HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2007/01/23
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
January 23, 2007
6:00 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:00
p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers: Castaneda (arrived at 6:02 p.m.), McCann, Ramirez,
Rindone and Mayor Cox
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
ALSO PRESENT: Interim City Manager Thomson, City Attorney Moore, Senior Deputy City
Clerk Peoples, and Deputy City Clerk Bennett
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Deputy Mayor Rindone led the pledge, followed by a moment of silence in the memory of Diane
Carpenter.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
. OATH OF OFFICE
Tim Jones - Growth Management Oversight Commission
Deputy City Clerk Bennett administered the oath of office, and Deputy Mayor Rindone
presented Mr. Jones with a certificate of appointment.
. INTRODUCTION BY POLICE CHIEF EMERSON OF SEVEN POLICE RECRUITS
AND ONE LATERAL OFFICER
Police Chief Emerson introduced police recruits John Rodrigues, Carlos Marques, Roy Vicente,
Jesse Vicente, Rolando Granados, Diossy Sarabia, John Delgado, and Lateral Officer Ernesto
Pinedo.
Deputy City Clerk Bennett administered the oath of office to Officer Pinedo.
. PRESENTATION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RINDONE OF A PROCLAMATION ON
BEHALF OF DIANE CARPENTER, COMMUNITY AND EDUCATIONAL LEADER,
COMMENDING HER FOR HER VISION, HER SERVICE, AND HER
COMPASSIONATE HEART
Deputy Mayor Rindone spoke about Diane Carpenter's role in bettering the community and the
lives of many students and adults. Mayor Cox read the proclamation, and Deputy Mayor
Rindone, assisted by Councilmembers Castaneda, McCann, Ramirez, and Mayor Cox, presented
the proclamation to the family members of Ms. Carpenter.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (continued)
· DID YOU KNOW.....THAT THE NATURE CENTER HAS ENDANGERED GREEN
SEA TURTLES? Presented by Joyce Remp, RVT, Curator of Reptiles
Nature Center Director Beintema introduced Joyce Remp, who provided a presentation on the
green sea turtle exhibit at the Chula Vista Nature Center.
CONSENT CALENDAR
(Items I through 8)
With regard to Item 8, Deputy Mayor Rindone expressed appreciation to staff for their hard
working assisting several of the displaced Jade Bay Mobilehome Park residents.
Councilmember Castaneda reminded staff to keep a record of all funds used to assist Jade Bay
residents so that the taxpayers can be made whole when the property is developed in the future.
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-015, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 LIBRARY GRANT
FUND BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING A ONE-TIME UNANTICIPATED
CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY GRANT AUGMENTATION IN THE AMOUNT OF
$3,671 FOR EXPENDITURES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHULA VISTA
LITERACY TEAM'S CALIFORNIA LIBRARY LITERACY SERVICES MATCHING
FUNDS GRANT (4/5THS VOTE REQUIRED)
Adoption of the resolution approves the appropriation of a one-time augmentation in the
amount of $3,671 in Literacy Services matching grant funds to the Fiscal Year 2007
Library Department budget. (Assistant City Manager Palmer/Library Director)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
2. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-016, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 LIBRARY
DEPARTMENT BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING UNANTICIPATED DONATION
REVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,000 (4/5THS VOTE REQUIRED)
Adoption of the resolution approves the appropriation of $55,000 in donations received
from various organizations and individuals for the purchase of new books to the Fiscal
Year 2007 Library Department budget. (Assistant City Manager Palmer/Library Director)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
3. A. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-017, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA DECLARING THE RESULTS OF A SPECIAL ELECTION
IN COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT 13M (OT A Y RANCH VILLAGE TWO)
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CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
B. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF A
SPECIAL TAX WITHIN COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 13M (OTAY
RANCH VILLAGE TWO (FIRST READING)
Council previously initiated proceedings for the formation of Community Facilities
District (CFD) 13M, and on January 16, 2007, a special tax election was conducted.
