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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/17/2001 Regular Council Meeting Minutes PLACE AND DATE Marana Town Hall, July 17, 2001 I. CALL TO ORDER By Vice Mayor Kai at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Vice Mayor Kai III. INVOCATIONt~VIOMENT OF SILENCE The invocation was given by Mr. Reuwsaat IV. ROLL CALL COUNCIL Bobby Sutton, Jr. Mayor Excused Herb Kai Vice Mayor Present Jim Blake Council Member Present Patti Comerford Council Member Present Tim Escobedo Council Member Present Ed Honea Council Member Present Carol McGorray Council Member Present STAFF Michael Reuwsaat Assistant Town Manager Dan Hochuli Town Attorney Jocelyn Entz Town Clerk Jim DeGrood Development Services Administrator Jane Howell Human Resources Director Ron Smith Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Kish Planning & Zoning Deputy Director Attached is a list of public attendees. V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Upon motion by Council Member Honea, seconded by Council Member Blake, the agenda was unanimously approved. VI. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Upon motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Council Member McGorray, the minutes of the May 15, 2001 Budget S~udy Session and of the July $, 2001 regular Council meeting were unanimously approved. VII. CALL TO THE PUBLIC/ANNOUNCEMENTS Ray Osowski, resident, spoke before the Council regarding Consent Agenda Item A. 4. Resolution No. 2001-87: Final Plat for Heritage Highlands V at Dove Mountain. He questioned certain verbiage contained within this resolution and asked for clarification. Specifically, Mr. Osowski asked if the verbiage should read that the Council had heard comments from all concerned parties at this meeting when, in fact, the item was on the consent agenda and not subject to discussion. Dan Hochuli replied by stating that it was customary to place final plat approval on the consent agenda. He explained that preliminary plat approval was placed on the Council Action agenda and undergoes a much more rigorous review by the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Town Council. He added that the final plat approval process does not require a public hearing or public comment. Jane Howell introduced Ragu Nandan, an intern in the Human Resources department. Mr. Nandan is a University of Arizona student majoring in business management. He will be working on special projects throughout July. Ron Smith introduced five new employees in the Parks and Recreation department, including Galen Beem (not present), park maintenance worker, Carlos Borboa, park crew Leader, Marty Wilson, part time park monitor, Joe Domingas, part time park monitor, Mary Ann McDonald, part time office support assistant, and Jennifer Ward, recreation assistant with Senior Programs. Jim DeGrood announced that Joel Shapiro had recently received certification as a Certified Professional Planner from the American Institute of Certified Planners. He pointed out that this was quite an achievement and that the Town was extremely proud of Mr. Shapiro. VIII. STAFF REPORTS There were no questions regarding staff reports. IX. GENERAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Resolution No. 2001-81: Recreation Supervisor to Recreation Coordinator; Parks and Recreation Office Support Clerk to Parks and Recreation Secretary (Mike Reuwsaat) 2. Resolution No. 2001-82: Acceptance of Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) grant offer of $450,000 for Fire Protection System, Phase II (Roger Dougan) 3. Resolution No. 2001-86: Appointment to the board of directors of the RedHawk Canyon and Dove Mountain Community Facilities District Boards (CFDs) (Roy Cuaron) 4. Resolution No. 2001-87: Final Plat for Heritage Highlands V at Dove Mountain - Request for approval of a Final Plat consisting of 131 lots on approximately 35.98 acres within the Dove Mountain Specific Plan area. Identified as Assessor Parcel Numbers 218-40-003F, 218-40-003N, 218-40- 003R, 218-40-003S, 218-40-003T, 218-40-003U, 218-40-003H, 218-40-008J, 218-40-008K, 219-43-5240, 218-43-5260, 218-43-5280, and 218-43-5290 located in portions of Section 25, Township 11 South, Range 12 East. The Applicant is US Home Corporation, 5151 E. Broadway Boulevard, Suite 1100, Tucson, AZ 85711. (Joel Shapiro) 5. Resolution No. 2001-88: Intergovernmental Agreement with Pima County for the purpose of facilitating cooperation in the planning, design and implementation of the Santa Cruz River Park, the de Anza National Historical Trail, the Central Arizona Project Trail and other trails and trail-related facilities determined to be desirable by both jurisdictions (Ron Smith) 6. Resolution No. 2001-90: Intergovernmental Agreement between the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Marana Police Department for the Award of Criminal Justice Enhancement Funds (Dave Smith) 3 By motion of Council Member Blake and seconded by Council Member Escobedo, the consent agenda was unanimously approved. B. COUNCIL ACTION 1. Update on 4th of July activities at the Marana Northwest Regional Airport (Kelle Maslyn) Mr. Reuwsaat stated for the record that