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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1997/04/15MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Tuesday, April 15, 1997 6:00 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ALSO PRESENT: Council Chambers Public Services Building CALL TO ORDER Councilmembers John S. Moot, Stephen C. Padilia (arrived at 6:10 p.m.), Jerry R. Rindone (arrived at 6:01 p.m.), Mary Salas, and Mayor Shirley A. Horton. John Goss, City Manager; John M. Kaheny, City Attorney; and Beverly A. Authelet, City Clerk. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG. MOMENT OF SILENCE ***Councilmember Rindone arrived at 6:01 p.m.*** 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 8, 1997. MSC (Salas/Moot) to approve the minutes, and to amend Councilmember Moot's comments on page 8, second paragraph, from "their economic situation" to "a League of Cities' request t~r support of a bill pending before the Assembly," passed and approved 4-0-1 with Padilia absent. 4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY: a. The Glee Club from the Ateneo Day Manila University performed before Council. b. Oath of Office: Ricardo Gibert - Board of Ethics. The Oath of Office was administered by City Clerk Beverly A. Authelet to Mr. Gibert. c. Introduction of Miss Chula Vista, Gianna Suter, by Pageant Director Joe Amaro. Ms. Suter introduced First Princesses Melody Gonzalez and Christina Chang; and Miss Congeniality, Marissa Sandoval. ***Councilmember Padilia arrived at 6:l0 p.m. *** d. Proclaiming April as "WalkAmerica for Healthier Babies Month." The proclamation was presented by Mayor Horton to Ruth Vasquez, Sales Representative, Chula Vista Department of Motor Vehicles. e. Proclaiming the week of April 14, 1997 as "National Youth Services Week." The proclamation was presented by Mayor Horton to James Alfaro, Chair of the Youth Conunission, and youth representatives from each of the participating agencies. f. Recognition of Fair Housing Poster and Essay Contest Winners by Mary Scott Knoll, Executive Director, Fair Housing Council of San Diego, and David McCain, Program Coordinator. The winners were: Lauren Krogh, Hector Jimenez, Ashley Peck, Michael Stockin, James Ridgeway, Laysa Rangel, Sarah Fife, Deanna Richardson, and Shanta Levette Davis. Minutes April 15, 1997 Page 2 CONSENT CALENDAR (Items pulled: None) THE CONSENT CALENDAR WAS OFFERED BY MAYOR HORTON, reading of the text was waived, titles read, passed, and approved unanimously 5-0. 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 4/8/97 in ~vhich the City Attorney participated, that there were no reportable actions which are required under the Brown Act to be reported. It is recommended that the letter be received and filed. 6. RESOLUTION I8625 AUTHORIZINGSUBMISSIONOFFISCALYEAR1997/98TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) ARTICLE 4.0 CLAIM The fiscal year 1997/98 TDA Article 4.0 claim is in the amount of $5,110,538 to support Chula Vista Transit operations and capital expenditures. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Director of Public Works) 7. RESOLUTION 18626 APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAME - The agreement authorizes the City to claim $108,553 of County of San Diego TDA Article 4.0 funds for Chula Vista Transit Service in the unincorporated area. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Director of Public Works) (C097-032) 8. RESOLUTION 18627 GRANTING EASEMENT TO SAN DIEGO GAS AND ELECTRIC TO UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL SERVICES FOR TEMPORARY SCHOOL BUILDINGS AT LOMA VERDE SCHOOL - San Diego Gas and Electric Company is requesting an easement on the Loma Verde Recreation Center parking lot for the electrical service installed to Loma Verde Elementary School's new temporary buildings. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Director of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space) (C097-033) 9. REPORT REGARDING METROPOLITAN TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT BOARD (MTDB) RIGHT-OF- WAY LANDSCAPE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION (CIP NUMBER LDI06) - In November 1996, Council directed staff to initiate the development and negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MTDB and establish a detailed phased development plan and funding commitment for the implementation of the MTDB Right-of-Way Landscape Project. Over the past several months, staff has negotiated with MTDB staff to complete the MOU. This report sets forth a completed MOU and funding commitment for implementation of the project. Staff recommends Council accept the report and approve the resolution. (Director of Planning and Director of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space) RESOLUTION 18628 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH METROPOLITAN TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT BOARD/SAN DIEGO & ARIZONA EASTERN RAILWAY COMPANY FOR LANDSCAPING OF THE MTDB RIGHT-OF-WAY WITH THE CITY AND TO REQUEST RELEASE OF BILLBOARD RESERVE FUND MONIES (C097-034) * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * * * Minutes April 15, 1997 Page 3 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS · Dan Higgins, 881 Energy Way, Chula Vista, representing Laidlaw Waste Systems, announced the Annual Community Spring Clean-up will be held on Saturday, April 19, 1997, at the comer of Hilltop Drive and Naples Street. He invited residents in the City to bring any yard waste, scrap items, asphalt, concrete, cardboard, furniture, and appliances to the site for proper disposal. