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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2007/03/13 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA March 13, 2007 6:00 P.M. A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers: Castaneda, McCann, Ramirez, Rindone (arrived at 6:02 p.m.), and Mayor Cox ABSENT: Councilmembers: None ALSO PRESENT: Interim City Manager Thomson, City Attorney Moore, Senior Deputy City Clerk Peoples, and Records Manager Pharis PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY . OATHS OF OFFICE Mary Helvie, Commission on Aging Russ Hall, Growth Management Oversight Commission Nancy Mulcahy, International Friendship Commission Senior Deputy City Clerk Peoples administered the oaths of office to Mary Helvie and Russ Hall, and Deputy Mayor Rindone presented them with certificates of appointment. Ms. Mulcahy was not present, as she was administered her oath of office prior to the meeting. DID YOU KNOW...THE LIBRARY HAS A NEW LOGO? Presented by Jeri Gulbransen. Library Community Relations Manager Gulbransen introduced the new logo for the Library. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items I through 2) 1. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-058, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA WAIVING THE FORMAL CONSULTANT SELECTION PROCESS, APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, MARION B. BORG ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING AND MCMILLIN OTAY RANCH, LLC, FOR MANAGING AND PROCESSING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) FOR THE EASTERN URBAN CENTER (EUC) SECTIONAL PLANNING AREA (SPA) PLAN, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT CONSENT CALENDAR (continued) Through December 2006, Marion B. Borg provided professional services for managing and processing multiple sectional planning area (SPA) plans under a two-party contract as an extension of staff. Adoption of the resolution approves a three-party agreement, which supercedes the prior two-party agreement with the City. The consulting services will be dedicated to the Eastern Urban Center SPA plan environmental impact report through the entitlement process. (Planning and Building Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. 2. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-059, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A l20-DAY EXTENSION TO THE DEFERRAL OF THE PORTION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE COMPRISED OF FUTURE VILLAGES 8, 9, 10lUNIVERSITY AREA OF OTAYRANCH On December 13, 2005, the City Council approved the City's comprehensive General Plan update with the exception of the area comprised of Villages 8, 9 and 10lUniversity area within Otay Ranch. This area was deferred for a period of 120 days and has been deferred three additional times, with a current expiration date of March 14, 2007. Adoption ofthe resolution extends the deferral period for an additional 120 days to allow staff to work with the two property owners to reach a mutual agreement on a land plan and bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion. (Planning and Building Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. ACTION: Councilmember Castaneda moved to approve staffs recommendations and offered the Consent Calendar, headings read, texts waived. Councilmember McCann seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENTS Neil Patton, son of the late Ben Patton, thanked the Mayor and Council for their dedication of the March 6, 2007 meeting in honor of his father. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. CONSIDERATION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA 2007-2008 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM, THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM, THE EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT PROGRAM (ESG), AND THE AMERICAN DREAM DOWN PAYMENT PROGRAM The purpose of the public hearing is to solicit public input on the use of federal grant program funds, as well as to provide the Council with staff funding recommendations. (Acting Community Development Director) Page 2 - Council Minutes htto:! /www.chulavistaca.QOV March 13, 2007 I i I - ._-_.~ PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) 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. Mayor Cox opened the public hearing, and Acting Community Development Director Hix introduced the item. Councilmember Castaneda stated that at a recent League of California Cities Conference, he attended a meeting with Steny Hoyer, the House of Representatives Majority Leader, who spoke regarding what is occurring with CDBG funding in the new fiscal budget, making it clear that there could be further cuts. Councilmember Castaneda asked staff and the City's Legislative Analyst to obtain background information on this topic; bring it back to the Council in a week or two for a formal position; and to make sure that our representatives know that the City wants to maintain and increase the level ofCDBG funding received for our community. Housing Manager Mills, assisted by Senior Community Development Specialist Davis, presented the staff report and responded to questions. The following persons spoke in support of their organizations and or specific project requests: Tony de los Santos, Chula Vista resident, Family Health Centers of San Diego Maurico Torre, Chula Vista resident, South Bay Community Services Kathryn Lembo, San Diego resident, South Bay Community Services Paul Hernandez and Monica Ruiz, Chula Vista residents, MAAC Project Lisa Kramer, San Diego resident, Charles Cheneweth Foundation Bob White, Chula Vista resident, Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation Daniel Juvan Pulido, Chula Vista resident, Southwestern College Robert Valerio, Chula Vista resident, Southwestern College Diane Branman, Chula Vista resident, Southwestern College Sherilyn Salahudden, Chula Vista resident, Southwestern College Darlene Poisson, Chula Vista resident, Southwestern College Dr. James Johnson, Meals-on- Wheels Greater San Diego Rosemary Johnston, San Diego resident, Interfaith