City Heights Area Planning Committee

Minutes February 2010 - April 2010

CITY HEIGHTS AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

Meeting of February 1, 2010 6:30PM

3910 University Avenue

City Heights CA 92105

 

Draft Minutes

Attendance:  p = present. a= absent 

 

Total:	15
Liz Avalon	p	Russ Connelly	a	Mazda Mehraz	p	Jessie Sergent	p
Heather Bentley	p 6:40	Kenton Finkbinder	a	Amanda Moss	p	Patty Vaccariello	p
Ahmedei Cheikguei	p	Val Hernandez	p	Kasra Movahedi	a	Jim Varnadore	p
Sam Charry	p	Mark Kassab	a	Jeanette Neeley	p	Kyle Wienberg	p (7:55)
Bill Closson	p	Ahmed Malinomar	p	David Nelson	p	Abdulahi Yusuf.	p

 

 

1.  Call to order and introductions 6:34

 

2.  Adoption of the agenda - Patty moved. Jessie second. Unanimously adopted with item 6.2 deleted.

 

3.  Off-agenda public comment

Joyce Summer from CCDC stated that the quiet zone downtown has gone out to bid. Also, the pedestrian bridge will take longer than anticipated because specialty metals needed to be ordered. A report on a potential Chargers stadium will be out in April, but she provided some preliminary statistics about NFL stadiums nationwide. Barry Pollard, a candidate from the 4th District Council seat introduced himself.

 

4.  Staff reports and comment

 

Bruce Williams from Councilmember Young's office distributed copies of the Councilmember's "email blast" and encouraged people to participate in Black History Month events.

 

Kim Ngyuen was present but had no update.

 

5.  Corrections to the Minutes of January 4, 2010

 

Accepted without corrections.

 

6.  Business Agenda:

 

   6.1 Permits for 1740 47th Street warehouse (Action)

 

Roberto Espinoza made the presentation addressing the Committee's comments from the previous month.

 

Total:	10/0/4
Liz Avalon	y	Russ Connelly	----	Mazda Mehraz	y	Jessie Sergent	abst
Heather Bentley	y	Kenton Finkbinder	----	Amanda Moss	abst	Patty Vaccariello	y
Ahmedei Cheikguei	y	Val Hernandez	abst	Kasra Movahedi	----	Jim Varnadore	cnv
Sam Charry	y	Mark Kassab	----	Jeanette Neeley	abst	Kyle Wienberg	----
Bill Closson	y	Ahmed Malinomar	y	David Nelson	y	Abdulahi Yusuf.	y

 

Roberto Espinoza made the presentation addressing the Committee's comments from the previous month and city cycle issues. These included tree choices and landscape screening, noise, and retaining wall design. City Cycle issues that have not had their review completed are wastewater and structural, although development services may have other cycle issues that have not yet been disclosed to the applicant.

 

Chair Varnadore suggested continuing the item until the City had completed their cycle issues report.

 

Ahmed Malinomar made a motion seconded by Jeanette Neely to approve the project subject to successful completion of the city's cycle process. Discussion ensued regarding both the project and whether the committee should be voting on an item that has incomplete information.

 

The motion was withdrawn.

 

Heather Bently offered a motion to continue the item pending receipt of the cycle issues from the City. David Nelson Seconded. Motion passed 14/0/4 cnv

 

   6.2 SR-15 Bus Rapid Transit review by Dr. Sheila Sarkar (Action)

       Item postponed.

 

   6.3 Election Subcommittee Chair’s report (Information)

 

Sam Charry, the subcommittee chair gave an update on preparation, candidate recruitment, and community notification for the upcoming election.

 

   6.4 Parking vehicles-for-sale in the public right-of-way (Action)

 

 

Chair Varnadore reviewed locations that had been identified for possible restrictions on parking vehicles for sale. This included sections of University Avenue, Home Avenue, 40th, Euclid, Lincoln, and Central, as well as a 2 hour time limit on all commercial areas and major throughways. Discussion ensued on whether the Committee would want to have a blanket ban on auto sales, restrictions on parking, or specific zones with auto sale restrictions.

 

Liz Avalon made a motion recommending that existing restrictions on parking for-sale vehicles in portions of City Heights (as on Home Avenue near the 805 and Fairmount) be expanded to cover the public right of ways throughout City Heights. Mazda seconded. Discussion ensued.

 

Motion passed 10/4/0, chair not voting.

