HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 1990/02/15 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
Thursday, February 15, 1990 Council Conference Room
4:00 p.m. City Hall
1. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chair McCandliss; Members Moore, Nader and Malcolm
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairman Cox
STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Goss; Assistant City Manager Asmus;
Community Development Director Salomone; Assistant
City Attorney Rudolf; Assistant Community Development
Director Gustafson; Redevelopment Coordinator Kassman;
Principal Community Development Specialist Putnam;
City Traffic Engineer Rosenberg
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 18, 1990
MSUC (McCandliss/Moore) approve the minutes of January 18, 1990 as su§mitted.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 3 a., 3~b. and 4)
Item 4 was pulled from the Consent Calendar.
THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR IITEMS 3 a. AND 3 b.) WAS OFFERED BY
MEMBER MALCOLM, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent,
passed and was approved unanimously.
3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
a. Letter from the Chula Vista Downtown Association requesting that a
workshop be held with the Redevelopment Agency concerning funding
Bob McMains, President, Chula Vista Downtown Business Association,
Box 381, Chula Vista, CA 92012
On April 6, 1989, the Agency approved an expenditure of $25,000 to fund
advertising and promotional activities of the Downtown Association. Agency
approval was given with the condition that the Downtown Association seek a
method to secure its own funding for future years. The ASsociation developed
a proposal that would expand the existing Downtown Improvement District and
also increase District fees by 25% for each of the next five years. The
Association has continued its planning for a more comprehensive management
system of the downtown business area. Staff is prepared to bring forward
their fee increase proposal in either a workshop forum or as a report on the
Agency's regular agenda at any time.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes -2- February 15, 1990
b. Letter from A.D. Hinshaw Associates dated January 29, 1990 regarding
the Midbayfront Local Coastal Plan Resubmittal No. 8 Screen Check
Environmental Impact Report Philip L. Hinshaw, A.D. Hinshaw
Associates, 6136 Mission Gorge Road, Suite lll, San Diego, CA
92120-3413
This letter is from A.D. Hinshaw, an environmental consultant retained by
Chula Vista Investors. Mr. Hinshaw pointed out that changes may be made to
the Screen Check Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on LCP Resubmittal #8
before it is issued for public review. It was recommended that staff respond
to Mr. Hinshaw's letter noting the p~rpose of a Screen Check Draft EIR is to
allow City staff to fulfill the City s responsibility as the Lead Agency under
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section
15084 (e) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Staff has received the comments on the JHK & Associates' traffic study that
were submitted by Mr. Hinshaw's traffic consultant. JHK & Associates will
prepare a written response to the comments on the traffic study that they
prepared on LCP Resubmittal #8.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
PUBLIC MEETING
5. PUBLIC MEETING on Otay Valley Road Median Configuration
REPORT on Status of Otay Valley Road Widening Project
On November 13, 1989 City staff and consultants under contract to design Otay
Valley Road, invited interested property owners to the Otay Valley Road
Project Area Committee (PAC) to discuss the initial staff proposal for
configuration of the medians planned for Otay Valley Road. Numerous concerns
were raised by the property owners at that meeting. Several changes were made
to the median configuration that was originally proposed by staff in response
to comments from property owners regarding truck access. After those changes
were made, a second meeting before the PAC was held on January 8, 1990. At
that meeting, two property owners south of Otay Valley Road expressed concerns
that the proposed median design would not allow trucks exiting their
properties to make U-turns at Oleander or Brandywine to return via westbound
Otay Valley Road to Interstate 805.
The design engineer met separately in the field with representatives of Shell
Oil and other property owners along Otay Valley Road to review an interim plan
that would allow trucks exiting the affected properties to make U-turns. From
the data gathered at those meetings, the design engineer determined that the
planned width of the roadway combined with the interim striping plan will
allow the necessary U-turn movements.
Redevelopment A~enc¥ Minutes -3- February 15, 1990
Principal Community Development Specialist Putnam reported that the proposed
project entails widening Otay Valley Road to the south to provide a 6-lane
roadway with a 128-foot right of way. The improvements on the north side of
the existing roadway were retained to the maximum extent feasible in the
design to minimize the cost. Using the overhead projector, Ms. Putnam
presented a typical cross section of Otay Valley Road which is planned to
include a 16-foot wide median, six 12-foot driving lanes, two 8-foot emergency
parking lanes and 12 feet behind the curb for sidewalks, landscaping and
utilities. This proposed cross section is consistent with the updated General
Plan circulation element.
