HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1998/04/28NINUTES OF A REGIILAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
Tuesday, April 28, 1998
6:06 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
Council Chambers
Public Services Building
CALL TO ORDER
Councilmembers: Moot, Padilla (arrived at 6:13 p.m. and
left at 7:17 p.m.), Rindone, Salas, and Mayor Horton.
Councilmembers: None
City Manager, David D. Rowlands; City Attorney, John M.
Kaheny; City Clerk, Beverly A. Authelet; and Deputy City
Clerk, Charline Long
2. FLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 31, 1998.
MSC (Salas/Rindone) to approve the March 31, 1998 minutes.
(Padilia absent).
Motion passed 4-0-1
4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY:
A. A Proclamation commending the Detwiler Foundation was presented by Mayor
Horton to Gene Yee, representing Eastlake Elementary School. The Detwiler
Foundation presented the school with 50 IBM platform computers including
keyboards, mouses, and new color monitors.
B. Presentation of an award by Mayor Horton in the Fair Housing Advocate
category to Juan Arroyo, Housing Coordinator, that was received on April 22, 1998
at the Fair Housing Council of San Diego Awards Luncheon.
C. Chief Emerson announced that Chula Vista Police Department won first place
in the 300 Division and 16th overall out of 204 teams at the Challenge Cup run
from Baker to Los Vegas.
Council adjourned to a Closed Session at 6:20 p.m.
6:37 p.m. with all members of the Council present).
The meeting reconvened at
CONSENT CALENDAR
(Items pulled: 14A and 148)
BALANCE OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR OFFERED BY MAYOR MORTON,
waived, passed and approved 5-0.
headings read, texts
5. 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 4/21/98, that there were
no reportable actions which are required under the Brown Act to be reported. It
was approved 5-0 to receive and file the letter.
B. Verbal resignation from the International Friendship Commission - Jerry
Schlegel. It was approved 5-0 to accept the resignation with regret and to
direct the City Clerk to post immediately according to the Maddy Act in the
Clerk's Office and the Public Library.
Minutes
April 28, 1998
Page 2
6. ORDINANCE 2727 AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY
COUNCIL AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES'
RETIREMENT SYSTEM (second readinq and adoption) - It is recommended that the
contract be amended between the City and the Board of Administration of the
California Public Employees' Retirement Board to provide Section 21574 (Fourth
Level of 1959 Survivor Benefits) for local miscellaneous members and local safety
members. During the negotiations process for Fiscal Year 1997/98, PERS notified
the City that there were sufficient savings in the Miscellaneous and Safety
Survivors benefits accounts to allow increasing this option to the fourth level.
There is a separate Survivors benefits account for the Miscellaneous retirement
members, which has sufficient funds to increase this option to the fourth level
without any costs being passed on to the City for 25 years. There are also
separate survivor benefits accounts for the safety units of Police and Fire. The
Police account has surplus funds to cover the increased cost for three years,
while the Fire account has surplus funds for only one year. The ordinance was
placed on second reading and was adopted 5-0. (Budget Manager)
7. ORDINANCE 2729 AMENDING SECTION 8.20.025 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO
VENDING VEHICLES - RESTRICTIONS NEAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACILITIES (second readinq
and adoption) City staff has been experiencing a problem in dealing with
complaints regarding ice-cream vendors in the immediate vicinity of our local
schools. A change in the structuring of our schools has created a problem with
the language in the ordinance restricting vending vehicles. Additionally, staff
feels that there is now a need to incorporate schools, other than elementary
schools, into the language of the existing ordinance restricting these vending
vehicles. Many of the complaints and reported problems have come from the areas
surrounding Middle or Junior High Schools and High Schools. The current language
in the Municipal Code does not address these other schools directly. The
ordinance was placed on second reading and was adopted 5-0. (Director of Public
Works and Chief of Police)
8. ORDINANCE 2730 ENACTING THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA COMMUNITY FACILITIES
DISTRICT ORDINANCE (second readinq and adoption) The City is currently
conducting proceedings for the formation of a Community Facilities District,
pursuant to the "Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982" ("Mello-Roos Act"),
to finance the operation and maintenance of the proposed Otay Ranch SPA One Open
Space Maintenance District, the Otay Ranch Preserve Maintenance District, and the
Sunbow II Open Space District. The proposed ordinance will enable the City to
amend the Mello-Roos Act to accomplish the following: (1) incorporate all
maintenance activities authorized by the "Landscaping & Lighting Act of 1972"
("1972 Act"); (2) include maintenance activities not listed in the "Mello-Roos
Act" or the "1972 Act"; and (3) establish an operating reserve fund for open
space districts. The ordinance was placed on second reading and was adopted 5-0.