the Town had paid $20,000 for the recent fireworks display and not the erroneously reported $10,000. Kelle Maslyn updated the Council on the Star Spangled Celebration held on the Fourth of July at the Marana Northwest Regional Airport. She thanked the Town for its support and singled out the Public Works, Police, and Parks and Recreation departments for outstanding work during the preparations and actual event. She commented that the enlargement of the parking area had indeed abated the traffic congestion experienced previously at Fourth of July celebrations and that most attendees had been able to easily exit the area within minutes. Ms. Maslyn remarked that there was a large amount of positive media coverage from KOLD-TV Channel 13 and that she would present the Council with a copy of that coverage in the near future. Vice Mayor Kal commended the Chamber of Commerce for the hard work that was required to put on an event of this size. 2. Resolution No. 2001-85: El Rio at Continental Ranch: Request for Approval of a 106-lot preliminary subdivision plat on 22.85 acres located within Continental Ranch parcel 43, on the north side of Coachline Boulevard northeast of the Pima County subdivision La Puerta Del Norte, within a portion of Sections 16 & 17, Township 12 South, Range 12 East. Property Owner/Applicant is KB Home, 5780 N. Swan, Tucson, AZ 85731 (Joel Shapiro) Upon motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Council Member Honea, Resolution No. 2001-85 was continued until the August 7, 2001 Council meeting. 3. Public Hearin~ Resolution No. 2001-91 and Ordinance No. 2001-13: Declaring as a Public Record and adopting Proposed Amendments to the Land Development Code of the Town of Marana, by amending TITLE 16 Signs, dealing with Signs in the Rights-of-Way, Political Signs, Sign Programs, and other issues related to signage (Joel Shapiro) 4 Upon motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Council Member Escobedo, approval to go into public hearing was unanimous. Kevin Kish outlined the highlights of this item and explained that many of the changes to the sign code section of the Land Development Code were made in order to address the concerns of the Town Council as well as eliminate inconsistencies, conflicts and outdated sections. He explained that the changes provided additional direction and clarification to existing permitted signs and streamlined the code making it more user-friendly. Vice Mayor Kai asked how this resolution would change the code relating to highway billboard signs. Mr. Kish replied that the current code was not changed. He pointed out that Article 16-7 Prohibitions, Section 16-7-1 B. 6, which stated that billboards were specifically prohibited, contained the same verbiage as in the current code. Mr. Reuwsaat pointed out that the Business Advisory Committee had reviewed the revised code and had recommended it for Council approval. Upon motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Council Member McGorray, approval to come out of public hearing was unanimous. Upon motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Council Member Comerford, Resolution No. 2001-91 and Ordinance No. 2001.13 were unanimously approved. Council Members Blake and Comerford commended the Planning and Zoning staff for the excellent work done in relation to this code update. 4. Continental Ranch District Park update (Mike Reuwsaat) Michael Reuwsaat and Ron Smith gave a three-part presentation on the proposed plans for a 48.8-acre district park site at Cortaro and Silverbell Roads. Mr. Reuwsaat began by commenting that this proposal was an exciting opportunity for the Town of Marana. He said that it signified the first major park site to be developed in an area where certain types of recreational facilities were lacking, lie added that it was also the first park site adjacent to one of Marana's natural amenities, the Santa Cruz River. He continued by stating that it promoted an expansion of uses and themes that continued to typify and drive the community in terms of the future. He explained that the Town was in the process of completing 18 months of historical and archeological surveys and that the Town, through Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, had been given access to significant resources that would be incorporated into the district park site. He predicted that drairmge improvements and bank protection studies would be completed within 12 months and concluded by stating that a request to begin Phase I development of the park would be presented at the next budget cycle. Mr. Smith briefly outlined the amenities planned for the Continental Ranch District Park. Those features included a public library, a recreation center, multiple sports fields, large-group ramadas, and, possibly, a 1000- seat capacity amphitheater. Steve Hagedorn, project manager and landscape architect from McGann & Associates, spoke about his firm's involvement in the proposed plan. He pointed out that the site was a challenge to develop because a major portion of it was affected by archaeology as well as by flood plain and hydrology issues. He added that applications for 404 permits for drainage improvements and bank