Adoption of the resolution declares the results of that election; and adoption of the
ordinance will authorize the levy of a special tax in CFD 13M. This district will fund the
perpetual operation and maintenance of landscaping, including parkways, medians and
slopes; facilities that are directly related to storm water quality control; walls and fencing;
trails; pedestrian bridges, including graffiti removal; and public lighting facilities. The
City has retained the services of MuniFinancial as special tax consultant and Best Best &
Krieger LLP as legal counsel to provide assistance during the proceedings. (City
Engineer)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution and place the ordinance on first
reading.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-018, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACTING AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 97-2 (PRESERVE MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT), DECLARING THE RESULTS OF A SPECIAL ELECTION IN THAT
AREA DESIGNATED AS COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 97-2
(PRESERVE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT), IMPROVEMENT AREA C,
ANNEXATION NO.6 (OTAY RANCH VILLAGE TWO), AND ADDING SUCH
TERRITORY TO SUCH COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT AND
IMPROVEMENT AREA
Council previously initiated annexation proceedings for Community Facilities District
(CFD) 97-2 (Preserve Maintenance District), approved certain findings, authorized the
electors to vote on the annexation of Otay Ranch Village Two to CFD 97-2,
Improvement Area C, and held the election on January 16, 2007. Adoption of this
resolution declares the results of that election, and adds the territory to the district. The
special taxes levied within Improvement Area C will fund the costs of the resource
monitoring program, as well as preserve operations and maintenance consistent with the
requirements of the Otay Ranch Resource Management Plan Phases I and II, plus a pro-
rata share of administrative expenses of CFD 97-2. The City has retained the services of
MuniFinancial as special tax consultant and Best Best & Krieger LLP, as legal counsel to
provide assistance during the proceedings. (City Engineer)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-019, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF THREE GRANT
APPLICATIONS TO THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
(SANDAG) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
ACT (TDA) AND TRANSNET FUNDING, FOR BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN
IMPROVEMENTS
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CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
The Transportation Development Act and TransNet Program provide funding support for
regional bicycle and pedestrian capital improvement projects. The San Diego
Association of Governments will allocate those project funds to cities in the San Diego
region based upon funding availability and project ranking. Adoption of the resolution
approves the submittal of three applications for funding. (City Engineer)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-020, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADDING ONE LATENT PRINT EXAMINER TO THE
AUTHORIZED STAFFING LEVEL OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, AMENDING
THE FISCAL YEAR 2006/2007 POLICE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
BASED UPON UNANTICIPATED REVENUES (4/5THS VOTE REQUIRED)
The Police Department, in partnership with the San Diego County Sheriffs Department,
proposes to add one Latent Print Examiner. This new position would provide latent print
services on a regional basis and would be completely funded by the San Diego County's
California Identification System Remote Access Network program. (Police Chief)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
7. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-021, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING FEDERAL FUNDING REQUESTS FOR
SUBMISSION
Adoption of the resolution approves those items to be submitted to Chula Vista's
Congressional delegation to request federal funds. (Assistant City Manager Smith)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
8. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-022, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A TENANT-BASED RENTAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR
PROCESSING
The City Council approved the use of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) HOME funds for a rental assistance program to help with montWy
rental payments for low-income households, offering "displaced persons" a priority.
Staff has developed the program guidelines and all associated forms. Adoption of the
resolution authorizes staff to both operate the program and execute all documents
necessary for processing. (Acting Director of Community Development)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
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CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
ACTION:
Councilmember Castaneda moved to approve staff's recommendations and
offered the Consent Calendar, headings read, texts waived. Deputy Mayor
Rindone seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
There were none.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Lisa Cohen, CEO of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, invited the Mayor and Council to
the Chamber's 80th annual installation dinner and dance on Friday, January 26, 2007, at the
Eastlake Design District.
PUBLIC HEARINGS.
