HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 2009/01/13 Jt CCMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL AND A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
January 13, 2009
6:00 P.M.
A Regulaz 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 MARTIN, 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 Kazina
Craig. Mayor Cox read the proclamations and Deputy Mayor McCann presented them to
Elizabeth and Kazina.
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 I-3) City Council and
(Item 4) Joint City Council and Redevelopment Agency
Item 4 was removed from the Consent Calendaz 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 1.
Page 1 - Counci]/RDA Minu[es January 13, 2009
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 AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2008/2009 BUDGET
AND APPROPRIATING A TOTAL OF $9,586.30 FROM THE AVAILABLE FUND
BALANCE TO REIMBURSE OAKWOOD DEVELOPMENT, INC. (4/STHS 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)
Staff recommendation: 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-
WIRINGINSTALLATION 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 - Counci]/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009
CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued)
ACTION: Mayor Cox moved to approve staffs recommendation and offered Consent
Calendaz 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 Calendaz 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; AND 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/STHS 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
pazk 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 pazk, 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 corner
lot.
Council/Agency Member Castaneda stated there was inadequate input by the community about
the pazk 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
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued)
Council/Agency Member Ramirez spoke in favor of tabling the item for two weeks, to have staff
look at other pazk 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 mazket 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 solaz panels at the South County Librazy 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 forwazd 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.
Council/Agency 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 - Counci]/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009
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 pazcel 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 pazcels. The apportionment process records the lien on the newly created parcels
and assigns specific benefit to each pazcel. If the property owner does not file an application, the
City is required to complete the apportionment through the Public Heazing 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 heazing was continued from the meeting of
January 6, 2009. (City Engineer/Public 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 CONFIRMING 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. MAYOR/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 - Council/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009
MAYOR/CHAIR'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
PARKWAY POOL AND GYMNASIUM
B. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET
REDUCTION PROPOSALS FOR THE CLOSURE OF PARKWAY 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 -Council/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009
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 yeazs 2008/2009 and 2009/2010, employees had
voluntazily 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 pazk 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 pazking 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 Mazquez, Explorer School student, spoke in support of retaining the Chula Vista Nature
Center.
Francisco Gazcia Jr., Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of retaining the Chula Vista
recreation centers and programs.
Page 7 -Council/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009
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
regazding cuts in City services and programs.
Cazolyn 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 solaz 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 sepazate 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.
Richazd 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 Swifr, 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 clazified that the $4 million budget gap for this fiscal yeaz 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 S - CounciURDA Minutes January 13, 2009
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 Librazy 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 librazy 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 sustalnability 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 earmazking $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 $100,000 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 $100,000 would be adequate to cover this yeaz 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 aone-time revenue, as opposed to
receiving annual lease payments for the long term. It was the consensus of the Council to
request that staff return with additional information regarding cell tower leases.
Page 9-Couucil/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009
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 regazding 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 sepazate 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 yeaz
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 azeas of minimum risk
to the City.
Councilmember Bensoussan spoke in support of shutting off street lights, with a condition to
exclude urban azeas 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 10-CounciVRDA Minutes January 13, 2009
ACTION ITEMS (Continued)
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.
ACTION: 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 carved 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 Teaming 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 forwazd 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.
Page I l -Council/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009
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 Pazkway Pool and Gymnasium.
Mayor Cox further clazified that 6B was no longer necessazy since the closure of Pazkway 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 Councilmember 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 ~nvn~gv~Or ncr~~~
CONTINUATION OF SERVICES AT PARKWAY POOL AND GYMNASIUM
6. B. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET
REDUCTION PROPOSALS FOR THE Er ncrri=,w~-nvx~- 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 -Council/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009
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 PARKWAY POOL AND GYMNASIUM
Councilmember 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/EXECUTIVEbIRECTOR'S REPORTS
City Manager/Executive Director Sandoval announced that Albertson's on Orange Avenue
would be closing down on Febtuazy 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 regazding 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
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 regazding
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, Mazcia Raskin,
Bart Miesfeld, Rod Betts, Maria Kachadoorian, Leah Browder
B. Employee organizations: CVEA, lAFF, POA, WCE, Mid-Management,
Professional and Unrepresented Groups
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:35 p.m. Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to the Regulaz 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 -Council/RDA Minutes January 13, 2009