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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2007/08/02 MINUTES OF ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, GROWTH MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA August 2, 2007 6:00 P.M. Adjourned Regular Meetings of the City Council, Growth Management Oversight Commission, and Planning Commission of the City ofChula Vista were called to order at 6:16 p.m. at the John Lippitt Public Works Center, 1800 Maxwell Road, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Castaneda (arrived at 6:30 p.m.), McCann, Ramirez, Rindone (arrived at 7:25 p.m.), and Mayor Cox Growth Management Oversight Commissioners: Acerro (arrived at 6:53 p.m.), Clayton, Garci~ Hall, Jones, Krogh, Palma, Chair O'Neill Planning Commissioners: Bensoussan (arrived at 8:41 p.m.), Clayton, Felber, Moctezuma, Spethman, Vinson, and Chair Tripp ABSENT: Growth Management Oversight Commissioner Garcia ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Garcia, City Attorney Moore, City Clerk Bigelow, and Senior Deputy City Clerk Peoples PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE PUBLIC HEARING 1. REVIEW OF THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMISSION'S 2006 ANNUAL REPORT Each year, the Growth Management Oversight Commission (GMOC) submits its annual report to the Planning Commission and City Council regarding compliance with the City's 11 quality-of-life threshold standards. The 2007 annual report covers the period from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006; identifies current issues in the second half of 2006 and early 2007; and assesses any threshold compliance concerns looking forward over the next five years. The report discusses each threshold in terms of current compliance, issues, and corresponding recommendations. (Planning and Building Director) Planning and Building Director Sandoval thanked everyone involved in the process, noting that the program was still considered state-of-the-art both statewide and nationally. He then discussed the General Plan Growth Management Element, growth management ordinance, and growth management guidelines. PUBLIC HEARING (continued) GMOC Chairman, Kevin O'Neill expressed appreciation for the time and professional expertise provided by City staff, as well as the school districts, water districts, and Air Pollution Control District for helping complete the annual report. He expressed special thanks to Rabbia Phillip, Frank J. Herrera-A, Stan Donn and Ed Batchelder, as well as former Growth Management Coordinator Mark Stephens, who provided direct staff support to the Commission. Chair O'Neill recognized the GMOC Commissioners and spoke regarding their diverse backgrounds and dedication to their assigned tasks as Commissioners. He went on to provide an overview of the growth management program, including its creation, the types of review performed, and the II quality of life indicators, including those under City control, as well as external control. He noted that nine were in compliance and tw02 were not. Additionally, Mr. O'Neill stated that the GMOC held its first public workshop/retreat for the purpose of informally discussing existing GMOC thresholds and proposing potential future thresholds, and stated he was of the opinion that a comprehensive review of existing thresholds should be conducted and additional thresholds considered. In closing, Mr. O'Neill advised the Council that the referrals from the 2006 review cycle had been considered and evaluated as part of this year's review, and that the GMOC had concluded that the police and traffic thresholds, and perhaps the inclusion of a mechanism to address a future transportation element, should be further reviewed and discussed during the GMOC's next cycle. GMOC Chair O'Neill then provided a topic-by-topic review of the II quality of life indicators, along with this year's findings and recommendations. They included: Fiscal, Air Quality, Sewer, Water, Drainage, Parks & Recreation, Fire/EMS, Traffic, Schools, Police, and Library. Associate Planner Herrera-A provided the staff response for each indicator, and Chair O'Neill provided the GMOC response to the staff response. GMOC Chair O'Neill then concluded the presentation with the 2007 threshold standard - annual review summary for the period of July I, 2005 through June 20, 2006. Mayor Cox opened the public hearing. Peter Watry, Chula Vista resident, spoke regarding the need for parks on the west side of the City, and requested that the Council designate the empty area to the east of the KOA as the Lower Sweetwater Community Park. He stated that he would be submitting a proposal that would include soccer fields, picnic tables, a tot lot, connection to the equestrian center, and natural open space, with a self financing means by which to pay for the park and improvements without using tax dollars. Mr. Watry then asked the Council to reject any development proposals for residential use of the area. There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Cox closed the public hearing. Mayor Cox next opened each threshold for discussion by the Council and Commission members. Page 2 - Council/GMOCIPC Minutes August 2, 2007 u-.