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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1996/11/26Tue~tay, November 26, 1996 6:07 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: ALSO PRESENT: MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Council Chambers Public Serviees Building CALL TO ORDER Councilmembers Scott D. Alevy, John S. Moot, Stephen C. Padilla, Jerry R. Rindone, and Mayor Shirley A. Herton. John Goss, City Manager; John Kaheny, City Attorney; Beverly A. Authelet, City Clerk; and Patricia Sehwenke, Deputy City Clerk. 2. FLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG. MOMENT OF SILENCE 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 29, 1996 (Special Meeting of the City Council) and November 12, 1996 (City Council Meeting) MSUC (Alevy/Padilla) to approve the minutes of 10129/96 and 11/12/96; Herton abstained on the minutes of 11/12/96. 4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY: a. Certificates were presented to the Chula Vista American Little League All-Star Team, winners of the California District 42 and California Section 8 Championships, by Mayor Hotton. The certificates were presented to teem members Victor Bennett, Ryan Branfly, Jorge Farfan, Danny Gutiermz, Jaime Hemandez, Adam Lawford, Christopher Napoti, Danny Ohlson, Adrian Olivar~a, Cody Rolf, Joshua Romero, Thomas Smith, laime Sote, Nathan Stender, Stephen Sperry, David Walkins, and Dustin Whitson. Certificates were also presented to teem manager Bill Ohlson, and coaches Rick Rolf and Tom Smith. b. Mayor Herton presented a proclamation "Proclaiming the week of December 7 through December 13, 1996 as Pearl Harbor Survivors Week in the City." CONSENT CALENDAR (Item pulled: 7) THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR, INCLUDING CONTINUING ITEM I0 INDEFINITELY, WAS OI~II~'ERED BY COUNCILMEMBER RINDONE, reading of the text was waived, titles read, passed and approved unanimously. 5. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: a. Letter from the Acting City Attorney stating that to the best of her knowledge from observance of actions taken in the Closed Session of 11119/96, Council directed the City Attorney to report on the status of alleged violations of the campaign ordinance. It is recommended that the letter be received and filed. Minutes November 26, 1996 Page 2 6. ORDINANCE 2692 AMENDING SECTION 9.12.160 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO BINGO LICENSE TAXES (second readin~ and adootion) -Assembly Bill 2770, winch is effective 1/1/97, prohibits cities from taxing the gross receipts of bingo games. The Muincipal Code currently imposes a tax of one percent on monthly bingo receipts in excess of $5,000, as authorized by State law. As of January 1, cities will no longer be authorized to charge this tax. In its place AB 2770 authorizes cities to charge a $50 annual bingo license renewal fee. Staff recommends Council place the ordinance on second reading and adoption. (Director of Finance) 7. ORDINANCE 2691 AMENDING OTAY RANCH PRE-ANNEXATION DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN OTAY RANCH, L.P., A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT, A CALIFORNIA GENERAL PARTNERSHIP, AND THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA (second readin~ and adenlion) - An amendment to the development agreement to further guarantee infrastructure improvements where the developer wants to create parcels for sale prior to fmalizing the final subdivision map. The amendment also addresses future problems with regard to any debt payment that might be levied to make public improvements or should development be only partially completed on any particular project due to any stoppage of work especially due to a bankruptcy action. Staff recommends Council place the ordinance on second reading and adoption. (Deputy City Manager, Planning Director, and Otay Ranch Manager) (Pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Rindone) Mayor Herton stated many years were spent in evaluating the GDP process, and along the transit corridors there are higher densities than originally recommended by staff. She requested staff look into reducing the density and returning to their original recommendation on Villages 1, 5, 6 and 9. Village 9 could be somewhat flexible because the area may be different because of it being part of the university villages. Mass transit is important for our future in taking cars off the roads and eliminating air pollution, but there are alternatives to the trolley system. One of the projects the City is working on is the use of a fuel-cell bus, and there is other technology available. Councilmember Rindone reported the MTDB board will be conducting a Saturday workshop that is open to elected officials on the subject of mass transit. He suggested Council attend the workshop to further develop a stronger education of the many values the trolley system and rail vehicles offer. He indicated he had reservations prior to the first reading of this item and previously voted no and intended to vote against it again on the second reading. He asked if tins item is adopted tonight, what is the status if there is a change in view by the new Council such as issues relating to gated communities. Ann Moore, Assistant City Attorney, answered tins was the second reading for the development agreement, and it would be final with respect to the terms of the development agreement. The development agreement did not contain specific language with respect to gating, and she believed there were a number of development projects coming to Council in the future. Councilmember Padilia indicated he would abstain from voting, because he did not vote on the first reading of this item. ORDINANCE 2691 (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION) WAS OF/~'ERED BY MAYOR HeRTON, reading of the text waived, rifle read, passed and approved 3-1-0-1, with Rindone opposed and Padilia abstaining. 