(Director of Public Works)
9. ORDINANCE 2731 APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE SUNBOW II SECTIONAL PLANNING
AREA (SPA) PLAN CONSISTING OF MODIFICATIONS TO THE PLANNED COMMUNITY DISTRICT
REGULATIONS REGARDING SIDEYARD SETBACKS AND FLOOR AREA RATIO (second readinq and
adoption) - The applicant proposes to amend the Sectional Planning Area (SPA)
plan for the Sunbow II project. The proposed amendments would change the
required sideyard setbacks from 13'/3' (minimum total/one side) to 10'/5', and
would increase the allowable floor area ratio from 50% to 55% in the Residential
Single Family land use district. The ordinance was placed on second reading and
was adopted 5-0. (Director of Planning)
10. RESOLUTION 18963 WAIVING THE CITY'S FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND AWARDING
A CONTRACT TO A THRU Z CONSULTING TO CONSTRUCT A CLAPPER RAIL AVIARY AT THE
NATURE CENTER - This item requests authorization to complete the final phase
(III) of the Clapper Rail Exhibit. Entire funding of this project has come from
outside sources and no City funds will be used On this exhibit. Council approved
Phase I construction and awarded a contract for it on 9/19/95, a contract for
Minutes
April 28, 1998
Page 3
Phase II construction on 3/26/96, and a final contract and appropriation on
8/26/97 to build the aviary. The final phase consists of construction of the
aviary and design and installation of the interpretive features. That contract
was awarded to American Steel Builders Inc. who never executed the agreement and
returned it to us. They were unable to perform the work and have recommended A
Thru Z Consulting for the work. We have purchased cages from A Thru Z in the
past and are confident that they can build a fine aviary for us. The resolution
was approved 5-0. (Executive Director, Bayfront Conservancy Trust)
ll.A. RESOLUTION 18971 APPROVING FINAL MAP OF TRACT NUMBER 97-01, UNIT 2, RANCHO
DEL REY SPA III PARCEL R-6 (BOLERO), ACCEPTING ON BEHALF OF THE CITY PUBLIC
EASEMENTS GRANTED ON SAID MAP WITHIN SAID SUBDIVISION, AND APPROVING SUBDIVISION
IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE COMPLETION OF IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED BY SAID
SUBDIVISION, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT - On 2/18/97,
Council approved the Tentative Subdivision Map for Tract 97-01, Rancho Del Rey
SPA III Parcel R-6. The Final Map, Subdivision Improvement Agreement, and
Supplemental Subdivision Improvement Agreement are now before Council for
consideration and approval. The resolutions were approved 5-0. (Director Of
Public Works)
B. RESOLUTION 18972 APPROVING SUPPLEMENTAL SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
FOR TRACT 97-01, UNIT 2, R ANCHO DEL REY III PARCEL R-6 (BOLERO) AND AUTHORIZING
TBE RAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT
12. RESOLUTION 18973 ACCEPTING BIDS M AWARDING CONTRACT FOR "CONSTRUCTION
OF SIDEWALK RAMPS ON VARIOUS STREETS IN THE CITY FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 (ST-513E)",
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY M/LNAGER TO EXECUTE CHANGE ORDERS AS APPROPRIATE TO
UTILIZE TBE REMAINING PROJECT FUNDS TO INSTALL MORE RAMPS THAN THOSE BID - On
3/18/98, sealed bids were received. The work to be done consists of removal of
curb, gutter, sidewalk, and the construction of pedestrian ramps on various
streets in the City. The resolution was approved 5-0. (Director of Public
Works)
13. RESOLUTION 18974 APPROVING A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH ATS COMPUTERS, INC.
TO PROVIDE DESKTOP COMPUTER SYSTEMS ON AN "AS-NEEDED" BASIS THROUGH MARCH 31,
1999, WITH AN OPTION TO RENEW THE AGREEMENT FOR FIVE ADDITIONAL, ONE YEAR PERIODS
Specifications for desktop computer systems have been updated and bid out on the
open market. The intent of the bid process was to standardize City computer
systems requirements and commit to a single supplier over an extended period of
time for favorable terms and pricing. The resolution was approved 5-0.
