Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975 02-25 CC MIN209 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA February 25, 1975 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, Dalla, Pinson, Reid, Morgan. Absent: None. Administrative officials present: Bourcier, Campbell, Gerschler, Hoffland, McCabe, McLean. SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND INVOCATION The meeting was opened with the salute to the flag led by City Manager Bourcier followed with invocation by Dr. Charles Molnar, First Baptist Church. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Pinson, seconded by Dalla, the minutes of the regular meeting of February 18, 1975, with corrections as detailed in the Clerk's memo. dated February 25, 1975 (Paragraph 2, Page 194, the final sentence, "There was further discussion," should be deleted and the following be added in its place, "Planning Director Gerschler said rin answer to the Mayor] when they bring in their building plans, the staff would see that this plan is followed. Councilman Dalla said in the General Plan, under Appendix B, it refers to various parks that are designated in the General Plan; this particular piece of property is designated for tiny tots play area, picnic area and some sort of a means to tie in with the adjacent neighborhood park; showing in this builder's plan as being green and being maintained does not make it a public park that the public necessarily has the right to use. Mayor Morgan said he was a little disturbed when he saw this; it came before Council and this Council made the decision that, if those people in the canyon would donate their land --they were given 2 or 3 or 4 months to obtain signatures of those people over there willing to donate land --the City would dedicate land for a park; has anything been received from those people down there in this regard? Planning Director Gerschler said no, he has received nothing. Councilman Reid said he and the Mayor canvassed just about every house in the entire area over there and nine out of ten of those contacted said they did not want a park in there; that was when the City proposed to build a public works yard there. Mayor Morgan said when the City proposed to build a public works yard, it was understood and agreed upon that the City would dedicate the City owned portion down in the valley and make a park and maintain it at City expense from the public works yard all the way to 'B' Avenue; the people in the area signed a petition against this. Mr. Gerschler said they certainly did.") be approved. Carried by unanimous vote. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS - None. MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS - None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS BARBARA STRAHAN, 1521 East 22nd, National City, was present (as Secre- tary of the National City -Lincoln Acres Community Action Council), and said they have written a letter to the Council and to the Traffic Safety Board on behalf of property owners in the area of 13th and Harding; Traffic Safety has tabled the matter. Mrs. Strahan read a petition signed by 50 property owners in that area, "Dear Sir: We, concerned citizens of National City and property owners, have become increasingly concerned for the safety of our children and our neigh- bors. We property owners wish to have a 4-way stop on 13th Street and on Harding Avenue so that our children and our neighbors may cross to attend school, to attend church and to go marketing. Thank you. 2/25/75 210 Concerned Citizens." Moved by Pinson, seconded by Reid, this be referred to the Traffic Safety Committee. There was discussion. Barbara Strahan said Barbara Montja brought this situation to the attention of the Community Action Council; the traffic did not return to 24th Street after it re -opened; there is a stop sign on Harding but there is not on 13th; people increase their speed to go onto the free- way; there is a grocery store on the corner, and as children and elderly people try to cross they have been timed at as long as 20 minutes to cross the street at certain rush hours; the cars do not stop; they are afraid there is really going to be a mishap with the older people or the children involved. There was further discussion. City Engineer Hoffland said this item was before the Traffic Safety Committee; they discussed it and said they wanted more information on the location; his office is taking a traffic count and pedestrian count; they have not tabled the item with no action; they are antici- pating a report. Carried by unanimous vote. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, these resolutions be presented to Council by title only. Carried by unanimous vote. RESOLUTION NO. 11,703, "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM ANTICIPATED BALANCE IN CAPITAL OUTLAY FOR ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 182." Moved by Pinson, seconded by Reid, Resolution No. 111703 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. RESOLUTION NO. 11,704, "DEDICATION OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC STREET PURPOSES (A portion of 10th Street)." Moved by Reid, seconded by Pinson, Resolution No. 11t704 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. RESOLUTION NO. 11,705, "RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT (National City Rubbish Service)." Moved by Reid, seconded by Camacho, Resolution No. 11,705 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. RESOLUTION NO. 