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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2006/12/05 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA December 5, 2006 4:00 P.M. A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 4: 13 p.m.3 in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers: Castaneda, Chavez, McCann, Rindone and Mayor Padilla ABSENT: Councilmembers: None ALSO PRESENT: Interim City Manager Thomson, City Attorney Moore, City Clerk Bigelow, and Deputy City Clerk Bennett PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG LED BY BL YSS, JOHNNY AND GRANT MCCANN; RAQUEL RAMIREZ; JACOB, MADELIN AND PAUL CHAVEZ, AND ASHLEIGH PADILLA NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMED BY JAMES PINKNEY INVOCATION BY THE REVEREND DR. RICHARD FREEMAN SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY 1. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-352, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA RECITING THE FACTS OF THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD IN SAID CITY ON NOVEMBER 7, 2006 AND DECLARING THE RESULTS THEREOF AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS ARE PROVIDED BY LAW The Registrar of Voters has transmitted the certified results of the Special Municipal Election held on November 7, 2006. Elections Code Section 15372 requires the City Clerk, as the elections official, to transmit the certified results to the Council. Elections Code Section 15400 requires the Council to declare the results of the election. The proposed resolution contains the official results as reported by the Registrar of Voters. (City Clerk) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. ACTION: Mayor Padilla offered Resolution No. 2006-352, heading read, text waived. The motion carried 5-0. COMMENTS BY DEPARTING ELECTED OFFICIALS: "* COMMENTS BY OUTGOING MAYOR STEPHEN C. PADILLA Mayor Padilla gave his outgoing comments, expressing his sincere thanks, appreciation and gratitude to the community and City staff for their support. He then gave special thanks to his daughter, Ashleigh Padilla, and his father, Don Wroe. "* COMMENTS BY OUTGOING COUNCILMEMBER PATTY CHAVEZ Councilmember Chavez gave her outgoing comments and thanked the community, City staff, colleagues and family for their support. OATHS OF OFFICE FOR RE-ELECTED AND NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS: "* OATH OF OFFICE FOR RECENTLY RE-ELECTED COUNCILMEMBER JOHN MCCANN TO BE ADMINISTERED BY MYSSIE MCCANN Myssie McCann administered the oath of office to Councilmember McCann, and City Clerk Bigelow presented him with the certificate of election. "* COMMENTS BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHN MCCANN Councilmember McCann thanked his family for their support. He then spoke about the City's accomplishments over the past four years and about moving forward with future plans for investment and a positive economic climate for the City. "* OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEWLY ELECTED COUNCILMEMBER RUDY RAMIREZ TO BE ADMINISTERED BY RODOLFO AND VIRGINIA RAMIREZ Rodo1fo and Virginia Ramirez administered the oath of office to Councilmember Ramirez, and City Clerk Bigelow presented him with the certificate of election. "* COMMENTS BY COUNCILMEMBER RUDY RAMIREZ Councilmember Ramirez thanked his family for their guidance and support. He spoke about revamping the City's ethics ordinance and bringing forth a sensible lobbying registration proposal, addressing issues of the City budget, redevelopment, public safety, recruitment of a new City Manager, focusing on creating a work environment for City staff where excellence can flourish, and providing a destination of community benefits. Norbert Stein delivered a poem to the audience entitled "Happy Holidays". Page 2 - Council Minutes http://www .chulavistaca.gov December 5, 2006 *"OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEWLY ELECTED MAYOR CHERYL COX TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE HONORABLE GREGORY R. COX The Honorable Gregory Cox administered the oath of office to Mayor Cox, and City Clerk Bigelow presented her with the certificate of election. *" COMMENTS BY MAYOR CHERYL COX Mayor Cox thanked all Chula Vista Elementary School District staff and City staff. She also thanked and recognized her campaign staff and the many contributions by former Councilmembers. She congratulated newly elected and re-elected Councilmembers Ramirez and McCann. Lastly, she thanked her family for their support. RECESS FOR RECEPTION AND THENCE TO A CLOSED SESSION OF THE NEWLY CONSTITUTED COUNCIL At 5:10 p.m., Mayor Cox declared a recess for the reception and announced that the newly constituted Council would convene for Closed Session at 5 :45 p.m. to consider the following: 2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINEIDISMISSAL/RELEASE PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 At 6:06 p.m., Mayor Cox reconvened the meeting. