Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1990/08/16 MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING/WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Thursday, August 16, 1990 Council Conference Room 4:50 p.m. Administration Building 1. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Cox; Councilmembers Moore, Nader and Malcolm MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember McCandliss STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Goss; City Attorney Boogasxd; and Library Director lame 2. REPORT: OTAY RANCH UPDATE MSUC (Malcolm/Moore) to continue this item. The City Manager is to select the date. 3.A. REPORT: ON THE APPLICATION FOR A GRANT FROM THE CALIFORNIA LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BOND ACT OF 1988 (PROPOSITION 85) itdrl&I B. RESOLUTION 15790 AUTHORIZING LIBRARY STAFF TO PREPARE AN APPLICATION FOR LIBRARY BOND ACT FUNDS, APPROVING THE ORANGE AND FOURTH AVENUE PARK SITE FOR THE PROPOSED LIBRARY, APPROPRIATING $114,500 FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES NECESSARY TO APPLY, AUTHORIZING STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH WHEELER-W1MER-BLACKMAN ASSOCIATES FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AND WAIVE THE BIDDING PROCESS City Manager Goss stated the report recommended that the City proce~l with preparing a pre-application for the California Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act funds in order to oblain the funds necessary to build an area library in the southern part of the City. The funds requested to complete this application and acquire professional design services ($114,500 from the unapprnpriated balance of the General Fund) are necessary in order to stay in the running for the application. Mr. Goss suggested the Council make two decisions prior to committing these funds. First, a decision needs to be made on the selection of the site for the library. The three advisory committees reviewing this matter recommend the library be located at the Fourth and Orange site. Secondly, it is necessary to have concept approval regarding the master plan for the library located at Fourth and Orange. Mr. Goss added that if the City is successful in obtaining the grant, issues that the Council should be aware of include: The City must come up with 35 % of the grant in matching funds. ffhis can be obtained from the land value of the property being acquired for the site. It can also be obtained from the street improvements that will be made around the site.) It will be necessary to put money into furnishings. Operational expenses. Electromagnetic radiation from the power lines. Mr. Goss further recommended that the requested $114,500 be reimbursed to the General Fund from other non-General Fund fees which could be accomplished over a period of time. MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING/WORK SESSION OF THE AUGUST 16, 1990 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Page 2 Councilmember Malcolm commented that before a decision is made on the resolution, two determinations need to be made. (i) Where is the next library going to be located; end (2) if the library is going to cost +$1 million per year to operate, am fimds available to pay for the operation? Mr. Goss sated that the City is considering two area libraries; one in the eastern part end one in the southern part of the City. The City is receiving money through Development Impact Fees to build a library in the eastern part of the City. There is a dilemma because the need is in the southern pan of the City end the funds are in the eastern part of the City. City Attorney Boogmlrd recommended that the Council bifureate the issue of finencing a library versus the issue of siting this particular library with this grant fund. MOTION MSC (Nader/Malcolm) bifumate the issue of financing a library end the issue of site location. (The vote was 3-0; Mayor Cox was not present for the vote.) The~Coa, ncil at this point discussed the financing issue. Mr. Goss stated that the strategy he prefers to use in building a library is that it is done incrementally. The lend is saved end a foot-print is provided for the ultimaW library but it is done in incsements as the ability to pay for construction end operation come in to play. Councilmember Malcolm noted concern that he has a potential conflict of interest due to property he owns near the proposed library site. The requested appropriation of funds requires 4/Sths vote and only four councilmembers are present. City Attorney Boogsard stated it would be necessary to determine that there is a legally required necessity for Mr. Malcolm's participation. Director of Library Lane stated the pro-application deadline for the grant is November 21. It is followed quickly by a very sophisticated application due February 15. That application theludes schematics and en elevation of the building. It is necessary to begin immediately in order to meet the deadlines. Mr. Boogsard stated it is his opinion that legally required participation for Councilmember Malcolm would be