April 11, 2007 Minutes

Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee

Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 11.2007

Moose Lodge

Present: Chair Chris Blatt; Marc Kratzschmar; Steve Stratman; Dave Caldwell; Richard Baldwin; Carole Caffey; Carlos LeGerrette; ; Nora Vargas; John McWilliams;  Scott Glazebrook, Angela Vasconcellos, Laurie Burgett, Maureen Burke, Richard Barerra and Dana Shutt-Mendibles

 

Chair Blatt called the meeting to order at approximately 6:40 pm.

 

Treasurers Report: no report.

 

Community Police Report:  Chris Lahey of the neighborhood resource team reported to committee. Discussed that graffiti is a major concern in area currently. Community members discussed a new residential facility that has opened on E street that appears to have a large number of members who are currently on parole. Officer was not aware of this facility and indicated he would mention to his unit. Discussion of increase in petty theft in the area as a result. Officer indicated he would put in a notice in his morning line up.

 

District 3-Steve Hill: Reported that budgets for the upcoming year. The mayor presents his on coming Friday and sends to council on Monday. Mayor has indicated that service levels should not be impacted. Reported that attachments will be put on city web-site to follow dockets on items being voted on. Reported that 30th street underground trenching has started from Maple to A streets. Expected to be completed in August 2007. Reported council  member will have a booth at Earth Fair and community is encouraged to stop and visit.

 

District 8-Diana Juardo-Sainz: Diana was ill and send another member of council office to attend in her absence. Committee was advised that the parking study was still in process with traffic engineers. Community is encouraged to let their office know of any areas of particular concern that should be included in report.

 

76th Assembly District-Eddie Meyer: No report.

 

53rd Congressional District-Ricardo Flores: No report.

 

Mayor:-Tanya Duggan: No report.

Discussion with committee that there are still concerns about low representation from Mayors office to meetings. Committee felt that office should at least provide a written report on new developments on dates that they are unable to send a representative.

 

Ron Roberts Office:-no one present.

 

City Planners Report-Myles Pomeroy: COW originally set for April 24 would be postponed to May. The department is going to Council with the proposed  changes with the Brown Act Provisions. Tentative new date is May 19 and will send an email to Chair when new date set.

Discussion of facility at 2456 E Street. It is operated by Windstone Properties and leased to HealthCare Services. It is a residential care facility that has taken over the conditional use permit from Charlow Manor. They have a license for a drug and alcohol care facility. Under that CPU they have a contract with the state department of corrections to house parolees. Some of the residents are voluntary but not all. He does not have the ratio but is in the process of finding out. The CUP allows 36 beds. The facility offers services to addicts but is not a halfway house. The previous facility housed mentally ill patients. The parolees are referred by the court system or their parole officers. No notice is needed to be provided to the planning committee since this was a transfer with the land from one owner to another CUP on site.

Committee requested a copy of the CUP. The previous CUPS do not expire as they contain sunsets. Council would have to amend the residential care facility amendment.  Committee asked if there is a limit to the number of facilities in an area. 300 feet is required by the state. If facility has more then 7 beds it is increased to one quarter of a mile. This is not enforced because a CUP was previously in force.  Committee requested a report that shows the number of facilities per area to determine if we are in excess. Discussion that the CCDC is trying to amend the CUPS in downtown to make it easier for residential facilities.

 

Approval of Minutes-March 2007:-A motion was made to approve the minutes and was approved with no opposed.

 

Public Comment (non-agenda items):-

Sheila Hardin (CCDC): Discussed new a workshop held last week on the topic of affordable housing downtown. There are many programs in process to increase ownership vs. rental. There is a project on Broadway and 11th to target those with income diversity. They are addressing questions about family housing issues. NOFA is a program to help with funding. They are also recommending public subsidies and 1st time home buyers programs. The proposed condo site at 9th and Broadway has lost their developer and are currently looking for new one.

Hal Tyvoll: Presented a memo about the proposed GGH maintenance assessment district (MAD) and a copy of publication 880-S which covers prop 218 from the November 1996 ballot. Hal indicated that there should be 2 publicly noticed meetings on the topic. He felt the current meeting did not count toward this total as the location was moved at the last minute due to the construction going on at our normal location.

He felt all community members should be sent notices.

Steve Stratman: Passed out a petition started by Paul Broadway for the community to sign in regards to keeping the park system and maintenance of that park within the city control.

