HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/22/2001 Regular Council Meeting Minutes PLACE AND DATE
Marana Town Hall, May 22, 2001 ,
I. CALL TO ORDER
By Mayor Sutton at 7:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor Sutton
III. INVOCATIONiqVIOMENT OF SILENCE
Brad DeSpain, Utilities Director, gave the invocation.
IV. ROLL CALL
COUNCIL
Bobby Sutton, Jr. Mayor Present
Jim Blake Council Member Present
Ora Mae Ham Council Member Present
Ed Honea Council Member Present
Herb Kai Council Member Present
Carol McGorray Council Member Present
Roxanne Ziegler Council Member Excused
Patti Comerford Council Member Elect Present
Tim Escobedo Council Member Elect Present
STAFF
Michael Hein Town Manager
Michael Reuwsaat Assistant Town Manager
Dan Hochuli Town Attorney
Jocelyn Entz Town Clerk
The list of public attendees is attached.
V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Upon motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Council Member Honea,
approval of the agenda with one change was unanimous. The change was to
continue Item IX. B. 9. Ordinance No. 2001.09 to a future agenda.
VI. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTK~
Minutes of Regular Meeting - May 1, 2001
Upon motion by Council Member Ham, seconded by Council Member Blake, the
May 1, 2001 regular Council meeting minutes were unanimously approved.
VII. CALL TO THE PUBLIC/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pat Cicala, representing the residential development of Richmond Estates, read a
collective letter from the homeowners into the record. This letter outlined the
difficulties being experienced during negotiations with Richmond American
regarding roadside erosion and drainage problems. It also listed several requests
that the group had in order to remedy their concerns. These requests included
project completion deadlines with penalties for non-completion, regular project
meetings with Town staff, neighborhood representatives and Richmond
American personnel, and temporary fill for the excavated roadside areas in
jeopardy of further erosion. This letter is a permanent part of the record.
Mr. Hein said that Jim DeGrood and Farhad Moghimi had been working with
the residents and that his office would prepare a report for the June 5, 2001
Council meeting. He said that a study session would be scheduled if resolutions
were not reached between the parties.
Mayor Sutton presented a $100 check from the Town Council's Youth Fund to
Carol Wolbert, representing the Leapin' Lizards Jump Rope Club. Ms. Wolbert
thanked the Council and gave a short synopsis of the jump rope program at
Coyote Trails Elementary. She said that these kids, both girls and boys, had been
practicing jump rope for three years and, after several competitions, eight
members had qualified for the Jr. Olympics in Virginia. This event includes 24
different sports with over 14,000 youth participants from across the nation. She
concluded by commending these kids for their hard work and declaring them
role models and outstanding community representatives.
Joel Shapiro introduced John Anning as a new employee in the Planning and
Zoning Department. Mr. Anning~ the permanent part time Zoning Code Officer,
has over 25 years experience in this field.
2
Diane Mangialardi introduced Cathy West and Sandra Tellez, both of whom are
part time office support clerks in the Manager's department. Ms. Tellez, a native
of Marana, was previously employed full time in the Parks & Recreation
department and wanted to work part time while attending college. Ms. West, a
Tucson native, wanted to be available for her young son after school and was
happy to find a position matching her needs. She has extensive work experience
in both the State of Arizona and Juvenile Court systems. These two employees
work half day shifts and share responsibilities of the reception area at Town Hall.
VIII. STAFF REPORTS
There were no questions regarding the staff reports.