Shelter Network Mary Jo Buettner, Chula Vista resident, Chula Vista Community Collaborative Elizabeth Bacon, San Diego resident, Southwestern College Earl Jentz, Chula Vista resident, Southwest Civic Association, provided a handout, spoke regarding a sidewalk survey his group was conducting, and lobbied for CDBG funds for infrastructure in southwest Chula Vista. Teresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, Southwest Civic Association, addressed the Council regarding infrastructure needs in southwest Chula Vista and the need to identifY additional funding mechanisms. Councilmember Castaneda spoke regarding a conversation with Congressman Bob Filner, who committed support in seeking funding for a southwestern Chula Vista community plan. Page 3 - Council Minutes httn://www.chulavistaca.g:ov March 13,2007 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) There being no further members of the public who wished to speak, Mayor Cox closed the public hearing. Councilmember Ramirez asked staff to provide a graphic representation of priorities at the second meeting in April. He asked how funding decisions were made, and Housing Manager Mills explained the process. Mayor Cox asked Ms. Mills to provide Councilmember Ramirez with program overview information prior to the April meeting. She then reopened the public hearing. Penny Bollinger, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of keeping funding for the Castle Park improvement project as a priority. Derrick Dudley, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of funding for the Castle Park project. Mayor Cox closed the public hearing. Councilmember McCann spoke regarding the need for collaboration among applicants who offer similar services. He also mentioned the prior use of a citizens' committee to review the requests and made recommendations to the Council, suggesting that such a committee be reinstated in the future. Housing Manager Mills stated for the record that CDBG funds could not be used for repair or maintenance projects. Councilmember McCann then stated that a funding mechanism was needed, and revitalization would provide the necessary funds to enhance the community. Councilmember Ramirez asked that additional funding mechanisms for infrastructure needs be explored. He also asked how much redevelopment in the southwest has contributed to infrastructure in that area. Acting Community Development Director Hix responded that development would eventually contribute to tax increment. Interim City Manager Thomson stated that infrastructure would be the topic for the Council workshop scheduled for April 5, 2007. Included will be a citywide infrastructure inventory, including missing sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets, and various alternative-funding mechanisms. Deputy Mayor Rindone asked that the report be presented in its prior format, with tabs and corresponding numbers, to provide easier access to information during presentations. He also asked that it be prepared on lighter colored paper for easier viewing. He then asked how candidates were selected for the American down payment program and expressed the need to ensure equal opportunities and a fair process. He stated that the three fundamental principles previously established by the Council for distributing CDBG funds were (I) primary service to residents of Chula Vista, (2) to not create a dependency on CDBG funds, and (3) encourage collaboration among requesting organizations. He then confirmed that under the Emergency Shelter Grant category, the Interfaith Shelter Network funds were specifically for use within Chula Vista. He then asked that staff include in the April report the percentage of funding each proposal provide that is exclusively for Chula Vista residents and specific or new services that are needed in the community but not presently provided. Page 4 - Council Minutes htto:! /www.chulavlstaca.Q:QV March 13,2007 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Councilmember Castaneda confirmed that those who spoke in support of the van for Southwestern College had not approached the other cities in the district, and he encouraged them to pursue a collaborative effort. Mayor Cox commended staff for doing an extraordinary job in making sure that the use of Housing and Urban Development funds followed federal regulations. She also suggested that local service groups be considered for providing a community perspective of the applications to the Council. Deputy Mayor Rindone asked that a workshop be held next year to discuss the CDBG guiding principles and provide assistance to staff. OTHER BUSINESS 4. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS There were none. 5. MAYOR'S REPORTS A. Ratification of appointment of Egbert Oostburg to the Charter Review Commission. ACTION: Councilmember Castaneda moved to appoint Egbert Oostberg to the Charter Review Commission. Councilmember McCann seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. B. Update from Chargers Relocation Council Subcommittee (Mayor Cox/Councilmember McCann) Mayor Cox introduced the item, noting that Mark Fabiani, representing the Chargers, had attended the First Friday Breakfast meeting. She then deferred to Councilmember McCann for the update. Councilmember McCann stated that the l2-week study funded by the Chargers to look at stadium sites throughout the City was at the half-way point. Staff met twice with the consultant, Cooper-Robertson, and Charger representative Mark Fabiani. Site criteria were developed, and parcel size, land use compatibility, and infrastructure were looked at. Staff and the team consultant conducted field visits of the various sites, and the consultants provided information on various stadiums and accompanying uses from around the country. One of the guiding principles was to look at something that would be part of the community, not apart from the community. The background information included a review of the environmental issues, multiple species preservation, and topology. Currently, the consultant has narrowed the search to two sites in eastern Chula Vista and two sites