8. RESOLUTION 18504 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR CDBG FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,000 WITH THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF CHULA VISTA AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT - On 6/4/96, Council approved CDBG funds in the amount of $2,103,000 for various public service, commuinty development, and capital improvement programs for fiscal year 1996/97 winch included funding $18,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Chula Vista to rehabilitate the gynmasium floor. Minutes November 26, 1996 Page 3 The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department request a written agreement between the City and each subrecipient of CDBG funds. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Director of Community Development) 9. RESOLUTION 18505 ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN AERIAL LIFT, BID NUMBER 1-96/97, TO ALTEC INDUSTRIES - The fiscal year 1996/97 equipment replacement budget provides for the purchase of one replacement aerial lift for the Traffic Signal section of Public Works. On 11/5/96, bids were accepted end Altec Industries was the lowest responsible bidder with a cost of $58,031 (plus tax) with no exceptions to specifications requested. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Director of Public Works) 10. RESOLUTION 18506 REJECTING BIDS FOR "LOMA VERDE PARK IMPROVEMENTS (PR-183B), EUCALYPTUS PARK PLAY EQUIPMENT (PR-146C) AND GAYLE L. MCCANDLISS MEMORIAL/HALECREST PARK IMPROVEMENT (PR-178B)" - On 10/2/96, bids were received. Staff recommends Council approve the resolution rejecting the bids and direct the Director of Parks and Recreation to re-advertise the work with a reduced scope such that the projects can be built within the funds budgeted. (Director of Public Works end Director of Parks end Recreation) MSUC to continue this item indefinitely. 11. RESOLUTION 18507 AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT FROM THE CALIFORNIA HEALTHY CITIES PROJECT FISCAL YEAR 1996/97; AND APPROPRIATING $7,500 IN THE GRANT FUND (290-2901) AND APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF SAID CITY FUNDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITY'S COMMUNITY-SCHOOL-BASED AND AFTER-SCHOOL PLAYGROUND PROGRAM'S GARDENS - On 9/17/96, Cotmoil approved a proposal in which the City would apply for a third-year technical assistance grant from the California Healthy Cities Project, fiscal year 1996/97. Accompanying the application was a grant request of $7,500 to the California Healthy Cities Project to help implement the project: establish a community-school-based garden project end after-school playground garden activities and cur~culums. Staff recommends approval of the resolutions. (Director of Parks and Recreation) 4/Sth's vote required. * * * END OF CONSENT C/,LENDAR * * * PUBLIC HEARINGS AND RELATED RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES None submitted. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS · Sandra McHale-Renk, 45 Corte Maria, Chula Vista, CA, requested clarification of Council's direction on 11/19/96 regarding the lower Sweetwater Valley project. · Ted Bell, 111 North Second Avenue, Chula Vista, CA, representing KOA, also requested clarification regarding the lower Sweetwater Valley project. Mayor Hotton referred Ms. McHale-Renk and Mr. Bell to staff for direction regarding this issue. It was her understanding that if any proposals came forward, staff would bring the proposals to Council. Minutes November 26, 1996 Page 4 Councilmember Padilia clarified it was his understanding the family fun center proposal was not a viable option, and there were remaining options in the staff report. His direction at the time he made the motion was for staff to return with all future options. He indicated the family fun center was no longer on the table, and he did not support it. · Frank Schultz, 615 East "J' St, Chula Vista, CA, expressed concern regarding a pedestrian safety problem in the 600 block of East 'J" Street, due to numerous car accidents. He requested stop signs be erected in this area to effectively reduce the average speed of cars. John Goss, City Manager, indicated he would refer this matter to the Safety Commission o. nd the Enginecling Department. · Gary Cooper, 767 Riverlawn Avenue, Chula Vista, CA, expressed concern regarding proposed industrial business development on the Bayfront. He conducted a small survey and 75 percent of the people who responded indicated they wanted to see recreational or resort development on the Bayfront. BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS None submitted. ACTION ITEMS 12. RESOLUTION 