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND RELATED RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES None submitted. BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS None submitted. ACTION ITEMS 10. RESOLUTION 18629 ACCEPTING A GRANT OF $10,000 FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME FOR STAFF COSTS RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CONCEPT AND IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES INSTITUTE - The California Fish and Game has agreed to grant to the City a total of $10,000 for the purpose of developing a concept plan and implementation program for a proposed "environmental sciences institute" to be located near the Lower Otay Reservoir in the southeast planning area. Staff recominends approval of the resolution. (Director of Planning) Robert Leiter, Director of Planning, reported that Council previously authorized staff to pursue discussions regarding the environmental sciences institute concept. This grant will allow staff to continue to evaluate and refine the concept and does not constitute any other action than to accept the grant funds. Councilmember Moot stated a letter from the Department of Fish and Game appeared to indicate that agencies are asking the City to look for an alternative site to accommodate the university. He asked if the City accepted this grant, would it be tacitly going along with that movement or would the City continue to stand firm with plans to locate the university under the current general plan in Villages 9 and 10 of Otay Ranch. Mr. Leiter explained the letter from the Department of Fish and Game indicated one of the options was for the City to look at alternative sites; however, staff continues to plan tier the university site in Villages 9 and 10 of Otay Ranch. This particular proposal is for an environmental sciences institute that is separate and apart from the four- year university site. He stated this grant does not specifically call tbr the City to relocate the four-year university site but is mainly focused on the idea of an environmental sciences institute to study specific environmental issues in this geographic area. Staff has not conducted further evaluations of a site other than the existing university site in Otay Ranch. The City can make it clear to the Department of Fish and Game that by the City accepting this grant, it does not constitute any intention on the City's part to move the tbur-year university to a different site. Councilmember Padilla noted the staff report listed concerns raised by the wildlife agencies that the current university siting could have problems in the preparation of the MSCP subarea plan. He felt the City has not made Minutes April 15, 1997 Page 4 any progress from when the wildlife agencies previously explained there may be problems in siting with regard to it being able to co-exist with the subarea plan. Most of the campuses for universities in California began as research facilities, and he l~lt this is the logical first step to becoming a reality. Councilmember Rindone stated the second paragraph in the resolution was unacceptable and should be deleted in its entirety, because it is contradictory with stafl~s oral presentation. He felt the approach of starting with an environmental sciences institute is excellent, because it is a long-term prqiect that is desirable in the community. John Kaheny, City Attorney, advised he did not believe the second paragraph in the resolution was germane to the grant application, and the resolution could be revised to delete the second paragraph if Council desired. RESOLUTION 18629, AS AMENDED TO DELETE THE SECOND PARAGRAPH IN ITS ENTIRETY, OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER RINDONE, reading of the text was waived, title read, passed, and approved unanimously 5-0. Mayor Horton added that she assisted in the reorganization of the University Task Force to revisit the issue of pursuing a university in Chula Vista. For the past year, the group has worked closely with environmental agencies to work out an agreement to more carefully define the area acceptable within this 400-acre parcel. She commented that a small percentage of the 400 acres is actually developable. She t~lt there is the possibility of a four-year university breaking ground within five years. I1.A. RESOLUTIONI8630 ACCEPTING PETITION FOR FORMATION OF A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NUMBER AD96-01 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON TWIN OAKS AVENUE FROM NAPLES STREET TO EMERSON STREET - Approval of this resolution will permit staff to begin assessment district formation proceedings