IX. GENERAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Resolution No. 2001-48: Request by Marana Police Depa~-;ment for
Renewal of Undercover Vehicle Registrations (Dave Smith)
2. Resolution No. 2001-49: Request by Marana Police Depa~-;ii~ent for
Submission of Projects for Consideration in Arizona's 2002 Highway
Safety Plan (Dave Smith)
3. Resolution No. 2001-50: Authorization for the Town Clerk to submit
approved Applications for Extension of Premises Liquor Licenses
and/or Special Event Liquor License Applications to the State Liquor
Board (Jocelyn Entz)
4. Resolution No. 2001-51: Renaming Thornydale Road south of Orange
Grove River Road (Farhad Moghimi)
5. Resolution No. 2001-52: Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between
the Town of Marana and Pima County for Community Development
Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Program purposes,
through the year 2004 (Dick Gear)
6. Resolution No. 2001-53: Appointment of Planning and zoning
Commissioners (Mike Hein)
7. Resolution No. 2001-54: Authorization to accept Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) grant offer of $939,172.00 for FAA project number
3-04-0058-07 (Roger Dougan)
3
8. Resolution No. 2001-44: Authorization to transfer authority for the
placement and maintenance of traffic control devices to the Town
Engineer (Farhad Moghimi)
9. Resolution No. 2001-59: Paving Requirements for Ingress/Egress
Easements Serving New Developments and Paving of Roadways that
are Adjacent to New Development (Jim DeGrood)
10. Resolution No. 2001-58: Resolution of the Mayor and Town Council of
the Town of Marana authorizing the Mayor to enter into an
intergovernmental agreement with Pima County and Marana Unified
School District for the purposes of improving the intersection of
Sandario and Emigh Road (Jim DeGrood)
11. Cost Reimbursement Agreement for Tangerine Road Farms
Improvement District (Roy Cuaron)
12. Proclamation, Proclaiming May 20-26 as Public Works Week (Farhad
Moghimi)
The Consent Agenda was unanimously approved following a motion by
Council Member Harn and a second by Council Member Honea.
B. COUNCIL ACTION
1. Update - FY 1999-2000 Audit and Management Comments
There was no tape coverage for this portion of the meeting.
2. Public Hearing Resolution No. 2001-38 - Northwest Holdings, Inc.
Variance. The Council will be sitting as the Board of Adjustment for
this item. Request by Northwest Holdings, Inc. for a variance of lot area
to allow for the creation of a legal parcel of less than the minimum
twenty-five (25) acre lot size requirement in the ( C ) Large Lot Zone, per
0-5.02.03.B.1. of the Marana Land Development Code, from the split of
parcel #218-44-086C. The property is located on the west side of
Tortolita Road directly north of the Northwest Fire Station, within a
portion of the southeast quarter of Section 26, TllS, R12E. The
application is Northwest Holdings, Inc., 8540 E. Woodland, Tucson, AZ
85745 (Joel Shapiro)
Upon motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Council Member
Honea, approval to go into public hearing was unanimous.
4
Hal Fleightner, homeowner from Heritage Highlands, spoke before
Council regarding his objections to the granting of this variance. He said
that his property was directly east of the Widget north property line and
backed up to Tortolita Road. His concern was that, if this variance was
approved, would Northwest Holdings be required to erect all four
buildings at once or would they be allowed to put up one building at a
time as the proposed businesses developed.
Mayor Sutton responded that it would be one building at a time.
The homeowner continued by stating that the proposed business was not
compatible with the surrounding single-family residential properties and
that there would not be enough substantial business activity to sustain a
storage facility in that area. He questioned what would happen to the
property if the business failed.
Mayor Sutton responded that it was not the Town's right to base the
approval or denial of a zoning variance on a prediction of a private
business success or failure.
Jim DeGrood said that the zoning conditions for the property would
survive any transition of ownership and would run with the land. He
explained that any type of re-development would have to adhere to those
conditions or appear before the Board of Adjustment to apply for a
specific variance. He pointed out another scenario that could occur would
be to place a single residential unit on the property. If this happened there
could not be any further division of the land without appearing before the
Council again. He added that Northwest Holdings would not be allowed
to utilize the property in any way that was not consistent with the historic
uses of the property.
The homeowner said that he was not aware that a residential dwelling
could be placed on a commercially zoned property without a rezoning
action.
Mayor Sutton responded that, according to the provisions of the "C'
Large Lot Zone zoning designation, one residential dwelling could be
placed on this type of commercial property.
Mr. DeGrood pointed out that the "C' zoning allowed a variety of uses by
significant land use changes including the allowance of residential use.
Mr. Fleightner mentioned that petitions against this variance were
circulated and that many residents were opposed to the approval of the
variance. He concluded by emphasizing that the Dove Mountain area was
considered a "jewel" residential development for the Town and that
Marana should heed the wishes of its residents by denying this variance.
Upon motion by Council Member Honea, seconded by Council Member
Harn, approval to come out of public hearing was unanimous.
Upon motion by Council Member Honea, seconded by Council Member
Harn, Resolution No. 2001-38 was unanimously approved.