 

Total:	10/4/0 cnv
Liz Avalon	y	Russ Connelly	---	Mazda Mehraz	y	Jessie Sergent	y
Heather Bentley	y	Kenton Finkbinder	-----	Amanda Moss	y	Patty Vaccariello	y
Ahmedei Cheikguei	n	Val Hernandez	n	Kasra Movahedi	----	Jim Varnadore	cnv
Sam Charry	y	Mark Kassab	-----	Jeanette Neeley	n	Kyle Wienberg	---
Bill Closson	y	Ahmed Malinomar	n	David Nelson	y	Abdulahi Yusuf.	y

 

   6.5 Medical marijuana outlets (Action)

 

Discussion of whether and how medical marijuana facilities should be allowed in City Heights, and how patients wanting to use therapeutic marijuana would be able to obtain it. Further discussion ensued on the differences between cooperatives, dispensaries, and storefronts, and whether storefronts would be harmful or beneficial to the community. A member of the City's Marijuana Task Force discussed some of the legalities of medical marijuana facilities. Most committee members felt that some form of medical marijuana facilities should be allowed in City Heights, although there were differing opinions on how those facilities might be located, operated, or otherwise restricted. The item was left open for future discussion.

 

 

   6.6 Declare the School/N-profit-11 seat vacant by absences (Action)

 

Discussion on whether the seat held by Kyle Weinberg should be declared vacant. Kyle explained that school classes prevented him from coming but he hoped to have his schedule adjusted.

 

Liz Avalon made a motion to declare the school/nonprofit seat vacant. Jessie Sergent seconded.

Discussion ensued. Motion failed 4/11/0 cnv. The seat therefore remains filled.

 

Total:	4/11/0 cnv
Liz Avalon	y	Russ Connelly	---	Mazda Mehraz	n	Jessie Sergent	y
Heather Bentley	n	Kenton Finkbinder	----	Amanda Moss	n	Patty Vaccariello	n
Ahmedei Cheikguei	y	Val Hernandez	n	Kasra Movahedi	---	Jim Varnadore	cnv
Sam Charry	n	Mark Kassab	---	Jeanette Neeley	y	Kyle Wienberg	n
Bill Closson	n	Ahmed Malinomar	n	David Nelson	n	Abdulahi Yusuf.	n

 

   6.7 Declare the District 4-11 seat vacant by absences (Action)

 

Discussion on whether to declare the seat held by Valentina Hernandez vacant. Valentina explained that exhaustion and attending other community positions and responsibilities caused her absences and that she wanted to continue on the Committee.

 

No motion was made, so the seat remains filled.

 

7.  Committee member reports and comments

 

Liz Avalon stated that the PAC will be reviewing a request from the City for approximately 400K for the Home Avenue Park facilities. Kyle Winberg stated that there is tutoring available at 4646 Wightman. David Nelson commented on the earlier CCDC presentation that the City should not be subsidizing professional sports teams. Jeanette Neeley stated that February 14 will be Chinese New Year. Ahmedei Cheikguei stated that there is an enhanced Health and Humans services program for accessibility to the public. Ahmed Malinomar stated that there is an organization in City Heights that will provide food and shoes to Somali orphans. Mazda Mehraz talked about Chinese New Year festivities that will occur on the 13th.  Valentina Hernandez encouraged that everyone in City Heights be counted by the census and spoke Amanda Moss reminded people of the February 15 CHAPC election nomination deadline and of the June facelift. She also encouraged people to attend the Code Compliance meeting if it happens again. Chair Varnadore stated that the census is tremendously important for obtaining federal funding and City Heights will lose out when there are uncounted people.

 

Jeanette Neeley spoke about the May 1, 2010 Community Congress. They are currently looking for a location. Momentum teams will present their activities over the past several months and it will be an opportunity for people to weigh in.

 

8.  Adjournment.  The Committee will reconvene on March 1, 2010 at the time

    and place listed above.

 

 

CITY HEIGHTS AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

Meeting of March 1, 2010 6:30PM

3910 University Avenue

City Heights CA 92105

 

Draft Minutes

Attendance:  p = present. a= absent 

 

Total:	19
Liz Avalon	p	Russ Connelly	p	Mazda Mehraz	p	Jessie Sergent	p
Heather Bentley	p	Kenton Finkbinder	p	Amanda Moss	p	Patty Vaccariello	p
Ahmedei Cheikguei	p (6:35)	Val Hernandez	p(6:45)	Kasra Movahedi	p	Jim Varnadore	p
Sam Charry	p	Mark Kassab	p	Jeanette Neeley	p	Kyle Wienberg	p (7:05)
Bill Closson	p	Ahmed Malinomar	p(6:45)	David Nelson	p	Abdulahi Yusuf.	p

 

 

1.  Call to order and introductions

 

2.  Adoption of the agenda -

Russ moves. Unanimously approved.