11,706, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK AND AUTHORIZING FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION (Recreation Building, Kimball Park, Specification No. 785)." Moved by Pinson, seconded by Camacho, Resolution No. 11,706 be adopted. There was discussion. Carried by unanimous vote. RESOLUTION NO. 11,707, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION OF THAT CERTAIN LETTER AGREEMENT WITH MAY STORES SHOPPING CENTERS, INC. AND BONITA ASSOCIATES." City Attorney McLean said this agreement provides in its pertinent provisions the granting to the City and Redevelopment Agency a gift of $100,000 for the pursuit of the Redevelopment Project, an additional offer to lend another $150,000 at the current lending rate, a promise to enter into an owner participation agreement and an obli- gation on the part of the City and the Redevelopment Agency to assign its rights under the relationship between the City and the Koenig Corporation to buy that property; he recommended approval of this agreement. Moved by Reid, seconded by Camacho, Resolution No. 11,707 be adopted. There was discussion. Carried by unanimous vote. HEARINGS The HEARING on the APPEAL of the Planning Commission's recommendation of denial of variance from provision of Sec. 2, Paragraph "A" and Sub - Paragraph "a", of Ord. No. 1173, to reduce the required 4-ft. setback to zero feet thereby eliminating requirement for landscaping on property at 2200 Tidelands Avenue (NASSCO, Z-1-75) was held at this time. City Clerk Campbell stated the Certificate of Publication and Affidavit of Mailing Notice of Hearing are on file. The Planning Department transmittal stating the Planning Commission recommended the request be denied and the Appeal by National Steel and Shipbuilding Company of this decision were presented. Planning Director Gerschler said a full (City Attorney McLean left Council Chambers at 7:46 p.m.) transcript of the Planning Commission action was delivered to Council; the Commission considered the case and could not find the justification 2/25/75 211 for granting the variance as required by State law and therefore denied it. SAM TIMMONS, Vice President and Counsel of National Steel & Shipbuilding Company (the applicant), residence address 4050 Bermuda Dunes Place, Bonita, was present in this regard. (Mayor Morgan asked Mr. Timmons a question before he presented his case: "Is there any chance of expanding National Steel into the Naval Reserve Fleet area? They are going to move out the mothball fleet." Mr. Timmons said he can say they certainly are interested in creating a site for a new shipyard; whether or not they could go forward with such a very large undertaking --such a facility would cost upward from $100-million; some two years ago they discussed reserving zoning on a site in Chula Vista for a shipyard there; they were unsuccessful at that time; if the market conditions on shipbuilding were as they appeared to be at that time, they certainly would be interested in a site; at the present time, however, the tanker business is looking pretty bad; they are fortunate to have a good backlog but world-wide and in the United States there are a lot of troubles in the shipbuilding industry; as a long-term proposition of trying to develop that site, certainly they are interested.) Mr. Timmons distributed packets containing seven photographs and a sketch of the area keyed to the photographs indi- cating where each picture was taken (Documents Nos. 55289, 55290, 55291, 55292, 55293, 55294, 55295, 55296). Mr. Timmons said they would not request the variance but for the temporary nature of their lease, in fact it is a use permit on the property; the property is owned by the San Diego Port District; they have it on a one-year use permit which is subject to cancellation by the Port District on a 30- day notice; they anticipate that, provided they do not cancel, they probably will extend for at least one year, possibly a second year; it could be up to a two or three use; if someone else comes along and wants to put this property to a permanent use, he has no doubt the Port District would ask them to move; his permit is subject to renewal; they do not have an option to renew. Mr. Timmons said the way the agenda reads it appears they are asking for a waiver of the 4-ft. setback from the curb line; this is not the case; the real point of the issue is whether or not they have to landscape a 4-ft. strip; Photograph No. 1 is a very good picture taken from the edge of Tide- lands Avenue showing the property, the fence, the pipe and the storage yard; the Planning people are saying that National Shipbuilding must landscape and install an automatic sprinkler system on that 4-ft. strip immediately in front of the fence line; from the curb line going back 30 feet is public property. Planning Director Gerschler said the Port District owns the 30 feet. Mr. Timmons said that 30 feet is public property and not under their lease; they have setback from their lease line 10 feet; their lease line starts 10 feet in front of that fence; there is a total area of 40 feet in depth here before you get to their fence; they are faced with the proposition of putting in this expensive 4-ft. wide landscaping strip immediately in front of that fence; it will look ridiculous to have a little 4-ft. strip of landscaping in front of that fence when you must first cross a mass of mud to get to it. Mr. Timmons continued as you can see from the tire marks in the photograph heavy trucks