HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2009/04/07MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
April 7, 2009
4:00 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 4:05
p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Bensoussan, Castaneda, McCann, and Mayor
Cox
ABSENT: Councilmember Ramirez (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Sandoval, Deputy City Attorney Shirey, 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 POLICE CHIEF EMERSON OF EMPLOYEE OF THE
MONTH, CHRISTINA TAFOYA, EVIDENCE CONTROL ASSISTANT
Captain Wesdge introduced employee of the month, Christina Tafoya. Mayor Cox read the
proclamation and Deputy Mayor McCann presented it to Christina.
PRESENTATION BY POLICE CHIEF EMERSON OF RECENT PROMOTIONS:
LIEUTENANT PHIL COLLUM, LIEUTENANT VERN SALLEE, SERGEANT
HENRY MARTIN AND SERGEANT CHRISTINE PENWELL
Police Chief Emerson introduced and recognized the recently promoted officers.
PRESENTATION BY MAYOR COX OF A PROCLAMATION TO TONYA
TOROSIAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES COMMISSION, PROCLAIMING APRIL AS
"CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH"
Mayor Cox read the proclamation and Councilmember Bensoussan presented it to Ms. Torosian.
Mayor Cox then recognized Graphic Designer Ryan Bethke who was present at the meeting, and
she expressed gratitude for his service to the City, since he would be leaving due to budget-
related layoffs.
Page 1 -Council Minutes Apri] 7, 2009
CONSENT CALENDAR
(Items 1-7)
Councilmember Castaneda stated he would be abstaining from voting on Item 4. The item was
removed from the Consent Calendaz and voted upon separately.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of December 9, 2008.
Staff recommendation: Council approve the minutes.
2. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Letter of Resignation from Brett Davis, member of the Resource Conservation
Commission.
Staff recommendation: Council accept the resignations and direct the City Clerk to post
the vacancies in accordance with Maddy Act requirements.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-071, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA TRANSFERRING UNCLAIMED MONIES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $98,372 FROM THE CASH BOND DEPOSIT FUND TO THE
GENERAL FUND
The City currently has unclaimed monies in the Cash Bond Deposit Fund. The money
was deposited by the Police Department in accordance with Government Code Article 3,
Section 50050 provisions, which state that money that remains unclaimed for three yeazs
may become the property of the City after certain advertising requirements are met.
Adoption of the resolution transfers $98,372 which is now eligible for transfer, to the
General Fund. (Police Chief)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
4 Item 4 was removed from the Consent Calendar.
S.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-074, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA DECLARING A PORTION OF THE SOUTH SIDE OF
BONITA ROAD LYING ADJACENT TO THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 36, 42,
50 AND 58 BONITA ROAD EXCESS RIGHT OF WAY, ORDERING THE
SUMMARY VACATION OF SUCH PORTION, AND DIRECTING THE CITY
CLERK TO RECORD ALL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED WITH THE COUNTY
RECORDER
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-075, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA DECLARING A PORTION OF CITY-OWNED BONITA
ROAD LYING ADJACENT TO THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 50 BONITA ROAD
(APN 570-130-32) AS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND
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CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued)
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-076, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING THE OFFER TO PURCHASE THE EXCESS
PORTION OF CITY-OWNED BONITA ROAD ADJACENT TO THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 50 BONITA ROAD (APN 570-130-32) TO THE OWNER OF THE
PROPERTY AT 50 BONITA ROAD AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF
ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION
The owner of property located at 50 Bonita Road has requested to purchase an unused,
excess portion of City-owned Bonita Road lying between her property and the traveled
roadway. This azea was left unneeded after the construction of the E Street Extension in
1963. In order to sell this land, Council is required to vacate the existing public access
rights and declare the vacated portion as exempt surplus land. (Public Works Director)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolutions.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-077, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A CHANGE ORDER FOR BROOKFIELD
SHEA OTAY, LLC FOR THE GRADING OF EASTLAKE PARKWAY PHASE 3
AND HUNTE PARKWAY PHASE 3
Brookfield Shea Otay, LLC has constructed Eastlake Parkway Phase 3 and Hunte
Pazkway Phase 3 in conjunction with the development of Otay Ranch Village 11
(Winding Walk). These roadways are within the Transportation Development Impact
Fee (TDIF) program, and therefore, eligible construction costs aze credited against the
payment of TDIF fees for the development. The Phase 3 segments of the two roadways
were constructed using the same unit prices as the Phase 2 segments and aze therefore
considered a construction change order. Change orders above $50,000 are subject to
Council approval. (Deputy City Manager/Development Services Director)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING TITLE 17, SECTION
17.10.100 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO FACILITATE THE DEFERRAL OF IN-
LIEU PARK FEES
On December 16, 2008, City Council approved the creation of a payment plan program
for development processing and impact fees due to the current economic downturn. This
action would allow developers to also defer Park Acquisition and Development fees to a
time later than the approval and recordation of the parcel or final map, or for
development that does not require a parcel or final map, later than permit issuance. The
purpose of the fee deferral program is for the purpose of stimulating economic
development within the City of Chula Vista. Both fee deferral programs will expire on
December 31, 2010 and in no way relieve developers for fee obligations. (Deputy City
Manager/Development Services Director)
Staff recommendation: Council hold first reading of the ordinance.
