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HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 1989/12/07 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Thursday, December 7, 1989 Council Chambers 7:00 p.m. Public Services Buildin0 1. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Cox; Members Moore, McCandliss, Nader and Malcolm MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Deputy City Manager Krempl; Acting Community Development Director Gustafson; Redevelopment Coordinator Kassman; Community Development Specialist Abbott; Agency Attorney Narron 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 16, 1989 MSC (Moore/McCandliss) approve the minutes of November 16, 1989 as submitted. (The vote was 4-0; Member Nader abstained due to his absence from that meeting.) 3. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY A. Quarterly Report from Port Commissioner Robert Penner Commissioner Robert Penner was present and reported as follows regarding actions taken by the Port District since September 1989 which are of interest to Chula Vista: 1. The Board approved naming the excursion boat pier "Chula Vista Marina Parkway Pier" and the wave attenuation pier "Chula Vista Bayside Park Pier." 2. The Board authorized an agreement with the City of Chula Vista for police services for one year (July 1, 1989 - June 30, 1990). 3. The Board authorized acceptance of bids for rehabilitation of the Comfort Station floors in San Diego, Chula Vista and National City. 4. California Properties appeared before the Board, requesting return of the option purchase price for the Chula Vista Industrial Business Park site option. The Board denied the request. 5. The scope of work for the Visibility Study for the Chula Vista Nautical Activity Center was presented. The study is to be conducted in three phases. The Board voted to go forward with all three phases. A~ency Minutes -2- December 7, 198g 6. Regarding the renovation of Marina View Park in Chula Vista, Dr. Penner reported that a restroom facility will be constructed by the Port close to the line separating Port tideland property from the City of Chula Vista properties. 7. Both the State Coastal Conservancy and the San Diego Port District agreed to extend the deadline for completion of the South San Diego Bay Enhancement Plan until December 31, 1989. The Board authorized bidding for construction of an additional launch ramp docking facility at Chula Vista Harbor at an approximate cost of $175,000. Mr. Gurnee, representing San Diego Shipbuilding and Repair, Inc~ addressed the Board regarding a proposal for a shipbuilding facility adjacent to the ITT site at the National City Marine Terminal. Because of opposition from National City, the request was denied and referred to an ad hoc committee to look for possible other sites. 10. A bid was accepted to continue the ongoing project of the removal of derelict vessels at a cost not to exceed $39,800. 11. The Board authorized bidding for installation of lighted day mark piles in the Sweetwater Channel near Chula Vista. 12. Dr~ Penner reported the San Diego Convention Center was officially dedicated and presented to the City of San Diego for $1.00 a year for twenty years° 13. The Board took under consideration a report from its own ad hoc committee on the Harbor Police merger° The recommendation from the Port was against a merger, but for contracting with the City of San Diego for approximately $2,000,000.00 for additional police services. A report from staff in regard to their input on the ad hoc committee's recommendation will be on the agenda at the next Port Commission meeting. Dr. Penner noted he intends to re-introduce a resolution for a Feasibility Study of the public safety programs as a whole to involve all of the member cities. 14. The subject of the member cities authorizing a resolution requestin9 development of legislation which would alter the Port Act to enable revenue sharing was discussed. The subject was continued for further discussion at the next Port meeting. Member McCandliss commented regarding item #14o When the City Council of Chula Vista approved the resolution, she had noted a number of concerns. One concern was the ongoing support and financing of projects in the City; another concern is that the Port needs to have an ongoing reserve of funds to draw Agency Minutes -3- December 7, 1989 from, She would like to see the Port develop a multi-year capital improvement program. There are a number of questions that need to be studied before any legislation is introduced. Member McCandliss further commented it is her hope that the Port District will take a close look at this issue and not automatically file to have legislation created and introduced. Dr. Penner responded that it is his recommendation that before the Board votes on this issue, a complete staff study of all of the various aspects be completed. Member Malcolm commented he believes the City of Chula Vista should take the lead and withdraw its support for this legislation. Member Malcolm further noted concern about the make-up of the Board of Governors for the Convention Center. He is not sure that the concerns of the South Bay are being addressed. Of the five members of the Board, no one represents the South Bay. He would like to see Dr. Penner take the lead in trying to change the membership to include a representative of the South Bay. Another concern raised by Member Malcolm was the selection of the hotel developer for a site on Harbor Island. He felt the