HomeMy WebLinkAboutRCC MIN 1997/11/17CORRECTED MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING
Resource Conservation Commission
Chula Vista, California
6:30 P.M. Conference Room #2 & 3
Monday, June 9, 1997 Public Services Building
CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:31 P.M. by Vice
Chair Marquez. City Staff Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid called roll. Present:
Commissioners Fisher, Marquez, McAlister, Thomas, and Yamada. Also present: Constance
Byram, McMillin Co. and Jess Valenzuela, Parks & Recreation Dept.
It was MSUC (Marquez/Yamada) to excuse Commissioner Burrascano who is on vacation; vote
5-0, motion carried. It was MSUC (Thomas/Marquez) to excuse Commissioner Hall who is out
of town; vote 5-0, motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was MSUC (Thomas/Fisher) to approve the minutes of the
meeting of March 24, 1997, with the following corrections:
a. On page 1 under bullet #2, move the last sentence to follow the second sentence.
b. Under bullet #6, change "these emissions" to "the emissions."
c. On page 2, l.c. replace the word "natural" with "native."
d. On page 3, #5, 5th sentence, replace "these seeds" with "this species."
e. Under Commissioner's Comments, paragraph 2, the second sentence is corrected to
read, "Ms. Marquez also mentioned that the Sweetwater Authority will be putting a
demineralization plant at Sweetwater Road downstream from a potential source of pollution
from SR-125. Chemical spills would threaten our water."
Vote 5-0; motion carried. A copy of the corrected minutes of March 24, 1997, is attached.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
Item #2 of the agenda was moved first. Discussion of Open Space Maintenance District:
Jess Valenzuela discussed the various codes given to open space and park lands, with Code
1 being the manicured streets, medians, and parkways, and Code 5 being rural, primitive,
and natural open space within the 35 total districts. He explained that most open space
lands fall under this Code 5. Grading and trimming maintenance were reported to be the
biggest expense to the park system.
Commissioner Thomas noted that dust control in parks, parking lots, public pathways,
during grading and along adjacent construction sites is an important consideration for Mr.
Valenzuela's department and also to other Public Works areas. San Joaquin Valley Fever
(Coccidioidomycosis or "Cocci") and other endemic fungi conditions are disseminated by
spores in the dust to workers, children, and other peoples. Dust and also certain types of
groundcover may also promote allergies, asthma, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary
conditions.
Resource Conservation Commission Page 2
She also noted that, at the present time, California oleander, which is commonly used as a
municipal and highway meridian groundcover, is being destroyed by a disease agent for
which there is no prevention or treatment. Therefore, she recommended that the City hire
an experienced horticulturist who would make appropriate vegetation selections for City
parks, municipal public lands, roadside areas, etc. In addition, she recommended that the
city alert other department supervisors and workers (maintenance and public works
departments) concerning the significant economic impact as well as health effect, these
considerations have currently and in the future.
Discussion was held on management of other invasive plants and concern was raised that
stricter rules be enforced for Code 5 areas within open space preserves. Mr. Valenzuela
stated the parks department staff does the landscaping maintenance to curtail the invasive
plants as well as handle brush management for fire prevention.
Ms. Constance Byram presented the history and background of the Oak Preserve in Rice
Canyon, although the only oaks there have been planted this year, which was originally a
teaching canyon for Southwestern Satellite School. The area was erroneously declared a
California State Oak Preserve while the property was owned by McMillin. McMillin is
attempting to have Discovery School maintain the oaks they have just planted in the
preserve. The current deteriorated metal signs will be replaced.
2. Review of Negative Declaration 15-97-19: Mr. Reid reported on the negative declaration.
Concern was raised on off-site mitigation for the loss of coastal sage scrub through the
Marron Valley Preserve. It was felt by RCC that to mitigate in Marron Valley is
biologically inappropriate. After a brief discussion, it was MSUC (Yamada/Thomas) to
accept the negative declaration with the recommendation that for all environmental impacts
within the City of Chula Vista, mitigation be sought to be contiguous or adjacent to open
space within the City of Chula Vista and any recommendations made by the paleontologist
be complied with prior to continued grading on this site; vote 5-0, motion carried.