 

Presentation By GGHCDC: Presentation and Handouts with frequently asked questions about the proposed MAD (maintenance assessment district). Clarified this is an informational only presentation to inform community only on the concept. Mike Ruiz and Mitch Burner had a power point presentation on the topic and what benefits it could provide as well as costs involved and how they are determined. Question sheets were passed out so community members could turn in questions and concerns to be addressed after presentation. GGHCDC have mailed out surveys to community with a preprinted date to return that has passed. They explained that they did not get them out on time and were only using that date as a goal and not an actual cut off date for response. They intend to collect for several more weeks. Mitch Burner is a professional from a company called Public Solutions that the GGHCDC has hired to make sure that all is handled professionally and if implemented, would be handled the same as other communities that have a MAD currently in place.  Feels that this is needed because of cuts in city funding that do not allow many services to be performed in our community. They defined a MAD as a legal mechanism that was put in place in 1972  as a result of Prop B and was changed in 1978 to require a vote of the people to put in place. Any property fees require a vote of the public. Prop 218 requires a majority approval of all taxes and  charges on property.  They intend to do a inventory with city as to the services they provide and will keep consistent.  Intend to address the special services that are a specific need to this community. If the 30% of required positive response from community received then the public meetings are set and they must appear before the City Council. To date, they had received 635 responses returned. Discussion about the fact that date for return has expired and how this affected collections since some community members may be discouraged. Also discussion as to what the 30% covered- ratio of support vs. opposition. Reported that after the initial 60 days they are provided a 30 day extension. Discussion that if put in place then any increase in fees or expansion would have to go to a vote. They will not repair sewers or street lighting-only things that the city is not obligated to do.

 

 

Action Items:

Open Space-no report

Discussion of SB373. The issue is difference between dedicated and designated. If land is designated as dedicated then the only way that land can be turned over to development is if the City Council votes to over turn it. Mayor is currently in process of providing a list to Christine Kehoe with proposed land. Mac intends to make sure that all of the property in Golden Hill is included.  Steve Hill is following this issue as well at Atkins office. The issue will be heard on April 18 at the Natural Resources Committee. The actual language of the bill does not include the specific parcels but just refers to the list.

 

Elections: All spots are now full.  Officers and Subcommittees.

New Officers and Committee Members elected and formed.

Membership and Elections-Nora Vargas. Richard Barerra will also serve on this committee.

Parks-Laurie Burgett to be representative to Balboa Parks Committee.

Code Compliance: Chris Blatt will continue to chair this committee.

Dana Shutt-Mendibles and Carole Caffey will sit on this group.

Transportation: Marc Kratzschmar currently represents the committee at these downtown meetings.  Angela Vasconcellos and Dave Caldwell will also attend these meetings.

Airport Noise: Dave Caldwell will continue to represent the committee to this group. Carole Caffey will be the alternate.

Land Use: Dave Caldwell will continue to serve as chair and Scott Glazebrook as co-chair. Angela Vasconcellos, John McWilliams, Carlos LeGerrette, Nora Vargas, Richard Baldwin, and Steve Stratman will serve on this committee.

Parks and Rec: Maureen Burke has previously been representative to this group.

Historical: John McWilliams will continue to serve as chair for this committee.  Richard Baldwin and Angela Vasconcellos will also serve on this committee.

(Pat is still on committee but will no longer be chair)

 

OFFICERS: Chair-Chris Blatt

Vice Chair-This position is open

Secretary-Dana Shutt-Mendibles

Treasurer-Carole Caffey

 

Balboa Park: Laurie continues to attend the committee meetings and report any updates that are applicable to our area.

 

There were no land use action motions this meeting.

 

The meeting was adjourned by Chair Blatt at approximately 9:30 PM

 

Respectfully submitted.

 

Dana Shutt-Mendibles,  recording secretary.

 

March 14, 2007 Minutes

Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee

Board Meeting

Wednesday, March 14,2007

Balboa Park Golf Curse Clubhouse

Present: Chair Chris Blatt; Marc Kratzschmar; Steve Stratman; Dave Caldwell;

Richard Baldwin; Carole Caffey; Patricia Shields; ; Nora Vargas; John McWilliams; Rob Leach; Scott Glazebrook, and Dana Shutt-Mendibles

 

Chair Blatt called the meeting to order at approximately 6:30 pm.