3. Resolution No. 2001-55: Gladden Farms Preliminary Block Plat - The
applicant is proposing a preliminary block plat on 714 acres of land
consisting of 25 Blocks. The plat includes residential and commercial
blocks as well as a school sites, park and open spaces. The project is
located north of Tangerine Road, west of Postvale Road and south of
Moore Road, in Section 34, Township 11 South, Range 11 East, and a
portion of Section 33, Township 11 South, Range 11 East. Assessor's
Parcel Numbers 217-49-0010, 217-53-008E, -008F and -008H. The
applicant is Gladden Farms LLC (Joel Shapiro)
Mr. FIein stated that this resolution was especially important for Marana
in that it projected forward and looked at the future with this first large
block plat contained in the north Marana plan.
Joel Shapiro said that, in spite of many problems and obstacles over the
past year, this project had moved forward a long way and was now before
Council with unanimous approval and recommendation by the Planning
and Zoning Commission. Fie said that the plat included a variety of
zoning designations, predominately a mix of residential single family
homes including open space for passive and active recreation. The project
also included a 42-acre district park with linkages between residential
areas and the Santa Cruz River. Mr. Shapiro concluded by saying that the
design standards provided by the applicant were consistent with the
Northwest Marana Area Plan and addressed the applicable rezoning
conditions.
Council Member Ham motioned to approve Resolution No. 2001-55. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Kai and unanimously
approved by Council.
6
4. Public Hearing on the Stellar Homes Annexation - Consideration of the
Town of Marana's desire to annex a single parcel of approximately 5.5
acres located at the eastern boundary of Section 6, T12S, R13E. The
parcel covered by this annexation is the sole Pima County outlier within
Section 6 (Dick Gear)
Upon motion by Council Member Honea, seconded by Council Member
Blake, approval to go into public hearing was unanimous.
Mr. Hein explained that, according to state statute, this item was the
mandatory public hearing after filing a blank annexation petition. He said
that the Town staff was enthusiastic about working with the Stellars in
this effort to annex the 5.5-acre parcel into the Town's ultimate boundary
designation. This parcel was the sole Pima County outlier within Section 6
and the annexation request was brought to the Town by the property
owner. Mr. Hein said that the property was clearly within critical habitat
and that he was impressed with the owners as they dealt with innovative
land use processes that met U. S. Fish and Wildlife Services guidelines.
Upon motion by Council Member Harn, seconded by Council Member
Blake, approval to come out of public hearing was unanimous.
5. Update on Master Transportation Plan (Jim DeGrood)
Mr. DeGrood introduced Priscilla Cornelio, Project Manager of the Master
Transportation Plan, to the Council. Ms. Cornelio was representing
Parsons, Brinkerhoff, Quade & Douglas.
Mr. Hein interrupted Mr. DeGrood to commend him on his hard work
regarding the next three agenda items and said that these items
represented the culmination of much effort on Mr. DeGrood's part as well
as that of the Town Council, both past and present.
Ms. Cornelio started her presentation by reminding the Council that the
last transportation plan for the Town of Marana was adopted in 1989 and,
since that time, the study area's population had increased 800% with the
Town's boundaries increasing by 17%. She said that with this huge
increase it was obvious that an updated plan be implemented. She said
that a new study of existing conditions discovered significant traffic
congestion on many of the arterial roadways and that this problem would
surely worsen in the future. Most of the congestion was found to be on the
roadways and intersections near the interstate highway and near
commercial establishments. The study included all modes and identified
7
the deficiencies now and in the future. The boundaries of the study area
were the Pinal County line on the north, Anway Road to the west, La
Canada on the east, and River Road on the southern boundary. The study
horizon of 2025 projected the Town's population growth to 90,000. Ms.
Cornelio remarked that this study would allow the Town to plan properly
for this growth as opposed to dealing with transportation problems such
as Tucson and other areas of Pima County were presently experiencing. In
addition to traffic congestion near retail outlets, some of the current
deficiencies included the lack of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, non-
continuous sidewalk systems, and limited public transit. A telephone
survey was conducted and the results were that 14% of those questioned
supported commuter services but the majority was in favor of expanded
public transit. The study looked at future traffic patterns, employment
centers, and land uses. Because of critical habitat designations, the
developable land east of 1-10 has been constrained and the majority of
new growth would occur in the northwest portion of Marana. The
projected population growth and increased development would bring
about the need for major roadway improvements and new construction
requirements. Additionally, because of the large number of children living
within the Town boundary, there would be an unmet demand for transit
services as well as an increased need for pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Some of the suggested preliminary roadway improvements included new
roads, widened roads, new interchanges along 1-10 and improvements to
the three existing 1-10 interchanges. Other transit recommendations made
as a result of this study included implementing a commuter express
service to downtown Tucson and Tucson International Airport,
neighborhood circulators or dial-a-ride services, and expanded Sun Tran
service along major arterial roadways such as Ina Road. It was also
suggested that the Town install bike lanes on all collector and arterial
roadways with shared use paths along the major washes.