operable if Mr. Malcolm would desire to participate. Responding to questions, Ms. Lane stated staff decided that the grant request should consider a site in the southern part of the City because there is no other source of funding for the library in the south. There am Development Impact Fees as a source of funding available for the library in the east. Ms. Lane further reported that the existing two brenches in the southern part of the City cost approximately $100,000 per year to operate. It is estimated that the cost for operating the new proposed library would be approximately + $1,000,000 per year. Mr. Goss stated the funding for the operation of the library would have to come out of the General Fund. As revenues grow (from sales tax and property tax), it is enticipated that decisions will be made giving priorities to the General Fund to support the library. As new development occurs, this will pay for the services provided to the Ms. Lane stated the people who are administering the grant have made it clear that the bigger library (in size) proposed in the application, the better chenees of obtainlng a grant. They will favor proposals with higher square footage per capita. MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING/WORK SESSION OF THE AUGUST 16, 1990 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Page 3 Councilmember Nader questioned if consideration had been given to making the library part of a larger redevelopment project that could include commercial ventures and, perhaps through a joint venture with a private developer, it may be possible to gain some of the revenues needed to operate the library. Ms. Lane responded that the grant is contingent on a library being on the site alone. Mr. Goss noted the existing library has a book stop that is run by the Friends of the Library. Something that could be contemplated is a coffee house, book store, video store; the question being could parts of the library be rented for eommerciai ventures in order to have more interaction and more of a dynamic area as well as receive revenue. Councilmember Neder stated this may be something to look at; suggesting that this option be made available in directions given to the architect. Responding to further questions, Ms. Lane stated no consideration will be given to the financial need of the community in determining the cities that will receive the grant. The need for library services will be the criteria. Mayor Cox stated he is not convinced that the Fourth and Orange Avenue site is the best site. From a phasing stand point it may be more desirable to consider the Lauderbach site. Responding to questions, Mr. Goss stated he was advised by the previous City Attorney that Development Impact Fees from the eastere part of the City cannot be diverted to fund a library in the southern part. Ms. Lane stated it is necessary to have a definite site with a marketable title by February 15, 1991. The site must be purchased or at least have an "option to buy" by February 15. If the whole site is not designated for the library, then the City is restricted to using only the portion that has been designated for the library. Councilmember Malcolm questioned how much is anticipated to be spent out of the General Fund to build the library. Mr. Goss responded in terms of the capital project itself, it is unsure at this time what the mount will ha, however, it is the goal that no amount of the General Fund would be spent. He suggested that Community Development Block Grant funds could be used for the grounds, and Gas Tax funds or Sales Tax funds for street improvements. MOTION Councilmember Moore moved that funds not be appropriated for the consideration of a library at the Lauderbach site. Motion died for lack of a second. Mayor Cox noted that the dilemma is that if the Council appwpriates these funds to develop plans for a library, these plans would not have any great degree of applicability to any other site in the event the grant is not obtained. Ms. Lane stated that is correct, the plans would be site-specific. Mayor Cox asked what is the level of comfort that given the interest in the grant and the comparatively modest amount of money that is available on a state wide basis that the City of Chula Vista's application will be successful. Mr. Goss stated he believes the chances of haing successful are 1 in 3. Mayor Cox stated it is his personal opinion that the Lauderbach site would be the preferable site because it would be possible to move forward with the implementation of the park at Fourth and Orange, build a cornmtmity center as a part of the park, and move the Lauderbach operation over there. Lauderbaeh is a better site for a library because it is closer to commercial uses, it is in a good location, also noting there may be an effort to try and put too much on the Fourth and Orange site. MINLrrES OF A SPECIAL MEETING/WORK SESSION OF THE AUGUST 16, 1990 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Page 4 ~,~ Ms. Lane stated the problem with the Lauderbach site in terms of the grant is that the City does not have