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers: Castaneda, McCann, Ramirez, Rindone and Mayor Cox ABSENT: Councilmembers: None ALSO PRESENT: Interim City Manager Thomson, City Attorney Moore, City Clerk Bigelow, and Deputy City Clerk Bennett ACTION: Mayor Cox reported that in Closed Session, the incumbent in the position of Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator in the Department of Mayor and Council was removed from office pursuant to the provisions in Charter section 500(b). CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 3 through II) With regard to Item II, Councilmember Rindone asked staff for a response to additional information he had previously requested on this item. Police Chief Emerson explained that comparables were added in the report that included costs per meal per inmate. Councilmember Rindone stated that he believed that there would also be comparables available from the school district. Chief Emerson replied that the Sweetwater School District reported that they produce about 4 million meals per year, based upon the number of students and school days, at an approximate cost of $2 per meal. He stated that the Police Department would be producing a maximum of 30,000 meals that would be delivered by a private vendor, while Sweetwater utilizes its own in-house staff. Chief Emerson believed that the proposed staff recommendation was appropriate and gave the best price point possible. Page 3 - Council Minutes http://www .chulavistaca.gov December 5, 2006 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) Councilmember Castaneda stated that he would abstain from voting on Item 11, since he owns property within 500 feet of the Police Department facility. Regarding Item 11, Councilmember Ramirez commented that progress has been made to pay for the Police Department holding facility and asked what could be expected in the years to come. Police Chief Emerson replied that the City has entered into a contract with the State of California to open up 50% of the City's jail capacity to a program run by state parole for an education component for non-violent offenders, primarily drug offenders from the region, that would generate revenues of $600,000 per year. A target date of December 15, 2006 is set to commence with the program. The remaining 50% jail capacity would accommodate local arrests and bookings of offenders. Councilmember Ramirez asked if the City has abandoned any ideas to achieve the projected revenues. Chief Emerson responded that the City is on point to bring in $802,000 of the projected $989,000 for fiscal year 2006/2007. Councilmember Ramirez stated that he would be interested in seeing the revenues continue and would like to meet with staff to discuss the matter. 3. ORDINANCE NO. 2006-3051, ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A REZONE (PCZ-06-04) FROM S90 ZONE TO CENTRAL COMMERCIAL PRECISE PLAN (CC-P) ZONE AND ESTABLISHING A PRECISE PLAN MODIFYING STANDARD FOR A 3.6 ACRE PORTION OF A 5.5 ACRE SITE LOCATED AT 912-944 THIRD A VENUE Adoption of the ordinance approves a rezone and establishes a precise plan, modifYing standard for 3.6 acres of a 5.5-acre site located at 912-944 Third Avenue. This ordinance was introduced on November 16,2006. (Acting Community Development Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the ordinance. 4. ORDINANCE NO. 2006-3052, ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 6 "ANIMALS" TO ADD CHAPTER 6.30 ENTITLED ANIMAL SALES, AND SECTIONS 6.30.010 Adoption of the ordinance makes it a misdemeanor to give away, offer for sale, or transfer any animal, bird, or reptile on public property or private property open to the public. This ordinance was introduced on November 21, 2006. (General Services Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the ordinance. 5. ORDINANCE NO. 2006-3053, ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.05.010 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF UNCLASSIFIED POSITIONS TO ADD THE POSITIONS OF CALIFORNIA BORDER ALLIANCE GROUP (CBAG) - DIRECTOR OF SAN DIEGO LAW ENFORCEMENT COORDINATION CENTER (SD LECC), CBAG ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST 1 AND CBAG ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST II Page 4 - Council Minutes http://www .chulavistaca.gov December 5, 2006 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) Adoption of this ordinance adds the positions of CBAG - Director of San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center (SD LECC), and CBAG Administrative Analyst I and II. All positions are fully funded through the southwest high intensity drug trafficking area, with an additional 3% administrative fee paid to the City for the payroll and benefits administration. This ordinance was introduced on November 21, 2006. (Police Chief) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the ordinance. 6. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-353, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING SERVICES WITH SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL SERVICES BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000 BASED ON UNANTICIPATED REVENUE The City has negotiated an agreement with the Southwestern Community College District for educational and training services in an effort to continue to meet the training requirements of the City of Chula Vista Fire Department. (Fire Chief) Staffrecommendation: Council adopt the resolution. 7. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-354, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING VARIOUS DONATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,767 TO THE ANIMAL CARE FACILITY AND APPROPRIATING SAID DONA TED FUNDS The Animal Care Facility (ACF) has received donations totaling $4,767 from various donors from July through October 2006. Adoption of the resolution will allow the donations to be used to purchase medical and laboratory supplies as needed to provide veterinary care. (General Services Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. 8. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-355, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA CAFETERIA BENEFITS PLAN FOR 2007 The Internal Revenue Code requires that employers offering cafeteria plans under Section 125 have a written plan document, and that the employer adopt the plan document annually. Adoption of the resolution fulfills this requirement. (Human Resources Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. 9. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-356, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA TO TRANSFER APPROPRIATIONS BUDGETED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2005 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM TO THE PROPER EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES IN ORDER TO MAKE REQUIRED PURCHASES AND FULFILL GRANT REQUIREMENTS Page 5 - Council Minutes http://www .chulavistaca.gov December 5, 2006 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) Adoption of the resolution transfers budgeted appropriations from the personnel services category to the supplies and services and equipment expenditure categories within the Information Technology Services Department budget. The transfers are required in order to make necessary purchases and fulfill grant requirements. (Information Technology Services Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. 10. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-357, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A THREE-PARTY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA; TERRY A. HAYES ASSOCIATES, LLC., CONSULTANT; AND CV-42 INVESTMENTS, LLC., APPLICANT, RELATED TO PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE RIVERWALK SECTIONAL PLANNING AREA (SPA) PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT The applicant, CV-42 Investments, LLC., has filed an application for the Riverwalk project. The Environmental Review Coordinator has determined that the proposed project requires the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Adoption of the resolution approves an applicant-funded consultant contract with Terry A. Hayes Associates, LLC. for an amount not to exceed $182,615 for the Riverwalk EIR. (Planning and Building Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. 11. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-358, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING PROPOSALS AND AWARDING THE FOOD PREPARATION AND DELIVERY SERVICES AGREEMENT TO PEARTREES CATERING INCORPORATED, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT The Police and Purchasing Departments have completed an evaluation of proposals received for food preparation and delivery services (RFP 1-06/07 -R) for the Police Department's holding facility. Adoption of the resolution accepts proposals, awards the agreement to Peartrees Catering Incorporated, and authorizes the Mayor to execute the agreement. (Police Chief) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. ACTION: Councilmember Castaneda moved to approve staffs recommendations and offered the Consent Calendar, headings read, texts waived. Deputy Mayor McCann seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0, except on Item 11, which carried 4-0-1, with Councilmember Castaneda abstaining since he owns property within 500 feet of the Police Department facility. Page 6 - Council Minutes http://www .chula vistaca.gov December 5, 2006 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR There were none. PUBLIC COMMENTS Elroy Kihano expressed concern about excessive speeding and racing on City streets, particularly in the areas of East Palomar and Olympic Parkway. He was hopeful the Council would look into the matter and said that residents viewing the meeting via video streaming would also contact the City to express their concerns in the hopes of alleviating the problem. Jackie Lancaster spoke on behalf of Barbara Nunnely and the Jade Bay Mobilehome Park residents, reporting on the bankruptcy hearing held on November 29. She said that the Judge had insulted the City and nitpicked the applicable Municipal Code sections. She reported that the park residents would get approximately 15% depreciation value for their homes. Ms. Lancaster distributed a list of urgent needs of the current residents that included packing materials, vouchers, and moving assistance, and, foremost, an affordable place to live that would be close to amenities. She stated that all 38 residents would be without homes in April 2007. She asked how soon help would be made available to the residents and what was holding up information from the City as to how it can help. She was hopeful that the City would waste no time in lending assistance. Steve Molski offered his assistance with any matters related to the mobilehome issues. ACTION ITEMS 12. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS RELATED TO STAFFING IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL AND OF AMENDMENTS TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY FOR POSITIONS ESTABLISHED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL The proposed Council actions involve staffing issues in the Department of Mayor and Council. Items A through C relate to a proposal by Mayor-elect Cox to redesign positions by designating these positions as Legislative Assistants I, II, and III, to serve at the will of the Mayor. The proposed positions would have broader job specifications than the current positions in order to allow greater flexibility in staffing the Department to better meet the needs of the City. The proposal involves the elimination of three positions currently authorized in the Department's budget. The redesigned positions would be funded through cost savings from the eliminated positions; no additional appropriations would be required. Item D is an ordinance to clarify that the Mayor is the appointing authority for positions established in the Department of Mayor and Council unless otherwise provided by City Charter or designated by the Council. Item D further provides that the appointing authority for the Council Assistants and Senior Council Assistants would be delegated to the individual Councilmembers served by them. (City Attorney/Mayor-elect) Page 7 - Council Minutes http://www .chulavistaca. gOY December 5, 2006 ACTION ITEMS (continued) Recommendation: Mayor-elect Cox recommends Council place the ordinances in Items A and B on first reading and adopt the resolution contained in Item C; and the City Attorney recommends that the Council place the ordinance in Item D on first reading. Deputy City Attorney Dawson presented a legal analysis of the proposals. Councilmember Rindone stated that he had no concerns with Item D, which stated what has been in practice. Regarding Items A, B and C, he believed any resulting savings should be returned to the general fund and not reallocated to staff in the Mayor and Council Office. Councilmember Ramirez stated that Item D was appropriate and would codifY existing practice. He expressed concern with disparity and reporting authority to the Mayor rather than the remainder of the Council. He was hopeful that his colleagues would consider the implications and history and make appropriate decisions. Councilmember Castaneda spoke in support of Item D and said he would like further public discussion and further budget reductions, and to look at the needs of all officeholders. He stated that he would like to schedule a holistic discussion as soon as possible to discuss how the Mayor and Council can do the best job for the citizens. Deputy Mayor McCann stated that his concerns were primarily budget related and pointed out that two of the three proposed positions have salary ranges higher than the prior positions. He spoke of the need to look at the matter comprehensively, and he believed that Councilmembers should have individual flexibility and be accountable for their own budgets. He spoke in support of Item D. He asked Interim City Manager Thomson about the policy for staff salaries, equity adjustments, and special merit increases. Interim City Manager Thomson explained the method. Deputy Mayor McCann expressed the need to review the Mayor/Council budget and make decisions equitable for all Councilmembers. Councilmember Ramirez believed that the real issue was the distribution of resources and where the appointing authority lies. Peter Watry opposed the allocation of resources, stating that govemmental decisions needed to be made by the Council as a whole. He urged the Council to re-allocate resources so the part- time members have the opportunity to have the same knowledge as the Mayor without spending any more money. Mayor Cox requested to withdraw Items A, B and C, pending further discussions by the Council. ACTION: It was the consensus of the Council to withdraw Items A, B and C for future discussion. A. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.05.010 TO ADD THE POSITIONS OF LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT I, LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT II, AND LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT III IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL AND THE ALREADY ESTABLISHED POSITION OF COUNCIL ASSISTANT TO THE LIST OF APPROVED UNCLASSIFIED POSITIONS IN THE CITY (4/5THS VOTE REQUIRED - FIRST READING) Page 8 - Council Minutes http://www.chulavistaca. gOY December 5, 2006 ACTION ITEMS (continued) ACTION: B. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA REPEALING ORDINANCE NUMBER 3042 DESIGNATING THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY FOR THE POSITION OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COORDINATOR AS THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL COLLECTIVELY (FIRST READING) C. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA (I) ELIMINATING THE POSITIONS OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COORDINATOR, CONSTITUENT SERVICES MANAGER, AND COASTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY CONSULTANT FROM THE AUTHORIZED POSITIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL'S FISCAL YEAR 2007 BUDGET; (2) AUTHORIZING ONE LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT III POSITION AND TWO LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT II POSITIONS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL'S EXISTING FISCAL YEAR 2007 BUDGET; AND (3) ESTABLISHING THE COMPENSATION FOR THE LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT I, II, AND III POSITIONS Deputy Mayor McCann moved to place the following ordinance on first reading, heading read, text waived: D. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.03.020 TO DESIGNATE THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY FOR COUNCIL ASSISTANTS, SENIOR COUNCIL ASSISTANTS AND OTHER POSITIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL (FIRST READING) Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. OTHER BUSINESS 13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS Interim City Manager Thomson announced that a joint City Council/Port District workshop was scheduled for January 18,2007, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, to discuss the South Bay Power Plan. He then suggested that the Council consider canceling the January 4, 2007 workshop in lieu of the joint workshop. ACTION: It was the consensus of the Council to cancel the January 4, 2007 . 14. MAYOR'S REPORTS Mayor Cox presented her 10-point action plan, as follows: Page 9 - Council Minutes http://www . chulavistaca.gov December 5, 2006 OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) 1. An independent financial review of the City's finances, to first put the City's financial house in order, to accomplish the many projects that lie ahead and achieve our goals for our community. 2. Hiring a permanent City Manager, with the hope that the Council will conduct interviews in early to mid-January 2007. 3. Request to staff to provide a report calendar to the City Council to make the Council formally apprised of the work in which staff is engaged and when to anticipate updates and reports. 4. "Development" and "Redevelopment". Regarding development, Chula Vista could be in a situation in which perhaps the only thing worse than too much growth is too little growth. We must choose to do the hard work and ask the hard questions, for only then will we be able best to focus our collective energies and skill. City revenues partially depend upon increasing home values and home sales, which drive up property tax revenues. If property values and sales decline, the ability to payoff substantial City-issued bonds can be at risk. In short, the City Council must review the City's financial contingency plans, based upon levels of new homes and commercial! industrial activities, if it is to think strategically in terms of contingency for the proverbial rainy day, and to know how the cycle of growth and bonding ends. This means asking that each department's operating budget be scrutinized in order to create additional capital improvement dollars for needed infrastructure, such as improving the condition of streets and roads throughout the City. 5. Redevelopment, when properly accomplished, enjoys increased citizen participation in decision-making, a commitment to downtown revitalization, and an emphasis on improving the quality of life. It allows, and encourages people to seek a sense of community, of belonging, and of history. A proposal of a short breathing period in which our City Council seeks to involve a person or persons with no certain stake, investment, or future intent of investment in our historic downtown, in looking at our City's Urban Core Specific Plan from the viewpoint of marketability. 