Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2001/01/23 (2) MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA January 23, 2001 6:00 P.M. A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers located in the Public Services Building, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers: Davis, Padilla, Rindone, Salas, and Mayor Horton ABSENT: Councilmembers: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Rowlands, City Attorney Kaheny, and City Clerk Bigelow PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, MOMENT OF SILENCE SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY · PRESENTATION OF A $50,000 DONATION BY DUKE ENERGY TO THE CHULA VISTA NATURE CENTER Pat Barnes, representing Duke Energy Foundation, presented a $50,000 check to Dan Beintema, director of the Chuia Vista Nature Center. Mr. Beintema explained that the funds would be used for the Curriculum Enhancement/Teacher Enrichment Program to provide transportation to school districts that are unable to afford transport for students to visit the Nature Center on field trips and to provide teacher training in advance of the field trips. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1 through 3) Mayor Horton noted that members of the public had requested that Consent Item #2B be removed for separate consideration. She then left the dais, at 6:10 p.m. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of December 19, 2000. Staff recommendation: Council approve the minutes. 2. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS A. Letter from Vivian Carrasco, a student at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace High School, requesting financial assistance to attend the 2000 Youth Leadership Conference at Freedoms Foundation, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Staff recommendation: $50 from the Council Contingency Account be granted to Vivian Carrasco toward expenses incurred for her attendance at the Freedoms Foundation Conference. CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) 3 A. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-015, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, A GRANT DEED OF THE FEE TITLE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM D.R. HORTON SAN DIEGO HOLDING COMPANY, INC. FOR PUBLIC PARKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PURPOSES B. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-016, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE CONVEYANCE OF THE FEE TITLE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO D.R. HORTON SAN DIEGO HOLDING COMPANY, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A GRANT DEED FOR THE LEGAL TRANSFER OF SAID PROPERTY C. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-017, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING FINAL "A" MAP NO. 3 FOR CHULA VISTA TRACT NO. 96-04 OTAY RANCH VILLAGE 5, ACCEPTING ON BEHALF OF THE CITY THE EASEMENTS GRANTED ON SAID MAP WITHIN SAID SUBDIVISION, ACKNOWLEDGING ON BEHALF OF THE CITY THE IRREVOCABLE OFFER OF DEDICATION OF FEE INTERESTS IN LOTS A, B, C, E, F, J AND P FOR OPEN SPACE AND OTHER PUBLIC PURPOSES, LOT D FOR PUBLIC PARK PURPOSES, ALL AS SHOWN ON SAID MAP WITHIN SAID SUBDIVISION, AND VACATING ON BEHALF OF THE CITY CERTAIN IRREVOCABLE OFFERS OF DEDICATION FOR OPEN SPACE LOTS AND PARK LOTS LOCATED WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE FINAL "A" MAP NO. 3 D. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-018, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR CHULA VISTA TRACT 96-04, OTAY RANCH VILLAGE 5 "A" MAP NO. 3 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT The resolutions approve grant deeds affecting a land swap between the City and D. R. Horton which is required to accommodate the final design of Park P-9 and street layout in Village 5. In addition, they approve "A" Map No. 3 and a companion Supplemental Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Village 5 of the Otay Ranch Project. Final planning and design efforts slightly shifted the property lines, roads, open space, and parks in Village 5, making it necessary to file a new map. The "A" Map contains thirteen "super block" lots that will require the subsequent filing of final "B" maps and a Community Purpose Facility site. By approving the proposed map, Council will vacate certain existing irrevocable offers of dedication (IOD's) for open space lots and park lots and various easements located within the proposed map. The proposed "A" Map No. 3 includes new IOD's and easements to accommodate backbone infrastructure improvements. (Directorof Public Works) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolutions. ACTION: Deputy Mayor Davis moved to approve staff recommendations and offered Consent Items #1, 2A, and 3, headings read, texts