9. CONSIDERATION OF A TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION, PCS-06-l2, TO CONVERT
AN EXISTING 12-UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX TO 12 CONDOMINIUM UNITS
FOR INDIVIDUAL OWNERSHIP AT 582 ARIZONA STREET
Adoption of the resolution approves a proposed condominium conversion of an existing
l2-unit apartment complex at 582 Arizona Street to 12 condominiums for individual
ownership. (Planning and Building Director)
Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held
on the date and at the time specified in the notice.
Planning and Building Director Sandoval introduced the item, and Associate Planner Vanderbie
presented the staff report and responded to questions of the Council.
Mayor Cox opened the public hearing. There being no members of the public who wished to
speak, Mayor Cox closed the public hearing.
ACTION:
Deputy Mayor Rindone moved to adopt Resolution No. 2007-023, heading read,
text waived:
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-023, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING AND
ESTABLISHING CONDITIONS OF A TENTATIVE MAP TO DIVIDE
INTEREST IN .45 ACRES AT 582 ARIZONA STREET FOR A ONE-
LOT CONDOMINIUM CONTAINING 12 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued)
10. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER X (BUILDING) AND
CHAPTER XIV (PLANNING) OF THE CITY'S MASTER FEE SCHEDULE
April 2001 was the last time the building fee schedule was updated, and November 2004
was the last time the planning fee schedule was updated. Subsequent revisions to the
full-cost recovery rates and departmental reorganizations necessitate fee schedule updates
to ensure full cost recovery for services is provided. (Planning and Building Director)
Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held
on the date and at the time specified in the notice.
Planning and Building Director Sandoval introduced the item. Brian Foster of Maximus, Inc.
(consultant) presented the staff report and responded to questions of the Council.
Assistant Building and Housing Director Remp noted a correction to page 4, in the paragraph
following Table 2, of the staff report. The Board of Appeals and Advisors and staff are
recommending a subsidy for the installation of replacement water heaters and gas lines. The
number for the proposed fee of $51.30 is correct in the table, however in the paragraph below,
the actual cost is significantly higher and should reflect $143,700 rather than $31,500.
Mayor Cox opened the public hearing.
In response to a question by Councilmember Castaneda, and Planning and Building Director
Sandoval explained that the fee analysis provided a true picture of what the actual staff costs are.
Deposits required from applicants will now be more accurate up front, and additional funds will
not be requested as frequently. Further, the fees will now be reviewed every two years to ensure
they are kept current.
Deputy Mayor Rindone inquired about historic designation fees. Planning and Building Director
Sandoval explained the historic designation process and responded that the historic designation
fees were set at half of what the actual costs were determined to be during the prior fee study in
2004.
Jerry Livingston, representing the Building Industry Association, spoke in support of the
proposed changes.
Pamela Bensoussan spoke in opposition to any increased historic designation or Mills Act fees.
Mayor Cox confirmed with Planning and Building Director Sandoval that there were no
proposed increases in the historic designation or Mills Act fees, and that staff had authority to
waive some or all of the application fee, should they see fit to do so.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Cox closed the public hearing.
ACTION:
Deputy Mayor Rindone moved to adopt Resolution Nos. 2007-024 and 2007-025,
headings read, texts waived:
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-024, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHAPTER
X (BUILDING) OF THE CITY'S MASTER FEE SCHEDULE
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued)
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-025, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHAPTER
Xl V (PLANNING) OF THE CITY'S MASTER FEE SCHEDULE
Councilmember Ramirez seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0.
Item 12 was actually heard at this time, prior to Item 11.
I I. CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE LIBRARY'S MASTER FEE
SCHEDULE
As a result of the Library's growing emphasis on local history and increasing demand by
the public for historic photographs and documents, the Library recommends a change to
its master fee schedule. (Assistant City Manager Palmer/Library Director)
Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held
on the date and at the time specified in the notice.
