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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 12-16 CC MIN37 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA December 16, 1980 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of National City was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Morgan. ROLL CALL Council members present: Camacho, Dallas Van Deventer, Waters, Morgan. Absent: None. Administrative officials present: Ballard, Campbell, Gerschler, Grahl, McCabe, McLean. SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND INVOCATION The meeting was opened with salute to the flag led by City Manager McCabe followed with invocation by City Manager McCabe. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Camacho, seconded by Van Deventer, the minutes of the regular meeting of December 9, 1980 be approved. Carried by unanimous vote. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Morgan presented a pin to Jesus Saavedra in recognition of his 30 years of service with the City and congratulated him. MAYOR' S APPOINTMENTS Moved by Camacho, seconded by Van Deventer, Mr. F. George James be appointed as the City's representative on the Port District. The City Clerk read the Mayor's statement: "I know that some of you want to appoint George James as our representative to the Port Commission. Mr. James is not only a good friend of mine, but I also have a deep respect for his ability and competence as shown during his tenure as a member of the National City Library Board of Trustees and with his present service in the Planning Commission. Ever since my election as Mayor of this community, it has been my policy not to remove any citizen who volunteers numerous hours in service to his community, and who is doing a good job. It is a recorded fact that when two members of the Planning Commission, Frank Perez and Al Alvarado, were voted out by the Council, it was done without my vote, as I sincerely believed them to be doing a good job. I don't propose to deviate from that policy now, even though my good friend, Mr. James, is qualified for the position. Larry Ruehle is doing an outstanding job for his community, over and beyond the call of duty. Now let us look back through the years that Larry has been our representative and see the numerous changes that occurred in our tidelands, all to the benefit of National City. The Port District built a 10,000-.foot pier, improving it by dredging to 35-foot water and extending land use with the residue. This facility now accommodates transcontinental and overseas shipping with ease. Street improvements„ including curbs and drainage, were instituted and are being maintained. New industry located in our city such as the Ackerson Ship Building Company that employs 270 people. Even though ITT is no longer in business here, it was thriving for a time and we hope to find a tenant in the near future. The Union Ice Company, the boat launching ramp, park and fishing pier also deserve recognition. Also located on the pier is a modern, container crane loading facility that is a definite asset to our community since we have a big lumber industry located here which brings in approximately one million dollars per year in sales tax. Many of these tidelands businesses are privately owned, therefore the City realizes a sizeable income from sales and property tax revenues. This is not the case with the City of San Diego and their loth Avenue Pier, Chula Vista, Coronado or Imperial Beach and 12/16/80 38 perhaps that is why they are constantly changing their representatives. The 10th Avenue Terminal is publicly owned and therefore, the City of San Diego does not stand to gain the sales and property tax revenues we enjoy with our facilities. Under the circumstances, it is my opinion, that no one (elected or appointed) has ever done a better job of looking after the interests of our City than Larry Ruehle. I have always relied on Larry to take care of our interests and he has never let me down and for that I am most grateful and appreciative. Further- more, after reading the Thursday edition of the National City Star News, I think it is time to bring back City business where it belongs: in City Hall. It is strange (to say the least) to publicize 'decisions' in the local newspaper when the matter hasn't even been considered, much less decided upon. In 1966, the people of National City spent $1,500,000 to build a City Hall for the conduct of all City business. It is time to respect those wishes and conduct all City business at City Hall." Carried, by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalla, Van Deventer, Waters. Nays: Morgan. Mr. & Mrs. LAZARO LUPIAN, 2440 J Avenue, were present and apologized for misunderstanding and subsequently missing the City Council Meeting of December 9, 1980, at which time their request (water main and fire hydrant) was discussed and voted upon. Mrs. Lupian inquired about the water main as Council approved $1,650 for the fire hydrant. Mayor Morgan said development is being planned in that area, and if that development takes place before the