Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 2010/01/27MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Council Chambers 6:00 p.m. 276 Fourth Avenue January 27, 2010 Chula Vista, California CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL /MOTIONS TO EXCUSE: Members Present: Vinson, Bringas, Liuag, Spethman, Moctezuma, Tripp, Felber INTRODUCTORY REMARKS APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Read into the record by Chair Vinson November 18, 2009 MSC (Spethman/Tripp) (5-0-2-0) to approve minutes of November 18, 2009 as submitted with a correction in the spelling of David Krogh's last name. Motion carried with Cmrs. Bringas and Moctezuma abstaining. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: No public input. CONSENT AGENDA: None PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Public Hearing PCM 09-17; Consideration of an amendment to the City's Multiple Species Conservation Program Sub-area Plan and Section 17.35.050 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code to clarify the location and extent to which brush management activities are performed throughout the City. Background: 6:12:43 PM Glen Laube reported that the MSCP Sub-area Plan is subdivided into three core Preserve Management Areas (Central City PMA, North City PMA and Otay Ranch PMA). The proposed amendments include minor text changes to the City's MSCP Sub-area Plan to clarify the location and extent to which brush management activities are performed. The amendment to Chapter 17.35.050 of the Municipal Code (Habitat Loss and Incidental Take Ordinance) will include a new exemption category authorizing brush management activities to be conducted without having to obtain a Habitat Loss and Incidental Take Permit. Staff has met with the wildlife agencies to discuss the proposed changes and they have provided written concurrence that the proposed amendments are appropriate. Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission adopt resolution recommending that the City Council approve the proposed amendments to Section 7.4.4 and Section 7.4.5.1 of the MSCP Sub-area Plan and an amendment to Section 17.35.050 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code. Planning Commission -2- January 27, 2010 Public Hearing Opened and Closed. 6:19:5a PM Cmr. Tripp asked, if there is a homeowner that needs to clear brush that's within the preserve, who is responsible for doing it; the homeowner or the City. Additionally, if the homeowner is responsible for doing it, would a permit be required. Glen Laube responded that the majority of the preserve is owned and managed by the City. The Public Works crew goes out on an annual basis to do brush management. For those developed areas that have open space adjacent to them or on their property, the Fire Department may issue an Abatement Notice and provides the property owner with guidelines on how to accomplish it. No permit is required for doing the abatement. Cmr. Spethman asked if the brush management is being handled in-house or is it being contracted out. s:z2:aa PM Ms. Lundstedt stated that it's being contracted out for the perimeter areas. The funding which provides those contracting services is included in the Community Facilities District and the Open Space Management District. Based on funding limitations, however, we have not been able to carry out all three zones and for this reason staff has met with FEMA to request grants for brush management. Cmr. Felber asked if the preserve areas that are not owned by the City, are they owned or managed by an HOA. s:2raa PM Glen Laube stated that the majority of the preserve canyons are own by the City and as such the City is responsible for its maintenance. For those internal canyons, most likely they would be under private ownership and under the management of an HOA. In these cases, they would be responsible to address any Abatement Notices issued by the Fire Department. Cmr. Felber asked how does the HOA or homeowner know what their obligations are. Ms. Lundstedt stated that staff works together with the Fire Department and when they are preparing to issue a Notice of Abatement, staff is notified and a copy of the guidelines is attached to the Notice of Abatement. MSC (Felber/Bringas) (7-0) that the Planning Commission adopt resolution recommending that the City Council approve the proposed amendments to Section 7.4.4 and Section 7.4.5.1 of the MSCP Subarea Plan and an amendment to Section 17.35.050 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code. s:32:2t Pnn DIRECTOR'S REPORT:s:32:aa PM Mr. Batchelder stated that a joint workshop meeting of the City Council, Planning Commission and Growth Management Oversight Commission is being planned for April 15~ He asked the Commissioners to please check their calendars and get back to the Department Secretary with their availability on that day. Planning Commission -3- January 27, 2010 COMMISSION COMMENTS: s:3a:ts PM Cmr. Tripp asked if staff could docket for discussion at a future meeting the protocol for speaking at a City Council meeting or any other public meeting as a representative of the Planning Commission. s:3~:as PM Staff indicated they would look into it and report back at the next regular meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:45. The Planning Commission will reconvene to a regular meeting on February 10, 2010. Respectfully submitted, Diana Vargas Secretary to the PI ing Commission