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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1997/07/15MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Tuesday, July 15, 1997 6:05 p.m. Council Chambers Public Services Building CALL TO ORDER 1. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Conncilmembers: Moot, Padilia, Rindone (arrived at 6:08 p.m.), Salas, and Mayor Horton. ABSENT: Counciln~embers: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, John D. Goss: City Attorney, John M. Kaheny; and City Clerk, Beverly A. Authelet. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, MOMENT OF SILENCE 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 4, 1997 (special meeting/worksession), Jtme 9, 1997 (special meeting/worksession), June 10, 1997 (regular meeting), June 17, 1097 (regular meeting), and June 24, 1997 (regular meeting) MSC (Horton/Salas) to approve the minutes as listed. Mntinn approved 4-0-1 (Councilmember Rindnne absent). 4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY: a. Pam Smith, Chair of the Chnla Vista Human Services Council, presented the prestigious Hammer Award to the City Council which had been received fi'om Vice President AI Gore. b. City Clerk, Beverly A. Authelet, administered the Oath of Office to Harriet F. Acton fbr the Charter Review Commission. c. Mayor Horton presented a Proclamation to Steve Palma, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, proclaiming July as "Parks and Recreation Month" in the City. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items lmlled.· mine) CONSENT CALENDAR OFFERED BY MAYOR HORTON, headings read, text~ waived, p~¢~! and approved unanimottsly 54). 5. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: a. Letter from the City Attorney stating that h~ the best nf his knnwledge frmn okservance of actloas taken in Closed St~sion on 6/24/97 in which the City Attorney participated, that there were no reportable actions which are required under the Brown Act to be reported. The letter was received and filed. b. Letter of resignation fn~n the Human Relations Commission - John Allen. Resignatim~ was accepted with regret, and the City Clerk was directed to post immediately according t. the Maddy Act in the Clerk's Office and the Public Library. Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 2 6. RESOLUTION 18723 APPROVING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AGREEMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 WITH VARIOUS COMMUNITY GROUPS AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENTS- On 6/10/97, Council approved CDBG funds in the amount of $361,350 for 17 public service programs; $310,000 for 8 community development programs; $157,350 tier Capital Improvement Projects ~r 3 non-profit organizations and $1,102,200 for 8 City Capital Improvement Projects; and $478,100 ~r administration and planning/coordination activities. The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department requires a written agreement with each subrecipient of CDBG and HOME funds. Staff recommends approwd of the resolutiun. (Director of Community Development) 7. RESOLUTION 18711 ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS 1, 5, 9 AND 10 TO NEW WAY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Bids were received on 6/10/97 to provide landscape maintenance. Existing contracts expired 6/30/97. S'taff rec~nmends this item be continued tn the meetinll of 7/22/97. (Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space) Cnntinued from the meeting of 6124/97. Item was continued tu 7/22/97. 8. RESOLUTION 18712 ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS 3, 4, 8, 11, 14, 15 AND 24 TO NEW WAY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND RC LANDSCAPE - Bids were received on 6/10/97 to provide landscape maintenance. Existing contracts expired 6/30/97. Staff recnmmen~, this item be o~nlinued to the meeting of 7122197. (Director of Parks, Recreatiun and Open Space) Continued frmn lhe meeting of 6/24/97. Item was continued to 7/22/97. 9. RESOLUTION 18724 ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE "DELINEATOR REMOVAL PROGRAM - PHASE ll AT 700 BLOCK OF THIRD AVENUE AND 400 BLOCK OF "L" STREET IN THE CITY" (TF238) - On 6/11/97, sealed bids were received. The general scope of the project involves the coustruction of raised medians alnng the 700 block of Third Avenue (in front of the U.S. Post Office) and ahmg the 400 block of "L" Street (in front of the Boys and Girls Club). The work to be done involves the removal and disposal of existing improvements, installation of median curbs, colored and stamped concrete slab work, street signs, pavement striping, traffic control and other miscellaneous structures. Staff recommends approwtl of the resolution. (Director of Public Works) 10.A. RESOLUTION 18725 APPROVING FINAL MAP OF TRACT NUMBER 96-06, VISTA DEL MAR, ACCEPTING