PRELIMINARY UNAPPROVED

POTRERO PLANNING GROUP

Minutes: July 12, 2007

Potrero Community Center

25771 Potrero Valley Rd.

 

The Meeting of the Potrero Community Planning Group was called to order at 7:02 PM by Gordon Hammers at the Potrero Community Center.

Pledge of Allegiance.  Jerry Johnson.

ROLL CALL: 8 present

Present: Chair. 8- Gordon Hammers, 1. Janet Wright 2. Thell Fowler 3-.Mike Rubalcava -      4 Jan Hedlun  5- Jerry Johnson ,6- Mary Johnson  9-.Eric Berger        7- Emil Susu  Not a current member     MUST BE REMOVED -- EMIL IS NOT IN SEAT 7 AND SHOULD NOT BE LISTED ON ROLL CALL PER CHERYL JONES

 

Guests: sign in sheet passed around.

 

Approval of Minutes of the last meeting as corrected.  EMAIL SENT ON August 7, 2007 REQUESTING THAT CORRECTIONS FROM MARCH AND MAY BE SHOWN IN THE JULY MINUTES AND COPIES OF THE MARCH AND MAY MINUTES SENT TO THE COUNTY BE PROVIDED.  AS OF AUGUST 9, 2007 THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO EMAIL.

 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

 

Appointment of members:   Emil Susu is ineligible to vote tonight re e-mail from C. Jones

 

DUNCAN MCFETRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT ERIC BERGER AND MIKE RUBACLAVA HAD NOT BEEN APPOINTED BY THE B.O.S. We will be  checking the BOS appointments and standings of Eric Berger and Mike Rubalcava.

 

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM COMMUNITY

 

B. Wise reading on those who showed support for the recent fund raiser.

 

L. Wildey : Letter in support of current board members.

 

J Johnson:  Announce Spaghetti dinner for Browns.

 

C. Meyer:  Questioning eligibility of Eric, and Mike.  Approved by county?  The recall petitionS WERE signed and turned over to county.

 

Question Re: republican party support.  Why did this happen?

 

T. Fowler:   37 year resident has seen lots of growth. Where were the people when we ran for election last November?  We still ought to be a community with differences, yes, but still support our self.   Looking at community service.  Who's helping @ 94 club, safety, road repairs, speeding by the school safety zone.   We should work together as a community.

 

R. Stephens:  Accused G. Hammers of name calling 12 years ago.  

 

E. Susu:  Who called Al Jezerra to come to Potrero?  I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT EMIL SAID THAT "Ray Lutz's Citizen's Oversight group is equated with the East County Democratic Club, and was a front for Al-Qaeda."   NUMEROUS COMMUNITY MEMBERS WERE OFFENDED.  THIS SEGMENT NEEDS TO BE CLARIFIED AND ADDED.

 

K, Rains:  Sunrise Power link thru Potrero  WHAT WAS THE SPECIFIC QUESTION AND ANSWER TO THE SUNRISE POWER LINK COMMENT?

 

Republicans: Who contacted them re: Potrero?  G. Hammers  GORDON HAMMERS ADMITTED CALLING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND INITIATING THE PHONE CALLS AND LETTER SAYING THAT THE "OTHER" SIDE HAD ASSISTANCE FROM EAST COUNTY DEMOCRATS.  CARL MEYER AND OTHERS PROTESTED THAT THE RECALL COULD ONLY BE DONE BY POTRERO RESIDENTS.  WHEN ASKED HOW MUCH IT COST, GORDON SAID, "I HAVEN'T GOT THE BILL."

 

BOARD MEMBER JAN HEDLUN AND NUMEROUS COMMUNITY MEMBERS PROTESTED EMIL SUSU SITTING ON THE BOARD.  WHEN ASKED WHY HE WAS THERE GORDON SAID IT WAS "THE CHAIRMAN'S PEROGATIVE" AND EMIL SAID, "BECAUSE I CAN."  Emil is non-voting and currently not a member of the board awaiting appointment by BOS.

 

J. Wildey:  He has received document from the democratic party re: anti-Blackwater

 

J Meneses:  Has seen mostly older people doing community service.  He has volunteered to help as part of this community.  Some stay hidden when there is something to do.  Community needs help and volunteers.  He is finding out what is going on.

 

PRESENTATION BY Duncan MacFetridge of SOFAR. 8:10 PM -- 20 minutes

 

DUNCAN HAD A POWERPOINT STYLE PRESENTATION STATING OFTEN THAT Blackwater is for War profiteers.  IT BEGAN WITH A history trip THAT INCLUDED COMMENTS ABOUT Theodore Roosevelt.    

 

DUNCAN   to have the planning group NOT vote on the reconsideration of the Blackwater vote tonight.  "We need to prove this is a necessary location and that having a mercenary training camp in Potrero is in the best interest of the community."    He gave examples of approved land uses for the property.  DUNCAN SAID THAT BLACKWATER BELONGS ON LAND ZONED M58 FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIAL USE BECAUSE OF THE NOISE, TRAFFIC AND POTENTIAL POLLUTION.