(Director of Finance and Director of Management and Information Services)
14.A. RESOLUTION 18975 AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE BORROWING OF FUNDS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 1998/99; THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF A 1998/99 TAX AND REVENUE
ANTICIPATION NOTE THEREFOR AND PARTICIPATION IN THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES CASH
FLOW FINANCING PROGRAM - In order to address cash shortfalls that are projected
to occur in the General Fund during Fiscal Year 1998/99 due to the cyclical
nature of some Of our major revenue sources, it is recommended that the City take
advantage of the opportunity to borrow money on a short-term basis at the lowest
cost by issuing a Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note through the pooled financing
program sponsored by the League of California Cities. As has been done during
the last two fiscal years, such a borrowing is recommended as an alternative to
borrowing from other City funds. The resolutions were approved 5-0. (Director
of Finance)
B. RESOLUTION 18976 DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO INCLUDE IN THE FISCAL YEAR
1998/99 PROPOSED BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS OF $312,800 FOR TAX AND REVENUE
ANTICIPATION NOTE PROJECTED INTEREST AND ISSUANCE COSTS AND ESTIMATED INTEREST
REVENUES OF $312,800 FROM INVESTMENT OF THE NOTE PROCEEDS
Minutes
April 28, 1998
Page 4
Item pulled by Councilmember Rindone. He stated that we have only been in this
situation two years prior to this year; and hopefully, we will soon not need to
borrow. It is also equally important to note that the proposed borrowing is
approximately $1 million less than last year which is also a healthy sign; this
is going in the right direction. He had a question if the arbitrage was legal.
What has been the concern of the arbitrage in relation to municipal cities and
the borrowing in the past.
Robert Powell, Finance Director, responded that arbitrage in and of itself is not
illegal as long as you borrow under the very strict regulations set down by the
federal government. What had happened in the past is that many public entities
borrowed a very large amount even if they did not need to borrow. They borrowed
the cash strictly to be able to invest it and earn arbitrage. Nowadays, you must
prove your need to borrow, and you are also limited in the amount you borrow to
your maximum deficit plus approximately your normal beginning cash balance. If
you should borrow too much, you are then penalized and have to return to the
federal government certain amount of that interest earnings.
RESOLUTION 18976 OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER RINDONE, heading read, text waived,
passed and approved 4-0-1 (Padilla absent).
15. REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHARTER SECTION 504(f), CONSIDERATION OF TEE
FISCAL STATUS REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 AS OF MARCH 31, 1998 - Section
504(f) of the City Charter requires quarterly and annual fiscal status reports
to be filed by the Director of Finance through the City Manager. The report for
consideration covers the period of July 1, 1997 through March 31, 1998. The
report reflects that the aggregate sources of funds (revenues and transfers-in)
are projected to be slightly more than the aggregate uses of funds (expenditures
and transfers-out) by approximately $5,000. This variance is so slight as to
lead to the conclusion that operations for the year will basically be balanced;
i.e. current year funding will cover current year expenditures. These
projections are judged to be prudently conservative, and we expect some
improvement in these numbers by the end of the fiscal year. The report was
accepted 5-0. (Director of Finance)
16. REPORT FORMATION OF THE SAN MIGUEL RANCH SECTIONAL PLANNING AREA (SPA)
PLAN CITIZENS REVIEW GROUP Trimark Pacific-San Miguel LLC, has submitted
applications for the processing of a Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan and
associated Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the San Miguel Ranch
project. A condition of approval for the previously adopted General Development
Plan requires the formation of a citizens committee to provide input into the SPA
planning process for the project. Approved 5-0 to postpone the item to May 12,
1998. (Director of Planning)
RESOLUTION 18977 ESTABLISHING A CITIZENS REVIEW GROUP FOR THE SAN MIGUEL RANCH
SECTIONAL PLANNING AREA PLAN
Due to the need for further clarifications regarding member nominations for the
Sweetwater Conununity Planning Group, staff requested that action to establish the
Group's membership be postponed to the meeting of May 12, 1998.
* * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * * *
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
· Joe Altbaum, Director of Operations for Chula Vista Cable, 581 "C" Street,
91910, stated that there have been a number of crimes committed in their back lot
and storage yard. Frito Lay, Walashek, and Pacific Wholesale Hardware also
submitted written complaints regarding this problem. He felt that the City may
own this land. If that were true, he requested that some immediate action be
taken to stop these crimes.