 

3.  Off-agenda public comment

 

Joyce Summer from CCDC brought "downtown today" magazine. She also talked about renovations to the Mariott hotel that will allow for bay access from downtown.

 

4.  Staff reports and comment

 

Anthony Bernal from Gloria's office stated that March 20th 10:30-12 at the library will be a coffee w/the community w/ Todd Gloria. Also, Anthony will be transitioning to working in North Park and introduced Courtney Thomson who will be attending City Heights meetings and constituent services for Gloria's office.

 

Bruce Williams from Tony Young's office stated that the Council passed a revised curfew ordinance that will be implemented immediately. Minors will not be allowed out between 10pm and 6am without proof they are coming to of from an approved function. He also described a exhibit set up for black history month that will be extended for another month.

 

5.  Corrections to the Minutes of February 1, 2010

 

Accepted without corrections.

 

6.  Business Agenda:

 

6.1 Permits for 1740 47th Street warehouse (Action)

 

Roberto Espinoza presented changes to the project. Retaining wall design has been changed to two walls less than 12' in height separated by 4 or 5 feet. This removes requirement to obtain a variance. The wall and space between walls will be planted with vegetation. He also addressed the responses to cycle issues, the burn ash site, and CEQA and MHCP requirements. They are currently going into a new cycle with the city and should receive a response within 25 days.

 

Valentina Hernandez made a motion to recommend approval of the site development permit for environmentally sensitive lands. Jessie Sargent seconded.

 

Total:	19/0/0 cnv
Liz Avalon	y	Russ Connelly	y	Mazda Mehraz	y	Jessie Sergent	y
Heather Bentley	y	Kenton Finkbinder	y	Amanda Moss	y	Patty Vaccariello	y
Ahmedei Cheikguei	y	Val Hernandez	y	Kasra Movahedi	y	Jim Varnadore	cnv
Sam Charry	y	Mark Kassab	y	Jeanette Neeley	y	Kyle Wienberg
Bill Closson	y	Ahmed Malinomar	y	David Nelson	y	Abdulahi Yusuf	y

 

6.3 The Election Sub-committee chair announces election results if they are available (information).  If not available at the meeting, the Committee will distribute the results by e-mail and by posting at the meeting place.

 

Results were not yet available.

 

7.  Committee member reports and comments

 

Kasra stated the Crossroads PAC approved two new stoplights on College Ave. Patty stated that the City Heights PAC approved the expenditure of funds for traffic improvements on Home that will allow the City to apply for a state grant to construct the Home Avenue Park Improvements. Russ gave input on the Chollas Rec Council's recommendations on the Home Avenue Park. Mark thanked Anthony for his work in City Heights over the past year. Jessie Sergeant stated that one of the local police officers has written a book, which she shared with the committee. Russ Connelly stated that City Heights on Patrol (CHOP) is forming groups now for volunteer citizen's patrols. David Nelson stated that 2:1 slopes are rarely maintained as well as retaining walls, and suggested the committee encourage retaining walls on upcoming projects. Jeanette Neeley stated that there will be solar motion sensitive lights installed in the community and that California Endowment is active again holding meetings in the community. Amanda Moss stated that June 5 is facelift. Valentina Hernandez gave updates on the momentum teams from the California Endowment and the Creek to Bay cleanup. Jim Varnadore stated that the City will likely have to do a full environmental study on Wightman Park. 

 

8.  Adjournment at 7:30. The Committee will reconvene on April 6, 2010 at the time

    and place listed above.

 

 

CITY HEIGHTS AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

Meeting of April 5, 2010 6:30PM

3910 University Avenue

City Heights CA 92105

 

Draft Minutes

Attendance:  p = present. a= absent 

 

Total:	15
Liz Avalon	p	Russ Connelly	p	Mazda Mehraz	p (6:45)	Jessie Sergent	p
Heather Bentley	a	Kenton Finkbinder	p	Amanda Moss	p	Patty Vaccariello	p
Ahmedei Cheikguei	a	Val Hernandez	a	Kasra Movahedi	p	Jim Varnadore	p
Sam Charry	p	Mark Kassab	a	Jeanette Neeley	p	Kyle Wienberg	resigned
Bill Closson	p	Ahmed Malinomar	p	David Nelson	p	Abdulahi Yusuf.	p

 

 

1.  Call to order and introductions

 

Laura Vale was introduced and seated as a new member.

