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HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 1991/01/17 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VIST~ CALIFORNIA Thursday, January 17, 1991 Council Conference Room 4:05 p.m. city Hall 1. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Pro Tempore Moore; Members Malcolm, Rindone and Nader ALSO PRESENT: Deputy City Manager Krempl; Community Development Director Salomone; City Attorney Boogaard; Assistant City Attorney Rudolf 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 12/4/90 and 12/20/90 MSUC (Nader/Rindone) to approve the minutes of December 4, 1990 and December 20, 1990 as submitted. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 3 through 8) Items 3, 5 and 6 were pulled from the Consent Calendar. THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS 4, 7 AND 8) WAS OFFERED BY MEMBER MALCOLM, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and was approved unanimously. 4. RESOLUTION 1146 ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE DEMOLITION AND SITE CLEARANCE OF A BUILDING AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS ON A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED AT 340 BAY BOULEVARD (THERMO KING) IN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CA On December 5, 1990, the Director of Public Works received sealed bids for the demolition and site clearance of a building and other improvements on a parcel of land located at 340 Bay Boulevard. The work included demolition, site clearance, grading, backfilling and construction of a chain link fence on the property line adjacent to improved property. It was recommended that the Agency accept the bids and award the contract to Superior Crane and Rigging, Inc. in the amount of $21,795. 7. RESOLUTION 1149 APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH ROSENOW SPEVACEK GROUP, INC. FOR AMENDMENT OF THE SOUTHWEST REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA, APPROPRIATING $30,000 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED REVENUES OF THE BAYFRONT- TOWN CENTRE I PROJECT, AND LOANING THOSE FUNDS TO THE SOUTHWEST PROJECT FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AMENDMENT Redevelopment Aqenc¥ Minutes -2- January 17, 1991 As part of the expanded Palomar Trolley Center Project being developed by Pacific Scene, Inc., it is desirable to expand the recently adopted Southwest Redevelopment Project Area to include approximately six acres south of Palomar and west of Broadway. This amendment to the Southwest Redevelopment Project Area will also include the approximately four acre Palomar Trolley Station property. It was recommended that the Agency adopt the resolution. Member Nader pointed out that he owns property located within 300 feet of the Southwest Redevelopment Project Area. He asked the City Attorney for an opinion as to whether or not he should participate in voting on this matter. Assistant City Attorney Rudolf stated it is his opinion that because of the specific factual circumstances, Member Nader would not be disqualified from voting. 8. REPORT: REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ANNUAL REPORT The State Health and Safety Code, Community Redevelopment Law Section 33080.1, requires that all redevelopment agencies submit an annual report to the State Controller and the Department of Housing & Community Development. The report contains the annual financial audit, a work program, recommendations to the legislature, a description of activities affecting housing and displacement, and achievements in comparison to the previous year's work program. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR OTHER BUSINESS 9. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Perry F. Wright, 242 E. J Street, Chula Vista, addressed the Agency concerning current drought conditions and how it affects the Rohr Park tree issue. He pointed out that effective February 1, residents will be asked to conserve water by 15%. The cut back is expected to last possibly through the full calendar year. There is a likely possibility of a further cutback to 22% to become effective in early Spring. He questioned if this is the prudent time to be cutting down trees only to take on a task of watering new ones. This project will consume more water, not less. Member Malcolm commented that this issue is not on the agenda, therefore, the Agency/Council cannot take action. In addition, the contract for this project was approved last year. It would involve considerable expense to buy out the contract. The City received a $700,000 grant from the State in order to increase Redevelopment Aqenc¥ Minutes -3- January 17~ 1991 soccer and baseball fields. To change the plan at this point could likely cost the City the potential loss of the $700,000 grant, the $500,000 additional grading cost, and whatever the cost would be to buy out the contract. With regard to the water issue, Member Malcolm stated that Rohr Park will be changing their source of water to well water. It is the intent of the City to have water savings as a result of the park improvements. Member Malcolm noted that some healthy trees will be removed in addition to the diseased trees. Council direction is to have one-to-one tree replacement on all trees. Apache Fort is not being disturbed; however, the area to the