HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2001/08/21 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
August 21,2001 6:00 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:00
p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in the Public Services Building, 276 Fourth Avenue,
Chula Vista, Califomia.
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
CONSENT CALENDAR
(Items 1 through 9)
Councilmember Rindone commented that Consent Item #6 is complementary to Item #12 and
represents a parmership between the City and the Sweetwater Union High School District to
provide resources to School Resource Officers.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of July 17, 2001
Staff recommendation: Council approve the minutes.
2. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
A. Letter from the City Attorney stating that, to the best of his knowledge from
observance of actions taken in Closed Session on August 14, 2001, there were no
actions taken which are required under the Brown Act to be reported.
Staff recommendation: The letter be received and filed.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-272, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA WAiVING THE CONSULTANT SELECTION PROCESS,
APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR THE
PROVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES REQUIRED
FOR THE FiNAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE SALT CREEK
GRAVITY SEWER iNTERCEPTOR AND THE WOLF CANYON TRUNK SEWER,
AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AMENDMENT ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY
CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued)
On May 2, 2000, Council approved a contract with Dudek & Associates for the provision
of environmental and engineering services required for the final design and construction
of the Salt Creek gravity sewer interceptor and the Wolf Canyon trunk sewer. Since then,
as the work on the preparation of the environmental documents and the design plans
proceeded, it became apparent that additional work was needed beyond that defined in
the original scope of work, resulting in the first amendment to the contract. This second
amendment will provide for additional consultant services. (Director of Public Works)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-273, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CATASTROPHIC LEAVE POLICY
After a full year of actual experience with the catastrophic leave policy, several
refinements to that policy are recommended to insure that the intent o£ the policy is
consistently adhered to. (Director of Human Resources)
Staffrecommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-274, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING PHASE I CLASSIFICATION AND
COMPENSATION SCHEDULE
Adoption of the resolution approves several classification and compensation adjustments
for positions in the clerical series resulting from a formal classification study. (Director
of Human Resources)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-275, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING DONATION OF EQUIPMENT FROM THE
SWEETWATER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Chula Vista Police Department's School Resource Officer Unit received an
unsolicited donation of equipment worth $27,500 from the Sweetwater Union High
School District as a result of AB 1113. The equipment will be specifically designated for
the use of the School Resource Officer Program in an effort to enhance the safety of the
students. (Chief of Police)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
7. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-276, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING REQUEST FROM BONITA BUSINESS AND
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION TO CONDUCT BONITAFEST AND
BONITAFEST PARADE
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CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued)
The Bonitafest Committee and its sponsoring organization, the Bonita Business and
Professional Association, have requested permission to conduct the 29th annual Bonitafest
on Saturday, September 22, 2001. (Chief of Police)
Staffrecommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
8. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-277, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING CONDITIONAL TEMPORARY
CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF RANCHO DEL REY PARKWAY ON SEPTEMBER
15 AND 16, 2001, FOR THE ORANGE CRATE DERBY
The Bonita Orange Crate Derby Committee of the Bonita Valley Lions Club has
requested permission for a temporary street closure on Rancho Del Rey Parkway on
September 15 and 16, 2001 to conduct the 22"d annual Orange Crate Derby. (Chief of
Police)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-278, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A PURCHASE AGREEMENT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $119,774.35 FOR SHOP CABINETS AND INDUSTRIAL SHELVING
FOR THE NEW PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY AND CORPORATION YARD TO
GOODALE-FERRARA OF CARLSBAD
The Council previously approved a capital project to acquire and construct a new
Corporation Yard. The project consists of relocating various Public Works' offices and
yard disciplines to the new Corporation Yard. The relocation is planned to take place in
early October 2001. Bids for the purchase and installation of shop cabinets and industrial
shelving were opened on July 24, 2001. Twenty-four potential bidders were contacted,
and nine bidders responded. The bid was also advertised in The Star-News on June 22,
2001. Of the twenty-four potential bidders contacted, two were local vendors, but neither
submitted a bid. (Deputy City Manager Powell)
Staffrecommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
ACTION: Mayor Horton moved to approve staff recommendations and offered the Consent
Calendar, headings read, texts waived. The motion carried 5-0.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Martin Altbaum, 396 E Street, representing Chula Vista Cable, explained that a member of the
public was charged a $35 fee for a public access tape because the tape solicited donations for a
church, and he believed that nothing should be sold on a public access channel. Mr. Altbaum
also objected to the fee requested by the City for cable operations and requested a full hearing
before the Council. Mayor Horton asked staff to provide a background memorandum to the
Council regarding the matter. City Manager Rowlands commented that the City was close to
resolution on the 10-year extension requested by Mr. Altbaum.