 

2.  Adoption of the agenda -  There was the addition of item 7.3, the resignation of Kyle Weinberg

Russ moved to adopt the amended agenda. Jeanette Neeley seconded. Unanimously approved.

 

3.  Off-agenda public comment

 

Mary Oterro stated that a stop sign at Van Dyke and Orange is needed.

 

4.  Staff reports and comment

 

Courtney Thomson from Councilmember Gloria's office reported on street repairs and several events Gloria will be attending, including the Swan Canyon restoration and a Police Appreciation event at Church of Bretheren.

 

Michael Prinz introduced himself. He will be the new City planner assigned to City Heights. He can be contacted at mprinz@sandiego.gov

 

Bruce Williams from Tony Young's office announced that Lincoln High basketball made the CIF championships and encouraged people to fill out their census forms. He also stated that City Council voted to require developers to put water meters in individual units for multifamily developments.

 

6.  Corrections to the Minutes of March 1, 2010

Minutes accepted.

 

7.  Business Agenda:

 

   7.1 Report from the student group that is assessing our sidewalks to see which ones need action and when. (information)

  

Kathleen Ferrier introduced the students who are working on  a project to identify sidewalk and pedestrian safety needs. Health Equity by Design, partnering with Walk San Diego and the CDC have been working on a safety project. A formal report will be submitted to CHAPC and the PAC when the survey is complete.

 

Juan Ramirez from Walk San Diego described how the students learned about pedestrian safety and sidewalk surveys. They walked from 42nd to 52nd on University, around Clark Middle School, Hamilton, and Rosa Parks. The areas were selected because they had not been inventoried in previous projects completed by other organizations.

 

Michelle Llewellyn of the CDC discussed some of the previous projects in City Heights involving pedestrian safety.

 

Brian Voeltner, the Hoover High School ROP teacher talked about some of the training programs they are doing that involves GIS.

 

A large group of students then presented what they have been learning about walkability, pedestrian safety, and their progress on the sidewalk survey.

 

   7.2 Appointment of Officer search sub-committee. (action)

 

David Nelson and Jessie Sergent volunteered to call the Committee members and seek volunteers for officer positions.

 

 7.3 Resignation of Kyle Weinberg

 

Russ Connelly moved to accept the resignation. Patty Vaccariello seconded. Approved Unanimously.

 

The seat was the school/nonprofit seat, and there is a year remaining.

 

8.  Committee member reports and comment

 

Valentina Hernandez announced the Creek to Bay cleanup on the 24th. Patty Vaccariello announced that Facelift will be Saturday, June 5 in the Corridor neighborhood. Russ Connelly announced the April 17 chili cookoff at Church of Bretheren to recognize law enforcement officers and that May 1 will be the Fairmount Park whole-neighborhood yard sale.  Mazda Mehraz stated concerns regarding poor quality of garbage pickup where workers are rough on the cans and spilling garbage. HE informed the committee that 858-694-7000 is the number to call if you have a garbage collection complaint. He also announced the passing of Dr. Gao, who provided low cost medical care to City Heights residents for many decades. Ahmed Malinomar warned about parking in the Citibank spots, as there is active towing, and also asked whether a spot on CHAPC could be held by a student.

 

Jeanette Neeley announced that there is a Food Justice Conference with free workshops on April 24 & 25 at SDSU and that the Community Congress is on May 1 at Hoover High for the California Endowment. David Nelson encouraged people to use businesses and services in City Heights. Amanda Moss reminded the Committee about Facelift and reported on her experiences participating with City Heights on Patrol.  Contact Gregory Dietrich if you want to participate. Russ stated that he turned in 20 streetlights on his patrol. Jim Varnadore reported on the County lawnmower exchange May 1, California Endowment on May 1, and the Fairmount Park yard sale on May 1. He also encouraged committee members to participate in the E-COW. Also, APRIL 27 is JESSE SARGENT DAY AT CITY HALL!!!!!!! Congratulations Jesse on an honor well deserved!!!!!!

 

9.  Adjournment at 7:37.  The Committee will reconvene on May 3, 2010.