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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975 09-16 CC MIN141 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA Septembek 16, 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, Dalia„ Pinson, Reid, Morgan. Absent: None. Administrative officials present: Bourcier, Gerschler, Hoffland, McCabe, McLean, Acting Deputy City Clerk Schmock. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND INVOCATION The meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag led by City Manager Bourcier followed with invocation by the Rev. Ben George, Paradise Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, the minutes of the regular meeting of September 2, 1975 be approved. Carried by unanimous vote. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Morgan presented a twenty-five year pin to WALTER SMITH, National City Public Works Department, and commended Mr. Smith for his service to the City. Acting Deputy City Clerk Schmock read the Mayor's proposed proclamation, "WHITE CANE WEEK IN NATIONAL CITY," September 29, 1975 to October 4, 1975. Moved by Reid, seconded by Camacho, the proclamation be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. Mayor Morgan presented the proclamation to Butch Bridgeman, member of the Lions Club Board of Directors, and com- mended Mr. Bridgeman and the Lions Club for the wonderful job they do. Councilman Pinson stated that Butch Bridgeman is also the Director of the National City Rodeo and invited everyone to attend the Rodeo this weekend; the performances are at 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 4:00 p.m. Sunday. MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS - None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS BUTCH BRIDGEMAN, 10412 Holly Road, El Cajon, on behalf of the Rodeo Assoc., was present and said he would like Council to know that they really appreciate what the City and its crews have done for the Rodeo Assoc. in preparation for the Rodeo this weekend; the money raised will be for the City's youth organizations; if anyone is interested in ac- quiring funds for any youth organization, they can write a letter to the Association, P. O. 1262, National City requesting funds and the Board will look it over. JOHN WILSON, 6 North Kenton Avenue, Post Commander, Thomas H. Cosby, Jr., V.F.W. Post, 936 National Ave., was present and said three years ago, members of Thomas H. Cosby, Jr. Post 4630, Veterans of Foreign Wars, U.S. of A., sold property on 16 Street, and purchased property on Plaza Boulevard and on National Avenue; after remodeling at their own expense, they opened the Post home at 936 National Avenue; at approximately the same time, they made an agreement with the City that, if the City so desired to have the Kimball home, they could have the Kimball home at no expense to the City; the building is still sitting there; the reason they purchased this property...at the same time the old Masonic Lodge, corner of 9th and National, was for sale and they considered this property; in view of the fact that there was no parking 9/16/75 142 available, or none could be made available, they bought the property at 936 National Avenue and 21 West Plaza, with the intentions of mov- ing the Kimball home; it was brought up that the City could have the home if they moved it; thus far the City has not moved Kimball home and this has been 2-3 years; the County Supervisors of the County of San Diego have taken $120,000 away from the Veterans Administration; they now have to take care of the veterans business in the Vet- erans of Foreign Wars homes; many of them are amputees, and are _handi annedl_the Post does not have the parking ai1itieS to take care of this business and they are losinbmoney 9 wG��� , 1-- - �--- -- the fact that they need the parking and/tlty has not made any progress to move the Kimball home, he Feg ests permission, on behalf of the Thomas H. Cosby V.F.W. Post,/tie City Council to sell or cause to sell the building setting on 21 West Plaza known as Kimball home. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, these resolutions be presented to the Council by title only. Carried by unanimous vote. Resolution No. 11,856, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROP ERTY (Easements -- Joseph A. Nonzeta, Marie C. and Harold R. Nichols)." Moved by Reid, seconded by Pinson, Resolution No. 11,856 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. Resolution No. 11,857, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY OF INTENTION TO SELL REAL PROPERTY AND DIRECTING PUBLICATION OF NOTICE TO BIDDERS INVITING BIDS FOR SAID PROPERTY (Plaza Boulevard and Cool- idge Avenue)." Moved by Reid, seconded by Camacho, Resolution No. 11,857 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. Resolution No. 11,858, "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE TO CIVIL SERVICE RULE VI, SECTION 606 - SICK LEAVE WITH PAY, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION." Moved by Pinson, seconded by Camacho, Resolution No. 11,858 be adopted. City Attorney McLean read a transmittal from the Personnel Officer, "Certain changes to existing Civil Service Rules are necessary to remain consistent with current Memorandum of Under- standings,"...our contracts with the employee associations, "the Anti -discrimination Laws (with regard to sex discrimination) and administrative convenience. In accordance with Civil Service Rule XII, Section 1201...the Civil Service Commission has, after public hearing, recommended....changes: 1. Adjust sick leave accrual rate for Fire Personnel as agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding of this year"...Council has approved this. "2. Reduce minimum amounts chargeable on sick leave. 