Minutes
April 28, 1998
Page 5
Mayor Horton stated that we will look into this to see if the City owns the
property in the back and look into how we can provide special patrol from time
to time.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND RELATED RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
17. PUBLIC HEARING PCM-98-25; AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTERS 19.04, DEFINITIONS, AND
19.48, P-C PLANNED COMMUNITY ZONE OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO COMMUNITY
PURPOSE FACILITIES - The application, submitted by The Eastlake Company and co-
sponsored by the City, proposes to amend Municipal Code Chapters 19.04,
Definitions and 19.48, P-C Planned Community Zone. The proposed amendments
consist of expanding the definition of Commnunity Purpose Facilities (CPF) to
allow open ball fields to the list of permitted uses identified in the
Definitions Section; Consolidate CPF requirements and criteria, presently located
in different Chapters, into a single Section of the above mentioned P-C, Planned
Community Zone; Convert the list of permitted uses into Conditional Use Permit
uses; and establish criteria to limit the percentage of the required CPF acreage
that may be used for open recreational ball fields within a planned community.
The Ordinance was placed on first reading 5-0. (Director Of Planning)
ORDINANCE 2732 AMENDING CHAPTERS 19.04, DEFINITIONS, AND 19.48, P-C PLANNED
COMMUNITY ZONE OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE (first readinq)
Robert Leiter, Planning Director, stated that the primary change being proposed
is to add recreational ballfields as an allowable use within the Community
Purpose Facility designation. In addition, staff has changed these uses from
being permitted by right to conditional use permit uses.
This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
There being no one indicating a desire to address the Council, the public hearing
was closed.
ORDINANCE 2732 OFFERED BY MAyOR HORTONAND PLACED ON FIRST READING, heading read,
text waived, passed and approved 4-0-1 (Padilla absent).
18. PUBLIC HEARING PCM-98-03; AN AMENDMENT TO THE SUNBOW II SECTIONAL PLANNING
AREA (SPA) PLAN CONSISTING OF THE INCORPORATION OF AN AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
PLAN AND A WATER CONSERVATION PLAN INTO THE SPA PLAN FOR THE SUNBOW II PLANNED
COMMUNITY - AYRES LAND COMPANY - As required by condition number 93 of the Sunbow
II Tentative Subdivision Map (Tract 90-07) conditions of approval, the applicant
has submitted a SPA Amendment application to incorporate Air Quality Improvement
and Water Conservation Plans into the previously adopted Sunbow II Sectional
Planning Area (SPA) plan. The resolution was approved 5-0. (Director of
Planning)
RESOLUTION 18978 APPROVINGANAMENDMENT TO THE SECTIONAL PLANNING AREA pLAN FOR
SUNBOW II CONSISTING OF THE INCORPORATION OF An AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND
A WATER CONSERVATION PLAN INTO THE SPA PLAN
No staff report was presented.
This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was Opened.
Addressing Council were:
· Bill Ayers, 44 E. Mankato, 91910, stated he wished we would do something
with Ayres Land Company to get the storm drain easement across the Veterans Home
property. He did not think we should bend over backward to help them until they
help us get this storm drain.
Councilmember Salas commented she was disappointed with their Water Conservation
Plan, because there is a lot of technology evolving now where you can recycle the
gray water and save up to 30% on your household water. She did not see anything
like this in their Water Conservation Plan.
Minutes
April 28, 1998
Page 6
Councilmember Rindone expressed that Ms. Salas comments are critical enough to
ask staff, if we were to send this back, for some thoughts on this issue. He
asked what would be the impact on the proposal before us.
Mr. Leiter stated that if the desire was to go back to look at this water plan
to see whether there could be specific proposals dealing with gray water
incorporated into the plan, he felt we would be looking at a matter of a few
weeks to do that.
· Bill Hamlin with Ayers Land Company stated that he did not disagree with
what has been said and that there are other innovative ways in which they could
address within the Water Conservation Plan. They have been back and forth in
discussions with city staff on this report for some period of time. He felt this
does affect the development Of the first phase of the project which right now has
been sold to two home builders, and they are gearing up for construction. He
could easily see this impacting their construction. He was concerned that the
time has passed on the first phase for them to be implementing those kinds of
things. If they were to make changes that affected the entire SPA Plan, it would
impact those lots that have already been sold to homebuilders and would change
what they have relied upon in discussions with staff. He felt it is a much
larger issue, at least on this beginning development, than simply a couple of
weeks and some further discussions with staff.