18508 APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ADVANCED LlFE SUPPORT (PARAMEDIC) SERVICE CONTRACT WITH HARTSON MEDICAL SERVICES lN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE STAFF REPORT AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE THE AMENDMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAID TERMS AND DIRECTING STAFF TO EVALUATE THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO'S RESTRUCTURED ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM ON THE CHULA VISTA OPERATING AREA - Pursuant to Council action in 1993, staff had intended to competitively bid the Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) exclusive contract which expires in April of 1997. Recent events innvolving a major system redesign of "managed care" Advanced Life Support (ALS) transportation in the City of San Diego now suggests that it may be prudent to extend the current agreement with Hartson Medical Services for sufficient time to evaluate how San Diego's restructured ALS system will affect Chula Vista. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Fire Chief) Councilmember Padilia stated if staff's recommendation is approved, he would like staff to provide detailed information in their analysis regarding San Diego implementation of the paramedic EMT team and the extra paramedic supplied by responding fire units. RESOLUTION 18508 OFI~ERED BY MAYOR HORTON, reading of the text waived, title read, passed and approved unanimously. 13. REPORT STATUS OF ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF CAMPAIGN ORDINANCE - On 11/19/96, Council directed the City Attorney°s office to discuss alleged campaign ordinance violations of Chapter 2.52 of the Municipal Code. The City Attorney will be presenting an oral report. (City Attorney) John Kaheny, City Attorney, reported that currently there are two alleged violations of the City's Campaign Ordinance which have been referred to City Attoruey's Office. The first alleged violation cencerns an allegation about Dr. Salganick's independent expenditure; that allegation has resulted in a claim against the City, and he Minutes November 26, 1996 Page 5 advised discussing this item with Council in closed session. The other allegation concerns some accounting difficulties described in a letter dated 10/15/96 by attorney Sergio Feria. He advised defening any kind of discussion on these allegations until he has had an opportunity to discuss these matters with Council in closed · Barbara Worth, 1260 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA, was shocked and appalled that Dr. Salganick put $49,000 at the last minute in support of Dennis RowIey, with only 18 days' notice to the City when it was supposed to ha 21 days. She wondered if Dr. Salganick believed he was above the law, because to her knowledge everyone was subject to the same standards. Councilmember Moot questioned the wisdom of going into closed session on this matter, because there were many people concerned with this issue and wanted to know if the City intends to enforce its ordinance. He thinks the issue is separate and apart of the claim Dr. Salganick filed. In a pubhe meeting in January 1996, eight people came before Council and urged the passage of a campaign finance reform ordinance with respect to independent expenditures, and this Council unanimously passed that ordinance. The former City Attorney indicated at that time the ordinance was constitutional, and now some people legitimately question the ordinance. Councilmember Alevy felt it was important to publicly address this item, because there were so many questions by people regarding this issue. He indicated that veterans, including himself, fought for our country to prote~l what the constitution calls inalienable rights, and it is the right that every individual is worth as much as every other individual regardless of their fiscal worth. It was proven in the last election that every vote does count. The notoriety is that roles and laws are established for people to follow, and if someone has a problem with the law, they don't go outside of the law to bring it up. If someone believes something is wrong with an ordinance, they should bring it up and have it discussed in due process, and Council could change it; the way to address it is to not knowingly and intentionally violate the law under the guise of a violation of a civil right. Every citizen in this City had the same civil rights to donate the same limited amount of money, and up to a certain date, and when someone feels it is their right to donate more or donate late, it is offensive. It doesn't matter what side they were supporting, it doesn't matter what the end result is, it doesn't matter who their attorney is or who their supporters are. He is bothered by a lot of the factors regarding this, but the fact remains that an individual knowingly and openly violated the City ordinance. Whether or not the law or ordinance is constitutional can be discussed at a later date, but you don't violate the law just to prove it. He believed when an ordinance is passed, it should stand and be followed by all citizens. · Mary Salas, 802 East "J" Street, Chula Vista, CA, spoke on this issue because she is a Council-member elect and was one of the people that came before Council to ask for the campaign reform