Assistant City Manager/Library Director Palmer presented the staff report and responded to
questions of the Council.
Mayor Cox opened the public hearing.
Lupita Jimenez, Chula Vista resident, expressed concerns with any increase in fees, stating that
they would weigh heavily on retired people and those with low incomes.
Pamela Bensoussan, Chula Vista resident, representing the Northwest Civic Association,
congratulated the Library staff on the work they have done in the history archives, but spoke in
opposition to the proposed increase in fees.
Councilmember McCann stated that the proposed costs seemed high and the fiscal impact was
only $1,500, so he could not support the increase.
Councilmember Ramirez inquired, and Community Relations Manager Gulbransen responded,
that staff has discretion to review and waive fees for certain projects of public benefit.
Mayor Cox suggested the Council consider applying the fee schedule and authorize staff to have
continued authority to waive fees they are comfortable waiving.
Councilmember Rindone moved to adopt Resolution No. 2007-026, heading read, text waived,
as amended to charge reproduction fees at actual cost of service, photocopies made by staff at
$.25 per page, no charge for obituaries, and use fees at $10 per photo. Councilmember
Castaneda seconded the motion.
In response to a question by Interim City Manager Thomson, City Attorney Moore responded
that although the staff report indicated that a 4/5ths vote was required, it was in error and was not
required on this item.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued)
Councilmember Ramirez stated that although he felt those benefiting from the archival system
should contribute to the funding of it, he could not support the proposed motion to change
anything or come out against the recommendation of staff.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Cox closed the public hearing.
The motion failed 2-3, with Councilmember Castaneda and Deputy Mayor Rindone voting yes,
and Councilmembers McCann, Ramirez and Mayor Cox voting no.
Councilmember Ramirez moved to accept staffs recommendation and adopt Resolution No.
2007-026, heading read, text waived. Mayor Cox seconded the motion, and it failed 2-3 with
Councilmember Ramirez and Mayor Cox voting yes, and Councilmembers Castaneda, McCann,
and Deputy Mayor Rindone voting no.
Councilmember Castaneda suggested that the Library staff locate a benefactor to make this item
revenue neutral.
Mayor Cox suggested staff return with a modified suggestion on how to proceed on this item.
Councilmember McCann stated a point of order: the item failed and therefore could not be
brought back.
Deputy Mayor Rindone stated that the item could be brought back, provided those who opposed
it concurred.
City Attorney Moore stated that the same motion could not be brought back, however a different
motion could be considered.
ACTION:
Councilmember Rindone moved adopt the resolution, heading read, text waived,
as amended to honor staff's recommendation for I and 3 only and to refer the
other use fees back to staff for further review and consideration:
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-026, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING
CHANGES TO THE LIBRARY MASTER FEE SCHEDULE
Mayor Cox seconded the motion, and it carried 4-1 with Councilmember McCann
voting no.
ACTION ITEMS
12. CONSIDERATION OF WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS, APPROVAL
OF AN AGREEMENT WITH COOPER ROBERTSON & PARTNERS FOR
CONSULTANT SERVICES RELATED TO EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL
STADIUM SITES FOR THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS WITHIN THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA, ADOPTION OF GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR CHARGER
RELOCATION, AND THE REFORMATION OF THE CHARGERS
SUBCOMMITTEE
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ACTION ITEMS (continued)
Adoption of the resolution approves a consulting contract that provides the City with the
necessary consultant resources to evaluate various sites within Chula Vista for a stadium
complex for the San Diego Chargers. The three-party agreement ensures that the
necessary work, as directed by the City, will be paid for by the San Diego Chargers. The
City Council is requested to adopt the principles that the City will operate under in its
work on the stadium proposal. The guiding principles emphasize public participation in
the design process, fiscal responsibility, and environmental sensitivity, among other
principles. The City Council is also requested to reform the subcommittee to remove the
Planning Director and City Attorney, leaving two Council members. (Planning and
Building Director)
Item 12 was taken out of order and actually heard prior to Item II.
