The Chula Vista City Council hired Tuesday a consultant to help it analyze where a professional football stadium would best fit within city limits, with the estimated $200,000 contract to be paid for by the Chargers.
The council voted unanimously, 5-0, and Mayor Cheryl Cox said the study will take approximately 12 weeks.
“When someone comes to you and wants to invest in your city, you’ve got to have an open-door policy,” said Councilman Rudy Ramirez. However, he did sound a cautious note, as well: “Stadium deals have a reputation and professional franchises are very adept at these negotiations.”
The city hired Cooper Robertson & Partners, the consultant that recently helped Chula Vista develop its Bayfront Master Plan. A number of sites in Chula Vista have been eyed for a possible site, from private land held in the east to bay-front property controlled by the port.
The council also offered a set of 10 guidelines to follow in talks with the team. Some members of the public urged them to add an 11th that would give voters a chance to weigh in on the proposal. Cox said she didn’t necessarily disagree with that point, but said it was too soon for such measures.