Ritz-Carlton would have provided a unique marketing aspect for San Diego. Dr. Penner reported that at the December 5 Port District meeting, the commissioners selected a bid to create a 5 star hotel on Harbor Island. There were four bidders. "Stauffer" was the bid which was selected. This project will include a restaurant on the top floor which will provide public access. Chairman Cox commented regarding the legislation issue which would alter the Port Act to enable revenue sharing. His motivation in bringing this issue before the Council was to address three concerns: (1) Insuring that the integrity and the operation of the Port District continues; 12) It is important for Imperial Beach to continue to exist as an incorporated City; (3) If it is possible to get revenues to the City of Chula Vista for public safety purposes the funds could be put to good use, 4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Letter from the Paul Miller Company on behalf of Parkwoods Condominiums Association regarding proposed changes to Center Street and Garrett Avenue east of Fourth Avenue The letter from the Parkwood Homeowners Association concerned recent actions by the City's Safety Commission endorsing a proposal from City staff to designate traffic on Center Street east of the entrance to Parkwoods as one-way to the east, and Garrett between F Street and Center Street as one-way to the north. The letter points out that access to the condominiums from F Street would be eliminated, necessitating left-hand turns at Fourth Avenue and again onto Center Street. It was recommended that the letter be referred to staff for further consideration and response. A~ency Minutes -4- December 7, 1989 MOTION MSUC (Malcolm/Moore) to accept the staff recommendation. Member McCandliss submitted an additional letter she received on the same subject matter. This letter was also referred to staff. 5. RESOLUTION 1050 AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF AN AUDIBLE TRAFFIC SIGNAL TIMING DEVICE FOR THE INTERSECTION OF THIRD AVENUE AND "F" STREET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR On July 11, 1989, Council directed staff to review the timing of the pedestrian phase of the traffic signal at Third Avenue and "F" Street. It was recommended that the Redevelopment Agency approve the resolution to appropriate $6,500 from the Bayfront/Town Centre Redevelopment Project Fund to install audible pedestrian signals at this location. Mr. Basilio Martinez, 434 "F" Street, Apartment 107, Chula Vista, addressed the Agency. He stated the audible pedestrian signals will be very helpful for the handicapped. It would also be desirable to have the same type of signals at Fourth and "F" Street as well as at Broadway and "F" Street. RESOLUTION OFFERED BY MEMBER MALCOLM, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent. Member Malcolm commented that the signals at Third Avenue and "F" Street have been a continuous problem for two years. He asked when they will be replaced. City Engineer Swanson stated staff have made several changes to the timing of the signals. As soon as the computerized traffic control system comes on line it will provide several different signal timings. The flexibility needed will be available. This system is in the final stages and should be done within the next couple of months. VOTE ON RESOLUTION The resolution was approved and adopted unanimously. Member Malcolm wanted to make it clear that the system at this intersection needs to be fixed. He suggested that a pressure pad needs to be part of the traffic signal at Third and "F" Street. 6o RESOLUTION 1051 APPROVING PLANS AND ENTERING INTO AN OWNER/TENANT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT WITH HOMART DEVELOPMENT COMPANY AND GENERAL MILLS RESTAURANTS, INC. FOR THE REMODELING OF THE BUILDING AT 585 "I" STREET IPACB£LL BUILDING) LOCATED IN THE CHULA VISTA CENTER WITHIN TH£ TOWN CENTRE II REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA General Mills proposed to remodel the former Pacific Bell office building located at the southwest corner of the Chula Vista Center. It is proposed to make major interior and exterior modifications to the existing building in order to accommodate a 400-seat Olive Garden Restaurant. Agency Minutes -5- December 7, 198g Redevelopment Coordinator Kassman stated there were two sections that were added to the Owner Participation Agreement by General Mills. The City Attorney and staff had concerns with the addition to Section 7 of the Agreement. General Mills has agreed to omit that addition. Therefore, staff recommended approval of the Owner Participation Agreement without the additional comments to Section 7. RESOLUTION OFFERED BY CHAIRMAN COX, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and was approved unanimously. 