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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/25/2000 Study Session Minutes MINLrFES OF COUNCIL STUDY SESSION · MARANA TOWN COUNCIL ' " JULy 25, 2000 PLACE AND DATE Development Services Center, July 25, 2000 CALL TO ORDER By Mayor Sutton at 5:37 P.M. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Mayor Sutton III. ROLL CALL COUNCIL Bobby Sutton, Jr. Mayor Present Ora M. Harn Council Member Present Ed Honea Council Member Present Herb Kai Council Member Present Jim Blake Council Member Present Roxanne Ziegler Council Member Present STAFF Michael Hein Michael Reuwsaat Jocelyn Entz Lynn Warde Jim DeGrood Jack Holden Joel Shapiro Kevin Kish Brad DeSpain Town Manager Assistant Town Manager Town Clerk Documents Coordinator Development Services Administrator Building Official Planning and Zoning Director Principle Planner Utilities Director IV. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Billy Schisler, resident and former Mayor, spoke regarding his wife, Leilani Schisler. Mrs. Schisler recently had bypass surgery and is recovering well. She expects to have neck surgery on August 10, 2000. · MINUTEs OF COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MARANA TOWN COUNCIL JULY 25, 2000 Me GENERAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. COUNCIL ACTION 1. Update of the Northwest Marana General Plan Amendments Process (Jim DeGrood and Joel Shapiro) Mayor Sutton opened the meeting by stating that the setting would be informal. He recognized Planning and Zoning Commissioners Sue Flayer and David Parker in the audience and commented that numerous staff members were present. Mr. DeGrood presented the Council and staff with a 3-ring binder compiled for this meeting. A copy of this document is a permanent part of this record. He turned over the presentation to Mike Grassinger and Maria Masque from The Planning Center. Both have been involved with this project since its inception. Mr. Grassinger explained the two purposes for holding the study session. The first was to give the Council an overview of the work status to date regarding the Northwest Marana General Plan Amendment process. The second was to get Council direction for future progress on this project. Ms. Masque summarized the five-month long planning process that aimed at defining the Northwest Marana vision. She commented that many different issues had arisen during the beginning stages of this planning process. Some of those issues included the addition of the Marana Northwest Regional Airport, the need for the expansion of the northwest boundaries and the identification of the stakeholders. She stated that Option 3 from the choices for boundary expansion was chosen. This choice allowed them to move forward quickly with the land use issues. Option 3 extends the Northwest Marana area boundary east of 1-10 to the boundary provided by the Central Arizona Project Canal, north to the Pima County line, west to the projected future Town boundary, and south to Twin Peaks Road. MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ........ MARANA TOWN couNCIL · · · JULY 25, 2000 Mr. Grassinger stated that the intent was to develop a quick and preferred land use concept. He said that it became evident by all involved that it was impossible to develop a land use concept without first developing the Northwest Marana vision. He explained that a decision was made and that it was to deal with land use issues and densities in the northwest region first. He said that this approach would put everything back into the proper planning process and context including the issues of circulation, infrastructure and Town policies. Mr. DeGrood said that the decision to move forward with the interim land use plan presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission in April 2000 was twofold. One reason was to deal with the land use decisions facing the Council with respect to several projects that were moving forward with re-zonings. Another reason was to address the infrastructure needs. He pointed out that the costs and nature of the infrastructure varied widely due to the numerous land uses contained within the area. He continued by outlining the estimated costs of development within the portions of Northwest Marana and the relationship that density had upon these figures. Mr. DeGrood emphasized the importance of the infrastructure to Marana in terms of how the Town would cover the finances required for the parks, roadway, sewer and irrigation systems. He also expressed that the land use decision-making process was separate from the infrastructure design-making process. A handout containing detailed analyses is a part of this record. Council Member Ziegler thanked Mr. DeGrood for the insightful analysis. She said that the information was straightforward and very informative. She urged the Council to keep in mind the higher impact fees that would be the result of lower densities such as 2RAC or 3RAC. She said that this would raise the cost of housing too much and make the area unaffordable to medium income families. Mayor Sutton agreed with Council Member Harn and said that