Lupians split their lot, they can share the costs with the people building the houses; if they split the lot now, the Sweetwater Authority will put that water main in, but they will take a lien against their property. Mrs. Lupian stated they had been trying to split their lot for two years; and without a letter from Sweetwater Authority stating water is provided, the Planning Department will not give the okay for the lot split. In answer to the question if the City could put the fire hydrant in without an extension of the main, the City Manager replied the City could not do that, the fire hydrant would be put in in conjunction with the main. City Manager McCabe said the second part of staff recommendation was to work with Sweetwater Authority to provide a plan to accomplish what they need to do, then staff will do the hydrant; the Lupians should institute contact with Sweetwater Authority. Mrs. Lupian stated Sweetwater Authority sent their Civil Engineer a copy of the lien to be put against the property, and it is ridiculous, so they might take Councilts advice and not split the lot at this time. Mayor Morgan advised that they wait. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS Moved by Camacho, seconded by Van Deventer, the resolutions be presented by title only. Carried by unanimous vote. Resolution No. 13,484, "DEDICATION OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC STREET PURPOSES ('ORRELL DRIVE')." Moved by Van Deventer, seconded by Camacho, Resolution No. 13,484 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. Resolution No. 13,485, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY (Easement from HAROLD DODDS, INC, for Sewer Line)." Moved by Waters, seconded by Van Deventer, Resolution No. 13,485 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. Resolution No. 13,486, "RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY TO APPLY, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY, TO THE CALIFORNIA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY FOR PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY IN A HOME OWNERSHIP AND HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN PROGRAM." Moved by Van Deventer, seconded by Camacho, Resolution No. 13,486 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. 12/16/80 39 Resolution No. 13,487, "RESOLUTION ORDERING PROPOSED REORGANIZATION INVOLVING THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT - ZONE 3, AND THE BONITA-SUNNYSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, 'FULLER REORGANIZATION'." Moved by Van Deventer, seconded by Camacho, Resolution No. 13,487 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. Resolution No. 13,488, "RESOLUTION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT, FIG COURT - GILBERT LANE WESTERLY, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 203." Moved by Waters, seconded by Van Deventer, Resolution No. 13,488 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION - FIRST READING Moved by Camacho, seconded by Van Deventer, the ordinances be presented by title only. Carried by unanimous vote. Ordinance 12/16/80-1, "An ordinance of the City of National City, Ca. specifying the location for posting restaurant grade cards." Ordinance 12/16/80-2, "An ordinance of the City of National City, Ca. repealing Ordinance No. 1726 relating to restaurant permit fees, and repealing all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict therewith." Ordinance 12/16/80-3, "An ordinance of the City of National City, Ca. relating to food handler training requirements." Ordinance 12/16/80-4, "An ordinance amending Ordinance 1491 relating to street improvements, providing for deferrals and exemptions therefrom and related administrative procedures." PUBLIC HEARING The PUBLIC HEARING on the PROPOSED AMENDMENT to CHAPTER 18.98 of the Municipal Code to remove the requirement that the sale of GASOLINE, as an ACCESSORY USE, will be allowed only when accessory to, or incidental to, an automotive related type business was held at this time. The City Clerk reported the Certificate of Publication was on file. Planning Director Gerschler reported the Planning Commission and Planning staff recommend in favor of this change; as pointed out to Council in their briefing session, if Council does not wish to make this change, he recommended this case go back to the Planning Commission for some remedial work on the ordinance. SAM BLICK, Higgs, Fletcher & Mack, San Diego, attorney for ATLANTIC RICHFIELD CO., was present and said the City's ordinance which deals with gasoline service station regulations and what kinds of other products can be sold in conjunction thereto or incidental thereto, is a typical ordinance and not substantially different from ordinances in other cities of the county; each ordinance is about the same, but the City Councils and the Planning Commissions have interpreted those ordinances where they deal with the words "incidental to" to mean that you can have an Arco Service Station, and that in that Arco Service Station, if the back room isn't doing particularly well, the