HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2001/09/07 MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
September 7, 2001 4:00 P.M.
A Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 4:15 p.m.
in the Council Conference Room, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista,
California.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers: Davis, Padilla, Rindone, and Salas
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Mayor Horton
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Rowlands, City Attorney Kaheny, and City Clerk
Bigelow
1. Discussion of Assembly Bill 93 (Wayne) -- Airports: San Diego County Regional
Airport Authority.
Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator Kelly presented an overview of Assembly Bill 93 and
stated that Chula Vista and Oceanside, the two most populous cities in the region after San
Diego, would have a seat on the proposed airport authority board. Should Council wish to take
action, staff's recommendation would be to support the creation of the authority in concept, be
cognizant of possible fiscal impacts, and request that corrective legislation be introduced should
Chula Vista identify something perceived not to be in the best interests of the community.
Councilmember Padilla asked about the proposed board structure and powers, transition issues,
and short-term financing. Ms. Kelly explained the structure of the nine-member board, the
primary purpose of which would be to operate Lindbergh Field. The authority would also
continue the work begun by the joint Port/SANDAG Airport Advisory Committee, which has
been studying whether or not there is a need for additional capacity at Lindbergh, how those
needs can best be met, and what opportunity costs there may be to the region if those needs are
not met. She stated that the joint committee has requested time to complete its study over the
next year, anticipating that implementation of the results would be the responsibility of the new
authority. In addition, the authority would be responsible for making improvements to
Lindbergh, as needed.
Councilmember Salas asked why the proposed legislation was being pushed forward at this time
instead of waiting until the next legislative session to give the public an opportunity to fully
examine the issues and obtain answers to their questions. She also asked what assurance existed
that the proposed amendments would actually end up in the final version of the bill. Ms. Kelly
replied that the bill was in response to the recommendations of the Regional Government
Efficiency Commission and was the product of many months of work by the Commission.
Councilmember Padilla stated that Senator Steve Peace favored introducing the basic structure
now and then proceeding with a clean up process during the next session. Councilmember Salas
questioned whether there would be any subsidy to Port operations fi.om airport funds. Port
Commissioner Malcolm replied that the Port had not voiced concerns regarding revenue, but,
rather, about who gets the land and the authority the new agency should have.
Councilmember Rindone asked whether members would be appointed to the proposed board for -
a specific term or whether elections would be held. Ms. Kelly replied that the initial
appointments would be for staggered terms; thereafter, members would be appointed to four-year
terms. No term limits are proposed. Councilmember Padilla pointed out that members will be
either elected mayors or members appointed by elected officials. Councilmember Salas
commented that some members were subject to term limits in their respective jurisdictions and
some were not, and, for consistency purposes, perhaps it would be better to impose term limits
for the governing board. Councilmember Rindone suggested that perhaps the language should
be amended to have appointments made by the full elected body a mayor represents, not just the
mayor.
Councilmember Padilla asked to what degree the proposed legislation conforms to the
recommendations put forth by the Regional Government Efficiency Commission and what the
business and financial impacts, particularly to the Port cities, might be. Mr. Malcolm replied that
Byron Wear is on record as saying that the legislation is in substantial conformance with the
Commission's recommendations; and that the process to examine the financial impacts would be
reviewed within the next few weeks, but any financial changes for the Port would probably not
take effect for at least two and a half years.
Councilmember Padilla believed that the legislation was going in the right direction and that the
important issues were (a) the financial and business transactions, the value of assets and how
they are assigned and managed, and the potential financial impacts on Port cities, and (b) to
make sure that Chula Vista is at the table and has a voice as the legislation clean-up process
progresses. He also stated that proposed improvements for the bayfront were directly related to _
the financial condition of the Port, which, in turn, was directly related to the proposed legislation
and its financial impacts on the Port.
Councilmember Rindone stated that, although implementation of the legislation was not targeted
until December 2002, he was uncomfortable with considering it so close to the end of this
session, when more time for examination of the issues would produce better legislation.
Councilmember Salas spoke in support of the legislation in concept but believed that it should
not be rushed and then require corrective legislation in 2002. She stated that there had not been
ample opportunity to dialog with impacted communities and to hear from Chula Vista residents,
and the affected communities need a detailed understanding of the financial impacts.
Deputy Mayor Davis supported the regional airport authority and moving forward with it in
concept at this time. She also commented that it would be beneficial to perform the clean-up
process while Senator Peace is still in office.
ACTION: Councilmember Padilla moved to support the creation of the authority in concept.
Councilmember Rindone seconded the motion, and it carded 4-0.
At 6:02 p.m., Deputy Mayor Davis adjourned the meeting to the Regular Meeting of the City
Council on September 18, 2001, at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
S an Bigelow, CMC/AAE, City Clerk
Page 2 City Council Minutes 09/07/01