and award the contract tbr the improvements within fiscal year 1996/97. It is necessary to appropriate $180,000 from the general fund as in-kind contribution from the City for a portion of the construction work within the existing roadway. Staff recommends approval of the resolutions. (Director of Public Works) B. RESOLUTION 18631 APPROPRIATING $180,000 FROM THE UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCE OF THE GAS TAX FUND INTO ACCOUNT STL-232 - 4/5ths vote required. John Lippitt, Director of Public Works, reported this is the first step in the process of forming an assessment district, and two other hearings will be held. This district was initiated by a petition of 18 to 20 property owners, representing approximately 88.2 percent of the properties inw~lved. Because of Proposition 218, ballots were sent out: 14 ballots were retumed in favor of the district and 2 ballots were returned against the district. This step will allow City staff to expend funds to begin the design and prepare plans and documents, and the City will participate in the district by covering all of the engineering costs and paying for the work within the street pavement area. The property owners will be responsible for paying for the curb and sidewalk. · Luzminda Reynante, 3819 Wild Oats Lane, Bonita, owner of the property at 230 Emerson Street in Chula Vista; felt the assessment should not be imposed on her property because the residence faces Emerson Street. She requested the City exclude her property on Emerson Street from being part of the formation of the assessment district due to a hardship. Councilmember Salas asked staff to explain the process of forming assessment districts. This area was annexed to the City of Chula Vista in 1986 and as part of the annexation, she asked if residents in the area were told that if they wanted future improvements to this area, they would have to form assessment districts. Minutes April 15, 1997 Page 5 Mr. Lippitt replied that an informational bulletin was distributed to the residents at the time of annexation, and the statement was for a period of 10 years where residents would not be forced into an assessment district unless there was a petition by an extraordinary number of property owners. Most of the people on this street want this project to go forward, and one of the conditions the homeowners requested is to keep the cost under $100 per foot; currently, the project is estimated at $94 per foot. Councilmember Salas noted the staff report indicated the assessment is between approximately $5,000 and $13,000 per household, and people are able to pay this through assessments on their property taxes over a period of five years. She asked if a program was available for residents to ease the burden of their financial responsibility due to a hardship. Mr. Lippitt reported there are three options available li>r residents: (1) to make semi-annual payments (principal and interest at 7 percent per annum) over a period of 10 years; (2) to make semi-annual payments (interest only at 7 percent per annum) over a period of 10 years, and the principal (total assessment) is paid at the end of the 10-year term or at the time the property is transferred, whichever occurs first; and (3) to make one payment (principal and accumulated interest at 7 percent per annum) at the end of the 10-year term or at the time the property is transferred, whichever occurs first. With the second and third options, qualifying owners must enter into a deferral agreement with the City. Councilmember Moot asked what were the hard and soft dollar costs, and what was the purpose of borrowing money from the Trunk Sewer Fund. Also, what is the City's experience on the tbrmation of assessment districts as to the effect on the value of the properties. He requested in the future for staff to provide Council with some historical information regarding the effect on the value of the properties. Mr. Lippitt answered that the soft costs are approximately $56,000, and the hard costs are approximately $101,000. He explained the purpose of borrowing money from the Trunk Sewer Fund is so the City can finance the assessment. He indicated staff has not tracked the effect on the value of the properties, but the improvements would likely increase the value of the property because it impacts the appearance of the neighborhood; however, there is no guarantee. Councilmember Rindone stated this will be the first assessment district formed in the Montgomery area. He t~lt the third option to defer payments until 10 years or when there is a transfer or sale of property would mitigate the financial hardship. He recalled that when some other assessment districts were formed, there was another alternative available at the end of the stated period of time in that a lien could be put on the property until there was a transfer or sale. Mr. Lippitt replied Council's policy states assessments be paid over a 10-year period. However, state law allows, under certain conditions, the City to put a lien on property since the City is financing a prqiect instead of a bondholder. Councilmember Rindone requested staff look at