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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2009/09/10 WorkshopMINUTES OF A WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA September 10, 2009 4:00 p.m. A Workshop 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, Ramirez, and Chair Cox ABSENT: Councilmembers Castaneda and McCann (Military Leave) 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 SILENCE Councilmember Ramirez led the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were none. WORKSHOP SOUTHWEST CHULA VISTA HISTORY & OVERVIEW City Manager Sandoval introduced the item with a video highlighting Chula Vista's history. He then provided an overview of the development of southwest Chula Vista, including the Montgomery annexation. Project Coordinator Blackmar spoke about the goals of the Southwest United in Action plan that included assessing community priorities and needs, fostering stronger partnerships between the City and community support organizations, and developing leadership in the Southwest community. She then introduced Lupe Ruiz, representing the Southwest Civic Association, who talked about the Southwest Leaders' Conference that offered opportunities to develop leadership skills, learn about government, participate in developing strategies for strengthening southwest Chula Vista, interact with elected officials, and build connections with other involved residents. Deputy City Manager/Director of Development Services Halbert then spoke about priorities in the southwest area that included safety, traffic, and pedestrian safety infrastructure. Page 1 -Council Minutes September 10, 2009 WORKSHOP (Continued) Tanya Rovira Osterwalder, representing Healthy Eating, Active Communities (HEAC), presented some of the revitalization efforts for local pazks. She also talked about community gazdens, crime prevention through environmental design, and advocacy training. Mazgazita Holguin, Director, Chula Vista Community Collaborative, spoke about the Collaborative and its goals to look at the community as a whole, bring needed services to the population, respond to community needs, and promote community engagement. Kathleen Lembo, representing South Bay Community Services, explained the services provided by South Bay Community Services, assisting the homeless population and victims of family violence. Mauricio Tones, representing South Bay Community Services, talked about the Youth Support Services Programs. Patty Chavez, representing South Bay Community Services, spoke about new programs to assist with employment placement and development, family support, transport needs, childcaze, financial literacy, rental assistance, and food bank distribution. Deputy City Manager/Director of Development Services Halbert provided information on affordable housing projects for the southwest and next steps that included urban design workshops. Public Works Director Hopkins provided information on facility improvements (pazks, pools, recreation centers) that that had been made over the last 25 years. He also provided information on public infrastructure (undergrounding utility lines, road improvements, safe routes to school projects, graffiti abatement, wastewater, street maintenance, and sidewalk improvements) and funding sources for the improvements. Captain Wedge gave an overview of police services provided for the southwest region of the City that included traffic enforcement projects, School Resource Officer Program, and crime prevention outreach programs. Police Chief Bejazano spoke about enhancement of community- based policing, working with the community, increased awazeness and accountability, and enhanced Tough on Crime information shazing. Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, stated that the City needed to focus on improvements in the Montgomery area. She spoke in opposition to making zoning changes to light industrial in the Southwest. Patricia Aguilaz, Chula Vista resident, concurred with the comment by City Manager Sandoval to build upon existing assets, and she suggested formation of a community planning group for Southwest Chula Vista as a pilot project. Page 2 -Council Minutes September 1 Q, 2009 WORKSHOP (Continued) Terry Thomas, Chula Vista resident, spoke in favor of bringing back culture, arts and library services to the southwest azea. She suggested consideration of an environmental/education center on the bayfront gateway. Ruth Yaconelli, Chula Vista resident, stated there were ongoing problems associated with the lack of infrastructure in the southwest, stating that the residents wished to engage with the City to seek solutions and to participate in the decision-making process. Jerry Garcia, representing Southwest United in Action, commented on the need for community participation on City issues. He then spoke about his volunteer efforts with local organizations to improve city parks and child obesity issues. He thanked the staff for its work with the community, and he encouraged the community to participate. Jack Stanley, Chula Vista resident, stated that he took exception to statements that the southwest was blighted. He suggested getting rid of the Redevelopment Agency, closing the Community Development Department, issuing building permits upon request, and removing fees and assessments for building projects. Councilmember Bensoussan encouraged staff to offer bilingual outreach for neighborhood watch programs in the southwest community. She also suggested that staff notify the Chamber of Commerce, Broadway Business Association, and TAVA of businesses willing to dedicate space for the Volunteer Storefront Patrol program. Regazding mixed use projects for Palomaz Gateway, she suggested marketing efforts to get the word out to prospective developers. Councilmember Bensoussan commented on public perception regazding trust between the community and government, and she encouraged putting to rest any past mistakes and assumptions by previous Councils and moving forwazd. ADJOURNMENT At 7:06 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the workshop to the Regular City Council meeting of September 15, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Page 3 -Council Minutes September 10, 2009