6. Give some thought to hosting five or six non-political, wholly informative, "lectures," to help us all understand the complex terminology and factors related to how California cities finance themselves. Guest speakers would discuss a topic specific to municipal finance, one that could be "played" in any California incorporated city-addressing, for example, "tax increment financing," "development impact fees," and "community maintenance agreements." If this outreach is successful, then staff, elected officials, businesspeople, and residents will have a common, and better understanding of the framework for open and honest discussions that are part of people working together on their City's future. Page 10 - Council MinutesS http://www .chulavistaca. gOY December 5, 2006 OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) 7. The opening of H Street to San Diego Bay is a must if we are to provide our residents with visual and physical access to the Bayfront. Weare well positioned to enter into the next level of formal discussions with Gaylord. If negotiated well, this project can bring not only visitors to our community, but can allow Chula Vistans to explore this resort ourselves as we dine in its restaurants and stroll through the shops. Our residents have been denied access to the Bayfront for too long. It is time that the people of Chula Vista be able to enjoy a waterfront walk and time with their families in a phenomenal indoor and outdoor setting. 8. Locating a complete University of California campus within our University Park might be out of reach for now; however, attracting a UC school, such as a School of Engineering, Pharmacology or a Veterinary Science School, to Chula Vista can be great boosts to educational opportunity in the area. 9. SR-125, we hope, will alleviate the syndrome in which traffic, like water, follows the path of least resistance. We hope that when the South Bay Expressway opens in June that many of our residents actively use the Tollway instead of city streets. 10. Good commercial investment adds additional sales tax revenue to City coffers. It makes possible public access and the filling of community needs. New projects such as the Eastern Urban Center, the car dealerships on Otay Valley Road, and the Otay Ranch Mall are encouraging. Sales tax dollars from these businesses and from long-established and other new businesses throughout the City are used to support needed City services. Mayor Cox spoke of the need to work together to spend taxpayer dollars wisely, and within the confines of a balanced budget, one in which we do not spend more than we bring in; and to conduct the public's business in public to the extent that the law allows, in a respectful, honest way. Fulfilling a vision is not the work of one person, but of many. She asked for patience, thoughtful insights, and understanding by the public as the Council works to serve Chula Vista in the coming months. 15. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council member Rindone congratulated Mayor Cox and Councilmembers McCann and Ramirez on their elections. He congratulated the Mayor on the articulation of her ten goals, and pledged to work collectively to accomplish them. He stated that he would like to call a timely meeting to determine the number of qualified candidates for City Manager and to perhaps even consider a Saturday meeting to accomplish this. Councilmember Rindone referred to a memo from staff addressing the elimination of the Taste of the Arts Festival and requested that staff calendar the matter to come back to the Council for discussion. Page II - Council Minutes http://www .chuJavistaca.gov December 5, 2006 OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) Deputy Mayor McCann welcomed and congratulated Mayor Cox and Councilmember Ramirez, and thanked and looked forward to continued work with Councilmembers Rindone and Castaneda. He expressed the importance of moving forward with the process of hiring a City Manager. With reference to point 5 of the Mayor's action plan, the Redevelopment/Urban Core Specific Plan, he asked whether that delay would hurt businesses that have signed Exclusive Negotiating Agreements (ENA's) with the City to develop portions of the urban area. He expressed the need to ensure that the five ENA's were not put in jeopardy. On the matter of the Chargers, he stated that a request for a study of a proposed Chargers stadium would be coming before the Council in the few weeks. Councilmember Ramirez stated that he would make himself available to discuss the hiring of a City Manager, as well as staffing issues in the Department of the Mayor and Council. Regarding redevelopment, he spoke of the need for collective ideas to address community characte, and to perhaps explore the idea of creating a scaled model of the urban core so that people could get a better understanding of the concept. Councilmember Castaneda congratulated his three colleagues and pledged his support of the Mayor's action plan. He commended Deputy Mayor McCann for representing the City on discussions with the Chargers. ADJOURNMENT At 8:03 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to the Regular Meeting on December 12, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. -- Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Page 12 - Council Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov December 5, 2006