drive up in there and park; the City did install "no parking" signs in there recently; it will not help them very much to have the City put a $2 parking ticket on a truck that has parked illegally but in the meantime has run over an automatic sprinkler system; Photograph No. 2 is a picture of the same area taken from the opposite direction; Photograph No. 3 is immediately across the street in front of the lumber yard; Photographs 4 and 5 are taken in the same area in front of the lumber yard across the street; Photograph 6 was taken at the corner by the Pepper Oil operation looking northerly; their property is in the direction the photograph was taken; Photograph 7 is around the corner from Pepper Oil; this will give you a vivid representation of the general area down there; as you can see, there is no landscaping; generally, there are two areas that are landscaped, the Fire Station, next door, (City Attorney McLean returned at 7:54 p.m.) and a very small area in front of the main office of the Pepper Oil; other than that, there is just no land- scaping in that general area; it does seem to be out of character in that particular neighborhood; he realizes the general philosophy is that you must start somewhere but it only makes sense to require this where there is a permanent installation; this is not a permanent installation; there is no building there and none is contemplated; he 2/25/75 212 would like to raise the question of the interpretation of the ordi- nance; it says you are required to set back 4-ft. from the curb line and landscape that; they do not have under lease property within 30 feet of the curb line; he feels the pictures will tell the story and they do meet the legal test for a variance because the location and surroundings present a special circumstance; there is no other significant landscaping anywhere around there; the fact that they are set back in 30 feet to their property line itself makes it an unusual set of circumstances; they certainly enjoy no special privilege down there as no one else has any landscaping. There was discussion. Planning Director Gerschler said he does not know just why the agenda is worded as it is; as Mr. Timmons has suggested, the issue here is the landscaping; it is his understanding the fence is in the right place already; the Planning Commission did not have the kind of argu- ment that Council has heard tonight; there are unique circumstances as to size, shape and location of the property; perhaps what Council has heard tonight is sufficient to justify a variance; he thinks that Council might consider a time limit on a variance if Council is considering a variance, otherwise it would run forever; if Council approves a variance, the City Attorney has cautioned that Council should state the justification; the justification, he would suppose in this case, would be that there are unusual features in the shape, size and location of the property. There was further discussion. Moved by Reid, seconded by Pinson, to grant a variance for a period of one year from the requirement to install setback landscaping on the basis of the unusual conditions attributable to the property and that the enforcement of the ordinance would cause results inconsistent with the zoning code, and close the public hearing. LEM HANSHILL, 12925 Moorgate, Poway, also of NASSCO, was present and asked if this is limited to just one year so that they would be required to landscape if they remain there longer than one year; ...they have pipes stored at this location to be used on ships; this supply will last them just past one year, possibly 18 months; they are talking to the Port Authority about just extending their use permit on a monthly basis; this will probably be from 18 to 20 months; they do not want Council to pass something that would require them to landscape it after a one- year period and at that time they would be there for only six months. No one else was present in this regard. Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Pinson, Reid, Morgan. Nays: Dalla. There was further discussion. The HEARING on intention to VACATE AND CLOSE PORTIONS OF STREETS - Highland Avenue to "L" Avenue and 22nd Street to 24th Street was held at this time. City Clerk Campbell stated the Certificate of Publica- tion and the City Engineer's Affidavit of Posting are on file. The Planning Department transmittal stating the Planning Commission recom- mended denial of closing the southerly half of 22nd Street between "J" and "K7' Avenues and that the Engineering Department design a full width street for that portion; also, that those portions of excess right-of-way shown on Engineering Drawing No. 397-AD, except those portions on 22nd Street between "J" and "K" Avenues, be vacated subject to condition that prior to adoption of the resolution ordering vacation, reservation of public utility easements shall be confirmed was presented. Planning Director Gerschler said the Planning Com- mission has delivered to the Council a full copy of their record on this case; this involves the vacation of excess rights -of -way resulting from previous 1911 Street Improvement Act projects; this is all done on the recommendation of the Engineer; during the Planning Commission meetings, there was one proposal for vacation of a portion of "J" or "R" Avenue that the property owners objected to; that was deleted from the proposal; to his knowledge, the issue before Council tonight has no protest. MRS. CASTILLO, 2220 "K" Avenue, was present and said she also represents her daughter who lives at 2235 "J"; they have read the notices and do not understand them; they have just installed sidewalks and have just paid for them; does this mean they are going to take out the new sidewalks? It was explained they are not going to take out the sidewalks; most of the streets in National City are 80 feet; they are not to disturb the sidewalks, curbs, street or anything; it is the closing of 10 feet behind --in other words, she has 2 feet behind the sidewalk and then 10 feet they are closing. City Attorney McLean said they will return it to the property owner. There was discussion. 