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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/05/26 Item 1 DRAFT MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA January 13,2009 5:00 P.M. A Special Meeting of the City Council of the City ofChula Vista was called to order at 5:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers Bensoussan, Castaneda, McCann, Ramirez, and Mayor Cox ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Sandoval, Assistant City Manager Tulloch, City Attorney Miesfeld CLOSED SESSION I. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE 54957.6 Agency designated representatives: Jim Sandoval, Scott Tulloch, Marcia Raskin, Bart Miesfeld, Rod Betts, Maria Kachadoorian, Leah Browder Employee organizations: CVEA, IAFF, POA, WCE, Mid-Management, Professional and Umepresented Groups No reportable action was taken on this item. ADJOURNMENT At 6:00 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to the next Regular Meeting of the City Council, January 13,2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. ~ Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk ~.-> . lit DRAFT MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AL'ID A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA January 13, 2009 6:00 P.M. A Regular Meeting of the City Council and a Special Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:08 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Council/Agency Members Bensoussan, Castaneda, McCann, Ramirez, and Mayor Cox ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager/Executive Director Sandoval, City Attorney/General Counsel Miesfeld, City Clerk Norris, and Deputy City Clerk Bennett PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY INTRODUCTION BY RECREATION DIRECTOR BUCK lVIARTIN, OF EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH, ELIZABETH KOLATA, AQUATIC SUPERVISOR II, AND KARINA CRAIG, AQUATIC SUPERVISOR I Recreation Director Martin introduced the employees of the month, Elizabeth Kolata and Karina Craig. Mayor Cox read the proclamations and Deputy Mayor McCann presented them to Elizabeth and Karina. . OATHS OF OFFICE: Betsy (Grace) Cory and Sassan Rahimzadeh to the Resource Conservation Commission. Deputy City Clerk Bennett administered the Oath of Office to Commissioners Cory and Rahimzadeh, and Councilmember Bensoussan presented them with Certificates of Appointment. CONSENT CALENDAR ~ City Council and Redevelopment Agency (Items 1-3) City Council and (Item 4) Joint City Council and Redevelopment Agency Item 4 was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion by members of the public and by Councilmember Castaneda. Deputy Mayor McCann and Councilmember Bensoussan stated that they would be abstaining from voting on Item I. Page 1 - Council/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009 /6"'/ DRAFT CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of October 7, 2008. Staff recommendation: Council approve the minutes. 2. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-002, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA At\1ENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 200812009 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING A TOTAL OF $9,586.30 FROM THE AVAILABLE FUND BALANCE TO REIMBURSE OAKWOOD DEVELOPMENT, INe. (4/5THS VOTE REQUIRED) Oakwood Development, Inc. has paid fees to satisfy certain permit fees for its Village 2 R-14 Tavera Models (Permit Number BR07-0100). Oakwood Development, Inc. is now requesting a refund of the fees. (City Engineer/Public Works Director) Staffrecommendation: Council adopt the resolution. 3. A. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHAPTER 15.24 OF THE CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 15.24.060 (FIRST READING) B. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHAPTER 15.28 OF THE CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 15.28.015 (FIRST READING) C. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-003, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE CHULA VISTA PHOTOVOLTAIC PRE- WIRING INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS D. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-004, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE CHULA VISTA SOLAR HOT WATER HEATING PRE-PLUMBING INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS On July 10, 2008, Council approved Resolution No. 2008-177, which adopted the implementation plans for the Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) measures and approved partial implementation of the measures based on funding levels. The proposed ordinances amend the Electrical Code and the Plumbing Code to require new residential units to be pre-wired for future photovoltaic systems and pre-plumbed for future solar water heaters, respectively. Adoption of the ordinances is a partial implementation of CCWG Measure No.5, Solar and Energy Efficiency Conversion. (Deputy City Manager/Development Services Director) Staff recommendation: Council hold first reading of the ordinances, and adopt the resolutions. 