3. Eliminate exclusion of maternity as an allowable use of sick leave. 4. Eliminate need for Civil Service Com- mission approval to use vacation as sick leave when required;"...so these changes, for example, if you get 90 days accrued vacation, you could use that as sick leave without going to the Civil Service Commis- sion as an employee. Carried by unanimous vote. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, this be by title only for first reading. Carried by unanimous vote. Ordinance No,. 9/16/75-1, "An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 962, Zoning Ordinance of the City of National City, to Allow a Community Hema-Dialysis Unit in the M-1, Special Limited Industrial Planned Development Zones." (BMA Management Co., Inc.) PUBLIC HEARING The WEED ABATEMENT HEARING was held at this time. The Fire Chief's report on the Weed Abatement Program for 1975 was presented. Acting Deputy City Clerk Schmock stated the Affidavit of Mailing Notice of 9/16/75 143 Assessment for Weed Abatement is on file; protests were received from Vicente R. Daligdig (owner of vacant land on 8th Street), and John Patrick Ford (owner of property at 3421 Plaza Boulevard); copies of Mr. Ford's protest, received September 15, 1975, were distributed to Council at the pre -Council meeting. City Attorney McLean asked Fire Marshal William Wright, National City Fire Department, to summarize the work done in the assessment district. Fire Marshal Wright stated the Fire Department conducted a Weed Abatement Program; they contacted approximately 650 citizens, property owners, within the City of National City; they were given initial notices and final notices; at the outcome, the contractor had to clean 21 lots; the contractor's expense, mail expense, and administration charge totaled $2,104.13. City Attorney McLean stated there is a protest from Mr. Daligdig and asked if they had looked into that. Fire Marshal Wright said he had. City Attorney McLean asked Fire Marshal Wright to report concerning Mr. Daligdig's protest; the essence of his complaint is that he cleaned his yard and the Fire Department didn't need to do anything for him. Fire Marshal Wright said he had a photograph of the property prior to cleaning and after cleaning; the gentleman concerned did have a contractor clean it; evidently it was not to the satisfaction of our inspectors; they did send a notice to the property owner on May 14th and a final notice on June 3rd; we cleaned the property on August 15. City Attorney McLean asked that the photographs be handed to the Council members and were then given to the Acting Deputy City Clerk for filing as Exhibits 1 and 2 (Document No. 56428). Mayor Morgan asked for the total amount of this particular assessment. Cityhattorney McLean answered $47. Fire Marshal Wright explained that/charge was $40 for abatement and $7 for administrative charges. City Attorney McLean asked that the second protest and the property be recognized. Acting Deputy City Clerk Schmock stated John Patrick Ford owned property at 3421 Plaza Boulevard. City Attorney McLean said Mr. Ford's contention regarding 3421 Plaza Boulevard is possibly we may be charging the wrong owner; and asked for comments. Fire Marshal Wright stated that is correct; they are in error; they had the property cleaned and notified Mr. Ford, sent him an assessment and it was the wrong address; it was a mistake. City Attorney McLean said...then someone else owes that money and asked if Fire Marshal Wright knew who it was. Fire Marshal Wright said he did not know who the owner was; he received a copy of the protest today; they will find the proper owner and send them a statement of the charges. City Attorney McLean recommended that the hearing on the Weed Abatement be continued for 30 days (October 14 at 7:45 p.m.) so that the Fire Marshal's office could charge the proper property owner with the assessment on this parcel. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, in favor of the City Attorney's recommendation. RAYMOND KENNY, 10714 Esmeraldas Drive, San Diego, owner of property at 1803 East 24 Street, was present and said he received oneletter, not two as stated, and a card that said Raymondo Kenny asking him in Spanish to bring his iden- tification; he found out about it; he cut the side and two levels on top (of his property) because of his bad back; he cannot get down to hoe; he figured he had a harder time because the property next door to him had not been touched, and still has not been touched; he had two boys that were going to come over; he found (handing pictures to Coun- cil members) gouging and that his water line was exposed; he also had pictures of the next lot and two on Grove Street not done...the weeds coming through his fence. Mr. Kenny continued that he is a retired Pipefitter-Steamfitter-Plumber and knows this business; he found out how much the pipe cost and submitted an itemized bill to the Finance Department, and sent a letter to the City Manager; he is willing to pay his bills if the City pays theirs. City Attorney McLean recommended Mr. Kenny's complaint be referred to the Fire Marshal for report. Mayor Morgan asked for a report on October 14. Mr. Kenny's photographs were given to Fire Marshal Wright. EVERETT DICKSON, 2745 East 14 Street, was present and said he wonders if this gentleman hasn't been discri- minated against because he sees trash piled all over the City; someone should go out and see a lot of things that are missed. Carried by unanimous vote. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, these four ordinances for second reading be by title only. Carried by unanimous vote. 9/16/75 144 Ordinance No. 1479 (9713/ 5-1), "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY AMENDING TITLE 2, CHAPTER 2.01.020 (I) OF THE NATIONAL CITY MUNICIPAL CODE." City Attorney McLean stated this relates to Purchas- ing procedures. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Pinson, Ordinance No. 1479 (9/2/W5-1) be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. Ordinance No. 1480 (97474.5-2), "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY PROVIDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT AND CERTAIN SERVICES." Moved by Pinson, seconded by Reid, Ordinance No. 1480 (9///?g-2) be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. Ordinance No. 1481 (9///4&-g), "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTION 1 OF ORDINANCE NO. 674 AND SECTION 10.16.010 OF THE NATIONAL CITY MUNICIPAL CODE." Moved by Reid, sec- onded by Pinson, Ordinance No. 1481 (9///gg-3) be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. Ordinance No. 1482 (9-2-44-4), "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING NATIONAL CITY SIGN ORDINANCE NO. 1315 TO PROVIDE FOR 'TEMPORARY' SUBDIVISION SIGNS IN CONNECTION WITH BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL SUBDIVISIONS." Moved by Dalla, seconded by Camacho, Ordinance No. 1482 (9-3-q5-4) be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY -- None. NEW BUSINESS Communication from PACIFIC TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH CO. requesting a time extension of a trailer permit to September 1976, and to relocate the existing trailer to a different position than originally proposed dur- ing construction of a new permanent telephone facility building; and Building and Housing Director's recommendation request be granted were presented. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, that this request be granted. Carried by unanimous vote. City Treasurer/Finance Director's request for ratification of BILLS in the amount of $37,858.20 (Warrant Register No. 10, Warrants Nos. 55295 through 52353) and PAYROLL in the amount of $173,370.11 (period August 16-31, 1975) was presented. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Reid, the bills and payroll be ratified. Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalla, Pinson, Reid, Morgan. Nays: None. City Treasurer/Finance Director's request for ratification of BILLS in the amount of $23,792.51 (Warrant Register No. 11, Warrants Nos. 52354 through 52428) was presented. Moved by Reid, seconded by Camacho, Warrant Register No. 11 be approved. Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalla, Pinson, Reid, Morgan. Nays: None. City Manager Bourcier's recommendation that the following modifications or clarifications be made to the STREET TREE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM was presented: "1. That the policy of participating in the cost of the trees be extended to all properties within the City EXCEPT that the policy will not apply to new construction where parkway landscaping is required by existing ordinances. The purpose of the Street Tree Im- provement Program is to encourage beautification and upgrading of properties currently existing in the community. This is a practical limitation due to budgetary restrictions. 