City Heights Area Planning Committee

Minutes August 2010 to October 2010

CITY HEIGHTS AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

Meeting of August 2, 2010 6:30PM

3910 University Avenue

City Heights CA 92105

 

Draft Minutes

 

 

1.  Call to order and introductions

 

Total:

15

Liz Avalon

p

Kenton Finkbinder

p

Amanda Moss

p

Mark Tran

p

Ahmedei Cheikguei

a

Val Hernandez

p

Kasra Movahedi

p

Patty Vaccariello

p

Sam Charry

a

Mark Kassab

a

Jeanette Neeley

a

Jim Varnadore

p

Bill Closson

p

Ahmed Malinomar

p

David Nelson

p

Laura Vale

a

Russ Connelly

p

Mazda Mehraz

p

Jessie Sergent

p

Abdulahi Yusuf.

p

2.  Adoption of the agenda

 

Agenda adopted with modifications.

 

3.  Off-agenda public comment

 

Joyce Summers from the Center City Redevelopment Corp. discussed happenings downtown.

 

4.  Staff reports and comment

 

Courtney Thompson from Councilmember Gloria's office spoke regarding the Councilmember's schedule for recent and upcoming events, including Bobbie McManus day, Colina Park night out, and Hillcrest Cityfest. She also spoke regarding Gloria's position on proposed sales tax increases and associated reforms that he believes are necessary if it were to go to ballot. She also answered questions regarding the fire department brownouts.

 

5.  Committee member reports and comment

 

Chair Varnadore announced that City Heights will have a new representative from Marti Emerald's office in Council 7, Cynthia Harris.

 

Kasra Movahedi stated that the Crossroads PAC is working to consolidate their project area with College Grove so that they will have a larger  combined resource base. He also discussed their implementation plan, and agreed to circulate it to CHAPC members for review. Valentina Hernandez mentioned a fundraiser at Hoover High School, invited people to the to the residential momentum team meeting,  to a coastal cleanup day at swan canyon, and a Mexican independence day fundraiser at Monroe Clark. Liz stated that the next PAC meeting

 

Jesse Sergent spoke about Bobbi McManus day, which happened last weekend, and informed the committee that after illness, Bobbi McManus passed away last night. Mazda Mehraz stated that the trees on University aren't getting enough water and are dying. Amanda Moss asked people to save the date for Fall Facelift on October 23. David Nelson stated that there are fewer reported crimes in City Heights than in other wealthier parts of the city. Ahmed stated that he had witnessed and reported a hit and run accident on El Cajon. He also announced a contest for kids living in redevelopment funded housing. Mark Tran announced an upcoming film festival and a youth mapping exercise that should be presented to the community. Kenton Finkbinder apologized for his absences and stated that the fire department had responded very quickly to put put out a fire at the 47th street canyon. He also said that on on Labor Day, Sept 6, he will be hosting a BBQ for committee members and active Fairmount Village community members. Russ Connelly talked about the upcoming changes to the 805 freeway, which will have huge impacts to all of City Heights.

 

6.  Corrections to the Minutes of July 5, 2010

 

no action taken.

 

7.  Business Agenda:

 

   7.1 Sewer and Water Group Job 774 description (info)

 

continued.

 

   7.2 Cell Tower permits at 3850 Westgate Place (action)

 

A representative from T-Mobile described a proposed cell tower and equipment building on the Church of the Brethren property. Committee asked questions regarding design, location, visibility, colocation with other providers, and landscaping.

 

Russ Connelly made a motion to recommend approval with additional negotiated landscaping and a better defined point on the obelisk. Seconded by Kenton Finkbinder.

 

Motion passed.

 

Total:

13/1/0 cnv

Liz Avalon

y

Kenton Finkbinder

y

Amanda Moss

y

Mark Tran

y

Ahmedei Cheikguei

--

Val Hernandez

n

Kasra Movahedi

y

Patty Vaccariello

y

Sam Charry

--

Mark Kassab

--

Jeanette Neeley

--

Jim Varnadore

cnv

Bill Closson

y

Ahmed Malinomar

y

David Nelson

y

Laura Vale

--

Russ Connelly

y

Mazda Mehraz

y

Jessie Sergent

y

Abdulahi Yusuf.

y

 

   7.3 Presentation by “San Diegans for Great Schools”, a non-profit

       agency. (info)

 

continued

 

   7.4 A discussion about establishing one or more Youth Seats on the

       Committee. (info)

 

Mark Tran discussed an ideal of youth empowerment by allowing youth opportunities to engage in the planning process. Ahmed Malinomar reminded the committee of previous discussion on the subject, and  the question of whether the youth representative would vote. Kasra Movahedi stated his support for allowing youth representatives to vote, and felt that past failures in having youth representation in the past should not preclude attempts to do so in the future. Discussion ensued regarding whether youth should vote and whether this topic should be reconsidered by the committee as an action item. There are technical issues because the bylaws do not allow anyone under age 18 to serve on the Committee. Chair Varnadore suggested asking the City for an opinion on the technical issues and resuming the discussion as an action item in the September meeting.