2/25/75 213 Mayor Morgan stated he owns property at 23rd and "I" and that he would neither discuss this nor vote on this. No one else was present in this regard. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Reid, the hearing be closed and that we vacate and close those portions of the street and all the stipulations of the Planni/19 Commission and recommendations be adhered to. Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalla, Pinson, Reid. Nays: None. Abstaining: Morgan. The HEARING on proposed SPECIFIC PLAN FOR PALM AVENUE, between 4th Street and 18th Street, to establish a 14--ft. setback line from street right-of-way for all new buildings on Palm Avenue was held at this time. City Clerk Campbell stated the Certificate of Publication and Affidavit of Mailing Notice of Public Hearing are on file. The Plan- ning Department transmittal stating the Planning Commission recommended adoption of a specific plan establishing a minimum 14-ft. building setback and a protest by Ms. Evelyn Evans, Lynwood, California, were presented. Planning Director Gerschler said the Planning Commission's record including a history of this case dating back to October 1973 has been transmitted to the Council; the Planning Commission recommended the setback at that time; the City Council voted to make no change in 1973; in October 1974, the City Council voted to reopen this issue and instructed the Planning Commission to have new hearings; they did on January 27, 1975; the Planning Commission reaffirms their previous recommendation suggesting Council establish a 14-ft. building setback along Palm Avenue between 4th and 18th. STEVE L. TORRES, 1544 East 14th Street (corner of 14th and Palm), was present and said he is appearing as a private citizen and property owner to oppose this plan; his argument against the proposed setback is based on the extensive traffic studies and projections that have been made for Palm Avenue; they do not call for a 4-lane thoroughfare; if the traffic increases beyond the projections, it was proposed to make Palm Avenue a one-way thoroughfare; his second argument is that the costs to acquire the needed right-of-way at this point and time would be prohibitive and such funds could be put to better use for the needs of the community. There was discussion. RONALD L. COULTER, 1410 Palm Avenue, was present and said he, too, opposes this setback; he would like to ask three questions: What would be the penalty imposed upon property owners who had the misfortune of losing their homes or building? Would they be able to rebuild on the same line they are presently on? If a property owner is so unfortunate as to have his building burned and it is necessary that he rebuild, does he go back to his original site or must he set back 14 feet? What is the true motive behind this? Why did they stop at 18th and 4th which would give a direct bottle neck back up into that area; if you stopped at 18th and only took in this area and the traffic is coming off Palm Avenue? Mayor Morgan and Planning Director Gerschler answer Mr. Coulter's questions. No one else was present in this regard. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Morgan, the hearing be closed and the 14-ft. setback be established and the Plannizg Commission's recommendation be adhered to. Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalla, Pinson, Morgan. Nays: Reid. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, these ordinances be presented to Council for second reading by title only. Carried by unanimous vote. ORDINANCE NO. 1458 (2/1$1?4-1), "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 962, ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA TO PROVIDE LOCATIONAL CRITERIA, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS FOR OFF-STREET PARKING LOTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC." Moved by Pinson, seconded by Dalla, Ordinance No. 1458 (2/18/ 5-1) be adopted. Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalla, Pinson. Nays: Reid, Morgan. ORDINANCE NO. 1459 (2/18,45-2), "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 962, ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA (ZC-I1- 74, to Rezone property on the south side of 8th between Palm and 'R' Avenues excepting therefrom the corner parcel at 8th and Palm from C-2 to C-2-PD)." Moved by Pinson, seconded by Reid, Ordinance No. 1459 (2/1g/45-2) be adopted. Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalla, Pinson, Reid. Nays: Morgan. 