Page 3 -Council Minutes April 7, 2009
CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued)
ACTION: Councilmember Castaneda moved to approve staffs recommendations and
offered Consent Calendar Items 1-3, 5 and 6, headings read, text waived. Deputy
Mayor McCann seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
4 A. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-072, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING $444,000 FROM THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA E-911 REPLACEMENT FUND FOR POLICE COMMUNICATIONS
CENTER TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-073, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA PARTICIPATING IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA'S
MASTER PURCHASE AGREEMENT #5-06-58-(11-19) TO PURCHASE POLICE
COMMUNICATIONS RELATED EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE
The State of California has a program to fund replacement of equipment for public safety
dispatch centers. Every five years, the City of Chula Vista is eligible to replace dispatch
equipment via State funds. The last upgrade to the City of Chula Vista's Police Dispatch
Center equipment was in 2004. (Police Chief)
Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution.
ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann moved to approve staffs recommendation and offered
Resolution Nos. 2009-072 and 2009-073, headings read, text waived.
Councilmember Bensoussan seconded the motion and it carried 3-0-1, with
Councilmember Castaneda abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Juan Cazlos Linores, Chula Vista resident, asked for staff's assistance on ways to lower his sewer
bill. Mayor Cox referred the matter to staff.
At 4:27 p.m., Mayor Cox postponed further public comments in order to address Item 9A, which
was scheduled to be heard at 4:30 p.m., time certain.
9A. MAYOR'S REPORTS
4:30 p.m.
Time Certain
COMMITTEE CHAIRS FROM THE MAYOR'S TASK FORCE FOR CREATING A
SUSTAINABLE CHULA VISTA NATURE CENTER WILL PRESENT THEIR
PRELIMINARY REPORT
Mayor Cox presented the preliminary report from the Mayor's Task Force formed to create a
sustainability plan for the Chula Vista Nature Center. She provided an overview and history of
the Nature Center and potential restructuring solutions.
Page 4 -Council Minutes April 7, 2009
9A. MAYOR' S REPORTS (Continued)
Mayor Cox introduced Dr. Brian Joseph, who provided information on successful transitions
from City to non-profit by other organizations. He stated that the task force had researched
models for successful transitions, including the review of agreements and bylaws. The task force
also reviewed the Nature Center's achievements that would aide a potential transition, concerns
about a transition to anon-profit organization, marketing needs, and staffing.
Recreation/Nature Center Director Martin provided information related to staffing and revenue
opportunities.
Renee Herren, representing RCH Consulting, provided recommendations for fundraising.
Economic Development Manager Stone presented a mazketing plan for the organization, and
talked about a mazket-based set of strategies and tactics.
Dan Biggs provided information about the recommended process of transitioning to anon-profit
operation, including financial structure, reduced hours of operation, and an organizational
reconfiguration.
Mayor Cox provided the Task Force's preliminary recommendations.
The following members of the public spoke in favor of the preliminary report and proposed
recommendations:
Lura B. Cox, Chula Vista resident.
JoAnn Fields, Chula Vista resident, representing Filipino-American caucus of San Diego
County. Ms. Fields also requested consideration of potential impacts of the proposed reduced
hours on school children visiting the Nature Center.
The following members of the public did not wish to
Preliminary Report and recommendations:
Judy Cave, Chula Vista resident
Barbaza Main, Bonita resident
Susan Fuller, Imperial Beach resident
Ken Weimer, Chula Vista resident
Zaneta Encarnacion
Kamry Fields, Chula Vista resident
Aline King, Lemon Grove resident
Danny Sedivec, Chula Vista resident
Forrest Smith, Chula Vista resident
Jodie Medrano, Chula Vista resident
Manami, La Mesa resident
Jessica Rodriguez, Imperial Beach resident
speak, but submitted cazds in support of the
Deputy Mayor McCann spoke in favor of performance-based fundraising efforts for the Nature
Center. He suggested that the City's name be incorporated in to any potential re-branding of the
Nature Center's name. He stated that the crucial period for the Nature Center was now through
the next six months, during its transition, and stated there was a need to monitor cash flow.
Page 5 -Council Minutes Apri] 7, 2009
9A. MAYOR'S REPORTS (Continued)
Councilmember Bensoussan spoke in favor of an increase in admission fees for the Nature
Center, and she pointed out that even with an increase, the admission fee would still the lowest in
the region, compared with similaz entities. She spoke in opposition to reducing operating hours.