-J PUBLIC HEARING (continued) Councilmember Ramirez asked what the GMOC expected to develop as a result of its discussion of the independent financial review. Planning and Building Director Sandoval responded that a methodology was being worked on to determine what thresholds should be established, and that a report would be brought back to the Council in the future. Commissioner Vinson asked the housing numbers were accurate. Director Sandoval responded that they were estimates conservatively on the high side for GMOC purposes. Commissioner Acerro stated that the air quality thresholds appeared to be about turning in reports about programs available, but did not address compliance or measurable accountability. Director Sandoval stated that air quality was hard to measure, but staff had tried to place requirements in all master planned developments. Further, he noted that Chula Vista had done a better job than most municipalities, noting that staff does measure requirements, make sure developers follow the process, and documents days when the air quality thresholds were not met. Councilmember Castaneda stated that a distinction needed to be drawn between City buildings and activities and things that could not be controlled, such as single-occupancy vehicles. Chula Vista was doing well as a City, but the lion's share of greenhouse gasses was from vehicles, and it was not clear what could be done to convince people not to drive everywhere. Deputy Mayor Rindone explained actions SANDAG had taken to make a difference. Commissioner Spethman asked if any consideration had been given to building a sewage treatment facility for the City. Assistant City Manager/City Engineer Tulloch responded that the City was looking at a number of approaches, including the purchase of additional capacity, building a treatment plant, and leasing rather than buying additional capacity. A report will be presented to the Council within six months. Commissioner Moctezuma stated that everyone needed to be very forward thinking about water demands, perhaps taking a more aggressive approach to conservation now in order to avoid future problems. Commissioner Felber requested that in future reports, both demand and capacity as they relate to the City be provided for the Otay Water District, as is done for the Sweetwater Authority. Councilmember McCann asked the current status of the Rancho del Rey Library. Finance Director Kachadoorian provided an update on the review of the finance options, delays involved, and priorities for use of designated funding shifted to other projects by the Council. Assistant Library Director Brown-Peeling stated that if things went as planned, the new library would open in January 2009. In response to a question by Commissioner Felber, Assistant Director Brown-Peeling responded regarding the use of County libraries within the Chula Vista jurisdiction taken into planning considerations. Page 3 - Council/GMOCIPC Minutes August 2, 2007 PUBLIC HEARING (continued) Mayor Cox asked about the timing of the master plan and fourth library in Eastlake Center. Assistant Director Brown-Peeling responded that the current plan was intended to be a I a-year plan and would build the Rancho del Rey library; as part of the planning process, a fourth and final library would be offered in the eastern urban center. Councilmember Ramirez noted that it was important to remember the commitments made for providing libraries as part of community infrastructure. Further, he stated he did not know whether or not there was a need to change the standard for libraries, but that staff should possibly consider different standards because of the Internet and technology to measure whether libraries are providing the level of service that meets with Chula Vista residents' quality-of-life expectations. Deputy Mayor Rindone noted that the schools offered good libraries, as well. At 8:10 p.m., Mayor Cox recessed the meeting. At 8:22 p.m., she reconvened the meeting with all members previously present in attendance. Budget and Analysis Director VanEenoo responded to Commissioner Krough's inquiry regarding financing of the library and figures included in the report. Councilmember Castaneda asked that a report be provided to the Council in the future when a priority project was established that would require funding to be shifted from another project so the Council would better understand the implications of the expenditures they approve and the ability to provide the facilities that the neighborhoods expect and deserve. GMOC Chair O'Neill suggested that when looking at the lack of library capacity, staff also look at required staffing and hours of operation per square footage. Planning Commission Chair Tripp said he thought the reallocation of funds from the library to police and fire were well placed, even though a library was still needed. Commissioner Acerro spoke regarding the drainage threshold, and concurred with the GMOC recommendation to measure water quality as part ofthe threshold next year. In response to a question by Mayor Cox, Assistant City Manager/City Engineer Tulloch explained that when the storm water permit was updated, new requirements, some of which were unfounded state mandates, were added that would be passed on to all co-permittees. The issue has been working its way up through the courts. A favorable court ruling would allow the next step to be taken to address the situation. He then provided an example, citing that the average fee throughout the state is $5 per dwelling Commissioner Krough expressed concern with the permitting process for the cleaning of flood control channels. Assistant City Manager/City Engineer Tulloch explained that this was a regional issue, and jurisdictions have joined together to affect the permit process. Page 4 - CouncillGMOC/PC Minutes August 2, 2007 _--._--.J PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued) Public Works Operations Director Byers responded to questions from Councilmember Ramirez regarding the completion of several reports that were contracted out, but not yet completed. He cited several issues, including the fact that the cities, county, port and airport authority all have different requirements, some which conflict with each other. Thus, the consultants are still working on the report. Commissioner Moctezuma asked about the parks and recreation thresholds, and