 

DUNCAN INSISTS THAT THE COUNTY IS DOING THE APPROVAL PROCESS BACKWARDS AND PROVIDES DOCUMENTATION IN HIS PRESENTATION.

 

Q:  J. Johnson: What was Payoff to McFedridge for previous public law suits  Ans. None this is a  Non profit corp. 

NOTE:  ONE COMMUNITY MEMBER REMEMBERS THIS BEING SAID BY THELL FOWLER.  PLEASE VERIFY.

 

Q. What are his beliefs re: Public and private property. Belief use of private property subject to Supreme court rules on zoning issue.  Public lands 50%   Legally, they can hold up projects for 15 years.

 

Q  M. Johnson: Why does he call Blackwater a mercenary group?  NEED DUNCAN 'S RESPONSE TO THIS QUESTION.

 

2. Consulting firm for  Blackwater project.     Jones and Stokes

 

Blackwater Consultant firm Jones and Stores presentation on Preliminary environmental information  Brook Petersen consultant and Paul Amber (WHAT POSITION DID PAUL AMBER HOLD?)  NEEDS TO BE SPECIFIED.

 

Presentation of the requirements of preparing an EIR included; Preparing documents, highlighting the environmental review process, identifying and listing criteria for the report, combining all the issues and agencies involved. Scheduling the process, describing the work and responsibilities for Environmental review and the technical experts involved.    Information as to the steps leading to a final EIR and impact on the project was explained, including the emphasis on public participation., scoping meetings etc. Those wishing to be on the distribution list need to contact  Jarrett Ramaiya   phone 858-694-3015  e-mail sdcountyca.gov Project no. PO6-069

Schedule of process estimated to be around Aug. '08. NOP = Notice of Preparation.  Also Memorandum of understanding \-- like a contract between the 3 parties ( County/Blackwater/EIR Firm.)  There will be documents (drafts and final) and opportunity for comment.  

 

Roxanne:  Curiosity about the agriculture changes, posting that events taking place and analysis Historical events.

ONE MAN ASKED WHAT "HISTORICAL PERIOD" MEANT.  AN ANSWER WAS NOT GIVEN.

C. Meyer: Question for  Brooks  about the  Specialist.  What  Noise model (not monitor) monitor was used for technical info?  Answer Full disclosure comes with final report.

B. Chamberlain:  Question about the time for EIR

F. Mattera :  When report is ready please post info in Hotline.  What will new zoning be?

J. Giguerre   Curious about study having to do with positive or neg. impact on property values.  Ans. EIR is  checking physical areas.   No provision on economic impacts.

EIR is one of the factors the county looks at. Economic and  other factors are looked at as well.         

GH: How will  BW help Potrero?  Economic comparisons in the offing. Soon we hope to be looking at several economic models. 

R Simmons: Who decides community character.   Scale and intent How it would this fit physically aesthetically?

S. Freedman:   How have they showed community?  Virtual reality rendering.  This aspect would be covered later in meeting

Cc.. Ramsey, WHO WAS A TEST CAR DRIVER ASKED IF THERE WOULD BE Noise control for cars.    Ans.  Yes

Tina B. How do they analyze sewage disposal and groundwater?  NEED RESPONSE TO QUESTION.

 

BARBARA CHAMBERLAIN STATED "THE PETITION TO OPPOSE BW WAS SIGNED BY OVER 300 ADULT RESIDENTS.  HALF THE ADULTS IN POTRERO, NOT A THIRD AS GORDON HAMMERS CLAIMED."

 

EMIL SUSU CALLED THE AUDIENCE LIARS AND BARBARA COMMENTED THAT MR. SUSU HAS DEFAMED US AND ASKED "WHAT HAVE WE LIED ABOUT?"  SUSU REPLIED THAT, "YOU LIED ABOUT THE NOISE ON THE PETITION."  BARBARA REPLIED, "THE PETITION DID NOT MENTION NOISE."  MR. SUSU SAID, "YES IT DID."  BARBARA TOLD HIM TO "READ THE PETITION"

 

Presentation of video documentation of trip to Moyock, NC Q&A 8:50  

 

Movie from Moyock; WHO MADE THE VIDEO DOCUMENTATION AT MOYOCK?  WHO WENT TO MOYOCK FROM POTRERO?  Copies had been mailed to most registered voters, some said they did not get it.  THE MOVIE SHOWED BLACKWATER MOYOCK, THE history, environmental sensitivities, economic factors, and plans for Blackwater west.

 

9:10   Q&A to  B. Bonfiglio:  Addressing the Question of need for Blackwater West  by law enforcement, training demands and experiences needed to meet the demands of the law enforcement people.  In consideration of costs, demand and environmental problems, more training required for law enforcement.  To combat the "bad guys"

Jones and Stokes is the agency doing the EIR.  

Facts about Blackwater.   BW is an environmentally sensitive, BW  is now under 1% of contractors, Main business is the  protection of  Amer. Citizens.  BW is Not a mercenary organization.