2. That the policy of participating in the cost of tree planting in areas where no parkway or setback planting area exists be limited to the cost of the tree and initial planting only. The cost of providing tree wells in concrete sidewalks or tree containers will be borne by the participating prop- erty owner. The location of said tree well or type of container is subject to approval by the City." There was discussion concerning the importance of planting trees in the City, and that businesses and industry could possibly take advantage of the tree program. Moved by Morgan, seconded by Reid, we file this and leave the policy as is. It was stated the program was set up for the homeowner; that $1,500 has been allocated and $770 has been spent to date. EVERETT DICKSON, 2745 East 14 Street, was present and said he plants a tree whenever he pleases and doesn't ask for any trees and doesn't see why anyone should 9/16/75 145 be given money to plant a tree, they can do it themselves. There was further discussion. Carried, by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Pinson, Reid, Morgan. Nays: Dalia. Moved by Pinson, sec- onded by Camacho, that this item be referred to the City Manager for the next budget session. Carried by unanimous vote. Communication from City Treasurer Kerr requesting direction from the City Council concerning clarification of Ordinance No. 1443, VEHICLE PERMIT DECALS ("Does the City Council want to charge 'in city' busi- nesses a separate vehicle license.") was presented. Moved by Reid, seconded by Camacho, the businesses in the City that are doing business and have vehicles here and buy a license do not need another license on that vehicle, but businesses that come from outside to here will still have their decals; this would not be effective until the 1st of January (amended motion). City Attorney McLean said they would pre- pare an ordinance amendment for the next fiscal year. There was discussion. City Attorney McLean said if they don't have a local license, but are doing business in town, they have to have a sticker. Councilman Pinson stated he would not vote as this would be a monetary value to him. Carried, by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Dalia, Reid, Morgan. Nays: None. Abstaining: Pinson. CONSENT CALENDAR Items 17 through 19 were presented: 17. Notice resetting hearing on Application No. 55527 (Pacific Tele- phone and Telegraph Company); 18. Amendment to Application No. 55856 (San Diego Economy Line, Inc.); 19. Schedule of new taxicab rates to become effective September 12, 1975. Ordered filed by unanimous vote. LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN No. 25-1975 was pre- sented. City Manager Bourcier recommended the following: Veto AB700 (Peace Officers Tenure Act), Veto AB11 (Eminent Domain Comprehensive Revision), Veto AB188 (Limitation on Cities' Authority to Impose Fees and Taxes), Veto SB662 (Business License Tax Exemption), and Approve AB2006 (Deficiency Appropriation for SB90 Mandates). Moved by Pinson, seconded by Camacho, in favor of the Manager's recommendations on AB700, AB11, AB188, SB662, and AB2006. Carried by unanimous vote Communication from Mayor Morgan requesting support of his proposal con- cerning a PROPOSED GOLF COURSE in the SWEETWATER VALLEY; the City to contribute $400,000 and the owner to contribute $500,000 and also deed the land (120 acres) to the City was presented. Moved by Morgan, sec- onded by Pinson, the Mayor's recommendation be approved. Councilman Pinson said he would like to make it clear that there will be no National City money involved. PETER XANDER, 1845 East 16 Street, was present and asked Mr. Pinson what he meant by no public moneys what would this do?...you're asking about a State or Federal grant? Councilman Pinson said he has come to the conclusion, if the City Manager can obtain a State or Federal grant, unpayable, we would then have the necessary revenue to proceed with this proposal; if we use any City funds, such as revenue sharing or any other City money, he proposes that this matter be put on the ballot and let the people of National City decide whether or not we should pursue this project. Mr. Xander asked, what the pos- sibility is of a Federal grant; would this just authorize whomever to pursue that to see if there are... Councilman Pinson said the City Manager is looking into it now to try to find out if there is any Fed- eral or State money to purchase lands of this nature. Mr. Xander said by that, assuming that State or Federal funds can't be used, does this also authorize this to be put on the ballot? Mayor Morgan said that is right. Mr. Xander said that is what he wants to talk about; in last Sunday's National City Star -News this plan was mentioned as a headline story entitled "Morgan Suggests Vote Decide Golf Course Plan;" in that article, the Mayor was quoted as saying, "We would be laying $400,000 aside for 25 years. That would be a big decision," granted it is; would you like to hear of a bigger decision? what about the Bonita Golf Course which is in National City not five miles away; National City is already paying $50,000 a year to lease the land with an option to buy it for over $21/4.