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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/06/02 Item 1 DRAFT MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA January 20, 2009 5:00 P.M. A Special Meeting of the City Council of the City ofChula Vista ~as 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, and Special Counsel Rod Betts CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVER.t"lMENT 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 ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann moved to authorize the City negotiating team to accept the Tentative Agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 5-0. ADJOURNMENT At 6:00 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to the Regular Meeting of the City Council, January 20, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. ~--~ ~ Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk 111 ~I DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA January 20, 2009 6:00 P.M. Regular Meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Chula Vista were called to order at 6:04 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 Mayor Cox reported out on the Special Closed Session Meeting, which convened at 5:00 p.m., stating that the Council had authorized the City's negotiating team to accept the tentative agreement with the firefighters. She stated that the Council appreciated their cooperation, as well as that of the Western Council of Engineers, and the Chula Vista Employees Association. She further stated that holding off on planned cost of living adjustments would assist the City in keeping many of the services that the citizens had come to know, trust and appreciate. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY INTRODUCTION BY FIRE CHIEF DAVE HAt'\'NEMAN OF FIRE ENGINEER TIM MEHRER, RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN LEGION MERlT AWARD Fire Chief Hanneman introduced and congratulated Fire Engineer Tim Mehrer, and Mayor Cox congratulated Engineer Mehrer on his award on behalf of the Council. PRESENTATION BY JED WALLACE, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF HIGH TECH HIGH ON THE STATUS OF HIGH TECH HIGH CHULA VISTA Mr. Larry Rosenstock, High Tech High CEO, spoke on behalf of Mr. Wallace, and introduced Christopher Gerber, Director of Facilities, who gave the Council an update on development of the High Tech High Facility. Colleen Green, Director of High Tech High, spoke about student attendance and the application process for incoming ninth grade students, and she encouraged the Councilmembers to visit the campus. Page I - CouncillRDA Minutes January 20, 2009 /13-1 DRAFT CONSENT CALENDAR - Council and Redevelopment Agency (Items 1-3) City Council (Items 4-5) Redevelopment Agency Item 3 was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion by a member of the public. Councilmember Bensoussan stated she would be abstaining from voting on Item I. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of October 14 and 21,2008. Staff recommendation: Council approve the minutes. 2. A. ORDINANCE NO. 3121, ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHAPTER 15.24 OF THE CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 15.24.065 (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION) B. ORDINANCE NO. 3122, ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHAPTER 15.28 OF THE CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 15.28.015 (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION) Adoption of the ordinances amends 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, and is a partial implementation of CCWG Measure No.5, Solar and Energy Efficiency Conversion. These ordinances were introduced on January 13,2009. (Deputy City ManagerlDevelopment Services Director) Staffrecommendation: Council adopt the ordinances. 3. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar. Redevelopment Agency 4. CONSIDERATION OF RECEIPT OF REDEVELOPMENT YEAR-END REPORTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008 The Chula Vista Redevelopment Agency is required to prepare an Annual Report for consideration by its Board. California State Health and Safety Code Section 33080.1 requires the report to include the following elements: (1) an independent financial audit report and opinion regarding the Agency's compliance with applicable regulations; (2) the Report of Financial Transactions of Community Redevelopment Agencies (State Controller's Report); and (3) the State Department of Housing and Community Development Schedules A-E. These reports provide detailed information regarding the activities of the Redevelopment Agency, and are required to be presented to the legislative body. (Deputy City ManagerlDevelopment Services Director) Staff recommendation: Agency accept the reports. Page 2- CounciVRDA Minutes January 20, 2009 /6-2.. DRAFT CONSENT CALENDAR (continued) 5. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-2002, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING AN INTERFUND LOAN UP TO $855,797 FROM THE LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING FUND TO THE REDEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR THE STATE REQUIRED ERAF PAYMENT; AND AUTHORIZING NECESSARY BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS TO APPROPRIATE THE INTERFUND LOAN OF $855,797 AND THE BALANCE OF $977,307 REQUIRED BY AB 1389 FORA TOTAL OF $1,833,104 (4/5THS VOTE REQUIRED) Assembly Bill 1389 of 2008 added Section 33684 to the Health and Safety Code. This new section requires redevelopment agencies to remit a prescribed share of a cumulative contribution to the Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) by May 10, 2009. In addition, AB 1389 required all agencies to review pass-through payments made from fiscal years 2003 through 2008 and remit any outstanding payments by February I, 2009. The current calculation issued by the County of San Diego on outstanding pass through payments is $977,307 together with the ERAF payment of $855,797 brings the total outstanding obligation of the Chula Vista Redevelopment Agency to over $1.8 million. (Deputy City Manager/Development Services Director) Staffrecommendation: Agency adopt the resolution. ACTION: Councilmember Castaneda moved to approve staffs recommendations, and offered Consent Calendar Items 1,2,4 and 5, headings read, text waived. Deputy Mayor McCann seconded the motion and it carried 5-0, except on Item 1, which carried 4-0-1, with Councilmember Bensoussan abstaining. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR 3. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-009, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE "PALOMAR GATEWAY COMMUNITY TRANSIT AREA PROJECT FOR PALOMAR STREET AND INDUSTRIAL BOULEVARD IN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA, CIP NUMBER: STL-280, FEDERAL PROJECT NUMBER: RPSTPLE - 5203 (022), AND CALTRANSEA NUMBER: 11-212874 L" PROJECT TO HILLCREST CONTRACTING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,606,789.30 AND AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF ALL AVAILABLE FUNDS IN THE PROJECT On December 24, 2008, the Public Works Director received thirteen sealed bids for the project. The project will improve a major entrance to the southwestern area of the City. In addition, this project will beautify the Community transit Area on Industrial Boulevard and Palomar Street by the addition of visual enhancements including area landscaping, parkways, and medians. (City Engineer/Public Works Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. Page 3 - Council/RDA Minutes January 20. 2009 /6-3 DRAFT ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR (continued) John Vogel spoke regarding the Palomar Beautification Project, stating that he was concerned that there had been no public input or public noticing for the project. He asked the Council to oppose the proposed resolution and to have staff take community input on what was needed for the area. Public Works Director Hopkins spoke about public outreach efforts that had been made. He also explained that the funding for the Palomar Beautification Project had come from SANDAG and there was a potential to lose the funding if the project did not move forward. City Manager Sandoval added that this project was submitted to SANDAG in a competitive process for funding to be used for "Smart Growth" projects. He stated that a specific plan would still need to be prepared for the project area that would be all-encompassing. Mayor Cox requested that staff notify Mr. Vogel of the status of the specific plan for the Palomar area as it moved forward. She also made reference to a letter on the dais from Russell Rorabugh, and noted that he should also be included in any updates for this project. V oe Anton, Chula Vista resident, stated that he had attended prior meetings regarding the Palomar improvements that had addressed plans to plant Italian Cyprus on both sides of Palomar Street, stating that this would create traffic visibility and safety issues, as well as the propensity for graffiti on the existing walls. Additionally, he concurred with prior speaker comments about inadequate notification to residents by the City, of area projects. Mayor Cox requested staff to contact Mr. Anton to discuss the matter. Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, spoke about the proposed project, stating her opposition to a proposed roundabout and placement of a Jacaranda tree at the intersection of Ada Street and Industrial. She stated that this would create safety issues related to reduced visibility. She suggested instead, installation of a pedestrian-controlled traffic signal, additional sidewalks, and a wheelchair ramp. Councilmember McCann requested a report from staff on the status of the sidewalk repairs within the project area, particularly where Mr. Quinones was killed. Public Works Director Hopkins responded that a wheelchair ramp had since been installed. Councilmember Ramirez asked staff to be more vigilant with community outreach in the future. ACTION: Councilmember Ramirez moved to approve staff's recommendation and offered Resolution No. 2009-009, heading read, text waived. Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sarah Way, ChuJa Vista resident, spoke in support of retaining the Eastlake Library and its servIces. Page 4- CounciVRDA Minutes January 20, 2009 //.3 ~~ DRAFT PUBLIC COMMENTS (continued) Phil Colum, representing the Chula Vista Police Officers Association, addressed the state of public safety and staffing in the City, stating that the proposed budget cuts would deeply impact community services, and should be considered as a last resort. He stated that removal of the Department's K-9 Unit and Narcotics Team would place the community and police officers at greater risk. John McA venia, representing the Chula Vista Police Department, spoke in support of retaining the Department's K-9 Unit, stating that it provided an invaluable safety service to the community. Marshall Gillon, Chula Vista resident, representing the Chula Vista Police Department, spoke in support of retaining the Department's K-9 Unit, stating that it was a life-saving community program. Patrick Trampus, Ramona resident, representing Chula Vista Police Department K-9 Unit, spoke in support of retaining the K-9 Unit, stating that the awards it received were reflective of the high caliber of K-9 training in the City. He stated that despite the current fiscal status of the City, crime would be ongoing and daily use of the K-9 Unit was necessary to fight crime. Keri Yednak, Chula Vista resident, was opposed to the sale of the City's land. Monica Inastorza, Chula Vista resident, was opposed to the sale of any land earmarked for a local university. Carlos Lopez, Chula Vista resident, representing Communities Taking Action, concurred with the previous speaker comments regarding not selling any City land. He then spoke in opposition to the proposed MMC peaker power plant, and asked the Council to notify the California Energy Commission that the proposed location of the peaker plant was dangerous to children. Diana Vera, Chula Vista resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed MMC peaker power plant and stated that there were associated health issues. Hugo Ivan Salazar, Chula Vista resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed MMC peaker power plant, stating that it was a social injustice and an environmental threat. He asked members ofthe Council to oppose the peaker plant. Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, representing the Southwest Chula Vista Civic Association, spoke in opposition to the MMC peaker power plant and its proximity to residents. She showed a video of various sub-stations, which she stated had exploded due to problems with the power plants. Lisa Passarino, Chula Vista resident, spoke on behalf of residents on Henry Lane in regards to issues with City construction work on First Street. She stated that area residents had not been notified until after the work had begun. She stated that residents had incurred vehicle damage as a result of difficulties with access to and from their properties. Mayor Cox referred the matter to staff. Page 5 - CouncillRDA Minutes January 20, 2009 //.3-5 DRAFT PUBLIC COMMENTS (continued) Fred Rowbotham, President, Chula Vista Police Officers Association (CVPOA) stated that the CVPOA was prepared to return the majority of the slated cost ofliving adjustments to the City. ACTION ITEMS 6. CONSIDERATION OF DECLARING INTENTION TO ESTABLISH THE CHULA VISTA AUTO PARK BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT For the past year, City staff has been working with the automobile dealers in the Chula Vista Auto Park on the formation of a Business Improvement District (BID). The district will provide a self-funding mechanism to allow for the promotion and marketing of auto dealers within the Auto Park. (Deputy City Manager/Development Services Director) Principal Economic Development Specialist Ruiz presented the proposal for the Chula Vista Auto Park Business Improvement District. Tony McCune, San Diego resident, spoke in support of the proposed project and he asked the Council to assist with expediting the approval process for the freeway sign. Council member Bensoussan spoke in support of the proposed Business Improvement District, and suggested outreach to car dealerships on Main Street with the possibility of an overlay zone or partnership with the City. Councilmember Castaneda requested staff to inform the Council of the status of the sign, and to provide a quarterly report to the Council on all aspects of the progress of the project, including strategies and solutions for any potential problems. Deputy Mayor McCann requested staff to prioritize the project signage, and to also look at opportunities for signage in other areas of the City. ACTION: Councilmember Bensoussan moved to adopt the following Resolution No. 