protection along the Santa Cruz River had been submitted and that this would take care of the concerns with the existing hydrology issues. He said that the site was connected to Pima County via the de Anza National Historic Trail. The trail runs along the west bank of the Santa Cruz River and along the top of a proposed dyke. He commented that this connecting trail would tie the district park to other parks within Pima County. He explained that the planned amphitheater would seat up to 1,000 spectators and that the sports complex was designed to contain lighted baseball, softball, football and soccer fields, and a hard court area accommodating basketball, tennis and in-line skating. He added that an equestrian facility, located at the extreme southwest corner of the park site and adjacent to one of the major washes on the site, would provide a link into the Tucson Mountains, the Santa Cruz Linear Park, and the Saguaro National Park West. This wash will be left in its natural state. Additionally, a large-group activity area complete with ramadas and picnic facilities was planned. Mr. Hagedorn said that the two major facilities at the district park would be the public library and the recreational complex. He reported that, in order to accommodate the anticipated parking needs, adjacent property owners had been approached to help with joint access parking. He commented that, with good site planning by the commercial property owners, compatible businesses such as restaurants with patio areas opening out onto the park or a bike rental shop could be located along the park's periphery. These types of businesses would provide a nice amenity to the park itself. 6 He concluded by stating that the next step in the process would be to present the plan to various user groups and surrounding neighborhoods. 'trr' . . Vice Mayor Kai remarked that the..-~. ~te~ra~ w~thin the area of the district park. He asked i}-}'l{Bste ~t~st~o}ic'~ 's~6ne g~actures would be preserved intact. Allen Dart, an archaeologist and Executive Director of the Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, responded to the Vice Mayor's question by saying that the structures would be stabilized and preserved in place for interpretive display and cultural exhibition, tie said that studies would be done in order to document the structures in accordance with historic preservation standards. He continued by pointing out the archeological excavation site depicted on the map and listed various features such as a water tank and other historic masonry structures that would be preserved intact after the data recovery studies were completed. Another significant archeological site called the Yuma Wash Village site was described by Mr. Dart. He said that this site was a prehistoric Hohokam site and that it extended twice as far as was depicted on the presentation map. He stated that test trenching had been performed and over 50 prehistoric structures were identified. The property owner, Doug Kennedy, previously agreed to donate the majority of this archeological site to the Town of Marana for the development of the district park. During earlier studies of the property for Mr. Kennedy, excavation of several structures as well as human burial sites had been performed. This past spring Old Pueblo Archaeology had performed testing for the Town and these trenching sites, also depicted on the presentation map before the Council and public, included additional buried prehistoric structures. Mr. Dart continued by explaining the archeological procedure for park development and stated that a data recovery mitigation program in which archeologists would perform a thorough excavation study including post-field work analysis through publication of a final report would be utilized. For a site this large, the estimated cost was approximated at $500,000. He remarked that the ultimate goal was to have 90% of the historic sites left untouched and preserved for future research and to have these sites professionally managed as an archeological preserve. At this time, Mr. Dart introduced his collegue, Dr. Eric Kaldahl, an archaeologist and Education Director for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center. Dr. Kaldahl developed the proposal for archeological public education programs that was being considered by the Town. Dr. Kaldahl explained that, in spite of the problematic nature of having an archeological site, this was an exciting opportunity for the Town of Marana and its citizens. He said that his firm was a non-profit center dedicated to education and that they were proposing turning the park into a heritage celebration of historical Marana. He expressed his desire to see public excavations, on-site educational lectures, and a museum further down the road as the park was more comprehensibly developed. Also, over several years, he hoped to allow public viewing of archaeological work in progress and to display historical artifacts at the recreational center through long-term loans. He emphasized the importance of the : cultural education that would be provided to the Town's residents while simultaneously preserving Marana's Mexican, Spanish and prehistoric heritage. Dr. Kaldahl concluded by