HomeMy WebLinkAboutRCC MIN 1994/07/11MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING
Resource Conservation Commission
Chula Vista, California
6:30 p.m. Conference Room #5
Monday, June 20, 1994 Public Services Building
CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by
Chairman Kracha. City Staff Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid called roll.
Present: Commissioners Hall, Kracha, Johnson, Burrascano. Absent: Ghougassian, Myers,
Guerreiro. It was MSUC (Hall/ICracha) to excuse Commissioner Ghougassian from the meetings
of April 25 and June 20 due to his election campaign; motion carried 4-0. Myers was
previously excused. The absence of Guerreiro was unknown; vote to excuse at next meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was MSUC (Hall/Burrascano) to approve the minutes of the
meeting of April 11, 1994; motion carried 4-0. The minutes of Februazy 7, Mazch 21, and
April 25 still could not be approved due to lack of quorum from those meetings.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Teresa Aland, 1433 Nacion Avenue, Chula Vista, representative
of Indwellers, communicated her intent to draft a proposal for the commission's consideration.
The grant requirements from the Department of Conservation were read. The board encouraged
her to also send a copy of her market development proposal to the City Council.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Jay C. Benet, architect representing the owner at 644 2nd Avenue, summarized the
redesign and modifications of the designated historical site #44 to upgrade to current
standards. Kracha suggested the residents may lose their classification permit if excessive
changes aze made on the outside of the structure. He stated the modified flat roof is not
acceptable as Victorian and that the outside of the structure is not according to restoration
guidelines. ICracha requested staff check the file's permit control limitations on the
permit.
It was MSUC (Johnson/Kracha) to approve the current structure to accommodate the large
water heater, but files an objection to modify the west end (closet and roof) additions;
motion carried 4-0. They further recommended the owner resubmit an application for
historical direction or reclassify to a no-permit limitation.
2. Teresa Aland read the Indweller report. Gretchen Brewer from Urban Ore, Inc. was
scheduled to appear at previously canceled meetings to present alternative source recovery
plants. Michael Meacham explained the City is currently in negotiations about these
facilities and is waiting for an RFP.
Resource Conservation Commission Page 2
3. Since the commission did not meet last month, Michael Meacham reported that he has
applied for the Used Oil Grant; the first grant for $270,000 was approved. The regional
Block Grant of $101,550 will cover Chula Vista, Imperial Beach and National City. A
grant was also approved for a school program to focus on recycling.
Review of Negative Declaration IS-94-18, Bonita Long Canyon Streambed-After a brief
review of the project, it was MSUC (Burrascano/Johnson) to accept the negative
declaration; motion carried 4-0.
[Johnson left the meeting at 8 p.m.)
STAFF REPORT:
Doug Reid reported Staff had a meeting regarding the new Brown Act laws. The agenda must
list items in some detail; minutes or notes should be taken of any commission action, even with
less than a quorum present; Gaze should be taken to discuss city issues in social setting, etc. A
memo by the city attorney describes these new laws in detail. Additionally, Chairman's and
Commissioner's comments must now be listed on agenda and members were advised to phone
them in to Doug by the Tuesday before the next meeting.
Discussion of the RCC budget was continued to a later date due to the Council's rejection of
historical sign line item. Kracha commented that staff had over three yeazs to fund historical
signs. Prior to annexation, Montgomery had also approved $8000 for historical designations.
Council has since denied approval.
CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS:
Kracha requested agenda item for discussion: Investigate process for developing an amendment
to the Muni Code to remove the RCC's responsibility to historical sites as they're not supported
by City Council. Invite John Rojas om i?istorical S:,ciety for discussion.
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS:
The mayor stated that if any members want anything publicized to sent~to media for publication;
however, be cautioned of any possible legal repercussions.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Kracha at 8:15 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
EXPRESS SECRETARIAL SERVICES
~~~"~~~~ ~~~ ~cf~~L/
MINUTES OF A SCHEDULID REGULAR MEETING
Resource Conservation Commission
Chula Vista, California
6:30 p.m. Conference Room fil
Monday> February 7, 1994 Public Services Building
CALL MEh'I'ING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by
Chairman Kracha. City Staff Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid called roll.
present: Commissioners l{racha, Ghougassian, Burrascano, Guerreiro. It was MSUC
(Ghougassian/Guerreiro) to excuse from the meeting Commissioner Hall due to illness and
Commissioner Myers due to work commitment; and to defer vote on Johnson until next meeting;
motion carried 4-0. [Commission Johnson arrived at 6:40 p.m.]
APPROVAL OF MII~TUTFS: It was MSUC (Ghougassian/Burrascano) to approve the minutes
of the meeting of January 10, 1994 with one clarification on Item 1, para. 3, sentence 2, which
should be: "He felt the economic interest outweighed the linrited environmental interest and there
was no need for a new environmental impact report." Vote 4-0 [Johnson not present for vote.