requested that one be established for the west side immediately, if there was not one already in place. Parks and Recreation Director Martin addressed her concerns. Mayor Cox stated that as the Sweetwater Union High School District continues to pursue administration buildings and looking at density and development, it should determine that land at the intersection near Fifth and Oxford could be used for a park. Councilmember McCann added that two large parks were included as part of the bayfront master plan, and were a key portion of bringing parks to the west side of the City. Councilmember Ramirez asked about the standard currently used for the development of parks. Parks and Recreation Director Martin stated that any new development would be assessed three acres per 1,000 density as part of the development formula. Recreation Supervisor Mariano stated that the GMOC would be looking at mechanisms for monitoring, and were currently using population with existing park inventory. In the fall, they will begin monitoring new units in the west against corresponding acreage and will be doing the same on the east. Budget and Analysis Director VanEenoo stated that staff was looking at updating the Park Acquisition and Development (PAD) Fees for the west side. City Attorney Moore added that the 3/1000 ratio came from state law known as the Quinby Act, which allows a City to impose a fee on new development requiring three acres per 1000 residents. Councilmember Ramirez asked staff to provide data from the original study supporting the initial fees that were established. GMOC Chair Tripp invited Councilmember Ramirez to join them in their retreat at the beginning of the next cycle to gain a better understanding of the process they go through to determine if thresholds are met. Planning Commission Chair Tripp asked about police response times between 7 and 10 minutes. Police Chief Emerson responded that anything over 10 minutes was tracked separately and reviewed specifically per Council request. Deputy Mayor Rindone added that all response times were broken down by call type. He then expressed his appreciation to the Chief and staff for the diligence in addressing the Priority I calls. Page 5 - CouncillGMOCIPC Minutes August 2, 2007 PUBLIC HEARING (continued) Commissioner Vinson asked the difference between response times on the east and west sides of the City. Chief Emerson responded that the City is divided into beats, the eastern side beats being larger, which impacts response times. He then noted that since the 2005/2006 report, the department had put more officers on the street, thus reducing priority 2 responses. In order to assist further, staff was evaluating new technology available, such as an automatic vehicle locator that, if placed in all patrol vehicles, would assist dispatch in getting the closest unit to the scene. This, however, as well as an increase in staff for the eastern beat, would require additional funding. Commissioner Felber asked when State Route 125 would be completed, as the report indicated summer 2007. Mayor Cox stated that she had been informed it would open the end of September, and a firmer date would be available mid-August. Commissioner Moctezuma stated that it was not clear from the charts how it was determined that the traffic thresholds were met. Principal Civil Engineer Rivera said the next report would show the results of projects completed along the 1-805 corridor. He also commented on the timing of traffic signals, noting that they were set to favor the street with the most traffic. Commissioner Acerro spoke regarding traffic issues. Mr. Rivera explained the evaluation prioritization processes. During discussion of the schools threshold, GMOC Chair O'Neill noted that there was capacity in both the elementary and high school districts. Mayor Cox noted that temporary classrooms had been removed and new classrooms built. Mayor Cox thanked Planning Commission Chair Tripp for the Planning Commission's deliberations and actions. City Attorney Moore noted that the Planning Commission would be accepting the 2007 GMOC report and recommending its acceptance by the Council. ACTION: Planning Commissioner Vinson moved to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. PCM-06-12 as amended, heading read, text waived: RESOLUTION NO. PCM 06-12, RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING AND FORWARDING THE 2007 GMOC ANNUAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDING ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL BY THE CITY COUNCIL Commissioner Felber seconded the motion, and it carried 7-0. ACTION: Deputy Mayor Rindone moved to adopt Resolution No. 2007-198 as amended, heading read, text waived as revised to remove the words "and approving" from the heading: Page 6 - Council/GMOC/PC Minutes August 2, 2007 PUBLIC HEARING (continued) RESOLUTION NO. 2007-198, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING THE 2007 GMOC ANNUAL REPORT, AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO UNDERTAKE ACTIONS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS AS PRESENTED IN THE STAFF RESPONSES AND PROPOSED IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS SUMMARY Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were none. Mayor Cox invited everyone to purchase tickets for an ice cream social fundraiser at the historic Dickinson Boal house in National City on August 18,2007. ADJOURNMENT At 10:02 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the City Council to a regular meeting on August 7, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. At 10:04 p.m., the Growth Management Oversight Commission and the Planning Commission were adjourned to their respective regular meetings. ~~~C;~CI"k Page 7 - Council/GMOC/PC Minutes August 2, 2007