other assessment districts to see if there was another option that would help mitigate the concerns. He commented when the Montgomery area was annexed, millions of dollars of infrastructure were needed in this area to bring it up to City Code. Another community benefit, in addition to the benefit to this particular neighborhood, is this helps introduce an alternative method tbr neighborhoods to institute an earlier process to upgrade their neighborhood and community. RESOLUTIONS 18630 AND 18631 OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER RINDONE, reading of the text was waived, titles read, passed, and approved unanimously 5-0. Minutes April 15, 1997 Page 6 12. RESOLUTION 18632 APPROVING SUBMISSION OF FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) ARTICLE 4.5 CLAIM FOR HANDYTRANS OPERATION FUNDING - The TDA Article 4.5 claim will fund HandYtrans operation from 7/1/97 through 9/30/97. A change in HandYtrans service is proposed beginning 10/1/97 to facilitate Americans with Disabilities Act complementary paratransit service requirements. Staff recommends Council approve the resolution and accept the report. (Director of Public Works) REPORT PROPOSED CHANGES TO HANDYTRANS OPERATION EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 1997 RESOLUTION 18632 OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER PADILLA, reading of the text was waived, title read, passed, and approved unanimously 5-0. 13. REPORT FOLLOW-UP ON REQUEST FOR ALL-WAY STOPS ON LAKESHORE DRIVE AT HARTFORD STREET AND CREEKWOOD WAY - At the Council meeting on 2/4/97, the Mayor requested that staff reconsider the installation of all-way stops on Lakeshore Drive at Hartford Street and Creekwood Way. Subsequent to the Mayor's request, staff conducted further investigations into the traffic conditions on Lakeshore Drive in the EastLake area. Staff recommends Council accept the report and deny the recommendation of the Safety Cnmmission to install the all-way stops. (Director of Public Works) Cliff Swanson, City Engineer, stated as a result of notices the City sent out and signs which were placed at the proposed stop sign locations, staff received approximately 21 phone calls: 14 calls against the stop signs and 7 phone calls in favor of the stop signs. He explained that several alternatives were looked at to control speeding such as speed humps and rumble strips. Since Lakeshore Drive is a collector street and designed to carry through traffic, it is on a curve and did not fit the Council policy tier speed humps. The general use of rumble strips are for locations where there is an advance of a stop sign where a driver has driven for some distance and may miss the stop sign or be unaware of unanticipated conditions. In addition, the rumble strips would increase the noise level and was eventually ruled out. Staff also looked at additional speed limit signs and speed limit pavement markings. Another alternative is the selective enforcement by the Police Department, particularly during the periods when pedestrians are most prevalent which staff observed to be between the hours of 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The cost to install the speed limit signs and street pavement markings at tbur locations would be approximately $2,000 to $2,500. He stated funds were available for these items from the street signs operation budget, and unless directed otherwise by Council, staff will proceed with this signing and marking alternative. Councilmember Padilia abstained from voting due to the proximity of subject location to his residence. ***Councilmember Padilla lell the dais at 7:20 p.m.*** · John Liken, 609 Forester Lane, Chula Vista, Chair of the Safety Commission, indicated that the Safety Commission continues to unanimously recommend that stop signs be placed on Lakeshore Drive at Creekwood Way and Hartford Street. He mentioned accidents have occurred at this location. Although only approximately 50 percent of all accidents called in to the Police Department result in actual police reports, their history is not an accurate reflection of accidents. He stated he previously drove around the curve at one of the proposed locations and his vehicle was nearly struck as a vehicle pulled directly in front of him. There were incidents where a vehicle went through a retaining wall and nearly missed colliding into a residence and where a vehicle crashed into a utility cable box. He stated Council should rely on the history of accidents the residents in the area have observed as opposed to actual police reports on file. Councilmember Salas noticed that in the staff report of 12/10/96, there were no reported accidents, and in the staff report of 4/15/97, it indicated there were three accidents reported. She asked if there were any other differences in the two staff reports. Minutes April 15, 1997 Page 7 Mr. Swanson stated the general wording in the 12/10/96 report included a review of the accident history for this intersection, and at that time staff studied the stop signs at specific intersections. There were no accidents at the two intersections; however, the staff report of 4/15/97 was