in western Chula Vista. The consultant is analyzing the mass transit and other modes of transportation for ease of ingress and egress and community impacts on game day. They have also been looking at parking situations and are doing further detailed analysis on the sites. The final report is due to the Council at the end of April. When the report is concluded, the next steps will be to determine the Chargers' interest in moving forward and to talk to landowners for the designated sites and gauge their interest in moving forward, as well. The Council will then consider the next steps in a public forum in order to gain as much public input as possible. He encouraged members of the public to contact him. Page 5 - Council Minutes http://www .chulavistaca. gOY March 13,2007 OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) Mayor Cox clarified for Councilmember Ramirez that the Council subcommittee did not produce minutes. Deputy Mayor Rindone said he understood Mr. Fabiani to say that the Chargers had hoped to get down to one site. He asked Councilmember McCann if that was correct. Councilmember McCann said he understood the comment by Mr. Fabiani to be that they would be lucky to get one viable site. C. Update from South Bay Power Plant Council Subcommittee (Mayor CoxlCouncilmember Castaneda) Mayor Cox introduced the report, stating that the January 18, 2007 joint Council/Port Commission workshop was to discuss plans to have a non-water-cooled replacement plant on the bayfront. At that point, SDG&E indicated it did not require base load power on the bayfront and would not purchase base load power from LS Power. One of the documents in the Council packet was the Megawatt Daily, in which SDG&E corrected its statement, saying it would welcome the participation and applications of LS Power and other generators. Mayor Cox further reported that the Council held a meeting on February 20, 2007 regarding the dismantling of the power plant, which led to a follow-up meeting on March 5, 2007 of the subcommittee, LS Power, SDG&E, Port Commissioner Najera, and Port and City staff. At that meeting, discussion was held on the transition the City was interested in making from bayfront generation to off-bayfront generation; the rationale used was that the air-cooled plant did not require a waterfront location and SDG&E's comment that no replacement power plant would be needed. LS Power indicated that the bayfront location was the best location for a replacement plant and reminded the City of the three conditions to remove RMR (Reliability Must Run) status. SDG&E concurred with LS Power's comment that the bayfront was a good, if not the best, location for a replacement plant. The Port Commissioners subsequently discussed the City's request and reached a conclusion. A copy of the Port District agenda item, and also a letter from SDG&E, were included in the Council packet summarizing the meeting held with LS Power, the Council subcommittee and Port staff. The Port Commissioners' action was to follow the City's leadership and continue to look for a non-bayfront location for replacement generation. The Mayor stated that she had gone to Sacramento to visit the Public Utilities Commission last week; and Councilmember Castaneda and Environmental Services Director Meacham would be going to Sacramento on Friday. They are still working on scheduling a meeting with the independent operators. Finally, the second workshop would be held on Monday, March 26, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Councilmember Castaneda thanked the Mayor for her report. He said he had intended to attend the Port Commissioners' meeting on his return from the League Conference, but then received word that the Commissioners had acted swiftly and heeded the words of the Council. Mayor Cox thanked Environmental Services Director Meacham for all his assistance. Page 6 - Council Minutes http://www .chula vistaca.gov March 13, 2007 OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) 6. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Castaneda reported on his attendance at the National League of Cities Conference in Washington D.C.. He also stated that he would join San Diego City Councilmember Ben Hueso, a number of representatives from the Regional Energy Office and the Home Depot Foundation, and Michael Meacham and his staff for an inaugural tree planting event. He provided the phone number for Chula Vista residents interested in picking up five free shade trees. Councilmember Castaneda then requested assistance with the separation of Council budgets and the new paperwork required. Mayor Cox offered the assistance of Executive Secretary Flores. Councilmember Castaneda asked staff to look at "earth friendly parking incentives" to encourage people to drive fuel-efficient vehicles by allowing them to park at City parking meters at no charge. He also asked staff to provide a full accounting at the April infrastructure workshop on money generated by and put back into the southwest area. Finally, he asked for an accounting of costs of City staff and outside attorneys that were expended on the Jade Bay situation. Councilmember McCann stated he would provide his Chargers relocation subcommittee report to the Councilmembers and public. CLOSED SESSION At 8:44 p.m., Mayor Cox recessed the meeting, and the Council convened in Closed Session at 9:00 p.m.. 7. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (b) OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 Two cases Only one case was discussed, and no reportable action was taken on the case. 8. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(b)(1) Title: City Manager No reportable action was taken on this item. 9. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE 54957.6(a) Unrepresented employee: City Manager No reportable action was taken on this item. ADJOURNMENT At 10:50 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to the regular meeting on March 20, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~r} Anne Peoples, MMC, Senior Deputy City Clerk Page 7 - Council Minutes htto://www.chulavlstaca.!lQV March 13,2007