2/25/75 214 REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY - None. REFERRALS Memo from Councilman Dalla, dated November 18, 1974, regarding FIRE HYDRANT LOCATION IDENTIFICATION; memos from Fire Chief K. E. Joyce and former Asst. City Manager S. T. Stenberg in this regard; and Asst. City Manager Tom G. McCabe's memo recommending that if Council adopts the proposed fire hydrant location identification program, that based on cost of implementation, staff be directed to include it as a planned project in the coming fiscal year budget were presented. There was discussion. Moved by Dalla, seconded by Camacho, to direct the City Manager to set aside 2OO in next year's budget to implement this program with the work and site selection to be done b the Fire De art- ment personnel during the normal course of fire h drant maintenance and if, of course it is found the money is not available, well, that is something to consider. Carried by unanimous vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The City Engineer's memos recommending the City request CALTRANS to overlay DIVISION STREET from Palm Avenue to the improved section to the east and that the asphalt sidewalk be extended from Palm and Division to El Toyon School and estimating cost for construction of a Portland Cement concrete walkway between Palm Avenue and El Toyon School were presented. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, in favor of the City Engineer's recommendation using Portland Cement (amended motion). There was discussion. Carried by unanimous vote. NEW BUSINESS Request of the City Treasurer/Finance Director for approval of ratifi- cation of payment of BILLS in the amount of $70,344.88 and the PAYROLL for the period ending February 15, 1975 in the amount of $148,046.30, total $218,391.18 was presented. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Dalla, payroll and bills be ratified. Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalla, Pinson, Reid, Morgan. Nays: None. The City Manager's recommendation that COMPLAINT for damages by ROBERT ORTIZ, a minor by his guardian ad litem, Nora Tidwell, be denied and referred to City Attorney for processing was presented. Moved by Reid, seconded by Dalla, in favor of the City Manager's recommendation. Carried by unanimous vote. Acting City Manager McCabe's recommendation that CLAIM of RAMON ES- PINOZA against the City of National City be denied and referred to the City Attorney for processing was presented. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, in favor of the Actin Cit Mana er's recommendation. There was discussion. Carried by unanimous vote. The City Clerk's report of OPENING OF SEALED BIDS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS at 35th Street and National Avenue, Specification No. 781 (Arrow Electric $13,622,00; Select Electric $14,581.00; and G F A Electric $14,844.00) and the City Engineer's recommendation that Arrow Electric's bid be accepted and awarded and all other bids be rejected were pre- sented. City Clerk Campbell stated that the Official Directory of Licensed Contractorq, Certificate of Publication and Affidavit of Post-. ing are attached to Council agenda and are on file. Moved by Pins n, seconded by Camacho, in favor of Arrow Electric and the Engineer's recommendation (amended motion). Carried by unanimous vote. The City Clerk's report of OPENING OF SEALED BIDS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS at Division Street and Highland Avenue, Specification No. 811 (Arrow Electric $24,819.00; Select Electric $24,725.00; and G F A Electric $25,352.00) and the City Engineer's memo recommending (a) bid by Select Electric, Inc., be accepted and awarded and all other bids be rejected, and (b) $10,725.00 be transferred from Account 21-- Undesignated Projects and appropriated in Account 10--Traffic Signal at Division and Highland were presented. City Clerk Campbell stated that an excerpt from the Official Directowof Licensed Contractors, Certificate of Publication and Affidavit of Posting are attached to 2/25/75 215 Council agenda and on file. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Camacho, in favor of the recommendations of the City Engineer on C1A111a1il. There was discussion. Carried by unanimous vote. A letter from COLLINS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (Item 16) requesting desig- nation by City Council of Redevelopment Survey area to be generally bounded by 30th Street on the north, 1-805 on the east, State Highway 54 on the south, and Edgemere Avenue on the west; a letter from Arevalo & Safino in this regard, a map of the area and Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Watts, letter recommending Council request the City Attorney to prepare a memorandum of understanding between the Redevelopment Agency and Collins Development Company for consideration at the Redevelopment Agency meeting to be held March 4, 1975 and to request the Redevelopment Agency staff to prepare a resolution for Council consideration at the Council meeting to be held on said date were presented. Moved by Reid, seconded by Dalla, to approve Item 16 as directed by the Executive Director of the Redevelo ment A en. Carried by unanimous vote. The request of CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION to conduct public informa- tion and fund raising campaign during March 1975 and the License Collector's recommendation this be granted were presented. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Reid, in favor of the License Collector's recom- mendation. Carried by unanimous vote. The request of SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL BOOSTERS for free use of the Community Building main hall and kitchen on March 16, 1975 and a recommendation by Park & Recreation Director that rental fee be waived (facility request form attached) were presented. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, in favor of the Park and Recreation Director's recommendation. Carried by unanimous vote. The request of NATIONAL. CITY GIRLSSOFTBALL LEAGUE for City to purchase full back cover page ad of their program book for $50 was presented. Moved by Reid, seconded by Camacho, this item be approved if theCity Mer says the money is available. City Manager Bourcier said it was. Carried by unanimous vote. The City Manager's recommendation that FUNDS be appropriated from Revenue Sharing Account No. 22 to FURNISH THE PUBLIC WORKS CENTER was presented. Moved by Reid, seconded by Pinson, in favor of the City Manager's recommendation. Carried by unanimous vote. REPORTS City Manager - None. The Planning Department transmittal regarding the Planning Commission's recommendation that application for ZONE VARIANCE from requirement for paving, setback and landscaping of off-street parking lot to allow temporary use of property without required improvements, 400 block, west 13th Street, north side (MAC'S TRANSFER, Z-6-74) be denied and stating the Planning Commission was unable to find appropriate justi- fication for granting the variance was presented. It was stated they are using this lot now and are trying to buy it from the railroad; it takes time to deal with the railroad. Planning Director Gerschler said this case started with the Planning Commission as an enforcement matter; a complaint was filed; the variance was an attempt to solve the enforcement problem; when the Planning Commission got the variance they couldn't find the required justification and they had to deny the variance; they did indicate, however, after discussing it with the applicant that during the one year that he requires to complete his negotiations with the railroad they would withhold any further enforce- ment action while he negotiates if the variance is denied, and the Planning Commission does withhold the enforcement; there is no further problem; Council can confirm the recommendation of the variance and indicate to them that Council is sympathetic with the case; as it stands now, nothing further will be done on it. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Reid, in favor of the Planning Commission's recommendation and tell the Planning Commission not to enforce it too strongly for a In answer to the question as to whether or not they will be 2/25/75 216 required to have this put in after purchase is final, Planning Director Gerschler said they have committed themselves to that; the gentleman is in the audience; you may wish to inquire. Carried by unanimous vote. The Planning Department transmittal regarding the Planning Commission's recommendation that application for ZONE VARIANCE to reduce required 25-ft. rear yard setback to 15 feet at 1041 East 30th Street (HOWARD LEE, Z-5-74) be approved and stating justification was stipulated in the Planning Commission approval was presented. Planning Director Gerschler said in this case, the Planning Commission did consider all the facts and did find justification; they granted the variance and the justification is set forth in their resolution. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Pinson, in favor of the Planning Commission's recommenda- tion. Carried by unanimous vote. The Planning Department transmittal regarding the recommendation by the Planning Commission that application for ZONE VARIANCE to allow a TEMPORARY SIGN containing 192 sq. ft. in lieu of 50 sq. ft. maximum allowed by ordinance on property between Hoover Avenue and I-5 between 26th and 28th Streets, E. J. Christman Business and Industrial Park (Collins Development Company, Z-10-74) be approved and stating that justification was stipulated in the Planning Commission approval was presented. Planning Director Gerschler said the Planning Commission found justification did exist for granting the variance; there is justification set forth in the resolution. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Reid, in favor of the Plannin9 Commission's recommendation. Carried by unanimous vote. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS COUNCILMAN DALLA said last November Council formally took a position on the location of the AIRPORT in San Diego; the majority of the Council determined that and went on record as favoring the retention of Lindbergh Field; at last night's CPO meeting National City's vote was cast to relocate the airport to Brown Field; this is the time, if the Council still feels as they did in November, to direct their CPO representative to vote the wishes of the Council. Councilman Reid said he thinks he voted the wishes of the majority of the Council; that is all he has to say. Mayor Morgan said as he understood it Council directed the representative to attempt to get it postponed, if there was a vote on it at that time; he does not know whether they granted a postponement or not. Councilman Dalla said he checked the records and Council went on record as favoring Lindbergh Field and directing Mr. Reid to seek a delay of a month. (several talking at once) Councilman Dalla said...last night CPO had a vote on this; last night National City voted to move the airport; if Council wants to move the airport, fine; if Council wants to retain Lindbergh Field, Mr. Reid should be directed to cast the City's votes to keep Lindbergh Field. Mayor Morgan said Council can discuss that before the time comes up again. Councilman Dalla said it was not discussed last time. VICE MAYOR CAMACHO said he and