-million; this was without the voters approval; the 9/16/75 146 shopping center plan was approved which will cost the taxpayers of National City an $81/2-million redevelopment bond and according to Page 124 of the E.I.R. he will quote, and is National City's own study which is being defended in court, "Concerning economic impacts that would be directly related to the redevelopment process.,..the bond issue would unquestionably represent a public cost;" in other words, National City residents have to tolerate an$8k-million redevelopment bond to be repaid in 181/2-20 years as well as buy the Bonita Golf Course from Mr. Koenig for $21/4-million; if laying aside $400,000 for 25 years is a big decision, why isn't $11-million for 20 years; he is totally opposed to purchase of this land, if it comes to that, from Mr. Koenig; he is also opposed to National City wasting taxpayers money to put this to a vote; the only reason Council wants to put that on the March bal- lot is confusing it with his initiative ordinance, hoping that the people will get confused and vote "no" on both, defeating the $400,000 golf course plan and also allowing the May Co. shopping center to be built; he hopes the people will see this for what it really is; it is a political ploy to confuse the people of the City. Carried, by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Pinson, Reid, Morgan. Nays: Dalla. REPORTS City Manager Bourcier reported that the County Board of Supervisors approved $170,000 to the City of National City for the improvement of Las Palmas Park. A Planning Department transmittal stating the Planning Commission rec- ommended approval of DEFERRAL of a 25' length of SIDEWALK at 2040 East 5 Street on condition that registered civil engineer certify that a 1-1/2:1 cut slope will be stable in the native soil; without such certification a wall will be necessary (ROBERT J. MANY) was presented. Planning Director Gerschler stated this was applied for as an exemption and the Planning Commission has recommended a deferral; Council may consider, if deferral is approved, attaching the condition for a wai- ver of protest under the 1911 Act. Moved by Reid, seconded by Pinson, if the 9entleman is in favor of a deferral as stated by the Planner with that condition be approved. City Attorney McLean stated the motion is to approve the recommendation of the Planning Commission with the additional condition that they waive protest under the 1911 Act. Carried by unanimous vote. A Planning Department transmittal stating the Planning Commission rec- ommended DENIAL of the DEFERRAL for installation of CURB, SIDEWALK and ONE-HALF STREET PERMANENT PAVING at 716 Highland Avenue (PACIFIC TELE- PHONE & TELEGRAPH CO.) was presented. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Dalla, in favor of the Planning Commission's recommendation. There was discussion. City Manager Bourcier explained that 716 Highland is the legal address they are using; the improvements will be on "G" and 7th, not Highland; and the telephone company's address is 716 Highland. There was discussion. Mayor Morgan said this work will be on 7th and "G" and asked that it be included in the motion. Carried by unanimous vote. A Planning Department transmittal stating the Planning Commission rec- ommended a DEFERRAL be GRANTED for installation of SIDEWALK at 435 "L" Avenue subject to applicant's signing a covenant running with the land not to protest a 1911 Act (QUICHOCHO) was presented. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Camacho, in favor of the Planning Commission's recommenda- tion. There was discussion about modifying the requirements for •P.MININIMOIM sidewalk installation and Planning Director Gerschler stated it is in process; it is in the City Manager's office now. Carried by unani- moust vote, The Planning Commission Report on application for CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 1975-9, to allow a commercial entertainment establishment/ motion pictures at 135 East 8 Street was presented; and Planning Direc- tor Gerschler stated this case will appear on the Council Agenda October 7, 1975. 9/16/75 147 The Planning Commission Report on application for CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 1975-10, to allow construction of a kitchen/dining room addition to within 10' of the rear property line at 22 Lanoitan Ave- nue was presented; and Planning Director Gerschler1stated this case will appear on the Council agenda October 7, 975. The Planning Commission Report on application for CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 1975-11, amending Conditional Use Petmit No. 1975-6 to specify "on -sale general" liquor license in lieu of "one -sale beer and wine bona fide public eating place" at 1539 Plaza Boulevard was presented; and Planning Director Gerschler stated this case will appear on the Council agenda October 7, 1975. A Planning Department transmittal stating the Planning staff recommend- ed Council adopt a resolution of intent to vacate "J" Avenue between the southerly line of Division Street and northerly line of Melrose Street, setting a public hearing date, and Planning Commission's rec- ommendation be considered at that time was presented. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, in favor of the recommendations by the Planning staff. Carried by unanimous vote. The City Treasurer/Finance Director's FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for July and August, 1975 were presented. Ordered filed by unanimous vote. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS COUNCILMAN REID said where you come off of 24th Street, off I-5, there are many large trucks getting confused and heading east when they want to go west to the truck stop; is there any way we can ask the State to put a directional sign west and east on 24th; you can make a right when you get off, and go either way. City Manager Bourcier said they would contact the State. COUNCILMAN CAMACHO said the Swim Booster Club is proposing a snack bar and asked if it is going to be operated by the parents. City Manager Bourcier said a communication had been received from the Swim Boosters stating that they want to enter into an agreement for the running of the snack bar; they are talking about it and that is what they are pro- posing. Councilman Camacho asked if they would be covered under the City's insurance or will they have to get their own... City Manager Bourcier said he did not know, but will look into it. COUNCILMAN PINSON said he would like the staff and the Traffic Safety Committee to study the street markings on places like Highland Avenue; there are several where there is a 4' strip of red between parking spots; he doesn't know what caused it to happen this way; driving down Highland you can see where they have the "Ts" marked with white for parking automobiles and right in front of that is a 4' red spot and then another parking spot and another 4' red spot; down Highland Ave- nue and National Avenue you could probably come up with another dozen parking spots if we eliminated that 4' strip of red; maybe it is a safety feature and we have to have it, but if we don't lets get rid of it and create more parking in that area. Councilman Camacho said he would like to ask Mr. Hoffland; perhaps there is an answer to that without having to...and we could be enlightened on this subject right here. City Engineer Hoffland said the only short red curbs that he is aware of are adjacent to either driveways or curb returns, City Mana- ger Bourcier recommended that this be referred to staff because we don't have the information to answer it correctly tonight. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Camacho, this be referred to staff. Carried by unanimous vote. COUNCILMAN PINSON said he would like to ask Mr. Gerschler...in the loth and "R" area they're studying that to take it from an R-4 to an R-1, one empty lot over there; would it be too big of a problem for the Planning staff to look into other areas in National City where this could possibly be done rather than just a spot like that; maybe we have a lot of these areas that we could reduce back to an R-1 where people could build a single-family residence; especially if there are no apartments built in that area, where we would zone where there 9/16/75 148 wouldn't be any apartments and spoil a nice R-1 neighborhood. Planning Director Gerschler said approximately three months ago the Planning Commission asked the same question and they prepared a report and the answer was yes, there are; we identified eight specific areas where this could happen; the Planning Commission has undertaken hearings so that they could make recommendations to Council on down -zoning; the first two of those will be on the agenda either next Tuesday or the following Tuesday and possibly all eight will be here within the next 60-90 days; when that eight is finished then they will take a look at the next batch; you can be assured it is underway. COUNCILMAN PINSON said he has received a couple of complaints about it being hard to get something done, whether it is wanting to build an apartment or close a street or whatever it is, through the Planning Department; is there some way that we could instead of having our little questionnaire down there where we inform the people what they have to do...that the City can assist these people in expediting their papers, permits, etc. Planning Director Gerschler said before he really answers that question he would like to get into the specifics of the case because he thinks his office is operating with dispatch in most cases; the total City staff that works on permits has just recently gotten under full steam with this permit procedure that we have talked about for several months; the Mayor has asked us to work on it several times; staff is now implementing that and they are having some real success with it; out of that you will see some streamlining of service to the public in a number of ways; a key part of that is involved with what the staff is calling "permit coordinators" that work out of the Building Inspector's office; he will be in a position to help people carry their plans through and get over the rough spots with them; on the other side of the coin, you probably have some complaints about processing things like apartment house applications. MAYOR MORGAN asked if they come in and want to build an R-1 home in