 

Treasurers Report: $67.43 in account.

 

Community Police Report:  Two community officers were in attendance for the meeting.  They referred the community to Ben Hueso’s office for graffiti. A crew will be out to clean up in approximately a 3 day turn-around. Reported increase in graffiti activity as two rival gangs in area are feuding. Encouraged residents to contact police if they have a moniker on their property. Police will come out and make a crime report. Reported a gang related stabbing at 30th and Juniper. A homicide occurred in January at 30th and A streets. They believe they have an ID on the suspect, but no arrest as of yet.  Reported that staffing for police department is an issue currently. Advised of code compliance citations that have recently been issued to an apartment building on B Street. The next Neighborhood Advisory Meeting will occur on 3/27/2007.

 

District 3-Steve Hill: The proposed sewer rate increases have been passed by Council. The water district has offered to come to meeting for another presentation if requested by committee. Encouraged residents to contact him with any questions or concerns directly at his office.

 

District 8-Diana Juardo-Sainz:  A community cleanup is scheduled at the Japanese Community Christian Church. No hazardous waste, paint or electronic equipment will be accepted.  The district does have a community partner that will pickup electronic equipment. There is a memo in process about a comprehensive community parking evaluation for all of Golden Hill…not just a street by street evaluation as has occurred in the past. There is also a study under way to change times of scheduled street sweeping and to address long term red curb painting. The Graffiti Paint Out for Golden Hill is scheduled for June 20th. The paint and supplies will be provided for this one day event. Her office has a goal of 24-72 hour turn around on reports of graffiti cover up reported to them. Their office has been involved in sting operations in the district that have turned up over 30 arrests.

 

76th Assembly District-Eddie Meyer:  Reported on upcoming Neighborhood Watch Program Events.  Also advised of upcoming community events including a community clean up in Mission Bay Park, an Electronic Waste Fair on 4/21/07 and a Community Health Fair on 5/12/07. Provided an update on “Crash” house research. He has sent an email to the Deputy Director for state certification who has indicated willingness to help answer our questions. He wants to work with planning committee to gather questions from community that he can then forward on to this contact.

 

 

53rd Congressional District-Ricardo Flores:  Congresswoman will be in town for a Neighborhood Day in Hillcrest. She is currently working on a bill regarding Veteran’s eligibility for home loans.  There has been a proposal from the Post Office to increase postage stamps by three cents.  There is a stamp being considered that will have a life time value. Referred residents to post office web site for more information.

 

Mayor:-Tanya Duggan: Indicated that she is a new representative for Mayor. She works in District 7,8 and parts of 2. There is currently no rep assigned to District 3. There had previously only been one community rep for all of city and her position was recently added. Committee members encouraged Tanya to attend more meetings and voiced a concern that planning groups had been ignored previously.  Tanya indicated that Mayor feels it is important to preserve the historic aspects of our district. She also indicated that Mayor has indicated one of his goals is to introduce himself to community and wants a good working relationship with the planning committees. She encouraged community to attend the Community Dialogue planned for 3/28/07.

 

Ron Roberts Office:-no one present.

 

Presentation By GGHCDC: Handouts and outline provided about a proposed maintenance assessment (MAD) for district. Outlined surveys that had recently been sent to homeowners to receive input about whether or not community members would support and how they would like it governed. It is required that a favorable rate of 30% be obtained in order to consider additional research.  If 30% received then the city’s assessment engineer will evaluate the cost of the plan to each individual based on the assessed value each individual property owner would receive from the plan. A map was provided that showed the covered areas and which areas would have more intensity of services and the most frequency. The purpose presented was to fund services for the community and property owners that can not be provided by the city. The GGHCDC proposes to elect an entity to over see the handling and would be a separate committee.  A full presentation is to be presented to community at the April meeting. The surveys are due in by April 15,2007.

 

City Planner’s Report-Myles Pomeroy:  At CPC last month the City Attorney  attended.  A sub-committee has been formed to strengthen the indemnification ordinance  in case of lawsuit. More details are to come. The next COW for new members of planning committees will be late April. Myles will send out a email with updated information.

 

ELECTIONS

8 Seats were available. 10 candidates ran for positions. Each candidate given 2 minutes to tell community and current members why they would like to be considered for a seat.  The members elected into office: Chris Blatt, Dave Caldwell, Scott Glazebrook, Marc Kratzschmar, Carlos LeGerrette, Angela Vasconcellos, Dana Shutt-Mendibles,  and Laurie Burgett. 39 ballots were collected.