She also stated that it was a priority to increase the Nature Center operating budget for mazketing
purposes, which would also benefit local businesses by attracting visitors to shop and dine in
Chula Vista. She also requested that eco-tourism be added to the list of marketing targets.
Councilmember Castaneda cautioned against an increase in admission fees to the Nature Center,
so as not to price out Chula Vista residents, and he suggested offering a reduced admission fee
for residents.
ACTION: Mayor Cox moved to accept the report and refer to staff to bring the item back
before the City Council in three to four weeks. Councilmember Bensoussan
seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
At 5:40 p.m., Mayor Cox resumed Public Comments, and the following members of the public
were heard:
Carlos Lopez, Chula Vista resident, representing Communities Taking Action, spoke in
opposition to the proposed MMC peaker power plant.
Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, representing the Southwest Chula Vista Civic Association,
spoke in opposition to the proposed MMC pecker power plant, and to a letter to the CEC
(California Energy Commission) from the City.
OTHER BUSINESS
8. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
City Manager Sandoval reported that the Port had taken action on the City s draft Environmental
Impact Report and Land Swap, and that City staff would be meeting with the Port staff in an
effort to move forwazd. He announced the impending retirement of Police Chief Emerson,
stating that Chief Emerson would continue serving as Police Chief until his replacement was
recruited. He thanked Chief Emerson for his leadership and service to the City. He announced
the City's recent receipt of the "Life Level Four 2008 Difference Maker" awazd by the San
Diego Blood Bank for exceeding its annual goal of 125 pints of blood, with a total of 148 pints
received.
9. MAYOR'S REPORTS
A. This item was taken out of order and addressed at time certain 4:30 p.m.
B. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF MARY MCDERMOTT TO
THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
Page 6 -Council Minutes April 7, 2009
MAYOR'S REPORTS (Continued)
C. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF JAMES DOUD TO THE
GROWTH MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMISSION AS THE
SOUTHWEST REPRESENTATIVE
D. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ARMIDA TORRES TO THE
GROWTH MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMISSION AS THE
BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE
ACTION: Mayor Cox moved to ratify the appointment of Mazy McDermott, James Doud,
and Armida Torres to their respective commissions. Deputy Mayor McCann
seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.
Mayor Cox announced receipt of a letter from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
California, congratulating the Chula Vista Police Department on receiving the Law Enforcement
Agency of the Year Award, to be presented on April 18, 2009. She announced that a report on
the Destination Lindbergh plan would be presented to the Council at an upcoming meeting.
10. COUNCILMEMBERS' COMMENTS
Deputy Mayor McCann requested staff to docket for a Council meeting in May, an invitation to
local water agencies to give a report on the current water situation and recommendations for
community efforts on how to conserve water. He also requested staff to docket on an upcoming
agenda, the current fiscal yeaz budget deficit and achieving a balanced budget prior to the fiscal
year end. He thanked Chief Emerson for his service to the City and looked forward to the
process for recruitment of a new Police Chief.
Councilmember Castaneda congratulated Chula Vista Police Officers Leo Banales and Alicia
Chudy, who were recognized at the recent San Diego MADD Annual Recognition banquet.
Officer Banales was recognized as the Chula Vista Police Department DUI Officer of the Year,
and Officer Chudy was awarded the Officer Christopher D. Lydon Memorial Award, presented
to only one officer per year in San Diego County, for her work in combating DUI. He also
recognized and congratulated Sgt. Kenny Heinz, who was awazded the 2009 Spirit of Courage by
the San Diego Burn Institute for his selfless rescue of a young woman trapped in a burning caz.
He thanked and congratulated these officers as well as all City employees who did their best each
day for the City.
Councilmember Bensoussan announced the recent groundbreaking event at Chula Vista High
School for school renovations financed by the sale of bonds approved in November 2006 through
Proposition "O". She announced the upcoming Western Revitalization Subcommittee Meeting
on April 14, 2009 at 5:00 p.m., at the Maria Candelaria Restaurant, 323 Third Avenue, to discuss
the topic of Community Gazdens in Western Chula Vista. She also announced an upcoming
presentation at the Chula Vista Public Library Auditorium on April 22, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. w
7:00 p.m., on the potential impacts of Climate Change on Chula Vista.
Mayor Cox recessed the meeting to convene in Closed Session at 6:00 p.m.
Page 7 -Council Minutes April 7, 2009
CLOSED SESSION
11. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54957
Title: Human Resources Director
ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann moved to appoint Kelley Bacon as the Human Resources
Director. Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:10 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to the Regular Meeting of April 21, 2009 at
6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. (The meeting of April 14, 2009 was cancelled).
Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Page 8 -Council Minutes April 7, 2009