ON BEHALF OF THE CITY PUBLIC STREETS AND 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 AGREEMENTS - On 1/14/97, Council approved the Tentative Subdivision Map for Tract 96-06, Vista Del Mar. The Final Map, Subdivision Improvement Agreement, and Supplemental Improvement Agreement are now before Council for consideration. Staff recommends approval of the resolutions. (Director of Public Works) B. RESOLUTION 18726 APPROVING SUPPLEMENTAL SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT 96-06, VISTA DEL MAR * * * END OF CONSENT C)ILENDAR * * * Minutes Jnly 15, 1997 Page 3 ORAL COMMIINICATIONS (There were none) PUBLIC HEARINGS AND RELATED RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 11. PUBLIC HEARING RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO FORM ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 96-01 ON TWIN OAKS AVENUE BETWEEN NAPLES STREET AND EMERSON STREET, PURSUANT TO THE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1911 - On 5/6/97, Conncil approved the boundary map fi>r Assessment District 96-01. Council also approved ordering the installation of street improvements on Twin Oaks Avenue from Naples Street to Emerson Street pursuant to the lmprovement Act of 1911. A second public hearing is scheduled IBr 7/22/97. Staff recommends the public hearing be opened, testimony taken, and the public hearing be closed. (Director of Public Works) Cliff Swanson, City Engineer, stated this was the first public hearing. As litr as the hal lots go, sixteen of the twenty ballots were returned. Of those, timrteen were in fhvor <if' the District and two opposed. Those ti>urteen in faw~r represent almost 65 percent uf the financial obligation of all property owners in thvor. Even if the remaining balluts were returned in opposition to the pr~iect, we still have the necessary majority vote to proceed. 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. A second public hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 1997. 12. PUBLIC HEARING RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO FORM ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 97-01 ON OXFORD STREET BETWEEN FOURTH AVENUE AND FIFTH AVENUE, PURSUANT TO THE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1911 - On 5/13/97, Conncil approved the boundary map tier Assessment District 97- 01. Council also approved ordering the installation ol" street improvements on Oxford Street from Fourth Avenue to Fifth Avenue pursuant to the Improvement Act of 1911. A second public hearing is scheduled Ii~r 7/22/97. Staff reconm~ends the public hearing be opened, testimony taken, and the public hearing be closed. (Director of Public Works) This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Addressing Council was: ® Dale M. Vizina, 442 Oxford Street, Chula Vista, 919l I, stated he had talked with his neighbors, and they requested that some type of speed control be installed. The speed limit is 35 mph between Third and Broadway. They t~lt that if they get curbs and sidewalks, it will make the street wider liar cars to speed. They also requested that their mailboxes be placed on metal posts instead of wood because kids cnt the wooden posts down. Councihne~nber Rindone snggested that he meet with staff because there is a current City Council policy on how to deal with speed bumps should the residents within an area like to pursue it. Mayor Horton stated that this is an issue that would go beli>re the Safety Commission, and staff will work with him on this. There being no one else indicating a desire to address the Council, the public hearing was closed. A second public hearing was set fi~r Tnesday, July 22, 1997. 13. PUBLIC HEARING OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 1-9, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 31, 33, BAY BOULEVARD, AND TOWN CENTER FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 - In accordance with the Municipal Code Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 4 Section 17.07, the City Engineer prepared reports on the spread of assessments of the open space districts. The reports w~re accepted and the required public hearings set. The first public hearing was conducted on 6/17/97. Staff recommends Cormoil approve the resolution and authorize staff to begin the process of determining assessments fi~r fiscal year 1998/99. (Directl~r of Public Works) RESOLUTION 18727 ORDERING CERTAIN OPEN SPACE AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES TO BE MAINTAINED, APPROVING MODIFICATION TO THE ENGINEER'S REPORT, AND LEVYING TtlE ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 FOR OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS 1-9, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 31, 33, BAY BOULEVARD, AND TOWN CENTER John Lippitt, Public Works Director. stated this is the time to tally all protests and to adopt the resolution to approve