Planning and Building Director Sandoval provided the staff report, along with a brief overview
of the bidding process that was undertaken.
Councilmember McCann stated for the record that the study was not going to cost the taxpayers
any money.
Councilmember Ramirez expressed support for the study of locations for a potential Chargers
stadium, and then read several comments of concern he received from the public that he felt the
subcommittee should consider as they moved forward.
Deputy Mayor Rindone stated that a different consultant might be able to provide a different
perspective. Planning and Building Director Sandoval explained the logic behind staffs
recommended selection. Deputy Mayor Rindone then expressed concern with guiding principles
9 and 10, stating that it was particularly important that a stadium not be considered for siting on
the bayfront.
The following persons spoke in support of bringing the Chargers to Chula Vista:
Mark Fabiani, representing the San Diego Chargers
David Hoffman, Chula Vista resident and Chula Vista business owner
Joe Moeller, President of the San Diego International Sports Council
Cindy Gomeper-Graves, South County EDC
Paul Borden, HomeFed
Nick Aguilar, Chula Vista resident
Alan Kidd, San Diego Hall of Champions
Stephen Cushman, San Diego Unified Port District
Karen McElliott, San Diego International Sports Cov., property owner of Chula Vista
Marina and Resort
John Clingan, Boys and Girls Clubs ofChula Vista
David Krogh, Chula Vista resident, suggested an additional principle: to identifY traffic impacts
and identifY appropriate mitigation.
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ACTION ITEMS (continued)
Peter Watry, Chula Vista resident, representing Crossroads II, requested the addition of an 11th
principal to allow the people of Chula Vista to vote on the process, and expressed hope that the
City Council would not present the bayfront as a site option without discussing it with Gaylord
first.
Parks Pemberton, Chula Vista resident, spoke in opposition, stating that the citizens' quality of
life would suffer as a result of traffic impacts. He expressed frustration that the Council, in his
opinion, had not taken into consideration what the citizens had to say on the matter.
Mayor Cox stated that she believed the consultant was knowledgeable about the City and that the
Top 10 list was a good place to start. Further, she supported open public meetings and reforming
the subcommittee.
Councilmember Castaneda said he viewed the principals as protection for the citizens and
requested that, once adopted, they be posted at all future meetings. He asked when the fiscal
analysis would be completed and wanted to be sure it would embedded in Principle 6.
Deputy Mayor Rindone expressed the need for due diligence to find a potential site that worked
not only for the Chargers, but also for Chula Vista citizens. Further, he stated that no proposal
should impact the bayfront plans or the future university.
Councilmember McCann stated that the proposal was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he
assured everyone that the Council would proceed with caution. He then thanked Mr. Fabiani and
Mr. Spanos for providing funding so the City could hire a consultant to explore potential sites.
ACTION:
Councilmember McCann moved to adopt Resolution No. 2007-027, heading read,
text waived; adopt the guiding principles for Charger relocation, as proposed; and
approve the reformation of the Council subcommittee on Chargers relocation:
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-027, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA WAIVING THE
FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS, APPROVING AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, COOPER ROBERTSON &
PARTNERS (CONSULTANT) AND THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
(APPLICANT) FOR THE EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL STADIUM
SITES WITHIN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, AND AUTHORIZING
THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT
Councilmember Ramirez seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0.
City Attorney Moore stated for the record that the Council subcommittee was reformed to
comprise only the Mayor and Councilmember McCann.
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ACTION ITEMS (continued)
13. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HTH (HIGH
TECH HIGH) LEARNING TO LEASE 8-ACRES OF CITY-OWNED LAND TO
DEVELOP A CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
CENTER
HTH Learning is a private, nonprofit organization overseeing the development and
operation of facilities that house high tech high schools following the charter high school
design model. They currently operate a total of seven high, middle and elementary
schools, with six in San Diego and one in northern California. (Acting Community
Development Director)
Economic Development Manager Stone introduced the item, and Principal Community
Development Specialist Ruiz provided the staff report.
