HomeMy WebLinkAboutRCC MIN 1994/08/08MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED MEETING
Resource Conservation Commission
Chula Vista, California
6:30 p. m.
Conference Room #1
GALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROi L ar r The meeting was called to order at 6:34 by Chair
Burrascano. Present: Commissioners Kracha, Hall, Ghougassian, and Myers (arrived at 6:40). Absent:
Guerreiro, Johnson. Mr. Reid advised that none of the absent members had contacted staff. S t a f f
present: Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid, Landscape planner Garry Williams,
Environmental Projects Manager Jce Monaco, Conservation Coordinator Michael Meacham.
APPROVAL OF MINUTEC
MSUC (Kracha/Hall) (4-0) to approve the minutes of the July 11, 1994 meeting, as presented.
NEW BUSINESS
1. EIIt-94-02 Channel Side Shopping Center
Staff Presentation - Mr. Reid advised the commission members that the City Attorney's office
had ruled that he had a conflict of interest with this project. Jce Monaco of the Community
Development department presented the project, briefly describing the proposed commercial
center to be located south of Highway 54 and east of Broadway. He stated that it had been
determined that there were impacts created by this project in two azeas that were not mitigable;
those areas aze air quality, and the greenbelt. He stated that current technology did not provide
for mitigation of air quality, and that there was currently no policy for addressing mitigation for
the greenbelt. Project applicants Phil Adams and Gerald Alford presented site plans and further
described the project.
Commission Discussion- Member Hall asked if the bridge at Broadway would be a fill bridge,
stating that a fill bridge would destroy the greenbelt connection. Mr. Alford stated that a fill
bridge would be the first preference as it would preclude the presence of transients below;
however, alternatives include a span bridge, and a bridge that is part span, part fill. He
discussed the wetlands, pointing out that the project is respecting the 100' buffer from mapped
wetland areas. Member Myers asked if there was any data supporting the need for more
commercial development; Mr. Monaco stated that the applicants have done market analysis, and
that staff s fiscal analysis showed no impact beyond the first year. Potential school impacts were
discussed. Chair Burrascano expressed concern regarding the high liquidation factor, and also
asked about success criteria for coastal salt marsh mitigation. Mr. Monaco stated that this would
be included in the permit process.
Public Comment - Mr. William E. Claycomb of "Save Our Bay, Inc." expressed concerns
regarding the decrease of salt marsh azea and discrepancies in the box culvert size. He stated
that the blacktop of the parking azea will create additional runoff, and questioned mitigation of
drainage. Mr. Alford stated that the salt mazsh area would not be decreased by this project, and
that drainage has been accommodated.
MSC (Hall/Kracha) (4-1, Myers opposed) to accept draft EIR 94-02.
Resource Conservation Commission -2 Tulv 25 1994
2. City Landscape Manual
Staff Presentation - Mr. Reid reminded members that [hey had reviewed this item some months
ago in conjunction with the Negative Declaration. He stated that the City Attorney had since
ruled that this project is exempt from environmental review. Landscape planner Garry Williams
stated that there had been numerous revisions to the document, including input from two
developer workshops.
Committee Discussion -Member Ghougassian stated that the current manual is a definite
improvement over the previous document; other members concurred. Member Kracha disagreed
with the generalities regarding eucalyptus trees on page 27, noting that many species aze
hazardous. He also stated that while contractors aze required to install trees with a minimum
3" girth, the City does not appear to adhere to this.
(Member Ghoughassian left the meeting at 7:30 p. m.)
MSUC (Hall/Kracha) (4-0) to recommend adoption of the landscape manual. Member Myers
commented that she did not find the wording regarding use of drought-tolerant planting to be
strong enough.
3. Ideas to Improve Environment
Mr. Reid suggested continuing this item to the next meeting (to a workshop to discuss ideas),
while noting that he would not be at the next meeting due to vacation, and Barbara Reid would
be taking his place.
Mr. Meacham presented the items in which he had been involved. He advised that Laidlaw had
asked for a plan to accommodate mixed waste paper, adding that a mixed waste paper plant is
interested in locating in Chula Vista. Mr. Meacham stated, regarding composting, that yazd
waste is now sent to Organic Recycling West, astate-certified facility, rather than the County
facility; he added that the program is cheaper and diverts more than twice the amount of the
curbside recycling program. Regazding a purchasing policy regazding use of recycled materials,
Mr. Meacham stated that this is being looked at, although an effort is made to purchase such
materials now.
Chair Burrascano suggested that RCC members contact the assigned staff person to discuss their
items.
4. Stenciling at Drainage Inlets
Mr. Reid stated that there is a permit process, with fees, for stenciling on rights-of-way. He
noted that fees are typically waived for non-profit organizations by the City Manager. Mr.
Meacham described the storm drain education programs on which monies aze currently being
spent.
5. Review of Planning Commission for July 27, 1994
Mr. Reid reviewed the Planning Commission agenda. Regarding item M2 (PCM-94-26), member
Hall stated she would be opposed to higher densities.
Staff Comments Mr. Reid noted that the City Manager had taken a budget for historical signs to
the City Council as a budget supplement; the Council had approved $1200.00 for
signs. He also indicated that the 4(d) rule may be on the next RCC agenda.
Chair's Comments Chair Burrascano stated that she would contact those members not present
regarding their assigned environment improvement subjects.
Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
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Patty Nevins, Recorder