3. Review of Planning Commission Agenda for June 11, 1997:
a. Public Hearing: SUPS-96-06; Request for a special use permit to continue storage
yard at 2451 Faivre Street - No action by RCC.
b. Public Hearing: PCA-97-O5; Consideration of amendment to Sections 19.22.170 and
19.64.180 of the Municipal Code - No action by RCC.
c. Public Hearing: PCM-94-04; Consideration of a street name change from East
Orange Avenue to Olympic Parkway between I-805 and Wueste Road - No action by
RCC.
d. PCM-96-24; Noticing procedures for public hearings -The current notification
procedure was reviewed. After a brief discussion, it was moved and seconded
(Marquez/Thomas) to recommend to extend the area of notification to 1000 feet to
ensure maximum public notification; vote 4-1 (no -Fisher; he felt there are more
effective ways of communication).
Resource Conservation Commission
STAFF REPORT:
I. Eastlake directional signs: It was reported that: (a) some signs are in the County of San
Diego and not within the City of Chula Vista jurisdiction, (b) some signs along Telegraph
Canyon Road were in the County's jurisdiction when posted, but the area was recently
annexed; and (c) other signs were installed without permission from the City of Chula Vista.
Eastlake has filed for conditional use permits for offsite subdivision directional signs but
may not all meet the regulations set forth by the City. Staff will continue to follow up on
this issue of excessive signage along Telegraph Canyon/Otay Lakes Road and report to the
RCC.
2. Grading near Archway Inn: This area is a utility easement for the Elks Lodge. It did take
some scrub and plans are to revegetate onsite.
3. $10,000 Grant to City of Chula Vista/[JCSD: Bob Leiter's report was that this was a
statewide grant given for the purpose of studying the use of the Salt Creek area of the Otay
Ranch as an environmental university site.
CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS:
Staff reported the budget is the same as last year's, with the historical signs budget added into the
RCC for this current fiscal year.
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS:
Commissioner Marquez requested that the Planning Department look into compliance of
maintenance and monitoring reports for mitigation areas.
Commissioner Thomas shared an article from the Environmental Review dealing with gas-
powered engines, leaf blowers, outboard motors, riding mowers, and other contributing CoZ
emissions. She also handed out a list of Environmental Organizations of San Diego County.
Commissioner Marquez reported that Chair Burrascano presented the Environmentalist of the
Year award to Barbara Moore. She also reminded members that Barbara Hall's term on the
Commission expires June 30.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Vice Chair Marquez at 8:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
EXPRESS SECRETARIAL SERVICES
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Barbara Taylor J
CORRECTED MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING
Resource Conservation Commission
Chula Vista, California
6:30 P.M. Conference Room #1
Monday, July 21, 1997 Public Services Building
CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:39 P.M. by Chair
Burrascano. City Staff Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid called roll. Present:
Commissioners Burrascano, Hall, Marquez, McAlister. It was MSUC (Burrascano/Marquez) to
excuse Commissioner Yamada due to family commitment, and to excuse Commissioner Thomas
who had a previous urgent meeting commitment; vote 4-0, motion carried. Commissioner Fisher
was absent without notice. Also present: Duane Bazzel, Principal Planner.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. This item on the agenda was moved up to accommodate Mr. Bazzel. He was present to
review the City's $10,000 grant received from UCSD. He stated that a "University Task
Force" was established to work with the City to tie in the University of California Chula
Vista site planning with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife and U.S. Fish & Game. This task force
will also work with the State to establish an approach to obtain a UC campus located within
the southeast portion of Salt Creek Canyon which is located within a highly sensitive area.