area can be converted to what is referred to as a "Mini Market." Mr. Blick continued, when we brought this to the N.C. Planning Commission, they decided they would like something more specific in the ordinance; the ordinance doesn't render what we would like to do, which is request a conditional use permit from you people; the ordinance doesn't render the seeking of that conditional use permit illegal, but rather, it doesn't specifically call for it; and again no other city ordinances anticipated this. Mr. Blick said he urged the Planning Commission (and they didn't agree) and he would urge Council that Arco be allowed the opportunity to come before you to request a Conditional Use Permit for this type of use and you can deny or approve it, whatever; your controls are there with a Conditional Use Permit; you have authority to add landscaping or cause the signs to be consistent with your current ordinance or to make any adjustments that you like, including a denial of the project; but in 12/16/80 40 order to have the progress of the case moved, and because he had a feeling from the Planning Commission that they weren't against this type of project, but rather wanted to make sure that this was clearly provided for in the ordinance, he would agree if you decide to adopt this ordinance. Mr. Blick urged Council to give Arco the opportunity to come before them as soon as possible so that they could start moving; they have one site budgeted for over $128,000; and that $128,000 otherwise wouldn't be put into an existing service station, but in a Mini Market case, Arco would put that money into it, and that goes into landscaping, new pumps, and a significant face-lift of the site; he urged Council to make that possible either by adopting this ordinance or ruling that Arco can come before them with a Conditional Use Permit request. Discussion re crowding gasoline pumps into mini -grocery stores; service stations should sell gas and automotive related services; and general opposition to the amendment. Mr. Blick said he wasn't too excited about this ordinance; he was just trying to go along with the Planning Department and Planning Commission; if Council does imply, as it appears you are interested in doing, that this use is illegal or shouldn't exist in your City, it is rather a unique interpretation and unfortunate; what happens is that you take the site which is deteriorating and it is significantly improved and beautified; the Arco approach in the past, if the station wasn't making it, would be to abandon the site; this is an excellent alternative to abandonment of the site; this is an opportunity to refurbish the site; unfortunately there is no way to pour over $100,000 into an existing site unless this concept is permitted. City Attorney McLean advised the City's ordinance says if you abandon the site, you remove the building. Planning Director Gerschler explained why Mr. Blick was here; they came in and we said no; they said what can we do and we said you can exercise your right to amend the code; they filed an application to amend the code and now they are before you; he agreed with Mr. Blick's statement that the present code is very vague, and that is why he recommended that if Council doesn't approve this, it be sent back to the Commission and to make the Code "unvague." No one else was present in this regard. Moved by Van Deventer, seconded by Camacho, the Code change be denied and this item be referred back to the Planning Commission for more study (amended motion). Carried by unanimous vote. COUNCIL REFERRAL Council referral from 10/7/80 re ELEANOR PLACE AND ETHEL PLACE (remove the stop sign on eastbound Manchester at Eleanor Place and study the area for 60 days to determine if further action is necessary [the area has been studied and no problems have arisen due to the removal of the stop sign at Eleanor Place]; further, the intersection of Manchester and Ethel Place has been observed on three occassions for periods of approximately 30 minutes each; observations reveal that very few motorists come to a complete stop at the uphill stop sign; Manchester is a steep [10 to 13°] uphill incline when travelled in an easterly direction; for this reason, stopping at Eleanor and Ethel wastes gasoline and energy and also adds pollution to the air, unnecessarily; due to almost equal traffic volumes on Manchester and Angelo Drive and also acknowledging sight distance problems, it is recommended that the three way stop sign remain as is at this intersection; the City Engineer recommends removal of the eastbound stop sign on Manchester at the intersection of Ethel Place) was presented. Moved by Waters, seconded by Van Deventer, in favor of the Engineer's recommendation that it become a permanent removal and also that the posts (Eleanor and Ethel Places) be removed. Carried, by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Van Deventer, Waters, Morgan. Nays: None. Abstaining: Dalla. Discussion. NEW BUSINESS The City Treasurer/Finance Director's request for RATIFICATION of WARRANT REGISTER No. 22, dated December 16, 1980, in the amount