Ms. Putnam further stated that Agency staff and consultants held two meetings
before the Otay Valley Road Project Area Committee to provide property owners
along Otay Valley Road with an opportunity to comment on the proposed median
configuration. Several changes were made to the median configuration as a
result of the input received from the property owners. At its meeting on
January 8, 1990, the PAC unanimously recommended Agency approval of the median
configuration presented as Exhibit C with the staff report. Since that PAC
meeting, staff has reviewed the configuration further and has decided to
recommend that it would be appropriate to include a traffic signal at
Brandywine Avenue to facilitate U-turns as part of the Phase I road widening
project.
Ms. Putnam stated staff is recommending that the Agency approve the median
configuration and the interim striping plan shown on Exhibit C of the staff
report, and direct staff to proceed with the financial feasibility study for
the proposed project.
City Traffic Engineer Rosenberg stated that in the design of the roadway,
staff and consultants took into consideration the access problem on the south
side of the road. They understand that there is a need for a left turn return
move to the freeway. Because of that, they included in the project two
signalized intersections; one at Brandywine and one at Nirvana. These
intersections will provide for U-turn capabilities; however, during the
interim period as development occurs, there may be a problem for trucks making
U-turns at these two intersections. Mr. Rosenberg stated the City's
consultant, Charles Bras, will explain the features of the design that will be
incorporated that will provide satisfactory access to the properties on the
south side of the road. The reason staff feels that an island is essential to
the design of the project is for safety reasons. They anticipate that the
road will carry approximately 40,000 cars per day (presently it carries
~13,000).
Mr. Charles Bras, Design Engineer with Leedshill-Herkenhoff, stated he met
with three property owners 12 on the south side of the street and 1 on the
north side of the street). The purpose of the meetings was to find out the
types of trucks that would require access to the properties as well as to
physically measure the trucks to see what the minimum U-turn turning radius
would be required in order to make a U-turn within the street area. Using the
overhead projector, Mr. Bras discussed the intersection of Brandywine and Otay
Redevelopment A~enc~ Minutes --4- February 15, 1990
Valley Road. Near the proposed interim striping, it is planned to not utilize
the actual left turn lane. There will be two lanes of traffic in the east
bound direction, one lane to make a ~teft turn. By striping out the actual
left turn lane, it increases the turning diameter that is available for the
trucks. There will be three lanes of' traffic for the west bound direction.
He displayed an overall view of what the intersection will look like after it
is constructed with the interim striping layout.
Vice Chair McCandliss questioned if the striping is standard to this type of
situation; will people recognize they are to make left turns from the "center"
lane. Mr. Bras stated it is not unoommon to use cross-hatching on areas to
prohibit cars from entering lanes. Mr. Rosenberg added a double yellow line
will be painted to form the edge of th~ travel lane and form the pocket. The
double yellow line will be removed at a future date when the lane will again
be used as a traffic lane.
Out of the three property owners Mr. Bras visited, the property owned by Mr.
Vince Davies located at 4501 Otay Valley Road, had the largest truck and most
frequently used property for trucks. Using their largest truck, Mr. Bras
illustrated the "foot print" required for the truck to make a U-turn. The
conclusion he reached based upon the actual measurements of the trucks is that
they can physically make a U-turn at the intersection of Brandywine.
Member Moore commented that in making the U-turn at this intersection, the
truck would actually protrude into Brandywine. Therefore, the truck would
require five lanes in order to turn around. Member Moore does not see how the
truck, once it has made its U-turn, could turn right into a driveway without
pulling into at least the center lane.
Member Nader noted a concern with the~targest truck making a U-turn at the
Brandywine intersection and protruding into Brandywine. He questioned if
there is something that could be done to make motorists on Brandywine aware of
the need to remain behind a particular line because of the trucks making
U-turns, noting normally cars pull up in front of traffic lines. Mr.
Rosenberg felt that since this is a si~gnalized intersection there is not the
problem of motorists encroaching past the traffic line.
Member Malcolm commented the City/Agency set up rules and regulations for
construction of the buildings on the north side of Otay Valley Road allowing
the type of driveways that are existing. It is his understanding that at this
time trucks in the right hand lane cannot make a right hand turn into the
businesses. He questioned if this has been studied? Presently, trucks
come off of the freeway, make a left hand turn into the business and then back
out. Has the City looked into what this does to that entire north side of the
road? Mr. Rosenberg responded no, this~ has not been studied. Member Malcolm
further commented the City should have made the driveways and building design
so that a truck going down the right hand lane could make that maneuver.
