Title
ORDINANCE NO. 3346 OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING SECTION 10.08.110 OF THE CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF HOLIDAYS FOR PARKING METERS AND ZONES (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the ordinance.
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SUMMARY
Section 10.08.110 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) establishes holidays for purposes of operating and enforcing parking meters and zones. The list of holidays was last updated in 1995 to add Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. An ordinance amending CVMC Section 10.08.110 to replace Columbus Day with Cesar Chavez Day and to add the day after Thanksgiving is recommended. Repeal of an outdated City Council Policy relating to legal holidays is also recommended.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity, amending the municipal code relating to the definition of holidays for parking meters and zones, is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378(b)(5) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it is an administrative activity of government; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable.
DISCUSSION
Chapter 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) is a compilation of the rules and regulations governing and controlling the movement of motor vehicles and traffic in Chula Vista. Section 10.08.110 defines “Holidays” for purposes of Chapter 10.
Last amended in 1995, the holidays currently recognized per CVMC Section 10.08.110 are as follows:
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1. |
New Year's Day |
1st day of January |
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2. |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
3rd Monday in January |
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3. |
Lincoln's Birthday |
12th day of February |
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4. |
President's Day |
3rd Monday in February |
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5. |
Memorial Day |
Last Monday in May |
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6. |
Independence Day |
4th day of July |
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7. |
Labor Day |
1st Monday in September |
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8. |
California Admission Day |
9th day of September |
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9. |
Columbus Day |
2nd Monday in October |
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10. |
Veterans' Day |
11th day of November |
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11. |
Thanksgiving Day |
4th Thursday in November |
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12. |
Christmas Day |
25th day of December |
The list of holidays was last amended via Ordinance 2638 in 1995, which added the third Monday in January in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
In 2001, memoranda of understanding approved by resolution of the City Council included the closure of City offices on March 31st each year, in observance of Cesar Chavez Day. At that time, no action was proposed to amend the CVMC to reflect Cesar Chavez Day as a holiday for parking purposes. The resulting discrepancy between general City operations and enforcement of parking meters on the Cesar Chavez Holiday has created confusion and frustration for parking customers. An update to Section 10.08.110 replacing the existing Columbus Day holiday (2nd Monday in October) with Cesar Chavez Day (March 31st) is recommended.
Similarly, in 1982 the City Council adopted Resolution 11093 establishing holidays for City employees, including the Friday after Thanksgiving. This date is not considered a holiday for purposes of parking enforcement. In order to reduce confusion, the addition of the Friday after Thanksgiving to Section 10.08.110 is also recommended.
The proposed changes will bring enforcement on these three dates into greater consistency with neighboring jurisdictions, reducing confusion for both visitors and residents. Cesar Chavez Day is recognized as a parking holiday in the cities of San Diego, Imperial Beach, and National City. Similarly, Columbus Day is not a parking holiday in the cities of San Diego, El Cajon, Imperial Beach, or National City. The Friday after Thanksgiving is a parking holiday in the cities of El Cajon and Imperial Beach.
In 1976, City Council Policy 662-06 was adopted via Ordinance 1663. The policy was created to address discrepancies between parking meter and time limit zone enforcement periods and the then-present holiday schedule. Since that time, additional discrepancies have developed, as the policy was never amended to reflect the addition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In order to reduce confusion and duplication of work, the repeal of this policy is recommended. Holidays for parking purposes are established in Section 10.08.110; a separate Council Policy is not necessary.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18705.2(a)(11), is not applicable to this decision. Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. Revising the list of parking holidays and repealing an outdated Council Policy supports Strategy 1.3 of the Operational Excellence goal, ensuring interactions with the City are a positive experience by reducing confusion and frustration for parking customers.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed action will result in a net increase of one parking holiday per year. No significant fiscal impact is anticipated.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed action will result in a net increase of one parking holiday per year. No significant fiscal impact is anticipated.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Staff Contact: Tiffany Allen, Finance Department