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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2009/04/28MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA April 28, 2009 4:00 P.M. A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 4:00 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, City Attorney Miesfeld, City Clerk Norris, and Deputy City Clerk Bennett PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILEN SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY PRESENTATION BY KELLEY BACON, HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW SUGGESTION AWARDS PROGRAM Human Resources Director Bacon presented the PRIDE STARS suggestion awards program, and explained the eligibility requirements for the awards. Councilmember Castaneda asked staff to provide an informational item with all suggestions from departments. Councilmember Ramirez encouraged staff to consider all suggestions, whether eligible for the program awards or not. Furthermore, he suggested that there be a feedback process between the review committee and employees. Deputy Mayor McCann asked staff to offer employee's online access to the program, as well as the ability for suggestions to be submitted anonymously. PRESENTATION ON THE "DESTINATION LINDBERGH" EFFORT BY TOM SMISEK, SAN DIEGO COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEMBER, MARY SESSOM, MAYOR OF LEMON GROVE; AND KEITH WILSCHEZ, SAN DIEGO COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY PLANNING DIRECTOR Lemon Grove Mayor Sessom, representing San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), highlighted the transportation elements of the proposed "Destination Lindbergh" plan that focused on the incorporation of an airport transportation center to connect all modes of transport. Page 1 -Council Minutes Apri128, 2009 SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) Tom Smisek introduced the concept of the "Destination Lindbergh" plan, and spoke about the collaborative efforts between the various agencies working on the conceptual airport plan. Airport Authority Planning Director Keith Wilschez presented the Destination Lindberg conceptual plan, including the ad-hoc committee's recommendations for expansion of the airport. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1-9) Councilmember Castaneda stated he would be abstaining from voting on Item 2. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of January 6, 2009. Staff recommendation: Council approve the minutes. 2. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-087, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ESTABLISHING AN IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION PROGRAM IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT TRANSACTION ACT The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction (FACT) Act, has set "red flag" rules requiring the City to establish written programs that provide for the detection of and response to specific activities ("red flags") that could be related to identify theft. (Finance Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. 4. A. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-088, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACTING AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF REASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2001-1 OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ORDERING JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF DELINQUENT SPECIAL REASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO THE REFUNDING ACT OF 1984 FOR 1915 IMPROVEMENT ACT BONDS B. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-089, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACTING AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF REASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2001-2 OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ORDERING JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF DELINQUENT SPECIAL REASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO THE REFUNDING ACT OF 1984 FOR 1915 IMPROVEMENT ACT BONDS Page 2 - Counci] Minutes April 28, 2009 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) C. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-090, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACTING AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF REASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2005-2 OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ORDERING JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF DELINQUENT SPECIAL REASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO THE REFUNDING ACT OF 1984 FOR 1915 IMPROVEMENT ACT BONDS D. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-091, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACTING AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2006-IA OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ORDERING JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF DELINQUENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO THE MELLO-ROOS COMMUNITY FACILITIES ACT OF 1982 E. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-092, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACTING AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF COMMUNITY FACILITTES DISTRICT NO. 2008-I OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ORDERING JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF DELINQUENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO THE MELLO-ROOS COMMUNITY FACILITIES ACT OF 1982 As part of the City's fiduciary role in administering assessment districts and community facilities districts, Finance staff has been working with NBS, the City's special tax administrator, to address delinquent payments of special assessments. Ten parcels affecting six different districts have been identified as being delinquent in paying their special assessments and now face judicial foreclosure pursuant to the Bond Indenture. (Finance Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolutions. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-093, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE BORROWING OF FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009/2010, THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF A 2009/2010 TAX AND REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE THEREFOR AND PARTICIPATION IN THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES CASH FLOW FINANCING PROGRAM In order to address cash shortfalls that are projected to occur in the General Fund during Fiscal Year 2009/2010 due to the cyclical nature of some of the City's major revenue sources, it is recommended that the City once again take advantage of the opportunity to borrow money on a short-term basis at a low cost by issuing a Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note (TRANS) through the pooled financing program sponsored by California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA). A TRANS is recommended as an alternative to borrowing from other City Funds. (Finance Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. Page 3 -Council Minutes Apri128, 2009 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) 6. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-094, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS TASK FORCE'S SELECTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2009/2010 PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS GRANTS RECIPIENTS AND MONETARY GRANT AWARDS TOTALING $41,450 In 1997, the City Council approved a sublease with Live Nation, Ina (formerly Universal Concerts) that established a process whereby ticket sales proceeds at the Cricket Wireless (formerly Coors) Amphitheater would be paid to the City and utilized for a Performing and Visual Arts Fund. This fund is to be used for arts grants to the Chula Vista community for the purpose of promoting and stimulating the growth of performing and cultural arts within the City of Chula Vista. This year the Chula Vista Public Librazy received $42, 952.95 from Live Nation for their 2008 Concert Series, an increase of over $6,000 from the previous two years. (Deputy City Manager/Library Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. 7. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-095, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN On May 2, 2006, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted an order requiring owners/operators of sanitary sewer systems greater than one mile in length to comply with certain regulations aimed at decreasing the likelihood of sewer overflows. These requirements aze to be described by a "Sanitary Sewer Management Plan" specific to each agency. Each agency is required to obtain approval of their Sewer System Management Program from their respective governing body. (Public Works Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt this resolution. 8. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-096, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION AND CERTIFYING MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE I STREET SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS AND APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE BIKEWAY MASTER PLAN UPDATE TO THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SANDAL) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009/2010 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) AND TRANSNET FUNDING FOR BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PROJECTS The Transportation Development Act (TDA) and the TransNet Program provide funding support for regional bicycle and pedestrian capital improvement projects. A Council resolution approving grant applications is required by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAL). (Public Works Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. Page 4 -Council Minutes April 28, 2009 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) 9. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-097, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, AND NCSDI NO. 1 LLC (SUDBERRY PROPERTIES) REGARDING THE PROCESSING OF ENTITLEMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GATEWAY SHOPPING CENTER, LOCATED AT THE NORTHERN TERMINUS OF BROADWAY (NATIONAL CITY BOULEVARD) Sudberry Properties is planning to construct a shopping center located at the site of the former Harbor drive-in theatre. The site is comprised of multiple parcels that are located within the jurisdictions of Chula Vista and National City. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) clarifies the roles of each city with regard to discretionary permit processing, building and fire code compliance, environmental review, impact fees, schedule, financing of public improvements, and other related topics. Staff from both cities, as well as the developer of the site, have reviewed the attached MOU and found its terms and conditions to be mutually acceptable. (Deputy City Manager/Development Services Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. ACTION: Mayor Cox moved to approve staff s recommendations and offered the balance of the Consent Calendar (Items 1, and 3-9), headings read, text waived. Councilmember Bensoussan seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR 2. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-086, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF THE REMAINING UNEXPENDED PROCEEDS OF THE 2004 CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION (CIVIC CENTER PROJECT -PHASE 1) AND THE 2006 CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION, (CIVIC CENTER PROJECT -PHASE 2) TO REIMBURSE THE PUBLIC FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE FUND, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CERTAIN ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH The Public Facilities Development Impact Fee fund (PFDIF) paid for the capital expenditures of Phase 3 of the Civic Center remodel, which is now complete. Adoption of the resolution approves reimbursement of the PFDIF fund using available funds in the 2004 and 2006 Certificate of Participation bond proceeds. (Finance Director) Staff recommendation: Council adopt the resolution. ACTION: Mayor Cox moved to approve staffls recommendation, and offered Item 2, heading read, text waived. Councilmember Bensoussan seconded the motion and it carried 4-0-1, with Councilmember Castaneda abstaining due to the proximity of his property to the project. Page 5 -Council Minutes April 28, 2009 PUBLIC COMMENTS Larry Breitfelder, Chula Vista resident, representing the Chula Vista Taxpayers Association, stated that there would be no local drop-off location for the Proposition A ballots, and that the ballots must be received by May 5. He then spoke in opposition to Proposition A. City Clerk Norris clazified that the City Clerk's Office would be open on May 5, 2009 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to receive ballots. Tracey Lamb, Chula Vista resident, and Chula Vista Olympic Training Center (OTC) President, invited everyone to participate in the Chula Vista Community Fun Run on June 6, 2009, at the Olympic Training Center. He stated that event proceeds would benefit the Chula Vista Nature Center, Library, Recreation, and Animal Shelter. Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, representing the Southwest Chula Vista Civic Association, announced the upcoming "Help Our Neighbors" event on May 2, 2009, and invited volunteers to help revitalize two homes on the southwest side of the City. Guillermo Lopez, Chula Vista resident, thanked Councilmembers Ramirez, Bensoussan and Building Official El-Khazen for assistance with granting a building permit application extension to Ms. Mazia Lena Lopez. He then spoke in favor of Proposition A, and in opposition to Deputy Mayor McCann's opposition to Proposition A. ACTION ITEMS ] 0. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PURSUE APUBLIC-PRNATE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRIENDS OF THE CHULA VISTA NATURE CENTER FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CHULA VISTA NATURE CENTER At the City Council meeting on April 7, 2009, Committee Chairs from the Mayor's Task Force for Creating a Sustainable Chula Vista Nature Center provided a presentation outlining and summarizing the work of the Task Force to date. Their preliminary recommendations were both detailed and numerous, the result of six separate committees focusing on separate and distinct issues. This report presents staff s recommendations on how the City should proceed in efforts to preserve the Nature Center, both as a valuable asset of the City, and from anoperational/management point of view. (Recreation and Nature Center Director) City Manager Sandoval introduced Recreation Director Martin who presented the proposed conceptual funding plan for the Nature Center with the recommendation by staff to establish a public-private partnership and an operating agreement with anon-profit organization. He provided staff's recommendation to transition Nature Center operations to anon-profit organization, with a tazget date of January 1, 2010, to transition City employees to non-profit employees by December 31, 2009, and to select Friends of the Chula Vista Nature Center as a partner. Page 6 -Council Minutes April 28, 2009 ACTION ITEMS (Continued) Ken Weimer, Chula Vista resident, representing the Friends of the Chula Vista Nature Center, spoke in support of the operating agreement, in principle, and to the concept of staffls recommendations. He stated, however, that the timeframe and funding levels cited were too optimistic for a smooth transition of the Nature Center. He stated that the Friends of the Nature Center would work diligently with staff for a successful transition. Lura Cox, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of retaining the Nature Center and of staffs recommendation for apublic-private partnership. Madeline Tucker, Bonita resident and student at Discovery Elementary, spoke in support of the Nature Center, stating that she recently started a school recycling program in an effort to raise funding for the Nature Center, and to-date, had raised $150. Mary Ann Saponara, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of the Nature Center and also on behalf of her son who, during his school years, had benefited from the Nature Center's programs. She added that she was cun•ently enrolled in the Nature Center docent training program, and was volunteering her time to assist with outreach efforts to keep Nature Center programs going. Manami Watanabe, La Mesa resident and Grossmont College student, spoke in support of retaining the Nature Center. She stated that her biology professor had sent his students to the Nature Center to write a report about whether or not the Nature Center should remain open, and that the report results would be presented to the Council. Bruce Bennett, Coronado resident, spoke in support of the Nature Center, stating that his family and friends were frequent visitors. He commented that the Nature Center was a regional asset that was unique and set itself apart from national nature centers. The following members of the public did not wish to speak, but submitted speaker slips in support of retaining the Nature Center: Barbara Main, Bonita resident Aline King, Lemon Grove resident and Chula Vista home owner Susan Fuller, Imperial Beach resident Nancy Stimebuck, Chula Vista resident C. Woodring, Chula Vista resident Mayor Cox stated that fundraising was key to keeping the Nature Center open, and that since December, 2008, a little over $580,000 was raised, of which $250,000 was part of a challenge grant, with the goal of reaching $750,000. Councilmember Bensoussan announced that the Nature Center was the recent recipient of an award for its participation in the Clapper Rail breeding program, and stated that the transition to anon-profit would lead to a better Nature Center with national recognition. Deputy Mayor McCann commented on the City's partnership with the Chula Vista Elementary School District for student field trips to the Nature Center, and he suggested that a note be included with the student field trip permission slips, encouraging donations of a dollar or more for the Nature Center. Page 7 -Council Minutes April 28, 2009 ACTION ITEMS (Continued) Mayor Cox encouraged interested members of the public to get involved with board membership for the Nature Center. She stated that she would remain committed to raising $10,000 in the next 30 days. She thanked Councilmember Bensoussan for her work on the Task Force, and also thanked staff and volunteers for their work. ACTION: Mayor Cox moved to adopt the following Resolution No. 2009-098, heading read, text waived: RESOLUTION NO. 2009-098, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PURSUE A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AND OPERATING AGREEMENT WITH THE FRIENDS OF THE CHULA VISTA NATURE CENTER FOR OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NATURE CENTER, AND APPROVING TWO CONCEPTUAL FUNDING PLANS AS A BASIS OF INITIAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE FRIENDS OF THE CHULA VISTA NATURE CENTER (4/STHS VOTE REQUIRED) Councilmember Bensoussan seconded the motion and it carried 5-0. OTHER BUSINESS 11. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS City Manager Sandoval commented on the status of the current 2009/2010 budget deficit, stating that staff had made great strides .in closing the deficit, and would be bringing a full report to Council at its meeting of May 12, 2009. He stated that Finance Director Kachadoorian would provide a brief overview of the upcoming report. 12. MAYOR'S REPORTS Mayor Cox announced the Third Avenue Village Association's Cinco de Mayo event on May 2, 2009. She also invited everyone to participate in the Chula Vista Community SK Fun Run on June 6, 2009 with all event proceeds benefiting local Chula Vista charities. 13. COUNCILMEMBERS' COMMENTS Deputy Mayor McCann commented that this year was the Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation's 10th anniversary. To that end, he suggested that the Foundation be recognized with a proclamation. Mayor Cox responded that the proclamation would be delivered to the Veterans Home. Deputy Mayor McCann spoke about his attendance at the recent Day of the Child event, and was honored to give the kick-off speech at the opening reception. He also attended the April Pools Day event at Loma Verde pool, showcasing child swim safety awazeness. He then addressed earlier public comments by Mr. Lopez regarding Proposition A, stating his opposition to the one percent sales tax increase. City Attorney Miesfeld advised the Council to keep comments related to the proposition limited to the facts of the measure. Page 8 -Council Minutes Apri128, 2009 OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) Councilmember Castaneda deferred to Finance Director Kachadoorian for the overview of the budget report. Finance Director Kachadoorian then gave a brief update on current trends regarding the City's budget deficit, projected at $3.5 million. She also provided information on ongoing efforts to reduce the deficit, including continuation of the administrative freeze, additional layoffs and cuts that would occur if new revenues were not identified, continuation of the early retirement program until June 26, 2009. She stated additional information would be provided with the third quarter fiscal update and budget presentation scheduled for May 12, 2009. ACTION: Deputy Mayor McCann moved to convene a Council Workshop on May 7, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. to address the current fiscal year budget deficit. The motion died for lack of a second. Councilmember Castaneda spoke about the recent Earth Day event at Balboa Park, and his participation as a pane] member in a forum for high school students about climate change. He commented on how well informed the students were on the issue. He talked about the recent Public Safety Subcommittee meeting that addressed future plans for the Fire Department in terms of providing greater and more efficient advanced life support to the community. He thanked Fire Chief Hanneman and City Manager Sandoval for moving forward to ensure public safety. He reminded the community about the upcoming Cinco de Mayo event on May 2, 2009. Deputy Mayor McCann added to the comments by Councilmember Castaneda regarding the Public Safety Subcommittee meeting, and thanked Fire Chief Hanneman, Fire Department personnel, and City staff who participated, commending them on plans to move forward with providing advanced life support on City fire trucks, without using general fund money. Councilmember Ramirez announced his next Public Office Hours, scheduled for May 4, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, to discuss the reorganization of the Development Services Department. Councilmember Bensoussan spoke about the City's recent participation and her attendance at the National Conference on Climate Change meeting at the public library, to discuss the effects of global warming on the region. She stated that attendees were provided water-saving kits, and that members of the public could contact the City's Conservation and Environmental Services Department to obtain remaining water kits. She announced the upcoming Western Revitalization Council Subcommittee Meeting on May 11, 2009 at 5:30 p.m., at Ciao Restaurant, 4360 Main Street, to hear a presentation by the South County Economic Development Council on recession proofing for businesses. Mayor Cox addressed comments about information posted on the City's website regarding Proposition A as being anything other than legitimate and lawful. To that end, she asked City Manager Sandoval and City Attorney Miesfeld to provide information on the process used to place the information on the websire. Page 9-Council Minutes Apri128, 2009 OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) City Manager Sandoval stated that prior to publishing the information on the City's website regazding Proposition A, staff had provided the City Attorney with proposed content, and had published the information that had been approved by the City Attorney. City Attorney Miesfeld stated that his office had reviewed the information proposed to be placed on the City's website, and had also consulted with special counsel specializing in election law. He stated that the City Attorney's office then provided the approved content to the City Manager for publishing. Mayor Cox recessed the meeting at 6:16 p.m., and announced that the Council would reconvene in Closed Session at 6:30 p.m. CLOSED SESSION 14. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(a): A. DJ Allen v. City of Chula Vista, San Diego Superior Court, Case No. 37-2007- 00069534-CU-PO-SC There was no reportable action taken on this item. B. City of Chula Vista v. Mazia E. Gutierrez., San Diego Superior Court, Case No. 37- 2008-00074648-CU-PT-SC There was no reportable action taken on this item. ADJOURNMENT At 6:55 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to the Regular Meeting of May 5, 2009 at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers. Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Page 10 -Council Minutes April 28, 2009