east of Apache Fort will be disturbed. Ms. Carolyn McGraw, 4744 Butternut Hollow, Bonita, commented that communication between the City and the Water District could have been better in the past. Ms. Harriet Taylor, 3142 Orchard Hill Road, Bonita, commented no one on her street was aware of the public meetings held with regard to this issue. She questioned where the notices were distributed. Member Malcolm pointed out the meeting notice reflected improvements to be made at Rohr Park, but did not point out specifics such as removal of trees. The notice that went out to the public was not informative of the true issue that was at hand. Mr. David Smith, 334 Camino Alavado, Bonita, stated he was a member of the Ad Hoc Committee that drew up the plans for the park improvements in 1985. The idea at that time was that Fort Apache Hill would be a natural buffer between the rest of the community and the lighted ball fields to be constructed below Fort Apache. He pointed out he believes there are alternatives to the current plans of removal of part of the hill at Apache Fort and other proposed grading to improve drainage. He also pointed out that the proposed improvements would entail development which would require an Environmental Impact Report, including the public hearing process, which has not taken place. Ms. Margaret Welch addressed the Agency concerning the need for more ball fields. She agrees there is a need, but suggested that the flat land currently for sale by the City on Bonita Road next to the golf course be considered for this purpose. She suggested using that land in lieu of going to the expense of creating flat land out of the naturally hilly area at Rohr Park. Redevelopment Aqenc¥ Minutes -4- January 17, 199] Ms. Maxine Clark, 1029 Calle Estapada, Bonita, requested a community meeting be held to explain the environmental impacts of cutting the trees back and moving the hill so that both the community and the Council fully understand what will be gained and lost. She requested that the meeting be held before the trees are cut down. Ms. Gretchen Burke, 4807 Del Prado, Bonita, asked why an EIR is not required on this project. Parks Superintendent Foncerrada responded that a Negative Declaration was issued for this project. Ms. Diane Couseneau, 1650 Ithaca Street, Chula Vista, also questioned if there is a need for an EIR. Responding to questions, Mr. Foncerrada stated a representative of the Sweetwater Authority, Hector Martinez, has attended all of their meetings in regard to this project. Mr. Foncerrada has been assured by Mr. Martinez that water is available for the project through Stage 3 water conservation. The eventual goal of this project is to hook up with the reservoir at the golf course. Member Nader noted concern with the water issue. He further stated that he would be willing to call a special meeting of the City Council to be held before the trees are cut down. City Attorney Boogaard advised the Agency that this matter has not been placed on the agenda. Responding to questions, Deputy City Manager Thomson commented that it is his understanding that it would be possible to delay cutting down the trees until after the City Council meeting next Tuesday (January 22), if the Council would desire to act on this matter. Member Malcolm commented that he would not want to direct staff to delay the project unless the City Manager has different information. He stated the issue has been dealt with by the Council previously. Chairman Pro Tempore Moore commented that he does not intend to change the process that is moving forward at this time. Member Nader stated he would like to receive an information report regarding what the City's intent is for the entire City if Stage 3 water conservation becomes effective. In addition, he would like to receive information concerning the EIR/Negative Declaration for the Rohr Park improvement project. Redevelopment Aqency Minutes -5- January 17~ 1991 OTHER BUSINESS 9. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Peter Watry, 81 Second Avenue, Chula Vista, addressed the Agency on behalf of Crossroads. They supported the staff recommendation to hire Cinti & Associates to do planning for the Bayfront. They believe it is important that the City take an active role in the planning for and development of the Bayfront. 10. ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR 3. RESOLUTION 1145 APPROVING CINTI & ASSOCIATES AS THE CONSULTANT TO WORK WITH STAFF TO PREPARE AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN FOR THE MIDBAYFRONT, AUTHORIZING THE AGREEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING $31,500 THEREFOR The Midbayfront Planning Review Team was formed following the public hearing on the Draft EIR on the Local Coastal Program Resubmittal proposed by Chula Vista Inves%ors. That Review Team is comprised of nine Agency and City staff members. Based on the input received at the Planning Commission/Agency workshops and the Planning Commission hearing on the Draft EIR, the Review Team established proposed criteria for an acceptable Bayfront development. The Review Team requested the opportunity to develop an alternative plan which would require outside planning, economic, environmental, and traffic consultants. It was recommended that the Agency approve Cinti & Associates as the consultant to work with staff to