4. Item 4 was removed from the Consent Calendar. Page 2 - Counci1/RDA Nlinutes January 13, 2009 /6~.A DRAFT CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) ACTION: Mayor Cox moved to approve staffs recommendation and offered Consent Calendar Item 1, heading read, text waived. Councilmember Ramirez seconded the motion and it carried 3-0-2, with Deputy Mayor McCann and Councilmember Bensoussan abstaining. ACTION: Councilmember Ramirez moved to approve staffs recommendations to adopt Consent Calendar Items 2 and 3, headings read, text waived. Deputy Mayor McCann seconded the motion and it carried 5-0. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR 4. JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROPRIATING $1,400,000 FROM THE 2008 REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TAX ALLOCATION REFUNDING BONDS FOR REPAYMENT TO THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA OF THE AGENCY LOAN; APPROPRIATING $1,400,000 FROM THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA GENERAL FUND TO A NEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR THE PURCHASE OF VACANT PROPERTY LOCATED AT 275 ORANGE AVENUE AND ITS DEVELOPMENT AS A PUBLIC PARK; AL'ID APPROVING THE REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND CASTLE PARK ENTERPRISES, L.P. AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE GRANT DEED FOR SAID PROPERTY (4/5THS VOTE REQUIRED) The City of Chula Vista currently has an opportunity to purchase 1.82 acres of vacant property currently used as open space storage for Palms Mobile Estates at 275 Orange Avenue for the purpose of developing an urban park within the Southwest community. Staff is recommending that the City purchase the vacant property for its development as a park and execute the Real Property Acquisition Agreement for the subject property. Acquisition costs are to be financed through those available funds resulting from payment by the Agency on its City loan. (Deputy City Manager/Development Services Director) Staff recommendation: Council/Agency adopt the resolution. Steven Pavka, Chula Vista resident, questioned the City's ability to develop a public park, given its current financial crisis. Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, representing the South West Chula Vista Civic Association, addressed concerns about the lot size being. inadequate. She suggested purchasing the larger lot across the street from the proposed lot, or combining the proposed lot with a comer lot. Council/Agency Member Castaneda stated there was inadequate input by the community about the park project. Further discussion ensued between staff and Council/Agency Member Castaneda about the process undertaken by staff to purchase the vacant property. City Manager Sandoval pointed out that the funding for the park project would come from Redevelopment funds, and not the City's General Fund. Page 3 - CouncillRDA Minutes January 13, 2009 Jet ~ 3 DRAFT ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) CouncillAgency Member Ramirez spoke in favor of tabling the item for two weeks, to have staff look at other park opportunities, and determine whether or not the proposed vacant property was the best option. Council/Agency Member Bensoussan recommended re-assessment of the proposed property value in terms of current market standards, and suggested that staff provide community outreach for input on planning ideas for the property. Council/Agency Member McCann spoke with respect to the City's financial situation and concerns about additional costs associated with acquiring the proposed property. He suggested instead, that the funds be utilized for installing solar panels at the South County Library and/or at the Otay Recreation Center, or street safety features such as medians, that would create a return on investment and decrease operational costs for the City. Council/Agency Member Ramirez clarified that he favored moving forward with park space as soon as possible, especially in Southwest Chula Vista. Chair/Mayor Cox recommended separating the proposed resolution to approve the transfer of $1,400,000 from the Redevelopment Agency to the General Fund, and to have staff come back with other park space options in the western portion of the City. CouncillAgency Member Castaneda stated he could not support the item without further public outreach, and the need to establish a community outreach program prior to the purchase of the property. Finance Director Kachadoorian recommended against the fund transfer, since the City could not draw upon the cash until a capital project was identified. It was the consensus of the Council/Agency Members to direct staff to return with this item at a future Council/Agency Meeting. No action was taken on this item. PUBLIC COMMENTS Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, representing the Southwest Chula Vista Civic Association, spoke in opposition to the proposed MMC peaker power plant. PUBLIC HEARINGS 5. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING REASSESSMENTS WITHIN REASSESSMENT DISTRICT NOS. 2001-1 AND 2001-2 AND DIRECTING ACTIONS WITH RESPECT THERETO Page 4 - CouncillRDA Minutes January 13, 2009 /16-tf DRAFT PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued) The City has formed assessment districts to provide funding for infrastructure under the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913. The Act requires that when a parcel of land that has unpaid assessments splits, the original assessment must be segregated and apportioned with the parcels being reconfigured and/or subdivided in order to redistribute the assessment lien to the newly created parcels. The apportionment process records the lien on the newly created parcels and assigns specific benefit to each parcel. If the property owner does not file an application, the City is required to complete the apportionment through the Public Hearing process. At this time, there are a number of outstanding apportionments that require that the assessment liens be apportioned to the newly created parcels. This hearing was continued from the meeting of January 6, 2009. (City EngineerlPublic Works Director) Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and at the time specified in the notice. Mayor Cox opened the public hearing. There being no members of the public who wished to speak, she then closed the public hearing. ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann moved to adopt the following Resolution Nos. 2009-005 and 2009-006, headings read, text waived: A. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-005, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA CONFlR1\1ING THE AMENDED REASSESSMENTS WITHIN REASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2000-1 AND DIRECTING ACTIONS WITH RESPECT THERETO B. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-006, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA CONFIRMING THE AMENDED REASSESSMENTS WITHIN REASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2001-2 AND DIRECTING ACTIONS WITH RESPECT THERETO Councilmember Ramirez seconded the motion and it carried 5-0. Item 8 was taken out of order and discussed at this time. 8. MA YOR/CHAIR'S REPORTS Consideration of the Mayor and Council Department's budget. Mayor Cox referenced a handout distributed on the dais to the Council regarding the Mayor and Council budget, and a joint proposal by she and Councilmember Castaneda, setting the levels of supplies and services for the Council's budget at 50 percent of the Mayor's budget, reducing funding in Promotions and Professional Services by 30 percent, and reducing funding in travel, meetings, and conference items by 25 percent, with savings returned to the General Fund. The proposal included eliminating the Mayor's Chief of Staff and Coastal Advisory positions, and adding the equivalent to a Council Aide position to the Mayor's office, resulting in a total of $250,000 to be returned to the General Fund for the 2009/2010 Fiscal Year. . Page 5 - CounciURDA Minutes January 13,2009 I/.!r 5'" DRAFT MA YORJCHAIR'S REPORTS (Continued) Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of the proposed recommendation. She suggested that Councilmembers pay a portion of their pension fund. She also suggested placing a measure on the ballot to amend the Charter with respect to Council salaries. ACTION: Councilmember Bensoussan moved to approve the proposed recommendations by Mayor Cox and Councilmember Castaneda to eliminate the Chief of Staff position for the 2009/2010 year, eliminate funding for the Mayor's Coastal Advisor position, add the equivalent to a Council Aide position to the Mayor's office, resulting in General Fund savings of $250,000. Councilmember Ramirez seconded the motion and it carried 5-0. ACTION ITEMS 6. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET REDUCTION PLAN (Continued from January 6, 2009) Current revenue and expenditure projections indicate General Fund Budgetary shortfalls of $3.9 million and $20.0 million for fiscal years 2008-2009 and 2009-2010, respectively. In early December, the Interim City Manager submitted a budget reduction plan for Council's consideration. This plan was the subject of the December 4, 2008 Council Budget workshop and the December 9 and December 16,2008 and January 6, 2009 Council Meetings. The budget reduction plan has been updated by the City Manager to reflect additional cost saving measures, including department reorganizations. Adoption of resolutions will authorize the City Manager to begin implementation of the budget reduction plan. The budget reduction plan identifies sufficient expenditure reductions to correct the structural imbalance in the General Fund. (City Manager) A. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET REDUCTION PLAN, EXCLUDING THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF P ARKW A Y POOL AND GYMNASIUM B. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MA1~AGER TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET REDUCTION PROPOSALS FOR THE CLOSURE OF P ARKW A Y POOL AND GYMNASIUM Councilmember Castaneda referenced a memorandum distributed on the dais for Council consideration, dated January 13, 2009, from he and Councilmember Ramirez with additional recommended budget reductions to turn off 1,058 street lights on non-residential streets in Chula Vista for a savings of $150,200, and to eliminate the City of Chula Vista's contributions to all 401(a) accounts, for a savings of$281,000. Page 6 - CounciVRDA Minutes January 13.2009 ~~l~ DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (Continued) Councilmember Ramirez commented on the elimination of the 401(a) contributions, and suggested replacing the word "eliminate" with the word, "suspend". Deputy Mayor McCann stated that he is supportive of suspending the 401(a) contributions, but expressed concern about dimming street lights in terms of possible lawsuits and associated legal fees. City Manager Sandoval responded to the suspension of the 401(a) contributions, pointing out that over the past three years and for fiscal years 2008/2009 and 2009/2010, employees had voluntarily forgone their four percent COLA's (cost of living adjustments), and had accepted a mandatory furlough. Finance Director Kachadoorian, presented the City's proposed budget reduction plan. City Manager Sandoval explained that staff had documented comments by the Council and the public about possible adjustments to the budget cut list, and had undertaken notification of layoffs to designated employees. He also addressed the Nature Center and the financial impact of its relationship with the City. He stated that staff would be bringing forward for Council consideration, a Fiscal Heath Plan with ways to address the City's severe financial condition, provide stability for future financial problems, provide for meaningful public input, and provide sustainability for the City. Mark Bikkerstaff, Chula Vista resident, representing the Chula Vista Youth Sports Council and Elite Softball, was pleased to see the retention of park maintenance crews, and the recommendation to restore the Park Ranger program, stating it would assist with child safety. Laura B. Cox, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of retaining the Nature Center operations. Mitch Hall, San Diego resident, spoke in support of retaining the Nature Center, and offered his assistance with pursuing grant funding for the Nature Center. Manami Wazanabe, La Mesa resident, spoke in support of retaining the Nature Center. Isabelle Espino, Chula Vista resident, thanked the Council for restoring the Eastlake Library services. She offered revenue-generating ideas that included installation of parking meters at Otay Ranch Center. She stated that she did not believe it was the City's responsibility to provide passport services. Randy Bellamy, Chula Vista resident, representing Kiwanis Division II, spoke of the need for a resurgence of volunteerism and civic pride. He encouraged the Council to utilize the services of the Kiwanis, and invited members of the audience to join the Kiwanis organization to make a difference. Shayna Cribbs, San Diego resident, and teacher at Explorer School, spoke in support of retaining the Nature Center. Daniel Marquez, Explorer School student, spoke in support of retaining the Chula Vista Nature Center. Francisco Garcia Jr., Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of retaining the Chula Vista recreation centers and programs. Page 7 - CouncillRDA Minutes January 13, 2009 /8-7 DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (Continued) Riley Twiss, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of eliminating the 401(a) plan, car allowances, and professional promotional services. Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, representing the Southwest Chula Vista Civic Association, suggested that staff presentations at Council Meetings be updated to reflect any changes. Gloria Molina Estolano, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of the proposed budget reductions in the Office of the Mayor and Council, and restoring other personnel positions and City services. She read student and teacher letters supporting retention of the Chula Vista recreation centers and programs, the Nature Center, and Libraries. Itzel Nuno, Chula Vista resident, thanked the Council for restoring the Eastlake Library and services. She commented on the need to keep the best interests of the community in mind regarding cuts in City services and programs. Carolyn Woodbury, Chula Vista resident, offered suggestions for budget reductions that included eliminating car allowances and replacing them with mileage, or using City vehicles for business, convert street lighting to solar power, replace City buildings with energy-efficient fluorescents, collect debts owed to the City, implement sliding scale fees for youth programs, retain the Nature Center and seek ways to separate its financial dependence on the City. Rosie Bystrak, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of retaining STRETCH and DASH programs and staff. She suggested raising business permit fees to generate revenue. Patricia Lyons, San Diego resident, spoke in support of keeping Eastlake Library open. She encouraged the Council to think more seriously about revenue generating ideas over the long term. Richard Preuss, representing Chula Vista Employees Association, thanked City staff, CVEA members and the negotiators for their collaborative efforts to assist the City with its budget reductions. He stated that it was important for everyone