City Heights Area Planning Committee

Minutes August 2012 to October 2012

CITY HEIGHTS
AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

DRAFT Minutes of the meeting of October 1, 2012

3910 University
  Ave

City Heights
CA92105

 

1. The meeting was called to order at 6: 33PM.  Abdullahi Yusuf, Ahmed Malinomar, David Nelson, Guy Mock, Jenny Flanagan, Jessie Sergent, Chairwoman Katt Eaton, Kenton Finkbeiner, Mark Tran, Mazda Mehraz, Rebecca Rusk, Sam Charry,  Samantha Ollinger and Jim Varnadore formed a
quorum.  Ahmedei Cheikgurei, Amanda Moss, Hong Tran, John DeMiranda, and Saynab Dahir absent.

 

2.  Guy offered, Samantha seconded a motion to adopt the agenda.  The members voted 13/0/0
(CNV) and the motion passed.

 

3. The minutes of September 5, 2012 were accepted.

 

4. Linda Pennington reported on San Diego CanyonLands.  Marne Foster asked for support in her campaign to become a school board trustee.  Gail Hom of Price Charities noted the opening of the first school clinic by the City Heights Health Partnership.  Phal Chourp announced the Cambodian Cultural Festival for Oct 13-14. 

 

5.  Abi Santos from D-7 introduced herself as the staff representative to City Heights.  Courtney Thomson from D-3 noted several City activities in progress.  Michael Prinz from the Planning Division reported the status of the Bus Rapid Transit Area Study, and the pending community plan amendment.  He also reported that a stakeholder group would be formed to meet October 22 at a time and location to be determined. 

 

6. Jessie reported on the convention of the International Association of Chiefs of Police downtown.  David briefly reviewed the history of a park at 50th/Wightman and urged action to create it. 
Ahmed reported on FBI internships for undergraduate and graduate students.  Samantha reported the status of an ordinance to end bicycle registration, on the grounds that it has no value.  Mark announced the Mid-City CAN elections in December.  Katt announced an Alcohol Policy Meeting. 

 

7.1  The chairwoman opened a discussion about the Committee’s participation in the City’s capital improvement plan (CIP) budget and priority.  She referred to a large list of CIP projects the City had provided for review.   There was a long discussion about how to prioritize the projects, what projects to add or delete, etc.  The Committee directed the Secretary to reduce the City’s list by removing projects over which no community has control.  Sewer and water projects were examples.  It also directed the Secretary to reformat the City’s list by grouping projects according to whether they were
in their “bid and award” phase, their “construction” phase, or their “post construction” phase; and to add items mentioned that had been originated by the City Heights Redevelopment Project.    Mark offered, Guy seconded a motion to authorize and direct those actions.  The Committee voted 13/0/0, and the motion passed.

 

7.2   There was a discussion about how the CIP participation would include the larger community.  Several suggestions were discussed.  The committee sentiment was for each member to reach out to residents and groups in City Heights, and the Committee to hold a community-wide meeting October 15, at its regular mid-month time and place.  Some members volunteered other outreach assignments.  The Secretary will compile the outreach efforts for the Committee  to report when it tenders its recommended CIP list to the City. 

 

7.3  The Chairwoman noted the vacancy in the District 3-13 seat and solicited volunteers to take
the seat.  No one volunteered.

 

8. The meeting was adjourned at 8:29PM to meet again November 51 at the time and place listed above.  If called, a mid-month meeting will be held Monday, October 15 at 6:30PM in the Mid-City
Police Substation.

 

CITY HEIGHTS AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

Draft Minutes of the meeting of September 5, 2012

3910 University Ave

City Heights CA92105

 

1. The meeting was called to order at 6: 35PM.  Abdullahi Yusuf, Amanda Moss, David Nelson, Guy Mock, Hong Tran, Jessie Sergent, Katt Eaton, Mark Tran, Mazda
Mehraz, Patty Vaccariello, Sam Charry, and Jim Varnadore formed a quorum.  Ahmed Malinomar, Ahmedei Cheikgurei, Jenny Flanagan, John DeMiranda, Kenton Finkbeiner, Rebecca Rusk, Saynab Dahir, and Samantha Ollinger absent.

 

2.  Jessie moved, Guy seconded a motion to adopt the agenda.  The members voted 11/0/0 and
the motion passed.

 

3. The minutes of August 6, 2012 were accepted.

 

4. Karen Lanyoun from SAY San Diego reported on “Take Back Prescription Drug Day” Sept 29.  A pickup box will be at the SDPD Mid-City Division substation.

 

5.  Cynthia Harris from D-7 distributed the district newsletter.  She reported that the proposal for youth seats on the Committee would be heard at LU&H on September 26, and offered other announcements.