 

SHERIFF D Nunez states that since BW does not employ felons, there will not be problems with them.  They will do what is asked by BW. (WHO WILL DO WHAT IS ASKED BY BLACKWATER?) This will help Law enforcement in the Potrero area.  

 

Land use fact: The acreage used will be about 79.2 acres in new use and 65.8 in re development.  About 145 total acres of the 824 (about 679 in open area (non developed).

 

ROBIN SIMMONS ASKED "DOES BW HAVE ANY CONTRACTS OR MEMORANDUMS OF UDNERSTANDING TO TRAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT?"  BRIAN ANSWERED, "NO."

 

Fire coverage    4 page handout from State.  

BRIAN IS SUGGESTING A 9 Am Friday coffee TO DISCUSS ISSUES: may not work for everyone DUE TO WORK SCHEDULES. Work schedule suggestions are welcome.   

 

Issues or question raised.

 

Chris.  Welcome \-\--

T. Fowler asked about helicopters.  BB.  No helicopters have been in Potrero air space and no plans for aeronautical activity here.\-\-- Noise study  and  berms.

C. Meyer - Is the armory still in project?  (CARL WOULD LIKE THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION LISTED).

Randy Hunt - was there any discussion about public opposition?  WHAT WAS THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION.

J. Giguerre What if planning board says no, what is plan B? \-\--Answer: There is No plan B

BRIAN MADE IT CLEAR TO THE BOARD AND AUDIENCE THAT BLACKWATER WAS GOING TO GO AHEAD WITH THEIR PLANS REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE COMMUNITY WANTED.  HE SAID BWUSA HAD INVESTIGATED OTHER OPTIONS -- CAMP PENDLETON , MIRAMAR , CARLSBAD , CLAIREMONT MESA , OTAY MESA -- AND THOSE HAD FAILED.  SOME OF THE REASONS HE GAVE FOR THEIR FAILURE -- ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONVENIENCE.

Real Estate Values affected by BW?  Or is it the market?

HELEN CRAMER SAID THEIR HOME WAS IN ESCROW AND WHEN THE POTENTIAL BUYERS FOUND OUT ABOUT BLACKWATER THEY IMMEDIATELY WITHDREW THEIR OFFER.

 

Chemical contaminants.   Check the EIR \-\--F. Mattera  Choosing a site on another military base? 

Capturing lead for environment  Wells, lead in water  not good.   NEEDS CLARIFICATION

Ranges have high safety standards and are made to be in compliance with Environmental Laws.

In Moyock  Local Boy scouts pick up brass and earn $ for recycling.

Yes, Local citizens could be offered courses ( as part of Good neighbor policy)

C Dillion.  WHAT WAS CAROL'S QUESTION? Ans: This development is a MUP project   See map and overlays.  ReDevelopment  No more chicken stuff. Nitrates etc

Keep community involved.    BARBARA CHAMBERLAIN SPOKE ABOUT THE ORIGINAL CHICKEN RANCH PROPERTY OWNERS, THE ROWANS, WHO ARE SORRY ABOUT WHAT THE NEW OWNER HAD DONE TO THE PROPERTY AND THAT THEY OPPOSED BLACKWATER.  .G. Hammers reports that Correspondence with Mr. Rowan is now supportive of BW (within last 2 weeks).  SOMEONE WANTED TO SEE THE CORRESPONDENCE.

Brian hopes to sit down with those who need more information.    

 

Resolution Form 534 to reconsider the Dec. 14 vote.

 

It was noted that the petition to recall the board seemed to be of political rather than based on land use issues. There was discussion as to the "whereas" portions of the resolution.

 

WHEN THE TOPIC OF THE RESOLUTION CAME UP JAN HEDLUN ASKED WHO WROTE THE RESOLUTION AS SHE (THE PLANNING GROUP) HAD NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ITS CREATION.  GORDON SAID JERRY HAD CRAFTED IT AND HE HAD WORD-SMITHED IT.  JAN PROTESTED THAT THE COMMUNITY HAD NO INPUT, NOR HAD BEEN ALLOWED TO REVIEW IT AND REQUESTED THAT IT BE PUT OFF UNTIL THE NEXT MONTH.

 

ALTHOUGH THELL FOWLER MADE A MOTION TO POSTPONE THE VOTING ON THE RESOLUTION UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING GORDON INSISTED ON READING Resolution 534 in full.  NUMEROUS COMMENTS FROM THE COMMUNITY WERE MADE.

 

The motion was made AGAIN by Thell Fowler 2^nd  Jan Hedlun to postpone the voting on the resolution until the next meeting.   Aug. 9, 2007. Motion carried. Aye votes: Thell Fowler, Jerry Johnson, Mary Johnson,  Eric Berger,  Mike Rubalcava,  Janet Wright, Jan Hedlun, And Abstaining:  Gordon Hammers.

 

Meeting adjourned 11:15 PM

 

Respectfully submitted

 

Mary L. Johnson

COMMUNITY INSPIRED REVISIONS/COMMENTS INSERTED BY JAN M. HEDLUN