to work together and to place community first. The following members of the public did not speak, but submitted speaker slips in support of retaining the Nature Center: Mitzi Swift, Coronado resident Nancy Stimebuck, Chula Vista resident Daniel Pagano, Chula Vista resident Bill Canedo Lucas Pierotti, Chula Vista resident Donna Pierotti, Chula Vista resident Ryan Whaley, Chula Vista resident Fred Stearley, Chula Vista resident Zaneta Encarnacion, Chula Vista resident Patricia Chavez, Chula Vista resident Stephanie Kingston, Chula Vista resident M. Beauchamp, Chula Vista resident Elizabeth Longacre, Concord resident Shilo Felton, San Diego resident Judy Cave, Chula Vista resident Mary Cosio, Chula Vista resident Finance Director Kachadoorian clarified that the $4 million budget gap for this fiscal year was the most current information available and was based on the first quarterly financial report. She also explained that the projected deficit for fiscal year 2010 was $20 million, and the proposed budget reduction plan was a plan to mitigate that deficit. Page 8 - Council/RDA Minutes 1t3-f January 13, 2009 DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (Continued) Director of Conservation and Environmental Services Meacham spoke about energy modifications at City Hall, stating that City Hall was built 26% above Title 24 requirements, and the Police Department was built 21 % above Title 24 requirements. He stated that staff would be returning to Council with proposed energy saving projects, as well as a proposal for installing solar panels on City buildings. Mayor Cox asked, and City Manager Sandoval confirmed that the Eastlake Library would be removed from the proposed list of major impacts since it was removed from the cut list. Regarding the transfer of STRETCH and DASH to another vendor, Mayor Cox stated that she had spoken with staff from YMCA and Chula Vista Elementary School District to look at establishing partnerships for these programs. She then asked for confirmation of her understanding that library programs and outreach would be reduced rather than eliminated, and that the Heritage Museum's operation would continue as a result of a donation. City Manager Sandoval confirmed these statements. She also spoke regarding closure of the Nature Center. She stated that two major donors, each donating $125,000, had conditioned their donations based upon creation of a sustainability plan for the Nature Center. Additionally, she announced that the City had recently received a contribution of $100,000 for the Nature Center with no strings attached. Mayor Cox asked the Council to consider continuing the City's relationship with the Nature Center and approve earmarking $ 100,000 of the savings that came from the Department of Mayor and Council due to recent reductions, to continue funding the operation of the Nature Center. Deputy Mayor McCann spoke in support of continued operation of the Nature Center, while a sustainability plan was being crafted. Councilmember Bensoussan spoke in support of continued City funding for the Nature Center, with collaborative efforts by donors, while a sustainability plan was being crafted. She also spoke in support of the proposed contribution of$IOO,OOO from the savings from the Mayor and Council's budget cuts for the continued operation of the Nature Center. Councilmember Castaneda stated that there may be a need to look at additional cuts and resources, since he was unsure that $ I 00,000 would be adequate to cover this year and part of next fiscal year. Councilmember Ramirez spoke in support of continued operation of the Nature Center. Discussion regarding the budget reduction plan and its impacts continued at this time. Deputy Mayor McCann requested an update on cell phone tower leases in terms of a potential revenue source for the City. Conservation and Environmental Services Director Meacham responded, stating that selling the leases would generate a one-time revenue, as opposed to receiving annual lease payments for the long term. It was the consensus of the Council to request that staffreturn with additional information regarding cell tower leases. Page 9 - CounciI/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009 /6~9 DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (Continued) ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann moved to eliminate the 401(a) matching contributions until further notice. Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion. Discussion ensued regarding the possible elimination or suspension of the 401(a) matching contributions. Finance Director Kachadoorian explained that the 401(a) plan included Executive and Senior employees, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, stating that she would report back to the Council on whether or not the plan could be suspended. Additionally, should the plan be eliminated, Ms. Kachadoorian suggested consideration of a plan to allow employees to continue contributing to the 401(a) without matching funds by the City, as well as the possibility of employees leaving the City to contributing vacation balances in the plan. City Attorney Miesfeld clarified that the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk were under separate contract, which would require re-negotiation. He also stated that his office had not reviewed the legality of the elimination of the 401(a) matching contributions. He proposed that the motion be made pending review by the Finance Director and the City Attorney. Deputy Mayor McCann stated that if there was a legal problem, staff should report back to Council, but otherwise, implementation should be immediate. ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann amended his motion to suspend 401(a) matching contributions by the City of Chula Vista for current recipients, other than City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, immediately, and for fiscal year 2009/2010. Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 4-1 with Mayor Cox opposed. With respect to the proposal to turn off certain street lights, Deputy Mayor McCann stated that the potential for resulting legal ramifications and lawsuits against the City would counter any cost savings achieved by turning off the street lights. Further discussion ensued between Deputy Mayor McCann and City Attorney Miesfeld about estimated costs by the City for defending lawsuits. Councilmember Ramirez spoke in support of shutting off street lights in areas of minimum risk to the City. Councilmember Bensoussan spoke in support of shutting off street lights, with a condition to exclude urban areas such as Broadway, and on parkways with no pedestrian traffic. Mayor Cox suggested that the motion include permitting staff to assess the removal of street lights, rather than stipulating a particular number of lights to remove. ACTION: Councilmember Ramirez moved to proceed with dimming street lights at the discretion of staff, and to work in conjunction with the City Attorney to minimize liability. Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 3-2, with Mayor Cox and Deputy Mayor McCann opposed. Page to - Council/RDA Minutes /e -10 January 13,2009 DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (Continued) ACTION: ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann moved to operate the Nature Center for the next 90 days, with an immediate analysis of contributions to the City and its effects on the City, and to come back in 90 days to ensure that a sustainability plan is in place. The motion died for lack of a second. Mayor Cox offered an amended motion, and Deputy Mayor McCann conceded, to operate the Nature Center while the sustainability plan was crafted and implemented with a completion date of no later than March 30, 2009, and that funding for the Nature Center be extended to June 30,2009. Councilmember Ramirez seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. Councilmember Bensoussan spoke about the proposal to eliminate the City's funding for the South County Economic Development Council. To that end, she suggested that the contribution amount be lowered, rather than eliminated, stating that it would be sending the wrong message with respect to the City's investment in jobs and businesses. ACTION: Councilmember Bensoussan moved to maintain a fund contribution to the South County Economic Development Council. Councilmember Ramirez seconded the motion. City Manager Sandoval stated that staff would contact the South County Economic Development Council to discuss an acceptable contribution by the City to maintain its partnership. ACTION: Councilmember Bensoussan amended the motion, adding that the City Manager be authorized to make a contribution to South County EDC at his discretion. Mayor Cox suggested that the Chamber of Commerce and CONVIS be included in the motion for funding contributions, since they currently receive no funding from the City, but who look out for the economic development of the City. Councilmember Bensoussan responded that she was not familiar with the operations of the Chamber of Commerce and CONVIS, and although she looked forward to learning more about their operations, she opposed including them. Councilmember Ramirez seconded the amended motion and it carried 5-0. Councilmember Bensoussan suggested that high priority be given to the STRETCH and DASH programs when budget adjustments were brought back to the Council. Councilmember Castaneda suggested that the Chamber of Commerce bring forward initiatives that would allow the City to work with them to help promote local businesses. Deputy Mayor McCann talked about the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, and asked what would trigger default of the SAFER Grant, which would result in the City's repayment of $790,000. Fire Chief Hanneman responded that it was his understanding for the SAFER Grant personnel, that the grant required a specific allocation of fire personnel, and any elimination of positions would trigger repayment of the funding. January 13,2009 Page 11 - CouncilJRDA Minutes 1/.3-11 DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (Continued) ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann moved to continue Item 6A to the meeting of January 20, 2009. The motion died for lack of a second. City Manager Sandoval noted that a revised resolution for