2009- 010, heading read, text waived: RESOLUTION NO. 2009-010, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OFCHULA VISTA DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ESTABLISH THE CHULA VISTA AUTO PARK BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) PURSUANT TO THE PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT LAW OF 1989 Mayor Cox seconded the motion and it carried 5-0. Page 6- CounciVRDA Minutes January 20, 2009 /6~b DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (continued) 7. CONSIDERATION FOR ENDORSEMENT OF A "CHULA VISTA FISCAL HEALTH PLAN"; ESTABLISHMENT OF A TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX AND THE CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MAIL BALLOT ELECTION On January 13, 2009, the City Council of Chula Vista authorized the City Manager to implement a budget reduction plan to mitigate projected budget shortfalls in the current and next fiscal year, totaling $3.9 and $20.0 million respectively. These reductions will have significant impacts on delivery of public services. In order to preserve City services, mitigate the current budget crisis, and ensure the long-term fiscal stability of the City, endorsement of the City Manager's Proposed "Chula Vista Fiscal Health Plan" is recommended. The first step in implementing the strategy is Council consideration of an ordinance establishing a general purpose local transactions and use (sales) tax, to be considered by the qualified electorate at a Special Mail Ballot Election to be called and held on May 5, 2009. (City Manager) City Manager Sandoval gave an overview of the City's fiscal status, and presented his proposed Fiscal Health Plan that included the reduction of operational expenditures and increased revenues. He spoke about a potential sales tax increase, and if adopted how those funds could be used. He spoke about establishing a Citizens Review Committee to oversee the use of revenues generated by the potential sales tax. He then presented proposed ballot language to be submitted to the voters for a sales tax increase. Finance Director Kachadoorian then presented the proposed sales tax increase measure and the resulting effects on the budget should the tax be imposed. She also provided an overview of recent tax measures by other jurisdictions. Steve Miller, representing the Chula Vista Firefighters, spoke in support of a sales tax increase. Ed Herrera, Chula Vista resident, spoke in opposition to a sales tax. Lani Lutar, San Diego resident, representing San Diego County Taxpayers Association, spoke in opposition to a sales tax increase. Susan Fuller, Imperial Beach resident, representing the Chula Vista Nature Center, spoke m support of a sales tax increase. Larry Breitfelder, Chula Vista resident, spoke in opposition to a sales tax increase. Bob Coleman, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of a sales tax increase. Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, representing the Southwest Chula Vista Civic Association spoke of the need to place the sales tax measure on the ballot. Joyel Love, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of the sales tax increase. Scott Love, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of the sales tax increase. Page 7 - CouncillRDA Minutes January 20, 2009 /13 -7 DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (continued) Richard Preuss, representing Chula Vista Employees Association, spoke in support of the sales tax increase. Sarah Way, asked that the library and its services be included for additional funding, should the proposed tax measure pass. With respect to managing department budgets, she suggested that rather than the current "use it or lose it" mentality, that departments bankroll any savings for the next fiscal year. Mariana Lopez, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of the proposed sales tax increase, and also spoke in support of establishing a citizens committee that would be comprised of members not necessarily all with a financial background, but with common sense also. Mitch Thompson, Chula Vista resident, spoke of the need by the Council to consider the implications should the proposed sales tax measure fail. City Manager Sandoval addressed some of the comments made by the speakers. With respect to pension reform, he stated that current City contracts with employee unions were in place for another 18 months, and that the City could not wait 18 months without addressing the budget problem. Regarding any negative impacts of the sales tax increase on individuals and businesses, he commented that businesses in other cities in the region that had raised sales tax had not been negatively impacted. Regarding speaker comments about decisions made by previous administrations that resulted in the current state of the City, he stated that reforms need to be in place to prevent future errors, and that information needs to be provided to the Council to give short and long term impacts for all items