ORAL COMMiINICATIONS:
John Rojas, Chula Vista Historical Society, advised that he received a letter from a homeowner
of a designated historical home. Historical site plaques have not been received by about 30
other homeowners who are so designated to receive them. Due to inadequate funding, the City
Manager's office is seeking alternative budget plans for the plaques, which cost approximately
$375 each. Kracha directed Staff to determine an estimated cost per plaque, the cost to get a
large quantity produced, and an alternative source of funding.
Ghougassian suggested homeowners get the plaques made and submit their bill to the city. The
city could then deduct that amount from the homeowner's property tax at the end of the year or
give them some type of a tax break. The legality of this idea needs to be researched. Doug to
respond to the one homeowner regarding the Plaque.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Michael Meacham, the new Resource Conservation Coordinator was introduced to the
Board. He noted his office is on the 2nd floor of the F1 Dorado Building, Suite O. He shared
his previous work experience with the Board.
2. IS-91-15 Bonita Hills Estates, Mrchael Demich, applicant, was present, along with the
biological consultant. This project has been going through the system for 3-1/2 years for
approval. HE has already downscaled the project to 12 acres. A fence is to be put in to keep
people and animals out of the area, according to city nxluirements. Part of the mitigation is to
build around the good quality coastal sage. The legal listing of environmental species was
already met.
RPCnurcE Conservation Commission
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]n the discussion, Burrascano requested to put restrictions on the landscape with homes adjacent
to the ccestal sage (i.e., no ice plant that would grow down into the existing plants), and to have
no work done during the brceding season (already set forth by federal law.) The applicant noted
that they have already paid many fees on the schools and have been added to their Mello Roos
prog~ ~'° Years ago.
It was moved and seconded (Ghougassian/7ohc-son) to accept the negative declaration with the
two conditions listed by Burrascano; motion carried 4-1 (no: Guerreiro). Guerreiro stated he
will vote no on projects that impede on the preservation of habitat and open space throughout
the city.
STAFF REPORT: None
COMMISSIONER COMIvIFNTS: Johnson will be going to New Orleans February 18-20.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Kracha at 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
EXPRESS SECRETARI,AL~SER~VICES
Barbara Taylor
NIINUTES OF A SCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING
Resource Conservation (rpmmieciOII
Chula Vista, California
6:30 p.m. Conference Room A~1
Monday, March 21, 1994 Public Services Building
CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by
Chairman Kracha. City Staff Environmental Review staff person, Barbara Reid called roll.
Present: Commissioners Hall, Kracha, Ghougassian, and Guerreiro. It was MSUC
(Hall/Kracha) to excuse Commissioner Burrascano from the meeting as she was out of town.
The reasons for absence for Commissioners Johnson and Myers were unknown at this time.
Guerreiro stated he was absent March 7th due to a test at school; however, no vote was taken
due to Lick of quorum from that meeting.
APPROVAL OF 1vIINiTTFS: Due to Lick of quorum from the March 7th meeting, the minutes
were not approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. The agenda item No. 2 was taken out of order to accommodate the guest, Gary Williams,
City Landscape Planner. He reviewed Negative DecLuation IS-93-09 on the Landscape
Manual Revisions. He reported that since the state mandated cities pass an ordinance of
its water management program, revisions and updates were incorporated into the current
manual to comply with state criteria. Kracha commented that there are two separate
manuals for Lmdscape and city pazks, and suggested they be incorporated into one manual
as the standazds and specs aze ongoing and teLrted. He also commented on those
properties built prior to the current standards and the need to upgrade.
Guerreiro questioned the planting of invasive pLmts next to open space area. Mr.
Williams stated an "undesirable plant list" of those pLrnts and grasses will be included in
the manual. Drought-tolerant pLu-ts are encouraged and will also be listed.
Kracha cited several items within the landscape Manual which needed further clarification
or review. Variance of CUPS and discretionary permits should be specified. It was
unclear what constitutes 'common areas' and Barbara Reid stated other forms of
cooperation organizations, i.e., the water district and school districts, are some examples.
Under 'Drought Tolerant PLtnt" tm Page 3 the underline in the words `to put into other
soil for growth to maturity" should be deleted. Top of Page 6, "Unclassified uses"
examples should be included (i.e., service stations). Item B-2 on Page 6 and Item B on
Page 8 were incomplete. On Page 9, Para. F, Kracha questioned if the water district
provided long range planning. If not, it wouLi make this paragraph untrue and this should
be reseazched. With these and other minor comments, Kracha felt the document was not
ready for presentation.
It was MSUC (Ghougacaian/Natt) that staff complete work on this City Landscape Manual
Resource Conservation Commission Page 2
and present as one document rather than two sepazate documents; vote carried 4-0.
2. Negative Declaration IS-94-10, Bonita Road Bicycle Lane. Kracha questioned the
relocation of "underground utilities' and why that was necessary. Hall objected to
combining bicycle, vehicle and pedestrian walkways in one small common area, especially
with the already high volume of traffic at that specific location near the freeway onramp.
She felt that bicycles could stay up on the sidewalk separate from vehicle traffic lanes, and
make another section for pedestrians. Guetzeiro suggests City contact the biking
association to get their opinion.
It was moved by Hall not to accept the negative dechuation; motion failed due to lack of
second.