Unfortunately, this was not done and a problem exists. He stated he believes
this item should be sent back to the Project Area Committee and that he would
like staff to look into all of the impacts. He does not think that all of the
problems that will be created by this project have been fully studied.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes -5- February 15, 1990
Vice Chair McCandliss noted a concern that Mr. Bras presented the different
turning actions for very specific trucks recognizing what the businesses today
use. Rather than plan for what is happening today, it would be desirable to
design the roadway so that given the full spectrum of trucks available, any
type of trucking that may occur would meet the specifications of this
intersection.
Mr. George Ronas, representing Mr. John Gregory who is doing business as JT
Racing on the north side of Otay Valley Road, pointed out that their
difficulty is that presently trucks that are delivering to this site are
turning left into the property across the west bound lane. They then must
back out because there is no room to turn around while in the J T Racing
premises. It is their understanding and belief that making a right hand turn
with a truck of this size would be a physical impossibility. The median may
also cause problems with the fact that it is necessary for the trucks to back
out of the driveway at this site.
Mr.~Vince Davies, owner of property on the south side of Otay Valley Road,
stated the figures given by CalTrans show that 120' is necessary under normal
highway design for trucks to make a U-turn (as opposed to the 85' demonstrated
by Mr. Bras earlier). There are approximately 165 truck movements per day off
of his property alone. Signals at Brandywine and at 1-805 would put
sufficient breaks in the traffic flow that trucks could make left turns out of
his property or left turns into the property on the north side of Otay Valley
Road very easily. He believes a striped median that trucks can get into to
make turns is desirable. Mr. Davies further added that for the City to expect
him to be able to mitigate this problem by the design of his property
internally is amazing to him because at this time the trucks come into his
property, turn around and come back out. There is no place in the total width
of his property that he can bring the trucks out to meet an intersection. Mr.
Davies' solution to this issue is to have the double striped center median for
left turns. Mr. Davies distributed a letter to Agency members dated February
15, 1990 expressing his concerns.
Responding to questions, Ms. Putnam stated the Project Area Committee heard
all of the comments of the property owners. The PAC felt that the proposed
median configuration is not the perfect solution, but they would like to see
the raised median, and they would like to see the project proceed. Member
McCandliss requested that minutes of meetings referenced in the staff report
be included with the report in the future.
Mr. Bill Clobeshire, representing the business located at 505 Otay Valley
Road, commented that it was his understanding that no one approached his
organization to ask what type of truck they use. They are a manufacturing
facility.and in most cases 45-foot trailers are used to bring in plastic raw
material; and in shipping they use 45-foot trailers. He has a concern that
their driveway is a very narrow driveway incoming; therefore, trucks turning
right would have to move over to the far left lane (if they could even make
the U,turn ). They are concerned from a safety stand point for their truck
drivers, as well as their ability to support a manufacturing facility with the
type of plan presented because they will not have access to their facility.
Redevelopment A~ency Minutes -6- February 15, 1990
Mr. Bob Harris, representing the owners of the property located at 505 Otay
Valley Road, stated he met with Mr. Bras at their location and he did measure
a truck on site. Mr. Harris commented that what is appearing to be a solution
at this point in time is not a permanent solution. The tests that have been
conducted have been controlled conditions; he does not think that standards
can be set to specific vehicles when there are already standards written by
CalTrans for this type of truck maneuvers. Ne stated the type of lanes that
they would like to see is similar to Miramar Road with three lanes in each
direction, stripes in the middle which allows the truck to enter that area to
prepare to make a left hand turn. Their property does have the driveways that
make it not accessible for trucks to make right hand turns from either the
closest lane to the curb or even the middle one. Making a left hand turn from
1-805 is the only access they have to the property.
Mr. Leonard Teyssier, owner of the property occupied by Pacific Telephone
Company, stated he sees a number of problems with the trucks turning in
connection with the raised median. The elimination of the raised median would
be a solution. He suggested reviewing the need for the raised median because
without exception every owner along the road has found it to be creating a
problem.
A representative of Pacific Bell stated that at this time they have
approximately 52 vehicles Itrucks as well as vans) and they usually make a
left turn to go to 1-805. If they are forced to go to Brandywine to turn
around it would be adding another 52 vehicles twice a day going in and out.
They are anticipating doubling the size of the amount of vehicles. If the
raised median is put in, they would request a signal at Oleander as well as
Brandywine.