a marketable title to the land because it is all dedicated park land. Councilmember Nader commented that in light of staff's recommendation and the recommendations of three eommissious, he is inclined to support Orange and Fourth Avenue as the site for the library. His hesitation about this site is the issue of electromagnetic radiation. He also noted a concern that potentially too many uses are being crowded onto this site. He suggesP. A:l that if the Orange and Fourth site is selected for the library that some of the other uses being contemplated for this site ha moved to Lauderbach. Mayor Cox asked that in preparing the architectural plans if there is a way to build in flexibility to allow the plans to be modified in order to use them on another site in the event the City does not receive this grant, suggesting this be made a part of the contract for the architectural services. Ms. Lane stated the programming element of the library can be transferred from one site to another, however, when it comes to offeating the building to the site, it is very site specific. Mr. Joe Bedanga of the Montgomery Planning Committee commented regarding the electromagnetic radiation issue. He stated he is an electrician and that there are some health risks associated with the power lines. However, it is necessary for an individual to be very close to the power lines with high induction in order for it to be a health risk. He stated the proposed library would not present a problem. By using the area under the power lines for parking there should not be a problem. It would be necessary to be under the lines all day long in order for it to be harmful. Mr. Berlanga stated the Lauderbach site would not be a good site because it already has a bed traffic problem. From the beginning the Montgomery Pla~nlng Committee has felt that the Orange and Fourth site is the best site for the proposed library. Ms. Lee Wheeland, Montgomery planning Committee, urged the Council to choose the Orange and Fourth Avenue site for the proposed libnffy. She noted the Montgomery planning Committee has discussed this issue at length and they have arrived at the conclusion that the Orange and Fourth site is the best site. Responding to questions of Councilmember Malcolm, Ms. Wheeland stated that the Montgomery Planning Committee discussed closing the Otay Library Branch and leaving the Woodlawn Library Branch open. Mr. Tony Castre, Montgomery Planning Committee, also stated the Orange and Fourth Avenue site is preferable to the Lauderbach site. The Lauderbach site would entail dealing with approximately 3 dozen property owners, whereas the Orange and Fourth property would entail dealing with only 3 property owners. Mr. Castre further cemmt~.nted that the tax base is increas'mg in this area of the city because of torn over of property that is occurnng. A/so, the prospect of the formation of a Redevelopmant Project Area is this part of the city will aid in funding. MAYOR COX OFFERED THE APPROPRIATION PORTION OF THE RESOLUTION, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent. Mayor Cox stated in the discussions regarding architectural services he would like maximum flexibility to be provided in the plans. There is a need to have the ability to have a set of plans that in the event the grant is not received, the City can realistically look at trying to phase in some type of a branch library. It is his expectation that the existing branch library on Third Avenue south of Orange would be closed and consolidated with this branch. The Woodlawn Branch is not viewed as a significant issued related to this library. MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING/WORK SESSION OF THE AUGUST 16, 1990 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Page 5 Councilmember Malcolm noted concern that the bidding process for architectural services is being waived. It is unfortunate that it is a large amount of money, unfortunate that the bid is being waived, and unfortunate the bid is submitted without having to compete and negotiate. Because of the timing, he will vote in favor of appropriating the funds but he does not like this situation. Mr. Goss stated it is unfortunate that the City has been given a short turn-around time by the State. He noted this is not generally a job that every architectural finn would be able to respond to because there is certain specialty requirements in terms of designing libraries and also knowledge of the State requirements. The recommended firm has experience in both areas. Responding to questions, Mr. Blackman of Wheeler, Wimer, Blackman and Associates, stated he has negotiated with Ms. Lane on the bid. He pointed out that of the requested funds, approximately $67,000 is allocated for de/lgn services, and the rest is for the application process, the building program process, site and utility date analysis, etc. Councilmember Nader suggested negotiating a contract with the architectural finn under which if for any reason the City decides to abandon the application, that the City would be obligated to pay only for work