ordinance. She hoped when considering this matter, Council be equally indignant towards all independent expenditures that were not done properly. She referred to an independent expenditure done by Mark Scott and his address was listed as 750 Street, Suite 3150, San Diego. She believed it was not a coincidence that Mr. Seott's address is also the business address of David Malcolm, Chula Vista's Port Commissioner. It is also not a coincidence that Mark Scott is a 27-year--old employee of Mr. Malcolm. While Council conducts its investigation, she believed Council should investigate this as well, and that Council's indignation is equal across the board to all independent expenditures. Councilmember Rindone indicated he would comment on this item when appropriate, as advised by the City Attorney. Councilmember Padilia concurred and reminded Council to heed the advice of Mr. Kaheny about what public comments could do to our fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of Chula Vista. He reminded Council that two of the individuals involved have claims against the City, and no matter how angry we may be or how emotional this issue is, it is in the best interest of the City that Council reserve those comments for an appropriate time. Minutes November 26, 1996 Page 6 Councilmember Moot added that a brief check with County records indicate one of the individuals who filed a claim against the City has been a party to as many as 37 lawsuits. He agreed that Council should heed the advice of the City Attorney, but he doesn't think that we should shirk our responsibility to address the public policy issues. 14. REPORT REVIEW OF COMPLIANCE BY CHULA VISTA BAY CLUB LTD. WITH CARDROOM REGULATIONS, MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.20; RATIFICATION OF PROPOSED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FINE AND APPROVAL OF TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS IN THE CARDROOM LICENSE The Chula Vista Bay Club Limited Partnership obtained Council approval on 7/17/90 to operate two separate, but consolidated, cardroom licenses. To date these licenses have not been utilized in that no cardroom has been in operation under these licenses. During this time, there obviously has been no violation in the operation of the cardrooms; however, there has been a violation of the resolution approving the cardroom licenses as well as the City's Municipal Code. These violations involve changing ownership of the licenses. While there were no new names added to the licenses, one name was deleted and the proportionate share of the other owner's ownership was increased. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (City Manager) RESOLUTION 18509 RATIFYING THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FINING THE CHULA VISTA BAY CLUB LIMITED PARTNERSHIP $40,000; AND APPROVING TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS IN THE CARDROOM LICENSE John Goss, City Manager, stated them has been prolonged correspondence between the representatives of the license holders and City staff. The purpose of the parties is to come together in a settlement agreement to start with a clean slate. With regard to the resohition before Council, there has been another copy with two additional statements: the Mayor be authorized to sign the agreement; and the City Council approves the transfer and interest in the card room license as set forth in Attachment 2. Councilmember Rindone stated the frees incorporated basically cover staff costs to correct the situation, and it was not meant as punitive. There is a provision to provide clarity to the current owners that if a change in ownership takes place, they are duly responsible to follow the provisions in the ordinance. Mr. Goss stated Attachment 3 of the settlement agreement specifically states that any individual or entity who owns or has a financial interest in any cardroom or gaming club within the City of Chula Vista must file an application with the City within ten days of securing said ownership or financial interest. It further states the application shall be reviewed by the Chief of Police within 60 days; thereafter, the Chief of Police shall submit a report setting a public hearing before the City Council to consider the recommendation as to the application for registration. Council, in its sole discretion, shall approve, deny or otherwise act upon the recommendation and Couneil's decision is final. Rick Emerson, Chief of Police, stated the people holding the license have cleared criminal background checks by both the Police Department and the State Department of Justice. RESOLUTION 18509 WAS OFFERED BY MAYOR HORTON, reading of the text was waived, title read, passed and approved unanimously. 15. RESOLUTION 18455 APPROVING TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE SALE OF MARINA VIEW PARK TO THE UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PREPARE AND EXECUTE A PURCHASE AND SALES AGREEMENT AND ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS - The City has requested that the Unified Port District acquire certain City and Redevehipment Agency properties on the Bayfront, including Marina View Park on Marina Parkway and three properties on Lagoon Drive (the former Marina Motor Hotel, Shangri-La and Cappos properties). City staff has been negotiating the sale of these properties which have been delayed for a variety of reasons including legal incumbrance and contaminated soils which are now close to Minute8 November 26, 1996 Page 7 resolution. Staff has recently received amended terms of sale for the Marina View Park property which are acceptable and are being forwarded to Council for review and authorization to proceed. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Director of Community DevelopmenO Continued from the meeting of 11/12/96. Chris Salemone, Director of Community Development, stated Council's requested some type of safeguard such as a meeet a~d confer provision in the event there was ever contemplation in the future of a change Of ~. Jess Van Deventer, Chair of the San Diego Port Authority, indicated concern that if this property is dealt stric~y as a Port issue as far as a park, they would have to reappraise the property. As all cities are concerned with their finances, the Port felt the best way was to appraise the property at a commercial rate. In the paragraph that he submitted responding to the issue staff just addressed; it was basically to have a master plan amendment, do an EIR, and with the reassurance of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide safeguards. Councilmember Rindone indicated he had corresponded with Mr. Van Deventer regarding these issues, and the additional assurance of the meet and confer is an important and critical factor, because if this issue is raised in the future, there is an oppoaunity for dialogue, review, and debate. Councilmember Padilia wanted it clarified that by including an MOU, it would specify the City and the Port would enter into discussions about any designation of a land use change, in addition to the legal requirements. He wanted assurance there would be an MOU, what it will contain, and felt the City should have the MOU before consummating the deal in order to provide assurance Council and the Port share the same ideas with regard to this property. David Malcolm, Port Commissioner, stated the Port could bring back the exact document for Council's review and approval. Council could approve the concept tonight, with the final document returning to Council for final approval. RESOLUTION 18455 OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER RINDONE, including conceptual approval and directing staff to develop a MOU and bring it back for a final adoption to consummate the sale, reading of the text waived, title read, passed and approved unanimously. HEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR (Item 7: The minutes will reflect the published agenda order) ***Recessed at 7:28 p.m. and reconvened at 8:45 p.m. OTHER BUS/NESS 16. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT(S) John Goss, City Manager, reported the City of Chula Vista will receive $190,000 in revenue that was not anticipated in the current year's budget due to $40,000 as economic consideration from the settlement agreement Council earlier approved, and $150,000 from SDG&E as a bond refund. Minutes November 26, 1996 Page 8 a. Sche~lnling of meetings. · Council Goal Setting Workshop. Mr. Goss suggested having the workshop on a Saturday sometime in January 1997. He also thought it would be helpful to the new Council to have more then one workshop. Mayor Herton stated her secretary would coordinate possible dates for the workshop and present them to Council. 17. MAYOR'S REPORT{S) ® Mayor Herton requested a change in the agenda to have Oral Communications located after the Consent Calendar. a. Conceptual adoption of UCCV Task Force recommendation to pursue Environmental Science Institute and giving direction to staff to work with appropriate agencies. Mayor Herton gave an update regarding the University Task Force, who were reviewing the status of the future university site designated in the Otay Ranch general development plan, as well as considering some of the environmental issues regarding the site. The make-up of the task force consist of the original members, including new members from UCSD, Wildlife agencies, and Greg Cox, County Supervisor. The task force has met three times end learned the University of California was not in a hurry to site a new university, except for the campus already designated in the Central Valley area. Nick Aguillar, a task force member who works for UCSD, invited a representative of UCSD's biology department to discuss the concept of locating an environmental science institute at the university site. The task force also talked with the head of the biology department who concurred that en environmental science institute at the university site is a viable idea. The task force favorably received this idea and ask staff to explore this concept in more detail and report back at their next meeting. The concept of en environmental science institute is an effort to make the most of the limitations of the existing university site, and to establish a University of California presence in the South Bay with the hope of one day expanding it to a full- scale university. An example of this wonld be Scripps Institute of Oceanography, as it was initially a resource institute at Berkeley. An institute conld provide educational and research facilities related to the environmental resources existing within the proposed Otay Ranch Preserve