the modifications to the reports. There have been very li~w letters of protests in this District. Therefore, staff recnlnlnends that the assessments be confirmed. This being the ti~ne and place as advertised, the pnblic hearing was declared open. Addressing Conncil was: · Michael Yee, 746 Avenida de LaBarca, Chula Vista, expressed that although he wasn't against the assessment because he felt it was important to th¢ quality of litb. he did protest the assessment because it was his understanding that since the passage of Proposition 218, the residents were entitled to vote on any new or existing assessments. Recently, the City of San Diego concluded that they needed to hold elections in their jurisdiction. He wanted to know why thisjnrisdiction didn't have to comply with Proposition 218. He also felt that even though there is a legitimate issne as to whether the proposition is applicable, he tblt the City has not done a good job in commnnicating that issue to the residents. The materials which he received from the City did not mention this issue. He asked the Council to hold off ~naking a decision and tu stndy the matter fi~rther. City Attorney, John Kaheny, stated that when these assessment districts were Ibrmed, there was an established way to make the assessments each year. It is only when you increase the formnla that there is an increase in the assessment. As lnng as you are within the consumer price index. you are still within the original assessment. The City of San Diego sets their assessments differently. We have also consulted with our bond counsel regarding this matter: he agrees with onr interpretation that this doesn't require an election. · Todd Long, 532 Plaza del Sid, Chula Vista. a new homeowner, stated that his house backed up to an open space, Rice Canyon, but what he wanted to tinderstand is what kind of maintenance is done on that open space and what does he pay for that cnvers the maintenance activities. He requested that since he had not been given prior inti~rmation as a new homeowner as to what was included, he would like to be given further information and recommended that this be done tier all new homeowners in the area. John Lippitt, Public Works Director, stated that the general, natural open space is a lower level of maintenance which includes general clean tip. There are also parkways along the streets and highly landscaped slopes which are maintained at a higher level and are included in the districts. He encouraged him to speak with Joel Chew, Open Space Coordinator. Councilmember Moot stated that this comes up every year. He suggested that we create a public intbrmation document that can be sent to people when they make a request. RESOLUTION 18727 OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOOT, heading read, text waived, passed and apprnved 5-0. 14. PUBLIC HEARING OPEN SPACE DISTRICT NUMBER 10 FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 - Based on the advice of the City Attorney, the item has been separated due to conflict of interest concerns since a Councilmember owns property subject to the proposed assessment in this district. The first public hearing was conducted on 6/17/97. Staff recomlnends approval of the resolution. (Director of Public Works) Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 5 RESOLUTION 18728 ORDERING CERTAIN OPEN SPACE AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES TO BE MAINTAINED, APPROVING MODIFICATION TO THE ENGINEER'S REPORT AND LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 OPEN SPACE DISTRICT NUMBER 10 Councilmembers Moot and Salas abstained fron~ voting on this item because their homes were in the District. John Lippitt, Public Works Director, stated that the collection amount will be the same as last year, $84.00. The assessment will go up by the CPI from $84.91 to $88.48. There was one letter received protesting the assessment. 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. RESOLUTION 18728 OFFERED BY MAYOR HORTON, heading read, text waived, passed and approved 3-0-0-2 (Moot and Salas abstaining). 15. PUBLIC HEARING EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NUMBER 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 - Based on the advice of the City Attorney, the item has been separated due to conflict of interest concerns since a Councilmember owns property subject to the proposed assessment in this district. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Director of Public Works) RESOLUTION 18729 ORDERING CERTAIN OPEN SPACE AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES TO BE MAINTAINED, APPROVING MODIFICATION TO THE ENGINEER'S REPORT AND LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NUMBER 1 Conncihnember Padilia indicated he would he abstaining since he lived in the District. John Lippitt, Public Works Director, stated that one letter had been received protesting the assessment. The collectibles are the same as last year. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Addressing Council was: · Terry Lewis, 457 River Creek Court, stated that Pacific Bay Homes was currently redoing the landscaping on "H" Street pursuant to starting a new development. She wanted to know whether or not there was going to be any measnrable impact on the current bndget; was there anything in writing fi'om Pacific Bay Homes verit~,ing that there would not be an increase in the budget. Mr. Lippitt stated that as far as next year's assessment and collectibles. the collection fi~r Salt Creek I will stay the same. It was his understanding that there was an agreement that any improvements which they do, they will pay for any difference in maintenance costs. The cap will remain in place. If it doesn't, then there will have to be a vote of all the people. There being no one else indicating a desire to address the Conncil, the public hearing was closed. RESOLUTION 18779 OFFERED BY MAYOR HORTON, heading read, text waived, passed and apprnved 4-0-0-1 (Padilia abstaining). BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS None snhmitted. Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 6 ACTION ITEMS 16. RESOLUTION 18730 ADOPTING A COURTESY PARKING CITATION PROGRAM FOR THE DOWNTOWN PARKING DISTRICT FOR A NINETY (90) DAY PERIOD As a result of the Council workshop un Town Centre I, staff from the Police, Finance, and Community Development Departments investigated the courtesy parking citation program currently being administered in the City of La Mesa. Community Development and Police Department staff believe the concept has the potential to resolve some of the parking issues currently being experienced in the Downtown Parking District; huwever, the Finance Department is concerned about the negative financial impact associated with the program. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Director of Community Development) Councihnember Padilia asked how fitr were we in developing options in case this goes to a permanent implementation to replace the revenue. Chris Salomone, Commtmity Deveh>pment Director, replied that we have not gotten to that stage yet. It would take an ordinance adopted by the Council, so when staff comes back in 90 days, we will have an array of options in the evahmtion. Councihnember Moot asked if staff was planning on tracking the revenue "downs" Ibr a 90 or 60 day period and then bringing it back to Council. During the interim, atier the 90 days and betbre it comes to Council, will this be left in place or will we revert to the old policy. Pamela Buchan, Principal Community Development Specialist, stated it would actually be a 90 day period, then staff would evaluate it, and then bring it back to Council. It would be staft's recommendation to leave the courtesy parking citation program in place while evaluating the program and going to Council. Mayor Horton l~lt that maybe staff could cnme back within 60 days to give us an update on the program and let us know how successtill it is with solne teedback frown the Downtown Business Association. Robert Powell, Finance Director, stated that he supported the suggestion, bnt added that the fiscal impact will be greater the longer the courtesy program is in effect. Councilmember Salas asked if there has been any discussions with the City of La Mesa to see what their drop in revenues were and what they did to make up those loss of revenues. She t~lt that this would be good information. Ms. Buchan stated that the main discussion was on the actual operation and how it worked. The individual who developed the program was no longer with the City. The current staff was not aware of any major drop in revenue. Conncilmember Rindone stated that there are some intangibles in this issue, not only are we trying to promote Third Avenne and looking to insure that the intangibles are also included as well as the tangible loss of revenue. For a program to be effective, it will take awhile fi~r this to be understood. He suggested that we not only needed to look at the assessment and the revenue rates, but equally we need to look at the impact on the merchants. A true reflection cannot be obtained within 60 to 90 days. He asked that when the report comes back to include: how many meter readers or employees are there, their annual salaries and fringe benefits which are directly attributable to those services. We are not talking abont loss of employees or jobs, we are talking about reassignment of employees to other areas; there will be savings if we do nnt need as ninny. How many meter patrol vehicles are there, their annual cnst and maintenance, copy of the parking meter fund budget, listing the expenditures and income. Equally important is the promotion. What has been left out in instituting this program is that we do have a public relations position in the City who, along with the DBA, needs to be proactive on this. We need to "sell" Third Avenue. He requested that the City Manager be directed to direct staff to do whatever publicity is essential to assist the DBA. We need to allow enongh time to let it work. Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 7 RESOLUTION 18730 OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER RINDONE, heading read, text waived, passed and approved 5-0. 17. REPORT CONSIDERATION OF CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE SAN DIEGO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU (CONVIS) AND PAYMENT OF THE SECOND HALF OF THE ANNUAL DUES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1997 - ConVis has invoiced the City for $5,250, the second halt' of our annual membership dues of $10,500. Since January a Chula Vista resident was elected to the ConVis board of directors and a number of steps have been taken to provide greater marketing tbr the City and its attractions. Staff recommends Council approve payment of the second half of the dues. (Public lnli.>rmation Coordinator) Addressing Council were: · Rod Davis, representing the Chamber of Commerce, 233 Fonrth Avenue, Chula Vista, 91910, stated he has come befi3re Council in the past arguing that the money we pay in dues conld be better spent with ConVis in the form of advertising. He was very supportive of this and a continued and better relationship with ConVis. · Sal Giametta, 401 "B" Street, San Diego, 92101, representing the San Diego Convention and Vistors' Bureau. He urged support of the staff recommendation. Chula Vista has much to oilier visitors. They were pleased to have for the first time a voting member, Scott Alevy, on the Board of Directors from Chnla Vista. He announced that it was time to explore a new approach to their partnership with the City. An approach which will present the City with a more tangible and visible benchmark in which we can gauge our investment and in turn an approach which will provide ConVis with an npportunity to help the City better position Chula Vista as an important part of our destination. He recommended that the City consider converting any Fiscal Year 98 contribution to ConVis that you may be considering to straight advertising dollars. These monies can then be used by the Chnla Vista Chamber and Visitors Bureau to more visibly position Chula Vista area attractions in appropriate ConVis publications. The allocation being approved tonight is the second half of the Fiscal Year 1997 contribution. Their recommendation was to consider converting fi~ture, Fiscal Year 1998, dollars to advertising. Councilmember Rindone clarified that what was being asked was to approve the second half of payment ~r Calendar Year 1997; however, you were talking about 1998. He limit this was not satishctory enough. We have had a very extensive debate looking fi~r tangible results. He would be receptive if the commihnent was earnest tbr the balance of this year. He was not going to vote fi~r this; he did not want to wait another six months. Mayor Horton stated that she would support stafl-'s recommendation. She believed n~ost of the planning ti~r 1997 and for the advertising has already taken place. They are moving fi>rward li>r their 1998 program and we will be included. There has been movement and Chnla Vista is being inclnded. Wc now have a Board Member which we never had beli~re. Councihnember Padilia has been skeptical in the past with regard to what specific retnrn on the investment was the City specifically getting. He limit the change in direction and policy was positive and tangible. He was supportive in continuing the relationship. Councihnember Salas felt that onr membership on ConVis was very important if we are going to be a bigger part of the San Diego tourism scene. One of the things which we requested nf ConVis was that we have a member on the Board, and they have Iidfilled that. MSC (Horton/Salas) to appruve payment of the seeond half of the ConVis dues. Motinn carried 4-1 with Rindone voting no. * * * Council recessed fi'om 7:05 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. * * * Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 8 18.A. RESOLUTION 18731 RETAINING SHELTER AND ANIMAL SERVICES - At its 5/20/97 meeting, Council requested staff return with a comprehensive animal shelter status report to include the status of the existing facility, a plan liar a new facility, net city costs tier providing animal shelter service. a cost comparison of county and city animal shelter services and an evaluation of contracting with the county lbr city animal control services. Staff recommends retention of both shelter and patrol animal control services and approval of the resolutions. (Chief of Police) B. RESOLUTION 18649 APPROPRIATING $2,500 FROM ANIMAL SHELTER DONATIONS AND $2,300 UNCLAIMED CASH BOND FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A CATTERY - 4/5th's vote required. - Continued from the meeting of 5/20/97. C. RESOLUTION 18732 TRANSFERRING $97,396 FOR STAFFING FROM UNANTICIPATED SALARY SAVINGS AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 BUDGET TO ADD ONE KENNEL ATTENDANT {$31,624), HOURLY WAGES FOR OFFICE HELP AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE ASSISTANT I LEVEL ($30,072) AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FUNDS ($35,700) FOR A PART-TIME VETERINARIAN AND REGISTERED VETERINARIAN TECHNICIAN D. RESOLUTION 18733 DIRECTING STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE SITING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ANIMAL SHELTER AND APPROPRIATING $95,000 FROM DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES (DIF) FOR CONCEPTUAL DESIGN SERVICES AND FINAL ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS - 4/5th~s vote required. Staff presentation was made by Chief Emerson via slides and overheads. The following expressed support in keeping the Chula Vista anitnal shelter and maintaining the field services: · Elaine Saunders, 1578 Olive Avenue, Chula Vista, 91911, expressed support in keeping the animal shelter. · JoAnn D'Aquila, 337 Fifth Avenue, Chula Vista. representing the PETS organization. · Charles Schroder, 440 "L" Street, Suite 1. Chula Vista. · Lorrain Martin, 658 Arthur Avenue, Chula Vista, 91910, Volunteer Coordinator. · John Bowen, 470 Oxfi~rd Street, Chola Vista. 9 1911, President of the Bahia Sur Kennel Club. · Michael Miller, 49 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, 91910, representing the Chula Vista POA. · Dennis Wolfe, 1390 Callejon Palacios, Chula Vista, 91910. · Corina Culver, 690 Otay Valley Road, Chula Vista, 91910. · Tony Carbajal, 444 Anita Street, Chula Vista, 91910. · Tom Pasqua, 760 Monterey Avenue, Chula Vista, 91910. · Sally Graves, 194 E. Millan, Chula Vista, 91910. · Margaret Williamson, 740 Hickory, Imperial Beach, commented that it was an excellent report and she hoped it could be presented to the Imperial Beach City Council who will be meeting the next evening to address this subject. · Gregory Cox, 647 Windsor Circle, Chula Vista, 91910, Board of Supervisor, stated that he brought forth a proposal to the City of Chula Vista to address a concern which had been identified by citizens and staff that there was a need to seek improvements to the animal control facility in the City. He corrected the staff report where he t~lt there were some misrepresentations as tbllows: (1) Ret~rence regarding the County's trash problems (page 3 of the report). He felt the County has done a good job in turning a crisis problem around. They have made a business decision that they should not be in the trash business and that the private sector could do it better. He felt the question belL~re Council is do you need to expend $2 million. The DIF funds could be used for other public Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 9 facilities. (2) Reference that the County's approach was to maximize profit (page 4). He took exception to this since they do not look at animal control as a profit center. (3) Costs regarding the capital facility (page 14), there is a subtotal of $1.4 for the basic structure nut counting the kennels. Alternative I talks about building hcilities similar to the County's the net cost is about $200,000. He suggested, based on their experience with expansion in North County, that the cost per kennel is about $6,600; the city has estimated about $2,000 per kennel which they felt was a low figure. (4) Regarding the revenue side (page 30), staff included net revenues from contract cities. He stated that in the case of Imperial Beach, there is an item on their agenda fi~r their next meeting where their city manager's recommendation to contract with the County $ri~r kenneling and patrol services. The city has included in the report net revenue from the contract cities. He was not sure what portion of that would be Imperial Beach, but he thought it was about $35,000. That wuuld have an impact on the net cost to the City of Chula Vista. Also, listed is grant revenue of $53,221. It was his understanding that this revenue will expire either this year or next year and will not be available in the fi~ture. This is a one time revenue source which has to be taken into consideration. He felt that everyone would agree that a decision needs to be made now. He suggested a medium ground; contracting with the County fi~r kenneling services only and retain the patrol services. That wuuld give the City an opportunity to evaluate whether to build a facility or not. If the Council decides to build a facility, he suggested an additional site tier the City to consider placing their facility. They have eighteen acres of land immediately adjacent to the County's animal shelter and limit the City should h~ok at