Ms. Cornelio pointed out that the costs of these recommended
improvements were approximately $700 million with a shortfall of $165
million. She suggested that, between now and the year 2025, improvement
districts could be formed where a percentage of revenue could apply
specifically to transportation needs. Construction and development
impact fees as well as a transportation sales tax were also listed as
potential remedies for the cost expense shortfall.
In conclusion, the incorporation of ~his plan into the Marana General Plan
was recommended. Ms. Cornelio irdormed the Council that Pima
Association o£ Governments (PAG) would be embarking soon on a new
metropolitan ~ransportation plan for the year 2025. She advised the
Council to encourage PAG to include the Marana plan as part of the PAG
overall plan. She added that the ADOT 1-10 General Plan had not been
updated for many years and that the Town should convince ADOT to
update ~ plan as well. She recommended that the Council pursue
revisions and an apportionment increase of the HURF distribution monies
so that the State factored in the latest population estimates for Marana
instead of waiting for the next census count.
In order to implement these recommendations, it was also clear that
additional staffing for Development Services would be required. Because
of the rapid growth of this area, an update to the transportation plan
would be necessary every three years.
Council Member Harn asked about the Park-N-Ride program. She felt that
this was a very effective way to help with transportation issues.
Ms. Cornelio responded that the recommendations called for Park-N-Ride
programs and, in fact, one such program was being instituted right away
at Orange Grove and Thornydale.
Mayor Sutton recessed the meeting for a short break at 8:22 p.m.
At 8:37 p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened by Mayor Sutton and
all attending Council members were present on the dais.
6. Resolution No. 2001-60: Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an
Intergovernmental Agreement on Behalf of the Town of Marana with
the Arizona Department of Transportation for the purpose of designing
the Interstate 10jTwin Peaks (Linda Vista) Interchange (Jim DeGrood)
Jim DeGrood voiced his pleasure in bringing this item before Council and
said that the lengthy negotiations had concluded with this
intergovernmental agreement. Mr. DeGrood explained that the agreement
formalized each entities' role in the design process and that, with the
Town being the lead agency on the project, Farhad Moghimi, Public
Works Director/Town Engineer would oversee it from beginning to
completion over the next few years.
9
Upon motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Council Member
McGorray, Resolution No. 2001-60 was unanimously approved.
7. Presentation on new Marana Town Hall Facility (Jim DeGrood)
Mr. DeGrood introduced Curtis Ench of Durrant Architects to the Council
and turned the podium over to Mr. Ench for a presentation on the
proposed Town Hall facility.
Mr. Ench pointed out that an exhaustive study had been conducted of the
20 acre site for the new Town Hall located on the northwest corner of Lon
Adams and Barnett Roads. He explained that the resulting concepts
included such influences as staff needs, departmental interaction,
population growth projections, as well as the culture, values and rural
tradition of Marana. He continued by giving a brief overview of several
concepts and added that long range planning regarding drainage and
public transit had been incorporated into the analysis. More refined
organizational site plans were scheduled for delivery to Town staff within
approximately four to five weeks. At that time, a preliminary design
report and schedule with options regarding construction phase delivery
systems would also be made available for review.
Mr. Ench said that groundbreaking could occur as early as March, 2002
and completion of Town Hall after a twelve month construction phase.
Council Member Harn worried that the design concepts would be too
futuristic and not compatible with the rural history of Marana.
Mayor Sutton assured Council Member Harn that the Town staff had
made certain Durrant Architects understood that a clear link with the
Town's heritage was crucial and that when the design'phase was finalized
she would be very pleased.
Council Member Blake asked about numerical figures contained within
the presentation material distributed to the Council. Mr. Ench responded
that the two columns of numbers shown were associated with square
footage required by the Town at the end of 2005 totaling 73,180 sf and by
the end of 2010 totaling 20,840 sf.