Mayor Horton pointed out that Ms. Salas' point was very valid. However, she also
understood where Mr. Hamlin was coming from. She felt Council needed to
recognize that this area is dual piped, so when we have water reclamation that
will assist in the type of programming that Ms. Salas is looking to have included
in the project. A pilot program will be implemented in one of the new
communities is very costly. When you are talking about $1500 to $2000 per house,
that could prevent a family from purchasing a home. We need to consider that and
let the pilot program go forward to see how successful it is first before we
require other homes to move forward in providing this type of a system.
Councilmember Salas stated she understood how $1,000 to $2,000 could really
impact the ability to sell a house, but that is looking at something very short
range. The more important discussion is that we really have to get serious about
looking at water conservation. We only have one source of water which is the
Colorado River, and our excess allocations from Arizona and New Mexico are now
not being given to California.
Mr. Leiter suggested that if Council wanted to move forward on this plan and make
it applicable to the current phase of the project and then have at least the gray
water concept be looked at in updating that plan prior to future phases that
would be a way to provide some additional time for that concept to be reviewed.
There are about 400 dwelling units in this particular phase out of about 1900,
so there is certainly opportunities in later phases to apply those new concepts
if they prove to be feasible.
Councilmember Rindone stated Ms. Salas is correct on the long term impact of
water. Without a resolution to that issue, there will be no construction of any
sort. What Mr. Leiter is proposing is a reasonable compromise because we don't
want to act hastily and be exceptionally difficult with a particular guest
builder, but the bigger issue does need to be focused on.
Councilmember Moot added that what Ms. Salas is suggesting is part of an overall
review that the City has to undertake on a variety of conservation issues. As
part of our CO2 reduction program that Council approved and agreed in concept to
implement a green star program. Me recently learned that the President is
proposing in the current national budget substantial tax credits for programs
like this that will promote energy conservation, reduction in CO2, and reduction
in greenhouse gases. He felt the City in conjunction with this issue ought to
look at the global issue within our City about implementing a green star program.
We could take advantage of legislation in this year's budget, so we can help the
guest builders and developers find the money that will be set aside to implement
these programs.
Minutes
April 28, 1998
Page 7
There being no one else indicating a desire to address the Council, the public
hearing was closed.
RESOLUTION 18978 AS AMENDED TO INCLUDE THAT THE WATER CONSERVATION PLAN ONLY BE
ADOPTED FOR THIS PHASE OF THE PROJECT AND TO BE UPDATED PRIOR TO ANY FUTURE
PHASES OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER S~J~S, heading read, text waived, passed and
approved 4-0-1 (Padilla absent).
19. PUBLIC HEARING PCS-97-02(M); MODIFY TENTATIVE MAP CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
TO ALLOW INSTALLATION OF LANDSCAPINGAND IRRIGATION IN THE PANKWAYS BY INDIVIDUAL
HOMEOWNERS - This request is to modify the applicable Tentative Map condition to
allow the installation and maintenance of landscaping and irrigation in parkways
in single family subdivisions by the individual homeowners, with enforcement by
the Master Homeowners Association through Conditions, Covenants, and
Restrictions. The resolution was approved 5-0. (Director of Planning)
RESOLUTION 18979 APPROVING A MODIFICATION TO CONDITION NUMBER 86 OF THE
TENTATIVE MAP PCS-97-02, MCMILLIN OTAY RANCH SPA ONE, ~/~D ADDING FURTHER
CONDITIONS THERETO RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL HOMEOWNER MAINTENANCE OF PARKWAYS
Councilmember Moot stated he will be abstaining on the item because McMillin was
a client of his firm. Mr. Moot left the dais.
Rick Rosalet, Principal Planner, stated that last year when McMillin was before
the Council seeking approval of the Tentative Map on their portions of Villages
I and V of SPA One in the Otay Ranch, they requested to have public streets in
their project. At that time, they were requesting that the homeowners be
responsible for maintaining the parkways.
Mayor Horton stated that this was something that Council voted against before
because of our concern about having continuity in the neighborhoods and having
a well maintained parkways.