this. Councilmember Moot thanked Supervisor Cox for cnming fi~rward to be part of a solution to an issue that has come up. He provided an option tier us to choose from. He I~lt that it was good that government competes to provide services because in the long run you end tip with a better product. Councilmember Salas stated that on May 20 when she proposed that we take a go~d look at the option of contracting with the County that was borne out of a frustration that the Council was aware of problems that could be rectified by not a whole lot of resources. She stated that if we cnntract with the County, then the City would have to pay its fair share for capital improvements. In the County's CIP of $2.1 million, this is spread over the entire San Diego County. However, when you look at the Capital improvement costs that are dedicated to the South shelter, it about one quarter of that figure. Her concern was that we are asked to put in uur fair share in regards to the whole County rather than .just the facility that we are using. She asked if there was any thought to separate those capital improvement costs so we are only paying fi~r facilities that we use. She did not feel it was fair to the residents of Chula Vista to have to pay ~r capital improvements in all of San Diego Cnnnty. Hector Cozares, Director of San Diego Connty Animal Control. stated that th~ City's DIF could be negotiated to apply to shelter expansion at South County. The County is going to regionalize the Central Shelter and wilt be limited to the City of San Diego because it serves only the City of San Diego. So this is something that could be done fi~r Chula Vista. Councilmember Salas stated that the cost uf the services to the City of San Diego went tip over 50% in one year, is this correct. Mr. Cozares replied that this was an unusnal case t~u' the City of San Diego where the County had entered into a fixed cost agreement with the City's promise that they would take a number of affirmative actions to generate increased revenue. That did not pan ont. Also, in their press to reduce pet over population, they reduced the license fee with a cost of $10 lk>r an altered dog and $25 for unaltered dog. When this was instituted, 65% of the dogs were altered, but today 75 % of the dogs are altered so the value of the license was decreased significantly. They are selling more licenses and generating more money, hut it hasn't kept tip with the devaluation of the license. Councihnember Salas stated that there are so many unknowns in contracting with the Connty that it really is uncomtbrtable tbr her to support a County contract at this time. One of the reasons is that it will be done on a year- to-year basis, there's not a guarantee against costs escalating beyond our control. · Ray Delahana, 1704 Harvard Street, Chula Vista, asked why did it take the Humane Society's report to bring this problem to light. He expressed that many claim they are pet lovers and think the shelter should be a jail. Mimttes July 15, 1997 Page 10 He l~lt we should consider what is good fbr the animals as well as what is good tbr the City of Chula Vista. He was appalled that the carrent and past City Councils let this get to the sitnation that we are now in. Councilmember Moot stated that he t~lt the San Diego Humane Society owes an apology to the worker's at the animal shelter and to the Mayor. The article in the San Diego Union editorial was overblown. It was political. It was followed by a political fund raiser that was sent to all the members in Chula Vista with an excerpt of an article. He did not t~el this was an appropriate issue fi~r political grand standing and fi3r fund raising for a particular organization. There have been three independent people including the American Humane Society that has looked at our fhcility, complimented our animal control staff and facilities for the work they have been doing, and at no time has any animal faced neglect and abuse as alleged by the San Diego Humane Society. Mayor Hortun stated that this has been an emt~tional isstie. The bottom line is what is the City of Chula Vista going to do'? During this process, the County Supervisor recognized that we had a problem and contacted her and asked if he should bring a proposal forward to the City. She invited him. Councihnember Rindone asked start' the following questions: (1) Regarding the land acquisition, if this was approved tonight, is the tburteen-inonth period a realistic timeframe. Community Development Director, Chris Salomone, responded that he felt this was realistic for the fbllowing reasons: (a) Most of the areas except tbr one are within redevelopment areas which eliminates the ned to go through a parcel map process. (b) Several of the properties are the right size as they are offered so it will take a simple negotiation and a public hearing. (c) We have negotiated with the property owner on the