stating that, in partnership with the Town of Marana, he would like to make this project a heritage park for all to enjoy and to make available quality educational programs for the local and visiting public for many years to come. Vice Mayor Kal asked if there was a timetable available on the planned park development. Mr. Reuwsaat projected that, with 80% of the park site impeded by flood flows and floodplains, Phase I would most likely include the bank protection, the community recreational cultural center and, possibly, some of the picnic areas. This phase would be incorporated into the next budget cycle for 2002-2003. He stated that the entire project would be phased out over a three to four year development period and was estimated to cost approximately $10M. Mr. Reuwsaat added that this project was a significant investment in the community and that Pima County had already committed to $1.5M for the public library and $500,000 in park bonds for the project development. He stressed the fact that this project was more than simply a Marana park site and that County residents would also be a major part of the visitors. Council Member Escobedo asked about the length of the bank protection. Mr. DeGrood replied that the figures had not been solidified yet but that the length of the bank protection would be at least as far as the wash on the south end of the park project and that there were ongoing discussions of continuing the protection onto the adjacent commercial property retained by Doug Kennedy. 8 Irfformation: Medical Insurance Plan Strategy for Pima County Jurisdictions (Jane Howell) Ms. Howell gave the background history for this item. She relayed to the Council that the Town had incurred a 34% increase in its medical insurance premium costs for FY2002. She said that the increase had prompted Town staff to explore the possibility of joint purchasing of medical services as a coalition comprised of neighboring municipalities. She informed the Council that it was soon discovered that other jurisdictions were also concerned with rising medical insurance costs. As a result of this mutual concern, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, South Tucson, Pima Community College, Pima County and Tucson began meeting under the auspices of Pima Association of Governments (PAG) to address these issues. Ms. Howell said that the City of Tucson and Pima County had contracted with internationally known benefits consultant William M. Mercer to develop a strategic plan, and that other jurisdictions had been invited to join in the plan development. Ms. Howell introduced Michelle Taylor-Brldacich of the Mercer firm to the Council and allowed the guest speaker to continue the informational presentation. Ms. Taylor- Brklacich serves as a benefits consultant for the City of Tucson and for the Pima County Community College District. Ms. Taylor-Brklacich distributed a presentation booklet regarding this issue and spoke briefly about options that were available to the Town of Marana in terms of containing medical insurance costs. She turned the presentation over to Suzanne Machain, Assistant Director of Human Resources for the City of Tucson. Ms. Machain gave a brief history of the City's problem with rising health care costs and touched on some of the remedies explored by Tucson in an effort to increase their medical insurance buying power. She formally invited the Town of Marana to join the City of Tucson in this endeavor. Ms. Taylor-Brklacich continued the presentation by listing a variety of options that were important to consider before taking the next step in the decision-making process. Those options included a market analysis, weighing the advantages vs. the disadvantages of each funding option based on Marana's own wants and needs, and the consideration of individual versus joint purchasing. Mr. Reuwsaat informed the Council that Ms. Howell would keep them abreast of this complex process as the Town moved forward with its exploration and research. 9 C. MAYOR AND COUNCIL'S REPORT Council Member Escobedo announced that the lights were being turned on in the Ora Mae Harn District Park at night in order to encourage the safe use of the ramadas and playground areas by families throughout the summer vacation break. He urged the public to visit the Town park and enjoy its beauty and offerings. D. MANAGERS' REPORT Mr. Reuwsaat reported that Mr. Hein was enjoying the government seminar that he was attending at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He also reported that a dead tree removal and tree planting program had begun at the Ora Mae Ham District Park. He remarked that the results of this program were already evident in the park grounds. X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There were no items presented for future agendas at this time. XI. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Council Member McGorray and seconded by Council Member Blake, unanimous approval to adjourn was given. The time was 7:55 p.m. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and correct minutes of the Marana Town Council meeting held on July 17, 2001. I further certify that a quorum was present. 10 "~//7,/~--~/ Council Me~t, ing