Councilman Reid were given a job to look into the intersection of 2nd and Highland; they have checked with the City Engineer who had all kinds of papers and surveys and studies; he and Councilman Reid looked at them all and read them; there are three reasons why the intersection does not have high priority for the traffic signal. Vice Mayor Camacho read from a report, "...although the intersection at Highland and Second recently was approved for signalization, its installation is not recommended for three reasons: (1) the intersection does not meet traffic warrants for signalization and with the completion of Division Street, east of Highland, there will be even less justification; (2) Second Street does not fit into the spacing necessary for efficient operation of progressive signal system; it lies 1/8 mile either side of Division and 4th; 1/4 mile spacing is considered optimum; (3) it clearly will not need it with a signal at Division and a signal at 4th, traffic will move in platoons in a progressive system having natural gaps which will permit traffic at 2nd and 3rd Streets to enter and exit Highland with no more delay than an intersection with signal lights." Vice Mayor Camacho said he and Mr. Reid feel this should be reviewed 2/25/75 217 after the traffic light is installed on Division Street and if the problem still exists, a signal can be put in at that time. MAYOR MORGAN said he has spoken to the Planning Director a couple of times about this; when a builder brings in a plan, it was suggested that one person would carry these things through; has this system been set up? Planning Director Gerschler said the City Manager has a program underway. MAYOR MORGAN said he finds he cannot give up on the KIMBALL HOUSE; the majority of the Council is in favor of tearing it down; there is an individual who wants to give from $25,000 to $40,000 to save this building excatly where it sits now; he, the Mayor, went throught the building and it did not look that bad; if the City bought the property where the building is now located, perhaps Federal or State money would be available to restore this original building; is there any chance of getting any money for this? Planning Director Gerschler said he is not familiar with any available money; the question came up recently at the Citizens' Advisory Committee and the Executive Director of Redevelopment, who is more knowledgeable about Federal funds, indicated there is a real shortage of that kind of Federal money at the moment; that does not mean that it does not exist. Councilman Reid said he feels he has an obligation to the people who own the lot, the VFW Post; they were told that within a year that building would be moved; it is their land and they need it for a parking lot; he will have to go along with the Director of Building and Housing, who says the building is in bad shape; another $150,000 in addition to that $40,000 is required; where is that coming from? Mayor Morgan said if the building could be saved in that location and restoration started, he is not sure, but he believes he could go out and raise $150,000 to restore that building. Mayor Morgan said he would like to see Council accept this gift to the City; as long as the City would buy that land and keep that building where it is, the property can be sold and use part of the money to buy a lot somewhere for the VFW parking lot; that is all they want, parking; the balance of the money could be used to start restoring that house; a drive could be put on to raise funds; money would pour in to restore that building that President Harrison came down to visit at one time; this man, Mr. Kimball, started this City. Mayor Morgan said he would not like to state positively that he can do it; but, he feels sure that he can raise the money himself; this man who is donating the two houses wants the building intact where it is now; this is the kind of interest needed to restore a building like that; it can be done; Frank Kimball came down here in the 1830's and built this building and started this City; he bought 30,000 acres for $26,000; he donated this park over here; once the building is torn down it is gone; he urged further consideration. Vice Mayor Camacho said this building has been checked out by experts who know a lot about this; Mr. Biggs, who is considered an authority on housing said this house can be built from scratch wherever desired for less money than it would cost to restore it; but, first contact must be made with the VFW Post and they must be told what is proposed; first they must agree to give up their parking facilities for some other parking facilities. Mayor Morgan said he would speak to the VFW. MAYOR MORGAN said he received a letter from Castle Park people, Mrs. Parkhurst; the Board directed the letter to him and asked him to answer six or eight question q whether this could be annexed and how it would be handled and this sort of thing. Moved by Morgan, seconded by Pinson, ._...._._._._........._.SLu._._.9.._.....___.tyianaertoansvtoauthorizetivertl._._Ieletter and answer the questions in the letter. Carried by unanimous vote. Moved by Reid, seconded by Pinson, the meeting be closed. Carried by unanimous vote. The meeting closed at 8:58 p.m. City erk C ty of National City, California 2/25/75 218 The foregoing minutes were approved by the City Council of the City of National City at the regular meeting of March 4, 1975. CINo corrections D Corrections as noted below Li Mayor, City if National City, California 2/25/75