10
8. Ordinance No. 2001.08 and Resolution No. 2001-57, declaring as a public
record and adopting amendments to Chapter 5 (Municipal Court) and
adopting amendments to Chapter 3 (Administration) of the Marana
Town Code, establishing two separate departments within the Marana
Municipal Court (Dan Hochuli)
There was no discussion regarding this item.
Upon motion by Council Member Honea, seconded by Council Member
Blake, Ordirmnce No. 2001.08 and Resolution No. 2001-57 were
unanimously approved.
9. Or01nznce No. 2001.09 - amending Chapter 11 (Offenses) of the Town
~ode to prohibit solicitations from vehicle occupants (Mike Hein)
This item was continued to a future Council meeting.
10. Executive Session - Pursuant to A.R.S. Section 38-431.03 (A)(7) for
discussion and consultation with the Town Manager, Finance Director,
Town Attorney and other staff in order to consider the Town's position
and instruct its representatives regarding negotiations for the purchase
and/or lease of real property from Trico Electric Cooperative (Dan
Hochuli)
Mayor Sutton stated that an Executive Session was not necessary at this
time.
11. Executive Session - Pursuant to A.R.S. Section 38-431.03 (A)(4) for
discussion and consultation with the Town Attorney in order to
consider the Town's position and instruct its attorney regarding
pending litigation in Tortolita vs. Town of Marana (Dan Hochuli)
Mayor Sutton stated that an Executive Session was not necessary at this
time.
12. Resolution No. 2001-62: Authorization of acquisition of Trico Electric
Cooperative building located at 5100 W. Ina Road (Mayor Sutton)
Mr. Hein was pleased to report that, earlier in the day, Trico Electric
Cooperative's Board of Directors had authorized acceptance of the Town's
offer for the facility located at 5100 W. Ina Road. He explained that the
Town's offer was for $2.9 million in cash with $121,000 to be held in
escrow for the acquisition of fixtures and materials left by Trico as well as
11
providing Trico with rent abatement for up to 18 months during the
transition period. He thanked Roy Cuaron and A1 Cook for their
outstanding assistance during the negotiations.
Mr. Cook gave an overview of the property and its numerous buildings.
He commented that, because the site was an existing facility in full
operation, it would be virtually turnkey for the Town when full
acquisition took place. He described the 31,000 sf main building as being
ideal with its ample public and employee parking, 29 offices, large
conference and/or training room able to accommodate 100 people,
sophisticated security systems, and four separate entrances. A 6,000 sf
adjacent building was fully equipped for use as a climate controlled secure
storage area. The 5,400 sf garage included five vehicle bays, a wash rack
and an EPA compliant fluid retention system. Other buildings depicted in
the presentation were suitable for sign & traffic signal storage, heavy
equipment servicing, police impound, and a potential outpost for
Northwest Fire.
In conclusion, Mr. Cook remarked that the Trico facility was in a perfect
location with easy access to Interstate 10 for Town employees as well as
vendors and that it would easily serve as an anchor site for the southern
portion of Marana for many years.
Mayor Sutton agreed with Mr. Cook and commented that this facility was
a perfect fit for Marana. He was excited by its future potential.
Upon motion by Council Member Kai, seconded by Council Member
Honea, Resolution No. 2001-62 was unanimously approved.
13. Swearing in of new Council Members (Jocelyn Entz)
Jocelyn Entz administered the loyalty oaths to the newly elected Council
members and incumbant Herb KaL The new Council members included
Patti Comerford, Tim Escobedo, and Carol McGorray.
14. Proclamation - Ora Mae Ham (Mayor Sutton)
Ms. Entz read a letter from Tucson Mayor Robert Walkup into the record
and presented Council Member Harn with the letter and an
accompanying certificate of recognition from the City of Tucson.
12
Mayor Sutton announced that Congressman Jim Kolbe rose on the floor of
Congress and spoke in honor of Council Member Ham. That portion of
the Congressional Record was made into a proclamation and presented to
her at this time. Ms. Entz read this proclamation into the record.
C. MAYOR AND COUNCIL'S REPORT
There were no reports.
D. MANAGERS' REPORT
There were no reports.
X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were no future agenda items requested.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Council Member Blake and seconded by Council Member
McGorray, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and correct minutes of the Marana
Town Council meeting held on May 22, 2001. I further certify that a quorum was
present.
13