 

 

Public Comment (non-agenda items):-

Sheila Hardin (CCDC): Discussed new projects in the works for parks, waterfront, Navy Broadway Complex, Tweet Street Park. A bridge is going to be built to connect downtown to Balboa Park across 163 freeway. Asked  for community  feedback on issues that are important to them? Among responses were parking, homeless people, concentration of weekly/monthly living facilities,

number of sex offenders ending up in Downtown region when released, affordable eating establishment, requests for more open discussions about status of Navy Broadway project and more residence oriented businesses in the Gaslamp area.

Hal Tyvoll:  Presented a memo to the committee and discussed his concerns about the proposed assessment district.  He outlined the municipal codes,  the areas of the California constitution and Prop 218 to highlight his concerns.

 Approval of Minutes-March 2007:-A motion was made to approve the minutes and was approved with no opposed and one abstention.

 Action Items:

Open Space-no report

Property on C Street in 32nd street canyon: Marc read the letter he had prepared to request that since the school district wishes to sell their land, consideration should be taken by the Mayor to obtain this land due to the importance this area has to the community.  A vote was taken and all were in favor of the letter being sent. Committee then discussed that 32nd street canyon is not a formal name or place but is an area that also contains streets and lots that are privately owned parcels

Parks Report: Mac led a discussion about the difference between Designated and Dedicated open space.  He is concerned about the Councils intention to keep open space designated as such. None of the 32nd street canyon is currently “dedicated”.  Steve Hill from District 3 indicated that there is a proposed bill (SB373) being presented by Christine Kehoe that would move all “designated” land to become “dedicated”.  This would move all city owned lane to the state.

Committee will draft a letter to supporting this motion. Committee questioned if this change will have any effect on eminent domain issues with school district.

Balboa Park: Laurie gave a report on the surge in homeless in the canyons and parks. The city has been cutting down more weeds and bushes in park and Golden Hill park to help. A question came up about a new parking structure for 200 vehicles. Laurie has not heard an update on this and will look into.  Discussion about status of turning city maintenance yard into overflow parking for the zoo.  The CCDC would like to be involved in updating this area and possibly turning it into park area. Steve Hill indicated that the CCDC has money in their budget to improve this area but the city would need to be able to move what is currently there.  Dave discussed moving the yard to the Chollas Creek facility. Laurie indicates there are sophisticated problems in moving the computer systems currently located in the maintenance yard.  The city centennial is 2015 and is the goal for something to be done in time for this.  Some estimates are that it would take over 37 million dollars to move the facility and this is not part of the city budget.  Laurie also discussed a study in process to turn over the running of Balboa park to a private entity due to city’s problems running it.

Historic: Mac advised that there are currently 4 houses up for historical designation in our area. The hearing will be later in the month.

The meeting was adjourned by Chair Blatt at approximately 8:40PM.

Respectfully submitted.

Dana Shutt-Mendibles, acting recording secretary.

 

November 12, 2008 Minutes

GREATER GOLDEN HILL PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES:

NOVEMBER 12, 2008

 

Meeting held at Balboa Park Golf Course Clubhouse – Golf Course Drive

Call to order: Chris Blatt, chair, called to order at 6:33 pm.  Agenda had not been posted earlier, although Chris Blatt had provided it to the city in a timely manner. As there were no action items on the agenda, meeting was called to order. Copies were available.

 

Members present: Richard Baldwin, Chris Blatt, Maureen Burke, Laurie Burgett, Dave Caldwell,

Carole Caffey (arrived late), Scott Glazebrook, Anita Margolis (arrived late), David Skillman, Marie Skillman Frederick Ruffell, Angela Vasconcellos

 

Treasurer’s Report: no change in account, balance around $75.00.

 

Community Police Officer John Graham:  There was a robbery at Sombreros restaurant.  Several arrests have been made downtown relating to car prowls and laptop thefts.  Crime statistics in our area have been better than Little Italy recently.  Residents have requested a Citizen’s Patrol, police dept. is working to set up something similar to Stonewall group in Hillcrest area.