expanded to look at the entire Lakeshore Drive. The staff report indicates two of the accidents occurred at Ashbrook Place and Lakeshore Drive, and one accident occurred at Clearbrook Drive and Lakeshore Drive. With this information, it supports staffs recommendation that a stop sign will not necessarily stop accidents. An analysis revealed that two of the accidents would not have been corrected by a stop sign, because they were caused by driver inattention; none of accidents were determined to be speed related. He stated the third accident may have been corrected by an all-way stop sign, but not at the locations on Lakeshore Drive at Hartford Street and Creekwood Way. Councilmember Salas noted the posted speed limit for the area is 30 miles per hour and the 85 percentile speed is 41 miles per hour. She understood that installing stop signs was not really a good method to slow down speeders but it seemed to her in this particular case, the fact drivers have to stop and then build up their speed again will somewhat slow speeding cars. She stated her decision on 12/10/96 for staff's recommendation to deny the stop signs was based on the point system; however, she felt Council should consider the needs and wants of the community. · Ann Nguyen, 804 Southshore Drive, Chula Vista, spoke in support of staft~s recommendation to deny the stop signs. She understood the concern of speeding in the area but felt stop signs would not take care of the problem and only increase the noise level. She did not believe the volume of traffic at this intersection warranted a stop sign and suggested increasing law enlbrcement, installing additional speed limit signs, and painting the pavement to show the speed limit at 30 miles per hour. · Joseph Dombrowski, 1967 Clearbrook Drive, Chula Vista. spoke in opposition to staffs recommendation. He was aware of four accidents that occurred in the area and felt the majority of people will stop at a stop sign if one were present. He indicated stop signs are needed in the area to slow the speed of traffic. · Brad Nguyen, 804 Southshore Drive, Chula Vista. spoke in support of stafi'~s recommendation to deny the stop signs. He was unaware a problem existed with speeding in the area and felt the accidents mentioned were isolated incidents. He expressed concern regarding the validity of the stop signs, as well as environmental issues due to the increased pollution and noise. He t~lt that installing the stop signs would create a more dangerous situation, and the City should not penalize the majority of drivers who obey the speed laws. He suggested more enlbrcement be conducted in the area. · Jeffrey Clemmons, 1948 Clearbrook Drive, Chula Vista, stated he has pursued this issue for the past 10 months. He stated both the Engineering Department and the Safety Commission acknowledge a problem exists on Lakeshore Drive, and he was unaware prior to this evening that staff had alternate solutions. He provided photographs which showed damage caused by an unreported accident that occurred at this location. He requested Council approve installation of the stop signs on Lakeshore Drive at Hartford Street and Creekwood Way. Councilmember Moot indicated he was the only Councilmember who voted on 12/10/96 to install the stop signs, because he felt the application of a warrant system on a purely numbers basis did not give a true reflection of whether or not an intersection or area is dangerous. He visited the loop road many times and observed the excessive speed of vehicles on this road. He felt that by installing a stop sign, the majority of people will obey it, and it will help to slow traffic. Mayor Horton noticed that a loop road in Rancho del Rey near Discovery Park had a new stop sign installed, and she asked why. Mr. Swanson explained there was input from the community and the Safety Commission, the location in Rancho del Rey is a route to schools, and it is an extremely high pedestrian crossing location. Minutes April 15, 1997 Page 8 Mayor Horton stated making decisions on stop signs can be difficult because Council has a history of not supporting them unless, through an analysis presented by staff, the sign is found to be warranted. She felt there is a high probability an accident can occur at this location, and she supported installation of the stop siC,ms. When she recently visited this location during peak hours, she observed cars speeding in the area while many children were riding their bicycles. She felt a stop sign will help to slow down the speed of traffic and hoped staff could come up with a creative way to slow down traffic. She felt the City cannot wait until something tragic happens, and she supported the Safety Commission's recommendation to install the stop signs. She further stated that in looking at the design of the loop road of Lakeshore Drive, the area where most of the accidents have occurred is in the western end of the loop road because the design is different than the eastern end. She suggested installing one stop sign at Lakeshore Drive and Creekwood Way for a test period of time, because there may not be a need for a second stop sign at the