Mr. Bazzel stated that the proposed university site will be one with the least amount of
environmental impacts. A high tech biotech option will be presented to attract the
opportunity for research for the university. It was clarified that other cities are dependent
on Chula Vista signing documents to approve the MSCP and that no entities will be allowed
a take the gnatcatcher. Mr. Bazzel reiterated that most of the $10,000 grant will be for staff
time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: No quorum was present from the June 9, 1997 meeting to approve
the minutes.
NEW BUSINESS (continued)
2. Review of Negative Declaration IS-97-09; Burger King at Bonita Road -Doug Reid briefly
reviewed the project's traffic and circulation analysis. It was MSUC (Hall/Marquez) to
accept the negative declaration; vote 4-0, motion carried.
Review of Negative Declaration IS-96-08; CMI Truck Terminal/Trailer Storage - Mr. Reid
pointed out that the operators have not signed off on the mitigated negative declaration. If
they do not proceed and sign off, the city attorney will proceed with litigation.
Commissioner Marquez requested a more detailed map which specifically denotes the
location of the Otay River rather than listing it as "whiteland" on the current map. The
Resource Conservation Commission Page 2
RCC expressed concerns about the late hours of operation near a residential area, that no
reports were provided for mitigation monitoring, drainage between the two lots had been
illegally filled in, and expiration of the conditional use permit, among other negative
impacts. Due to the number of problems associated with the project, and inadequate time
for review since it was received just prior to the meeting, the RCC did not feel it could vote
on this item at this time. Continued to the next meeting.
4. Election of Officers -This item will continue when all members are present.
Review of Planning Commission Agenda:
A. PCC-97-39 Request for CUP for federal government - no action by RCC.
B. Bayfront/Town Centre I Redevelopment Plan -Community Development project; no
action by RCC.
C. SUPS-96-06 -Request for special use permit at 2451 Faivre Street (CMI) - no further
action by RCC.
D. SUPS-96-08(1 -Request additional day of operation for Swap Meet on L Street - It
was MSUC (Ha1UBurrascano) that no extension be granted for an extension of time
on the special use permit; vote 4-0, motion carried.
STAFF REPORT:
Otay Ranch Ownership - Mr. Reid reported the ownership of the land is through the
Pritchard Family Trust with Baldwin Company as the processor of the property. A list of
ownerships and map of Otay Ranch were reviewed.
MMP Reports -Concerns were raised that mitigation reports be kept up to date. It was
explained that the Olympic Training Center reports were late due to the OTC not having
available funds to prepare them on a timely basis; funds were just recently received. In
Rancho Del Rey, RCC had requested reports be provided on mitigation monitoring. They
are not current. Mitigation was done but had failed and will be done again later. A
September 1994 included a revegetation plan that was submitted by RECON. The plant
pallet element of revegetation plan will be modified. In other projects where mitigation was
required, a system exists to ensure mitigation has been met; however, it is difficult to track
and enforce if not completed. Mr. Reid pointed out that the City did withhold some
building permits.
CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS: Chair Burrascano expressed her sincere thanks to Barbara Hall
for her years of dedicated service on the Resource Conservation Commission. Commissioner Hall
stated she will continue to serve until another member is appointed by the Council.
Resource Conservation Commission
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS: The Boards and Commissions meeting was attended by
RCC Commissioners McAlister, Burrascano and Marquez. They noted that a Planning
Commission member told them that they receive only the action taken by RCC without
comments to accompany the reasons for the action. RCC members would like to see a list of the
comments be submitted to the Planning Commission to allow for their adequate time for review.
After brief discussion and based on the above comments, a motion was made (Marquez/Hall) to
relay to the Planning Commission that the RCC did not approve of the extension of the special
use permit for CMI Truck TerminaUTrailer Storage because of the many potential problems in
approval; further, they could not fully address the issues at this time due to inadequate time for
review because reports were received just prior to the meeting; vote 4-0, motion carried.