 

   7.5 Committee discussion about future density in City Heights and

       adoption of a position. (action)

 

The Committee discussed proposed language for a motion to restrict density to existing zoning levels. Opinions were given regarding affordable housing and housing affordability, as well as the management of restricted income housing versus management of private apartments.

 

The item was continued to the next meeting for further discussion.

 

 

 

8.  Adjournment.

 

 

CITY HEIGHTS AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

Meeting of September 8, 2010 6:30PM

3910 University Avenue

City Heights CA 92105

 

Final Minutes

 

1.  Call to order and introductions

 

 

Total:

16

Liz Avalon

06:35:00 PM

Kenton Finkbinder

a

Amanda Moss

p

Mark Tran

p

Ahmedei Cheikguei

P

Val Hernandez

06:40:00 PM

Kasra Movahedi

p

Patty Vaccariello

p

Sam Charry

P

Mark Kassab

p

Jeanette Neeley

p

Jim Varnadore

p

Bill Closson

P

Ahmed Malinomar

06:35:00 PM

David Nelson

a

Laura Vale

p

Russ Connelly

P

Mazda Mehraz

p

Jessie Sergent

a

Abdulahi Yusuf.

a

 

2.  Adoption of the agenda

 

3.  Off-agenda public comment - Caltrans will be offered extra time to

    discuss a program for Bus Rapid Transit on SR-94.

 

Joyce Summers of the CCDC spoke about happenings downtown.

 

Louis Anderson of Katz and Associates spoke about proposed improvements on the 94 between the 5 and 805.

 

Gail Hom of Price Charities introduced herself.

 

4.  Staff reports and comment

 

Cynthia Harris of Councilmember Emerald's office introduced herself. She will be covering our area now. She also distributed information about a water wise irrigation system rebate available.

 

5.  Committee member reports and comment

 

Valentina Hernandez spoke about several upcoming cleanups and school events. Jeanette announced that this would be her last meeting because she will be taking classes that interfere with the meeting schedule. Amanda Moss announced that Fall Facelift will be October 23 in the Corridor neighborhood, and that there will be a cancer fundraiser with beer tasting (SD Beerfest) downtown this weekend. Patty Vaccariello suggested that everyone purchase an I <3 City Heights t-shirt from the mid-city CAN. Ahmed Malinomar announced that there would be lots of celebrations around City Heights with the end of Ramadan, and encouraged people to attend the CHOP meetings. Mazda Mehraz stated that a longtime business owner in City Heights had passed away. Also, he had a business break-in, and that the police department would only take a police report online. He believes that this administrative procedure may be a reason for the statistical reduction in crime... Mark Tran stated that Mid City CAN also had a break-in, and numerous items were stolen. He also stated that the first annual multicultural film festival will be held at Hoover HS this weekend. There will also be a youth group repainting the mural at North Park Produce. Kasra Movahedi stated that there has been a policy change so that there may be more family members of African refugees allowed to come here for reunification soon. Russ Connelly spoke about the CalTrans project to widen the 805. There will be a joint neighborhood meeting starting at 6:30 on September 16 at the Church of the Bretheren. This project will have major impacts on Azalea Park, Fairmount Park, Ridgeview, and other City Heights neighborhoods. Tuesday October 5th will be Ed Dillard day in the City of San Diego, recognizing his contributions to the community. Chair Varnadore stated that there will be a new fire station built at FS17 at the corner of Orange and Charmoune to replace the old one. Mark Tran also announced that there will be a rally downtown in support of our Muslim neighbors and in opposition to the church in Florida that is planning to burn Korans. 

 

6.  Corrections to the Minutes of August 2, 2010

  next meeting.

 

7.  Business Agenda:

 

   7.1 Sewer and Water Group Job 774 description (information)

 

Lotous Lenguyen from City of San Diego gave an update on the 100% design of water improvement projects. Major changes are removing the Pearson Ford site so that improvements can be based on whatever is built in the future. Also the segment near Trojan will no longer be part of the project. Improvements will take approximately 2 years. Sewer and Water replacement group 774 is located between Orange and Monroe, 42nd and 48th.

 

   7.2 SDG&E Presentation about Smart Meters (information)

   

The SDG&E representative was not present.

 

   7.3 Letter of support for October 23, 2010 FaceLift (action)

 

The letter has been sent, using language that the committee has used in previous years.

 

   7.4 Continue discussion about Youth Seats on CHAPC (action)

 

Committee members discussed the pros and cons of having youth seats.

