LINDA VISTA COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – May 23, 2005

Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m.

The Presentation of Colors was made by the Kearny High School Educational Complex Army Junior ROTC Color Guard Unit.

Roll Call: Member absent, Richmond, Members excused, Beckham, Castro, Diemert, Duncan, Hughes, Thao.

Reports from Government and other Community Representatives:

Election of Officers. Ron Tomcek of the Nominating Committee nominated the following members to hold office until May of 2006: Ed Cramer, Chair, Don Wetzel, Vice-Chair, Gail Cole, Treasurer, Grover Diemert, Secretary. There being no other nominations from the floor, the following were elected by acclamation..

Michael Schaldach, SDPD, reported on the recent Curfew Sweep, Zero Tolerance programs/seatbelts, etc. and took questions regarding the increased homeless presence and graffitti. Chula Vista gangs are suspected.

Pari Sanati of Councilmember Frye’s office report included the following: Gang activity – Francis Parker incident, GBDG allocations, public comment is welcomed at budget hearings, Mt. Soledad issue going to ballot, Next Councilmember Day will be Friday 5/27 from noon to 2 p.m. at Bayside. Future time may be changed.

Tony Pollard, SDFD reported on earthquake preparedness and summer fire prevention needs due to the increased growth from the season rains. The brush team has been dissolved for budget reasons and citizens need to understand their need to provide space clearing. He also advised that communications between various agencies has been tested and has improved immensely.

Katherine Fortner (619-280-5353) of Congresswoman Susan Davis’s distributed their newsletter and took comments.

Cecilia Williams from City Planning had Marco Camacho explain the General Plan update materials which he distributed and the need for comment by June 3 in the initial phase. The entire plan is available on the city website. The chair asked members to review the distributed material at home and to contact City Planning with comments.

Tom Cleary of USD reported on commencement activities.. The chair recommended to everyone a USD program in July called U3A (University of the 3rd Age) which is a wonderful three week morning lecture series covering many areas of current interest.

Jeanette Temple of Development Services distributed and discussed materials covering staff responsible for Linda Vista area planning projects. 

Libby Day of the City Redevelopment Agency reviewed the Land Use & Housing Committee action regarding the Skateworld and corner property. The Linda Vista Rehabilitation Loan program is to be reviewed by three agencies on June 7 and later will be acted upon by the Agency (City Council). 

Public Comment

Francis Parker School Project Concerns were presented by community spokesperson, Katherine Morgen. The group of residents in attendance presented a petition containing 80 signatures. The concerns of the petition were: Thirty-five foot buildings are incompatible, 90 foot poles and lights are unsightly, expansion of school population will negatively impact traffic, and only 7 of 700 students at Parker are from Linda Vista which does not benefit Linda Vista. It was also represented that the Planning Commission approved the project on consent because no one had filed a speaker slip at the beginning of the meeting. The group had been told that the Parker expansion plans would be position 15 on the schedule of contested projects and when the group arrived, 15 minutes after the start of the meeting, it had already been approved. The group also advised that night games created excess noise and light concerns and that notice had not been given to those in close proximity who were beyond 300’ but who were affected.. The chair, Ed Cramer, asked that Ms. Morgen supply him with the precise details regarding who in their group contacted who and when at the City Planning Commission so as to provide a trail of facts. Don Ballantyne, Chair of the subcommittee, asked that the matter be returned to the LVCPC for reconsideration i.e. the 30’ height limit issue was not outlined in the original documentation upon which the committee voted.

Gary Stang commented that the process works and thanked the committee for their efforts regarding Skateworld.

Shiela Hardin of CCDC reported on downtown development.

Rick Bussell reported on the 5/23/05 City Council budget hearing regarding the many proposed cuts in Park and Recreation and the use of additional volunteers which might come into conflict with city union policy. Gail Cole commented that the city is balancing the budget on the backs of our children by cutting the 6 to 6 programs, etc.

Nate Farries requested help in his fence project considerations with the city.

Wayne Bamford reported on summer camp opportunities at the Humane Society (299-7012).

Main Presentation

Tecolote Fire Prevention Program. Janice Lavelle, 858-581-9961, Park Ranger for three parks, including Tecolote, reported on the many activities and considerations affecting park use and safety. Included were elimination of non-native species as many native species are fire-resistant, policing canyons, and the need for more volunteers. She outlined the contribution of various church groups which volunteer and cited the need for more observation. Rick Bussell thanked her for the Basket in Botany event which he found very helpful. Ranger Lavelle described in wonderful detail the various plants and animals which are present in the park.

Linda Vista 2nd Baptist Church CUP and Planned Development Permit. John Pyjar, Architect and Dr. D. C. Green, Minister, outlined the need for reconstruction of the church as a result of a deteriorating foundation due to water run-off from the adjacent Navy housing project. The church has been unable to locate an alternative site and wishes to rebuild on the same site with the same pew capacity resulting in the same parking requirements. Parking has been provided on leased Navy land on a year to year basis for 30 years. The design of the church incorporates a vaulted ceiling and a tall spire which exceed height limits. The building has been redesigned to provide an architectural masterpiece in the neighborhood. Committee members were concerned with the short term of the Navy lease covering the parking area while the church reinvestment was long term. The committee offered to help the church procure a longer term commitment from the Navy and felt it premature to vote on the project as presented.

Mesa College Drive Future. Much discussion took place regarding reincorporating the extension of Mesa College Drive from the College to Genesee (as in plans prior to l999) into the Community Plans of both Linda Vista and Clairemont. A motion to request that all government agencies involved delay for 120 days any action which would forever prevent the extension passed 11 yes, 0 no.

Linda Vista Portfolio Preliminary Development Plans. Grace Wilson of the Olson Company acquainted the committee with their commitment to building quality, affordable housing in urban centers in California. She distributed materials outlining their projects and history. The Olson Company has entered into a purchase agreement with Bernard Lewis for all three of his Linda Vista Properties fronting on Fulton, Osler and Ulric.
Their plan is to replace the existing units with all new construction in accordance with the community plan and its existing zoning. They also plan to provide 10% of the new units at affordable rates and not exercise the in lieu option. She explained Podium construction design might be utilized if the higher permitted density is selected. The company is consulting with other firms regarding positive ways to provide the transition for existing tenants. Escrow on all three properties is to close simultaneously. Gail Cole advised the Olson Company to take advantage of the in lieu funds available through the Housing Commission for affordable housing.

Wireless Telecom Facility @ USD. Ann Ford presented the plans for the installation of Nextel wireless antennas at USD in two campus locations . The subcommittee had previously reviewed the plans and recommended approval. Motion passed, 11 yes, 0 no.

Colima Linda Tentative Map (Project # 703390. This item was tabled to a future date when more data is available and representatives are present.

Tait Street Tentative Map (Project #68875). The subcommittee had reviewed the plan and recommended approval subject to meeting all city requirements. Motion passed 10 yes, 0 no. 

Formation of a Public Safety Sub-Committee. The committee reviewed the issues and recommended that public safety become a concern and part of the Traffic subcommittee. (see Gary Stang comments in April 25, 2005 minutes for need).

It was pointed out to members that the Landscape Maintenance Committee election will take place at our next meeting on June 27, 2005.

Minutes for the LVCPC meeting of April 25, 2005 meeting were approved.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Notes for minutes recorded by acting Secretary, Dianne Cramer.