waived. The motion carried 4- 0, with Mayor Horton absent from the dais. Page 2 - Council Minutes 01/23/01 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) Mayor Horton returned to the dais at 6:22 p.m. 2 B. Letter from Wayne Landon, Govemment Relations Director of Cal-Diego Paralyzed Veterans Association regarding issues related to accessibility to City buses for paralyzed veterans. - - Louis Irvin, Executive Director of Cat-Diego Paralyzed Veterans Association, spoke regarding the inadequacies of existing buses, particularly the disrepair of the lift systems that are often non- operational. He also reported that many bus drivers were unfamiliar with the lift operation and asked why it had taken so long to replace the buses. Wayne Landon, representing the Cat-Diego Paralyzed Veterans Association, suggested that bus drivers be given sensitivity training and asked the City to develop ways to keep buses running and lifts properly operating. Pat Martini, 11151 Socorro Street, San Diego, parent of a Southwestem College student, said she was told that only two buses on the college ronte have wheelchair lifts, which makes the students requiting bus services to be either two hours early or 10 minutes late for classes. She stated that the students were finding it difficult to be independent and self-sufficient because of the inadequate bus system. Nicole Stichka, 530 East H Street #51, stated that she no longer attends Southwestern College because of incompetent bus drivers and inoperable bus equipment. She also said that it is difficult to get to medical appointments because she has to take two buses; with a two-hour wait in between. She also had to give up a tutoring job because the bus took three hours to get to Bonlta and she always arrived late. Harry Alexander, 402 Oaklawn Avenue, stated that he often waits hours for a bus, sometimes in bad weather, which poses a tremendous hardship to people in wheelchairs. He added that the lifts do not work and the bus drivers are not sensitive to the needs of wheelchair passengers. Mayor Horton reported that six new buses will be delivered next week, and they will have lower floors to make access easier and simpler access ramps with two wheelchair positions. Another ten buses are scheduled for delivery in fall 2001. The city has worked toward and is committed to providing adeqnate service; unforttmately, the manufacturer has not been able to provide the buses sooner. Councilmember Rindone stated that the problem needs to be addressed in a timely manner and asked staff to ensure that residents cotrid utilize D.A.R.T. (Direct Access to Regional Transit) services as an altemative. Transit Coordinator Trujillo responded that wheelchair passengers cotrid use the County Paratransport system. He added that seven Chula Vista buses are now being inspected and shotrid correct most of the present problems. Councilmember Rindone stated that it is essential for the community to be made aware of alternative transport so as to enable them to reach appointments on time. Page 3 - Council Minutes 01/23/01 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) Mayor Horton stated that it was her understanding that once dispatch was notified of a lift failure on a bus, the current contractor, San Diego Transit, had 30 minutes to respond with alternative wansport. She was also of the traderstanding that all bus drivers were given sensitivity training and asked that any instances of unacceptable behavior be reported to the Mayor' s Office. Councilmember Salas stated that the City has a responsibility to provide the same level of service to all citizens of Chula Vista and suggested that the Council consider subsidizing fares so that wheelchair passengers can utilize Handytrans if the regular buses are not working. Councilmember Padilia expressed frustration that the bus problems had been going on for such a long period of time, and he asked staff to report on what steps are being taken to correct the problems. He assured the citizens that the Council would do its utmost to correct any problems. ACTION: Mayor Horton moved to refer the item to staff. The motion carded 5-0. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ed Nabosky spoke regarding two lanes that were shut down prior to 8:00 a.m. on January 23, 2001, in Otay Ranch, creating a 200-car backup along westbound Telegraph Canyon Road. He stated that it was his understanding that lanes would not be shut down before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. City Manager Rowlands responded that Otay Water District was doing some construction in that area, that Mr. Nabosky was correct that lane closures were to occur only after 9:00 a.m., and that staff would check into the matter. ACTION ITEMS 4. REPORT RESPONDING TO COUNCIL REGARDING ENACTMENT OF THE MILLS ACT IN CHULA VISTA The report is in response to Council's request of December 7, 1999 to further research the specific implications of implementing the Mills Act in Chula Vista. Since that time, staff has done research and met with the Resource Conservation Commission and other interested citizens to evaluate methods by which the Mills Act could be implemented in the City. (Director of Planning and Building) Senior Planner Blessent, provided an overview of the Mills Act provisions, which encourage the preservation, maintenance, and restoration of designated historic property through property tax incentives and allow for a re-assessment of property taxes through a State-mandated formula. Councilmember Salas mentioned that a 1985 survey of eligible homes did not include the Montgomery area, which was subsequently annexed to the City. She asked if the most recent survey did include the area. Staff Intern Lopez responded that of 135 homes surveyed, some of them may be located in the Montgomery area. Page 4 - Cotmcil Minutes 01/23/01 ACTION ITEMS (Continued) Councilmember Rindone asked whether any of the four cities using the program had experienced any breach in Mills Act contracts. Staff responded that in Escortdido, there were a couple of homeowners who did not follow all the established guidelines but most participating homeowners are committed to the program. Councilmember Rindone asked staff to report on the circumstances surrounding the Escondido problem when the ordinance is brought back for introduction. Corinne McCall, 642 Second Avenue, owner of a historical Victorian home, stated that her home requires continual upkeep and that she would appreciate any assistance the City could provide. She added that the Mills Act program would benefit the community by preserving historic homes. Glenda Devoney, 200 K Street, encouraged the Council to assist in whatever way possible to preserve the properties. Nancy Parks, 124 Hilltop Drive, owner of a Dutch colonial revival home, also asked for City assistance with the continual upkeep of the property. Louise Torio, 657 20th Street, San Diego, stated that she has seen an increase in value and investments in areas where the Mills Act has been established. Ms. Torio urged the Council to support the program and suggested that a liberal tone be incorporated into the language of the ordinance. Pamela Bensoussan, 616 Second Avenue, owner of a historic property, spoke in support of adopting the Mills Act ordinance. Peter Watry, 81 Second Avenue, a volunteer with the Chula Vista Heritage Museam, spoke in support of the program, which would assist in preserving the existing orchard homes that are a part of Chula Vista' s history. Nicholas Gistaro, 21 F Street, owner of a home built in 1896, encouraged the Council to implement the Mills Act program. Mayor Horton stated that she valued the preservation of these historic homes and hoped that the policy to be brought forward would not be too restrictive so as to encourage people to apply for the program. Councilmember Salas thanked the community who came out in support of the program and stated that the Mills Act would encourage future generations to continue the preservation of Chula Vista' s heritage. ACTION: Councilmember Salas moved to accept the report and direct staff to draft an Ordinance. The motion carried 5-0. Page 5 - Council Minutes 01/23/01 OTHER BUSINESS 5. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS City Manager Rowlands asked that the March 13, 2001 Council meeting be cancelled, since a majority of the Council will attend the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in Washington D.C. from March 8th through March 13th. ACTION: Mayor Horton moyed to cancel the meeting of March 13, 2001. Deputy Mayor Davis seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. 6. MAYOR'S REPORTS There were none. 7. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Rindone stated that a seven-member delegation visiting from China would be attending the meeting of February 6, 2001, to be welcomed by the Council and receive a proclamation. CLOSED SESSION Mayor Horton reported that Closed Session had been cancelled, and the following items were not discussed. 8. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING INITIATION OF LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(C) · One Case 9. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 · City Negotiator: City Manager · Employee Organization: International Association of Firefighters ADJOURNMENT: At 7:15 p.m., Mayor Horton adjourned the meeting to an Adjourned Regular Meeting in the Council Conference Room, and thence to the Regular Meeting of February 6, 2001, at 4:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Bigelow, AAE/CMC, City Clerk Page 6 - Council Minutes 01/23/01