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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRCC MIN 1994/06/201\~IINUTES OF A SCHIDULED REGULAR MEETING Resource Conservation Commission Chula Vista, California 6:30 p.m. Conference Room A~1 Monday, February 7, 1994 Public Services Building CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman ICracha. City Staff Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid called roll. Present: Commissioners IZracha, 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 NIINUTFS: It was MSUC (Ghougassian/Bunascano) 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 limited environmental interest and there was no need for a new end~ronmental impact report." Vote 4-0 [Johnson not present for vote]. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 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 aze 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. Bracha 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 yeaz 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 regazdin~ 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 El Dorado Building, Suite O. He shared his previous work experience with the Boazd. 2. IS-91-15 Bonita Hills Estates, Michael Demich, applicant, was present, along with the biological consultant. This project has been going through the system for 3-1/2 yeazs for approval. H6 has akeady 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 requirements. Part of the mitigation is to build around the good quality coastal sage. The legal listing of environmental species was akeady met. Resource Conservation Commission Page 2 In the discussion, Burtascano requested to put restrictions on the landscape with homes adjacent to the coastal sage (i.e., no ice plant that would gmw down into the existing plants), and to have no work done during the breeding season (already set forth by federal law.) The applicant noted that they have aheady paid many fees on the schools and have bean added to their Mello Roos program two years ago. It was moved and seconded (Ghougassian/Johnson) 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 COMMENTS: 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 SECRETARIAL SERVICES ~(~ ~:~ `~ Barbara Taylor MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING Resource Conservation Commission Chula Vista, California 6:30 p.m. Conference Room /il Monday, Mazch 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 unlmown at this time. Guerreiro stated he was absent Mazch 7th due to a test at school; however, no vote was taken due to lack of quorum from that meeting. APPROVAL OF MINLTfES: Due to lack of quorum from the March 7th meeting, the minutes were not approved. NEW BUSINESS: The agenda item No. 2 was taken out of order to accommodate the guest, Gary Williams, City Landscape Planner. He reviewed Negative Declaration 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 landscape and city parks, and suggested they be incorporated into one manual as the standards and specs aze ongoing and related. He also commented on those properties built prior to the current standards and the need to upgrade. Guerreiro questioned the planting of invasive plants next to open space azea. Mr. Williams stated an "undesirable plant list" of those plants and grasses will be included in the manual. Drought-tolerant plants 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 uncleaz what constitutes "common azeas" and Barbara Reid stated other forms of cooperation organizations, i.e., the water district and school districts, are some examples. Under "Drought Tolerant Plant" on 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 staflons). 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 would make this paragraph untrue and this should be researched. With these and other minor comments, Kracha felt the document was not ready for presentation. It was MSUC (Ghougassian/Hall) that staff complete work on this City Landscape Manual Resource Conservation Commission Page 2 and present as one document rather than two separate 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 neaz the freeway onramp. She felt that bicycles could stay up on the sidewalk separate from vehicle traffic lanes, and make another section for pedestrians. Guerreim suggests City contact the biking association to get their opinion. It was moved by Hall not to accept the negative declaration; 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 aheady responded to the letter from the owner on the status of the sign. Bazbara Reid to relay message to staff. I{racha requested staff also fmd out how to get this item back into RCC's budget. 4. Environmentalist of the Year award - 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 awazd. 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. Gueaeiro asked if the Commission could 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. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Kracha at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, EXPRESS SECRETARIAL SERVICES ~~~~ ~~~~ Barbara Taylor MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING Resource Conservation Commission Chula Vista, California 6:30 p. m. Council Conference Room Monday, April 11, 1994 City Hall Building CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Chairman Kracha. City Staff Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid called roll. Present: Commissioners Hall, Kracha, Ghougassian, Johnson, and Burrascano. It was MSUC (Johnson/Hall) to excuse Commissioner Myers from last meeting and also through the summer until she finishes school; motion carried 5-0. It was MSUC (Hall/Burrascano) to excuse Guerreiro from the meeting of Mazch 7 and April 11 due to his school exams; motion carried 5-0. It was MSUC (Hail/Burrascanoj to excuse Johnson from the meeting of Mazch 21 due to vacation; motion carried 5-0. Bracha stated he will be on vacation May 2-June 10, 1994. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was MSUC (Johnson/Hall) to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 7, 1994. The minutes of Mazch 21 could not be approved due to no quorum present from that meefing. It was noted that the minutes of February 7, 1994 aze still unapproved. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Used Motor Oil Grant Application -Michael Meacham explained the grant requirements and how he is seeking to have some of the money charged from the oil to be returned to the City. The $240,000 regional grant application is being done on behalf of Imperial Beach, National City and Chula Visa. He will also ask assistance from schools and businesses to educate the public on programs to recycle oil. The Nature Center currently has these classes and will work with them on preserving the environment. It was MSUC (Hall/Ghougassian) to recommend that Council approve the grant; motion carried 5-0. 2. Review of Negative Declaration IS-94-1Q, Bonita Road Bicycle Lane: It is noted liiat the lanes were included in the General Plan. Opposition to the negative declaration included comments on the cost, excess traffic, and that underground utilities would need to be relocated. A motion was made by Ghougassian to reject the project as it is not economical to the City; motion died due to lack of second. A motion was made by Hall, seconded by Burrascano to accept the negative declaration; motion carried 4-1, no: Ghougassian. Another motion was made by Hall, seconded by Ghougassian that the project be denied due to safety problems with traffic. Burrascano felt that the bicycle lane was the best Resource Conservation Commission Pale 2 alternative for bikes. However, Hall and Ghougassian felt the danger existed for bikes to be riding in the busy intersection too close to the freeway; motion failed 3-2, no: Burrascano, Kracha. A motion was made by Ghougassian, seconded by Hall to deny the project due to unnecessary expense; motion failed 3-2, no: Burrascano, Kracha. 3. Review of Negafive Declaration IS-94-14, European Parts Club, presented by Mr. Martinez. After brief discussion, it was MSUC (Ghougassian/Burrascano) to accept the negative declazation; motion carved 5-0. 4. Review of Negative Declazation IS-94-19, Modification to the Eastlake Greens GDP/SPA. Information was relayed on the density transfer within the approved azeas of Eastlake Greens, and exchange of property between Otay Ranch and Eastlake. It was MSUC (Burrascano/Hall) to accept the negative declaration; motion carried 5-0. [Ghougassian left the meeting at 7:50 p. m.] 5. Environmental Health Coalition: Kracha was distressed that this item was sent to Council before RCC saw the draft. He questioned how long in advance this was docketed to council. Further, he wondered if there would be other surprises to expect from the relationship between the Environmental Health Coalition and the Environmental Resource Manager. Kracha commented on how parts of the packet appeazed to be generated by the City, however, it is on record that the information is already in effect in San Diego County. The packet further pertains only to City programs and operations, and he thought it should be a countywide program. Since too many questions were left unanswered, this will be an agenda item again at the next meeting. 6. Historical Signs: ICracha again expressed his dissatisfaction that the City Council appropriated funding of $3700 to the Caltural Arts Con:missicn in support of its activities for the remainder of the fiscal yeaz. Consequently, he was offended that in order to cut its budget, the Council had removed the item of historical signs from RCC's budget with the intention that the City Manager would find alternative funding for the signs. However, this has not been done to date, yet the Council appropriated other funds for another Commission. A motion made by Hall and seconded by Burrascano to take the excess and unspent monies in RCC's current budget and designate it to a fund to pay for signs for the historical buildings; vote: 2-2, no: Johnson, Kracha. The no vote was expressed because it does not solve the City's problem nor the City Manager's obligation of finding alternative funding. Kracha stated that the problem of the signs has been unresolved for over five yeazs and residents are still waiting for the signs. Resource Conservation Commission Page 3 It was suggested that a recommendation be made to the City Manager that it consider a budget transfer and requirement funding of the signs. Additionally, as no other source of alternative funds have been found, that this be reinstated as a line item into RCC's budget. The RCC also seeks a commitment from the Council to purchase the balance of the signs for designated historical buildings. 7. Environmentalist of the year awazd: no criteria for nomination was included in the agenda packet. The Commission was informed that a presentation could be made at the Beautification Awazd banquet on May 31, 1994. Since no nominations were made by this date, nothing will be done for this year. It was suggested that criteria be developed for nominations and that planning begin in a timely manner next year. STAFF REPORT: Doug Reid handed out information for the staff contact person on the issue papers. CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS: Kracha communicated his disappointment in the way RCC is going. COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS: Burrascano reported she heazd back from Staff on the Landscape Manual and Brush Management. Doug Reid said that staff members aze willing to answer questions before the Commission if requested. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Kracha at 8:30 p. m. Respectfully submitted, EXPRESS SECRETATcIAL SERVICES i 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 City 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 wuld not be approved due to lack of quorum from that meeting. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Barbara Bamberger presented information on the wntract 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 5-8% 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 alm 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 their 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 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. Negative Declazation 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 directed 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 near Home Depot or Nurseryland, 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 Waxed 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 Kracha at 8:10 p. m. Respectfully submitted, EXPRESS SECRETARIAL SERVICES Bazbaza Taylor