 

Deputy City Attorney Danielle Stroud:  Introduced herself as a liaison between community and Neighborhood Prosecution Unit of the Criminal Division. They focus on quality of life crimes.  Mentioned that there is a reward fund for people who make reports that lead to prosecutions on graffiti or other crimes. If you see a crime in action, call 911 of  619-531-2000.  Danielle’s phone numbers:  office 619-533-5500, cell 619-980-0732

 

City Council District 8 - Diana Jurado-Sainz; 53^rd Congressional District - Katherine Fortner; City Council District 3 - Jeffrey Tom;  Mayor; 76^th Assembly District: no reports

 

City Planning Department. Bernie Turgeon:  City staff has now interviewed the top applicants for Community Plan Update Facilitator. There is a new supervisor in this section.  Responses to the RFP for Design Consultant are due by next week; about 60 responses have been received so far.  The process tries to be unbiased.  At the last meeting of the Community Planning Chairs, they went over the need for stakeholders to participate in the process.  He expects the process to kickoff in January.  Committee members discussed poor attendance at committee meetings, which may make finding stakeholders outside the committee membership difficult. The last Greater Golden Hill Plan Update was in 1988.

 

Approval of Minutes.  Approval of September minutes (Baldwin, Blatt, Burgett abstained as they were not at that meeting.)  Approval of October minutes (Blatt, Burke, Caldwell, Ruffell, Vasconcellos abstained as they were not at that meeting.)

 

PUBLIC COMMENT. 

Sheila Hardin, CCDC:  Announced a meeting on 11/13/08 at 9AM for downtown homeowners and residents.  They aren’t expecting much new building in the next 3 years but current projects should be completed. CCDC website has a Downtown Living Guide listing the completed and in process projects.  Overall prices are lower, resale inventory is up and rentals are up. No. Embarcadero Plan is moving forward; Police Dept. project has stopped; Lane Field & Broadway Complex moving forward.  New federal courthouse starts in February.  Sheila has worked at CCDC for 23 years.  Recently ALL 54 of the staff members were consulted individually about their ideas on hiring a new CCDC president. 

 

INFORMATION ITEMS:

Chairs Report/Mail. Chris attended the CPC meeting, relating to Plan Update.  Committee members discussed how important it is that our community be represented properly as the Update Process will include several communities together. Bernie Turgeon described how the zoning and urban design guidelines will be integrated into the City General Plan.  Community Planning Areas will need to use overlay zones for deviations from the general guidelines.  This committee will be asked who, in addition to a subcommittee representing the GGHPC, should make up the stakeholder group for the process.  There may be several working groups reporting to the stakeholder group.  David and Marie Skillman reported on the SANDAG Smart Growth Design Workshop they attended. 

 

Clean, Green and Safe (MAD) Oversight Board.   David Skillman reported the monthly meeting, will be held 11/17.  An RFP is being written for tree trimming (excluding palm trees). 

 

Land Use.  Dave Caldwell reported trying to help a resident at 3900 29^th St. (outside our PDO) find our what the zoning on her property allowed in the way of commercial or rental use.  #158775, 29^th St. Townhomes, project has numerous deviations.  #164808, SD Housing Trust Fund was received 9 working days after the comment period ended.  A property owner appeared seeking help with acquiring a vacated alley/cul de sac on E Street west of 30^th, to allow access to his property.  He will return to Land Use in January with a detailed proposal. 

 

SUBCOMMITEE REPORTS.

Membership.  Angela Vasconcellos reported that 4 members are now needed. According to the updated bylaws, candidates for election in February must have attended two meetings prior to the February meeting, when the elections will be held.  She will review past records to find our which current members are eligible for re-election.  Angela will send out an updated roster. 

 

Parks.  Maureen Burke reported that the Community Garden has a new board and is working on bylaws.  They have been getting advice from the City Arborist.   

 

Transportation.  Scott Glazebrook needs to find out when the Community Transportation Board meetings are held as they do not follow a regular schedule.  Marie Skillman reported on the public workshop about the Pedestrian Master Plan she attended on 11/8/08.  Comments should be made as soon as possible at www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/transportation/mobility or by calling Maureen Gardiner at 619-236-7065.

 

Code Compliance.  No report.

Balboa Park Committee. Nothing to report.

Airport Noise Advisory.  Nothing to report, meeting is next week.

Historic.  No report.

 

December Meeting will be a potluck at Richard Baldwin’s home.  He will email details, Chris will take care of proper noticing.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

 

Marie Skillman, Secretary.