HomeMy WebLinkAboutResource Conservation Commission Min 1993/03/01
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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. Staff's 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: Gtay 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
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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/Hall/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/Hall/Ghougassian; 3-3; motion failed.
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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
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