 

6. David asked the status of the project at the 47th/Fairmount juncture.  Guy gave a brief update.  Mark reported on the status of a skatepark in City Heights.  Katt reported about a water project involving the contractor Ortiz Construction and noted that some public works projects
should be reduced in size or constructed in segments to avoid resident inconvenience with closed streets.   Guy reported on a recent meeting of the Citizen-Police Review Board at the City
Heights library.  Mazda asked about the status of the mini-park on 43rd Street between Polk Avenue and University Avenue.  Patty noted that the funding might be tied up with the demise of redevelopment and indicated that she will try to arrange a presentation from the City’s Oversight Board which has cognizance of redevelopment activities.  Patty also reported on re-cycling events and on the re-organization of the Development Services Department.  She reported on the
August mid-month meeting and the changes being accepted by 7-11 Corporation to its plans for a new outlet at 39th/University.

 

7.1  Mark Kassab and his agent, Robert Zakar, requested approval for an application to re-new a beer/wine license at the service station at 4055 University Avenue and to have the renewal extend for 25 years.  All conditions on the current Conditional Use Permit and the ABC license would remain as they now are.  Jim discussed the dangers of extending a license for long periods of time.  Sam
Charry asked whether the applicant wanted to reduce some of the more burdensome conditions.  He did not.  Amanda asked about repairing the adjacent curb ramp.  The applicant indicated that
it is an off-site repair not related to the license or the property.  Katt noted that the applicant is a
contributor to the community but wondered whether he would keep the property for 25 years.  He agreed to do so.  Jim offered , Amanda seconded a motion to recommend approval of the application, including the extension of time to 25 years.  The Committee voted 11/0/0 and the
motion passed.

 

7.2   The chairwoman noted that Saynab Dahir had tendered her resignation from the Committee. 
Mark offered, Sam Charry seconded a motion to accept the resignation and declare the District 3-13 seat vacant.  The Committee voted 11/0/0, and the motion passed.

 

7.3  Robert Zakar, agent for the applicant, offered a presentation and a request to upgrade an ABC
license at 3347 El Cajon Boulevard from type-20 (beer/wine) to type-21 (B/W and distilled spirits).  Mr. Zakar reported that the applicant had owned the store since 1995 and that there were no violations of regulations at the premises.  He presented a petition from neighbors and other customers supporting the upgrade.  David asked for a description of the store.  Mr. Zakar called it a convenience store and noted that on El Cajon Boulevard between I-805 and I-15 there is no
type-21 license outlet.  Katt noted the location near a heavily traffic laundromat and adjacent to a beer-wine license location two doors away.  She claimed violations of the City’s transparency rules and that there were sales of cold single containers.  Mazda asked about the overall cost of the upgrade.  It is expected to be between $30,000 and $35,000.  There was a committee discussion of present and possible permit and license conditions.  In connection with the suggestion to sell only packages of alcoholic beverages, Guy noted that the industry changes the sizes of its packages so as to continue sales in outlets which have a package-sale requirement.   Mary Lanyoun of SAY San Diego spoke against the application and circulated a document that she claimed was related to the application.  There was some uncertainty about the authenticity of the document.  Jim asked
how long this applicant had owned the business in question.  Mr. Zakar said since 1995.  Katt offered, Sam Charry seconded a motion to Deny the application for an upgrade to type-21 license on the grounds that the site is incompatible with the surrounding uses and the owner is in violation of the ABC conditions.  There was a procedural discussion of the advisability of a motion-to-deny rather than a motion-to-approve.  The maker and second were unwilling to withdraw the motion, and no motion to amend or substitute motion was offered.  The committee voted 9/2/0/(chair not voting) and the motion passed.

7.4  Jim briefed the Committee on the City’s recent request for earlier and larger Committee and community participation in the Capital Improvement Plan budget and priority process.  He
distributed handouts.  There was a question and answer session.  The Committee will review the idea and the City’s specific CIP project list at future meetings.

 

8. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20PM to meet again October 1 at the time and place listed above.  If called, a mid-month meeting will be held Monday, September 17 at 6:30PM in the Mid-City Police Substation.

 

 

CITY HEIGHTS AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

DRAFT
Minutes of the meeting of August 6, 2012

3910 University
  Ave

City Heights
CA92105

 

1. The meeting was called to order at 6: 32PM.  Ahmed Malinomar (6:48), Ahmedei Cheikgurei, Amanda Moss, David Nelson, Guy Mock, Hong Tran, Jenny Flanagan (6:38), Jessie Sergent, John DeMiranda, Katt Eaton, Kenton Finkbeiner, Mazda Mehraz, Patty Vaccariello, Rebecca Rusk (6:35), Sam Charry and Samantha Ollinger (6:37) formed a quorum.  Abdullahi Yusuf, Mark Tran, Saynab Dahir, and Jim Varnadore absent.

 

2. Correct agenda item 7.4 to ask for volunteers for a bike corridor committee with SANDAG.  Patty will provide more information later in the meeting.  David moved, Amanda seconded
a motion to approve the agenda.  The members voted 16/0/0 and the motion passed.

 

3. Minor corrections were made to the minutes of July 2, 2012.  David absent for July meeting.

 

4. Jack Farris of Wakeland Housing provided information about building a community center at Juniper Garden that will include a computer room, office, laundry facility and a community room.  It will offer afterschool program, among other services.  Construction starts mid-Oct to November and is expected to take about 6 months.  David asked what kind of property it was.  Mr. Farris stated that it was affordable housing for Section 8 recipients.  Robert asked about the economics of the project, such as cost and funding.  Guy reconfirmed the project and asked it if will be incorporated into CPTED, which ensures that security designs are incorporated into the project. 

