City Manager Asmus, Director of Public Works Robens, Senior Civil Engineer Goldkamp, Landscape Planner Davis In the absence of Mayor Hamilton, Vice-Mayor Scott began the meeting at 4:40 p.m. stating that the meeting was called to discuss the City's street tree program for "E", "H", and "L" Streets between 1-5 Freeway and Broadway. The merchants and business people involved were invited to the meeting (233 notices were sent out). EXPLANATION OF STREET Director of Public Works Robens explained that TREE PROGRAM the Council approved the beautification plan in the 1972-73 budget. This plan was worked out by Tom Davis, the City's Landscape Planner and presented to the Council on May 20. Mr. Robens discussed the reasons why the Mexican fan palm is being recommended for "H" Street. He remarked that it was important to select a tree that would not extend into the sidewalk and hinder pedestrian movement, visibility from drive- ways or signs. Maintenance was also considered - keep the cost down as low as possible (little watering) and the tree was not to have any root problems. Mr. Robens further commented that the cost of pur- chasing the trees and materials for the installa- tion would be $20,000.00 with the first year's maintenance cost to be about $5,000.00 and subse- quent years about $1,000.00; Gas Tax money would be used for this purpose. The actual installation of the trees would be done by City forces. Mayor Pro-Tempore Scott remarked that the Council's concern, at this time was to beautify the entrances to the City. This is one proposal made by the staff. If the businessmen have alterna- tives, the Council would like to hear them. Jerry Prior Mr. Prior, Chairman of the Broadway Association, 689 "H" Street and representing the Chamber of Commerce, stated there was a unanimous opposition to the Mexican fan palm. They feel (1) money should not be spent on this project - $100,000.00 for the three streets; (2) it is a beaucratic hang-up in the use of federal money that the City would lose if they don't use the funds; (3) alternatives in the area of trees and green belt effect should be considered. Adjourned Regular Meeting 2 August 6, 1975 Dick Callahan Mr. Callahan representing the Broadway Association 77 Broadway submitted a petition signed by the merchants opposing the Mexican fan palm. Clint Mathews Mr. Mathews said he represented the Taxpayers' Co-owner Cavaliar Association which endorses the opposition of Motor Hotel the businessmen in opposing the tree program. "E" Street The Association feels the money should be used for other things, such as undergrounding utilities. Charles Madden Mr. Madden presented the Council with a petition 698 "H" Street signed by 24 businessmen along "H" Street 7-11 Store opposing the Mexican fan palm and one business- man for the program. Mr. Madden noted the number of trees now in front of his business establish- ment. Andy Nodzak Mr. Nodzak presented a petition conunented that on 408 Broadway "E" Street, 10 people were against the program and Janitor's Closet one person "didn't care." They felt that the trees would block the businesses and hamper the safety of drivers pulling out into the street. Robert Callahan Mr. Callahan said he was representing the signatures 804 Broadway on "L" Street. He presented the Council with a petition signed by 37 merchants and businessmen along this street. Mr. Callahan stated that three- quarters of the street is residential. The mer- chants are opposing the tree since they feel it would block their signs. The owners of the ser- vice stations note that they will soon have to put in a vapor recovery system which is costly, and this installation, along with trees blocking their businesses and signs would seriously hamper their operations. Director of Public Works Robens stated that present proposal was just for "H" Street; "E" and "L" Streets would come at a later time. Herb Kuhlkin, General Mr. Kuhlkin showed the Council a number of slides Manager, Fuller Ford of streets in Oceanside which have the same type or similar trees as being proposed. Joseph Sciniccho, President Mr Sciniccho declared that the Chamber's stand is Chamber of Commerce to back the businessmen opposing this tree pro- gram. He discussed the railroad tracks one has to cross before coming into the City and felt that removal of the tracks should be a priority rather "than penalizing these businessmen, "87 of which signed the petitions. Dr. William Nelson Dr. Nelson stated that the area under discussion Optometry, "H" Street is quite unique and one of the few belts in the United States that will support some blooming trees that cannot live anywhere else (not even as Adjourned Regular Meeting 3 August 6, 1975 close as E1 Cajon). Consideration should be given to planting coral treos or other trees that are deciduous. Chula Vista could be known as "the City of color," which would attract tourists throughout the country. He felt the matter should be given in-depth study. Committee suggestion Councilman Hyde asked if Dr. Nelson was suggesting the formation of an ad hoc committee. Dr. Nelson said he was and would be happy to serve on the committee, representing the Chamber and Kiwanis Club. Jerry Prior Mr. Prior commented that the business people came into the meeting "with a broad spectrum of opinion." The only unanimous thing was the opposition to the Mexican fan palm. Another tree however, would still present problems causing obstruction from the highway. Most merchants feel that to beautify the City it should be a Iow-level green belt or make use of the existing planters. Motion to form It was moved by Councilman Egdahl, seconded by committee Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried by those present to form an ad hoc committee (by the Mayor's office) which would include the staff and representatives of the merchants' organizations to consider and make recommendations as to an alternate plan. Discussion of motion Mr. Dick Callahan stated that the Broadway Asso- ciation is opposed to any kind of trees. Their alternative is ice plant. Mr. Callahan added that landscaping along these streets should not be uniform - it should be done according to the desires of the merchants. Motion for time limit It was moved by Councilman Hyde, seconded by Councilman Egdahl and unanimously carried that a report be brought back to the City Council within three months as to the progress of the ad hoc committee. NO SMOKING POLICY Mr. Prior questioned one element in the City's proposed No Smoking policy whereby it would ban people from smoking in restaurants. Mayor Pro Tempore Scott stated the policy came before the Council but was continued to September 2 to allow the Legislative Committee of the Chamber of Commerce to study the proposal. Adjourned Regular Meeting 4 August 6, 1975 Don Painter Mr. Painter, President of the Bonita Businessmen's 3995 Bonita Road Association, discussed the widening of Bonita 76 Service Station Road currently under construction. He asked that this committee that will be charged with the study of the entrances of the City also be directed to consider the Bonita area as people come into Chula Vista from that direction also. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.