Mr. Rosaler responded that we will ensure that the homeowners association's CC&Rs
have specific provisions in them for timely enforcement of the provisions. As
part of the approval, there are maintenance guidelines that each homeowner will
be given for maintaining not only their front yard, but also the parkway. And
there are provisions in there for time factors on how long the homeowners
association has to respond to a complaint of someone not maintaining their
parkway properly. Timely enforcement is within 15 days.
Mayor Horton asked if there will be a designated landscaping plan that each
homeowner has to comply with.
Mr. Rosaler replied that the landscaping plan will be prepared by the guest
builder. At this point, staff's direction is that the parkway will be all turf
except for a street tree. The Village design guidelines provide for a very
specific list of street trees to be chosen. Landscaping plans for those streets
will indicate which species and where there locations are. The Planning
Commission is recommending that the individual property owner cannot deviate from
what is installed. They were concerned about that, and asked that the CC&Rs be
prepared in such a way that the property owner could not modify the parkway after
it was planted by the developer.
Mayor Horton stated that even though there may be an allowance of 15 days, how
long, if someone had to actually go forward with some type of legal action, would
it take. Will the HOA then go forward and maintain the area even though it is
in litigation or they are having problems with a certain homeowner.
Mr. Rosaler replied that is the way staff is proposing that the CC&Rs be prepared
at this time.
Minutes
April 28, 1998
Page 8
Councilmember Salas stated that by not requiring the homeowner to take care of
the parkway, they would be saving $16-$17 per month. Typically in a project like
this, what is the range of HOA fees?
Mr. Rosaler responded he believed that was the amount. Most of the HOAS that we
are familiar with in Chula Vista range from $50 to $100 depending upon the amount
of improvements.
Councilmember Salas stated one of her concerns was a neighborhood could take two
years to be sold out. The staff report indicates that the builder will landscape
the areas, but what happens in between the time they actually landscape the
parkway and then actually have a homeowner move in to take over the
responsibilities. Who would take care of it in the interim.
Mr. Rosaler responded that the guest builder would be responsible for maintaining
the landscaping until the property was acquired by an individual homeowner. We
will insure that will happen and include it in our review of the landscaping
plans.
Councilmember Padilla wanted to clarify the language regarding the enforcement
provisions that it is incumbent upon the existing HOA at the time to take
enforcement action within a certain time frame that would specifically include
going ahead and remedying the situation and then seeking civil redress from the
particular individual homeowner. That modification is included specifically in
enforcement provisions.
Mr. Rosaler replied yes.
This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
Addressing Council was:
· Craig Fukuyama, 2727 Hoover Avenue, National City, representing the owners
of the project, McMillin DA America Otay Ranch, LLC. He indicated his support
for the staff's recommendation, and stated they agreed to all the terms and
conditions that are outlined in the staff report. In order to limit the annual
tax burden to a homeowner to 2% with the Open Space Maintenance District as a
part of that, they have had to go to an HOA. What the HOA will do is to maintain
the major slopes. They also looked at the maintenance of the parkways as well.
The parkways account for about 10% of the budget. The total budget for the
homeowner will be around $60-$80, so 10% is closer to $8 to $10 per month. The
original condition insisted that the parkways be maintained by the landscape
maintenance district. The City staff has chosen not to use an open space
maintenance district for taking care of properties in front of each homeowner,
so by default this has fallen on the HOA. What we have done is to create a set
of very strict CC&Rs that provides within 15 days a homeowner through the
notification of the HOA would be compelled to make modifications and restoration
repairs to their landscaping. If that landscaping, maintenance, and irrigation
is not performed, then the HOA has the right to perform that. In the event that
the homeowner chooses not to, the HOA can fine, bill, and complete those works
on their behalf. The other thing that the CC&Rs do provide for is that the City
itself, as a beneficiary of the CC&Rs, has the right, but not the obligation, to
also seek enforcement of those CC&Re. As part of the CC&Rs, the homeowners will
receive a Landscape Maintenance Manual, a document that compels the homeowner to
irrigate to a certain amount, trim to a certain level, and a number of other
things that a homeowner could look at and be reasonably assured that each
homeowner would be taking care of their properties, at least the parkway areas,
in a similar manner.
Mayor Horton asked how do you go forward and justify when the HOA actually has
to step in and try to bring about some type of equity with all the homeowners.
How do you describe the standard of what is acceptable and what is not
acceptable.