performed up to that stage. AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION CONCERNING APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS MSUC (Nader/Malcohn) amend the resolution to make the appropriation conditional on a Time and Materials Contract whereby if tbr any reason the City determines to withdraw its application to the State, the City would be obligated only partially tbr the amount of the contract. VOTE ON RESOLUTION CONCERNING APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS AS AMENDED The appropriation part of the resolution passed and was approved unanimously. Councilmember Malcolm left the room at 6:45 p.m. THE BALANCE OF THE RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY MAYOR COX, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent. AMENDMENT TO BALANCE OF THE RESOLUTION MSC (Nader/Malcolm) amend the resolution to direct staff to negotiate with the architect to specify in the contract that the design should (1) minimize potential exposure of library patrons to electromagnetic radiation on the site, (2) leave open the possibility or' future business development or ventures around or within the library site, and (3) include a phasing plan in the event the grant is not received. (The vote was 3-0; Councilmember Malcolm was not present for the vote.) VOTE ON THE BALANCE OF THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED The resolution as amended passed and was approved. (The vote was 3-0; Councilmember Malcolm was not present for the vote.) The Council recessed at 6:50 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:00 p.m. MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING/WORK SESSION OF THE AUGUST 16, 1990 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Page 6 Mr. Goss stated staff would like direction from Council regarding the master plan. It is recommended that the Council select the plan that includes a library and community center. Responding to questions, Ms. Lane stated there is more traffic on Orange Avenue providing higher visibility for the library. She also noted that for the grant the library should be separate from the community c, eater. Preference will be given to libraries that stand out independently. Responding to Councilm~mber Nader's questions, Mr. Goss stated the architect ne~ts to know the location and orientation of the library; the other public facilities, such as the recreation center, could be designateAt as "possible himre other public facilities" thereby enabling the policy makers to make decisions on that hi the future. Mayor Cox suggest~l designating the 18,000 square feet for the community facility as 'future community use' with the parking for that facility to be under the SDG&E easement. MOTION, MSC (Cox/Nader) accept Alternative 1 as the initial concept site plan for the library building. Crhe vote was 3-0; Member Malcolm was not present for the vote.) MSC (Cox/Nader) refer the issue of the name of the facility to the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Library Commission and the Library Board of Trustees for their input and recommendation back to Council. (The vote was 3-0; Member Malcolm was not preseat for the vote.) 4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None. 5. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: None. 6. MAYOR'S REPORT: None. 7. COUNCIL COMMENTS: None. ADJOURNMENT at 7:17 p.m. to Tuesday, August 21, 1990 at 6:00 p.m. Sandra Chase, Recording Secretary (Minutes Council2) [C:\WP51\COUNCIL\MINUTES\4813H.WPF] City Council Minutes -8- AuGust 16, 1990 Responding to questions, Ms. Lane stated there is more traffic on Orange Avenue providing higher visibility for the library. She also noted that for the grant the library should be separate from the community center. Preference will be given to libraries that stand out independently. Responding to Councilmember Nader's questions, Mr. Goss stated the architect needs to know the location and orientation of the library; the other public facilities, such as the recreation center, could be designated as "possible future other public facilities" thereby enabling the policy makers to make decisions on that in the future. Mayor Cox suggested designating the 18,000 square feet for the community facility as "future community use" with the parking for that facility to be under the SDG&E easement. MOTION MSC (Cox/Nader) accept Alternative 1 as the initial concept site plan for the library building. (The vote was 3-0; Member Malcolm was not present for the vote.) MSC (Cox/Nader) refer the issue of the name of the facility to the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Library Commission and the Library Board of Trustees for their input and recommendation back to Council. (The vote was 3-0; Member Malcolm was not present for the vote.) 4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None. 5. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: None. 6. MAYOR'S REPORT: None. 7. COUNCIL COMMENTS: None. ADJOURNMENT at 7:17 p.m. to Tuesday, August 21, 1990 at 6:00 p.m. Recording Secretary (Minutes\Council2)