System, adjoining Otay Reservoir, and the proposed National Wildlife Preserve Refuge. The institute would be the only facility dedicated to environmental study sciences in Southern California. UCSD lacks such a program, and there is interest within the university to develop the program. The task force voted to support having staff continue to pursue the University of California affiliation with the environmental science institute concept with UCSD officials, as well as staff from wildlife agencies, property owners, end other interested parties, including the County of San Diego. MS (Horton/Alevy) for Council to conceptually adopt the University of California Chula Vista Task Force recommendation to pursue an Environmental Studies Institute and give direction to staff to work with the appropriate agencies on this concept. (Motion was later rephrased.) Councilmember Rindone desired reviewing the memorandum regarding this item prior to direcfrag adoption of the concept. The initial discussion was to direct staff to investigate further and provide that information in order to evaluate the recommendation and impact as to whether this will enhance a University of California Chula Vista campus. He suggested modifying the motion to direct staff to investigate and report back to Council. Mayor Herton understood the concern, but stated there is a lot of interest from the UCSD organization and wildlife agencies. The goal is to ascertain a more finn proposal to bring to Council, end she recommends conceptually adopting the recommendation beeaase time is of the essence. Because of the environmental concerns in this particular area and with the MSCP plan in close proximity, there is also the idea to perhaps bringing in en interpretire center. Minutes November 26, 1996 Page 9 Councilmember Moot supported the task force's recommendation, because the concept is a viable and realistic approach of a future dream of a major university presence in our community. Councilmember Padilia was excited at the prospect of anything that could incrementally assist us moving towards the g0al of realizing a university pmsen0e ia Chula Vista, but C0un0il is b~ing ask~l to give ~0n~eptual adoption and directing staff to make contact to begin the process. He also requested the oppommity to review material regarding this item prior to giving conceptual adoption. He wanted basic questions answered such as how much money would it cost, how much time is involved, who are the people staff will talk to, and what is the goal. Councilmember Alevy briefly read the memo regarding this item and indicated he supported the motion. MSUC (Horton/Alevy) to let staff open up discussions with the interested parties on the conceptual idea or plan that the University of California Chula Vista Task Force brought forward. · Mayor Hoaon recently attended the Salvation Army's bell ringing celebration, and they are requesting bell ringers from 11/22/96 through 12/24/96. If anyone is interested, they can call Barbara Swift at 422-7027. · Mayor Herton recently artended a League of Cities luncheon and had the oppommity to listen to the Fire Chief from Carlsbad, who shared some of the horror stories they recently experienced. We all know that wild land fires are a regular threat to communities throughout Southern California, and the recent fires are a stark reminder of this ever present threat. It is her understanding that Chula Vista's current ordinance for new development is to ensure these types of fires will never happen, but it is also her understanding that in some of the older parts of the communities, the same standards are not met. She requested Fire Chief Hardiman report back to Council on the local wild land urban interface issues and discuss the guidelines being drafted by the San Diego Fire Chief's Association. The guidelines are outlined to protect against wild land fires and include stricter standards for new construction. She also requested possibly strengthening the City's ordinance to bring it to a higher level. 18. COUNCIL COMMENTS · Councilmember Rindone commented that the next scheduled Council meeting is on 12/10/96 which is the second Tuesday of December, and the Charter requires the sweating in of new Councilmembers to occur on the first Tuesday of December. Beverly Authelet, City Clerk, stated the Charter indicates the new Council is sworn in on the tirst Tuesday of December. The new Council will be given the oath of office on 12/3/96 in the City Clerk's Office, and the public ceremony will be held on 12/I0/96. · Councilmember Padilia gave a referral to staff regarding action items for the agenda of 12/10/96. He requested staff list under Action Items on the 12/10/96 agenda an item regarding amendments to Chula Vista's existing tobacco ordinance. He has been working with members of the community and the Parks and Recreation staff, and will work with the City Attorney's office to get the appropriate ordinance drafted. · Councilmember Alevy thanked Ann Moore for an exemplary job as Acting City Attorney. He asked Mr. Kaheny to convey to Ms. Moore of the exemplary job she has done for the City of Chula Vista. Minutes November 26, 1996 Page 10 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. to a closed session. by: Respectfully submitted, BEVERLY A. AUTHELET, CMC/AAE, City Clerk Patricia Schwenke