A second motion was made and seconded (MarquezQIall) to alert the Planning Commission that
mitigation monitoring reports required under project approval are coming in late or not at all, are
not being submitted as required, and requested the Planning Commission be aware that something
should be done to reinforce those requirements; vote 4-0, motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Chair Burrascano at 8:40 Y.M.
Respectfully submitted,
EXPRESS SECRETARIAL SERVICES
l
Barbara Taylor
CORRECTED MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING
Resource Conservation Commission
Chula Vista, California
6:30 P.M. Conference Room #5
Monday, August 11, 1997 Public Services Building
CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by Chair
Burrascano. City Staff Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid called roll. Present:
Commissioners Burrascano, Hall, Marquez, McAlister, and Thomas. Also present were: Charles
Bull, Mr. & Mrs. Bustamante, and Mr. Matt Peterson ofPeterson-Price.
It was MSUC (MarquezBurrascano) to excuse Commissioners Yamada due to a family
commitment and Fisher due to a business conflict this evening, and to excuse Commissioner
Fisher from the July 21 meeting due to the birth of his baby; vote 5-Q motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was MSUC (HallBurrascano) to approve the minutes of the
meeting of July 21, 1997 with corrections; revised minutes attached. Vote 4-0-1 (Thomas
abstained due to absence from the July 21, 1997 meeting); motion carried.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Mc Charles Bull was introduced as the new RCC member
replacing Barbara Hall. He will be sworn in at the next Council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
The item on Recycling Market Development Zone was moved up on the agenda to #1.
Michael Meacham presented an overview of this state-funded program. He noted that with
regard to energy discounts, those businesses within the zone who use new or additional
electricity would receive the 15% discount. Commissioner Marquez did not feel that the
City should be involved in private business and that giving discounts to high electricity users
is not environmentally conscientious. Mr. Meacham stated that the Community
Development has been tasked to coordinate these types of projects. He answered questions
on the benefits of recycling and developing markets of this program. Commissioner
Thomas felt that this program was good for the local economy. Mr. Meacham reiterated
the benefits to the City. As an example, he explained that of the $650,000 received from
the State of California in oil grants this past year, nearly $500,000 of those funds were spent
just in Chula Vista.
A motion was made (Thomas/Ha1l), to recommend that Council endorse the City's addition
to the Recycling Market Development Zone and approve the Memorandum of
Understanding between the City of Chula Vista and the City of San Diego that will establish
the framework for an application to the state for zone redesignation. Vote 4-1; No -
Marquez felt there was little advantage in this program and did not feel the City should be
involved in this form of enterprise; motion carried.
Resource Conservation Commission Page 2
2. Review of Negative Declaration IS-96-08; CMI Truck TerminaUTrailer Storage: Matt
Peterson ofPeterson-Price, represented CMI Trucking. He stated that the applicant and
operator signed off on the mitigated negative declaration. There were no comments
received from area residents; however, some complaints went to APCD regarding high
amounts of dust. Several other concerns were raised by the RCC as follows:
a. With regard to the Wetland Monitoring Report, no 12-month report was submitted
and it is unknown whether vegetation monitoring was completed according to plan.
Reports were submitted in July and September 1996; another was due in June 1997 but was
not received. Commissioners felt that there did not appear to be any plan to follow up on
compliance with mitigation.
b. This site is located on the border of the green belt. RCC was concerned that
excessive dust affects the surrounding wetlands and vegetation along the Otay River. Mr.
Peterson stated CMI had been spraying magnesium chloride (listed on the dust control list
as acceptable) onto the ground leading onto the lot and on the dirt lot itself and there has
been no complaint of dust since then. He stated the "Dust Control Agents" list was
generated by an air quality specialist and verified by biologists. RCC felt that some of the
items listed, especially those containing hydrocarbon or freon, were illegal. They were
concerned that the sprays may affect groundwater and possibility of a chemical intrusion
exists into the adjacent wetlands. Mr. Peterson confirmed that if impacts were identified the
spraying would be discontinued; however, the RCC felt that once the wetlands were
destroyed there is no time to recoup the land and habitat.
c. The late hours of operation for trucks located within a residential area was a concern.
