At the last May 6 city council meeting the following issues were discussed and/or voted on:
It was announced that Assistant City Manager Greg Wade has taken a position as city manager with the City of Solana Beach.
The Sun and Sea poster contest winner, Ily Afred, a 13-year-old girl, was announced.
A proclamation was made in recognition of National Public Works Week May 17-23, 2015.
A proclamation was made declaring May 6, 2015 Imperial Beach Girls Softball League Day.
Carolina Gregor, SANDAG senior regional planner, did a presentation on San Diego Forward: the regional plan. Gregor explained that the plan aims to preserve and maintain the quality of life in the San Diego region. She said in the next 35 years the population in San Diego is expected to have 1 million more residents which means a projected 500,000 new jobs. The plan has three goals: health and environment, vibrant economy and innovative mobility and planning. Gregor said workshops have been held throughout the region and 7,000 public comments have been received. For the innovative mobility and planning goal existing jobs and housing units will be looked at. Additional public transportation services will be added in the western third of the region – five new trolley lines for a total of 100 miles, rapid bus service for longer distances and less stops, carpool lanes, and a regional bike plan. Part of the healthy environment will be protecting open spaces. Half of the region will be kept open space. Currently 60 percent of housing is single family unit, but in the future there will be a 50-50 mix with more affordable housing units taking into consideration the changing demographics with an older population. There is also a climate change component which will require a reduction of greenhouse gases by 7 percent by 2020 and 13 percent by 2035.
The consent calendar passed unanimously. Mayor Serge Dedina recused himself for one item: the consideration of the final draft design for interpretive signs at the end of Seacoast Drive and Monument Mesa/Friendship park due to a possible conflict of interest.
The creation of an Imperial Beach planning commission, board of appeals or a board of adjustment was discussed. It was proposed to reinstate a planning commission which was disbanded in 1997. Currently the city council is serving in that role of planning commission but a situation may arise where a resident may want to appeal a decision he or she would have to appeal to the same body that rejected the decision.
The option is to create a board of appeal or board of adjustment to address administrative issues and variances. This could involve additional staffing. Councilman Brian Bilbray said “I believes the creation of a board of adjustment is the best option for our city.” It was proposed to create a three-member board of adjustment with two alternates. Councilwoman Lorie Bragg said she supports the creation of a board of adjustments. Councilman Ed Spriggs said, “I’m trying to figure out what’s broken that we need to fix. How many instances applicants have appealed to city council?” Bilbray asked, “Who would appeal to the same people who turned them down?”
“I’m concerned we are making a rush decision without a staff report. I would love to see more data, see what other cities have done,” said Mayor Serge Dedina. “As elected officials we make land use decisions… delegating these decisions should not be taken lightly,” said Councilman Robert Patton who added that the role of the council is to make things more efficiently. Bilbray said that a board of appeal would serve as a body a citizen can go if she/he is not happy with a decision made by city council. “To bring due process within our city,” he said.
Spriggs pointed out that there has been only one appeal in the last 18 years and did not see a reason to create a board. The motion was rejected by a vote of 3 to 2.
Public Works Director Hank Levine briefed the council awarding a contract to Core Construction for $345,200 to upgrade pump station n. 10 near 9th and 8th Streets on Cypress Avenue and appropriating an additional $50,000 for the project. The motion passed unanimously.
A motion was adopted unanimously to provide written consent to the termination of SANDPIPA (San Diego Pooled Insurance Protection Authority) which provides and administers a risk management and insurance program made up of 11 member cities of Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista. SANDPIPA will continue to exist for the purpose of disposing of all claims, distribution of assets, and all other functions necessary to wind down the affairs of the authority. The 11 member cities have agreed to a contract with the California Association of Counties Excess Insurance Authority (CSAC) for excess liability coverage for he year 2016. Alternatives will be explored for the year 2017.
The next city council meeting will be held May 20 at 6 p.m.