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Continued)
James Berry, 885 Ash Avenue, requested an exemption from the Property Based Business
Improvement District (PBID) for Branch 61 of the Fleet Reserve Association, located at 288
Third Avenue. He explained that Branch 61 formed a business enterprise called Club 61, a non-
profit veterans organization with one full-time and one part-time employee. If the club has to
pay the assessment for the PBID, it would have to suspend contributions to charitable
organizations it supports in Chula Vista. Mayor Horton referred the matter to City Manager
Rowlands and requested that staff contact Mr. Berry.
BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
10. REQUEST BY THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO DESIGNATE
THE HENRY FISCHER HOUSE AS A HISTORIC STRUCTURE
City Staff received a communication regarding the potential demolition of the Henry
Fischer house located at 769 Broadway Avenue. Since the site has not been designated
and does not have a City historic site permit, the City is obligated to issue a demolition
permit. Based on these circumstances, the Resource Conservation Commission
considered the designation of the Henry Fischer house as a historic structure at its June
11, 2001 meeting. In accordance with Municipal Code Section 2.32.070, the Resource
Conservation Commission recommends the historic listing of the Henry Fischer house.
(Resource Conservation Commission)
Commission recommendation: Council designate the Henry Fischer house as Historic
Site No. 46 on the Chula Vista List of Historic Sites; research possible City-owned sites
where the Fischer House could be moved permanently or temporarily; appropriate funds
to preserve the house by moving it to another location within the City and at no cost to
the owner; and direct staff to negotiate with the property owner for the purchase of the
house to ensure its long-term preservation.
Staff recommendation: Council find that the Henry Fischer House meets the local
criteria for designation as a historic site, adopt the proposed resolution, and deny the
Commission's other recommendations based on the fact that the City does not have a
program for moving or relocating historic structures and there are no funds allocated in
the budget to move structures to another location for preservation purposes:
Associate Planner Muett presented the proposal and delineated the City's criteria for relocating
historical structures.
Mayor Horton asked if the homeowner, Mr. Lopez, were willing to donate the house to the City.
Ms. Muett replied that staff had been unable to contact Mr. Lopez but the house is reportedly in
escrow. Therefore, it may be the prospective buyers who are seeking to demolish the house,
rather than Mr. Lopez. Mayor Horton asked staff to try to find out if the new buyer would be
interested in donating the house to the City. She also requested that staff identify possible tax
advantages for such a donation. Environmental Coordinator Ponseggi reported that staff had
made numerous attempts to locate the realtor for the property. Mayor Horton asked staff to
provide a list of suitable sites for a historic home of this quality and to find out what it would
cost to move the house.
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BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS (Continued)
Pamela Bensoussan, representing the Resource Conservation Commission, explained the
difference between a historic site designation and the historic permit process and stated that the
Commission's intent was to intervene only should the house be in peril.
Nancy Parks, 124 Hilltop Drive, reported that the Henry Fischer house may be the oldest
remaining house in Chula Vista. She stated that the previous owner had offered to donate the
house to the City, and staff's recommendation at that time was to decline the offer. Ms. Parks
asked the Council to accept the Commission recommendations, including the historic permit
process, to come forward with a plan that would encompass future historic preservation, and to
develop a program to address situations such as the Fischer house. She also commented that a
historic homeowner recently obtained a bid of $30,000 from a reputable house moving company.
Frank Roseman, 66 Montebello Street, proposed that the Henry Fischer house be relocated to an
vacant site next to the museum. He stated that volunteers had offered their services to ensure
that the house would be structurally sound for relocation, and over 300 signatures were obtained
in support of preserving the Fischer house. He urged the Council to implement a program for
historical home preservation.
Corinne McCall, 642 Second Avenue, expressed appreciation for Council's interest in historic
prese~wation. She stated that there are few historic homes left and saving the Fischer house
would be a source of civic pride.
Councilmember Salas asked whether or not a historic designation could occur without the
concurrence of the property owner and if the City could prevent an owner from demolishing a
historic home. Ms. Ponseggi responded that a historic designation could occur without the
property owner's concurrence. Deputy City Attorney Hansen commented that the historic permit
process could buy the City approximately one year to seek a way to avoid demolition, but he did
not believe that the City would have any control after that time.
City Attorney Kaheny stated that there was no certainty as to whether or not the property was in
escrow, and whether or not the prospective buyer had been notified of this proceeding. He felt it
was in the best interests of the City to continue the item until such time as the status of the
property was established.
ACTION: Mayor Horton moved to continue the item to the meeting of September 18, 2001.
Councilmember Davis seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0.
ACTION ITEMS
11. CONSIDERATION OF ADDING A SERGEANT AND AGENT TO THE SCHOOL
RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM AND AMEND1NG THE BUDGET AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR (4/5THS VOTE REQUIRED)
During the June 11,2001 budget workshop, Council requested that the Police Department
report on the feasibility of adding a full-time School Resource Officer to every high
school in the City. (Chief of Police)
Page 5 - Council Minutes 08/21/01
ACTION ITEMS (Continued)
Police Chief Emerson presented an overview of the Resoume Officer program.