providing affordable housing was an important goal of the planning process. He asked if it was possible to look at each development area in a "per acre" or "per plat" situation before deciding density issues. · .. MINUTEs OF COUNCIL STUDY. SESSION · · MARANA TOWN COUNCIL JULY 25, 2000 Mr. DeGrood answered yes and added that there would eventually be a variety of housing products offered in Northwest Marana with a wide range of densities and costs per unit. Council Member Ham said that she and Mr. DeGrood had frequently talked about the high cost of infrastructure. She underscored the importance of being fair to everyone delivering a product to Northwest Marana and emphasized the significance of not punishing the initial developers who would be obligated to put in the heaviest share of the infrastructure. She stressed the importance of the fair division of these costs with the various entities throughout the development process. Mr. DeGrood strongly agreed with Council Member Harn and added that one of his goals was to ensure that these costs were equally borne. Council Member Honea inquired about the 3RAC density designation, asking if it was a gross or net designation. He commented that there were three large parcels in northern Marana that belonged to one owner, and all of these parcels were due to be purchased. He hoped that the infrastructure development costs of these large parcels were shared. Mr. DeGrood replied that this was a gross RAC designation, and that this strategy was ideal for many different development methods. He recommended that the Council investigate the numerous instruments available for use in providing infrastructure to the community, including the community facility district concept. He agreed with the Council Members that the key was to be fair in the development cost distribution. Mayor Sutton said that the problem facing the decision-makers in the planning process was that there was no overall maximum density setpoint. He asked if there was a projected cap or range on the final number of rooftops planned for the northwest area. The Mayor also asked what the next steps were for the Council. Council Member Ziegler agreed with Mayor Sutton that this was a confusing time in the planning process. She said that she hoped to have one of the options chosen at this study session. MINUTEs OF COUNCIL STUDY. SESSION MARANA TOWN COUNCIL JULY 25, 20OO Council Member Honea said that the biggest problem facing the Town regarding the northwest development was transportation infrastructure. He said that the Council should look carefully at the total buildout and think roadway systems. He commented that he did not believe that a cloverleaf interchange would be built on 1-10 for Northwest Marana within his lifetime and that there are only two ways to get to 1-10, Sandario Road and Tangerine Road. He added that there was one way to move traffic south and that was over a two-lane bridge on Sanders Road. He said that, no matter how well the community is planned, if there are not enough ingress/egress systems, then the residents could not get to and from work, shopping, etc. Mr. DeGrood agreed. He said that a transportation study was nearing completion and he expected a report soon. He said the next step in the planning process was to model future conditions, get an idea of what the community wants, and decide on density levels and the type of lifestyle best suited for the northwest region. Council Member Harn asked if landscaping and architecture were considerations within the plan. She stated that she had a driving goal to achieve a special architectural flavor and visual appeal for Northwest Marana. She also inquired about the possibility of Sandario Road connecting at Avra Valley Road. Mr. Grassinger replied that architectural style and flavor were very important and that two of the available options had these considerations built into them. He said that, using an aggressive planning approach, the basic infrastructure is completed first and then the design standards are applied. He said that he thinks the aggressive approach adopts the basics and gives a sense of direction for the Town. Council Member Honea commented that the implementation of an adequate roadway system would set the density cap. He asked if there were any plans to make another access to move traffic south through Northwest Marana. 5 MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MARANA TOWN COUNCIL JULY 25,2000 Mr. DeGrood agreed with Council Members Harn and Honea that the transportation infrastructure issue was of great concern to the Town. He said that the planning of another roadway to help move traffic south merited further research. He added that providing a crossing bridge for Tangerine Road over the Santa Cruz River was an option. He also mentioned that the relocation of Sandario Road around the Marana Northwest Regional Airport was a viable option as well. He said that the projected congestion on Avra Valley Road was a factor that was added to the transportation study. Mayor Sutton said that the biggest concern to the Town in the development plans for the northwest area was to be able to move the traffic out