Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutResource Conservation Commission mins 1993/03/01 MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED SPECIAL MEETING Resource Conservation Commission Chula Vista, California 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 1, 1993 Conference Room #1 Public Services Building CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Chairman Kracha. City Staff Environmental Review Coordinator Doug Reid called roll. Present were Commissioners Hall, Kracha, Ghougassian, McNair, Myers. Johnson arrived at 6:31 p.m. Duane Basil, staff person on the Otay Ranch project team, answered questions regarding the goals, objectives and policies of the EIR. Also present were Kim Kilkenny and Kim Glasgow. Myers addressed LAFCO's concern of deferral of studies with the possibility of annexation in mind. Staff responded the project does not take into consideration this possibility. Specific studies (i.e., water) was also deferred to the SPA level. Again it was pointed out that if water is not available, Otay Ranch will not be built. Additionally, local water companies are not making any statements on the current general plan level. Discussion was held on why the environmental alternative is not acceptable. Staff replied on the issue that it does not provide for adequate mass transit. Mitigation did not provide for the trolley but is serviced by other transits. Myers referred to a South Bay Rail & Transit study done in February 1991 noting that ridership is down. The village concept was also listed as a viable alternative. The document was analyzed from the environmental standpoint and has met CEQA requirements. Staffs recommendation complies with the goals and objectives of the EIR. Following discussion, it was moved and seconded (Ghougassian/Hall) to recommend certification of the EIR of the General Development Plan of Otay Ranch. In further discussion, Myers stated the project does not meet CEQA requirements for the following reasons: - Inappropriate review period (CEQA recommends 90 days) - Problem with Chula Vista being the lead agency - Alternatives are not varied enough - Indirect issues on the impact of environment are inadequately covered - Too many significant unmitigable impacts - Given the size of the document, there was inadequate time for review Doug Reid responded for staff: Otay Ranch is a program EIR and multi-phased. Full disclosure of all environmental effects had to be made and were specifically identified. They went through the possibility that all mitigation won't reduce significant impacts but may have adverse effects. Indirect impacts are addressed at this general level. The alternatives listed are the ones with little or no adverse effects. Chula Vista is the lead agency, but the County of San Diego ~ Page 2 provides the technical expertise. The 90 day review period, determined by the City Council and Board of Supervisors, in actuality, ended up with around 260 days for public review. Since this project involves over 2300 acres, the outcome would therefore be a lengthy document with lengthy hearings. Staff provided more detail in its studies than was actually required. Noting over 11 areas of environmental concerns for RCC's consideration, most of which is deferred to the SPA level, Myers stated this is more reason not to certify the EIR as a commission. McNair added that with open and public dissent, the City could incur considerable litigation costs. Staff responded that Tina Thomas has extensively addressed in writing the range of alternatives and all concerns listed. The vote was then taken: Ayes - Kracha/Hal1/Ghougassian; Nos - Johnson/McNair/Myers; 3-3, motion failed. It was then moved and seconded (Myers/Johnson) that RCC not certify the EIR due to its inadequacy and deferral to later studies and later levels at all areas of concern, in particular, lack of diversity of alternatives and excessive significant unmitigable environmental impacts. Vote: Ayes - Johnson/McNair/Myers; Nos - Kracha/Hal1/Ghougassian; 3-3; motion failed. Kracha indicated the options and recommendations for Commissioners at this time: . Speak before the Planning Commission on behalf of RCC or as an RCC member . Write to the Mayor and City Council and express personal concerns . Attend other public hearings and express personal concerns COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS: . Kracha announced the Echo Art Contest on April 5, sponsored by the Chula Vista Earth Day Committee. . Progress is being made on using battery-powered vehicles, to be tested on Ford, Chevy and Toyotas. . Hall will make personal recommendations on the Otay Ranch project. . Johnson requested staff provide feedback on comments made by RCC after the Planning Commission and Council receive them. Doug Reid will again follow up on this item. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Kracha at 8:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, EXPRESS SECRETARIAL SERVICES Barbara Taylor , "j/;,,(t, ~., ) - ~ ,/ '..j ') , I-- "l _L--:"- I,; ,-.