7~ RESOLUTION 1052 APPROVING A REVISED CONCEPT PLAN FOR NORMAN PARK CENTER RENOVATION AND ADOPTING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR IS-90-27 At the October 26, 1989 Council meeting, Council considered a report submitted by the Norman Park Council Subcommittee, comprised of Mayor Cox and Councilman Malcolm, regarding proposed changes to the senior center renovation project. At this meeting, Council voted to have the project architect revise the existing renovation plans to add a second story to the east side of the Center; add a turnout area/drop-off zone in front of the Center along "F" Street; refer parking alternatives for the Center to the Town Centre Project Area Committee and Safety Commission; and refer the proposed exterior design to the Design Review Committee for a recommendation. Acting Community Development Director Gustafson stated that because the Design Review Committee did not meet on this date, it is desired to continue this item to the next meeting of the Agency. Member Malcolm suggested approving the resolution at this time contingent upon the Design Review Committee's recommendations. MSUC (Cox/Moore) to modify the resolution that approval will be contingent upon any conditions that may be imposed by the Design Review Committee. Mr. Gustafson stated that the actions of the Design Review Committee will be reported to the Agency at its next meeting. RESOLUTION OFFERED BY CHAIRMAN COX, the reading of the text was' waived by unanimous consent, passed and was approved unanimously. 8~ REPORT ON STATUS OF OFF-RN~P FOR I-5 AT "E" STREET On March 19, 1987, the Agency and the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) entered into an agreement to add a southbound on-ramp and reconfigure the existing southbound off-ramp at the northwest quadrant of I-5 and "E" Street. The agreement included a specific alignment for the ramps to increase the capacity of the off-ramp and which would allow access to the A§ency-owned parcel north of "E" Street. This agreement was entered into so that the City could improve the traffic circulation at I-5 and "E" Street and still service an Agency-owned parcel north of "E" Street. The City has now A~ency Minutes -6- December 7, 198g been informed by CalTrans that they are unable to comply with the terms of the previous agreement because of decisions made by the Federal Highway Administration IFHWA) in connection with the State Route 54/I-5 project. It was recommended that the Agency direct staff to appeal the FHWA decision. Responding to questions of Member McCandliss, Mr. Swanson stated that the FHWA's basic issue is that they feel the original proposal was unacceptable because the off-ramp layout was unsafe in their opinion. They indicated that they feel it would lead to wrong way movements onto the freeway. Staff disagrees with them. Member McCandliss added she does not have a problem with the staff recommendation, however, it is important that staff feels that the alternatives presented are safe. Member Nader asked staff to elaborate on the concerns of FH~A. Mr. Swanson stated staff have not been privy to the discussions conducted by FHWA. The only information received has been through CalTrans. Member Nader stated that simultaneously with pursuing the appeal, he would like to receive more information from FHWA as to the basis of their actions to date. MOTION MS ICox/McCandliss) to accept the staff recommendation. Mr. Swanson noted that Bill Dotson of CalTrans is going to arrange a meeting with representatives of the Engineering and Community Development Departments and CalTrans to confer with FHWA in Sacramento. Member McCandliss asked that as part of this approval she would like the comments made by Member Nader for additional information be included. VOTE ON THE MOTION The motion passed unanimously. Member Moore stated he believes it is important that the City show that they are very concerned about this issue. He believes it would be important for the Mayor to participate in the meeting with FHWA. Chairman Cox stated he would be happy to participate. Chairman Cox asked the Agency to consider item 13.b. at this time. 13, b. AGENCY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT ON COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH PARKING LOT PROPOSAL Chairman Cox reported that he and Member Malcolm had met with representatives of the Community Congregational Church regarding a parking lot proposal. The proposal was submitted to the Town Centre Project Area Committee (PAC) and the PAC indicated that it would be a good area of land to have additional parking spaces available for the downtown area~ ~gency Minutes -7- December 7, 1989 Community Development Specialist Abbott stated there are four parcels included in the proposal. Three of the parcels are owned by the Community Congregational Church and one parcel is leased by the church and is owned by R.F. Buffington. l~r. Abbott presented an analysis of the acquisition and development costs for the parcels. The total project cost is estimated to be ~$1,000,000. It is anticipated that funds for this project would partially come from the in-lieu parking fund and parking meter fund. Mr. Abbott further presented purchase options. Chairman Cox noted action has previously been taken to direct staff to get appraisals for the four lots which should be ready in mid-January. He further noted the Agency has recently completed title acquisition of the parcel at Church and Madrona and there is a contract with an engineering firm to design a parking lot at that location. Chairman Cox suggested asking this firm to do a design for a parking lot on the four Congregational Church parcels in anticipation that the Agency would move forward to acquire at least one or two of the lots. He would like to have the parking lot completed in tandem with the completion of the Norman Park Community Center expansion. He feels it would be important to get on with the design of the parking lot and take a look at what the actual construction costs will be based upon the design. Member Malcolm stated the Town Centre Project Area Committee was asked to look at the parking fees. The PAC recommended against increasing the fees. Member Malcolm suggested directing staff to docket the item on increasing the parking fees on an upcoming agenda. He believes there is a need to increase the fees. Member Moore asked that staff provide information on what the total costs will be for each parking space (including land cost, relocation cost, demolition, utilities, construction, etc.)