Mr. Wallis, Chief Operating Officer of HTH, stated that the Sweetwater Union High School
District (SUHD) originally approved the high school charter by unanimous vote in 2004, prior to
HTH being invited by members of the state board, charter community and other educational
leaders to become a test case for the statewide charter. Due to a decision that one could not
apply for a statewide charter with a preexisting charter elsewhere, HTH requested SUHD
consider its application rescinded so it could be transferred over to statewide charter. SUHD had
also approved, by unanimous consent, the request for the middle school charter.
Mayor Cox recessed the meeting at 8:15 p.m. and reconvened it at 8:26 p.m. with all members
present.
Mayor Cox clarified that the item was time sensitive, as the state board required notification by
the end of January 2007 of where the permit location would be.
Mr. Rosenstock, CEO and founding principal of HTH, explained the process for the student
lottery, how teachers are hired and credentialed, the anticipated students and staff who are Chula
Vista residents, and the State Board of Education requirements that two schools be opened in
2007 and be sited by January 2007.
Lisa Cohen, CEO of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of approval of the
proposed lease agreement on behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors and membership.
Jennifer Henry, representing Julie Meier-Wright, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional
Economic Development Corporation, read into the record a letter from Ms. Meier-Wright in
support of the proposed lease agreement.
Lupita Jimenez, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of the lease agreement, and encouraged
placement of the school in the west side of the City.
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ACTION ITEMS (continued)
Arlie Ricasa, President of the Sweetwater Union High School District Board, spoke in support of
the concept but in opposition to the lease agreement recommendation until equitable benefits are
made available to the Sweetwater District, as well.
Ramon Leyba, Chief Operating Officer of the Sweetwater Union High School District,
representing Superintendent Dr. Gandara, spoke in opposition to the proposed lease agreement,
stating that the Superintendent does not endorse or support the proposal.
Nick Aguilar, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of the proposed lease agreement, but
suggested that the current site should be maintained to attract a university and that the west side
of Chula Vista would be better suited to site the high tech high school.
Economic Development Manager Stone explained the chronology of discussions, which began in
2005, including those with SUHD, regarding the possibility oflocating a high tech high school in
Chula Vista.
Deputy Mayor Rindone, speaking as an elected official, expressed his understanding of the
recent conversations with the SUHD administrators, which Mr. Stone confirmed, including
concerns expressed to staff by the Superintendent that the same opportunities be offered to the
public school district, and that the school represent the community in the same way as SUHD.
Additionally, the Superintendent wanted the charter school to consider grades as another criteria
for entrance.
Mr. Stone also responded that he had expressed to the Superintendent of SUHD that the City
welcomed the opportunity to talk about similar types of programs at the campus that would be
innovative, work well with and contribute to the success of the University Park and Research
Center, and that would take advantage of the space in the same way that a high tech high does.
Mr. Stone then explained the reasoning behind the proposed siting versus a site on the Westside
of the City.
Ms. Recasa spoke regarding lack of communication between the entities involved III this
decision.
Mr. Wallis ofHTH responded to a prior comment regarding the resources that would be brought
to this project and the way the schools were paid for, which is out of operating revenues that in
this case would result in an approximately $25 million facility.
Deputy Mayor Rindone inquired, and Principal Community Development Specialist Ruiz
explained the assurances for HTH to meet prior to providing any further property for additional
schools.
Mr. Wallis confirmed that ifHTH Chula Vista did not follow the charter as presented to the State
Board of Education, the charter could be in jeopardy.
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ACTION ITEMS (continued)
Interim City Manager Thomson commented that he had been attempting to arrange a meeting
with the SUHD Superintendent for the last several weeks, but Dr. Gandara's schedule would not
allow that meeting prior to this evening; however he did have a meeting scheduled for next week
that would also include Mr. Stone.