under consideration. He also recommended a zero-based budget to show true operating costs. With respect to questions about the proposed ballot measure language, he stated that there was a 75-word limit, and should the ballot measure pass, staff would look at restoring service levels that the community had been experiencing over the past several years. He explained the recommendation for a one-cent sales tax increase, rather than a half-cent increase, stating that this would provide the restoration of services and the ability to help build the reserves. He further explained that the proposal for a IO-year term for the sales tax would place the City on sound financial footing and make gains on infrastructure improvements. Council member Bensoussan thanked the City's bargaining groups for foregoing their cost of living adjustments. She responded to the earlier recommendation by City Manager Sandoval for formation of a Citizens Review Committee, comprising of members with financial expertise, and she suggested that the committee membership not be comprised solely of members with financial expertise, but should also include community members representing various geographical areas of the City. With respect to the proposed ballot language, she suggested the inclusion of libraries in the ballot text. Mayor Cox then suggested substituting the word "criminal" with "library services." Councilmember Bensoussan concurred with the substitution. Page 8- CouncillRDA Minutes January 20, 2009 //3 ~ f DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (continued) Deputy Mayor McCann spoke in opposition to the sales tax measure. He then submitted to the Council, an alternative proposal that included proposed cuts and revenue enhancements. Discussion ensued between the Councilmembers regarding Deputy Mayor McCann's budget proposal. Councilmember Ramirez spoke in support of the amendment to the ballot language. He also spoke in support of sustainable development, and letting the people vote on the proposed tax measure. He commented on the proposed alternative budget proposal by Deputy Mayor McCann, stating that the sale of City property would be counter-productive to the City's long- term fiscal stability, and that he needed more data about the sale of cell tower leases. To that end, he asked staff to respond to Deputy Mayor McCann's budget proposal. City Manager Sandoval responded with two main concerns, that with respect to cell tower leases, the City could stand to loose 90 percent of its value over the long term if it took the money now, and regarding the sale of City property, he commented that a comparison of property values from 2005 values versus today's values reflected a 25-percent reduction. Councilmember Castaneda spoke of the need to provide the citizens with options, and to offer the City's remaining employees a sense of stability. He also spoke in support of eliminating employee car allowances, and placing the tax measure on the ballot. ACTION: Councilmember Bensoussan moved to adopt the following Resolution No. 2009- 011, to place the ordinance on first reading, and to adopt Resolution No. 2009- 012, with amended ballot language adding the three words, "library services and" after the word, "preserving", and retaining the word, "criminal", to read as follows: "To prevent further cuts and preserve general city services, including public safety staffing for emergency response, reducing crime and criminal gang/drug activity, maintaining city streets/parks, and preserving librarv services and youth/after-school programs; shall the City of Chula Vista adopt an ordinance enacting a one cent transactions and use (sales) tax, expiring in ten years, with mandatory audits, quarterly reports to Mayor and City Council, and a citizens' review committee?" Headings read, text waived: A. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-011, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ENDORSING THE CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSED "CHULA VISTA FISCAL HEALTH PLAN" B. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADDING CHAPTER 3.38 TO TITLE 3 OF THE CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING A TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (FIRST READING) Page 9 - Council/RDA Minutes January 20, 2009 /.6 - ~ DRAFT ACTION ITEMS (continued) C. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-012, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MAIL BALLOT ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON TUESDA Y, MAY 5, 2009, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY, A MEASURE RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LOCAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE (SALES) TAX; REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO TO PERMIT THE REGISTRAR OF VOTERS TO CONDUCT SUCH ELECTION; AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK OR HER DULY AUTHORIZED AGENTS TO CARRY OUT THE NECESSARY PROCEDURES FOR SUCH ELECTION; AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF THE MEASURE Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 4-1, with Deputy Mayor McCann voting no. ACTION: Mayor Cox moved for the Council to authorize the Mayor to draft and submit an argument and rebuttal for the ballot measure relating to the establishment of a local Transaction and Use (Sales) Tax, and authorize the Council to endorse such ballot argument. Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 4-1, with Deputy Mayor McCann opposed. At 10:06 p.m., Mayor Cox announced a recess of the Council meeting. The meeting reconvened at 10:21 p.m. with all. members present. OTHER BUSINESS 8. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS There were none. . 9. MA YOR'S REPORTS Mayor Cox invited interested community members to apply for a position for one of the three current vacancies on the City's Growth Management Oversight Commission. She announced the recent grand opening of Primo's Deli on Third Avenue. Mayor Cox reported that the Nature Center had its biggest attendance day ever last Saturday, with over 617 guests, and $3,500 in revenue; and there were over 700 guests on Sunday and $2,000 in revenue. 10. COUNCILMEMBERS' COMMENTS Councilmember Bensoussan referred to a memorandum on the dais from she and Councilmember Castaneda about the upcoming Council Energy Subcommittee Meeting on February II, 2009, to address a Public Hearing by the Regional Quality Control Board, regarding the South Bay Power Plant NPDES permit. Page 10- CounciVRDA Minutes January 20, 2009 /6 -:/C> DRAFT COUNCILMEMBERS' COMMENTS (continued) Councilmember Ramirez - Consideration of reassignment of Council committees. Councilmember Ramirez spoke about the recent selection of Council Committee assignments, and his appointment to the University Subcommittee. To that end, he stated that since the Mayor's role was so vitally important to this particular project, he requested reconsideration by the Council to include the Mayor in the subcommittee. ACTION: Councilmember Ramirez moved to rescind the previous decision by the Council. Councilmember Bensoussan seconded the motion and it carried 4-1, with Deputy Mayor McCann opposed. ACTION: Councilmember Ramirez moved to reconstitute a University Subcommittee comprised of Councilmember Ramirez and Mayor Cox. Councilmember Bensoussan seconded the motion and it carried 4-1, with Deputy Mayor McCann opposed. Councilmember Castaneda spoke about his attendance at a recent meeting with staff and constituents at Veterans Park, regarding the Bus Rapid Transit alignment through eastern Chula Vista. He stated that there were community concerns over the proposal to narrow Brandywine and dedicate parking for the transit system adjacent to single family neighborhoods. He stated that staff would be presenting a public hearing on the matter before the Council, and he thanked staff and SANDAG representatives who were present at the meeting to discuss and assist with ideas to mitigate the issues brought forth by the community. Deputy Mayor McCann thanked the City's bargaining groups and citizens for their work on solutions to address the City's financial crisis. He congratulated Mayor Cox on her appointment to the University Subcommittee, stating he would do his part to support the subcommittee. He requested a report from the City Manager on the status of curb cuts and disabled access where Mr. Quinones was killed, and on the status of the auto park signage. He thanked Steve Eastis, representing the Third Avenue Village Association, Lisa Cohen and Lourdes Valdez, representing the Chamber of Commerce, and Earl Jentz for their participation at the recent Americans with Disabilities Act seminar. ACTION: Councilmember Bensoussan moved to direct staff to place a report by the Council Energy Subcommittee on the January 27, 2009 agenda for the Regional Water Quality Control Board February J J, 2009 Public Hearing on South Bay Power Plant NPDES permit. Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 4-0, with Councilmember Ramirez absent from the dais. Mayor Cox recessed the meeting to convene in Closed Session at 10:37 p.m. Page 11 - CouncilfRDA Minutes January 20, 2009 /~ -// DRAFT CLOSED SESSION I!. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(a): Yolanda Aguirre v. City ofChula Vista, et aI. San Diego Superior Court, Case No. 37- 2007-00070355-CU-PO-SC No reportable action was taken on this item. 12. 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 Unrepresented Groups No reportable action was taken on this item. ADJOURNMENT At Il:I6 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to an Adjourned Regular Meeting on January 24, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot in front of the Council Chambers, and thence to the Regular Meeting of January 27, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. .___-7_______. ~ .------- .?--' Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Page 12- Council/RDA Minutes January 20, 2009 /G-/."L