to the 1-10 access and to the south. Council Member Harn suggested that the Town consider a phasing option. This option provides for the phasing of development to meet the growing needs of the region. Development is allowed to a certain level with the existing transportation system. However, development is put on hold until additional roads are added within the region as the needs arise. Mr. Grassinger said that this phasing option was available for use in the northwest region. He stated that, in order to avoid being strictly a bedroom community, Marana needed to develop strategies that attracted services, businesses and jobs to the community. He said that the ideal situation was to locate people, jobs and services within a close proximity and that the adoption of certain policies and design standards would lead the Town in that direction. Ms. Masque gave a slide presentation regarding the Northwest Marana General Plan Amendment. A copy of the slide presentation is a permanent part of this record. The presentation pointed out that the main reason for the plan amendment was the unique opportunity for growth that the new northwest boundaries presented. Another primary reason was that certain challenges presented in the Northwest Marana area required addressing specific measures. These measures included site development standards, appropriate development standards for infrastructure and design guidelines. The planning process began with a review · jULY 25, 2000 of the Marana General Plan, identifying areas of the General Plan in conflict with the Northwest Marana vision. Infrastructure needs, opportunities and constraints were identified as well as specific policy statements to guide the development. The next step in the process is the Northwest Marana Area Plan and the identification of the planning areas. This includes consideration of many factors including highway interchanges and a business loop, the Santa Cruz River Corridor, the Town core, the Marana Northwest Regional Airport and agribusiness, and development on the east side of M0. Infrastructure needs that call for consideration included water and sewer systems, drainage and floodplain issues, the transportation system, development standards, land use densities, intensities and patterns, and subdivision regulations. As the planning process continues, the desired community image and design guidelines will be required. Factors involved in this area are design themes, design pallets, architectural styles, roof lines, site planning, landscaped buffer zones, and landscaping materials. The presentation explained that the policy objectives were to translate desirable densities/intensities into policy statements, while incorporating infrastructure capacity and needs, desired image, compatible land uses, multi-modal transportation systems, environmental concerns, and recreation/open space requirements. Policies are intended to focus efforts on establishing park and open space areas, strengthening the Town core, encouraging businesses to relocate to Northwest Marana, identifying phasing and financing strategies, addressing specific environmental concerns, and recommending specific land development regulations. Three sample policy statements were included in the presentation. These are: 1. Direct high urban densities and intensities to the urban growth areas and along the Interstate 1-10 corridor. 2. Permit several options of master planned village, providing flexible densities, sustainable design, appropriate trails and open space, resource preservation, specific setback requirements, design standards and design guidelines. 3. Designate rural densities for those areas located along the Santa Cruz River Corridor. MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY SESSION' · MARANA TOWN COUNCIL .. JULY 25, 2000 Site Development Standards were also suggested. These provide specific standards for dust control, height regulations, setbacks, days and hours of operation, off-street parking, screening and buffers, noise, vibration and air pollution controls, signs, and roadway access lanes. Mayor Sutton said that he favored putting the policies and design standards in place first and then proceeding with the smaller details such as density levels and landscaping requirements. He voiced his concern regarding the fair share concept of paying for the development costs. He said that initial developers and residents might end up having to pay a higher portion of the costs than others do who come in as the developments mature. He said that he preferred the phasing concept and felt it was a more fair way to distribute development costs. Council Member Ziegler said that she favored putting in the infrastructure first and then allowing the residential and commercial development to occur. She said that as development took place the degradation of the infrastructure would occur. She pointed out that monies would be needed for roadway maintenance as well as other infrastructure needs. Mayor Sutton said that the purpose of the entire planning process was to avoid getting to the same crisis point as the problems with the Cortaro and Silverbell Roads area. He also