of 12/16/80 41 $109,488.23 (Warrants No. 70,625 through 70,665) was presented. Moved by Waters, seconded by Camacho, the bills be paid and warrants drawn. Carried, by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalla, Van Deventer, Waters, Morgan. Nays: None. The City Treasurer/Finance Director's request for RATIFICATION of WARRANT REGISTER No. 23, dated December 16, 1980, in the amount of $80,390.53 (Warrants No. 70,666 through 70,726) and CONFIRMATION of PAYROLL for the period ending November 30, 1980, in the amount of $216,580.87 were presented. Moved by Waters, seconded by Camacho, the bills be paid and warrants drawn. Carried, by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalia, Van Deventer, Waters, Morgan. Nays: None. The City Engineer's recommendation to approve RIGHT OF WAY ACQUISITION for EUCLID AVENUE between Plaza Boulevard and 16th Street (The Caldwell property at 2502 E. 13th Street represents the only remaining parcel to be acquired for the construction of Euclid Avenue between Plaza and 16th Street; additional property is needed to construct Orange Avenue, 13th and 14th, which must be constructed prior to or concurrently with Euclid; the property has an appraised value of $157,000, as of October 1, 1980; property consists of 2 dwellings and 3 out buildings; the Caldwells will accept $160,000 for the property and will waive all claims to relocation assistance and moving costs; funds are available in 60-7901; the City Engineer recommends approval of the purchase price of $160,000 for the land, the City Attorney prepare an agreement specifying a time for vacating the premises and waiving rights to moving costs and relocation assistance and authorize Engineering Department to open escrow to acquire title to subject property) was presented. Moved by Waters, seconded by Van Deventer, in favor of the right -of --way acquisition of Euclid Avenue to Plaza Blvd. and 16th Street. Discussion. Carried by unanimous vote. The City Engineer's recommendation of approval of CHANGE ORDER No. 1 on 1911 ACT ALLEY west of Roosevelt Avenue and south of 12th Street No. 33 (three items of work not included in the original plan or bid, an increase of $505.81, necessary for complete and permanent construction; funds are available in 1528-910 1911 Act Contingencies) was presented. Moved by Van Deventer, seconded by Camacho, in favor of staff's recommendation. Carried by unanimous vote. The Purchasing Agent's recommendation BID GS 8081-8 for Comprehensive General and Automotive Liability Insurance be awarded to Cheverton-Bach/Bayly, Martin & Fay, Alternative #2 (Bids were solicited from two brokers after extensive market research for renewal of the City's municipal liability insurance on 1/1/81; both returned bid packages which meet all bid specifications; a copy of the bid tabulation is on file; the total premium cost for Alternative #2 [$25,000 deductible] is $79,790 for $5 million liability; adequate funds are available in the 1506-420 account budgeted for FY 8081) was presented. Craig Winder, Purchasing Agent, was present and answered Council's questions. Moved by Morgan, seconded by Camacho, in favor of staff's recommendation, but add $3,000.00 to the premium to provide liability protection of $10 million dollars. Carried by unanimous vote. OTHER BUSINESS PLANNING The REQUEST of AUSTIN J. OLIVER for RE-CLASSIFICATION of PROPERTY at 2820 LINCOLN COURT (...developed with a single family dwelling; in April 1977...the zoning was changed from RM-1-OS to IC -OS as part of the Las Palmas Park re -zoning) was presented. The City Clerk reported Mr. Oliver requested this matter be continued to January 13, 1981. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Van Deventer, it be continued to January 13. Carried by unanimous vote. 12/16/80 42 NOTICES OF DECISION Planning Commission Resolution No. 34-80, approving ZONE VARIANCE that will create a parcel having 28' of frontage in lieu of the required 50' at 2125 Prospect St., Z..6-80, (proposed division of a parcel of land containing 47,300 sq. ft. [1.08 acres] into 4 separate parcels, one of which will have 28' of frontage on Prospect;...will create 3 parcels along the 22nd St. frontage leaving the larger interior portion with the existing 28' frontage on Prospect; Planning Commission approved subject to the 2 conditions set forth in the resolution; staff concurs with Planning Commission on this application) was presented. Discussion regarding total footage on 22nd Street which is one of the few remaining dirt streets and the many complaints from that area; the improvement of 22nd St.; where the sewer will be located. Planning Director Gerschler suggested Council recess their meeting at the completion of the Agenda until after the Community Development meeting and he would be ready with a report. (See Page # 43, paragraph # 9 ). Planning Commission Resolution No. 35-80, approving PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT to allow development of a 4-story OFFICE BUILDING (3 office levels over parking garage) on the south side of the 2600 block of Plaza Boulevard (...development of a frame and stucco, 4-story office building containing a gross floor area of 51,684 sq. ft. [47,285 sq. ft. leasable] on a parcel of land containing 82,012 sq. ft.; the ground floor area of the building will be a parking garage which will accommodate 54 automobiles; an open parking facility for 104 automobiles will be provided adjacent to the east and west ends of the building; vehicular access is via Plaza Boulevard and 2 30' wide driveways; the project site is presently vacant and located on the south side of Plaza Boulevard, across from the Plaza Manor Apartment Complex; Planning staff concurs with the Planning Commission's approval of this application) was presented. Ordered filed by unanimous vote. Planning Commission Resolution No. 36-80, approving ZONE VARIANCE to allow reduction in off-street parking from 258 spaces to 158 spaces in conjunction with the development of a 4-story OFFICE BUILDING within the 2600 block of Plaza Boulevard, south side, Z-5-80; (...reduction in the number of required off-street parking spaces to be provided in conjunction with the development of a 4-story office building containing a gross floor area of 51,684 sq. ft.; under present parking regulations 258 off-street parking spaces are required; the applicants are able to provide only 158 spaces, resulting in a deficiency of 100 spaces; based on a finding that the site is unique in that it has a street frontage five times its depth, with the majority of its depth being 113'...Planning staff concurs with Planning Commission's approval of this application) was presented. Ordered filed by unanimous vote. Planning Commission Resolution No. 37-80, approving on -site relocation of the proposed MAINTENANCE BUILDING for the PLAZA BONITA SHOPPING CENTER, PD-7-80 (...the proposed maintenance and storage yard were to be constructed at the SE corner of the Plaza Bonita Shopping Center, parallel to Bonita Mesa Road, among a group of Eucalyptus trees; subsequent to the completion of site planning, May Stores was informed that the maintenance building would have to be relocated because of insufficient area to accommodate the maintenance building, necessary parking and storage, and the existing grove of Eucalyptus trees; this action was based on prior commitments by the City to the residents along Bonita Mesa Road, that the grove of existing Eucalyptus trees would remain intact; Planning Staff concurs with Planning Commission's approval of this application.) was presented. Discussion. Ordered filed by unanimous vote. Marie Ingalls, real estate agent representing the Caldwells, was present and inquired about the City's acquisition of the Caldwell property. Assistant City Manager Ballard said the Engineering Department is handling the acquisition; Mr. Newberry has been Ms. Ingalls' staff contact on the project. 12/16/80 43 CITY MANAGER City Manager McCabe requested,in light of Revenue Sharing becoming available, staff be allowed to start disbursing some of the City's Revenue Sharing Funds that are currently in the City treasury and staff will advise Council a little later on as to progress. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Van Deventer, in favor of the City Manaoerts recommendation. Carried by unanimous vote. Vice Mayor Waters suggested the City hold on to revenue sharing money as long as possible in view of the high rate of interest currently being paid by banks. CITY ATTORNEY - No Report. OTHER STAFF - No Report. MAYOR - No Report. CITY COUNCIL Councilman Dalla suggested Mr. Ruehle might be interested in filling the Planning Commission vacancy left by Mr. James; he saw no reason why he cannot serve the City in a different capacity if he is so inclined. Mayor Morgan said he would not ask Mr. Ruehle to serve. Mayor Morgan called a recess at 8:18 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 8:28 p.m. ROLL CALL Council members present: Camacho, Dalla, Van.Deventer, Waters, Morgan. Absent: None. PLANNING DEPARTMENT - Notices of Decision (Continued) Planning Director Gerschler said he had reviewed the Zone Variance for 2125 Prospect; if Council filed this item, the Planning Commission decision would become final tomorrow; there would be a subsequent filing of a parcel map; the parcel map could require a condition relating to sewers; staff is suggesting you file the zone variance item on your agenda, and by separate motion, direct the City Engineer to attach to any approvals for a parcel map, the requirement that sewers be installed as needed. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Van Deventer, in favor of the Planner's recommendation, Carried by unanimous vote. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Waters, seconded- by-.Camacho, the meeting be adjourned to January 6, 1981. Carried by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m. CIT( CLERK CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA The foregoing minutes were approved by the City Council at their regular meeting of January 6, 1981. Corrections No Corrections YOR CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA 12/16/80