Mr. Peterson reported there was decreased traflic in the evening. No complaints were
received from residents.
d. The speed of truckers became a safety issue and speed bumps will be built for
compliance to the negative declaration.
e. Commissioner Thomas raised further concern with dust; specifically, that no tests
were conducted for the San Joaquin Valley Fever spores which are fairly common in this
area. She suggested a good ground cover or gravel be used to minimize the dust onto the
roadway and to prevent dust from spreading.
f. A question was raised whether a silt fence was required as part of a previous permit.
The current mitigation states the silt fence should be constructed to prevent oil and silt run-
offto the River. The approval of a Special Use Permit was granted without confirmation
the siltation fence was adequately constructed and preventing any run-off.
g. The RCC raised concerns about the effectiveness of the mitigation monitoring
program. They questioned how CMI was allowed to continue its operation two years after
the expiration of its Conditional Use Permit and remained out of compliance on many issues
and with the previous permit.
A motion was made (Thomas/Ntarquez) to recommend that Council deny the negative
declaration as described as it is too close to the Otay River, is located within a mixed
residential and industrial area, and the environmental consultant's reviews need to be
current on monitoring and time lines; vote 3-2 (Ayes: Hall/Thomas/Marquez; Nos:
McAlisterBurrascano), motion failed.
Resource Conservation Commission
A second motion was made (Burrascano/McAlister) to recommend the Planning
Commission enforce the one-year time limit and that unless all mitigation is met, no permit
be allowed; the current structure of dust, siltation, oil, wetland impact, reports not timely
submitted, no monitoring taking place, and expiration of CUP are not in compliance with
negative declaration; vote 3-2 (Ayes: Burrascano/Hall/McAlister, Nos: Thomas/Marquez;
motion failed.
A third motion was made (HalUThomas) to recommend to the Planning Commission to
review and approve the safety of listed dust control agents for health and environmental
considerations. The RCC requested the City impose strict requirements for mitigation
monitoring reports and then forward comments back to RCC. They also noted the CMI
Trucking's past performance shows consistent noncompliance. Vote 5-0, motion carried.
A fourth motion was made (Marquez/Hall) to recommend to the Planning Commission the
following: (a) that no extension of the special use permit be granted due to non-compliance
of the Conditional Use Permit; (b) late hours of operation and residential use is
unacceptable; (c) request the 12-month mitigation monitoring report that is overdue be
delivered before the Planning Commission makes its decision; (d) if negative declaration is
approved to require the mitigation monitoring report be submitted to RCC within 3 months
confirming placement of siltation fence and that dust control measures are met; (e) conduct
community survey with regard to its concerns as part of the mitigation process showing
compliance of reduction of dust, speeding, noise, and truck access from Jacqua Street.
Vote 5-0, motion carried.
3. Review of Negative Declaration IS-97-23 -Bustamante Residence. Present were the
applicants, Mr. and Mrs. Bustamante. It was MSUC (Thomas/McAlister) to recommend
approval of the negative declaration; 5-0.
4. Review of Planning Commission Agenda -completed with current agenda items.
Election of officers - It was MSUC (MarquezQvlcAlister) to continue this item to the next
meeting when all members are present, vote 5-0, motion carried.
6. Meeting Schedule - It was MSUC (MarquezBurrascano) to change the RCC meetings to
meet on the Monday one week prior to the Planning Commission's meeting; Staff to take
appropriate legal measures for the change in meeting date; vote 5-0, motion carried.
STAFF REPORT: The new Acting Director of Planning is now Ken Lee; Duane Bazzell is the
Temporary Acting Assistant.
CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS: Chair Burrascano welcomed Charles Bull as the new member of
the RCC and congratulated Barbara Hall for her years of service and dedication.