 

Jeanette Neally made a motion to allow two auxiliary youth seats on the CHAPC body with voting privileges that are recorded separately from the official planning group vote, and that mentors from CHAPC will be assigned to provide training and guidance. Ahmed seconded.

 

Chair will write a letter inviting schools to send candidates to an upcoming meeting.

 

Total:

14/1//0 cnv

Liz Avalon

Y

Kenton Finkbinder

absent

Amanda Moss

y

Mark Tran

y

Ahmedei Cheikguei

Y

Val Hernandez

y

Kasra Movahedi

y

Patty Vaccariello

y

Sam Charry

N

Mark Kassab

y

Jeanette Neeley

y

Jim Varnadore

cnv

Bill Closson

Y

Ahmed Malinomar

y

David Nelson

absent

Laura Vale

y

Russ Connelly

Y

Mazda Mehraz

y

Jessie Sergent

absent

Abdulahi Yusuf.

absent

 

Ahmed Malinomar left the meeting at 7:40pm.

 

   7.5 Continue discussion about density in City Heights (action)

  The topic was discussed briefly, and continued to the next meeting.

 

8.  Adjournment. 

 

CITY HEIGHTS AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

Meeting of October 4, 2010 6:30PM

3910 University Avenue

City Heights CA 92105

 

Final Minutes

 

1.  Call to order and introductions

 

 

Total:

Liz Avalon

06:50:00 PM

Kenton Finkbinder

p

Amanda Moss

a

Mark Tran

p

Ahmedei Cheikguei

P

Val Hernandez

p

Kasra Movahedi

a

Patty Vaccariello

p

Sam Charry

P

Mark Kassab

a

Jeanette Neeley

a

Jim Varnadore

p

Bill Closson

A

Ahmed Malinomar

p

David Nelson

p

Laura Vale

a

Russ Connelly

P

Mazda Mehraz

p

Jessie Sergent

p

Abdulahi Yusuf.

p

 

2.  Adoption of the agenda

 

3.  Off-agenda public comment

Joyce Summer from CCDC talked about Downtown happenings.

 

David Bowen talked about the upcoming CHPAC elections and that he was running for a residential seat.

 

Stephen Whitburn introduced himself and talked about his run for County Supervisor.

 

4.  Staff reports and comment

 

The representative from Congress member Susan Davis office, Deanneka Goodwin, introduced herself and mentioned that Susan would be in San Diego for the month of October. 

 

The Planning Staff member Michael Prinz mentioned the SR15 transit corridor project status and an upcoming planning study. 

 

A representative for State Assembly member Marty Block mentioned a Housing Opportunity Cooperative meeting coming up, as well as a jobs web page on the Assembly member’s website. 

 

Courtney Thompson from Todd Gloria's office spoke about the Azalea Park water conservation garden that was constructed last weekend. She also announced that October 5 will be Ed Dillard Day, with celebrations at 10am. She also said that Councilmember Gloria will be "walking to school" in Cherokee Point with kids going to Cherokee Point Elementary for national walk to school day.

 

Bruce Williams from Tony Young's office gave an update on the successful Phelan fest, and told people about an upcoming job fair. Saturday October 16 will be an Arts and Culture fest in District 4. Committee members asked for an update on the Home avenue park grant and the EIR/MND for the park. Both the District 4 and Planning Department representatives will follow up on the information request.

 

Paula Julep of the Victoria House Coalition talked about the Cambodian New Year festival, and asked for support from the Community.

 

 

5.  Committee member reports and comment

 

Patty Vaccariello updated the committee on the next facelift event which will occur on October 23.  Mark Tran updated the committee about a community festival at Hoover High School and a graffiti paintout event that covered 35 blocks in City Heights. Ahmed Malinomar said that City Heights on Patrol (CHOP) is looking for new people to participate. Russ Connelly gave an update on the 805 improvement project, which will widen the freeway by 4 lanes. The EIR process is going on now. Russ updated the Committee about the upcoming SR94 project as well. Construction will start in 2012 and go past 2020. Valentina Hernandez spoke about a cleanup activity,  parenting classes at Monroe Clark elementary, the District Language advisory council meeting on Thursday, and the upcoming walk to school day. Liz Avalon gave updates about the 805 expansion EIR comment deadline. Jim Varnadore encouraged everyone to vote in the upcoming elections.

 

6.  Corrections to the Minutes of August 2, 2010 and separately to the

    minutes of September 8, 2010

 

The August and September minutes were reviewed. 

 

7.  Business Agenda:

 

   7.1 Water Purification Program in San Diego (information)

 

Jeffrey Pasek from the City of San Diego Water Resources Division handed out information and gave a presentation on the City's water purification programs to create reclaimed and more highly purified recycled water. The demonstration project will cost $11.6 Million.