Member Moore questioned if the CalTrans standard for making a U-turn is 120
feet. Mr. Rosenberg stated that for turning from one street to another this
is a correct figure, but not for a design standard for U-turns. Therefore,
the input that CalTrans' standard is 120 feet is inappropriate for what is
being discussed. Mr. Rosenberg stated that it is not possible to design a
roadway that will provide for a U-turn for trucks on a major street; they rely
on the circulation system, grid system or internal circulation system to
provide for the opportunity for trucks to come back in the direction that they
arrived. Member Moore clarified that there is no set standard for the
situation presented. Mr. Rosenberg responded affirmatively.
Member Moore further commented it appears trucks making U-turns at
intersections as proposed cause unsafe turns. In addition, in order to turn
into a driveway the truck would have to leave his safe lane, go to the center
or left lane, and then cross all lanes to enter the driveway, which is
unsafe. He questioned if a median strip should be put in.
MOTION
M~lcolm/McCandliss) to refer this issue back to staff to meet with the
Project Area Committee and come back with a new recommendation.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes -7- February 15, 1990
Vice Chair McCandliss commented that when this issue comes back to the Agency,
she would like to see a solution for this portion of Otay Valley Road to
Brandywine and then have short term, interim and long term policy changes to
make sure that it is possible to eventually go to some kind of median.
VOTE ON THE MOTION
The motion passed unanimously.
PULLED ITEMS
4. RESOLUTION 1060 APPROVING PROPERTY USE PERMIT WITH DALEY CORPORATION
FOR USE OF AGENCY PROPERTY AT E STREET AND I-5
In December, Agency staff became aware that the Daley Corporation had
established a construction trailer on Agency-owned property at I-5 and E
Street to support its construction of the Interstate 5/Highway 54 interchange
and E Street ramps under contract to CalTrans. The site is intended to be
conveyed to CalTrans by the Agency for the £ Street Marina Parkway on- and
off-ramps, but that property transaction has not occurred as yet due to the
unresolved configuration of the ramps. Daley Corporation assumed that
CalTrans already owned the property, and therefore acted within what would
have been their rights under the contract to place a construction trailer. To
protect the Agency on issues of liability and hazardous waste, Agency staff
administratively entered into a Property Use Permit to expire the date of this
meeting. It was recommended that the Agency adopt the resolution approving
the Property Use Permit with Daley Corporation.
Member Malcolm commented that allowing Daley Construction to have the trailer
on Agency property will not speed up or slow down the project. If anyone else
owned the property, the construction company would need to rent the property
and pay a fee. He believes the Agency is entitled to a fair fee noting that
the Agency paid over $2 million for this site.
Assistant Community Development Director Gustafson stated that CalTrans is
obligated to give Daley Construction a site for his operation; if the Agency
requests a fee from Daley, Daley will have to go back to negotiate with
CalTrans. Ms. Putnam reported this area was part of the project for the
off-ramp; the contractor is allowed to work anywhere within the confines of
the project. What CalTrans forgot to do was to get the property from the
Agency first. As part of the Agency's agreement for the I-5/SR 54 project,
this land will be turned over to CalTrans at no cost which should happen
within the next 2-3 months.
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY MEMBER McCANDLISS, the reading of the text was waived,
passed and was approved unanimously.
6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None.
8. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: None.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes -8- February 15, 1990
9. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: None.
10. MEMBERS'COMMENTS:
Member Malcolm questioned the status of the 'synchronization of the light
signal at Third Avenue and F Street. He noted it is still a problem and
expressed his frustration that the matter has not yet been fixed.
Redevelopment Coordinator Kassman stated Engineering is preparing a report.
The problem can be corrected with new computerization of the intersection.
Assistant City Manager Asmus stated an information item will be prepared and
included in the next Council agenda packet.
ADJOURNMENT at 5:13 p.m. to Closed Session to discuss the potential
acquisition of property located at: 4705 Otay Valley Road (Jimmie & Judi
Shinohara, owners); Parcel 644-040-40 (Walker/Scott Properties/South Bay,
owner); 1427 Hermosa Avenue (Tori Maru, owner); 315 H Street-Jetco Furniture
{Ralph Burni, owner); 760 Broadway (Glen E. Fuller, Trust, owner); and 801 E.
Broadway (Travis A. & Margaret L. Reneau, David D. & Christina L. Ordway,
owners).
ADJOURNMENT at 5:45 p.m. to the regular meeting of Thursday, March l, 1990 at
7:00 p.m.
Chris Salomone
Community Development Director
WPC 4365H