David Bowen asked if the committee received noticed asking the City to change permission regarding liquor licensing.  Patty stated that the notice just came in the mail and will be in September’s, possibly October’s agenda.  Linda Pennington, of San Diego Canyon Lands, introduced herself to the committee.

 

5. Courtney Thompson from D-3 publicized AIDS walk on September 30^th and bicycles donated
to seniors.  She encouraged people to be a medical donor to honor Officer Jeremy Henwood.   Cynthia Harris from D-7 mentioned City Heights Weingart Library Book Sale and looking for
members to join their group.  Updates regarding youth seat and redevelopment were also provided.  Sam thanked Councilmember Emerald for being responsive to questions and inquiry. 
Katt gave an update on Ortiz Corporation as a problem contractor and expressed concern about how they are utilizing the site and how long it takes for a project to complete. David confirmed problems with Ortiz Corp.  Guy asked who is the police advisory member for District 7.

 

6. David brought up issues around malfunctioning left-turn signals and asked Courtney of
D-3 about how to report traffic light issues. David also encouraged community to talk to Congressman regarding Farm Aid Bill.  Jessie touched up on fundraiser for Jeremy Henwood at McDonalds.  Guy mentioned problem with piping at intersection of Fairmount and Ridgeview and looking into redevelopment money for park on Home Ave.  Ahmed brought up an event at Jacob Center regarding Asian refugee committee. Amanda warned about curbside painters.  Sam reminded about skateboard advocacy at Colina Park on August 7, 2012 from 5-8pm.  Katt
discussed about Ridgeview Association’s problems working with the Southeast Police Division.  The neighborhood was placed in the Southeast Division about a year ago.  

 

7.1  Joe Horiye from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) presented its activities in City Heights.  LISC helps rebuild and revitalize neighborhoods by 1) bring money in form of grants, equity and loans, 2) providing capacity building leadership for non-profit organizations and small business, 3) 193 millions dollars and 783 millions invested into diverse projects and program in San Diego.  City Heights projects include affordable housing, COF, afterschool program, community health clinics (LISC wants to further develop sustainability community development (1) by investing in built environment, (2) increasing family income and wealth, (3) stimulating economic development, (4) increasing access to education, (5) supporting healthy environment and lifestyle.  Connecting neighborhood needs with regional strengths.

 Guy requested to add a 6^th objective to finance projects that are difficult to fund.  David asked if
non-profits applying for housing projects apply thru LISC and where does the funding come from.  Joe answered that it doesn’t need to be non-profits and funding comes from private sectors.  Amanda asked whether LISC only works with refugee population.  Robert asked about
overhead regarding re-lending and what LISC’s overhead rate is.  Patty asked about commercial corridor project.  Kasra (of the IRC) commented about LISC’s involvement with streets lights and paved street.  Patty asked about grant opportunities on website.

 

7.2 David states that a stop sign is unnecessary and that Cherokee Point  ES and YMCA are not valid points.  He does not support it.  Amanda pointed out that YMCA will move in a year or so.  Guy pointed out that the YMCA may be moving but there is still activity in the building.  Katt wants to hear from community member.  Living in the area, Jenny commented that she did not want the stop sign since there was one on every other corner.  Guy noted that large vehicles block the view of the pedestrians from easily crossing.  Kenton added that there is no lighting.  Jessie agrees that there are also too many stop signs.  After discussion, Ahmed moved,  David seconded a motion to deny
stop sign installation and with special mention that YMCA and Cherokee Point  ES are not valid reasons.  Ahmed amends motion to add additional lighting.  The Committee voted  16/0/0 (chair not voting) and the motion passed.

 

7.3 Kasra Movahedi, Deputy Director at the International Rescue Committee presented about
IRC’s work in City Heights.  He described IRC’s progress toward more community-based programming during the past 10 years and outlined services available to City Heights community.  Services include Connect2Work, Free Income Taxes, City Heights Farmer’s Market, Fresh Fund, Immigration services and Job Training and Application Lab.  He answered Katt’s question regarding barriers to refugee business and stated that a lack of commercial kitchen space is a problem. 
John addressed concern over refugee youth and alcohol and drug abuse.  David asked about the resettlement process and where funding came from.  Guy asked about services for highly educated immigrants.  Robert reaffirmed the importance of vocational education.  Mazda warned about a Bar
Association effort against refugee resettlement.  Katt asked about Connect2Work, job openings
and a list of resources for donations.

 

7.4  Chair requesting for volunteers for Bike Corridor Subcommittee. Rebecca, Sam, Robert, Hong and David Bowen volunteered.

  

7.5 Katt requested training on Robert’s Rule and rules of officer position.  Neighborhood Code Compliance workshop was requested. Refresher on ABC rules.

 

8.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:37PM to meet again September 5^th at the time and place listed above.  If called, a mid-month meeting will be held Monday, August 26^th at 6:30PM in the Mid-City Police Substation.