a business zone, just one home...we should be encouraging those and he knows it has come before Council before on 5th Street and other areas where we had to hold them up to just build one home; how could we streamline that to where if they want to build an R-1 home in National City... Planning Director Gerschler said the zoning code would have to be amended. Mayor Morgan asked, would that break down other parts of the zone. Planning Director Gerschler said not necessarily. Mayor Morgan said he would like to see Mr. Gerschler think about that and he will discuss it a little further from time to time. COUNCILMAN PINSON said this is involving the total City and the citizens participation; the citizens want to be involved and in today's style of government the citizens have to be involved in the decision making of something that is going to affect them and their children, grandchil, dren and on down into the future; he realizes they elect the Council to set policies and make decisions; a lot of times thee decisions are made and they become permanent -type decisions where it affects the whole community, yet the community hasn't themselves been involved in making that decision other than through their elected representatives and directing that they vote a certain way or whatever their policies were or feelings were about it; what he proposes is...he asked the Vice Mayor of Simi Valley to send him literature on what they did to cope with this problem; he would like for the Council to take a look at it and give it some thought; what it consists of is having community group councils; in other words, divide the City up into five parts and in each part of this area you...the Mayor, the Council would act on it and appoint a seven person committee; then that one -fifth of the City would be allowed to have a meeting once a week and express their views and complaints; they would feel more comfortable going to a place like this and letting this committee know; the committee could also be used for getting information out to the people of this community and we would have a better line of communication; this committee would also look over whatever complaints or problems of that area and refer them to the Council and make their weekly or monthly report or whatever Council would come up with and we could make decisions at that time on what the recommendations might be; he would like the Council to take a look at this and give it a lot of thought and possibly in the near future imple- ment a program like this. 9/16/75 149 MAYOR MORGAN said he was sorry Peter (Xander) left and he didn't answer him about the rent; the City of National City has a right to rent that property, but there isn't a penny or half a cent that went in on rent of the golf course; he has seen it stated that the dirt raising this land out of the flood plain is going to be the responsibility of the Redevelopment Agency; there won't be a thimble full of dirt moved on that golf course with the Redevelopment Agency; the only thing we are interested in is the public roads, drains; this sort of thing is the only money that is going in there; it's not going to be one thimble full of dirt that will raise it out of the flood plain zone; he wanted to make that clear; all the money that is generated into this redevel- opment project will be refunded, we will be paid back; any money that goes out will be paid back to the City of National City and the May Co. will pay every dime that goes out there; in the end the May Co. pays every dime that goes into that project; there is no public money coming into this project by the City of National City or the Redevelopment Agency; the Redevelopment Agency doesn't have any money; anytime we sell bonds, the May Co. or any of the companies will pay back every dollar it takes to run that project; it's just like the Christman pro- ject; those people that are down there that are in that project will pay every dime back to the City of National City and we don't leave out anything; besides, we get the jobs, the sales tax and all the rev- enue that comes in off this; he thould have made this statement before he (Peter Xander) left. FRED PRUETT, 2414 East 19 Street, was present and stated this past Sunday he had a grand opening of the National City Home and Hardware Store, corner of 8th and Palm; and thanked the Council members for the interest shown in making the grand opening a success. Mayor Morgan called an Executive Session on Legal matters at 8:33 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:40 p.m. ROLL CALL Council members present: Camacho, Dalia, Pinson, Reid, Morgan. Absent: None. Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, the meeting be closed. Car- ried by unanimous vote. The meeting closed at 8:41 p.m. —Aiew.112- City Cl City o Nati 1 Ci Cali • nia By: ng 'epu y The foregoing minutes were approved by the Cit Council of the City of National City at the regular meeting of September 23, 1975. Ci7 No corrections C:Corrections as noted below May City of National City, California 9/16/75