Mr. Fukuyama responded that the Landscaping Maintenance Manual will attempt to
set that standard. Anything that falls below that standard would be found to be
Minutes
April 28, 1998
Page 9
in non-compliance with the Manual. The HOA would then have the authority to seek
enforcement.
Councilmember Salas asked if the CC&Rs will address all of the landscaping, the
whole front yard. She agreed there are a whole variety of the way parkways are
designed and the way they are kept, but those are older neighborhoods that are
not master planned. If you have CC&Rs that are stipulating that your front yard
is going to be well maintained, and are going to be specific on the parkway, then
it seemed to her that if you are going to be taking care of one portion of your
front yard, you will take care of the other part.
Mr. Fukuyama responded that the guest builder will be putting in the front yards
and parkways. The CC&Rs will speak about a level of acceptability in terms of
maintenance, and that they are to be kept in a condition that is of acceptance,
but they really don't spell out what that means. It is discretionary. However,
with the parkways, there are going to be a great deal of specificity in the
Manual.
Councilmember Padilla stated this is going to rely to a great extent on the
enforcement of the HOA and the ability of the HOA to react quickly enough that
you don't have a blighting type of affect on the area. He could go along with
the compromised recommendation as drafted, but if this is not an effective means
and we have deterioration in particular map areas that have this type of
enforcement mechanism and financing mechanism, then he will not be supporting
them again in the future.
Councilmember Padilla stated he had a pressing personal matter that required his
presence downtown. He asked the Council to excuse him from the balance of the
meeting. With regard to the Resolution, he registered an "aye" vote. He left
at 7:17 p.m.
Councilmember Rindone asked if a street tree was to die after it had been
initially installed and it is not maintained and watered, say three to five years
later, whose responsibility is that and who would pay for it. Does the City
monitor this to insure that proper maintenance is maintained. How long does it
take to get a tree replaced. He has known of a situation where a tree has been
taken out because it was diseased and has never been replaced.
Mr. Fukuyama stated it is the City's tree and responsibility. That is the reason
why the Landscaping Manual requires a certain amount of water. That is part of
the installation approval staff will be reviewing to see that the tree is
installed properly with deep watering and an irrigation system according to a
plan.
Mr. Rosaler added that the City does maintain its street trees, trims them on an
annual basis, and does inspections. The way the Landscape Manual is proposed,
the triming of the trees is the City's responsibility and the replacement of
dead or dying trees is also part of our street tree program. The City reviews
the maintenance of the trees so they don't die.
Mr. Lippitt stated that when a tree has a root problem, the City will actually
take the tree out and come back in a short period of time to replace it with
another tree. Also, if the tree just dies, we will come out and replace it on
a complaint basis. However, if it is a situation where the property owner
doesn't take care of the tree, we probably not replace it.
There being no one else indicating a desire to address Council, the public
hearing was closed.
Mayor Horton stated that for $5 or $6 more, we could have continuity, so she did
not see that there was a big problem in going forward and including that in the
HOA if it guarantees and helps to support the integrity of the community. For
that reason, she will be voting no.
Minutes
April 28, 1998
Page 10
RESOLUTION 18979 OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER RINDONE, heading read, text waived,
passed and approved 3-1-0-1 (Padilla although absent had cast his "yes" vote
prior to leaving; Morton no; Moot abstaining).
BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
None submitted.
ACTION ITEMS
None submitted.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 14A. and 14B. were pulled by Councilmember Rindone; however, the agenda will
remain in original published order.
OTHER BUSINESS
20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT(S)
· Joint meeting of Planning Commission and GMOC with the City Council.
Approved 4-0-1 (Padilla absent) to reschedule the meeting on Monday, May 18, 1998
at 5:30 p.m.
21. MAYOR'S REPORT(S)
· Consideration of a Resolution Supporting Proposition A (Expansion of the
San Diego Convention Center).
MSC (Horton/Salas) to approve Resolution 18980. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Padilla
absent).
22. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Rindone requested a brief written report on the progress of the MCA
Amphitheater as to where we are for prospective dates and prospective
presentations.
Mayor Horton stated that it is no longer the MCA Amphitheater. It is now the
Coors Amphitheater. She stated that it might be beneficial for the public to
hear this report, so it is appropriate to hear this at the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
ADJOUR}PMENT
Res ectfull~ub~
~ Authelet, CMC/AAE
City Clerk