Ghougassian moved to table this item until further site review can be conducted and then
to pass on suggestions and methods to investigate further.
3. Status of historical signs. Kracha could not find anyone in the Idylwild azea to do the sign
carving according to specifications. He asked if staff had already responded to the letter
from the owner on the status of the sign. Barbara Reid to relay message to staff. Kracha
requested staff also find out how to get this item back into RCC's budget.
4. Environmentalist of the Year awazd - With an upcoming banquet at the end of May,
Kracha requested a note be included in the next packet on how to nominate a recipient for
the award. Staff to fmd out when this awazd can be presented.
CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS: Kracha noted the work on the Landscape Manual was
inadequate.
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS: Ghougassian may not be present at the next meeting.
Guerreiro asked if the Commission wuld focus on one item at a time on the "Improving the
Environment" list. Kracha explained the commissioners were assigned the specific items so they
could be the contact liaison with council on those items.
AD7OiJRNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Kracha at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
EXPRESS SECRETARIAL SER /VICES
~/lAi ~~~~ ~~~c~/
Barbara Taylor
MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING
Resource Conservation Commission
Chula Vista, California
6:30 p.m. Conference Room #1
Monday, April 25, 1994 Public Services Building
Mayor Tim Nader met informally with the Commission prior to the meeting to discuss its role
and relationship with the Ciry Council.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:52 p. m. by
Chairman Kracha. City Staff Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid called roll.
Present: Commissioners Hall, Kracha, Burrascano, Guerreiro. It was MSUC (HalUKracha) to
excuse Commissioner Johnson due to illness, 4-0. Myers previously excused. Ghougassian's
reason for absence will be voted on at next meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of April 11, 1994 could not be approved due to lack
of quorum from that meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Barbara Bamberger presented information on the contract with the Environmental Health
Coalition to develop a "Municipal Pollution Prevention" program. Following an audit, this
item will then be presented to Council by the end of May.
• Hall questioned why the City is still reviewing this grant since the EHC project is
already in place in San Diego and detailed information could be obtained from them.
Staff said that they will perform a detailed and comprehensive audit, and look at health
risks and any other impacts.
• Guerreiro - is in favor of the program and is pleased with the work done to this point.
He is hoping for Council approval.
• Kracha was disappointed that this item went to Council before RCC saw it. The
conditions of the grant were explained. Kracha specifically asked about the "in kind staff
services and support." Barbara explained that it concerns a total of about 5-8Yb of her
time over a period of a year or so, and working with staff on management practices on an
ongoing basis. The development of an ordinance for procurement and the process to be
used was also explained. An effort will be made to educate and inform the public on the
use of toxic substances. The City will put in a checks and balance system to see the cost
benefits. The audits are now being conducted to find the most toxic areas within the City.
Upon conclusion of her presentation, Barbara suggested the RCC have Deborah Davis do
a presentation on the new TeleCenter.
2. Doug Reid said that RCC funds were available for seven historical signs. Staff will meet
with building owner at 124 Hilltop to see where their sign should go on its property.
Kracha suggested the Council write a letter or have residents come in for thew
presentation. It was requested that a proposal from the Council include $1500 for
historical signs be in RCC's budget for next year, that the City Manager locate additional
alternative funding for the remaining signs since he was originally directed to do so years
ago, and that this budget be brought back at the next meeting.
Resource Conservation Commission
Page 2
3. Negative Declaration IS-93-09, Landscape Manual - Kracha noted there is still a lot of
work to do on the manual. His comments were given to Reid and Commissioners were
requested to submit their comments as well. This item was trailed to another meeting by
direction of the Chairman.
4. Negative Declaration IS-94-21, Otay Pazk Renovation -Reid reported the phasing part of
the project is the most controversial. People want the gym built first but no funding is
available. Kracha requested the project be in accordance with the new Landscape Manual.
It was MSUC (Hall/Guerreiro) to accept the negative declaration; vote 4-0.
5. No RCC recommendation made on any item on the Planning Commission's agenda.
STAFF REPORT:
• Doug Reid reported that all departments were drrected by the City Manager to cut their
budget by 2%, which amounts to about $50 for RCC. It was suggested that the donation
to the Historical Society could be reduced (presently $200).
• Reid reported on the state AET conference he attended last week including a Mobile
Workshop.
CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS:
Kracha met with Mike Meacham about compost purchasing and replacing lawn mower blades
with mulching blades. Meacham told him he would attempt to put a compost bin neaz Home
Depot or Nurseryhmd, with greens material to be made available to the public.
The new YMCA facility in Rancho Del Rey is located under the electromagnetic force power
lines.
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS:
• Hall was unsure whether she'll be at the next meeting. She reminded members to call in case
they'll be absent.
• Burrascano met with Michael Meacham regazding the recycling of mixed papers.
• Guerreiro mentioned that a program exists in coastal cities for private organizations to stencil
storm drains. The City of Chula Vista will not allow it to be done by outsiders.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Krdcha at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
EXPRESS SECRETARIAL SERVICES
Barbara Taylor `~~