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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2001/06/28 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA June 28, 2001 4:00 P.M. Mayor Horton called to order an Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista at 4:04 p.m. in the Council Conference Room, located in the Administration Building, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers: Davis, Padilla, Rindone, Salas, and Mayor Horton (Councilmember Rindone arrived at 4:05 p.m.) ABSENT: Councilmembers: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Rowlands, Senior Assistant City Attorney Moore, and City Clerk Bigelow 1. SR-125 WORKSHOP The City retained the firms of IMG and Vollmer and Associates to investigate the feasibility of the City acquiring the SR-125 franchise from California Transportation Ventures as a safeguard, should there be difficulty in financing the road. A final analysis has not been completed due to revenue projections still being modified. The consultants were present to give a status report with preliminary findings. Consultants representing the firm of Infrastructure Management Group (IMG) presented the draft valuation report on the SR-125 project, including the methodology used in the study, and discussed the project's progress to date, completed steps and those remaining to be done, an evaluation of the key assumptions, and a comparables analysis and valuation range. The consultants recommended that arrangements be made for preliminary discussions with CTV to identify a workable framework for possible acquisition of the franchise. They also announced that a final valuation report will be presented to Council on October 9, 2001, at which time Council will consider whether or not to pursue a franchise agreement or support the formation of a JPA. Councilmember Rindone questioned the accuracy of the CTV traffic and revenue reports. The consultant responded that an independent consulting finn was hired to validate the numbers. Councilmember Rindone also asked whether there were any public benefits associated with the project. The consultant replied that the final valuation report to Council would include an analysis of the pros and cons of the project. City Manager Rowlands added that public ownership may reduce toll rates and ensure that the road gets built as quickly as possible. Councilmember Padilla stated that timing was the overriding consideration for this critical piece of infrastructure and emphasized the need to look at the benefits of each option. He added that the consultants' traffic and revenue report would provide a better understanding of the project. Cindy Burrascano, 771 Lori Lane, stated that she spends a lot of time in traffic on freeways. She believed that the SR-125 project would not solve the traffic issues for residents but, rather, would worsen the existing problems. Allison Rolf, 2321C Morena Boulevard, representing the San Diego Audubon Society, requested that a workshop be conducted to obtain public input on the proposed SR-125 project. She asked about the 404 permit and also pointed out that truckers did not typically use toll roads, since they believed that the toll roads would not get them to where they needed to go. Bill Richter, 2112 Hamden Drive, stated that many existing toll roads fail to earn their expected revenues, which has resulted in lowered bond ratings. He emphasized the need for an accurate traffic report in order to determine the potential success of the project. John Olsun, 3344 29th Street, spoke regarding the quality of life and number of housing units to be built in the area. He believed that SR-125 was a growth-inducing project and that the City's involvement with the project would constitute a conflict of interest. John Shuber, 2115 Hamden Drive, asked whether there were any contingency mitigation plans for residents who would be affected by the project. The consultants responded that environmental documentation would be included as part of the project. City Manager Rowlands added that once the contract was awarded, the Council would conduct community meetings to gain public input on the design. He emphasized that the SR-125 project had not yet reached the design stage. Gretchen Gurke, representing the Bonita Planning Group, stated that she had artended meetings regarding Eastlake at which residents were assured that development would not affect their area; however, traffic-calming measures have been required to slow speeding vehicles. City Manager Rowlands announced a community workshop scheduled for July 18, 2001, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Eastlake Community Center, and he encouraged residents of the area to attend. Vivian Marquez, 314 Second Avenue, objected to the City's participation in the project and commented that there is strong community opposition to SR-125. Amy Richter, 2112 Hamden Drive, stated that residents in her area would be at eye level with the ten-lane road. She pointed out that traffic projects are subject to inaccuracies that could be costly to the citizens of Chula Vista, and she believed that the toll road would also create a decline in property values in the area. Ms. Richter stated that the Council needed to act in the best interests of eastern Chula Vista residents and appropriate monies for libraries in the Eastlake region and sidewalks in the western sector, rather than for a toll road project. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were none. Page 2 - Council Minutes 06/28/01 ADJOURNMENT At 5:53 p.m., Mayor Horton adjourned the meeting to a Special Meeting of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency, thence to an Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council on July 10, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, and thence to the Regular Meeting of July 10, 2001, at 6:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Susan Bigelow, CMC/AAE, City Clerk Page 3 - Council Minutes 06/28/01