Councilmember Rindone stated that the City was taking positive steps fora, ard, and he asked
staff to continue to seek ways to close the funding gap through various approaches, such as
partnerships with the high school district, grant funds, legislation or combinations thereof.
Councilmember Salas spoke with regard to long-term policy considerations, stating that violence
was related to the size of a campus, and the larger the campus, the more alienated students feel
from a loss of identity and isolation, which may foster violent behavior. She believed that if
School Resource Officers were placed on every campus, however, they could lose some of their
effectiveness by being regarded more as security officers than police officers and mentors. She
also believed that there was a need to place some degree of trust in our children and not send a
message that violence is inevitable.
Councilmember Rindone commented that the district is looking into the concept of providing
smaller leaming communities to better address students' needs and provide a safe and positive
learning environment.
Councilmember Padilla stated that the program is vital to the community and has been well
implemented by the Chula Vista Police Department.
ACTION: Deputy Mayor Davis offered Resolution No. 2001-279, heading read, text
waived:
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-279, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2001/2002
BUDGET TO ADD A SERGEANT AND AGENT TO THE SCHOOL
RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM; APPROPRIATING $75,961 FOR
SALARIES AND BENEFITS, $8,211 FOR SERVICES AND SUPPLIES,
$37,312 FOR A VEHICLE, AND $121,484 IN UNANTICIPATED REVENUES
FROM THE UNIVERSAL HIRE PROGRAM AND STATE COPS 2002;
INCREASING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S PERSONNEL SERVICES
EXPENDITURES BY $75,961 IN THE APPROVED FISCAL YEAR 2003
GENERAL FUND SPENDING PLAN BASED ON UNANTICIPATED
REVENUES FROM THE FOLLOWING: UNIVERSAL HIRE PROGRAM
($63,067), STATE COPS 2002 ($20,000), TRANSFER FROM THE TRAFFIC
SAFETY FUND ($30,000), BOOKING FEES ($10,000), POST
REIMBURSEMENTS ($20,000) AND POLICE REIMBURSEMENTS ($15,535)
Councilmember Rindone seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0.
OTI-IER BUSINESS
12. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
City Manager Rowlands commented on a letter to the editor, submitted by Councilmember
Rindone and published inlast week's newspaper, praising the Council for its actions regarding
the RAMCO issue.
Page 6 - Council Minutes 08/21/01
OTHER BUSINESS (Continued)
13. MAYOR'S REPORTS
A. Ratification of appointment of Edna Concepcion to the Human Relations
Commission.
ACTION: Mayor Horton moved to ratify the appointment of Edna Concepcion to the Human
Relations Commission. Deputy Mayor Davis seconded the motion, and it carried
5-0.
B. Ratification of appointment of Steve Palma to the Growth Management Oversight
Commission.
ACTION: Mayor Horton moved to ratify the appointment of Steve Palma to the Growth
Management Oversight Commission. Deputy Mayor Davis seconded the motion,
and it carried 5-0.
14. COUNCIL COMMENTS
A. Councilmember Salas: Request to adopt a resolution supporting the current
limitations on truck size and weight as stated in the Transportation Efficiency Act
for the 21st century.
The Council was asked by the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks to renew the
City's support for maintaining the federal ban on triple trailer trucks. The City
passed a similar resolution in June 1997, during the Congressional deliberations
on the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act (ISTEA), now known as the
Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). Congress will take
up the transportation funding appropriated through TEA-21 in 2003. Citizens
groups, concerned that the triple trailer issue will come to the forefront during
those negotiations, have asked cities arotmd the nation to reiterate their desire to
maintain the ban on triple trailers.
Councilmember Salas requested Council's support of the resolution.
Mayor Horton asked the current status of legislation regarding truck size and weight.
Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator Kelly responded that there was no new information at this
time.
ACTION: Councilmember Salas offered Resolution No. 2001-280, heading read, text
waived:
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-280, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA SUPPORTING THE CURRENT
LIMITATIONS ON TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT AS STATED IN THE
TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENCY ACT FOR THE 21 ST CENTURY (TEA-21)
Councilmember Padilla seconded the motion and it carried 5-0.
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OTHER BUSINESS (Continued)
Councilmember Rindone complimented the Downtown Business Association, Chamber of
Commerce, City, and all those who were involved with coordinating the Lemon Festival, which
he stated was a very successful event.
CLOSED SESSION
15. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 54957.6
· City Negotiator: City Manager
· Employee Organizations: Chula Vista Employees Association, Western Council
of Engineers
· Employee Groups: Executive, Senior-Management, Mid-Management,
Confidential and Unrepresented
No reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
At 7:50 p.m., Mayor Horton adjourned the meeting to the Regular Meeting of August 28, 2001,
at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. --
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Bigelow, CMC/AAE, City Clerk
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