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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2008/08/07 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA August 7, 2008 6:00 p.m. An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers McCann, Ramirez, Rindone (arrived at 6:02 p.m.) and Mayor Cox ABSENT: Councilmember Castaneda (excused) ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Garcia, Interim City Attorney Meisfeld, Interim City Clerk Norris, and Deputy City Clerk Bennett PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE PUBLIC COMMENTS There were none. WORKSHOP 1. PRESENTATION ON CODE ENFORCEMENT POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND SECTION UPDATE City Manager Garcia introduced the item and provided an overview of the regulatory framework for Code Enforcement. Acting Planning Director Lytle presented the regulatory framework that included the General Plan and zoning, and the issue of non-conforming uses related to the City's policy and zoning ordinance. Code Enforcement Manager Leeper gave an overview of code enforcement that included program statistics, enforcement processes and options, new programs and trends, and fines and assessments. Margaret Tuite, Chula Vista resident, expressed concern about sign twirlers on Broadway, stating that they were a distraction for drivers, and she asked staff whether or not this was a legal activity. Staffrnember Leeper responded that sign twirlers were not permitted to block access to sidewalks, or be located in the public street; otherwise, it was not illegal to hold a sign. He noted that she could contact the Police Department with her concerns. WORKSHOP (Continued) Ed Herrera, Chula Vista resident, representing the Southwest Chula Vista Civic Association, suggested that all code enforcement-related communications be recorded, e-mailed, or in writing, in order to protect all parties. He questioned why individual businesses with Conditional Use Permits (CUP's) were not permitted to upgrade their properties or businesses. Staffmember Lytle responded that businesses with CUP's were permitted to perform upgrades upon establishing the conditional right to occupy the building, and through the design review process. Mr. Herrera asked staff for clarity about the authority of Code Enforcement Officers. Staffmember Leeper responded that Code Enforcement Officers were charged with responding to, inspecting, and investigating various violations of the Municipal Code, and issuing notices to the violators. Frank Roseman, Chula Vista resident, spoke about an unoccupied home located next to his property that was being used as a staging area for a window business. He stated that he had previously reported the matter to Code Enforcement staff. but it appeared that the City had not responded. He asked how citizens would have knowledge of an ordinance prohibiting this type of activity. Staffmember Leeper responded that there were strict criteria associated with conducting a home business, that staff would look into the matter, and would contact Mr. Roseman. Acting Building Director Remp added that public access to the City's ordinances could be viewed via the City's website or the Code Enforcement division. Kevin O'Neill, Chula Vista resident, spoke of the need for clean up of the west side, particularly the trailer parks around Broadway. He asked for Council's support of the City's code enforcement policies and procedures. David Krogh, Chula Vista resident, asked for clarification of full cost recovery fines. Staffmember Remp stated that there were specific criteria set forth in the Municipal Code, with respect to assessment of fines and civil penalties. Staffmember Leeper added that the Code Enforcement Policy Group decided civil penalties through a collective decision. Steve Palma, Chula Vista resident, stated that Code Enforcement staff had conducted numerous meetings with businesses to hear their questions and concerns. He reported that businesses were pleased with the work by the City's Code enforcement staff. Dagoberto Salazar Jr., Chula Vista resident, representing D.S. Auto Sales, asked for the City's assistance to expand his business and a zone change to maintain the business on Main Street. The matter was referred to staff. Councilmember Ramirez spoke about complaints he received regarding stolen permit stickers from realtor signs. Staffmember Leeper responded that although the City was not responsible for lost or stolen stickers, it would be considered a theft, and should be reported to the Police Department. He added that staff would be looking at producing more secure permit stickers in an attempt to help prevent their loss or removal. Councilmember Ramirez asked staff to report back with a recommendation for development of a code enforcement program that would permit individuals and businesses to transition from where they were to where they needed to be in a fair and equitable manner. Mayor Cox responded that she believed the City did have such a program and was convinced that the City was on the right track. Councilmember McCann stated that the City's Code Enforcement Policies and Procedures was a good one, and he encouraged staff to work collaboratively with businesses and the community. Page 2 - Council Minutes August 7, 2008 WORKSHOP (Continued) Deputy Mayor Rindone suggested that staff look into a tinder's fee incentive program, particularly in the commercial areas, and to conduct annual code enforcement community meetings for the northwest, southwest, and eastern regions of the City. He spoke about illegal parking of motor homes and large vehicles in R-I zones and asked staff to explain the regulations associated with parking of large vehicles. Staffinember Leeper responded that areas in the east were covered by the Municipal Code and the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) within the Homeowners' Associations. For those areas without CC&R's, the Municipal Code prohibited parking of vehicles on front yards more than 10-feet away from the driveway. Deputy Mayor Rindone requested that staff return with recommendations for enforcement of large vehicles parked in the front yard of residences. City Manager Garcia cautioned that the matter would be very controversial. Mayor Cox suggested that the matter be brought back to the Council as an informational item, stating that that moving towards a more stringent enforcement for recreational vehicles and boats, would cause concern from the RV Association of America. Deputy Mayor Rindone requested that the matter be agendized for di scussi on. City Manager Garcia summarized that the City's Code Enforcement staff did not have a lot of discretion in enforcing the building code, that the objective of the code enforcement process was to bring properties into compliance, and that staff encouraged compliance in a conscientious manner. ADJOURNMENT At 7:52. p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to the Regular Meeting of August 12, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. ~- Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk .~ .---- Page 3 - Council Minutes August 7, 2008