ACTION:
Mayor Cox moved to adopt Resolution No. 2007-028, heading read, text waived:
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-028, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HTH
LEARNING TO LEASE 8 ACRES OF CITY-OWNED LAND TO
DEVELOP A CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
RESEARCH CENTER, WITH AN OPTION TO DEVELOP A
CHARTER MIDDLE SCHOOL ON 2.7 ACRES, AND AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID AMENDMENT
Deputy Mayor Rindone said he had wanted additional information concerning this
project from staff this evening, and he did not feel comfortable voting without
receiving that information. Therefore, he would abstain from voting.
Councilmember Ramirez seconded the motion, and it carried 4-0-1 with Deputy
Mayor Rindone abstaining.
Councilmember McCann asked Interim City Manager Thomson to work diligently toward
improved communications with Sweetwater staff.
OTHER BUSINESS
14. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
At the request of Interim City Manager Thomson, the Council agreed to cancel the February 1,
2007 Council workshop.
15. MAYOR'S REPORTS
. Discussion regarding Southbay Power Plant Subcommittee
Mayor Cox explained the subcommittee structure in Chula Vista and expressed her willingness
to sit on a Council subcommittee, should that be the interest ofthe Council.
Kevin Johnson, representing LS Power, encouraged the Council to continue with an evaluation
of the project, and expressed the need to find a way to move the old plant from the bayfront.
Deputy Mayor Rindone inquired as to whether the community would have all the power they
needed, and if the power plant had a must-run condition. Mr. Johnson responded in the
affirmative.
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January 23, 2007
OTHER BUSINESS (Continued)
Alexandra Hart, representing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 569,
spoke in support of the formation of the Council subcommittee.
Laura Hunter, representing the Environmental Health Coalition, spoke III support of the
establishment of the subcommittee.
Councilmember Castaneda volunteered to serve on the subcommittee.
ACTION:
Councilmember McCann moved to nominate Mayor Cox and Councilmember
Castaneda to serve as the Southbay Power Plant subcommittee representatives.
Deputy Mayor Rindone believed the Council as a whole should be involved and fully participate.
Councilmember Ramirez expressed support for the subcommittee, offered himself as a
candidate, and requested that the subcommittee report back to the Council on a regular basis.
Mayor Cox confirmed with Assistant City Manager Madigan that a timeline had not been set for
the next workshop, as staff felt some investigatory time should be spent with the California
Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, and California Independent System
Operator staff members prior to the second workshop.
Mayor Cox suggested setting the second workshop for February, and possibly holding off
establishing a subcommittee until after the second workshop.
Councilmember Castaneda stated the need for specific conversations with the regulatory
agencies and stakeholders and establishing the framework of how to proceed prior to the next
workshop.
Councilmember McCann said he felt the subcommittee should still be formed and the public
workshop held in February.
Deputy Mayor Rindone expressed support for holding the workshop in February.
ACTION:
Councilmember Ramirez seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0.
16. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Ramirez stated that he would be hold office hours to meet with the public on the
first Monday of every month, alternating monthly between the east and west sides of the City.
West-side meetings would begin on February 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., at the South Chula
Vista Library. East-side meetings would begin on March 5, with the same hours, at Montevalle
Park.
Councilmember McCann thanked Lisa Cohen, CEO of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce,
for holding the Chamber installation dinner in Chula Vista and expressed hope that this tradition
would continue in the future.
At 10:27 p.m., Mayor Cox recessed the meeting to Closed Session.
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January 23, 2007
CLOSED SESSION
17. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54957(b)(I)
Title: City Manager
No reportable action was taken on this item.
18. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 54957.6(a)
Unrepresented employee:
City Manager
No reportable action was taken on this item.
ADJOURNMENT
At 12:45 a.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to an adjourned regular meeting on January 25,
2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Of~~~
Lori Anne Peoples, MMC, Senior Deputy City Clerk
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January 23, 2007