 

   7.2 Replacement for Fire Station-17 (information)

 

Javier Maynor and other representatives from the fire department and station design/construction team made a presentation of the fire station replacement at Charmoune and Orange. The committee asked questions regarding location, size, fire service, number of engines, service during construction, and aesthetics of the new station.

 

   7.3 Presentation by San Diegans for Great Schools (information)

Scott Himmelstein,of San Diegans for Great Schools spoke about their project and their organization's goal for creating a better organizational structure for San Diego Schools. The study shows that half of all San Diego Students and 80% of low income/minority/ESL students are performing below grade level, and this hasn't improved even as the school budget has increased. He gave out information on how to contact his organization and give your opinions on improvements.

 

   7.4 Application for cell phone permits at 4065 43rd street (action)

 

Representative for Clearwire discussed a new site for 4-G cell service. This would be a concealed site on the Senior Community Center. The site will be invisible to observers,  will contain 6 panels and  have room for another carrier to co-locate.

 

David  made a motion to approve subject to the installation meeting the noise level regulations of the land development code.

Patty Seconded.

Motion passes.

 

Total:

8/4/0 cnv

Liz Avalon

Y

Kenton Finkbinder

left early

Amanda Moss

absent

Mark Tran

n

Ahmedei Cheikguei

Y

Val Hernandez

n

Kasra Movahedi

absent

Patty Vaccariello

y

Sam Charry

Y

Mark Kassab

absent

Jeanette Neeley

resigned

Jim Varnadore

CNV

Bill Closson

Absent

Ahmed Malinomar

y

David Nelson

y

Laura Vale

absent

Russ Connelly

N

Mazda Mehraz

n

Jessie Sergent

y

Abdulahi Yusuf.

y

 

   7.5 Consider declaring vacant the District 4-12 seat owning to the

       resignation of the incumbent (action)

 

 

Russ moved to declare the seat vacant. Patty seconded. Approved unanimously.

The vacant seat will be noted in future agendas.

 

   7.6 Consider how to choose young people to fill the two youth seats

       you authorized last month (action)

 

The city has responded to the Committee's inquiry, and stated that allowing anyone on the committee under the age of 18, whether voting or non-voting, without losing our indemnification protection from the city. The committee has several options - we could ask for changes to the City Policy and make a bylaws change. The second choice would be to ask for a change to our bylaws authorizing us to include the youth seats.

 

The city planner stated that if the Committee wanted to go forward, and if the Council policy were amended first, then the city could amend all bylaws at the same time (hypothetically). No other planning groups have asked for this kind of change, or to have youth seats. There is no official opposition to such an amendment, but right now the city legal counsel has suggested a conservative position to avoid liability under the current rules.

 

The committee asked  CPCI to provide more information as to whether the city staff could support a deviation from the committee bylaws authorizing two youth seats while retaining indemnification. The committee stated that applicants for "youth" seats will be required to submit a 1 page resume and complete a two minute presentation.

 

 

   7.7 Discuss density in City Heights and the prospect of increasing

       density in the future (action)

 

David Nelson moved to approve the language in the suggested statement to the city. Patty Vaccariello seconded.

Motion passes 10/2/0, CNV. Sam Charry and & Valentina Hernandez opposed.

 

Total:

10/2/0 cnv

Liz Avalon

Y

Kenton Finkbinder

left early

Amanda Moss

absent

Mark Tran

y

Ahmedei Cheikguei

Y

Val Hernandez

n

Kasra Movahedi

absent

Patty Vaccariello

y

Sam Charry

N

Mark Kassab

absent

Jeanette Neeley

resigned

Jim Varnadore

p

Bill Closson

Absent

Ahmed Malinomar

y

David Nelson

y

Laura Vale

absent

Russ Connelly

Y

Mazda Mehraz

y

Jessie Sergent

y

Abdulahi Yusuf.

y

 

7.8 Discussion of medical marijuana businesses.

 

Russ made motion to direct the city to come up with appropriate zoning that allows community input regarding the placement of these facilities. Ahmed seconded.

 

Motion passes 11/1/0 CNV. David Nelson opposed.

 

Total:

10/2/0 cnv

Liz Avalon

Y

Kenton Finkbinder

left early

Amanda Moss

absent

Mark Tran

y

Ahmedei Cheikguei

y

Val Hernandez

y

Kasra Movahedi

absent

Patty Vaccariello

y

Sam Charry

Y

Mark Kassab

absent

Jeanette Neeley

resigned

Jim Varnadore

CNV

Bill Closson

Absent

Ahmed Malinomar

y

David Nelson

n

Laura Vale

absent

Russ Connelly

Y

Mazda Mehraz

y

Jessie Sergent

y

Abdulahi Yusuf.

y

 

8.  Adjournment.  The Committee will reconvene on November 1 at the time

    and place listed above.