~ Chairman Cox commented regarding the Church and Madrona parking lot which is currently being designed. He does not believe the Agency/City will receive effective utilization of that property as just one lot as would happen if something could be worked out at a later time with the Baptist Church and their parking lot. There is a need to do additional demolition work at Church and Madrona. It would be prudent to go ahead to take out the foundation that is there, stripe the lot and make it either a permit parking lot or put asphalt on it as an interim measure. He would like to redirect the'efforts of the engineering firm to design a parking lot for the Congregational Church properties. MOTION MSUC (Cox/Moore) authorize staff to redirect the efforts of the engineering firm to design a parking lot for the four parcels proposed by the Congregational Church; hold off on an ultimate design of the parking lot at Church and Madrona; and authorize staff to contract for services for the balance of the demolition and preparation of an overlay on the lot at Church and Madrona to allow it to function as a temporary parking lot. Agency Minutes -8- December 7, 1989 Member Nader expressed his concern regarding the amount of money it costs to provide one parking space. He would be more inclined to support the parking lots if the fees are raised for parking violations, parking meters, etc. He has a problem in continuing to subsidize parking to the extent discussed. MOTION MSUC (Malcolm/Moore) refer the question of an increase in the meter fees, ticket fees, and the parking in-lieu fees to the appropriate committees for review. PUBLIC HEARING 9. PUBLIC HEARING: Biennial Review of Redevelopment Agency's Projects Section 33348.5 of the State Health and Safety Code (Community Redevelopment Law) requires that the Agency hold a public hearing biennially. The purpose of this hearing is to review and evaluate the progress of each redevelopment project and to hear the testimony of all interested parties. This being the time and place advertized, Chairman Cox declared the public hearing open. Mr. Gustafson reported that no public comments had been received. There being no members of the public present wishing to comment, Chairman Cox declared the public hearing closed. 10. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None. 12. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Deputy City Manager Krempl informed the Agency that with the closing of Fig Avenue, certain restrictions were placed on San Diego Trust and Savings Bank as far as operations during the weekdays (Monday through Friday). Staff has been advised that because of the holidays, the bank is al so conducting business on Saturday mornings. They will be making a request for an amendment to the agreement with the Agency to be able to be open on Saturday mornings during the holidays. 13~ CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: a. Request for Proposal process for old Star-News/Windmill Farm site Chairman Cox noted the Sweetwater Union High School District was originally going to have an item on their agenda on this date to formally drop the process for consideration of the Star News/Windmill Farm site for their administration center. However, this did not occur. The SchoOl District will be dealing with this item in the next few weeks. Based on previous correspondence with the School District it is very clear that it is not their intent to use this site for an administration center. A~ency Minutes -9- December 7, 198g MS (Cox/Nader) give direction to staff to begin a Request for Proposal process for the Star News/Windmill Farms site. Member Moore questioned what type of use the Agency is looking for on this site. Chairman Cox suggested the type of use be open-ended. This was included as part of the motion. VOTE ON THE MOTION The motion passed unanimously. 14. MEMBERS' COMMENTS: Member Moore commented regarding an alley located on the west side of Third Avenue, from F Street north. There are very few places, if any, that a vehicle can pull over and park to off-load in order to service the rear of buildings. He noted this is a problem that he would like staff to look into. Member Nader reported he had a meeting on December 6, 1989 with the operators of the roller rink and Fiesta Cinema (both properties which need to be relocated as part of the Scripps' Hospital redevelopment). Out of that meeting, he was concerned that communication between the hospital, property owners, business people, and City staff may not be on as regular a basis as it should be. He was also concerned that the relocation of those businesses may not be getting the priority within the context of that particular project that he would like to see. Member Nader suggested that a formal committee be set up with participation including City staff, business owners and the hospital to provide a more structured and ongoing channel of communication on the needs of the businesses, the resources that are available, the time tables involved, etc. for their relocation. ADJOURNMENT at 8:30 p.m. to the meeting of Tuesday, December 12, 1989 following the City Council meeting. ~l~gG~tm~a~y~evelopmentDirector WPC 4308H