Shawn Ahlin

The meeting commenced with an announcement regarding remote participation due to public health concerns, utilizing a teleconference format and a virtual commenting portal for public input. The Emergency Services Coordinator and the Fire Chief provided an update on the COVID-19 situation, noting downward trends in testing positivity percentages and hospitalizations across the county and specifically in Chula Vista. They detailed the success of 'Operation Immunity,' including over 40 mobile vaccination events and 108 homebound vaccinations, and discussed a shift in strategy towards pop-up vaccination events. Furthermore, they reviewed the city's status in the Orange Tier, allowing for increased capacity for businesses like restaurants, gyms, and family entertainment centers, and outlined the preliminary phased reopening strategy for community centers and libraries, emphasizing safety protocols like mask requirements, temperature checks, and facility sanitization, with the Civic Center Library slated to reopen first.

The meeting commenced with procedural announcements regarding the virtual meeting format, including instructions for using the chat function, accessing e-comments, and contacting technical support. The new City Manager, Maria Cachadarian, was introduced to the commission, and she provided an overview of her background, commitment to the community, and immediate focus on managing the COVID crisis while continuing existing projects like the bay front development. A significant portion of the agenda involved the election of the Chair and Vice Chair for the fiscal year 2021, with nominations and discussion occurring among commissioners. The commission also addressed the approval of minutes from the February 27, 2020, meeting, including minor edits to language regarding public comments.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of two new commission members, including Commissioner Paddock, who represents the senior population, as well as acknowledging Commissioner Orioles. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, noting that staff continues to accept public comments throughout the review process involving the Planning Commission and the State Housing and Community Development Department, with City Council review anticipated in the summer. Discussions also covered the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funding, addressing concerns raised by the San Diego Housing Federation regarding the use of funds for permanent supportive housing and an ADU program rather than new construction only. Finally, a presentation was given on the Permanent Local Housing Assistance Plan Amendment and the associated SB2 grant funding, which provides approximately one million dollars annually for five years; the established five-year plan prioritizes acquiring and rehabilitating property for permanent supportive housing, a loan program for increased affordable housing stock, and operational costs for the bridge shelter.

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgment of remote participation due to public health directives and the introduction of the new City Manager, Maria Cacciadorian, who provided an update on her transition and priorities. Key discussion points focused on the city's financial standing, highlighting the proactive reserve building that mitigated impacts from the economic shutdown, despite temporary furloughs of some hourly staff. The City Manager detailed efforts in COVID-19 response, including opening a city-run testing site in partnership with San Diego County, and distributing approximately $1.3 million in grants to about 245 small businesses, with total relief funds approaching $1.6 million when including joint county funding. Future financial considerations discussed included anticipated revenues from the cannabis industry and potential issuance of pension obligation bonds. Additionally, progress on the bay front documents was noted, expected to be presented to the City Council next month.

The meeting centered on the consideration of the draft Housing Element update of the General Plan for the 2021 to 2029 planning period, which corresponds to the sixth cycle. Discussion detailed the significant impact of new state housing legislation, emphasizing that housing is now a statewide concern. Key components discussed included the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), which dictates the number of new housing units required per income category, and the city's performance in the previous cycle where housing shortfalls were noted in most categories. The presentation also covered new site identification requirements, such as limitations on site size and density, and the commitment to rezone previously identified but undeveloped parcels to allow by-right affordable housing. The goal is to meet the allocation of 11,685 new units, with specific goals for lower-income housing. Furthermore, the implementation plan introduced new policies, including regulations on short-term vacation rentals to preserve housing supply, and strategies to streamline development for affordable and supportive housing projects, notably enforcing a 'no net loss' policy regarding developable land capacity for housing units.