Item 6 was provided on the dais that excluded the proposed closure of Parkway Pool and Gymnasium. Mayor Cox further clarified that 6B was no longer necessary since the closure of Parkway Pool and Gymnasium had been removed from the budget reduction plan, and the revised resolution replaced 6A. City Attorney Miesfeld advised that since the proposed revised resolution for Item 6 essentially excluded Parkway Pool and Gymnasium, Councilmember Castaneda should abstain from voting on the revised resolution due to the location of his property. Alternatively, City Attorney Miesfeld then suggested that a vote be taken in two parts. The first vote would be on Item 6A with his proposed revision to replace the words, "closure of' with the words, "continuation of services at." The second vote would be on Item 6B, with Council member Castaneda abstaining, revised to replace the words, "closure of' with the words, "continuation of services at" as follows: 6. A. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET REDUCTION PLAN, EXCLUDING THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF CONTINUATION OF SERVICES AT PARKWAY POOL AND GYMNASIUM 6. B. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MAt'\fAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET REDUCTION PROPOSALS FOR THE CLOSURE OF CONTINUATION OF SERVICES AT PARKWAY POOL AND GYMNASIUM ACTION: Councilmember Bensoussan moved to adopt the following Resolution No. 2009- 007 as revised, heading read, text waived: 6. A. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-007, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET REDUCTION PLAN, EXCLUDING THE CONTINUATION OF SERVICES AT PARKWAY POOL AND GYMNASIUM Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion. Deputy Mayor McCann stated that time should be allowed for the City's Police and Fire bargaining groups to conclude their negotiations. He also requested a staff analysis on the savings from the 401(a) plan, and further information on the proposed Council budget reductions, SAFER grant, and cell phone tower leases. The motion carried 4-1, with Deputy Mayor McCann opposed. Page 12 - CounciVRDA Minutes January 13, 2009 /13 -/J-. DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (Continued) ACTION: Councilmember Ramirez moved to adopt the following Resolution No. 2009-008 as revised, heading read, text waived: 6. B. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-008, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET REDUCTION PROPOSALS FOR THE CONTINUATION OF SERVICES OF P ARKW A Y POOL AND GYMNASIUM Councjlmember Bensoussan seconded the motion and it carried 4-0-1, with Councilmember Castaneda abstaining. Mayor Cox recessed the meeting at 10:11 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:29 p.m. with all members present. OTHER BUSINESS 7. CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORTS City Manager/Executive Director Sandoval announced that Albertson's on Orange Avenue would be closing down on February 19,2009. 8. MAYOR/CHAIR'S REPORTS Consideration of the Mayor and Council Department's budget. This item was taken out of order and discussed after Item 5. Mayor Cox announced the City's receipt of a letter from Housing and Urban Development announcing its approval of the City's application for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, with funding in the amount of $2,830,000. 9. COUNCIL! AGENCY MEMBERS' .COMMENTS Deputy Mayor McCann - Request for Council support of High Speed Rail Project through South County. ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann moved to place the High Speed Rail Project on the agenda in two weeks. Mayor Cox seconded the motion and it carried 5-0. Deputy Mayor McCann thanked staff and the public for its work regarding the budget. Councilmember Ramirez spoke about traffic issues related to ongoing street construction between Eastlake High School and the Home Depot shopping center, and requested staff to provide an update report on the status of the construction. Page 13 - Council/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009 /<80//3 DRAFT COUNCIL/AGENCY MEMBERS' COMMENTS (Continued) Councilmember Bensoussan stated that she was unable to attend the State of the Chamber on January 13, 2009, but looked forward to learning more about the Chamber's upcoming projects and endeavors, and establishing a positive relationship. Mayor Cox announced that the Council had concluded its Closed Session discussions regarding the following items at its 5:00 p.m. Special Closed Session Meeting: CLOSED SESSION 10. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE 54957.6 A. Agency designated representatives: Jim Sandoval, Scott Tulloch, Marcia Raskin, Bart Miesfeld, Rod Betts, Maria Kachadoorian, Leah Browder B. Employee organizations: CVEA, IAFF, POA, WCE, Mid-Management, Professional and Unrepresented Groups ADJOURNMENT: At 10:35 p.m. Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to the Regular Meeting of the City Council on January 20,2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. ~ . Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk ~' Page 14 - CouncillRDA Minutes /<::1 ~11 January 13, 2009