eastern side of the loop because of the curvature of the road. Councilmember Rindone felt the other options staff recommended to slow the speed of traffic were more effective than installing stop signs. He supported statVs recommendation because stop signs are not warranted in this case and would cause additional noise, added fuel costs to citizens, and pollution to the area. He concurred with Mr. Nguyen that the majority of people who obey the posted speed limits should not be penalized by installing the stop signs. Councilmember Salas stated the approximate distance between the two points Mayor Horton pointed out is approximately 2,045 feet. She stated there is a stop sign approximately 1,000 feet from her residence, and she has observed that it does not slow traffic. She stated she would consider a compromise to support one stop sign to see if it helps to resolve the problem. MSC (Moot/Horton) to approve installation of a single stop sign on Lakeshore Drive at Creekwood Way, approved 3-1-0-1 with Rindone opposed and Padilia abstaining. ***Councilmember Padilia returned to the dais at 8:10 p.m.*** 13.1 REPORT REGARDING HUMANE SOCIETY REPORT ABOUT THE CHULA VISTA ANIMAL SHELTER - On 4/8/97, Council requested a report be done by staff on short term solutions to the 12 issues raised by the Humane Society. Staff recommends Council accept the report. (Chief of Police) John Goss, City Manager, reported that staff does not necessarily agree with all of the positions taken by the Humane Society and others on the 12 issues, but staff is evaluating some of these points as they develop a more comprehensive report which they will bring tbrward in three weeks. There have been different views on some of the issues of operations of shelter management such as euthanasia procedures, contract veterinarians versus on-site veterinarians, collar usage, exercise, and cage size. The Police Department is attempting to address all of these issues. He pointed out that one of the problems at the animal shelter was due to low staffing levels. Another context issue is that over a period of time, a general plan for the shelter was to be included as part of the corporation yard; however, that site is now being reserved for other developments in the City. Councilmember Rindone stated during the past week, he spoke with Councilmembers from the three cities that contract with Chula Vista for animal shelter services. In every case, the Councilmembers expressed concern regarding Chula Vista's animal shelter and asked what is Chula Vista doing to address the issues. As Council previously directed, staff will have a report available to the public and positive steps to address the 12 concerns will be part of the public record to show that Chula Vista is concerned. He felt this item is of great deal of concern and should be brought to a conclusion before ultimately deciding on the long-term aspect which could be a relocation and modernization of the entire facility. He requested staff forward a copy of the staff report to the Mayors and Minutes April 15, 1997 Page 9 City Councils of the three cities who contract with Chula Vista tbr animal shelter services and to advise them that a follow-up report will be available in three weeks. MSC (Rindone/Horton) to accept the staff report, forward copies of the staff report to the cities that contract with Chula Vista for animal shelter services, and to advise these cities that a follow-up report will be available in three weeks, approved unanimously 5-0. ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR None. OTHER BUSINESS 14. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT(S) John Goss, City Manager, reported that the San Diego Taxpayers Association held its 1997 Golden Watchdog and Fleece Awards Program, and Chula Vista was nominated for an award along with Lemon Grove, Encinitas, Del Mar, Escondido, Poway, and Escondido. The Association nominated Chula Vista for the Danish meter reading vehicles because a $20,000 State grant was used to purchase two Danish electric carts for parking enforcement duties. The Association initially stated both carts did not work; however, staff has found that one of the carts does work. He stated that although Chula Vista's entry did not win, he was pleased to attend an awards program and not receive an award. He credited the Taxpayers Association for tracking how cities spend money and to view it in a humorous way. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT(S): Mayor Horton commended staff for a successful Chula Vista EXPO 97 held on 4/12/97. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilmember Rindone. Councilmember Rindone congratulated Chula Vista High School on their 50th anniversary and requested Council send the school a letter of congratulations. Councilmember Padilla. Councilmember Padilla congratulated the Music Machine from Bonita Vista High School for winning the national competition. Minutes April 15, 1997 Page 10 ADJOURNMENT The meeting recessed to the Redevelopment Agency at 8:28 p.m. and reconvened at 8:37 p.m. to a closed session. Respectfully submitted, Beverly A. Authelet, CMC/AAE City Clerk