Resource Conservation Commission Page 4
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS:
Barbara Hall expressed her thanks to the Commissioners for their work together over the years.
She also requested that she continue to be sent a copy of the Agenda.
Commissioner Thomas mailed Task Force reports to Staff from Kern County Public Health to
possibly compare and contrast the City ordinances and adapt to its own as necessary and
appropriate.
On behalf of the RCC, Commissioner McAlister wished to extend condolences to Councilman
Steve Padilla whose mother passed away last week. A moment of silence was held.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Chair Burrascano at 8:50 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 #1
Monday, September 15, 1997 Public Services Building
CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.tvt. by
Commissioner Yamada. City Staff Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid called roll.
Present: Commissioners Bull, McAlister, Thomas, and Yamada; Commissioners Marquez and
Burrascano arrived late; Commissioner Fisher was absent without notice.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was MSUC (McAlister/Mazquez) to approve the minutes of the
meeting of June 9, 1997 and August 11, 1997, with corrections as submitted; vote 4-0-2
(abstained -Commissioner Bull was not a member at the time, Burrascano was not present for
discussion), motion carried.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Meacham announced that the last Household Toxics Collection Event will take place on
Saturday, October 18, 1997. He reported on the termination of the County's Household
Hazardous Waste Program with plans to replace it with asub-regional program to include
the City of Chula Vista partnering with Coronado, Imperial Beach, and National City.
Commissioner Thomas felt that the sub-regional plan would be the preferred program. She
commented that business entities on both sides of the border be encouraged to control
hazardous waste generated by their businesses. Burrascano expressed concern that the
tipping fee be spread to those who use the system so that those participating in the program
not be penalized. It was MSUC (BulUThomas) to recommend that Council approve and
support the proposed program and for Staff to move forward; vote 6-0, motion carried.
E-ection of Officers - It was MSUC (MarquezBurrascano) to nominated Robert Yamada as
Chairman and Cindy Burrascano as vice-chair; vote 6-0; motion carried.
Discussion on Valley Fever -rescheduled to later meeting. Engineering Department will be
requested to present proposals for grading ordinance and provide same at a future meeting.
STAFF REPORT: Doug Reid handed out a schedule of meetings for the balance of this year and
for 1998; Monday 3/30/98 was added to the calendar. Mr. Reid also announced that Bob Leiter
moved out of the city. Ken Lee is the Acting Director of Planning and Duane Bazzell is the
Acting Assistant Director of Planning.
Resource Conservation Commission Page 2
CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS: Chairman Yamada extended his thanks to the Commission for
electing him as chair. He commented on ways the Commission could use their time more
efficiently during meetings.
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS:
McAlister enjoyed the Recognition Event at Whitewater Canyon this past weekend.
Thomas noted the Water Park directional signage while exiting the park is inadequate and unclear
and poses a potential dangerous situation.
Commissioner Thomas wished to add her comments to the June 9, 1997 meeting with regard to
dust control. For purposes of the charge of this commission, "appropriate" vegetation would
include the following qualities:
- Appropriate to habitat -nondestructive to habitat community
-Non-demanding of imported water (xerophytic)
-Resistant to pathogens
-Low maintenance - economic to maintain
- Available
-Non-harmful to other flora, fauna, people, and nearby environment (aquifer, air, bodies of water,
etc); i.e., sowing thistles and poison oak along the Tijuana River Valley as reported in 7/20/97
Union-Tribune is highly inappropriate.
Marquez noted that Barbara Hall had requested she be sent a copy of the agenda but did not
receive one. Marquez asked that another follow-up to the report on Eastlake directional signs be
provided. She also noted that the CMI's update on mitigation monitoring report is still overdue.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Yamada at 8:16 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
EXPRESS SECRETARIAL SERVICES
~_ ~ ~~~ %t 1c ~ci ~'~~ ~ ~i
Barbara Taylor J