emphasized that 40% of the Town's income for 1999 was from development fees. Mr. DeGrood said that as the planners look at the aggregate for this area and as certain projects come in, the Town will get a general idea of what the infrastructure needs to provide. At that point, it will be evident that improvements like a highway interchange are required. He cited a customary practice adopted throughout the Phoenix area where residential development plans called for a four-lane road with a median. Initially, only one side of the roadway is completed with land set aside for construction of the other side in the future. When the development is complete and has matured, the other side of the roadway is completed. MINUTES OF COUNCIL sTuDy SESSION MARANA TOWN COUNCIL JuLY 25, 2000 Mayor Sutton suggested that Mr. DeGrood visit Prescott Valley to observe their techniques for developing new areas. He said that there was a pedestrian friendliness present with an emphasis on the town core. He stressed the need for Northwest Marana to develop a desired community image that incorporated a respect for its agricultural heritage. Mr. DeGrood agreed with the Mayor and said that the character of our community was paramount. He said that, mostly, the Phoenix area had turned their backs on their agricultural heritage and that he was somewhat skeptical in looking to that area for design examples. He said that south of Phoenix, particularly the Gilbert area, urban densities were incorporated into the agricultural areas. This mix of properties allowed for a variety of different treatments within the same area. He showed the Council and audience a short slide presentation that represented low, medium and high-density properties within the same area. He said that because of Arizona's long periods without rainfall, if properly landscaped and built, drainage retention areas were ideal for use as community recreational areas during the dry seasons. He continued by pointing out a slide showing a 100-ft. buffer area with open pipe rail fencing between a residential development and the roadway. The drainage retention area was uniformly landscaped with orange trees. The open space area also had a walking path running through it. The opposite side of the road was designated agricultural and was planted with cotton. This was a perfect example of the mixed densities working within the same community. Mayor Sutton was enthusiastic about this use of the drainage retention areas and the mixing of the density designations. He said that it was more in keeping with the flavor of Marana as well as a better utilization of the open spaces. Mr. DeGrood said that the Marana zoning code did not currently include a designation for buffer zones but that he recommended adopting one. MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY SESSION' MARANA TOWNCOUNCIL' ....... "'....' · ' JULY 25, 2000..' Mr. Grassinger stated that there were three things that he would like to see decided before the close of the meeting. The first was a consensus on the Northwest Marana ultimate boundaries. The second was a decision on the type of development schedule to pursue and the third was to plan how to move forward from this point in the planning process. Council Member Kai said that he preferred Option #3. He liked the cloverleaf interchange and business loop idea that Council Member Honea had mentioned earlier. He also suggested extending the Town boundary to Trico Road as a better ultimate western boundary. Council Member Honea agreed with Council Member Kai and said that Trico Road was an excellent corridor from 1-10 to Avra Valley, which the expansion of the Town would eventually reach. Mayor Sutton agreed and said that the Pinal County Loop should also be included in the plans for this region. The discussion moved on to the acceptance of the proposed General Plan schedule. Mr. Grassinger said that Option B warranted a higher level of commitment from all and Mr. DeGrood recommended this option. This option involves a deadline schedule of October 31, 2000 for a finalized Development Plan. Mr. Grassinger said that one of the ways to accomplish Option B was to focus intensely on some of the problem areas in the planning process. He said that this is accomplished through focus groups. These groups are broken into the following categories: 1. Residents Focus Groups 2. Farmers Focus Groups 3. Developers & Businesses Focus Group 4. Service Providers Focus Group - Utilities, Public Works, Park and Recreation, etc. 5. Core Area Focus Group 10 MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MARANA TOWN COUNCIL JULY 25, 2000 VI. Mr. Hein urged everyone with specific areas of interests to become involved in these focus groups. A Focus Groups Signup Sheet was included in the 3-ring binder. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Council Member Harn, seconded by Council Member Blake, adjournment of the study session was unanimously approved. The time was 7:25 p.m. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are the true and correct minutes of the Marana Town Council Study Session held on July 25, 2000. I further certify that a quorum was present. 11