prepare an alternative plan for the Midbayfront. Member Rindone commented that he would like to have a Bayfront project that is desired by the entire community. He believes there is a need for the Council/Agency to become more active in the planning of projects instead of primarily focusing attention on the processing of projects. He suggested calling for a workshop on this issue. Through a joint effort of the community, the land developer, the City Council/Agency and staff, new ideas may surface that could be very exciting. Member Rindone further suggested that this item be tabled until a public workshop is held. In addition, if there is an acceptance of new direction for planning of the Bayfront, then it may be advantageous to send out Requests for Proposals instead of selecting the particular contractor that is proposed. Member Rindone suggested that a cultural arts center could be a focal point of the development. He called for an open public workshop and the discussion of new ideas for the planning of the Midbayfront to include a cultural arts center. Redevelopment Agency Minutes -6- January 17, 199~ Deputy City Manager Krempl pointed out that the work program contained in the agenda statement contemplated a workshop. He suggested the workshop could be held and after that point entering into a contract for planning services. If it was desired to use the RFP process, it would extend the time frame for achieving results. Member Rindone stated he would be willing to have the issue of whether or not to go to a RFP process be discussed at the proposed workshop. He would like to have the workshop prior to releasing any contract for consultant services. Member Malcolm pointed out the consultant needs to be someone that staff feels comfortable with in developing a plan. He believes that a workshop needs to be held with the City's planner in attendance in order to hear the input from all parties. MOTION MS (Moore/Rindone) to amend the resolution to include the workshop at the front end of the work plan. Responding to questions of Member Rindone, Principal Community Development Specialist Putnam stated that in 1988 an extensive RFP process was conducted in order to hire a planner to do the planning for the Midbayfront. Cinti & Associates was selected to do land use planning. The intent in hiring Cinti & Associates was for them to develop an entirely new plan. Member Rindone stated he would like to direct staff that it be understood that the cost of this consultant on this project would not begin until after the workshop is held. VOTE ON MOTION The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION OFFERED BY CHAIRMAN PRO TEMPORE MOORE, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and was approved unanimously. 5. RESOLUTION 1147 ACCEPTING CONTRACT WORK, IMPROVEMENTS OF PUBLIC PARKING LOT AT 281 & 285 LANDIS AVENUE IN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR On April 24, 1990, the Redevelopment Agency by Resolution No. 1071 awarded a contract in the amount of $127,729 (including contingencies) for improvement of the public parking lot at 281 & 285 Landis Avenue to Frank and Son Paving, Inc. The work was completed. It was recommended that the Agency adopt the resolution. Redevelopment Aqenc¥ Minutes -7- January 17, 1991 Member Rindone noted concern that there was a quantity overrun of 16.5 tons of asphalt concrete paving° He was concerned that this was not anticipated. RESOLUTION OFFERED BY CHAIRMAN PRO TEMPORE MOORE, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and was approved unanimously. 6. REPORT: APPROACH TO TOWN CENTRE I REEVALUATION RESOLUTION 1148 APPROVING TRANSFER OF $50,000 FROM CIP BG51 TO FUND MARKETING/ECONOMIC STUDIES FOR TOWN CENTRE I REEVALUATION The Town Centre Redevelopment Project Area was established in 1976. Since that time, major physical, economic, and demographic changes have taken place within and adjacent to the project. Recently, concern about the slowing progress of the Town Centre has been expressed by the downtown business community, the Town Centre Project Area Committee members, and Redevelopment Agency members. In response to that concern, a staff team has been formed to conduct a reevaluation of the project area. Member Nader commented that as part of the marketing and economic studies, he wants to include an ongoing "grass roots" level of communication with the downtown merchants. In addition, because there has been a number of closure of businesses in the downtown area in the last year, the City should also reach out to recent past business owners and operators for their input. He would like this included as part of the resolution. RESOLUTION OFFERED BY CHAIRMAN PRO TEMPORE MOORE, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and was approved unanimously. 11. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Krempl reported that bids were opened on this date for the Community Youth Center. Favorable bids were received. 12. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: None. 13. MEMBERS' COMMENTS: None. Adjournment at 5:55 p.m. to Closed Session to discuss acquisition of interest in real property located at 555 Broadway (Homart Development Company, owner) pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. ADJOURNMENT at 6:05 p.m. to Tuesday, February 5, 1991. Chris Salomone, Community Development Director