principal sites in the past successfully, so we have every hope that we could conclude those negotiations very quickly. (2) Regarding the construction time line, is the fi~urteen months a realistic ti~net'rame and what has made the difference in the last seven days when it went from twenty-four months to tBurteen. Kenneth Larsen, Building and Housing Director, stated that several mechanisms would occur which may be considered abnormal froin the "conservative" business side and that is: you secure the land, the land is finally through escrow, and now it becomes your property. You then go through the discretionary approval process, in this case a CUP process, and the other discretionary approval processes. Once that is granted, then you enter into the architectural phases -- the plan check phases. etc. Staff was suggesting by this aggressive timeline so that the processes are rnnning cancurrently rather than waiting fi~r certain phases to complete befbre entering the next phase. (3) Regarding the cost analysis, the operating costs, would we still see a net profit of approximately $30,000 annually once the project is built and the staffing level is adequate. Iracema Quilantan, Principal Management Assistant, stated that was correct. The figtire of $29,000 is inclusive of all operational costs inclnding the $97,000 that were tbr the enhanced services and staffing additions. Councilmember Rindone commented that competition was healthy. If we can provide services locally and do them in a quality program and economically, then as the second largest city in the county, we want to do that. The one year proposal by the County left him concerned because there are so many changes. The plan provided by staff was significant becanse it was a long-term plan. The concern mentioned that looking at the revenue projections that Imperial Beach might decide to go a different way does not concern him because if they do there are other cities that are going to pick up in their place. He had only one concern; we need to learn from difficult lessons. He did not want to have any more management by crisis. Councilmember Padilia stated that we should be appreciative of even those with whom we have sincere disagreements and that would include the Humane Society and people froin the Connty. This isstle was more about trying to find solutions and not in taking sides. We were basically all on the same side which was how do we Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 11 provide the best service fur the animals and citizens of Chula Vista. The report was outstanding. He wished he had received it months betbre. Councilmember Salas asked lbr clarification on the DIF funding. If we do some research into that and find that there is not enough in the DIF fund to pay Ibr the animal shelter, can we get some kind of report as to where the monies will cotne from. Gerald Young, Principal Management Assistant, responded yes a report can be provided. Councilmember Salas wanted to go on record that it was not the Humane Society that brought the issues to light, it was the employees as tar back as 1993 voicing their concerns. It was the e~nployees ~naking several pleas to adnxinistration fur rectifications of problems and their pleas were not heard. RESOLUTION 18731 OFFERED BY MAYOR HORTON, headinR read, text waived, passed and approved 5-0. Mayor Horton stated that since this is not going tierward in the manner which was first discussed with the individual who donated the $2,500, she wanted to make certain this was okay. Was there more money in the animal shelter donation fund or is it just the $2,500 which she turned over. Chief Emerson replied that we have additional monies in the cash bond account that can cover this. RESOLUTIONS 18649, 18632, AND 18733 OFFERED BY MAYOR tlORTON, headings read, texts waived, passed and approved 5-0. * * * A recess was called at 9:55 p.m. and the ~neeting reconvened at 10:15 p.m. * * * ITEMS PULLED FRONI THE CONSENT CALENDAR (No items were philed) OTHER BUSINESS 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT(S) Mr. Goss stated that representatives fi'om the City's Legislative Advocate, the Wilson Group, will appear belbre Council on 7/22/97 to give a quarterly report on their activities in Sacramento on behalf of the City. If any members of the Council would like to meet with our lobbyists prior to the meeting, please indicate that interest to Patty Wesp. 20. MAYOR~S REPORT(S) Ratification of appointment to the Economic Development Commission - Robert M. Villarreal (to fill vacancy created by Commissioner Moore, whose term expired 6/30/97). MSUC (Hurtnn/Padilla) to apprnve appointmeut uf Robert Villarreal. 21. COUNCIL COMMENTS - there were none. Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 12 The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Respectfully submitted, Beverly A. Authelet, CMC/AAE City Clerk